Apartment Therapy

Our home was featured in an on line home design and trade magazine called ApartementTherapy.com

It was interesting to see our home through the lens of the photographer and to read peoples comments. Thankfully, most were complimentary. However, there are those who can be very critical and my get all nitpickey about all these aspects of your home.  In the end it is the place in which you live and it has to please you and our family. Lastly, it is always a work in progress. I tell ya it's a bit weird to have strangers look at your home and make comments on it.  But anyway...check it out if your interested. It certainly was a fun experience.

Today...Just Thanks!

Considering the connection of my blog title to the idea of "Neverland" I felt the need to just say a little something. No matter how many of us saw this coming for years the reality of it is so hard to take. Such a wondrous, tragic and ultimately sad life. How lucky we should all count ourselves to have witnessed  the pure gift of talent grow from childhood and expand into unexplainable genius in adulthood. I don't believe there is anyone alive today who has not received  directly or indirectly something from the talents of Michael Jackson. I relate in so many ways to being able to capture and hold onto the things that make us so alive, so fresh, so excited and passionate about life as we are in childhood.  I chose to keep in my memory the wonders of Michael Jackson and  the shinning example of an undeniable gift given from something way bigger than us and then shared with the world. So today...just wonderful memories and music of childhood, of a little boy who could sing and dance like no one else, growing up with the Jackson5 and the talent of Michael Jackson..and I vow to play that music for my child, to use it as an example of pure talent and him as an example of a true original and originator  with the hopes of never having to discuss any of the ugliness, hoping that now it all goes away (but knowing that it will get uglier than ever, I think I will choose to ignore the media). 

Thank you Michael.

Jazz Age Lawn Party

Sunday, June 7 we went to a most fun event with some very good friends. It was a Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island. The 20's/ 30's/40's being my favorite American times of the past, I was into it!! Gi and her special friend Lily were like two little flappers. They didn't even have to do much,  just with their everyday hair cuts they fit right in.  I'll tell you it was a beautiful day and just another special event that made me fell like I Love where I live and I am blessed with very special friends!!! Funny none of us had never visited Governors Island before. Even though we all pass it on the ferry to and from Manhattan all the time. We've all always wanted to go and I am sure glad we all did. What an interesting place. I want to go back on a weekday when there are not as many people and just explore! It's a wonderful picnic spot and so easy from SI! 

But, this Lawn Party was fun and special.  The Dreamland Orchestra  was playing and so many people really dressed the part. You really felt like you were back in time. I found out about it a bit late and we were rushing to get there but..next year perhaps I'll make a better effort and plan to stay the whole day!

 

Ma Petite Artiste!

 Ah Ma Petite Artiste (hmmm...is my French O.K.?).  G's latest works have been really wonderful!!

As an artist I am so unbelievably proud and astonished at what she does. These two especially grabbed my attention because they are so colorful. Often she grabs one color and just uses it and when she changes colors she changes pages. But that all seems to have changed with these two drawings. It's also unbelievable for me as a professional artists to look at my child's work and learn and admire.  It's funny because as I teach her, she reteaches me!! I watch her as she naturally works her way around the page just intuitively balancing and composing. It reminds me to allow myself to be more free and spontaneous. To let things happen.  

I have also explained to her what a work in progress is and now the drawing directly above is still on her easel and she is adding to it.  I told her to let me know when she thinks it's finished and I will put new paper up for her. So..stay tuned for the finished product! Hmmm..maybe we'll frame this one!!

First Dance Recital

What a special day it was this past Sunday. G's first dance recital of I hope many many more!! I feel that dance class really helped her to be less shy and more free to express herself in front of others. She took to it just about immediately. She went right into the class on the first day without me and just went for it. She never wanted to miss a class...so we didn't. She got an award for having perfect attendance. I think she was very proud of herself  and her accomplishment. Other than her and maybe one more little girl who was in the slightly older class all the other award recipients were the older girls. So I think she felt special.

On stage she did a surprisingly amazing job.  I think she really did all the steps and with lots of energy! THey did a dance to "You Must have been a Beautiful Baby." I did think she would do O.K. but it was her first time on a big stage and I thought she might get a bit overwhelmed and maybe just stand there a bit then do a step or two. But, the stage did not seem to bother her at all. She just did it!! Funny because she would never show me her dance at home if I asked her nor did she practice at home.  I really think she performs better when I'm not right there with her. That is fine by me...as long as the results are as wonderful as this!!! We are so proud of her!!!

It was especially wonderful for her to have her two very special friends Lily and Lucy in class with her and for them to share the class time and this day together. The day was even more special because she had so much of her family in the audience there to see her. We had a lovely day celebrating after ,all friends and family had a very nice lunch at The Veranda and we brought in an ice cream cake with all three girls names on it and big tall candles that they all blew out together. Really a wonderful and memorable day!!!

Haven's Birthday Gifts

It was our special friend Haven's Birthday this weekend and she is loving Hello Kitty right now. So, just for her I did a Hello Kitty crown and wand.  I would normally not do a licenced character but....I made an exception and I think it was worth it!  I really love how they turned out!  She also really wanted some of my little cakes so...Enjoy Haven and Happy 3rd year!!!!  We love ya!!!

UhOh..G really liked this one....I'm going to have to come up with something real special to get her mind off making her a Hello Kitty Crown and wand..hmmmmm.

Fiona's Birthday Gifts

The last two weekends were filled with Birthdays. My hands were busy!! This is the crown and wand I made for Fiona. Enjoy and Happy 4th Birthday Fiona!!

Mungo's Birthday Gifts

I am absolutely enjoying making gifts for G's friends on their Birthdays. This one was especially fun.  It was really my first "BOY" stuff .  I don't think to often in terms of boys for the obvious reasons. But, I really had a good time with this gift ! Enjoy Mungo and Happy 4th Birthday!!

                                           All wrapped up!
G having fun trying on Mungo's gifts!!

 I tie dyed a white Tee and then stitched the skull and cross bones and made a pirate hat and eye patch to go with it.

Grant mention

On this blog I just wanted to make a brief mention of my recent Grant Award.

Yes, I am a recipient of the JPMorganChase Arts in our Communities Grant from The Coalition on Arts and Humanities for Staten Island (COAHSi). I am honored and excited!! This is my first grant and I intend to make the most of it!!!

Please see my other  PatriziaV  blog for more details.

A Magical Day

Last Friday I spent a really wonderful day with my girl.  Days like this I really feel like she is turning into my little side kick and hang out buddy. It was a day with no "issues" for the most part and we just enjoyed each others company and had a great little time. The Carousel at Willowbrook Park has been a very special place for us since G was a just a baby. She just LOVES it there. Her face totally lit up with joy and excitement when I surprised her with our first visit to the Carousel this season. Really the entire park is very magical. Of course the main attraction is the beautifully restored Carousel but then there is a sweet little playground to spend a bit of time at and the wonderful pond to take walks or bike rides around and of course the FEARLESS Ducks!! If you pack a picnic lunch it could makes for a few hours of serenity.

Arts and Ed. end of year festival 2009

Before "G" was born I taught as and Adjunct Art Professor, in Continuing Ed. programs and private classes to adults. I never imagined myself teaching under College level. But, after she was born those positions seemed even harder to come by than before. This year I am proud to say I have gotten myself back into teaching. Thanks to a very dear friend I was able to get a class teaching "gifted" middle school kids and I have started up my studio classes  again. Well...the Middle school thing was very unexpected but, let me tell you, one of the most rewarding teaching experiences of my life. Here are some pix from our recent end of the year art festival exhibit. I am very proud of all my students and humbled to be one of the many teachers that will come into their lives. A big thanks to Jimmy again for sending this opportunity my way!  

Tiny Dancer/ April "catch up" #3

Oh my gosh..what do you do when you wake up on a Saturday morning and after rushing to get dressed and get out of the house there is a moment of stillness and you look up and gaze upon this standing there in your kitchen!!
You just take a deep breath and hold back from becoming a silly crying crazy Mama!!
For some reason the month of April brought about a change in my girl. She has shot up and become a longer more elegant figure. Sure she is still only 3.5 years old but suddenly that real baby/toddler body is vanishing and a girl is emerging. I must say it is lovely when your child really takes to something as beautiful as dance. I can only hope she remains as taken with it as she is now. As we all know she does not take to many things very easily but she just loves her Dance and it has for sure for us been money and time well spent.  
We are now looking forward to her very first dance recital in just a few weeks. It will be a very special day no matter how well she follows the routine!

April "catch up" #2

I have really been trying to go to more community oriented events. I feel so blessed to have met such diverse and interesting people here on S.I.  I actually feel more part of a community here than I ever have while living in NYC or ever on Long Island! The people I have met assure me that we made the right choice when moving here 6 years ago. Granted it has taken a while and perhaps that is due to the fact that we spent the first many years using every spare moment to fix up our house (which still needs SO much more work).  But, I also believe it is my child that has connected me to such wonderful people and my making efforts to be part of something.

There are fun little things going on all the time here and even the smallest little festivals can prove to be very special indeed. These images are from one of  those "little festivals." This one took place on April 25th  in the park just opposite the ETG cafe in St. George. It was an afternoon of fun Music including the ever popular S.I. jug band WahooSkiffleCrazies, and wonderful dance acts like Manhattan Tribal.

A really wonderful tribal belly dance troupe.
The awesome people from ETG also put on a puppet show with large puppets made of paper mache.  The entire event happening in that little park made from a wonderfully memorable afternoon that my girl and I were lucky to spend with friends and neighbors!! 



 
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April "catch up" #1

My goodness it has been a busy month! I can hardly believe my last post was a month ago!! That is just shameful. Well you can only do what you can do...right! 

Anyway, April was non stop.  I am just going to post some fun stuff that I would love to share!

Lucy's Fantastic Dance Party!! 

Lucy's Priate Princess gifts. I must say I LOVE how these turned out!! The necklace can be worn as a pin as well.

My girl modeling Lucia's Pirate Princess Crown. 

 

The Joy of Making Gifts

Knowing that Lily just got a new Kitchen for her Birthday, I figured some pretty felt treats would be a wonderful addition and with some pretty pink measuring bowls...what more can a girl want! Maybe....some pretty Birdie hair clips with a necklace to match! I tell you, I am really enjoying making gifts for Gi's friends. I kinda think about the child and do something I think is in tune with their personality. I always ask Gi what she thinks to get her in on it. I will ask her " So do you think Lily will really love it if I make her some felt cakes, cookies and strawberries and also some birdie clips and a necklace for her Birthday?"  She got very excited and said "Yes, she will! Make them, Make them!!"  I let her cut my thread for me sometimes to keep her part of it. It's really a joy to make something and be able to give it as a gift. It is very rewarding and so far all of the time extremely very well received and appreciated. Next Birthday is Lucy...hmm what will we make for her? Anyway... Enjoy Lily, we love you!!  

New from Old

I have always had this thing for trying to making something out of nothing, or something new from something old or broken. I was thrilled to pass this idea down to my child. Last week while digging for colors in the big crayon tin we noticed lots of small broken pieces. Gi actually pointed out how many broken ones there were. I felt it a great opportunity to show her this little trick. I said "hey we can change them. We can make one big colorful crayon from all these small pieces. Then you'll have one crayon with lots of colors in it."

She was excited to see how we were going to do this. "It's sooo easy!" I said. So, we took all the scraps put them into a  metal mold, melted them in the toaster oven, let them cool down to room temp  then into the freezer for a few minutes then pop them out!"

I got a great "WOW" response that was very pleasing!  It was so pretty too that we decided to make another to use as a decorative element on a friends birthday present! I can expect we will be doing this with all of our broken crayon bits for years to come!

Egg Proud!

"Here's the Easter Rabbit Horray" - Buggs Bunny

 Just after breakfast we made our Easter eggs. This is the first year with G that we really dove into the traditions of Easter. My girl is three now and it just seems like this year she is much more able to have fun with it all. She does not get the religious aspects of it of course....maybe next year. Right now she thinks we are celebrating the arrival of Spring, and for now that's fine by me. Worth celebrating don't ya think!  We had lots of fun trying different techniques to make our eggs. She was very taken with the way the marbleized ones turned out. As we made them she said "Oh, look at that!"  She will do her first Easter Morning Egg hunt and she is very excited about it. As I made her first real Easter basket and hid the eggs I thought about the many years to come doing this, how certain things will remain the same as she grows and how some will change. I remember always enjoying it as a child and well into my teens. My two sisters and I would always get really into it. Without fail, every year my Mom would forget where she hid some of the eggs. Remembering that, I jotted down all their locations! I wouldn't want my dog sniffing out a bad egg in a week or so!!   

Gi's  special Egg. I love it! It's the oddest one of the bunch, she made it all by herself and it's her favorite and therefor mine too! Too bad she is allergic to eggs....she won't be eating any poor girl!

For Marbleized egg effect just put some olive oil into the egg dye and spin egg around in it! Try layering the colors, put a solid first then a marbleized on top!

And why not put all your eggs in one basket???  Especially  if the basket is this pretty? These are all ready and waiting for the Easter Bunny to come and hide them.

MMMM Ice Cream!

What more can you ask for on a wintery day but a "wauk in da maul" Saten Island style with Mama and Aunt M and pizza and ice cream at the food court! These pix were taken last Sunday just before the snow came. My girl does love her ice cream but..she's got that egg allergy so... FYI mostly all Baskin -Robbins ice cream..NO EGGS!! Thanks BR!! I've title these pix for a bt of added humor.Ice Cream Envy
This is the best chocolate ice cream I've ever had!!!
I vas a French Painter in a past life (french accent requested).

A Girl's Best Friend

What more can I say that these pix don't already! 

I don't know if it is because it's winter and we've been spending more time at home or what, but Giulietta is just all about Jacopo (ya-co-po) these days. He has been dressing up and attending tea parties! The poor dog has been through so much the past year and a half. He developed Glaucoma and lost his vision, then he is a genetically prone to bad teeth and no matter what we do, his teeth are just  bad . He had to have 14 removed in January. He still has a good amount of teeth left so, dogs must have lots of teeth. After all this he is doing just fine. If you couldn't see a fogginess in his eyes and just went by his behavior, you'd never know he was blind. He navigates himself around really well. Anyway, he's getting lots of attention these days. Steve and I say if he did have his sight though, she's never get away with the pink tiara on the head!