little bits

I'm in a little groove of taking my coffee breaks - or breaks in general - outside, despite the chill. I've had a lot of at-home-alone studio days lately tying up the loose ends on the manuscript (I say this so casually. Ha!). When I'm working - and without the babes to prompt me to GET OUT - sometimes it's far too easy to hole myself up in front of the dang computer for far too long. Getting outside for breaks through the day seems pretty obvious - but it's easy to forget. I'm trying not to forget. There's nothing like sitting in a pile of crispy leaves in the morning sun with some coffee and your pajamas. You know? This is the important stuff.

A few little random bits today:

:: There's an interview I did over on CraftBoom today. I don't generally think of what I'm doing as a 'business', so it was interesting to frame it all that way for a few minutes. CraftBoom, if you haven't heard of it, is a part of eMomsAtHome.com, and is their Art & Craft Business blog. It's a fabulous resource for Craft professionals - lots of tips and interviews and such. Thanks for the interview, Lisa!

:: I'm a little lost with my email these days - there are so many lovely emails from the past few weeks that I want so very much to reply to, but there's just no way I can (this frustrates me). I hope you understand. But - I have been able to answer questions in the comments pretty much everyday, so if you asked a question, check back there for an answer. Thanks.

:: I can't get this talk by Sir Ken Robinson out of my brain. I think it's brilliant, and I find myself watching it repeatedly and nodding at everything he says. If you have 15 minutes, and are interested in kids, education, or, well, the future (in other words: everyone) you must check it out. Regardless of where your children are educated, or even if you're a parent at all, I bet that anyone reading this blog will find what he has to say about creativity interesting. (I must add: I would in no way suggest that homeschooling is the perfect answer. I think awareness and change can be made both within and outside of the traditional school model. Okay. Enough from me. Just watch him.)

:: Lastly, if you're local, tonight is the opening of Jennifer Judd-McGee's home::body show at Edith & Edna. More details here. I can't wait to see it all!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Comments

[Eren]

I saw the link to Robinson's presentation on your inspiration list this past weekend and I have been thinking about it all too. I nodded through the whole thing and it even prompted me to look up school alternatives again. But unfortunately we are very limited here. But I have been thinking about his words constantly, especially what he says about finding what your child is good at. Im working on that now and looking with new eyes. Thanks so much...Im going outside with my coffee now.

[christina Gomez]

Amanda,
Theres nothing like going outside, no matter the weather! I like coffee outside too. I take my kids outside, and we play out there in the evenings after school. Outdoors to refresh the mind, soul, and spirit. In any weather. Thanks for your creativity, and inspiring posts. I look forward to each day with seeing what you have for us.
Happy weekend!
Christina Gomez in Texas

[jen j-m]

hi A!
loving your fall pictures today - and looking forward to seeing you tonight at the opening! (i might be hiding under a table, but i'll be there.)
xo
jen

[heather]

good morning, very cute jammies!

cheryl over at freerangeliving posted sir ken robinson's clip months back and i swear i've watched it half a dozen times so far... it crossed my path at a time when we were at the crossroads in choosing our educational path for emily and was a huge influence in our decision. important stuff right there, and validating. i also enjoyed the sew mama sew link, how cool is that!?

have a great weekend, and continue to enjoy plenty of those fresh air breaks.

congratulations on the interview, heading over there now...

[shelle]

Goodmorning!
Have a magical day! Love the photos!
peace

[julia]

thank you for this reminder. i find myself (especially as the weather cools) forgetting to spend any time outside except for the short trip to and from work (which is less and less frequently on my bike-again as the weather cools). and it is so important to pry myself away from the computer, or even just the radio and the couch and my book and breathe in some cool, fresh, fall air.

ps: loving your pjs!

[Wendy]

I saw that Ted presentation a couple of weeks ago and I agree with you. Your blog, along with people like him, have helped me to come to the conclusion that it is time to take my daughter out of public school and educate her myself.

I just wanted to say thank you for the inspiration!

[Melissa]

Thank you for sharing that link. I am a homeschooling mama and I relate to the dancer he speaks of so well. I hated school passionately from the 5th grade on, unless it was time for Art. And in high school I only enjoyed the 'electives' like sewing and cooking. I felt so worthless and dumb...now I struggle with how much schoolwork to give my children, verses how much to let them lead in their learning.

[Ariana]

I LOVED that talk by Sir Ken Robinson!! Man, I was just nodding and soaking in every word. He is really pleasant to watch. Not only does he have amazing ideas and a view on education similar to mine, but I love the way he speaks.

Thanks so much for sharing that, I think I'll put that on my blog as well :)

I also enjoyed reading your interview. It was fun to read what you had to say about the business aspect of what you do.

[Wendy]

I also wanted to link to a video I have on my site that has got the kids (not mine) and creativity thing all covered.

The Wrong Trousers
http://wisdomofthemoon.blogspot.com/2007/10/video-killed-radio-star.html

[melody]

I've been taking my afternoon coffee outside in the fall sun as it hits our back porch and it does seem to change my perspective... I thought that I was the only one who had a hard time doing the obvious, like taking a break outside -and I have to second the super cute pj's!

