Summer to Remember

So.....I have been all over the radar for the past few months. I left my computer and all my organized thoughts at home. This summer I went on a few very interesting vacations with and without my family. Every trip I took was priceless. I had a perfect summer with my beautiful children and had the great opportunity to visit family I haven't seen in many years. This summer has certainly been the summer to remember! Hold on to your hats folks, this is gonna be a bumpy ride.....

First Stop: Hannibal, MO
We toured 2 Mark Twain Caves with one bat too many, dined with spoons on our noses, went on a dinner cruise, pretended we were Tom and Becky, Haunted a graveyard, and visited Mark Twain's boyhood home, just to name a few activities.

     

Second Stop: ARIZONA
We were certified in a world record event, escaped an Emo, gave TLC to a very special lady, got pruned..., took a day trip to the lake and found ourselves abandoned on a broken rented vessel, did some gardening, got sunburned and drank strawberries from a pineapple for breakfast?! All for the low low price of $998...(inside joke there)




Next Stop: Illinois Family Reunion
Rode a firetruck (or two), tubed down a mudslide, went fishing, built and shot off a rocket, made pottery, went on a hayride and floated votive lit apples on the lake. Did I mention being able to visit with some beautiful, fascinating people. 

    

Up Next: New Buffalo, MI
Went on Holiday with my sister-in-laws to revisit a mini vacation we took to the Lake House (Carefree Cottage) over 11 years ago. The weather was beautiful, the food was delicious, the people were lovely and the quiet was so very very peaceful. (Should have left our phones at home though). We found ourselves wanting to stay much longer than allowed. 

 

Next Stop...say what... New Buffalo, MI
Well......yep... New Buffalo again! So my sister-in-law forgot some very important items at the Lake House so it was mandatory we return to retrieve her items. We drove all the way back to MI for the day with all of our children and thought we might just hit the beach since we were already there. It was just beautiful and I enjoyed every minute watching my children swim and explore the beach. 

 



Final Stop...WHAT...New Buffalo, MI...AGAIN!
In 2 weeks, I visited New Buffalo 3 times. Like I mentioned before, I really didn't want to leave New Buffalo. My husband and I were given the opportunity to go on a weekend get-away. With no destination in mind, we got in the car and drove.....and drove.  We called many hotels, all with no rooms available. The wind blew us to a beautiful hotel in the woods of New Buffalo. Our stay was wonderful and relaxing. I got my first ever spa massage with my man and dined at a wonderful steak house. On our way home, we stopped at the Indiana Dunes and walked the overcrowded beach.

There were so many wonderful things I experienced this summer. It was the best summer I have had. My trips were very spontaneous and that brought more excitement and enjoyment into every moment. This summer opened my eyes to the importance of spontaneity. Stop planning every little thing and just enjoy what is available to you in the moment. 

doodle-day

Hummingbird

Pencil drawing by Kimberly M Voss

Doodle-Day

I have no idea where I am going with this sketch, but it was kinda cool the way it photographed so I thought I might share it with you. 

Pencil Sketch

by Kimberly M Voss

Doodle-Day

Quack Happy!

Colored Pencil Drawing by Kimberly M Voss

Quote:

I'm reading a book from my study list called "My Father's Daughter" originally titled "Father's Arcane Daughter." On the very first page, it has profound words that could grab any reader young or old. Written for the young audience, this book will certainly relay little quotes that stick with the reader.

E.L. Konigsburg writes these lines,

-"Life's like that. A little knowing. A lot of not knowing."

-"My telling will be a string of incidents. Like the separate frames of a comic strip. Besides, I'm bound to give myself all the good lines."

and my favorite of these is.....- "Moods are colors."

Keep in mind these are on the very first page of the book. Very few books start with great impact. Sometimes it takes many chapters to have a real attention grabber. So.... as I turn the page, will this book start with a bang and end with a pop?

Doodle-Day

Bunny

Colored Pencil Drawing By Kimberly M Voss

Time to Rest

Colored Pencil Drawing by Kimberly M Voss

Quote:

Imagination is more important

than knowledge.

                                 

                                -Albert Einstein

Roxy "Bebe"

Pencil drawing by Kimberly M Voss

For you Mom. I love you!

