Monday, June 7, 2010

Back to Work

I have not been producing much art lately but feel like the last several weeks have been creative none-the-less.  First, went to the NESCBWI conference in May. Amazing! Fantastic! Educational! Lots of people have blogged about their inspiring, fun filled weekend and I don't really have anything to add - except to echo a "well done" to all the organizers, volunteers and workshop leaders. Thanks! Then when I got home it was time to prepare for a trip to Michigan (driving!) for the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals. For any who don't know, it is an international, educational, problem-solving competition for kids where they get to spread their creative wings. (My son was part of a team that was competing, which explained the giant Easter Island head in the back of the van.) I saw some fantastic, surprising performances by kids - just as inspiring as some of what I saw at the NESCBWI conference. Saw a hat made out of vinyl records, a skirt made out of balloons, a boy dressed as a nun, and a talking carton of eggs. Kids sure can create! Then after driving home to CT we hosted a Polish team that had competed in Michigan also. Spent a week seeing the US through their eyes. So now that they have headed home, I am tired and a bit overwhelmed by how behind I am in all the things I need to do... but inspired anew to create, participate, observe, record. Wishing all a surprising, inspiring day.

(Opening ceremonies at Odyssey - 16,000 screaming kids!)