[Stephanie Kling]

Thanks so much for sharing that video- I just quit teaching in the public school system and now have a very small neighborhood school in my basement (that we can converted to a schoolroom)! I loved every Sir Robinson said, and totally agree with it! I look forward to your blog every morning!

[Melissa]

It has been beautiful out. Here all the leaves are falling off the trees and fog rolls in off the ocean every night. Yesterday the fog didnt clear until about one in the afternoon! The interview was great. I started my craft business as a business but then I realized that when I thought of it as a business then I really didnt want to do it. It sapped the fun out of it. Now I make the things I like and when I have a few extra I stick them in the shop. Its much more relaxing that way. Have a wonderful weekend.

[Lisa Lam]

Mmm! I can hear the crunchiness of those leaves.

Thank you so much for your lovely interview, I really enjoyed reading your warm and thoughtful answers.

Have a wonderful weekend!

OX

[brandie]

dude, i am so bad about remembering to go outside. i will go days and think, hmm...i should really go outside. good for you for doing that. so much healthier. and hello! cute pjs. and {casually asked} how is the book coming?

crapity crap, i don't have computer speakers up here, so remind me to listen tho that later!

[Amber]

Lots of great stuff here...
Since I'm taking classes online, I have to FORCE myself to get outside in the sun! How ridiculous is that...

Thank you for the link to Sir Ken Robinson---I'm going now to listen...

[Veronica TM]

a wonderful weekend to you, amanda! off to read your interview.

[erin]

i think having coffee outside in your p.j.'s sounds perfect. happy weekend, amanda.

[Molly]

This is not the first time I've seen reference to the TED talk by Ken Robinson. It is, however, the first time I've watched it all the way through. When he came to that part about the little girl ... "somebody else would have put her on medication and told her to calm down." I nearly cried. Our daughter is not medicated and we would not follow a path that would have lead to a diagnosis. I'm not saying we're in denial, we simply knew given our family history what could be gained by maintaining her sense of self, rather than informing her that she is different, that something is wrong, that she should be singled out ... etc. Obviously this is a longer story than can be shared here. But you've made me think (and re-think and I'm sure I'll continue to do so) and I'm really grateful.

A newer reader - Molly

[Laura Smith]

I LOVED that link to Sir Ken Robinson.I am going to sound so sappy but it brought tears to my eyes. I was diagnosed as ADD when I was in 5th grade. My mom would always say that she couldn't understand why I had those problems at school but not in ballet class. I went on to become a professional ballet dancer when I was in high school but had to give it up for college. Thank you for linking to that talk. I really appreciate it. It's going in my favorites.

[greenemother]

Thank you for sharing this video. As a former music teacher in public schools, this piece strengthens my determination to continue to aware principles, administrators and the government on the importance of the Arts in schools. It still amazes me how many school districts in this country have canceled their music and arts programs so they can fit in PE. The state governments are requiring more class time to study for standardized tests, so some schools are even cutting recess. When do these children get time to daydream, create, and play if they've taken it all away?

[jessica]

thanks for the link to the video. creativity really is the essence of who we are as human beings-- children especially. that is precisely why for me and my kids homeschooling is the best fit. i want them to retain their excitement about everything and to see how it all relates. that art does not happen separate from history or math, that science is a part of a walk in the woods and the movement of our bodies...

anyway, thanks :)

[Courtney]

Yes, I'm obsessed with that video too. And a bit obsessed with education, have been even before kids. I wish I could have a cup of tea and chat with you about it.

[Kirsten Michelle]

i followed the link in from craftboom this morning...
now i'm back with my afternoon tea to visit a little bit longer ;-)
i simply couldn't resist!!!
your blog is warm and wonderfully inviting...
i just loved this photo today!

[Alisa]

I love that you mentioned the Robinson TED Talk. My husband teaches an honors class at our local university all about TED talks. The students even have to write, perform and produce their own video talks. The Robinson one has been watched many times in our home. I'm teaching elementary art and it has helped me form a foundation to teach from. I like to think of how many more people will watch it now that you've mentioned it.

[alice]

Children and creativity go hand in hand. As a teacher I feel it is important to encourage children to be themselves. I find it disheartening when I child says they can't think of anything to write or draw or do... The idea of using their imagination is pulled from them when they start school. In the UK schools are beginning to realise this and are taking the leap to making children's learning more individual and creative. Unfortunately there are still boundaries in education namely the national curriculum!!

[denise]

HI Amanda,
Thanks for the link to Sir Ken Robinson's speech. I am a high school teacher and a casual relief teacher in primary schools (depending on the job market) and latley I have been really struggling with my career. I feel that something is missing, I teach art to high school kids and they often lack any motivation. In a subject where I give so much freedom they tend to flounder. I have been doing a lot of independent study lately (my favourite being John Holt 'how children learn') and can feel something building in me. I am not sure what yet but I feel I am slowly coming to a few relisations and new dreams. I have no idea yet what action I wil take or how I will use this study yet but want to thank you for the link ( and some of your own homeschooling/unschooling inspiration)

Sorry to warble on so, but I am sure you are interested in all this stuff too,

Denise

[jennie]

Thanks so much for that link. I hope you don't feel that you're preaching by offering up links like that. I welcome them because they're not always easy to stumble across!

