Today I am not a teacher.
This morning I didn't know if I was happy or sad.
But today, I was happy. Only happy.
So today, I know I made the right choice.
I drove by school and saw the parking lot full of cars, and I was thankful it wasn't me.
Today I didn't feel the pressure of being responsible for little lives.
I didn't feel worried or overwhelmed.
Today I felt free, knowing that my responsibilities for the next year will not include students, parents, administrators, the school district, or state.
Today I was filled with anticipation and excitement for a new year. But this year it will be for me.
Today I went to campus and bought my design books.
And even though I was surrounded by people a decade younger than me, I didn't care.
I ate lunch while reading about designing with type, and I was so excited I thought my heart might leap from my chest.
Today I drove all around town searching through thrift stores for my next project.
Today I went to the library to rent season two of Arrested Development, and when we watched it tonight, I laughed so hard.
Today I read magazines at the bookstore and treated myself to Starbucks.
Today I created a new fabric design.
I loved today.
Today I know that being a teacher isn't the only way to be a good person.
I know I will find other ways to be helpful and caring and to make a difference.
I can still be who I was as a teacher. I didn't give up myself when I left that career. I am still me.
Today I am happy.
Because today, I am not a teacher.
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Monday, August 13, 2012
today I am not a teacher
School started today. And today I am not a teacher.
Today I did not wake up before 7:00 a.m.
I did not pick out my first day of school outfit.
I did not pack my lunch.
Today I am not filled with excitement and anticipation for a new year.
I am not meeting my new students.
I am not introducing myself.
Today I am not surrounded by kids.
I can not see their smiles and hear their laughs.
I am not helping to label folders and organize lockers.
Today I am not explaining schedules, routines, or rules.
I am not memorizing names and faces.
Today I don't know if I'm happy or sad.
I don't know if I will miss it.
Today I won't be able to explain how I feel.
I don't know if I have lost a little bit of myself, or if I am now free to be myself.
Today I am still me, but today I am different.
Because today I am not a teacher.
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Friday, August 10, 2012
DIY Quote Canvas
You're probably getting the feeling that I like making wall art. If so, then you're right :) I also love sharing it with you so that you can try it yourself and make it fit your family! Here's my easiest wall art yet, and the best part is that you can change it up any way you want.
I originally saw an idea like this from pinterest last winter, and we made some little canvases with Christmas tree stickers and little stars and created winter scenes. I can't find that pin right now, I apologize. But if you search something like "paint and sticker canvas" you'll probably find some other great ideas.
The quote I chose is from my hilarious husband, Andy! I wanted to make a surprise for him so bad, and the original quote I wanted to use (Charlie's hit song from LOST "You all everybody," read more here if you don't know what I'm talking about and want to know... it's pretty funny I think) wouldn't fit on the canvas, so I had to regroup. I also didn't have enough Ys in my letter package.
The story behind this quote is that Andy has a very funny sarcastic sense of humor. MOST of the time, you'll find me cracking up at everything he says, but every once in a while, either a joke falls flat or I'm not sure if he's joking or not. That's when I give him the look, and he says "That was a joke, you know? Jokes are funny?"
Cue my laughter.
His other line is "The best jokes are the ones you have to explain." But I didn't have enough letters for that either.
Anyways, please choose a quote that is meaningful/ funny for you and your family! It's so easy, so let's get started!
First, I coated my canvas with some nice bright white spray paint. I think this step helps the tape and sticker lines turn out crisper. Crispier? Nice and crispy. What does that remind me of? McDonald's fries or something? (Side note: I just googled the word "crispier" and was given the definition "a pleasingly firm, dry and brittle surface" and the example phrase, "crispy fried bacon." Ha... that's funny to me for some reason.)
Okay, back to the canvas. The next step is to stick on your letters. I wanted mine straight, so I marked a faint line with a pencil and ruler, making sure to stick my letters above the line so it would disappear when I spray painted over it.
If you want stripes or another pattern, tape that off now too. Now is also when you should tape off the sides, if you want them to remain white. Or you can make the stripes continue over the edge- it just makes the spray painting part slightly more tedious to make sure you get all around. I actually forgot this step and ended up going back later and covering the whole front to repaint the sides white.
I painted several light, even coats and then let it dry before peeling off the tape and stickers.
Here's where you can see one of my mistakes (see the next photo)- I bought felt stickers. Some of the fuzzies got plastered down to the canvas when spraying, and those parts remained fuzzy white. I didn't like that. Cue my crazy perfectionist attempts to touch up the letters with a tooth pick. I also had a chunk of semi-dry purple paint fall off onto the white stripe and make an ugly purple spot, so I touched that up with white paint and a Q tip.