Teaching in disguise

One very important thing I've learned during the writing process is not to let your stories become sermons. Don't teach or preach to children in your stories. The idea is for your message to be relayed through the story itself and never in a direct way. Kids get enough teaching and preaching throughout the day, they don't need story time to be another time where they feel restricted by rules and lessons. Children learn best when they are taught in disguise.

You may notice that there are many stories where there are no parents at all in the story line. They aren't needed. Kids tend to learn from mistakes or accomplishments of others. The problem with sticking a grown-up in the story line is that it may hinder a character's problem solving skills by parental assistance. The lesson is for the child to solve the problem in their own way, without looking at the wise parent to fix it for them. How do adults know the answer?.... Well, at a young age they learned from trial and error. Author's must follow this rule to write successfully.

It is very important for writers to get in touch with their inner child. Relive the environment, emotions and lessons we learned through trial and error. It's a great approach to understanding how to best reach children through your stories.

Before you turn the page during story time, ask your child, "what do you think will happen next?" They usually answer, "I don't know." But when they come to a certain age, they may just give you a problem solving answer. That makes them feel smart and eager to read on. That's the outcome we love to see.

For the love to color

Characters and plot are thought up in the strangest places. I can be driving, showering or lying in bed for some shut-eye, when *BAM.....an image of a character or story line pops into my head. Sometimes I jump towards a piece of paper and pen to get the thoughts down. Sometimes well.....if I don't have a free hand (showering for instance) the idea just vanishes from my mind as quickly as it appeared. That really frustrates me.

When you have a mind set on illustration and writing, it consumes your thoughts most of the time. Where do you start? Do you sit down and get an image on paper of a character you've dreamt up, then stare at it giving it life. A story can be built around an image just as an image can be created from a story. 

As I sit putting a character on paper I hear the love of my life saying "boys, leave mommy alone, she's coloring." I had a big chuckle with that one. A thought came to mind while "coloring," that there are some people out there who don't understand the desire some of us have to dream up characters and build them into life-like beings that have a story to tell. It's like creating a family and sometimes turning your real family into caricatures is a hoot as well!

DREAM BIG, LOVE and "COLOR"

Illustration

Color Pencil Illustration

by Kimberly M Voss

I remember back years ago when my baby girl wanted to hang a swing from a tree outside our home. We tried everything. Mom wasn't the most successful person to ever hang a swing from a tree using a rope. Eventually Dad came to the rescue and she had a tire swing. This memory came to me and I wanted to put it on paper. This is an illustration of that mental snapshot of my baby girl.

Doodle-Day

Boy playing Mini Golf

Pencil drawing by Kimberly M Voss

My Boys playing in their fort

Pencil drawing by Kimberly M Voss

Poem: The Road Not Taken

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

                               -Robert Frost

*

Art = Therapy

I have mentioned many times in my life that drawing, painting, crafting and even writing serves as a great form of therapy. You just get lost in the moment. You're so focused, you have taken your mind into a place that is stress free and relaxed, fit to bring out your creativity. I recently have spoken to a few people who have expressed how much they enjoy their hobbies and how it is their therapy. For one who reads, it's like an escape into another world. You get lost within the words and become part of the story. For one who loves to bake, they get lost in the task of perfection, creation and finding that magic touch. We each have our own form of therapy. We get lost in the task. Time seems to stand still, the world fades around us and nothing else seems to matter.

Author, teacher, and artist, Betty Edwards has a way of explaining this theory about art therapy. She calls it "states of consciousness." She explains it like this-  "The slightly altered consciousness state of feeling transported, which most artists experience. You may have observed in yourself slight shifts in your state of consciousness while engaged in much more ordinary activities than artwork. Most people are aware that they occasionally slip from ordinary waking consciousness into the slightly altered state of daydreaming. People often say that reading takes them 'out of themselves'. Many people find that they do a lot of creative thinking while driving, often losing track of time and experiencing a pleasurable sense of freedom from anxiety."

Her explanation is a little confusing at first but think about it. When do you find yourself lost in a daydream or when did time stand still while you were engaged in a task. She goes on to discuss how like when driving, sometimes you don't know how you got to your destination. You were in such an altered state of consciousness because driving has become so ordinary to us and we get lost in our thoughts.

