This week's artist is Jacob's trumpet teacher, or rather one of his many bands. Bio Ritmo, the band, has been around for a while and Mark is one of the horn players. His main instrument is the cornet, but he plays trumpet just as well. As for the video, it was shot around Richmond including the restaurant Cuba Cuba.
Enjoy!
Showing posts with label Artist of the week. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Artist of the week. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Wednesday, April 09, 2014
Artist of the Week: Of Wizards and Weavings
Her artwork was once again included in this year's school district art show. Two of her pieces were included, one being the weaving behind her head and the other being a clay sculpture.
Rebecca told me that her weaving was a depiction of the seasons. Winter is at the top, all white and very stark. Then there is a transition into spring with the addition of green, then followed by a few more colors for summer. I like he colors she used and how she varied the weaving so that the warp yarn was at times visible. It works well in breaking up the white of the weft and the overall effect is that of snow melting. A nice little piece of weaving indeed
Now on to the clays culture.
My fox wizard can be invisible any time of day. She can not be seen on camera while invisible. And she can run super fast. And she can shoot lighting balls.
Her weakness is being tickled.
(Her journal had been set out for all to see.)
I like her little fox wizard. The cloak enveloping it w\has a lovely pattern of flowers and leaves. I think Rebecca is quite proud of her creation since she deliberately wore her fox t-shirt to the show.
Well done my darling daughter, you should be proud.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Artist of the Week: National Honor Society
He was admitted some time ago, but not in time for the fall induction ceremony. Which wasn't too big a deal, he was still able to include his affiliation on his college applications. He just missed out on a slightly bigger event in the main auditorium as opposed to the smaller room that it was held in today. Five current members of the NHS spoke, candles were lit, and then a brief bio was read of each of the four inductees. Either there was cake and for me it was nice to have the short version of the event.
I'm very proud of his achievement, I was oblivious to the whole thing when I was in high school, It wasn't until college when I became dimly aware. Additionally it wasn't even an option at my school. I hung out with a smart crowd in high school, but grade wise I wasn't particularly motivated. Only some classes were challenging and I was perfectly happy with a mixed assortment of As and Bs. Plus the whole community service thing didn't exist, maybe my exercising my geriatric neighbor's horses would have counted.Anyhoo, I seriously doubt I would have made the cut. So well done Jacob.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Artist of the Week: Tourney Triumphs
As I mentioned before we had all sorts of soccer going on this past weekend. Both Max and Rebecca had soccer tournaments, his in Stafford, Va and hers in Virginia Beach. Obviously one parent couldn't do both, so Larry took Rebecca and I took Max.
It was a good weekend for soccer with the seemly weekly wintery mix of doom holding off until Sunday night. It was relatively warm on Saturday and I got this great shot of Max moving the ball down the line. It was taken during the first game that they lost 5 -2, however the team's play was much better than the score showed. In the second game of the day they completely shut out their opponents at 5 - 0!
Sunday was grey and cold with the parents all huddled on the sidelines. I was a little less inclined for photography and the best I got was the team banding together before the game. The cold didn't seem to bother them and the coach urged them on by telling them they still had a chance for the playoffs. They played hard and won again, this time 3 - 2. Unfortunately by the way the tournament was scored, they just missed qualifying for the play-offs. However, this was by far the team's best showing. This seasons looks to be quite promising.
It was a good weekend for soccer with the seemly weekly wintery mix of doom holding off until Sunday night. It was relatively warm on Saturday and I got this great shot of Max moving the ball down the line. It was taken during the first game that they lost 5 -2, however the team's play was much better than the score showed. In the second game of the day they completely shut out their opponents at 5 - 0!
Sunday was grey and cold with the parents all huddled on the sidelines. I was a little less inclined for photography and the best I got was the team banding together before the game. The cold didn't seem to bother them and the coach urged them on by telling them they still had a chance for the playoffs. They played hard and won again, this time 3 - 2. Unfortunately by the way the tournament was scored, they just missed qualifying for the play-offs. However, this was by far the team's best showing. This seasons looks to be quite promising.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Artist of the Week: Snow Guard
You would think with all the snow we have been getting that at least one snowman was made and you would be right. Max made at least two, one of which was in a hidden spot that I saw quite by accident. There may have been more, he likes to make small ones and hide them, a very Max thing to do.
