The Joy of Granny

Today I received word that my Granny passed away last night. I was stunned. My mind filled with many thoughts and my heart was full of emotion. I chose to cancel my afternoon art classes and started calling my family. I am thankful that my mom was able to be there with her brothers and sister when her mom passed. I wasn't able to get hold of my mom just yet, and I hope she is doing well. The funeral is set for Monday. I am saddened that I will not be able to be there in person. So, I thought I would take the opportunity to share some of my thoughts and memories about Granny in my blog.
I am thankful and honored to be named after her - Joy! I remember spending many Thanksgivings in her home watching her team - the Cowboys play. Oh, how she loved the Cowboys! I loved hearing about her childhood stories growing up on a Texas ranch. She came from a big family and had many responsibilities. I remember her humming as she worked. We enjoyed watching romantic comedies and old movies together. She always worked hard and loved to shop. Granny was my high school graduation highlight - I was so thankful that she came! After totaling my car in an accident, Granny helped me buy my first new car. I am thankful for the many times I had to visit with her and the opportunity to introduce her to my sweetheart, Peter. I am also thankful that she was able to meet Raegan and Sydney when she came to Hawaii a few years ago for my cousin's wedding. I love Granny and will miss her :)

In The Studio

Welcome to Adventures In Art, LLC! Tonight I am taking you into the studio. A parent of one of my students took these pictures. This will probably be the most pictures of me you will ever see in one posting or even on the entire blog! This first picture is of the back wall - we were making baskets that month. The masks on the top shelf are student works that have been left at the studio. When we made the paper masks, we displayed them at the Mililani Public Library. Having masks of favorite story characters in the library really brought the children's section to life. It looked great!

These students are painting their final drawing of feet. After being inspired by the works of Salvador Dali, the students drew wild pictures of human feet on things that normally would not have human feet - like this work, the student turned the nose, hair, ear, hand, and neck into human feet.

The next few pictures are of Landon and me. Landon was my helper for about six months last year. Oh, how I miss him! He was a great help as you can see. It was so much fun having him in the studio. He worked hard and went home exhausted at the end of the day.



Basket weaving was something new for me. I chose to use wire spokes instead of the reed. Originally it was to prevent the spokes from drying and breaking; however, the students ended up molding their baskets into original shapes. It was awesome!


Now onto printing! Here we are monotyping. This upcoming week we will be making our final prints using our linoleum or rubber blocks. I can't wait to see the prints! The students have worked hard on carving their blocks. It will be a messy week, yet one I am looking forward to.

I can't believe I have been teaching art on my own for over five years. I am thankful for the experiences I have had so far. It has been very rewarding! I love teaching art and working with children. The next few months I will have some decisions to make about the studio, for the lease in my current location ends in May. I hope you have enjoyed being in the studio with me.

Fun Field Trip With Sydney

Today I had the pleasure of joining Sydney and her class on a field trip to Honolulu's Contemporary Art Museum in Makiki Heights. Here is Sydney on the bus ride. She was excited to be out of the classroom and on an adventure in the bus. She sang the whole way there.

Once we arrived, Mrs. Rissi's class was first to create their own art. The students traced their arms to make a tree design. Then they used paint and a variety of blocks to add colorful textures to their trees. Here is Sydney and her classmates at work.






After cleaning up, we had rice crispy treats and juice for snack. Then it was our turn to enjoy the storytelling talents of Jeff Gere. He used an overhead projector and shadow puppets to tell stories to the children. It was awesome! The kids loved it! You can download some of Jeff's stories at www.talkstoryradio.com. Here are some of the photos I took of him in action today.

Sydney almost fell asleep on the way back to Wahiawa. I was impressed with these 1st graders - they didn't get to eat lunch until they returned to school. It was after 1 PM, and they were ready to eat! What a wonderful day spent with Sydney :)

Joy

A Sunday walk at Ka'ena Point on the Northshore of Oahu. It was a beautiful January evening. The waves were powerful. We just kept walking and before we knew it, the sun went down. We were in the dark most of the walk back to the car. The girls were troopers - very hungry, thirsty, and tired!

Pete now has a new ride. He no longer wakes the neighborhood early in the morning. We are thankful for the blessing of finding a good deal. Our salesman said it was the fastest and easiest deal he has ever had.

