michelle ward

gobsmacked

Don't know what it means?  British slang, look it up. 

Remember these?  I'm talking about the BIG ones.  Like you carried in junior high.  Hard to find, aren't they?  Just taking a whiff of one takes me back.  Strawberry - classic.  Sure the small ones smell the same....but the BIG ones, they rock.  Guess what?  YOU CAN BUY THEM ONLINE!  This 8 pack (not including the small peppermint thrown in for scale) came from smackers.com.  In addition to the Dr. Pepper partnership there are several other flavors like A&W Rootbeer (yep, I was a carhop), Starburst, and M&M.  Take it from me - shy away from Jello and Skittles....they are too mushy.

Lip Smackers AND Mail Art!  What could be better?  Below is a piece from Lisa.  She almost sent package-less to emphasize the in-the-mail art....but I'm so glad she didn't.  That honey of a heart might have been crushed, or worse, confiscated!  (FYI - foundation: nearly 1/2" thick wood)  Love how she uses spray, especially the silver.  And those thorny vines?  Cool.

Heavy Lifting ~ Heavy Breathing

You saw his products at Target this past xmas.  His paper cuttings hanging from the ceiling.  Raise your hand if you asked for the displays?  I did.  Turned down.  I did score some of his paper garland - used some on packaging but saved the remainder for my spray stash.  Just released: the long awaited book!  Very huge, very juicy, very visually inspiring, as you would hope.  Get it at amazon, you'll save a few $$. 

Don't you love that he shows himself with his own temporary tattoos?  Crazy dude.

Lisa turned me onto the Swapp masks.  Very Boontje-like don't you think?  (Maybe too close) 

You've seen the influence of his style surfacing in many arenas, now you know where it originated.  Tord Boontje - you rock!

EDIT:  Have been browsing through the text and learned Target had a chance to launch TB clothing.  Dang!  Target, what were you thinking?  Maybe we'll get to see some eventually, but I want some now!

Size: XL

My new favorite stencil.  LOVE this pattern.  It's HUGE.  I wanted to point out the tags in the middle - that cool splotchy-ness happens when you spray black onto red when it's still wet.  How cool is that?  Some of you noticed the background paper in post about the Flame Book, so here are some details.

Here is the stencil hanging on an easel so you can get the idea of the size.  MASSIVE!

 

And above, some Photoshop manipulations from my sprayed papers.  I have more to show you but will save for tomorrow or at least soonish.  You're going to ask me where I got the stencil.  Want to fork over $40?  That's what this one cost.  I wanted to buy 2 - one to use with acrylic.  I refrained.  What can you bribe me with before I share my source? 

Wish upon a Starfish

You've probably heard this one.  The Starfish Story, author unknown:

A man was jogging down the beach after a major storm had just come through the area.  He was dismayed by the huge number of starfish that the storm had washed up on the beach.  He thought there was nothing he could do because of the immense numbers.  As he continued down the beach he saw a woman throw something into the water.  As he got closer, he saw the woman bend over, pick up a starfish and was about to throw it in the water.  The man asked "Why are you doing that?  There are thousands of starfish on this beach.  You can't possibly make a difference." 

The woman looked at the starfish, threw is back into the water and said, "I made a difference to that one didn't I?

One starfish at a time we can make a difference.  As Autism Awareness month draws to a close I wanted to acknowledge all the people who touch Sam's life, making a difference to him, and to our family.  I know his teachers come here on occassion so this will be a surprise to them.  To Maureen, Julie, and Dave, thank you for your dedication and enthusiasm for making Room 10 a success.  You know our boys so well and constantly try to offer them the best in real life experiences in addition to their academics.  Over the years I have had to offer Sam bribes to do certain things and the other day when I took him to the doctor my bribe was he could go back to school.  Now that is cool.  He loves it there.  To Mrs. Gabler, Miss Rosie, Mrs. G, Mrs. B, Mr. O, Mr. C, all the staff at Schor, and especially the buddies, thank you for loving Sam like we do.  It was a proud moment when the Room 10 boys sang the Star Spangled Banner at the school concert.  In my heart I was thinking "Look at these Starfish, what a difference you all have made to embrace diversity.  You applaud them singing on stage tonight, but you also act kind to them in the halls, and make school a place they want to be".  One of many things I'm grateful for.

Several times, for end-of-the-year teacher gifts I have made something with a starfish and enclosed the story above.  You don't have to have a special needs child to see the meaning in it.  Do you have someone who has made a difference in your life?  Share the story, thank them, and then pay-it-forward by making a difference to someone, somewhere, somehow, soon.

So HOT

Does it get any cooler than this?  Lisa knew I'd FREAK OUT for this book. Wouldn't you?  Most awesome.  Illustrations of white on black are peppered throughout.  Can't wait to alter this one!  Thanks Lisa.  Ya know when you have those kind of friends that get you?  Like really get you.  I have those kind of friends.  I told you I was lucky.

Cup of Luck?

I've got some to spare.  Wanna come over?

{Found at 8:15 this morning!}

Belated Wishes!!!!

