HUGE News for Lyndzi...

I've known that Lyndzi was an artist, since she was three years old.  YES, three!!  She sat down with some crayons and drew the bee that was on  the Honey Nut Cheerios box, and I knew right then and there that she had a gift.  Being a mom who blogs, I frequently write about my kids;  so I took a look back to see what I had previously shared  about Lyndzi's artwork and I came across a post from 2010 called  "What A Mom's Gotta Do",  where I wrote "Lyndzi is an absolutely BRILLIANT artist; and yes, I know that most moms think that their kids are great at one thing or another; but trust me when I tell you, my girl's got TALENT!! Lyndzi is a multi-faceted artist - not only can she draw; she also sculpts and paints.  Lyndzi pays exceptional attention to detail and her vision is way beyond her years.   She's won prizes for her artwork and been featured in our school district art show; and at the tender age of 8 she PRIDES herself on being an artist."  While it's hard for me to believe that I wrote that over 7 years ago, those words still hold true.  Lyndzi's become an extraordinary artist.  She's won several contests, has done commissioned work and she continues to sell hand drawn sneakers.Now, if you read my last blog "Cinnamon",  then you know that "as much as I love surprises, I often have a hard time keeping the secret and waiting to reveal the surprise."  Well, the universe has surely been challenging me; because (thankfully), the surprises keep coming and I've been keeping a secret (from most of you) for a few weeks now.  It wasn't that I didn't want to tell EVERYONE, believe me, I DID; but when I received the call from the PUSD Public Relations Department, notifying me that Lyndzi had won the district Anti-Bullying Art Contest (for the third time), they asked me not to say anything publicly until after the awards were presented at the Peoria Cultural Arts  Festival. Lyndzi was so excited to find out that she had won; but like me, she's a rule follower so she didn't say anything to anyone.  Well, the next day when Lyndzi came home from school, she said to me "You didn't fracture your ankle in vain." (And side note, if you're totally confused by that comment, stop here.  Read "Oops I Did It Again, And Again", and then come back.  Everyone else KEEP READING...)

So,  I asked her what she was talking about, and with tears welling up in her eyes, she told me that when she had walked into her art class, her teacher said "Don't you have something to tell us."  Assuming that he was talking about the Anti-Bullying art contest, she shared the news of her win.  He then said "And?" to which she replied "And?" And he said "You also won a bus?"  Lyndzi was taken aback and she asked what he was talking about.  He then explained, that the Principal had come in to see him earlier, with some people from the Valley Metro bus and they said that she had won the Transit Wrap Contest!!!!   I was stunned when I heard her news, and I'm not sure how many times I said "You won?"  Not because I couldn't believe that she'd done it, but because it was such a HUGE contest, and such a fantastic prize and I was just ecstatic for her.  Now I don't know about you, but because I heard it from Lyndzi, who heard it from her Art teacher, and I hadn't heard a peep from Valley Metro, I didn't want to say anything publicly, in case there was some type of misunderstanding.  When I saw the Art teacher at the Cultural Arts Festival, I asked him to tell me about what happened when the bus people came in to see him and he said that Lyndzi had definitely won, but he got the impression that they wanted to surprise her.  OK, I can understand that part, but I wondered why they hadn't contacted me.  (Maybe they heard that I wasn't great at keeping secrets, lol.) Well, hallelujah, we got the official call on Monday, and I can now say with all certainty that Lyndzi has won the Valley Metro Transit Wrap contest!!!  She'll be getting a bus and a light rail wrapped with her design for a year, in addition to a cash prize!!  They'll be unveiling her bus at her school on May 16th AND they'll let us know when the lightrail and bus are being wrapped so that we can go down with family and friends to watch and take photos.  So, if you're in the area and you'd like to see Lyndzi's bus, consider yourself invited!! 

Since this ride may have been a lil bumpier than usual, here's Lyndzi's Anti-Bullying Award winning piece...  The theme this year was "All Different All Equal".

What more can I say?  I'm grateful for the surprises that we've been receiving.  Not only because of  the joy that they're bringing but because it seems that as long as I have surprises to share, I have subject matter for my blog!

Till next time,

Paige
XO

(43-161) The Princess of Positivity

Today I had a very interesting series of text messages with my friend / soccer director; Big Mike.  I won't go into the whole story; NO I WON'T.  But I'll just say that he and I have been trying to book a location for our end of year tournament and it hasn't been going well.  We are sitting on pins and needles, waiting for our venue of choice to confirm our request; and unfortunately, we are running out of time.  Since I said I'm not going to tell the whole story, and I'm NOT; I'll jump ahead and tell you that I told Mike that just because the tournament was a priority to us, didn't mean that the woman we were waiting on saw it as a priority.  I told him that I thought we would get the booking because if the fields weren't available, then she would have told us already; and it's probably just taking a while so that she can work out all of the details.  Clearly I was the one drinking out of the half full glass today; because Mike thanked me for my positive outlook and decided to jump on my optimistic bandwagon.

