Reading and More

I'm kind of excited this winter because I joined our library district's winter reading program.  My kids always participated in these challenges when they were young and all three used to win all the prizes and read all the books in the youth section.  They're all three still avid readers which makes my heart happy.

Anyway, the challenge is pretty simple and it's all on the honor system.  It runs from February 1 to March 31 and in that timeframe you have to read 30 minutes a day for 30 of those days.  

Also, you have to participate in one of the activities that the library has to offer.  Unbeknownst to me, the library offers a whole host of activities for adults--not just kids at no cost.  I signed up for "String Art" a the library branch that is closest to our house.  There is a whole group of "older" ladies who participate in these activities and travel from branch to branch.  (I honestly felt like an intruder in their group.)  There wasn't much to it.  They give you an instruction sheet and the materials and then you see what you come up with.  Mine was a disaster!  First of all, they gave us push pins rather than small nails so it was difficult.  Irv laughed at me when I got home and I have to say I agree with him.  I'm going to stick to painting.

Little Miss G is a girl scout this year so we had to buy a boatload of girl scout cookies from her.  Some will be sent overseas to our grandson and the rest go into the freezer.  Out of sight, out of mind.  Thanks to her parents for shipping them to us!

Tuesday was Mary's 43rd birthday!  How is it possible I have two children in their mid-forties?  I must be really old.  (My brother once told me that people never really consider themselves to be old and that is so true.  At almost 63 I really am an elderly woman, but I don't yet see myself that way.)  Mary wanted to go to one of our favorite German restaurants for dinner and the only picture I took of the celebration was of my beer.  I LOVE German beer that is actually imported from Germany.  Yum!

After dinner we went back to Mary's place for cake and gifts and I let her preview one of my gifts for her that isn't quite done yet.   She loves hummingbirds so I've been working on this piece for her.  It's 18x24 on linen and only has the first coat on so much of the detail hasn't been applied yet.  While working on it earlier this week my teacher brought a tear to my eye when she said this was my breakthrough piece and it's going to be gallery quality.  That's the best compliment an artist to get.  (Never, ever tell an artist her work looks just like a photo.  That is considered a kick in the gut.)  She thinks I'm ready to start putting a portfolio together so I can present it to galleries and start selling.

She also told me it's customary for an artist to always keep their breakthrough piece because it represents years of work and learning, but this one will be going to Mary.

Also this week we went to the movies and saw "80 for Brady".  It is definitely an old people's movie.  If you've seen the trailer you've seen the best parts of the movie.  It was still light hearted and fun so I somewhat enjoyed it.  Tom and Gronk should not consider a Hollywood career though.

We helped Mary get her home office set up for her new job.  Irv assembled her desk and new chair since her ribs are still healing and she is required to take it easy and not lift anything heavy.  Her body certainly lets her know when she overdoes it.

Now it's off to watch an international skating competition at the World Arena--The Four Continents.  Irv loves it when I drag him along to events like this.  I used to take Shiloh, but it's been 12 years since this event was last in Colorado Springs.  I'll be in my happy place.