Paints, Portraits and Ponderings

This time of year is impossible.  There is just not enough time to get everything accomplished.  There is program art, program practice, the end of the year program, work to be finished, books to be read, end-of the-year books to begin and finish....and the list just goes on.   The sun is out, the warm winds are blowing and the children do not have a care in regards to my to-do list.  Their thoughts and limbs long to swing, jump and run around on the playground.  While I worry about what is left to do, I know when I awake the morning of the last day of school (three weeks away), somehow I will find everything is finished and as it should be.  

One of my moms emailed me an afternoon earlier this week to give me some information, and added she was already sad thinking about the end of school.  I sent a rather abrupt email,  "I can't think about it".  And, I can't.  Even though these last weeks could take even the strongest of men to their  knees,  I am always sad to send my little ones on their way.  In my eyes, no one will ever appreciate them the way I do.  Of course, this is not true, but it is what my heart tells me.

These last two weeks the children have had a lot of free time playing in the room as I worked with each child, individually, on their portraits.  I bring my paint brushes from home, and as we we work I talk to them about art and artist.  Even the children who resist picking up a crayon are excited to begin their own portrait.  We work in stages beginning with the head, hair and face then onto the clothes, allowing each to dry before continuing.  Each morning they critique their progress.  One will say "I don't have a nose, I can't smell".  Another will answer "When will I paint my feet?  I need feet to walk."  

Some will want to paint the clothes they are wearing, while others will create a brand new look.  It is amazing when finished I actually see a resemblance. 

Yesterday while listening to the children one said with a smile, "I did that a fast a monkey in the sun".  After repeating it several times (I have never heard it before...I am clueless) she giggled and continued, Miss Bonnie, I love saying that."  Her remark began the children repeating little things they have heard others say.  I wish I had thought to write them all down, but I was having too much fun listening while pretending not to.  Finally one child, pointing his finger to the ceiling, in the most statesman like manner,  said, "And (pause) never bite your fingers that you eat your food with."  There was complete silence...no sound to hide my own giggling.  Aren't children the most delightful beings?

The children have painted themselves, but they still have the most important masterpiece to begin.

My favorite project!

Tonight is book group, with so much to do I truly should stay home and work, however, I am going to go and spend a little time talking about  "West with the Night" .  I will then limit my outings and all will be finished....

"bird by bird"