Thursday, August 27, 2009

l तत् त्वम् असि --That Thou Art

To send light into the darkness of men's hearts - such is the duty of the artist. ~Schumann

तत् त्वम् असि or तत्त्वमसि or "Tat Tvam Asi" (That Thou Art) is a saying used in one form of Hinduism's discussion of the divinity within oneself.


I just thought it was a good phrase to describe our Grouper (now Gigi), because Art is such a part of this girl, that if it somehow left her - she would cease to be the same person.

A lot of people have artistic abilities and talents, but Gigi is a little different in that she sees the world in a different way than most people. I can't remember a time when she wasn't trying to create something beautiful. She was able to work out these designs in just a few minutes!

Recently she's taken to turning away from the camera when I try to capture her work. Not sure why. I had to work hard to get these photos! It's almost like she's embarrassed by her talent.



I can now say that the cliche about artists being "sensitive" is absolutely true - but not in a negative way. She is gentler than most people. More aware of people's feelings. Always trying to make those around her feel loved. Maybe it's her artistic ability that helps her find and use the divinity that's within her...maybe it's her divine nature that gives her her talent. I just love her to pieces!

Gigi - Thou Art Amazing!!

Sunday, August 9, 2009

COW Do We Love Thee?


Whoever at Chick-fil-A came up with having cow mascots is a genius. Whoever came up with giving away free food once a year to people willing to dress up like a cow is even 'genius-er'.

Now, I'm not proud...I'll bend over to pick up a penny on the ground. But when I found out about the dress-up promotion, I was really thinking it would be a fun activity to do with the kids--the free food would just be a side-benefit.

It was Starfish who took the lead. Like most projects, I got sidetracked with all the everyday stuff that needs to be done (errands, bills, messes, etc). Starfish went and found old white t-shirts and some black cloth napkins that I had left over from something, cut the cow-spots, and got them ironed on. All I really did was buy the fusible webbing and show her how to iron it on.

The kids had fun designing and wearing their shirts. We got to eat out for "no good reason".
And I had fun not cooking dinner than night!

I have to say, they've won us over at CFA!