Barn Owl
It’s been a very long time since this blog has seen any posts. The last ten months (give or take) have been quite a transition for me. Last May I had a heart attack. Right out of the blue…As I think about it now, there were warning signs, but did I recognize them or pay attention? Oh, no. Some might say that a blog would be a good vehicle psychologically during the rehabilitation process. However, for me it was a rather personal time with thoughts and feelings I simply wasn’t ready to share. Perhaps in time I will.
I’m ready to write about and discuss lots of other topics though. The importance of nature in all of our lives, especially children’s, is a subject about which I’m quite passionate. Over the years I’ve done a regular program series called Nature Detectives at the local library and various workshops. With the economy so stressed and affecting budgets, it looks as if the library programs might be cut. I still want to get the message out there, so I will share ideas, topics, and projects about nature utilizing this format instead.
Another area of programming for children is book arts. Visual arts can contribute in a variety of ways to a child’s development in reading, language arts, mathematics, social skills, and critical thinking. When children can pour their thoughts, emotions, and creative energy into a book of their own design, a magical thing happens; they are taking ownership of their learning, they have pride in what they have created, and they will often share it with others. The “book” is no longer an entity that someone else has written. The book has become something that the children have brought into existence as well. They are making books just like the authors and illustrators do. The kids have become part of the book experience. What better place for such a program than the public library? What a great literacy connection. I think that this blog will be a fitting place to share book arts too.
This is a fabric wall hanging I designed and constructed to hold some of my handmade books.
The Barn Owl at the beginning of this post is a page from one of my journals. During the past months, time spent drawing has become a necessary part of life. I think that I am ready to share some of these pieces on the blog as well.