<

What Dad takes an 8 year old to see a concert?  A Dad that knows he's got a rabid fangirl in the house and he'll get to see her flip out with the purest enthusiasm a full heart can express.  Then when she's 13 he'll take her and a group of friends to see another concert (KISS).  Now that I'm a parent I can comprehend why my father was willing to escort me to these dreamy events.  Creating memories, powerful ones.

I'm certain I had no idea David Cassidy was coming to town - I was only 8.  Dad must have read it in the paper and knew I'd get a kick out of it.  To put the fangirl scenario into perspective for you - I would play my albums on my bright orange close-and-play record player continuously.  My friends and I would lip-sync to the Partridge Family for the neighbors who had to PAY to see us perform in our garage.  (So that's where garage bands came from!)  I even had a faux microphone stand made from a t-ball "t" with my twirling baton stuck in it.  Occassionally I would use a screwdriver as a mic with a piece of yarn dangling....because remember, all mics had cords and it was cool to do stuff with the cord while singing.  Oh yeah, I had all the moves.  And I had the hair-cut....shagged out just like his so I got to be Keith.  Hair, check.  Mic stand, check.  Bell bottoms with hip-hugger waste and big belt, check.  Lip-sync, check.  (Hang on....a girl playing Keith Partridge?  I was proud to do it...I knew all the words.)  And Friday nights?  In front of the tv watching the show, of course.

Still love ya David.  Can you stand it?  Brown Eyes on YouTube.  There are more clips....dig around.  Swoon.

This Just In.....

My infatuation with spray paint continues.  The latest - spraying on clothing, can be seen in the new Altered Couture No. 2, by Stampington & Co.  How cool are these?  I have two pairs of sprayed jeans I wear all the time so I can attest to the washability of them - the stuff doesn't come off and it's not crusty provided you use a light hand when spraying.  Try it!  You'll rock in your trendy threads.  I'm loving that Stampington showed the INSIDE of the purse which has a Heartagram, something I never thought they would actually photograph.  I think it's Jenny's way of winking at me, knowing I'm a fangirl and would get a kick out of seeing my favorite symbol on the page.  AC2 is a great publication with lots of clever ideas.  Wanna get artsy with your clothing?  Pick it up!

EDIT:  If you haven't seen my previous postings about spray paint you can now scroll down on the left sidebar, find the CATEGORY bubble, and click on "article".  All the posts will appear like magic!

Overdue

Some overdue thank yous for COOL mail art received - this fab piece came in a clear envie, bringing joy to all who saw it in transit between L.A. and here.  Mary Ann gifted me with this, but you can share in her visual treats on her blog.

And this cool envelope came from Luxembourg!  Belinda kindly sent this fan girl a Metal Hammer magazine with adorable photos of my favorite rock star.  How cool is she?  Very, go see her cool art too.  Additional magazines featuring the band also came last month from Susanne in Sweden, and friends in England.  Could you hear me squealing over there?

Have more cool mail art to share...need to take a few photos first.  Have even more mail art to make....I'm behind!  Hey, we had a flood in the basement Sunday and I still was doing my taxes yesterday.  I need a creative fix!

what kind of world do you want

I had planned to show you this video as part of Autism Awareness.  It's a song by Five for Fighting, and by viewing this clip the band will donate $.49 with each play to Autism Speaks.  With the tragedy at Virginia Tech it is a fitting song to listen to.....What can one say at a time like this?  Music is always my comfort, so I offer this.  PEACE.

Got a package full of Wishes
A Time machine, a Magic Wand
A Globe made out of Gold

No Instructions or Commandments
Laws of Gravity or
Indecisions to uphold

Printed on the box I see
A.C.M.E.'s Build-a-World-to-be
Take a chance - Grab a piece
Help me to believe it

What kind of world do you want?
Think Anything
Let's start at the start
Build a masterpiece
Be careful what you wish for
History starts now...

Should there be people or peoples
Money, Funny pedestals for Fools who never pay
Raise your Army - Choose your Steeple
Don't be shy, the satellites can look the other way

Lose the Earthquakes - Keep the Faults
Fill the oceans without the salt
Let every Man own his own Hand

What kind of world do you want
Think Anything
Let's start at the start
Build a masterpiece
Be careful what you wish for
History starts now...

Sunlight's on the Bridge
Sunlight's on the Way
Tomorrow's Calling

There's more to this than Love

What Kind of world do you want
What Kind of world do you want

What Kind of world do you want
Think Anything
Let's start at the start
Build a masterpiece

History Starts Now

(by Five for Fighting)

Score: Perfect 10

We woke up to a sunny day, praise God.  After last year's party with pouring rain, and the forecast of a Nor-easter on the way, we were lucky to have a day of sun.  With the five boys from Room 10, fifteen buddies, six teachers, (3 came with their dogs) and our family, we had a lovely day outside!  Sam hauled in lots of loot and had a terrific day. 

Last year I passed out Autism Awareness bracelets in the goodie bag.  This year I made bracelets with an "X", the Roman Numeral for 10.  Since the boys are from Room 10 I thought it would be a clever way for the buddies to show they are in the clan.  But really, they deserve a "10" for being such cool kids, befriending and encouraging our special boys. 