Take a minute and think about what your form of "therapy" is. What takes you into your zone where nothing else matters and you get lost in the moment.

Quote:

"Friendship marks a life 

even more deeply than love"

                  -Ellie Wiesel

Doodle-Day

Free Birds

Charcoal drawing by Kimberly M Voss

Special Talent

I just found out a friend of mine has a hobby I never knew about. Was she self-conscious or too modest about sharing her talent? I'm not sure, but the moment I saw her work, I was very impressed and proud of her. Honestly, I was upset with myself that I didn't take the time to know this part of her. Most of us have many hobbies and crafts we enjoy doing in our spare time. When we make new friends, I know blurting out our hobbies isn't the first thing we do, but it's part of establishing a deeper friendship. Knowing what they do for a living right off the bat is usual, probably the most common question immediately asked. But finding out what they love to do is a topic that should be covered a little sooner and is often left completely ignored. Some people don't think they have a hobby or craft or even any special talent. Don't be too hard on yourself when this question arises. It's what you find enjoyment doing that is the real answer to that question. Don't be afraid to inquire, and please don't be too modest to answer. Sending love.

Site to see

So I fell onto a blog that takes a similar name. His name is Jonathan Voss and he is an artist, a visual storyteller. He does wonderful, creative work with a special way of telling his story with one illustration. Illustration is something he seems to enjoy, but like many of us it isn't his full time job. If you have a moment check out his blog. Seems as though he is a new blogger, but the images he has posted are wonderful. Not to mention he has a sense of humor!

http://johnvoss.blogspot.com/2012/01/say-goodbye-to-mouse-for-now.html

Top Artist

So, I've decided to enter a "Top Artist" competition. I have no idea as to where I should begin, but if I discipline myself enough the next few months to polish up on the basics, simply entering the competition would be a huge step for me.

Renowned Artist and Author, Betty Edwards is a great teacher and her works are a great tool for many. She will be judging the competition which is intimidating, yet exciting and the art entered should be based from her book Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain.

I will strive to do my very best work in the time prior to deadline. I look forward to pushing my limits and finding strength through practice. Though the cash reward for the chosen "Top Artist" is larger than I can comprehend, it simply doesn't matter. My goal in this competition is to see what I'm made of. Do I have the discipline, desire, strength and courage it takes within myself to show my work to others. This is a step I MUST take to become the Author and Illustrator I aspire to be. I can't rise above if I don't fall. I certainly can't learn if I hide from criticism. The joy of learning is in the use of the knowledge gained.

Remember this:

                 It takes a lot of courage 
              to show your dreams 
              to someone else.
                                                              -Erma Bombeck


*

For the young reader

"On My Honor" by Marion Dane Bauer

Age: 4th Grade + (AR 2pt)
Topic: Moral dilema/death/consequences
Pages: 98
Newbery Honor 1987

Overview:
When his best friend drowns while they are both swimming in a treacherous river that they had promised never to go near, Joel is devastated and terrified of having to tell both sets of parents the terrible consequences of their disobedience.

This book is on my list of books to study. I found it to be an easy read with big impact. I would recommend this to youth 9+.

Story takes place at Starved Rock State Park. Two best friends head out to have a fun day, when a small dare turns into catastrophe, Joel is faced with emotions he couldn't handle. He is caught in a lie he can't hide from and the truth will find him. Parents play a big part in this story as well. Joel made a promise to his Father not to go to the river, "On my honor" he says. How can he possibly tell his parents he broke his word and witnessed the death of his best friend?

The subject matter is a good topic for kids. There's a message- there are certain consequences to our actions whether big or small, truth is the only option. As a parent I can relate to the emotion in this story. It's real and could certainly happen. The ending was a dead point for me, I wanted another chapter or so but that's the "adult reader" in me. The ending need not be elaborated further for the age group.

Reprints have been made for this book. Rent it at your local library today.

Quote:

No one is in control of

your happiness but you;

therefore, you have 

the power to change

anything about yourself

or your life that you

want to change. 

-Barbara De Angelis

Doodle-day

Pencil drawing of my little Darby.

