Art Prize

This week Art Prize opened. There are more than 1,200 artists from around the world displaying their work during this two week event. I am happy that Tom and I are included among the thousands of people who are showing their support for this amazing experience. It is fun to look at the city with this surge of new energy but I found many stories within the things that happen everyday. Flags from around the world at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.

A performance artist warms up before her next show at the B.O.B.

One community's trash becomes an artist's treasure - and a statement of how much we waste.

Petals and petals of glass blown color.

A visiting artist makes final repairs to his piece as a city's building becomes his background,

Simple shapes create a beautiful flow of movement.

I love the reflection of old in new as these two buildings become one.

Seeing eye to eye with art. This visitor gets up close and personal with this mosiac.

The number of displaced and homeless continue to grow. A reflection of our economy. Many of these people become a part of the city's background.

A performance artist walks among the crowd.

A gift to the Grand Rapids Children's Musuem and the Community - this mosaic will stay after Art Prize has finished.

I enjoyed watching and hearing this father lovingly discuss the art he and his son were experiencing together.

This sculpture brings nature into the city.

The GRFD quickly and professionally respond to a 911 call showing the art of humanity.

Many Grand Rapids buildings were erected during a time when art was a part of design. Now we walk by the craftmanship without taking notice.

I don't know - but she was really enjoying the moment.

Assignment: Enjoy the moment. Art is everywhere; from the beauty of a leaf changing color to planned craftmanship of an artist design.

Firsts

It has been a lot of fun to read the blogs and Facebook posts coming from parents so proud of their young children’s firsts. School re-opening brings with it that sweet combination of excitement, nerves, and pride. It is fun to reflect on my children’s list of firsts; the accomplishments that have helped shape them into the young adults they are today.

But in this reflection, I realized that there are still plenty of firsts to celebrate even if our children are past their first day of school. Jake (27) is really making his mark on changing the world. He is stepping outside the comfort zone to speak on his faith and politics. Steve (26) has been in his career for a full year. He has survived staff reductions and is learning how important accountability and reliability is for an individual. Megan (25) and her husband Brain are celebrating their first wedding anniversary and she has returned to Ferris State to continue her education. As an RN in a hospital emergency room, she realizes how important continued education can be to an individual. Jessica (23) has defied the odds in the state of Michigan. She has found a teaching position four months after graduating from college. She is the newest second grade teacher at an elementary school in our community. Word on our small country streets – things are going well.

Then there are our “babies” Andy (16) and Maddy (15). They had their first day back to school and allowed me to capture it on film (they are growing tired of my photography). Andy is playing Varsity football and last night was his first “Parents Night”. Maddy is getting ready to take drivers training so she can have the final piece of freedom she so longs for (well, driving and money but we can only tackle driving right now).

Assignment: You are never too old to experience or celebrate a first. Don’t let those moments slip away unnoticed . . . . .they can only be first once!

Farmers Market

The Farmer's Market is such a happy place to spend a Saturday morning.

The colors are so bright and welcoming.

The people are fun to watch too. These are those who keep America feed.

Thank you American Farmers for 365 early mornings and late evenings. Thank you for hauling your rewards to markets throughout West Michigan. Thank you for greeting your shoppers with a sample, a smile and a warm welcome.

Happy Labor Day!



Assignment: Make sure you find some time to relax this weekend. But don't forget those who have labored so we can live the American Dream.

Peaches

I have always wanted to learn how to can fruit. The practice feels so womanly and something that all females should try, at least once. My friend Lisa, invited me over to can peaches.





As a special treat we have a couple Mason jar's of Lisa's End of Summer Hard Lemonade.
http://ahappylittlefamily.blogspot.com/

In the beginning I was a peeling failure but by the end I was able to twist the peaches open, de-pit them, and peel like a pro. This was a great victory for my life’s win column.

Assignment: Find whatever it takes to help make you "feel like a W.O.M.A.N."

Football

Today I had a nice conversation with a baseball fan. He told me that he read a comparison between sports and music. Baseball was compared with a Waltz, a special dance that can be lovely to watch. It is true; a baseball game is filled with beautiful rhythm and movement. I like baseball.

Football’s music was compared with heart-pounding rock. I think that is true too. In fact, last week during Andy’s first season game, as the boy’s lined up AC/DC’s Thunderstruck starting playing in my head. Football is a tough game – it earns the ‘grid iron’ knick name. I watched a boy leap through the air and fall face down and horizontal with the ground. No arms breaking his fall. He just stood up and ran to the huddle for the next play. He didn’t even shake it off! If it were me I would have been crying like a little baby!

Like heart-pounding rock, football is only perfect if everyone is in sync. There can be a few solo moments but as a whole – the team must be playing together as one. One team – one goal – move the ball down the line. I remember falling in heavy like with the sport back in high school. Through the years, I have grown to love football. Here’s to Friday Night Lights!

Your Assignment: Support your local school athletic teams!