Sydney finally lost her snaggle-tooth!

Raegan has been determined to ride the waveboard. After many attempts, she did it!!!!


These are some of my students' works - monotype prints.

What a whirlwind this new year has been! I can't believe it is almost Valentine's Day! I haven't had much time at my computer; thus, my blog has not been updated in awhile. Tonight, I just can't sleep - some excederin may have something to do with that. However, I am grateful for the time to write. I was thinking about the simple joys in my life. I am thankful to have the middle name of "Joy." I was named after my Granny; it has become more than a name to me. It is a wonderful and constant reminder of seeing the joy in my life. No matter how crazy a day may seem, rays of joy have warmed my heart unexpectedly - a hug, a smile, a thank you, a call from a dear friend, a letter, a blooming flower, a sunrise, a beautiful cloud, a quiet moment, a shared moment, a thought, a quote, a kind gesture, an idea, a creation, a connection.
January was a busy month for us. After a three week break from the studio, art classes resumed with a bang. My students are relief printing. We started with monotypes and monoprints, and now we are working on our blocks. I love printmaking! It is very messy, but fun! It has even invaded my living room with some extra prep work on my students collagraph "hot chocolate" plates. We made prints of hot drinks like hot chocolate because we have had some chilly mornings - probably not nearly as cold as the mainland, yet to us - cold enough. :)
A big change for our family was our recent decision to put Raegan back in public school. A few weeks ago we received her report card. She wasn't making progress, and she was getting frustrated daily with her work. Most days, she would scream and cry. Pete and I were not sure what to do. When we talked to her charter school they said that it just may not work for her. I called the principal at Wahiawa Elementary School to see what our options were. He said we could have her tested for learning disabilities and he recommended I talk to the counselor. The counselor suggested putting her in class and seeing how she does before testing her. Raegan was nervous at first for fear of what her classmates would say. She was afraid they wouldn't be happy to have her back. That fear quickly subsided her first day back; she came home with a big smile! Raegan had a wonderful first week, and a sparkle has returned to her eyes. Yeah - a simple joy! Sydney too has been struggling in school. She has difficulty in focusing and completing her mathwork in class on her own. With homeschooling Raegan, I wasn't working much with Sydney and her schoolwork. However, this past week I enjoyed spending some time with her on her homework. I now have a better understanding of where she is and how I can help. Our home is trying to find a regular rhythm after the big change. It definitely has been more peaceful.

The Eve of a Storm

Anticipation swirls in the air as the curtains blow in and out. Talk of a gusty storm approaching lingers in the night. Schools have been canceled before the new day begins. I wonder if and when it will hit. We are ready; loose items have been secured and food stored. Whether the storm hits or not, I am thankful for the time to prepare. A good thought for me to keep in mind. Lately, it has seemed like I have been tossed about in big waves relentlessly pounding in demands of my time and effort. Overwhelming fear and doubt have tossed me to and fro - can I make it? "Master, the tempest is raging," I hear myself say. Then the calming words, "Peace be still, Peace be still." In a moment of stillness, I remember that the waves of fear and doubt can be calmed with preparedness and action - I have a choice. I have an anchor in what I am committed to and what I intend to do. Thank goodness :)!

A Fond Farewell

Living in Hawaii for 10 years, I have seen many wonderful people come and go. The days that follow their departure are an adjustment. During this time, tears fall often and my heart is tender, yet I am so thankful for the time we have shared and the fond memories that remain.