Thus with his snowman building Max is the artist of the week.
The picture of Max was taken Thursday morning last week. I'm not sure what he is thinking of, probably what a huge amount of snow we got and how it hasn't stopped snowing. Regardless, it is a could shot showing his more contemplative side.
Meanwhile the snowman, or rather snow guard, has a far happier seeming pose. Max constructed him while clearing the driveway with Rebecca. Max constructed a wall surrounding his creation so that it appears to be guarding the entrance to the front walkway. It is not a large, at most it was two feet tall, which is again just like Max. He loves making small snowmen, usually 8 inches an under, thus making this a big one for Max. It is hard to see, but the snow guard has a stick by it's right "hand." This gives it the look of being on guard. I like it's cheerful expression. Sadly it is long gone, snow doesn't last very long around here, even if it is on guard.
Thus with his snowman building Max is the artist of the week.
The picture of Max was taken Thursday morning last week. I'm not sure what he is thinking of, probably what a huge amount of snow we got and how it hasn't stopped snowing. Regardless, it is a could shot showing his more contemplative side.
Meanwhile the snowman, or rather snow guard, has a far happier seeming pose. Max constructed him while clearing the driveway with Rebecca. Max constructed a wall surrounding his creation so that it appears to be guarding the entrance to the front walkway. It is not a large, at most it was two feet tall, which is again just like Max. He loves making small snowmen, usually 8 inches an under, thus making this a big one for Max. It is hard to see, but the snow guard has a stick by it's right "hand." This gives it the look of being on guard. I like it's cheerful expression. Sadly it is long gone, snow doesn't last very long around here, even if it is on guard.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Artist of the Week: Snow and Sky
I'm not sure who or what to credit this, except I was the one to notice it and take a picture.
We love our new skylights that were installed when we had the roof redone last year. The windows are so clear, it is almost as though there is nothing separating us from the elements. That said thety do an excellent job keeping out the weather and keeping in the heat.
This morning they were covered with a layer of snow. As the sun came up the snow slowly slumped down the windows. I looked up and saw this perfect wave of snow beautifully set off by the bright blue winter sky with a trace of clouds. The black is an artifact of the contrast of the brightly lit skylight and the ceiling.
I thought it was a stunning composition and I'm pleased with how well it turned out.
We love our new skylights that were installed when we had the roof redone last year. The windows are so clear, it is almost as though there is nothing separating us from the elements. That said thety do an excellent job keeping out the weather and keeping in the heat.
This morning they were covered with a layer of snow. As the sun came up the snow slowly slumped down the windows. I looked up and saw this perfect wave of snow beautifully set off by the bright blue winter sky with a trace of clouds. The black is an artifact of the contrast of the brightly lit skylight and the ceiling.
I thought it was a stunning composition and I'm pleased with how well it turned out.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Artist of the Week: Paper Airplane
Yesterday on Colossal a paper plane was featured. Specifically a 1:60-Scale Boeing 777 Built Entirely from Paper Manilla Folders by Luca Iaconi-Stewart. The attention to detail is phenomenal, you really should go click on the link for the story. To get an idea of how meticulous the model is watch the video below. It is almost a working model of the engine.
It is simply incredible.
It is simply incredible.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Artist of the Week: Elephant
Nate, the boy who seems to be always in motion, is this week's artist.
Rebecca took this picture of him on Thanksgiving day and it is a classic shot of Nate. He does like having his picture taken and actively avoids the camera. I only get a limited time frame to take the annual picture of him and his siblings. After about 15, 20 minutes he is itching to go. I have to work fast and be aware of how the mood is. Once I think I have my shot they all scatter to the four winds (dogs included).
As for the artwork in question, Nate made this in middle school at the same time he made his battleship box. I kept meaning to post this, but it just never happened until now.
Anyhoodle, it is a very nice clap sculpture of an elephant. I included a quarter in the picture for scale. It is a nice solid piece that makes happy when I see it. Sadly it lost a tusk shortly after it was fired and he said tusk was somehow lost on the way home. Nonetheless, it is a very nice elephant.
