art, design, education, and dreams....

Hi all.

so. I told you a while back that I am interested in starting my own business. Well, thats still true. I think many moms think that it would be a good idea to work their own hours, and be in charge of their own time. Also, being a mom you become pretty darn good at time management... and stuff...

Anyways, seeing as it has taken me...oh, around 12 years to almost be an architect, one may think I want to open my own design office. Well, fact is, at this point that doesn't seem so appealing. Its high risk and a lot of responsibility. Also, there is not a tonne of work out there and there is a lot of competition from more established people. so, no thanks, not my idea of fun...

So, what then? (and on second hand why are you writing about it in your blog???) well, I am firstly trying to pump up my business savvy by taking some courses at momentum. The first one I am taking starts this April, in business on the internets. I think it will be great. Then, in the fall I am going to take another course to develop my idea further. I will do all this while working and raising my family. yeah, I know.

I want to register as an architect and gain more skill in the industry before breaking out... (for those of you who work with me... just so theres no surprises!)

Then! I am thinking about combining my love of design, art and architecture, with my love of kids and education. I am taking Ruhi book 5 this month, which is a training course in working with "junior youth" or kids in that sticky age just before becoming teenagers. I am stoked about it and think that this age group would be perfect for my idea. I want to develop an after school program for this age group in design, sustainable living and art. (some urban agriculture would be good too...) Somewhat like the mad science program...only design and living...and probably much smaller scale (at least to start...)

Anyways, the idea is to run after-school programs, and workshops for kids, and to be able to promote the stuff I love. I'm pretty stoked about it right now...and I'm writing about it because its on my mind, and because I am open to ideas, suggestions, references, networking...and all that jazz...I mean maybe it already exists and I just dont know about it...

PS aren't those some pretty buildings? from the fall - wood design and building magazine.

happy ayyam-i-ha!

we have been busy.



trying to make a holiday out of four days.



trying to find new traditions.



eating cake, opening gifts, sharing love and prayers.

home from the conference

man, oh man. We are home, and the whirlwind just keeps on going!

So the last post was a few weeks ago. It literally has taken that long to get ourselves back on our feet. We had imagined a Christmas holiday of crafts, sleigh riding and other winter fun. Sadly it mostly consisted of lying on the couch wishing for a less painful death. Ah...the flu.

But, gratefully we came out the other side, rested and ready for adventure! Emery, Mark and I went to Vancouver this weekend for a Baha'i conference. The entire city was engulfed in a foggy cloud for the whole time we were there...it was gorgeous, and a little mysterious. (see these pics from a vancouver blogger who captured the fog so wonderfully...) I loved being in that city, the big lights and action. It felt like I was being let out of a cage for a moment. In terms of the conference it was wonderful to see old friends, though I really wish I could have had more time with some friends from Vancouver - especially you fellow bloggers (you know who you are!:)) But it felt as though we have been working so hard in the trenches in a battle for years now, and this little conference was like being brought into a meeting of the generals and commanders and we got to see the big picture for a second. To see the whole layout of folks all over the country working together for a common goal. Its really inspiring. I am excited to be helping a group of mom's in Aridrie (a nearby community) to work with children and support their already awesome community activities.

I also had a chance to visit with a old friend from university, who I love and miss so much and wish I could see more.

All in all it was a wonderful trip.

In the day I got home I finished this painting. Its a lot bigger than the others and a refreshing break from the rigid composition I had been using. I am not sure about it all still, but I think of it as a chance to play.

happy Naw-Ruz!

Here is a sketch of a bird.

We had a lovely surprise feast at our house today.

Jian wished everyone, including the Baha'is a Happy Naw Ruz on the Radio today. Im sure he was talking to our family!

Everyone is talking about spring, but Ive yet to really feel it.

Im hoping to spend more time in barefeet, smelling the grass soon.  

Every day has its joy and it mystery...I found the keys I lost under my keyboard at work today. This brought me great joy, as I can now get into my own house.

Apparently tomorrow is a full moon, so there is some sort of Islamic holiday, its Naw Ruz for Persians and Baha'is, the Christians are commemorating Good Friday, apparently there is a Jewish holiday tomorrow too, and its the spring equinox for all the atheists, agnostics, or pagans. I think God (or whatever higher power you believe in...) will be busy tomorrow! Enjoy!

com-unity

OK, sorry for the cryptic message yesterday. Im thinking maybe blog posts before bed isnt always the best idea....but until I get another system going, you have to deal with my pre- sleep incoherence. If you think Im cool now...you should meet me during the day when Im actually awake!! (Thats a joke...really, so sorry)

OK, so we had such a lovely gathering in our home tonight. Friends from many backgrounds and places and religions came to pray for unity. I invited some neighbors and friends. This sounds maybe totally new-age to you, but I think its totally revolutionary. I mean how many times have you been in the homes of your neighbors? or had them into your home? I think that this is a subtle action, but when we know how many places in the world people are torn apart for so many random and seemingly superficial reasons, that for a group of almost strangers to get together and share words of wisdom from the world's great thinkers and spiritual leaders, is pretty cool. Its such a lovely action towards a better world ...no?

OK, so thats the philosophy. The actuality is that I need to learn to become a better host. Having grown up with very casual culture, where "my home is your home" means "wash your own plate", and "thirsty? ...the tap's over there"... I am not really prepared to be the host I want to be. I have been in homes where you feel so at ease, and the host makes you feel comfortable, but is not in your face. You just have a lovely time, and don't really realize who is working in the background. I am learning this is a real art, as I want there to be the right mood, I want my guests to feel I am there to talk to them and welcome them, but I also am having a hard time just keeping the place in order. Anyways, I think in this area its practice that will make it easier....and I love having people over, so Im sure I'll get many more chances to improve my skills.