I HAVE to think positively.  I want to put good energy out there, because I know from experience that you reap what you sow.  BUT, I wasn't ALWAYS positive; it was a way that I chose to be, a way that I convinced myself to be; and I've lead a much happier life ever since.

Now people often say that Lyndzi is my mini me.  Of all my kids, she is the one who resembles me the most; and whose character traits are MOST like mine.  She's klutzy, LIKE ME.  She can be shy, LIKE ME, She tries to be funny, LIKE ME; and she is one tough chick, LIKE ME.  Lyndzi has a very caring and sensitive heart; LIKE ME and she strives to make others happy, LIKE ME.  I could go on and on; REALLY, I could; but suffice it to say that the similarities are endless.  The one thing that I will say about Lyndzi, and the way that we differ, is that she has always been a ray of sunshine, she glows.  There is a warmth that Lyndzi exudes that is something that I didn't have at her age; (or now) and along with this warmth comes a positivity that she was born with.  I often refer to Lyndzi as Little Mary Sunshine; but I think that I will from now on refer to her as the Princess of POSITIVITY; after all, if I'm the Queen; wouldn't it stand to reason that she's the Princess?  And so, in honor of the Princess of POSITIVITY, I'm going to share another one of her brilliant works of art.   

The below drawing is Lyndzi's version of the "Junie B. Jones Is A Party Animal," book cover.  She drew it at school, which is why it's on looseleaf.  I'm sure that she never expected it to be featured in my blog today; but I thought it was SO good; that I had to share.  

What more can I say... I find her attention to detail remarkable, and I think that her expression of movement is exceptional for a nine year old. I am SO proud of Lyndzi for all that she is and all that she does. 

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING 

(43-99) Guess Who Sang?

This morning was not a happy one, as I read my friend Lori's Facebook posts, saying that the Peoria school district override hadn't passed.  I'm not going to get into the details of what this would mean for our school district as I'm told that there are still early ballots that need to be counted, and I want to remain positive and optimistic until then - but suffice it to say that before learning about the uncounted ballots, I was quite distressed.

I got the kids ready for school, and I told them that since both Lyndzi and Kelsie had art today; I was going to meet them on campus for dismissal.  I reminded the girls that I expected them to be polite and cooperative with the art teacher; but assured them that my purpose for meeting them on campus was so that I could go directly to the principal if I received any concerning reports from them. 

I dropped the kids off at school and got back to work; but school and everything about it was very much on my mind.  Have you ever had one of those moments when you were  absolutely miserable but then you receive the MOST incredible news and you are deliriously happy?  OK, well, I'd never had one of those moments before either - until today! 

When I wrote "The Art Thief," and followed it up with "It Aint Over...,"  I thought that I had shared that it was my goal to have the Art Nazi gone by Christmas.  But looking back at my posts, I found that I never put that in writing; I had just shared that fervent hope with some of my friends.  Well MY FRIENDS; Christmas has indeed come early; as today I received the news that the Art teacher from hell had quit.  YES, you read that right, the Art Nazi resigned today; and I am delighted to report that the children will not be subjected to her anymore.  Talk about the GREATER GOOD!  Let creativity, crooked lines and the love of art prevail!!

To say that I am overjoyed would be an understatement.  I am THRILLED, I am GRATIFIED, I feel VICTORIOUS!  I feel like shouting "Ding Dong the witch is dead!"  Hallelujah!  Praise the Lord!  Thank you God!  AND EVERY OTHER proclamation that I can think of.  Yes indeed, the fat lady has sang!
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-90) It Ain't Over...

As disturbed as I was by my conversation with the "Art Teacher;"  I decided that I needed to address the matter further; so this morning I went to see the Principal.  The Principal wasn't available, so I left a message with her secretary; and within a few hours, I received a call.

I thanked the Prinicpal for calling and reminded her that we'd spoken about the "Art Teacher" previously.  I explained that I'd met with the "A.T" on Friday, because I was interested to find out why Lyndzi had received a 95 on her progress report and an 87 on her report card.  I explained that Lyndzi had a recognizable talent; and provided details of some of her artistic accomplishments; so that she would understand why Lyndzi's grade was surprising.  I then went on to tell her that the "A.T" had made several statements that I found disturbing; but the worst was that she had never met more undisciplined children than those that attended our school.  The principal was not pleased to hear this.

If you've already read "The Art Thief;" then you know what else I told the Principal.  And what the Principal told me; was that they are very concerned about the "A.T."  They met with her on Friday and the were going to be meeting with her again today.  They have her scheduled to attend several workshops that they feel she will benefit from; and will aid her in becoming more equipped to teach at our school.  She also guaranteed me that they are taking all of our concerns very seriously.