Actually, touching up wasn't a big deal, and I'm glad I spent the time doing it. No, it's still not perfect if you inspect it close up, but it looks great from a few steps back.
But I hope I'm saving you the trouble- don't buy felt letters! There are lots of other kinds that will work. Those thick foam ones might be nice because they're smooth but can be gripped easily when pulling them off.
And you're done! Easy, right? Especially if it all comes out crisp and clean the first time.
Has anyone else tried the old tape and sticker spray paint canvas trick? I LOVE it! Please leave a comment with a link to your project if you've done it before, or if you decide to try it!
Linking up here:
Chic on a Shoestring Decorating
AKA Design
Chase the Star
Simply Designing
Homemaker on a Dime
Pin It Now!
I originally saw an idea like this from pinterest last winter, and we made some little canvases with Christmas tree stickers and little stars and created winter scenes. I can't find that pin right now, I apologize. But if you search something like "paint and sticker canvas" you'll probably find some other great ideas.
The quote I chose is from my hilarious husband, Andy! I wanted to make a surprise for him so bad, and the original quote I wanted to use (Charlie's hit song from LOST "You all everybody," read more here if you don't know what I'm talking about and want to know... it's pretty funny I think) wouldn't fit on the canvas, so I had to regroup. I also didn't have enough Ys in my letter package.
The story behind this quote is that Andy has a very funny sarcastic sense of humor. MOST of the time, you'll find me cracking up at everything he says, but every once in a while, either a joke falls flat or I'm not sure if he's joking or not. That's when I give him the look, and he says "That was a joke, you know? Jokes are funny?"
Cue my laughter.
His other line is "The best jokes are the ones you have to explain." But I didn't have enough letters for that either.
Anyways, please choose a quote that is meaningful/ funny for you and your family! It's so easy, so let's get started!
First, I coated my canvas with some nice bright white spray paint. I think this step helps the tape and sticker lines turn out crisper. Crispier? Nice and crispy. What does that remind me of? McDonald's fries or something? (Side note: I just googled the word "crispier" and was given the definition "a pleasingly firm, dry and brittle surface" and the example phrase, "crispy fried bacon." Ha... that's funny to me for some reason.)
Okay, back to the canvas. The next step is to stick on your letters. I wanted mine straight, so I marked a faint line with a pencil and ruler, making sure to stick my letters above the line so it would disappear when I spray painted over it.
If you want stripes or another pattern, tape that off now too. Now is also when you should tape off the sides, if you want them to remain white. Or you can make the stripes continue over the edge- it just makes the spray painting part slightly more tedious to make sure you get all around. I actually forgot this step and ended up going back later and covering the whole front to repaint the sides white.
I painted several light, even coats and then let it dry before peeling off the tape and stickers.
Here's where you can see one of my mistakes (see the next photo)- I bought felt stickers. Some of the fuzzies got plastered down to the canvas when spraying, and those parts remained fuzzy white. I didn't like that. Cue my crazy perfectionist attempts to touch up the letters with a tooth pick. I also had a chunk of semi-dry purple paint fall off onto the white stripe and make an ugly purple spot, so I touched that up with white paint and a Q tip.
Actually, touching up wasn't a big deal, and I'm glad I spent the time doing it. No, it's still not perfect if you inspect it close up, but it looks great from a few steps back.
But I hope I'm saving you the trouble- don't buy felt letters! There are lots of other kinds that will work. Those thick foam ones might be nice because they're smooth but can be gripped easily when pulling them off.
And you're done! Easy, right? Especially if it all comes out crisp and clean the first time.
Has anyone else tried the old tape and sticker spray paint canvas trick? I LOVE it! Please leave a comment with a link to your project if you've done it before, or if you decide to try it!
Linking up here:
Chic on a Shoestring Decorating
AKA Design
Chase the Star
Simply Designing
Homemaker on a Dime
Pin It Now!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Etsy Love: Turquoise and Red
This is such a fun summery color combination. It was one of the top choices for my sister's wedding.
I especially love the vintage turquoise fan- how cool is that? (pun intended)
Check it out here!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
so we painted. for days.
I'm so excited to say that we finally decided to paint the basement! Look at how many choices we started with! We just can't get enough of paint samples, apparently.
We were all set to go with something different and choose the yellow.... but in the end, we just couldn't do it. I was afraid it was too much like a nursery and we would regret it. We picked the light grayish green on the right.
I used to think that we would have one of those homes with nice rich cozy wall colors in every room, but so far we've chosen light and bright. Kind of surprises me, but so far we've been really happy with our choices. (Except for one bathroom debacle, a super light mint green shade that we couldn't stand. Andy repainted it a cool blue- my hero.)