Yesterday, my dear friends the Call Family left the islands for the second time. We first met about 9 1/2 years ago on July 4th here in Hawaii. I can recall many late nights talking and sharing stories about our lives; we were the 1 o'clock club. Our friendship seemed to fit together like two unlikely puzzle pieces that came together in a perfect fit. Rachel has seen me at my best and at my worst. She has been an angel of kindness many times - lifting, teaching, supporting, forgiving, accepting, and loving me. Thank you, Rachel. I have enjoyed keeping in touch and visiting them in Japan and Washington the past few years. Their return to Hawaii was definitely one of my highlights this year. I admire them for pulling together willing to sacrifice in the challenge of starting a new business in a rocky economy. Their stay in Hawaii was not easy. It reminds me of Dickens opening lines to the Tales of Two Cities - it was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Without complaint, they worked, hoped and prayed and so did I on their behalf. It's moments like these that I wish I had a million bucks to give. Despite the business not working, friendships were rekindled and many memories made. I am thankful for the time spent with them again in Hawaii. The boys have really grown. I enjoyed spending the early mornings with Mitchell at seminary and many afternoons in the studio with Landon. Landon is an awesome helper! I am thankful for attending Grayson's baptism and having him over to swim and play. Rachel is always a joy for me to be around. I simply like being with her; I will miss that. She is creative, witty, smart, deep, playful, thoughtful, and a great cook! Les reminds me of my big brother. He is a lot of fun; I know Pete will miss his movie buddy. I hope they settle in and enjoy their new home in West Virginia. I love them and wish them well! I look forward to hearing about their new adventures, and I guess I better start saving money for a flight to West Virginia.

Merry, Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, Family and Friends! With a busy schedule at this year's end, I didn't put together Christmas cards to send. (Beware - my mind works in rhyme!) This will be my holiday greetings to you. We have had a good, full year. We have been blessed with many wonderful experiences and memories. So, sit back and enjoy pictures of the Bishop Family.


This is the most current family photo. We were on our way to the Polynesian Cultural Center to enjoy a Christmas light canoe ride with friends-the Calls, the Akhays, and the Rodrigues. We arrived early and went to the Laie Temple Visitor center. It was a beautiful night!


I played with my camera and took this picture of the Christus surrounded by the festive trees with the lights reflecting in the water.

All aboard! The canoe crew is ready to go. We had so much fun! The ride took us through the story of the birth of Jesus Christ with beautiful music and staged characters. It was wonderful! Then towards the end of the ride, we were treated to the fun of Christmas passing a gingerbread house, dancing children, and Santa Clause himself.

Meet Uncle Frank. I think his hat is cute! I call him Raegan's and Sydney's "dealer" because he supplies them with treats like gum or candy right after sacrament meeting every Sunday. He is very sweet!






Here are the girls after church one Sunday. They are growing up so quickly! Raegan is attending a charter school this year. She does most of her studies here at home with me. She has a teacher and goes to a learning center once a week. I am enjoying teaching her and seeing her learn on a daily basis. She definitely loves art and draws all the time! Raegan is taking a break from ballet and is looking forward to taking gymnastics. She also loves to cook.

Cooking eggs is one of her favorite things to make. She can do it all by herself. I am amazed! Raegan also likes to build with blocks, boxes, sticks, rope, anything! With the help of her sister and friends she has turned the playground equipment into a fort. Raegan loves the water. She is becoming quite a swimmer - Pete takes the girls to the Wahiawa community pool often. We hope to get her on the swim team; first, she has to take the swim lessons then she can qualify.



Sydney is now 6 years old and attends Wahiawa Elementary School. We tried the charter school - it just didn't quite fit. She loves her teacher and her classmates. She enjoyed making gingerbread boys in class. Sydney loves to sing. She also enjoys swimming and playing outside. She likes to role play with barbies or friends. She is a firecracker with strong opinions to share! She is full of energy and can be quite funny. She is a lot of fun.

Peter is an awesome father! He loves interacting with the girls. He takes them swimming and hiking and also enjoys playing with them outside. He has even painted a few toe nails and finger nails. He still works for Booz Allen Hamilton and enjoys the people he works with. He still likes to bike and read - just in small increments due to time restraints. Peter is thankful for the opportunity to serve as bishop. He loves and cares dearly for the people of Wahiawa. I am thankful for all that he does. He is a wonderful friend and husband. I love him dearly. We just celebrated 15 years of being married. I can't believe how fast the time has flown by!
I am still teaching art to children. It has been a very rewarding experience. I love seeing what the students create. You can check out some of their work on my website - advinart.com. This May, the lease for my studio ends, and I will have some decisions to make. I do still enjoy creating puppets, drawing/painting, and building things. It is just fun! I currently teach in Primary and love it! I also enjoy reading good books - I just need to figure out how to not fall asleep once I sit down and open a book. Well, that is a quick glimpse into the Bishop Family. I hope to continue to share with you what we are up to as this blog goes forth. May you enjoy Christmas Joy this year! With much love, Alison