Living life OUT LOUD

Carol and Diane, West Lyon Class of 1976.
Now, fellow art teachers.

Diane as part of Grant Wood painting, "The American Gothic" http://xroads.virginia.edu/~MA98/haven/wood/gallery4.html

One of our trips on the old yellow school busses, band trips, class reunions

Senior band trip to the Black Hills, school plays, Swing Choir, more slumber parties and more class reunions.

Ok, so what are the odds? We walked together at graduation, parted ways after high school, we both went on to become art teachers, and through the technology of the computer, websites and blogs, we have been reunited as kindred spirits 30 some years later. Diane has been amazing, just like a mother hen, gathering all her chicks. We have become reunited with many of our classmates because of Diane. She is the reason I have become a blogger. I saw hers first, thought it looked fun, and here I am! Thank you to those of you who have told me how much they enjoy my blog....it makes me want to keep on going...Lori, Pam, Marilyn, Diane, Deb, Jennifer, Diane...and many more evidently, by the number of visitors each day. Sometimes, it is difficult to find anything of interest to post, but, those of you who know me very well, know that I ALWAYS have something to talk about and ALWAYS have photos to share.

I have been interested in altered books and collage type projects for the past several years, and Diane has gotten me going again. She had a post on her blog about altered books, and I fell in love all over again. She was even kind enough to share her lesson plan and handout with me. I tried it today with a couple of classes and I believe it is going to be a hit with my students too! This photo is one from Diane's art class in Denver, Iowa. Check out her blog site http://diane-johnson.blogspot.com/ in the left margin in my "Sites of Interest". She also maintains the website listed there, "West Lyon Class of '76. She rocks!!

My projects have consisted of collections of things, glued together as more of a collage. If you wonder what kinds of things I may have, you HAVE to check my post last week called, "STUFF"." Being an artist is not the same thing as being a little kid. Little children try to color inside the lines. Artists DO NOT!" So, here is to painting, creating, gluing, decorating with reckless abandon, finding old classmates and friends, sharing ideas, and living life OUT LOUD!
"Turn up the music, let it all out. You won't regret it, looking back to where you have been. It's not who you knew. It's not what you did. It's how you lived." Thank you God, for my day, your gifts, your music, my friends and my life. I pray that I can continue to be an inspiration to those around me. Isn't that just amazing? Me....girl from Beloit....who moved to Alvord....an inspiration. Thanks for visiting. Stop back and listen to the music.

Look what I did, Diane!!!!