DIY Chalkboard/Subway Art

Here is a little tutorial based on some artwork I've seen and admired recently.  First, you set off to Lowe's, have a piece of board cut to fit a frame, sand it smooth and paint it with chalkboard paint.

Then plan your design on some graph paper to keep your lines nice and tidy.  Flip your paper over and rub chalk all over the "wrong" side, then tape it "right side up" onto the chalkboard.  Now you simply need to trace over all your lovely words with pencil; the chalk will transfer onto the board.

Now gently take the paper off and you will be left with the image on the board.

Once again, you'll trace over the letters, this time with "wet-erase" chalkboard paint markers directly onto the chalkboard.  Now wipe away the chalk dust with an old-fashioned chalkboard eraser (or paper towel)!  Here is the end result:

To get some of the beautiful and precise results I've seen, I'd probably need to take a calligraphy class and use an extra-fine pen and chalkboard paper.
In the meantime, I've had fun trying my hand at this simple and fun piece of art.  And like Anne Shirley, I often imagine what the world would be like if it was always June!

Barn Wedding

Here are a few beautiful pictures that a friend posted on Facebook.  A barn wedding may be in the offing for one of our Vermont girls . . .

Michael's Senior Pictures

My Thankfulness Project

So here I sit, sixteen years into parenting and twelve years hence from my arrival in New England. In some ways, it's a difficult place to be. On the first point, I've decided that parenting is hard. The children have become more self-sufficient, to be sure, but the emotional content of my days has gotten a bit thick. Then there's Vermont, and all the "stuff" required to live here: hats, mittens, scarves, coats, boots for hiking, boots for skiing, boots for snow, boots for mud. All times eight!

Admittedly, when the end of winter finally rolls around, my soul feels a bit weary. Thus my "thankfulness project" and my deep desire to guard against a calloused heart. "In everything, give thanks . . . " How is this done authentically, daily, according to what God demands of my heart? I don't want to focus on the gifts while assuming the favor of the Giver of all good things. Let not my heart be fastened to the benefits of the marriage, but rather to the beauty of the Bridegroom!

Yet cultivating a spirit of thankfulness is good aerobic exercise, and a cheerful heart is good medicine. I've been encouraged by Ann Voskamp's blog and her "1000 Gifts" list (www.aholyexperience.com) So here is today's paean of praise:
1. the kisses of an eight year old boy
2. coloring pages
3. songs about the gospel
4. my husband's voice speaking words of life to our children
5. a gospel message, faithfully preached. Lord I believe--help my unbelief!

So here's the front view! These photos were taken by Melissa Brott at her studio in Essex. Anna is not exactly what I'd describe a compliant subject, so we did lots of monkey dances to get these fun smiles!

Twirly Skirt, Sweetie Girl!

It sure has been fun to watch our little girl grow up. I remember when Anna was born, my friend Beth said, "I'm glad you'll have girl so you'll have someone to go shopping with when all the other kids are grown up and gone!" Anna doesn't have much patience for shopping yet, but she certainly does lots of other "girl things." I'm not sure whether or not pink is her favorite color, but she wears it well!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas, one and all! God is with us! May we all have a sweet celebration of the coming of our Savior, our Emmanuel!

Wish You Were Here . . .

I see that I am at best a "once-a-season" blogger, so welcome to autumn in Vermont! When I was a little girl, I remember curling up under a blanket on the couch and reading the Ideals magazine. Each issue was filled with heart-warming images of hearth and home. The autumn edition was by far my favorite--it always included a photo of a New England roadway, laden with fall color. I remember thinking that someday I'd live on a bend in the road in Vermont. Here's to the dreams that come true . . .