Dirty hands and feet

It was a good summer.

We lost 2 teeth, tried riding a horse, learned to swim, taught a Art class in camp, had a first sleepover, started making toys, watched some good movies and spent some nights near a bonfire.

Not very productive workwise, but good. We are ready to start another homeschooling year, and looking forward to it. This year I do not have any doubts about the choice to homeschool (unlike last years sleepless nights--I am positive it is working well for us and I see good results)
I am hoping for many new ideas and new pieces this fall, hoping to finally start contacting publishers and looking for illustration projects.

Movie Monday 83 The Pig movie

Pig Me from Pig Me on Vimeo.

I was hoping for a happy end though...

IF: Immovable

An immovable house filled with love can withstand any disaster.

Movie Monday 82 The Little Mole

The best czech cartooon that I know:)

IF: Atmosphere Window to Paris

My yesterdays ACEO goes surprisingly well with todays IF topic Atmosphere.
It must be in the blood, almost every Russian has a longing to go to Paris. I've never been so far, but one can always dream.

Movie Monday 81 Polunin's Snow Show

One of the most touching moments in the show...The train whistle always makes me feel like I have to run to the station, and someone is left behind waiting.

IF: Star gazing

Not only did they love star gazing, but also cathing stars that were falling and collecting them into their special bucket.

Miss Janet and her lovely cattle

Among other title options I had "Miss Janet and her 17 rabbits", "Miss Janet and her 38 octopuses", "Miss Janet and her wild snakes"...We had a lot of fun with this:) The kids picked up the game rather quickly.

And TADAH~ Here she is in all her beauty, a first free standing polymer sculpture figure painted with acrylic.

Movie Monday 80 Soldier and Tsar

About the evil of playing cards. Funny and cute.

Catching memories

I have not been blogging and working as much as usual this summer. We have been spending a lot of time out of the city with some dear friends of ours. Throughout my life here in US, and espesially in the city I always dreamed that my kids would be able to experience the kind of childhood that I had--filled with greens, butterflies, frogs, berries, good friends, campfires, ladybugs, dogs etc. I was never able to give it to them, or to show it to them until this summer. We are soaking in all the wonders of being outside in the field, in the wood with many other kids. It is hard to explain how grateful I am for this chance. The kids love it , and I am reliving my memories and sketching little sketches that once autumn will come I hope to turn into bigger pieces. Collecting memories is a very important part of the job:) And collecting them with a "bug catching net" from the local dollar store is even more important. :) Cheers to all of you!

IF: Caged

A caged bird will not sing as much as a free one.(an old piece)

IF: Artificial

Even city pigeons prefer real croissant crumbs to artificial pigeon food (fact or myth?)

I need a garden

I really think I do need a garden. I do not have any more room on my window sills, and I keep painting flowers.

For some reason my Etsy shop has been very very quiet lately, and I have time to take it easy, however I would be glad to see a bit more activity in there. Those of you who have Etsy shops(or any other shops for that matter) will understand exactly what I mean.
I am in and out of the city, trying to get as much green color in my system as possible.

Movie Monday 79 How the Little Monkeys had Lunch

To all the Moms dedicated. A very funny animation about a Mother Monkey and her little offsprings. Sending lots of cheers to all of you!

Movie Monday 79 The Mitten

An example of old Soviet Puppet animation (one of the best in my opinion). I can hardly hold tears whenever I watch it (it does have a happy end)

IF: Breakfast

Nothing like a fresh grown breakfast and a mothers hug after that.

Horses and Stars

The Horses where a major inspiration during our trip to Jordanville (Upstate NY). We got to take some horseback riding lessons, and the kids got to spend some time communicating with the horses. Anna especially loved talking to one horse named Lady.

As for the stars, it's inspired by my recent rereading of the Chronicles of Narnia, Prince Caspian book.

Movie Monday 78 Creature Comforts

Thank you Rima for this wonderful link! Really enjoyed it.

Movie Monday 77

A wintery tale in the midst of our hot summer. Musings of a 6 year old girl.

IF: Giant

The fishing party came across a GIANT fish. The fish however was too smart to be caught.