I’m really into monochrome right now. I love the great variety available using black, gray and white. I’ve decided to do my illustrations for Kevin the Complainer this way, utilizing other colors for symbolism or emphasis.
Personal Success
Two Funnies
I made the inner flowers go the wrong direction. Or…is it the outer petals that are incorrect? Either way, I find the end result interesting. It makes the outer petals look like thorns.
A funny quote from my 15-year-old daughter yesterday:
“Mom, I’m out of chocolates and I’m out of hot Cheetos. I’ve lost the will to live.”
Quelle Coincidence!
“Living in the present moment is living free of the burden of the personality.”
Eckhart Tolle
I chose this quote from Tolle and then I found this beautiful photo on unsplash.com. I looked up the name of the photographer to give credit…
Peace in Unlikely Places
“Instead of seeking liberation in some future moment, realize that the “limitations” you are experiencing right now are openings into presence…into space. When you surrender to that, you are rooted into the formless and deep peace.
Nothing in the world of form matters that much.”
Eckhart Tolle
Enjoying the Process
I’m happy with the chameleon, but I think I’ll make a black cat with white details.
Make it Matter
It’s the holiday season and maybe you are shopping for gifts. Why not make it matter?
Watching TOMS founder speak about taking action in the face of fear is awe-inspiring:
Mmm…What’s up, Doc?
Bunnies can turn their ears 180 degrees.
Inspired by Costco
There once was a lady named Mame
who had a love for candy cane
Then – post-Christmas discounts
Menthol strain caused her to flounce
And that was the end of Lady Mame
No Problem
Jiddu Krishnamurti: “Do you know what my secret* is? I don’t mind what happens.”
By this, he did not mean blindly accept everything (oppression, violence, etc.) but to accept reality, and to not be “put off” by unforeseen circumstances. This is where you must start before exacting change or growth.
He lived by the tenet, “I don’t mind at all.” So I decided that would be my mantra today.
I sat down to paint. “Caroline, can you help me get my car to the garage for servicing?” I don’t mind at all.
And then I wanted to take a bath. “Honey, can you help me fix the window?” I don’t mind at all.
Throughout the day, I was called upon to do something unplanned and I thought, I don’t mind at all.
Saying it to myself in response to these events, I felt my body relax and my brain say, “This isn’t a big deal, I’m happy to help.”
I still managed to get my work done and I just completed a painting. I’m about to take a bath now…unless, of course, someone needs me.
*secret to complete inner peace
Kevin the Complainer it is!
The results of my survey are in. I surveyed 90 5th graders and 30 6th graders:
I love using the survey feature in Google Classroom and the students appreciate being able to “vote” on everything from what kind of assessment to complete (quiz, diorama, paper, etc.) to helping me choose my next book title.
Kismet 