Can you spot the leopard print Snuggie? It's my one true love. Best Christmas present ever- thanks mom! You know those commercials with the people wearing their Snuggies out at a soccer game? And they're all cheering on the bleachers in their Snuggies? I remember seeing that and thinking who would do that... ever? But I'm here to say, I've worn my Snuggie to a parade on a cold night, in the bleachers. And I was totally that person. No shame here. It was awesome.
I had no idea what an undertaking painting an entire basement was going to be, or we may have never started. We spackled, sanded, taped, and painted for most of the weekend. Our house has quite a few small dents and dings all over the walls and baseboards. So handy Andy is fixing up everything before we paint each room. We're about halfway through the house now.
On Saturday we worked from 11:00 -6:00 straight! I'm talking no lunch break. This was serious business. I was so glad we stuffed our faces with McDonald's breakfast, and that I had this little guy to help me through.
Thank you, iced hazelnut coffee. You were sent straight from heaven.
I'm also thankful that it all only took one coat! Oh halleluia. Oh my Lord, two coats would have sent us over the edge. We usually go with Behr paint and primer in one, and we've been happy with it, especially this time.
You can see how much of a help the kitties were. I mean, honestly, look at these two.
Must be rough.
I swear, I'm coming back in my second life as a pet cat. What a life! Andy and I always ponder what they think about all day. Do they worry? Do they dream? Do they have thoughts? Maybe some psychology majors out there can clue me in. I heard once that cats don't have a very good memory... but I've also read that they can be trained to do tricks, so who knows.
Ah well... I'm so glad the basement is done! We rearranged a bit, and now it's time to decorate (the walls have been bare for over a year... sad, I know). We may even run over to Ikea on Saturday! Love.
Any other painters out there? Which paint do you swear by? Or the bigger question: which animal would you be?
Pin It Now!
We were all set to go with something different and choose the yellow.... but in the end, we just couldn't do it. I was afraid it was too much like a nursery and we would regret it. We picked the light grayish green on the right.
I used to think that we would have one of those homes with nice rich cozy wall colors in every room, but so far we've chosen light and bright. Kind of surprises me, but so far we've been really happy with our choices. (Except for one bathroom debacle, a super light mint green shade that we couldn't stand. Andy repainted it a cool blue- my hero.)
Can you spot the leopard print Snuggie? It's my one true love. Best Christmas present ever- thanks mom! You know those commercials with the people wearing their Snuggies out at a soccer game? And they're all cheering on the bleachers in their Snuggies? I remember seeing that and thinking who would do that... ever? But I'm here to say, I've worn my Snuggie to a parade on a cold night, in the bleachers. And I was totally that person. No shame here. It was awesome.
I had no idea what an undertaking painting an entire basement was going to be, or we may have never started. We spackled, sanded, taped, and painted for most of the weekend. Our house has quite a few small dents and dings all over the walls and baseboards. So handy Andy is fixing up everything before we paint each room. We're about halfway through the house now.
On Saturday we worked from 11:00 -6:00 straight! I'm talking no lunch break. This was serious business. I was so glad we stuffed our faces with McDonald's breakfast, and that I had this little guy to help me through.
Thank you, iced hazelnut coffee. You were sent straight from heaven.
I'm also thankful that it all only took one coat! Oh halleluia. Oh my Lord, two coats would have sent us over the edge. We usually go with Behr paint and primer in one, and we've been happy with it, especially this time.
You can see how much of a help the kitties were. I mean, honestly, look at these two.
Must be rough.
I swear, I'm coming back in my second life as a pet cat. What a life! Andy and I always ponder what they think about all day. Do they worry? Do they dream? Do they have thoughts? Maybe some psychology majors out there can clue me in. I heard once that cats don't have a very good memory... but I've also read that they can be trained to do tricks, so who knows.
Ah well... I'm so glad the basement is done! We rearranged a bit, and now it's time to decorate (the walls have been bare for over a year... sad, I know). We may even run over to Ikea on Saturday! Love.
Any other painters out there? Which paint do you swear by? Or the bigger question: which animal would you be?
Pin It Now!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Spoonflower Excitement
Last week, I got some exciting news from Spoonflower!
This is a screen shot from the Olympic themed contest results, found here. My gymnastics fabric snuck in at spot #10! I was so shocked when I saw it I think I may have stopped breathing for a minute.
Here's a screen shot from Spoonflower's flickr page that shows how it looks printed. So exciting!
After getting the news, I decided to finally open my shop and put some of my designs up for sale. Here's what my shop looks like right now.