Rebecca took this picture of him on Thanksgiving day and it is a classic shot of Nate. He does like having his picture taken and actively avoids the camera. I only get a limited time frame to take the annual picture of him and his siblings. After about 15, 20 minutes he is itching to go. I have to work fast and be aware of how the mood is. Once I think I have my shot they all scatter to the four winds (dogs included).
As for the artwork in question, Nate made this in middle school at the same time he made his battleship box. I kept meaning to post this, but it just never happened until now.
Anyhoodle, it is a very nice clap sculpture of an elephant. I included a quarter in the picture for scale. It is a nice solid piece that makes happy when I see it. Sadly it lost a tusk shortly after it was fired and he said tusk was somehow lost on the way home. Nonetheless, it is a very nice elephant.
Wednesday, January 08, 2014
Artist of the Week: Cards
This week's artist is the irrepressible Rebecca.
She at first did not want me to post this picture, but after I gave her a choice of photos she decided it was a decent picture. I really like it, the picture captures her silly, dramatic side. She can be a real hoot to be around such as today, I took the picture while she was playing a video game and the running commentary was hilarious. The both of us like to create avatars that look nice and she bemoans the fact that she can't change things after she starts playing, then she goes and defeats the dragon. My feral princess in action.
When she is not busy slaying dragons she like to create things. This week's art took the form of a couple of cards she made in school. They cute little snowmen made from paper and glue on beads. She had made a third one, but messed it up and turned it into a gift tag. the tag is not pictured because we used it on one of Nana's presents. The cards are very well made, all neatly glued in place and no ragged edges. I'm glad we ere able to use the tag for someone who would appreciate Rebecca's effort. I'm not sure what she plans to do with the cards, but whoever does get them will be very lucky.
She at first did not want me to post this picture, but after I gave her a choice of photos she decided it was a decent picture. I really like it, the picture captures her silly, dramatic side. She can be a real hoot to be around such as today, I took the picture while she was playing a video game and the running commentary was hilarious. The both of us like to create avatars that look nice and she bemoans the fact that she can't change things after she starts playing, then she goes and defeats the dragon. My feral princess in action.
When she is not busy slaying dragons she like to create things. This week's art took the form of a couple of cards she made in school. They cute little snowmen made from paper and glue on beads. She had made a third one, but messed it up and turned it into a gift tag. the tag is not pictured because we used it on one of Nana's presents. The cards are very well made, all neatly glued in place and no ragged edges. I'm glad we ere able to use the tag for someone who would appreciate Rebecca's effort. I'm not sure what she plans to do with the cards, but whoever does get them will be very lucky.
Wednesday, January 01, 2014
Artist of the Week: Handel's Messiah - Hallelujah Chorus
I have used this picture before, but it is so very fitting for this week's edition of Artist of the Week.
Way back on December 12th was Jacob's turn for a winter concert (Max's was the previous day). In a new to me format, it was a combined Orchestra, Wind Symphony, and Chorus concert. Each of the groups got to perform several songs separately and them come together in the end for a combined concert. It was a nice change and I enjoyed the en mass concert.
I fully intended to post this on Christmas Day, but I was too preoccupied with the magnificent roast we had and the company that made it possible (thanks again Meryl for that lovely bit o'beef!). So it's a bit late and not quite as seasonally appropiate as last week, but it is a nice high school rendition of Handel's Messiah, the Hallelujah Chorus.
Way back on December 12th was Jacob's turn for a winter concert (Max's was the previous day). In a new to me format, it was a combined Orchestra, Wind Symphony, and Chorus concert. Each of the groups got to perform several songs separately and them come together in the end for a combined concert. It was a nice change and I enjoyed the en mass concert.
I fully intended to post this on Christmas Day, but I was too preoccupied with the magnificent roast we had and the company that made it possible (thanks again Meryl for that lovely bit o'beef!). So it's a bit late and not quite as seasonally appropiate as last week, but it is a nice high school rendition of Handel's Messiah, the Hallelujah Chorus.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Artist of the Week: Best Team Ever
This past weekend I was in Virginia Beach with Rebecca for her last soccer tournament of the season. It was miserable weather, cold and rainy with the threat of an ice storm for the ride home. Not exactly beach weather and just barely soccer weather.