By Kimberly Voss

Site to see

This woman, Kathy Hare is an absolutely beautiful artist and illustrator. I am currently studying cartooning and illustrations. Check out her web site. She is a very gifted artist. Let me know what you think.

Kathy Hare "Moongazing Hare Illustration"

www.moongazinghareillustration.blogspot.com


*

Poem: Try, Try Again

                                                                  Try, Try Again

                                                      'Tis a lesson you should heed,

                                                                  Try, try again;

                                                       If at first you don't succeed,

                                                                  Try, try again;

                                                      Then your courage should appear,

                                                      For, if you will persevere,

                                                      You will conquer, never fear;

                                                                  Try, try again.

                                                                                    - T. H. Palmer

The phrase try, try again is well known around the world. We use it so casually when at first we don't succeed. Though the title or phrase is well known, did you know the rest of the poem. I certainly didn't. There is a great lesson within this short, yet powerful poem. Whatever your struggling with today, please try again and push your fear of failure aside. PERSEVERE! 

Journey Ahead

"We can only be responsible for 2 things: deciding where we're headed and moving as far as we can see right now in that direction." by Sage Cohen 


I am currently reading a book by Sage Cohen, The Productive Writer. She so brilliantly states the quote above. She also goes on to say, "We don't have to understand the entire journey. But when we're clear about our destination and take small consistent steps in that direction, we may be surprised to find ourselves clear across the country in no time at all."

I love it. It makes perfect sense to me in this moment. This is a New Year. A New Beginning for what ever  direction we choose for ourselves. There's no better time than the present to rethink the road we are on. Are we happy traveling full speed ahead or do we need to pull over and redirect our GPS? I would have to state that my road is a little to bumpy at times, but I know that I can see the endless possibilities just around the bend. I sincerely hope that you take a moment and soak up these thoughts. Can you see as far as you can see right now in your current direction?

The Count Down Begins......NOW

As I sit soaking in the happenings of 2011, I realize it's almost been 14 years of being a homemaker and mom of 4. It's been eventful all on its own. I have always enjoyed having the opportunity to stay at home with our children. I have spent much of these years inventing new ways to make money, trying to contribute monetarily to the house hold while our children are still at home. Mostly out of my own guilt of not providing. (silly, I know)

I was watching a commercial for something yesterday, (which I can't recall what it was now), but it rang a bell. So here I sit with an internal revelation. My motivation to make money wasn't guilt for not providing. My guilt was within myself, I was putting myself aside and the things I enjoyed, feeling internally bored is something I don't come to terms with. I had to make use of myself and in turn my best solution to stay busy was to turn the hobbies I had into income. Believe me, it wasn't easy to figure out the selling things part, but I tried several options. I aimed for the "first sale" satisfaction. That was my goal. Then it moved on to the "If I could just earn enough to pay the electric bill that would be awesome" phase.  The money I earned made me so proud of myself and happy that I accomplished something other than cleaning and changing diapers. Then I had 2 more babies to care for and I put the "me stuff" to the side once again.

After a short time I was searching and wishing I could find some way to work from home and fulfill my internal boredom. My very observant husband did the unthinkable and invested money into a business opportunity for me. He had faith that this adventure would bring me joy and wanted me to feel fulfilled. He also suggested that any money I made not be spent to pay bills. Rather invest, save or just enjoy it. I was blessed with a supportive husband and a company I called KMV Embroidery & Design. I loved it. I was blessed with beautiful children, caring husband and the me fulfillment I searched for. Over four years, I continued to work from home while enjoying my children and they even learned the craft of embroidery.

One year ago, I decided that being a mom was my best and only option and our lives were full enough that the boredom I once felt, I don't recognize anymore. I referred my customers to other businesses, (made me cry) and covered up my machine. I closed that door. This is where the question lingers.......

The COUNT DOWN begins.......I have exactly 20 months to figure out if that door will reopen or if I will move in a different direction. In the next 20 short months, I will be sending my last baby to school full time and as well as I know myself the search for internal fulfillment will begin. I don't want to wait until that day comes to decide. I want to have a plan. A plan that will begin when they step on that bus. However, my first goal may be to enjoy the quite. I will keep you posted.

LET THE COUNT DOWN BEGIN!