The first 5 designs have been entered in weekly contests: Olympics, stars and stripes, retro kitchen, pomegranates, and motorcycles. I love entering the contests because it makes me create designs that I wouldn't think of otherwise.
Creating fabrics is so fun... but I think I need to work on my titles. I mean jeez, blue circles? mod red and tan? grey branches? I guess my creativity runs out when it's time to name my designs...
Oh well.
I love you, Spoonflower.
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This is a screen shot from the Olympic themed contest results, found here. My gymnastics fabric snuck in at spot #10! I was so shocked when I saw it I think I may have stopped breathing for a minute.
Here's a screen shot from Spoonflower's flickr page that shows how it looks printed. So exciting!
After getting the news, I decided to finally open my shop and put some of my designs up for sale. Here's what my shop looks like right now.
The first 5 designs have been entered in weekly contests: Olympics, stars and stripes, retro kitchen, pomegranates, and motorcycles. I love entering the contests because it makes me create designs that I wouldn't think of otherwise.
Creating fabrics is so fun... but I think I need to work on my titles. I mean jeez, blue circles? mod red and tan? grey branches? I guess my creativity runs out when it's time to name my designs...
Oh well.
I love you, Spoonflower.
Pin It Now!
Monday, August 6, 2012
that one time we got lost in a maze
Today I thought I’d share a memory with you guys. The theme for today’s photo challenge at
Mercantile Muse was retro groove, and
lookie what gem I found in my photo archive?
And thus I find that today is the perfect time to share the
story of the Dole Plantation Maze.
The setting: Oahu,
Hawaii, 2010
The characters: Me,
Andy, lots of smart kids, lots of snails
Andy and I took a big trip to Hawaii two years ago (best vacation ever). One morning we decided to be
touristy and go to the Dole Plantation. Well, we got there and decided to be even more
touristy and bought tickets to do the maze.
I mean, it was the world's largest maze! How could we resist? Sounded like an okay idea.
But approximately two hours later, we found ourselves covered in bugs and dripping with sweat and frustration and lost in that stupid maze! A maze that tiny children were happily running around in and escaping from left and right. But oh no, there we were. I’m talking honest to goodness lost, and feeling trapped! We realized this wasn’t some ha-ha-fun-times -oh-golly-gee-a-maze maze. (Maybe we should have taken a look at these photos before we decided to try it.)
This was serious. We could see the exit but couldn’t get there. Time continued to tick by and we started to mildly panic (okay maybe that was just me). Not like {ahh we’re gonna die!} but more like {we’re on this beautiful vacation and yet here we are wasting hours in a maze?!? A MAZE?!?! WHY???}
But approximately two hours later, we found ourselves covered in bugs and dripping with sweat and frustration and lost in that stupid maze! A maze that tiny children were happily running around in and escaping from left and right. But oh no, there we were. I’m talking honest to goodness lost, and feeling trapped! We realized this wasn’t some ha-ha-fun-times -oh-golly-gee-a-maze maze. (Maybe we should have taken a look at these photos before we decided to try it.)
This was serious. We could see the exit but couldn’t get there. Time continued to tick by and we started to mildly panic (okay maybe that was just me). Not like {ahh we’re gonna die!} but more like {we’re on this beautiful vacation and yet here we are wasting hours in a maze?!? A MAZE?!?! WHY???}
Did I mention we were surrounded not only by happy kids
finding their way out in 30 seconds flat, but by no fewer than 200 snails
mating in the bushes at every turn? You
heard me. Snails. Mating.
This was how we chose to spend our once in a lifetime vacation in
paradise?
Oh yeah and see that fun little card I'm holding? You were supposed to find these little hidden booths and get the stamp or something at each one. See how mine is blank? Yeah, we weren't very good at finding those. We totally failed at this maze. I mean, honestly.
Oh yeah and see that fun little card I'm holding? You were supposed to find these little hidden booths and get the stamp or something at each one. See how mine is blank? Yeah, we weren't very good at finding those. We totally failed at this maze. I mean, honestly.
Well anyways, long story short, we made it out alive, saw some gorgeous
flowers, snapped a few photos, took a train ride (Andy loves trains… LOVES
TRAINS), ate some pineapple whip ice cream, bought a bag of chocolate covered macadamia nuts, and called it a day.
In summary- Hawaii:
good. Mazes in Hawaii: bad.
But I can't really complain, because it was beautiful there. Hawaii is exactly how you expect it to be. Everything is just as beautiful as the pictures, it's just unbelievable. Best place ever. If you get the chance, you should go. Just don't try the maze.
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