The first game was brutal. It was at 8:00 am with a cold, driving rain and the temperature at about 38 F. The fields were soaked, puddles and squelchy turf being the order of the day. Our team was on one of the better, if not the best, fields. The one next to us quickly turned into a vast mud pit. I was grateful for my duck boots and having the foresight to bring our boot dryer for Rebecca's cleats. The game was a struggle with the other team dominating us and ultimately beating us 2 to 8.
We came back in the afternoon to no more rain and the temps hovering at about 40. So it was marginally better, if you ignore the stiff wind. The girls played very well. Unfortunately the game ended in a tie. So the girls were cold, wet, tired, and happy for the good effort they put in the the second game. While at dinner we discussed the change in format for the next day. With the threat of an icestorm to the west the tournament organizers decided to speed things up so that people could go home and beat the storm. The remaing games would be penalty kick shootouts.
Sunday dawned grey and very wet. The temperature hadn't changed much and it was still raining. The team warmed up on the field as we waited for the shootout to begin. We have an excellent goalie on the team giving us a bit of hope for a win. Sadly it didn't happen and we lost 3 to 1. Our goalie was devastated, tears running down her face, she felt that she had let the team down,
Then something wonderful to watch happened. Unprompted, the girls started to give the goalie hugs. Soon it was one huge group hug. Tears were soon dried when the goalie realized that nobody blamed her for the loss. What a terrific bunch of girls. They want to win, but they also care about each other. This is the best team ever.
The first game was brutal. It was at 8:00 am with a cold, driving rain and the temperature at about 38 F. The fields were soaked, puddles and squelchy turf being the order of the day. Our team was on one of the better, if not the best, fields. The one next to us quickly turned into a vast mud pit. I was grateful for my duck boots and having the foresight to bring our boot dryer for Rebecca's cleats. The game was a struggle with the other team dominating us and ultimately beating us 2 to 8.
We came back in the afternoon to no more rain and the temps hovering at about 40. So it was marginally better, if you ignore the stiff wind. The girls played very well. Unfortunately the game ended in a tie. So the girls were cold, wet, tired, and happy for the good effort they put in the the second game. While at dinner we discussed the change in format for the next day. With the threat of an icestorm to the west the tournament organizers decided to speed things up so that people could go home and beat the storm. The remaing games would be penalty kick shootouts.
Sunday dawned grey and very wet. The temperature hadn't changed much and it was still raining. The team warmed up on the field as we waited for the shootout to begin. We have an excellent goalie on the team giving us a bit of hope for a win. Sadly it didn't happen and we lost 3 to 1. Our goalie was devastated, tears running down her face, she felt that she had let the team down,
Then something wonderful to watch happened. Unprompted, the girls started to give the goalie hugs. Soon it was one huge group hug. Tears were soon dried when the goalie realized that nobody blamed her for the loss. What a terrific bunch of girls. They want to win, but they also care about each other. This is the best team ever.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Artist of the Week: What Goes Up
I've been slacking off on the whole Artist of the Week thing Mostly because I have been wanting to feature Jacob and his band, but also due to the intense competition for my computer between yself, Max, and Rebecca. Silly middle schoolers with all their computer based homework.
Anyhoodle, this week's artist is Jacob in his final year of high school marching band.
I took this picture of him at the start of the football team's penultimate regular season game. His grandparents were visiting just to see him march and I was in attendance for my first ever high school football game. It was a beautiful night for football, the weather was clear and mild, much nicer than you would expect for November. We had a grand time and left after the halftime show since we were only there for the band.
The previous day I had gone out with the band for a recruitment drive. The idea was to visit several feeder schools, one elementary and two middle, and drum up some excitement for band. All of the students we met were polite, but the elementary kids pictured here were the most receptive. They asked plenty of questions and begged for the band to play a few more songs. Hopefully a few more kids will get turned on to music.
And now for the music, I never did get a proper video of this year's show "What Goes Up." The best I have is of a semi dress rehearsal (they have the be-plumed hats on) with the addition of a pickup truck that was not moved in time. The music was a bit flat, it was pretty darn cold with a wicked wind, but they did do a good job coping with the rogue vehicle.
