Math attacks

Sunday working late to finish another round, another year of Mother's Day orders...

And while I work, there's a lot of Math going on  at the living room for Mica. His Secondary school prep course has just started and it involves a lot of Math. New things that he hasn't studied at school yet. Not his strong side.

I raise them to be responsible for their own things and I'm usually not involved in homework as much as possible, but this is one of those times when I know I have to be fully there, completely on track and completely available to help him. I've been preparing myself mentally for this  for a few months now. It's time for full motherly involvement! And of course we frequently have to call smart Theo to the rescue. Unlike me he does know how to resolve some equations...

Oh Math...why do you haunt me this way?! :-P

After practicing for 4 days, morning and afternoon (Not very long chunks) Mica gets it. He shouts with joy when he's able to resolve it by himself! Such a happy shout! I feel so glad! Such a relief to verify that he'll get it, he'll make it! And so re-assuring for him!

It's just the beginning. I have many hours ahead of Math attack with him. But a very good beginning!

Here at my new part time job selling at the school buffet, raising money for the end of Elementary school trip . It's a terribly bad business, but  the kids are overly excited about it. They love to carry their little trays and sell goodies themselves.  And the best part is when the day sale ends and we declare it's "Free table- Eat all you can" for them! Just the few remaining get to eat the leftovers with delight. They're a heart warming sight!

My beloved tree is fully loaded with green lemons. There he is (and with Zorzalito, the little red belly visitor, can you spot him?)

Another lemon season at this house is wrong on many levels.... Means that our house construction is taking so long  and it's an economy pain in the ass! But on a sentimental level it means that I'll get another crop of yellow lemons from this dear friend.

I'm already sad that we'll have to part. Some days I wish I could take him with me.
I'm going to miss him!

New dolls are coming along beautifully and once again I'm faced with the struggle of the light and dark overlay. Never satisfied with the result. I've already done about 10 layers on that little body and I have to admit there's a lacking in my technique there :)
Nothing that deprives me from sleeping at night though!
By now! To more painting and some cooking!

Once again, beach days!

Luckily he's a "see" creature again! So we took him back to the sea :)

Beach days, yeah!
The sand and the waves and the warm sun and the wind. The walks, the fresh air, the expansion. Delight!

There's a boy way taller than me who still enjoys playing in the sand. It made me so happy to see these two playing, chasing each other and laughing so much. Makes my heart so warm and full. I cuddled them and kissed them as much as I could. I love that they're so affectionate and I hope that won't ever change. Theo sometimes shows his affection by patting me on my head,  that's so amusing!

Much card playing (Pokemon is back!) reading and drawing at home. We never get bored at home.

For myself, I know that as long as I have some paper and glue I'll never be bored :)
I didn't have all my art supplies but I enjoyed making this "homunculus". Canvases for future dolls. Ahhhhh, the feeling of paper and glue in my fingers!

I also felt the "call of the flour".  I've made some homemade bread loaves lately and tried many sweet and savoury pie shells, that turned out really good. Chard, apples, pears and cranberries. I like them rustic (I'm not using a rolling pin on these) and almost no sugar on the sweet ones. (But they're still very sweet from the fruit)

That apple one was extra good, believe me! Not strictly Pesaj material right? :)

During Pesaj the verse from "Redemption Song" by Bob Marley always comes to my mind. The one that says : "Emancipate yourself from mental slavery...."

And last but not least, the sky this morning. Lovely eh?
I hope you're doing really well! How were the holidays for you?

Process

Sitting for a moment at the backyard for a healthy dose of bird chirping and bee watching. So healing!

Making these dolls is healing too. The process got me hooked.
Before I paint I need to get familiar with some new flowers and leaves, so part of the process is sketching and test painting from nature and from pictures,

There will be more!

Squash

After P's retina detachment, surgery and long recovery weeks I ended up pretty burnt out.

When school started that was another big shock. I'm more tired that I can remember.

Today I "took a day off" and decided that I wouldn't do any "must" in my list. Only "likes". As much as family feeding and drive to and back to school and sports duties would permit. (I've nicknamed myself "Uber-ta")

I decided to spend time with my new dolls that are white and have noses now.

The shape - structure is complete (this part alone got me thinking how much one generation shapes the next!)

I didn't know which  theme to play on these.
Apparently the squash vine in the backyard inspired me enough.
This morning I spent a lovely time sitting by it and sketching. I was trying to get the leaves right.

It was very relaxing and enjoyable.
And I'm quite fascinated with this exhuberant plant
Close up:

Isn't that pretty?

As soon as I got the leaf more or less right I've jumped to painting.

I  have a clear idea of what I will do on these dolls. Let's see if I can make it happen.
Playing with these made me feel restored.

I'll show you more as I continue working on them.

Meli and the beanstalk

It's not a beanstalk but butternut squash actually.

This beauty has grown in my backyard from a little seed that I have not planted myself.

I haven't even watered it once! And still so generous Earth gives these lovely gifts that make me so happy. If they turn out good I'll make a little quiche.

Yeah for compost!