A Gala Surprise

This past Thursday was the Opening Night Gala for the Seattle International Film Festival.  Seattle proudly hosts the largest yearly film festival in the nation.  Each year I read with anticipation the films that are going to be shown, but its not often that I take the time or spend the money to actually see any films.  When my friend Emma asked if I wanted to accompany her to try and get free tickets...I was up for the challenge.

After enjoying a happy hour meal together...we walked to MaCaw Hall at the Seattle Center.  I was initially apprehensive as I saw the fancy dressed attendents, media, and red carpet for those involved in the film industry.  It wasn't that I particularly felt out of place...but I was wondering where Emma and I were going to stand with our signs.  Yes thats right...Emma has showed up at the Gala for the past 8 years with a sign that says "If you give me your extra ticket, I'll love you forever."  

As we quickly scoped out the scene, we found a spot near the stairs and on the count of 3 quickly put up our signs.  Both feeling slightly awkward...yet excited at the same time, we then waited.  But not for long...with minutes a man said "I have an extra ticket"...and then a lady.  With our tickets in hand we proudly walked alongside the red carpet (unfortunately not on it!) to head into the theater.

But the evening didn't end there.  We got fabulous seats and got to view a new film called The First Grader.  Set in Kenya, it tells the story of an 83 year old man who goes back to school to learn to read.  It was an incredible true story...filled with awe and hope.  I am a softy for films about Africa and Education...so loved it!  Afterwards, we followed the crowds to the After Party and enjoyed champagne, cupcakes and dancing.

I am loving living in Seattle and the adventures that I am getting to have!

Tulip Festival!

This last weekend, a group of friends and I headed up north to Mount Vernon to admire the beauty of the annual Tulip Festival!  My last memory of going was when I was a little girl, so I was long overdue for a visit.  The weather was quite cloudy with bits of rain, but all in all the sun shone brightly for us.  I was amazed at the vibrant colors and varied types of Tulips.  A must see for any local Seattlites!

 

 

Seattle Art Walk

I hadn't been on a Seattle Art Walk since college, so when a new friend of mine organized a group to meet downtown this past Thursday to visit the galleries in Pioneer Square I jumped on the idea!  Viewing art has always been an incredibly fulfilling pastime of mine.  I could explore a museum on my own for hours and be incredibly content.  Of course I love giving tours and sharing my art history knowledge with others (for those that don't know I have a BA in Art History and an MA in Victorian Art & Design), but its completely different to explore on my own.  I headed downtown an hour before I was to meet my friends so that I could get some time at the SAM (Seattle Art Museum)...I of course headed straight to the European floor which houses an eclectic collection of works from the Renaissance era to the the 19th Century.  Many of the paintings felt like 'old friends'.  As my hour quickly disappeared, I headed south to Pioneer Sq to join my friends.  Below is a selection of photos I took that night:

An Early Easter

Spring is finally here!  I absolutely love the blossom trees, daffodils...and even seeing Mr.Sun once in awhile.  Last Saturday my family celebrated Easter a few weeks early, as my parents were leaving on Sunday for their next overseas adventure (not returning til mid-June).  The day started with a walk up to the Junior Daffodil Parade in Proctor, blocks away from the Windham's home.  Followed by a traditional brunch at the Thomases.  Just thought I would share these precious photos from the day below.

 

Art, Friends & Fancy Dresses

This last month has been filled with new transitions (moving the preschool to a new location in West Seattle, and gaining a new staff member named Kelsey), as well as growing friendships and attending numerous fun events!  I had to include one of my favorite blossom photos for Spring is on its way!  Despite our numerous days of rain, the flowers are beginning to spring up...proclaiming HOPE for the season ahead! 

 Below is a pictorial overview of what I have been up to recently:

 

 I had to include a few Preschool photos, as teaching is what I spend the majority of my week doing!  Our new location, in the basement of a church, has given us so much more room...and with the added space, our class is nearly at full capacity.  Its been a busy season, especially with 3 new beautiful triplets (aged 2 1/2) that started a few weeks ago!  I continue to love teaching art daily and learning how to practically come alongside and shepherd young children with love!  I seriously come home some days and read parenting books that are beside my bed!  [The photo to the right is the kids learning to draw like Michelangelo...upside down, just as he painted the Sistine Chapel].

 

Road trip to Anacortes and Deception Pass on a beautiful February weekend with friend Sara-Ann.  There are so many areas of Washington that I haven't explored...can't wait for more adventures this Spring. The only downside to the excursion was that as this jumping photo was being taken...a gust of wind knocked my camera off the log and the lens broke!  I was devastated as my camera was my faithful companion! (Thankfully my tax return helped purchase a replacement)

 

On February 27th, my friend Emma from work (dressed as 'Black Swan' to the left) threw her tenth annual Oscar Party at a venue downtown.  It was fabulous!  I got to dress in sparkles and join about 50 other Oscar fans for a big screen viewing and trivia games.  Those that know me well, know that the Oscars has been a cherished event to watch since I was a little girl!  [Photo to the left is me posing with Carmel, the Artistic Director of the Preschool]. 

Fabulous ladies from my small group at church.  I have loved getting to know them better this past year and sharing our lives with one another. [Katie, Ebony, Brianna, Erin & Emily]

 

I cant update my blog with out adorable photos of my precious family.  My parents recently returned from a crazy trip to Congo, so its been nice to fellowship together before they are off again at the end of the month to Southern Africa. 

This last weekend I was down in Tacoma on Friday and Saturday attending a Beth Moore conference (was a joy to worship with over 6,000 women)!  Then headed up to get ready for my Preschool's big auction event at the Washington Athletic Club downtown.  I was excited to re-wear the bridesmaid dress from Melisa's wedding (for out of ten bridesmaid dresses, this was the first I have ever re-worn!!) [Friend to the left is Emma, my kindred spirit who loves musicals and movies as much as I do...and friend to the right is my teaching partner Cara].

 

February: Ten on Ten

Its been quite some time since I have participated in the photo project Ten on Ten (taking ten photos on the tenth of the month)...some months I literally do not have the time to take photos during a school day and if its raining...I'm inside once home. Well, today I had my camera in my pocket throughout the day and even got in a great walk at Lincoln Park after school to enjoy the winter sunshine! Blessings to all and Happy early Valentines Day!

Yep, Mt. Rainier from my bedroom wisdom...cant beat that! I love watching the sunrise. You can see my desk reflected in this photo.

Today I posted some Valentines on my way to work!

Circle Time at 10am (a peek at our new classroom)

Our Bumblebee (class name) decor in new classroom...we recently moved to a new location in West Seattle

Art time

More Art! Our Valentines hearts are indeed orange as I couldn't find any red finger paint when I was prepping this morning...oh well.

It was beautiful walking around Lincoln park & beach this afternoon!

Olympics showing off

Searching for beach treasures...this is such a relaxing past time for me...I needed it too after a 'busy' afternoon!

A little reminder that Spring is on its way!