Anyhoodle, this week's artist is Jacob in his final year of high school marching band.
I took this picture of him at the start of the football team's penultimate regular season game. His grandparents were visiting just to see him march and I was in attendance for my first ever high school football game. It was a beautiful night for football, the weather was clear and mild, much nicer than you would expect for November. We had a grand time and left after the halftime show since we were only there for the band.
The previous day I had gone out with the band for a recruitment drive. The idea was to visit several feeder schools, one elementary and two middle, and drum up some excitement for band. All of the students we met were polite, but the elementary kids pictured here were the most receptive. They asked plenty of questions and begged for the band to play a few more songs. Hopefully a few more kids will get turned on to music.
And now for the music, I never did get a proper video of this year's show "What Goes Up." The best I have is of a semi dress rehearsal (they have the be-plumed hats on) with the addition of a pickup truck that was not moved in time. The music was a bit flat, it was pretty darn cold with a wicked wind, but they did do a good job coping with the rogue vehicle.
Wednesday, October 09, 2013
Artist of the Week: Even More Sand
A very cheerful and wet Max is the Artist of the week.
I was only able to get this picture of him not building a sand castle by snagging him while he was tearing about. As you can see he was more than happy to oblige me and my camera, then he was off running about, in and out of the water. He and his brother Nate are both studies in motion. they need to go, go. go and get very fidgety when forced to keep still. Mind you if they are involved in a book or a project they can settle right down, but if their mind isn't engaged they can not throttle down the activity levels.
Case in point, when we went to the beach on Sunday Max spent most of his time building his sand castle/city. He was very upfront bout his plans when we were packing to go, I had him pick out which boogie board he would like to take. He pointed at one and said he didn't really need it since he was planning on building in the sand and would not be using the board very much.
And that was exactly what went down. He spend a brief time in the water, but most of his time was spent digging, shaping, and moving sand. Max is very passionate about his sand creations and will happily spend hours mucking about on a beach.
And passion is what you need to create art.
I was only able to get this picture of him not building a sand castle by snagging him while he was tearing about. As you can see he was more than happy to oblige me and my camera, then he was off running about, in and out of the water. He and his brother Nate are both studies in motion. they need to go, go. go and get very fidgety when forced to keep still. Mind you if they are involved in a book or a project they can settle right down, but if their mind isn't engaged they can not throttle down the activity levels.
Case in point, when we went to the beach on Sunday Max spent most of his time building his sand castle/city. He was very upfront bout his plans when we were packing to go, I had him pick out which boogie board he would like to take. He pointed at one and said he didn't really need it since he was planning on building in the sand and would not be using the board very much.
And that was exactly what went down. He spend a brief time in the water, but most of his time was spent digging, shaping, and moving sand. Max is very passionate about his sand creations and will happily spend hours mucking about on a beach.
And passion is what you need to create art.
Wednesday, October 02, 2013
Artist of the Week: Repetition
This week's artist is Rebecca with a couple of pieces from school.
The picture here is from a game a few weeks ago. The girls tried hard, but were outclassed by the other team and there were some decidedly odd calls. You know it is not good when the ball goes out and both teams wait for the referee to decide you gets the ball. Any way, I saw some good plays by our team and it was a worthwhile experience.
Which brings us to the art. Both pieces are a study in geometrical symmetries made with interlocking patterns. I immeadetly thought of some of the works by MC Escher when Rebecca pulled these out of her backpack.
The top one is composed of owls, with the owls alternating between light and dark. It is interesting to note (at least for me) that patch of feathers on the breast appear to alternate in color as well. In reality it is an illusion created by the changing body color.
Next in line is composed of some very surprised foxes.The pattern is smaller than the aforementioned owls and as a result she got far more foxes on the page. I find the large eyes of the foxes to be a bit more intense than the owl page. That said I like both pieces. There is a sort of fun air about them and i think she did a lovely job.
The picture here is from a game a few weeks ago. The girls tried hard, but were outclassed by the other team and there were some decidedly odd calls. You know it is not good when the ball goes out and both teams wait for the referee to decide you gets the ball. Any way, I saw some good plays by our team and it was a worthwhile experience.
Which brings us to the art. Both pieces are a study in geometrical symmetries made with interlocking patterns. I immeadetly thought of some of the works by MC Escher when Rebecca pulled these out of her backpack.
