December 2nd

Remember how pleased I was about firing the kiln in yesterday's post? Well, I must have done something wrong because when I went to unload the kiln today, I discovered that I had lost about 85% of the pieces inside.... Whoops! This means that I have to adapt my schedule for the last few weeks of school, and hopefully my students will be flexible. I showed the mess to one student this morning who said, "That's ok. I didn't really like my pot anyway. I'd like to do it over again." I love that positive attitude. 

The kids are a bit bonkers this time of year and it's normal. They have a lot of work because grades are due, and they are excited/ready for the holiday break. That means more tests and projects for them, and art class is no exception. Today we did something a little bit different to get them out of their comfort zone. I think it went over well, but I still have to read their reflections. 

I get this question a lot, "is it good?" I cringe when I hear it. I want my students to understand that each of us have our own unique aesthetic and point of view. I can't answer questions like, "is it good? Is this enough?" etc. They need to start using their own judgement. I hope that art class will give them the tools to judge for themselves. We played a game of chance with dice and mark making cards. They had no idea what they were going to create when they came in the classroom. I thought some of their work was pretty good. I should write about it more in depth at a later time. Hopefully, later this week after I repeat the activity again with another class.  

She likes to tickle and hug me. It's the cutest thing ever!

I'm really lucky that I work part-time. In many ways it's hard, but it's wonderful to be home with my daughter.  This afternoon was no exception. We listened to Christmas music, made a mushroom and leek quiche, and did a few loads of laundry. I fell asleep in her room tonight, I've been staying up late trying to be productive. Obviously, this schedule doesn't really work and it caught up with me.

I'll end with some photos from our laundry excursion. Oddly enough, I didn't take any photos of the room itself. Oh well.

Tryck på knappen! (Push the button!)

This is the que system to use the laundry. One moves the lock, which represents the apartment, to an open time slot. When I first saw it/used it, I found it bizarre. Now, I find it to be a pretty good system.

Her tiny socks make me so happy. 

December 1st

This morning I woke up with a strong desire to document my days. I don't know why... Maybe it's because I'm getting older, maybe it has to do with having a child, maybe it's this creative itch that has been nagging me. Even though I teach art, it's been so difficult to find time to create for myself. I should be grading projects right now, and I'll get to that in a minute...

I figured out how to work a Swedish kiln! In all honesty, I did get the temperature speed wrong because of Fahrenheit/ Celsius confusion.

Normally I don't work on Tuesdays, but it's crunch time at school with projects and grades. So, the first order of the day was to unload and load a bisque ware kiln. There were only two casualties in the kiln. I kept telling my students not to leave the clay too thick, and to be sure to wedge the air bubbles out. At least it's a teachable moment, but I hope the two owners of the pots aren't too disappointed. 

I took Ann-Sofi to our Tuesday play/singing group in the old neighborhood where we used to live. The kids were able to make a special craft today. After the group, we went to our old apartment to pick up a few things that we've been missing. We're in temporary digs for a few weeks because we had a mold situation in the old place. Hopefully, it will be finished and sorted out soon. However, it seems as if they are still drying the damp walls. 

Isn't it beautiful? It's a tea light holder. 

Even in the dark days, this little lady brings the sunshine. 

I had an appointment in town today, so while Ann-Sofi slept I lunched and took the opportunity to Christmas and window shop. 

Don't judge. 

I just discovered Knapp-Carlsson, a shop in town that sells so many buttons and sewing notions.
It is AWESOME!

After button shopping, second-hand shopping, and grocery shopping, we came home and stayed busy with class preparations for tomorrow and cooking dinner. 

Mark making cards in the making for tomorrow's chance activity...

Tonight's menu: Brussels sprouts (1 kilo for 10 SEK!), torsk (cod) and carrot soup (1 kilo for 10 SEK!) 10 SEK = ($1.15 USD, or €1)

Here she is eating Brussels sprouts! I think it's because she was loving using a big fork.
Don't be fooled by this photo though, most of the meal was on the floor.
Also, Dado (papa) cut her hair. I'm used to it now. 

 Now it's time to say good night. I have a cup of Texas pecan coffee here and a portfolio full of drawings to be graded and commented on. Ugh....  Signing off for tonight... 

xoxo