colour your world

For two months this spring, I have the privilege of leading an "Artist's Circle" -- a small group of women who love to create -- as we talk about faith and art in a setting that I hope will be both nurturing and inspiring. We've met twice already. It's a great group of women, including a photographer, a jewellery maker, a painter and another songwriter. (I hesitate to use those labels because I don't want to pigeon-hole anyone -- these women are each capable of creating in any number of art forms!)

We're reading Madeleine L'Engle's book "Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art". I remember reading her book "A Wrinkle in Time" when I was in Grade 8. I didn't remember much about it (some might remember Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, IT...) so recently I went back and reread it in a day. A novel used to feel like such a big undertaking. That was back in the days when I read because I had to. Now I read because I want to. And now it's absolutely enjoyable and I think I get a lot more out of my reading.

Like all children, Maia's a little creator as well. She's big into colouring right now. This morning we drew a moon, since the moon seems to have captured her fancy this week. I can't quite put into words how excitedly she can exclaim the word: "MOON!"



I also can't quite explain why she loves to colour her face.

I have a hunch that as Tim and I are writing, she has seen us take our pens next to our faces as we think about what we'll write next.

OK. The dog just ate the cheese slices I cut for Maia off the coffee table. I scolded him with a firm "NO. That was not for you." As I walked away just now, Maia pointed to the dog and repeatedly said, "No."

Oh dear. I can no longer underestimate the power of modeling.

Speaking of modeling for your children, a friend forwarded an Australian commercial worth watching on email yesterday. I found it at this site so you could view it too.

And for those of you who would rather watch a Maia video, I've got a good one for you from last week. You'll see the modeling theme returns again! Enjoy. see video