The top one is composed of owls, with the owls alternating between light and dark. It is interesting to note (at least for me) that patch of feathers on the breast appear to alternate in color as well. In reality it is an illusion created by the changing body color.
Next in line is composed of some very surprised foxes.The pattern is smaller than the aforementioned owls and as a result she got far more foxes on the page. I find the large eyes of the foxes to be a bit more intense than the owl page. That said I like both pieces. There is a sort of fun air about them and i think she did a lovely job.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Artist of the Week: Apples
This week's artist is Nate with a piece of art from the previous school year and a self portrait for his picture.
I just found the selfie, along with a few others, on my camera. He had shown me one of the pictures a few days ago, in it his eyes were closed and he said it looked like a picture of him sleeping. I figured he would delete the pictures since he is normally an elusive subject. I put it out of my mind and pretty much forgot about it until yesterday when I was uploading pictures from my camera. So color me surprised, I have actual picture of the boy that wasn't the result of my sneaking up on him.
As for the art, he brought it home at the end of the year and I put it in the dreaded "safe place" and forgot all about it. I was clearing stuff away and rediscovered it. Nate saw me taking a picture and told me he remembered it and really liked the piece.
It is a simple study of an apple done in contrasting colors, both in the actual drawing and the background paper. Nate did a great job capturing the roundness of the apples. He made good use of color and the strokes of the crayon. This one may even be worthy of framing, I'll have to see if I can find a ready made frame for a reasonable price.
I just found the selfie, along with a few others, on my camera. He had shown me one of the pictures a few days ago, in it his eyes were closed and he said it looked like a picture of him sleeping. I figured he would delete the pictures since he is normally an elusive subject. I put it out of my mind and pretty much forgot about it until yesterday when I was uploading pictures from my camera. So color me surprised, I have actual picture of the boy that wasn't the result of my sneaking up on him.
As for the art, he brought it home at the end of the year and I put it in the dreaded "safe place" and forgot all about it. I was clearing stuff away and rediscovered it. Nate saw me taking a picture and told me he remembered it and really liked the piece.
It is a simple study of an apple done in contrasting colors, both in the actual drawing and the background paper. Nate did a great job capturing the roundness of the apples. He made good use of color and the strokes of the crayon. This one may even be worthy of framing, I'll have to see if I can find a ready made frame for a reasonable price.
Wednesday, September 04, 2013
Artist of the Week: Soccer Tourney
This week's artist, or rather artists are Max and Rebecca.
I took this picture of them at the county fair. It was far less than ideal weather, what with the periodic downpours', and yet that made it all the better. There were no lines and for once it didn't feel like we were on the surface of the sun. They both had a wonderful time and were even willing to go on the rides together.
This past weekend they also spent some time together. Both of their soccer teams were entered in a tournament over in Williamsburg. We headed over on Saturday and were on the soccer pitch bright and early for their first games. Rebecca's team had another game shortly after and in the short time between their second games , I scooted over to the hotel we were staying at to check in. When we came back after Max's game we relaxed in the hotel. Rebecca hung out with her teammates and Max spent time with his teammate that was staying with us (he's a great kid and is Max's best friend. His mom was stretched mighty thin last weekend and I offered to take him in. At this point in the tourney both teams had one loss and one win. putting Max's team second place in its bracket.
On Sunday Rebecca had two scheduled games (for the girl's team it was round-robin affair) while Max's team had made it to the semi-finals, if the boys' win, then they would play in the finals. Unfortunately it was not to be and they lost. However it was not too shabby for a team that up until Saturday had yet to of played a game together. As for Rebecca's team, they hung in there and played some very tough competition to a tie and lost to the team that completely dominated the game. Both Max and Rebecca conked out in the car during the ride back home. It was an exhausting weekend.
I took this picture of them at the county fair. It was far less than ideal weather, what with the periodic downpours', and yet that made it all the better. There were no lines and for once it didn't feel like we were on the surface of the sun. They both had a wonderful time and were even willing to go on the rides together.