[Sarah]

Man...I got an "unresponsive script" error when I went to Sir Ken Robinson's talk. And this is something I'm really interested in. In fact, I blogged about it a little bit today before even reading this post! Must be something in the air. :)

[Blaze]

Hello!
Just wanted to say that I'm a first time visitor, and I LOVE your blog!! What beautiful photos and ideas! You truly are an inspiration!

[shannon]

I was so happy to see the picture of you outside. I'm coming up to Orr's Island, ME in a few days and was hoping it was still nice enough outside to sit on the beach (even if it is in a coat with a blanket wrapped around my legs!). So, thank you for getting even more excited about my trip!
Thanks for the link to eMomsatHome. I just started a blog and have been looking for something to help me figure out the whole blog/craft connection.

[Kelly]

Congratulations on the interview! I've only skimmed it yet, but it looks terrific. Ooo, and I can't wait to listen to the talk! Sounds like something I could really get excited about.

Take care, and don't stress out. Not answering emails isn't the end of the world. Just don't forget to breathe.

[Maria]

I've just recently come across your blog and have really been enjoying your warm insights. I love that you are living true to yourself and your family. You are all wonderful energy that radiates - even through this electronic medium. Thank you for the link to the talk by Sir Ken Robinson. It brought tears to my eyes.

[Charly]

Hello.
I've spent almost the entire day exploring your blog and website and links. You and your creative friends are truely inspiration. Wonderful! Thank you for sharing a piece of your world with us.
Peace.

[angeljoy]

I really love your blog. It's wonderful to see how engaged your children are into creativity and imagination. I wish the same for my girl.

[Suzanne]

Thanks for the link Amanda--what a great interview too:-) Wish I could get to the Edith & Edna show , a friend lives in Scarborough (where hubby and I eloped:-) and she always takes me there when I visit, I just love that city!

[Joy]

Hi Amanda, I've become a new reader of your blog and truly enjoy all you share! What a gentle, powerful, kindred site--and crafts to boot! I look forward to whatever is next :)

[jesica dehart]

I just discovered this old book and thought of you guys:
"http://www.rubylane.com/shops/tapestrycollectibles/item/BK309?gbase=1"
that is just a peek at some of the illustrations but it is called "The Poppy Seed Cakes" by Margery Clark
I am also curious if you guys ever got the Book Tal?

[Karen]

Hi Amanda, thanks for sharing the great link to Sir Ken Robinson's talk. I loved it!

[Grace]

I just finally read the interview, and I was very struck by what you said about setting a price for you work that is in line with the cost of the materials and time involved. I have recently started selling my dolls, and I felt like setting a price for them was really difficult. I think I ultimately did not ask enough for them by the time I purchased materials. I didn't want to charge any more than the big toy catalogs do for their dolls, but when I think about the fact that their dolls are made in places like Indonesia or South America, where materials cost less than they do here, and where even a fair, living wage is much lower than it would be here, I'm realizing that I should be more confident in placing a value on my work.

Anyway, thanks for that timely and thoughtful reminder.

[Sarah]

Thanks for the link to Ken Robinson's talk. It was witty and very poignant - I wholeheartedly agree with his views and it's great to hear someone spreading this kind of message.

[Katharine]

Amanda, I'm ashamed to say it but when I first read this post I thought I didn't have time to watch Ken Robinson's talk. Today I'm at home in bed with the flu and I've just gone back and watched it.

I finished my teacher training in the summer and I've had my own class since the middle of August. I have 27 7-year-olds in my class. A big part of my teaching so far has been worry about behaviour management, as most of the children in my class are very chatty and struggle to listen, which often leads to tasks taking much longer than I have planned.

During my training, it was often boasted that the Scottish education system is praised world-wide for being so well-rounded. Since I have got into school, it really feels that what Ken Robinson says is true - that maths and language come first, followed by social subjects, then the arts. I feel that my class are missing out, at least partly because of my struggle to control (a word I hate) behaviour - in not finishing maths and language work quickly enough, the precious drama time squeezed into the timetable is lost.

The part in Ken Robinson's talk about Gillian Lynne made me cry. I would hate to think that I am part of these children (who, in one-to-one conversation are such great kids) having their creativity squashed.

I'm very sorry for going on. I admire you Amanda, for the way you are raising your little ones with so much creativity in their lives. From now on, I will try harder to give my class more of the creative opportunities I know they need.

[Vicki]

Every time I look at this post, I want to call in sick and walk through the leaves... with a thermos of mulled cider. Can't I do it just once?

[Donna]

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your life to blog and inspire. I just started reading your blog and I so appreciate the care you take in your life to be creative. I just loved Ken Robinson's talk and have sent it around to other parents needing a little boost in their feelings on this subject. What a difference you are making by the time you put into this blog. Thank you!