Self Portrait

Out on a limb with no hope of rescue with this one...
So... had a request for a picture of me. Well, I sort of thought that my photo as a come on was quite enough, but , for those of you who just want more, here you are. I felt really bad today at school, but one sweet little bug brought me azaleas and I pinned them into my hair. So when I got home and things went steadily down-hill, it was the flowers that brought me back to fun.

I'm really putting myself out there with this, as I don't do this sort of thing. Ever. So I need someone to make a comment. Tell me to lay off the paint. Tell me to pile on the paint. I don't care.

"Nearly Natural"

Full Moon (almost) and a Poem

This morning when I left home to make sure my classroom was ready for a sub (I have a lovely case of the flu, but I'm not complainin' just 'splainin') I saw the moon just peeking through. Since I knew there would be a total eclipse and that we would probably miss it, I couldn't resist a little shot.

If you are inside because of the weather, like me, during the last total eclipse for two years, maybe you would like to listen to a poem instead. It is from a CD that local poets recorded about four years ago. And, yes, that is Edward playing in the background.

http://nwlaartgallery.com/Literary%20CD/NadineACharityTrack09.mp3

February Garden

The daffodils are just coming into their own.
The forsythias that started to bloom in December are still at it. Amazing!

After two days of rain, the plants are happy. Spring is about to arrive full force.

Kate Turns Seven!

Kate is seven and opted for a weekend in Dallas instead of a party. Smart girl!
Everyone is ready to go.
Daddy is soooooo happy.

Uncle Edward showed up just in time to give Kate a big birthday kiss.

February fifteenth and the Japanese Magnolias are in full bloom.
Camille is my kind of girl...all dressed up to go to Dallas and ready to climb a tree for a photo op.

Northwestern/ Natchitoches Symphony Concert

The concert is half over and Edward and Christina both look pleased with how things are going.
Edward did a great job and we are proud.
Get a cup-a and settle in for some fun!
Here is the link to watch it just like you were there yourself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GGOpjti_kk

Everybody showed up and had a great time.

Highland Parade

It turned out to be a beautiful day for Mardi Gras fun.

I was impressed by the "Blanc / Noir energy level. This parade is no walk in the park.

We just couldn't wait for the "Krewe of Bar-B- Que." They include the mustard right in the foil package. How thoughtful.

Caddo Magnet Orchestra brought to you by Robert Trudeau

You can go to one of Robert's many blogs, like Shreveport Faces, and see the end result, but this is how it is done!

And... the concert following the photo shoot was excellent. Congratulations to Elaine Webb and all of the talented musicians.

Sushi and Sushimi

Karen has such good fashion sense. Here she is wearing my Christmas scarf gift with a Deb Barnes pin. Ooo, la, la! Just right for an evening at the sushi bar.

We sat at the Sushi bar so long, and were having such a nice time that they started giving us taste treats just to try.

Second Line

Louisiana will host the National Art Educator's Convention in New Orleans in March, and all of the host teachers are hard at work to make it a big party.

We are making lots of umbrellas so we have a few to give away during the Binney and Smith party at Mardi Gras World. These teachers know how to have a good time.

Lea's Means Pies

Used to be we could time our trip from Centenary back home to New Orleans for winter break so that just about lunch time we would end up on the doorstep of Lea's. Now it takes a special act of the Louisiana Art Educator's Association (a meeting in LeCompte at Rapides Parish High School to work on constitution and by-laws) that assures proximity. Oh, for the good old days!

A plate lunch, a ham sandwich, a slice of coconut pie. Can lunch get better than this?

Nine, count 'em, nine kinds of pie to choose from.

Book Merchant, Natchitoches

Fans of the "Pulpwood Queens" might want to plan a trip down to the store on Monday, January 26th for a fun signing party. We think it begins at 6 in the evening, so "makable" from Shreveport after work. And...there will be wine and a nice party atmosphere. Don't we all love our indie booksellers?

J. Michael always has so much more than books to offer. In the back there is a sculpture by Sheldon Meacham. Keep your eyes open as there may be an exhibit in the offing soon.

S & H Kaffie, Natchitoches

As it is on the National Register of Historic Places, it has lots of the old-time display accents, as well as a museum atmosphere. Some things are just for display, but many items are for sale. Order your horseshoes, in lots of styles and sizes, as well and barbed wire and springs.

Back-Splash II

I learned about grouting today. It is a labor intensive process.
Just a bit to do and we will have a kitchen, at last!

Peace and Goodwill

Prince and the cat doing their part for world peace.
Prince and the cat, able to do what we can't: co-exist.

Even Fred has joined the group. This is a bona-fide miracle.

Zojoji Temple

Three times on the news yesterday I saw the New Year Celebration at the Zojoji temple, which was right next to our hotel in Tokyo. I just couldn't resist a little bit of reminiscing. If you want to see some video, google New Year Tokyo Tower. When you see the u-tube video with the transparent balloons you will be in the right place. I could link it here, but what fun would that be?? Best New Year Wishes to everyone!

Front entrance to the temple

The ropes ring the temple bell. Leave a contribution in the box between the ropes. Yen fell into the box all during the two prayer sessions I attended.

Here is my book with the inscription from the Zojoji temple, and the tiny cat charm for my cell phone; my last purchase before boarding the bus for the airport.

Priceless memories for only 200 yen!