This past weekend they also spent some time together. Both of their soccer teams were entered in a tournament over in Williamsburg. We headed over on Saturday and were on the soccer pitch bright and early for their first games. Rebecca's team had another game shortly after and in the short time between their second games , I scooted over to the hotel we were staying at to check in. When we came back after Max's game we relaxed in the hotel. Rebecca hung out with her teammates and Max spent time with his teammate that was staying with us (he's a great kid and is Max's best friend. His mom was stretched mighty thin last weekend and I offered to take him in. At this point in the tourney both teams had one loss and one win. putting Max's team second place in its bracket.
On Sunday Rebecca had two scheduled games (for the girl's team it was round-robin affair) while Max's team had made it to the semi-finals, if the boys' win, then they would play in the finals. Unfortunately it was not to be and they lost. However it was not too shabby for a team that up until Saturday had yet to of played a game together. As for Rebecca's team, they hung in there and played some very tough competition to a tie and lost to the team that completely dominated the game. Both Max and Rebecca conked out in the car during the ride back home. It was an exhausting weekend.
Wednesday, August 07, 2013
Artist of the Week: Sand Huts
Max is this week's artist and he is pictured here with the coaches from last week's British Challenger soccer camp. Originally Jacob was to be the one attending the camp, but the Thursday beforehand he did something wonky with his foot and was unable to attend. As we were trying to figure out to do Max mentioned that he wished he was going to te same camp.We didn't sign him up this year because his travel team has a team camp scheduled the following week. Since Max and Jacob are in the same age group we substituted Max for his brother.
The coaches were fine with the idea, but suggested that maybe on the following day Max should come back and be with the earlier, younger group. I told them to just let him give it a try, Max may be small, but he is a good player. When I came back three hours later to pick up Max the coaches agreed that Max was in the right group, he would be running rings around the younger kids.
Which brings me to Max's sand constructions, he is a good little builder that likes to make rings around his buildings. We had gone to visit friends in Syracuse, NY and went to a couple of lakes in the area. Max always views a beach as an opportunity to build. He made a series of small huts or caves with well defined moat surrounding them. Off to the upper right side you can see a field where the crops are grown. He then went on to make bigger and better structures which I did not photograph. Silly me, I wanted to swim and socialize, not stand around and take pictures. But really he made quite a complex, which was very challenging considering how crowded the beach was at the time.
The coaches were fine with the idea, but suggested that maybe on the following day Max should come back and be with the earlier, younger group. I told them to just let him give it a try, Max may be small, but he is a good player. When I came back three hours later to pick up Max the coaches agreed that Max was in the right group, he would be running rings around the younger kids.
Which brings me to Max's sand constructions, he is a good little builder that likes to make rings around his buildings. We had gone to visit friends in Syracuse, NY and went to a couple of lakes in the area. Max always views a beach as an opportunity to build. He made a series of small huts or caves with well defined moat surrounding them. Off to the upper right side you can see a field where the crops are grown. He then went on to make bigger and better structures which I did not photograph. Silly me, I wanted to swim and socialize, not stand around and take pictures. But really he made quite a complex, which was very challenging considering how crowded the beach was at the time.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Artist of the Week: Piñata
This week's artist is a rather valiant Jacob.
I took this photo of him near the end of the school year, The sword he is wielding is in actuality a piñata. It was an extra credit project for his Spanish class and he really knocked it out of the park. His teacher liked it and asked if she could keep it as an example for future classes. Jacob was happy to gift it to her and I was even happier to not have it add to the mess in our house.
Jacob did, however, bring it home to show off and have a few pictures taken. He was justifiably proud of his work and wanted us to see his creation. Then it was packed off back to school a couple of days later.
He had told me in advance he was going to bring home his piñata, but never told me what it looked like. I had a mental image of the type you find at parties, you know something like these seven pointed stars that are filled with candy. So you can imagine my surprise when he came out of the school with a sword. A really nice and sturdy short sword. I know they can be any shape, but I (wrongly) assumed it would be a traditional shape since it was made for Spanish. Ah well, live and learn.
I took this photo of him near the end of the school year, The sword he is wielding is in actuality a piñata. It was an extra credit project for his Spanish class and he really knocked it out of the park. His teacher liked it and asked if she could keep it as an example for future classes. Jacob was happy to gift it to her and I was even happier to not have it add to the mess in our house.