Dye Supply

It's cheap, it's quick, it's easy.  Get some while on clearance - egg dye.  Every Easter I have tags, strings, paper swatches, and even coffee filters on stand-by to soak up the leftover dye.  I can't resist experimenting with the vibrant colors....even though it is not my comfort zone when it comes to this palette.  It's the only time of year you'll see me use these.  On the 2002 journal page you'll see I dropped the dyed bits into plastic pockets, laid over coffee filters.  The metal rimmed white tags are the best - use bunches of them dangling on a package, makes a great impression....especially if you spray paint the wrapping paper :)

EDIT:  I meant to mention earlier a congrats to Penny Stuart for having her name drawn on the last Crusade.  The next one has started, come see, and come play!  Crusade No. 7 ~ "Say What?"

Happy Birthday Sam!

If you would have called our house yesterday to wish Sam a "Happy Birthday" he would have replied "Why Thank You!", like a little gentleman.  Who knows where that came from but it made many of us smile as he enjoyed his day, especially after Easter brunch was cleared away and it was time for ordering pizza.

Before Graham's sister Sandra and her family left we took them to Rain Forest Cafe on Friday.  A last night out, complete with Volcano dessert ordered for Sam.  This birthday of his started early and will extend a week when we have the classmates and buddies come on Saturday for a party.  So the Volcano comes to the table with the waiters making quite a hoopla and Sam gets all shy.....then later says "You surprised me!"  Such spontaneous commentary, making me smile.  The men were off on the train to the city for a R&R concert and we headed toward Build-a-bear so our niece Molly, age 5 could make a bunny.  I hadn't been there in years since Fallon, now 11, has outgrown the adventure. 

What I didn't expect was that Sam would join in!  A Cat-in-the-Hat lured him in and soon we were at the filling station.  HERE'S THE COOL THING:  This month, for Autism Awareness, you can purchase a purple satin heart, proceeds going to Autism Speaks, to imbed in your animal.  Sam smothered the heart in kisses and buried it in the Cat, and soon was skipping off with his newest beloved.  Thing 1 and Thing 2 were added to the basket and I had one happy camper.  To most people in the mall that night it might have seemed a little odd to see my now 15 year old carrying around his Cat-in-the-Hat, waving a hand saying "happy birthday".  But for us, it was infectious to witness the pure joy in his heart.

I have always found it fitting that April is Autism Awareness month as we celebrate Sam's birthday.  Last year we had a HUGE party at the house with his classmates, teachers, and handfulls of buddies who come to help out in Room 10.  These kids are so awesome and have made it Cool to be Kind - boys and girls who sign up to participate in activities throughout the day with our special boys.  Having the party in April gives me the chance to thank them and to say a word about how cool it is to be in a school that embraces diversity.   Let's hope it doesn't rain this Saturday like last year.  Our home burst at the seams with 30+ guests last year :)

One last word today about Sam-the-Man.  Check him out in a TIE!  His first tie ever!  I never thought he'd actually do it.  I had to warm him up to it for several days.  He still seemed resistant to the idea until it came time to get on the shirt....and he let me do it!  He was so proud as we pulled up to the church to see one of his teachers, Mr. Dave, get married last week.  Look how handsome the Room 10 boys look!  I was so happy, I can't even tell you.

(The Sam-I-Am toy in top picture came from Kohl's, available last xmas, and Cat-in-the-Hat is from Builda-bear.)

For Sandra

Music - the ever sweet transporter of memories made.  With this video, Paul McCartney and Wings performing Mull of Kintyre, we'll remember the visit from Sandra, Dean, Harry, and Molly.  From Piscataway, NJ to Birmingham, England, with love.

Sound the Trumpets

At the church where I grew up, they presented Easter in such a powerful manner, I am still moved by the impression it left.  It was a contemporary building, a half circle of pews, facing the alter against a large brick wall.  On Good Friday evening, you entered a darkened church....stripped of all ornament, the only light was shown on a large cross leaning against the alter, with the bottom extending into the center aisle past the first few rows of pews.  You were given a nail as you silently took your seat.  The readings were very powerful, and almost scary, as members of the congregation were given the task of shouting "crucify him".  We were ushered up to the cross, kneeled to kiss it, and dropped our nail into a tin can.  All you could hear was the shuffling of feet on the carpeted aisles and the clanking of the nails as they dropped in.  I remember feeling sorrow and guilt that the people chose to put Jesus to death.  Years later I learned that the crosses used at Easter were saved from the previous Christmas...branches cut off, and the tree formed into a cross, crudely tied with rope.  Another powerful image.

Then, Sunday morning, dressed in our finest, we entered a brightly lit church.  On the back wall behind the alter hung dozens of white and yellow banners.  Potted lillies and daffodils piled EVERYWHERE.  Bells were ringing and the trumpets sounded, truly exclaiming the good news, that Jesus had risen.   I'll never forget that portrayal of JOY.  To experience a somber Good Friday, followed by a rejoicing Sunday, is the Easter I carry in my heart.

Let those of us who celebrate Easter remember why we honor this holy day.

And if you get black jelly beans in your basket, save them for me.  I love licorice.