The Daily Crystal Ball: 09-27-02

[coolray]

Well, I have plenty to be thankful for! I have been busy getting ready for a show, and gathering things up is the hardest thing to do. I just finished week one on a tutorial for drawing an elf face. (I hope that helps anyone) I like the process of drawing, so this is a fun thing for me (though it keeps me up at all hours of the morning getting it together)

Today I have postcards to color, prints to be made of my paintings, and a brochure to design and print for the show in one week.

Saturday will find me building a portable wall for the show so I can hang a few original paintings. If I am lucky, the only thing left will be cutting mattboard for my prints on Monday.

That's all for now!

[Cision]

I would love to see pictures from the show.

Cision

[Elankat]

Thanks for doing that tutorial, Coolray. It's looking great!

What do I have to say today? Um, I'm tired. What does the weekend hold for me? Probably more of me being tired. Anyone want to come to Kansas City and do some free babysitting?

My son is really sweet and cute...but man, he is just NON-STOP. *sigh* I went to Starbucks this morning to get a caffeine injection and he ran laps around the place. After having to get out of line twice, go to my car once, and embarass myself in general, I finally asked him to sit in a chair for a few minutes. Of course, he sat very nicely and patiently while I doctored my coffee. I was impressed with him!

Anyway, free babysitter? Anyone? Anyone?

*hears the echo of her voice*

*sigh*

[coolray]

Cision,

Pictures will be available in the lobby right after the show!

Elankat,

Thanks, I hope it helps someone!

Coolray the Great Elf (bronzed and chiseled)

[violet feme]

Coolray, good luck with your show! Your tutorial is great, you'd make a good drawing instuctor
LeAnne, too cute! I remember those days......sometimes even having to peel them off of the floor while they're throwing a tantrum and leave the store without what I came for.....*sigh*......but they grow up so fast! Mine are 12 and 9 now.......i kind of miss those days.......kind of
Here's what I'm doing today....design homework. It's fun......like doodling! I have a show coming up too and I should be packing up my stuff and heading for the gallery...........
Tracy

[violet feme]

ooops, I forgot the image!

[Elankat]

Oooh. Neat stuff, Tracy. Is that ink? Are you going to post it over in P & I?

Tantrums. Ah, yes. Luckily, my son is pretty good. We make "deals" before we go inside that require him to mind mommy, stick close by, and not cry or whine when mom says it's time to go. If he minds, then he gets to go to the park or get a book ready, etc.

So far it has worked pretty well. I've only had one time (at the library a few weeks ago) when he didn't stick with me and we left immediately and he got punished by having book privileges taken away. Believe me, that's a SERIOUS thing to him. The kid loves being read to.

[violet feme]

LeAnne....yes it's pink ink! I might post it in P&I.....I hadn't thought of it.....I hope their not sick of seeing all of my homework! This is just a small peice of it it's 18x24.
Your son sounds adorable, the privalige thing still works on my kids.......they are wonderful too. You must be such a good mommy
Tracy

[Elankat]

We'd never get sick of seeing your homework. You should definitely post it.

As far as the good mommy thing...I don't know, but I certainly TRY. Some days are easier than others.

[Axl]

That picture really reminds me of Biology class. Omgs do I ever NOT miss biology class.
Goodluck on your show, coolray! The tutorial is coming along great I've been watching as promised muahaha
Ugggh I think i'm going through an Identify crises with my style of artwork! I thought I was just experimenting, but now I'm not sure. I think I'm going through a change in my work. Dave likes it. I'm rather scared. I think what I need is a nanimo bar and get back to work on my website

[happywanderer]

from a grumpy old man whose babies are grown and kinda gone, to you moms who reward good behavior instead of caving in to bad behavior. Had one last night buying her kid something just to shut up his tantrum. Had to bite my tongue. I now its hard but the benefits definitely seen later

[Elankat]

Aw, thanks Brian. I wish you knew how much it always makes my day to have someone tell me I'm doing something right/good. There's not a lot of positive feedback as a stay-at-home mom. It's just nice to hear good things.

Tantrums suck. The only thing they earn my son is a guarantee of a time out in the corner and being ignored (or if in a store, an abrupt departure and being ignored). From a very early point, I told him "Mommy does not hear whining or tantrums. You need to calm down and get control of yourself." And it worked. Every once in a while, he likes to test the limits. He quickly learns that tantrums and whining get him nothing. Of course, sometimes he asks nicely and still gets nothing, but I make sure to tell him "sometimes, even if you ask nicely, you may not get your way; but I am very proud of you for acting so "big boy" and you should be proud of yourself." Then, I give him a big hug and kiss or try to accomodate him in some way, i.e. I finish what I'm doing quickly and then read the book, etc.

I have to say that it's been very successful. I have a very well-behaved child who may test limits, but knows when I mean business and obeys. I give three counts and he may let me reach 2, but you better believe that when I get to 3, he's generally done what I've asked.

[TeAnne]

Well, Terry, bronzed and Chiseled. I wish I had time to do all you're doing, sounds so full on. Main thing, I hope you having fun and keeping the stress level down

Tracy, cool stuff I saw here from you

[violet feme]

Axl.....gee I didn't mean to conjure up bad memories of biology class.. LOL! And I'm curious why you say you're style is changing?
Brian, I like you're signature
TeAnne...thanks
LeAnne..........You're making me miss having a tiny one!

[surreal]

It is very unique.
I like the interesting textures and unusual shapes.