Jacob did, however, bring it home to show off and have a few pictures taken. He was justifiably proud of his work and wanted us to see his creation. Then it was packed off back to school a couple of days later.
He had told me in advance he was going to bring home his piñata, but never told me what it looked like. I had a mental image of the type you find at parties, you know something like these seven pointed stars that are filled with candy. So you can imagine my surprise when he came out of the school with a sword. A really nice and sturdy short sword. I know they can be any shape, but I (wrongly) assumed it would be a traditional shape since it was made for Spanish. Ah well, live and learn.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Artist of the Week: Portrait
Rebecca is this week's artist. I took this picture of her at my cousin's house in Vermont. Since my mom moved to her apartment we can no longer stay with her. Instead, my cousin has generously opened his vacation house to us. It is located about a half an hour away from where my mom lives and is in a sparsely populated area. That said, it is a wonderful retreat.
Surrounded by the beauty of New England and with no internet, we try to do things outside. Unfortunately it is the summer of rain and we were limited on what we could do. All my favorite swimming holes were closed and I was leery of going on a big hike and most likely getting rained on. However we did spend some time climbing the hill in back of the house, picking wildflowers along the way.
Anyhoodle, the art was an incidental find at the end of the school year.
Way back in June Max was AotW with a small castle he made in art class. The castle was put on display in the main administration building and a note was sent home informing me that Max had something on exhibit. It took a while, but I eventually went to go have a look-see.Much to my surprise, Jacob (who I had just picked up from school) found a picture by Rebecca.
It is a portrait of Rebecca's friend Anna. I'm not familiar with the
particular style of the drawing, but I am sure I will be duly informed when I ask. As for the drawing itself, Rebecca did a good job capturing the essence of her friend. Drawing on black paper is not easy and Rebecca was able to make it work.
The picture was a very nice surprise.
Surrounded by the beauty of New England and with no internet, we try to do things outside. Unfortunately it is the summer of rain and we were limited on what we could do. All my favorite swimming holes were closed and I was leery of going on a big hike and most likely getting rained on. However we did spend some time climbing the hill in back of the house, picking wildflowers along the way.
Anyhoodle, the art was an incidental find at the end of the school year.
Way back in June Max was AotW with a small castle he made in art class. The castle was put on display in the main administration building and a note was sent home informing me that Max had something on exhibit. It took a while, but I eventually went to go have a look-see.Much to my surprise, Jacob (who I had just picked up from school) found a picture by Rebecca.
It is a portrait of Rebecca's friend Anna. I'm not familiar with the
particular style of the drawing, but I am sure I will be duly informed when I ask. As for the drawing itself, Rebecca did a good job capturing the essence of her friend. Drawing on black paper is not easy and Rebecca was able to make it work.
The picture was a very nice surprise.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Artist of the Week: Battleship Box
This week's artist is Mr. Nate. This is one of those rare moments when he is in repose, the boy is the proverbial bundle of energy. If he spends too much time cooped up inside he will be fairly vibrating with energy, at that point all I can do is tell him to run laps around the house which he cheerfully does.
Silly boy.
Fortunately he is a very sweet kid and exhausting as he is, Nate is an easy person to live with. The key thing is to give him an outlet. Summer is easy since he can always bike down to the pool and burn off some energy.
Nate is also filled with a fair bit of creative energy and tries to have art as an elective whenever possible. This year he got to work in clay and brought home this battleship box. The objective was to create a pencil box and yes, this is just able to hold a pencil.
I have the lid twisted so you can see that it is a box. Normally the deck sits square and you wouldn't necessarily think it can be removed. I think it is very cunning creation.
Silly boy.
Fortunately he is a very sweet kid and exhausting as he is, Nate is an easy person to live with. The key thing is to give him an outlet. Summer is easy since he can always bike down to the pool and burn off some energy.
Nate is also filled with a fair bit of creative energy and tries to have art as an elective whenever possible. This year he got to work in clay and brought home this battleship box. The objective was to create a pencil box and yes, this is just able to hold a pencil.
I have the lid twisted so you can see that it is a box. Normally the deck sits square and you wouldn't necessarily think it can be removed. I think it is very cunning creation.
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