I advised the Principal, that I am at the school often, because I volunteer at least once a week; and I informed her that I've spoken with a number of parents who had very critical opinions of the "Art Teacher;" though they may not have made her aware of them.  And then, because I know that she's from New York; I threw in " What can I say, maybe I'm just an outspoken New Yorker; but when I feel that there is something wrong; I have to address it head on."  With that, the Principal said "You're from New York?  I'm from New York;" and we had a pleasant lil chat about that.   Now don't get me wrong; I don't think that the Principal gives my allegations more credence because I'm a New Yorker; I'm just saying that a common bond never hurts.

The Principal assured me that she knew that I was complaining because I love my children and I was concerned about our students in general.  And she encouraged me to contact her any time I had misgivings or questions about something that was going on at school.  I felt that Principal had listened to me and was taking my accusations seriously; so I couldn't have asked for more; FOR NOW.

As it so happens; both Kelsie and Lyndzi have art tomorrow; so we'll just have to wait and see how that goes.  AND, if either of my girls has anything unsavory to report; guess where I'll be heading?  
Till next time,,,
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-20) What A Mom's Gotta Do...

During my big thank you talk with my kids yesterday, I compared how I feel when I'm writing to how Lyndzi feels when she's drawing.  I think that I MAY have mentioned before that my Lyndzi is an absolutely BRILLIANT artist; and yes, I know that most moms think that their kids are great at one thing or another; but trust me when I tell you, my girl's got TALENT!!  Lyndzi is a multi-faceted artist - not only can she draw; she also sculpts and paints.  Lyndzi pays exceptional attention to detail and her vision is way beyond her years.   She's won prizes for her artwork and been featured in our school district art show; and at the tender age of 8 she PRIDES herself on being an artist.

When Lyndzi was 5, I wanted to collaborate with her on a children's book.  I had her do a couple of drawings but we never seemed to get it off the ground.  Since we were talking about our artistic passions yesterday, I proposed that Lyndzi might draw some pictures for me to use on my blog from time to time.  Lyndzi really liked this idea; and though I thought that I had made it clear that I didn't know EXACTLY what I was going to have her draw or when; apparently I was mistaken.  When Lyndzi got home from school, she told me that she had told her teacher that she was going to draw some pictures for my blog today and she was VERY excited.  Not wanting to let her down; I explained that I wasn't sure what I was going to blog about today, so I asked her to draw me a picture of me with a crown on my head; since I am The Queen of EVERYTHING.

When I got home from running some errands; Lyndzi presented me with her picture, and although it was quite good; it wasn't what I had asked her for.  Lyndzi was visibly upset and I tried to comfort her; but she needed some time.  She continued to draw until dinner and when we were done eating, she asked if she could talk to me in private.  Lyndzi shared that she had REALLY wanted to draw a picture for my blog and that she was sad that I wasn't going to use any of the drawings that she'd done earlier.  Lyndzi spoke openly and with a maturity that surprised me; so I wanted to address her disappointment with the same amount of honesty and sensitivity that she displayed.  I told Lyndzi that now that I'm writing my blog everyday I'm never really sure what I'm going to write about unless I have some crazy story to tell; so it made it difficult for me to ask for drawings ahead of time.  I explained that she had misunderstood my request and that even though I REALLY want us to work together SOMETIME; I wasn't sure exactly when we would.  Lyndzi's eyes filled with tears and I felt terrible; so even though I'm a writer, first and foremost I'm a mom - so I decided to put my other blog ideas aside for today, in order so that I could incorporate Lyndzi's picture into my post.
I told Lyndzi that she could draw whatever she wanted; but she just put far too much pressure on herself and she was unable to create anything that either of us felt I should use.  The situation worsened as bed time approached and she hadn't completed a drawing for me.  Lyndzi (who is not typically a crier) cried for the second time tonight and her sobs were heartbreaking.  Lyndzi was upset because she thought that her teacher was expecting to see her picture on my blog, and because I had spent my evening writing a blog about her and her art and I now had no art to share.  She knew that it had gotten too late to do another drawing and that the entire situation had turned into something uncomfortable and unpleasant.  And then she uttered the words that I've more or less been saying to myself for days; "I didn't know that something that was fun could be this hard."   The difference is that I'm 43 and she's 8; and I can take the pressure because I chose it; and IT'S WHAT I WANT; so for now I'm going to do what any good mom would do and tell you how much I LOVE my daughter and how I don't regret writing this post about her fantastic art while I have nothing to back up my claim.  Oh trust me; Lyndzi's artwork WILL appear on future blogs when it's the art that she produces from her heart and her soul and it's bursting off the page.  In the meantime we'll just chalk this one up to a typical day in the life.  To a mom doing what a mom's gotta do...
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING