Talents?

Many months ago, I was going through some clothes in my closet and was dreaming of ways I could reuse some of the old shirts I have. My creativity doesn't run too wild in that department, but I still thought to myself, "Sometimes I wish I had a sewing machine." This was a very fleeting thought, that was primarily on my mind because I have a bunch of friends who are good seamstresses and I had been involved in many of their recent conversations about things that had been sewing.

That same day, or maybe it was the next, I received a phone call from Layla.

"Hello?"
"Hi Diana, I have a random question for you. Do you want a sewing machine?"
Completely taken aback, I replied, "Umm...what?"


Layla told me of her current circumstance, where she was helping clean out a house and either putting things in the garbage or in a pile for donations. As I recall her telling the story to me later, she said when she got to this old sewing machine, she immediately thought of me. She pushed away the thought because it really is an old machine, and why would I want this old machine? But, thinking of me again, she picked up the phone and called me anyway.

And, it really made me happy. To be honest, I felt like it was a tender mercy from the Lord. Like, He was aware of my random wants (not even a need!) and He was happy to bless me with them. I don't really know how to explain it--except I felt this obligation all of the sudden, to learn how to use it because of the manner in which I received it.

Don't ask me if what I've sewn with it so far. I don't have an answer for you.

Is this an example of burying a talent?

He's at work

Today is a little bit of a windy, cloudy day. Michael and I still walked to the UPS store nearby to ship something off, but other than that we've been inside without a car, because Richard's at work.

I love being able to say that.

He is just doing freelance design for a company, but they asked him to go in for the day to work side-by-side another guy on a project. So, for at least one day this month I'll be over-using the phrase, "Oh yes, Richard's at work."

Heel Dreams

Sometimes I wish I wasn't so tall so I could wear heels and not look awkwardly enormous. But, sometimes I indulge and wear them anyway--but only at the store. Then, I carefully wrap them back up and place them in their boxes and go on my happy way.

ParkTimePlayTime

I learned how to be the popular mom at the park. Bring sidewalk chalk and bubbles.

A few days ago, Michael and I did just that. I sat on the grass, pulled out the bubbles and it wasn't long before I had 6-7 little kids by my side.

They were just like the birds on Finding Nemo repeating over and over, "Bubbles? Bubbles?"

So, I continued to blow bubbles. Some kids chased, and other kids hung out by my feet and coloring with chalk, begging for me to compliment their every line and squiggle.

And then I noticed it. I noticed that Michael wasn't around me anymore. I started glancing here and there. Where had Michael gone? I spotted him far off, starting to curl up comfy with himself in a secluded corner of the park.....with my iPhone in hand. Yes, somehow amidst the hustle and bustle and distraction of the other kids, he had managed to pull my phone from my pocket just to run off and play uninterrupted for a little while.

Some Pictures I Like

Michael

10 reasons I love this boy:
10. He sure knows how to cheese it up (to get his way).
9. He's a pretty good friend. It makes me happy when babysitters tell me he was "really good" and played well with their children.
8. He likes to play Pacman, Angry Birds, Plants Vs. Zombies with me.
7. That he is practically potty-trained in every way. His nursery teacher had to bring him to me twice today, because he told her he needed to go to potty. The second time Michael said to me, "The pee-pee just keeps coming, Mom!"
6. That when he gets frustrated, he grunts and stomps his feet.
5. That he's quick to say "sorry".
4. That he loves to eat tomatoes just like an apple.
3. I love it when I catch you humming/singing along to songs on the radio in the car. Country singer in the making. ;)
2. When he randomly says, "Mommy, I love you."
1. I love how excited you are for your next birthday. You practice blowing out candles-saying you won't be scared next time. And, when you see something you want, you kindly tell me, "You can get this for my birthday."

I just love my boy.

Bragging about my Grad

The sole purpose of this post is to brag about this guy:

You may remember this post from last year when it was huge news for us when he passed his Portfolio 1 class. He was the only student in the BFA design department that quarter to pass, straight up, without a "conditional" (an additional three days to get your work up to satisfaction).

This quarter, his only class was Portfolio 2, which involved prepping for his portfolio show and preparing 6 more projects to present to a panel of teachers. He's created some pretty fascinating things and is very thorough, detailed and passionate about graphic design.

Monday was the big day to present to teachers who would determine whether he passed the class or would have to retake the course. Richard said the teachers kept asking question after question, making him dig into details about why he designed things the way he did. He was told that a board game he designed was one of the best projects to come out of the school. That is a huge compliment! When time was up, the academic director stood, shook his hand, and said one word: "Congratulations" then immediately exited the room. Richard just stood there and looked at the other teachers and said, "So, did I pass?" They laughed, and said, "Yes, you passed."

His confusion came because the girl before him had to exit the room for a period of time, while the teachers deliberated, and he thought he'd have the same experience. Out of 9 students in his class: 4 passed, 2 got conditionals, and 3 failed. I wasn't worried about Richard. He's wonderful.

The last event of his school career is his portfolio show at Benaroya Hall on Monday from 12-3pm! (Public Welcome!)

I cannot believe this chapter is coming to a close. Holy cow, it's so surreal.

Check out his website as it stands right now: www.richardandersondesign.com You can also see some pictures of the board game he created. It's still in the game testing mode, but it's playable!

He's been blessed with some freelance work to keep him busy for the next two months. Otherwise, if you hear of any graphic design opportunities, brag about Richard. He's proved himself in school, and I'm positive he'll bring as much zeal to the work force.

This is an i-phone picture of us. I like it, even if it's somewhat unrelated to everything I just wrote.