First day of "school"

After debating with myself about whether or not to take on another Literacy Council tutoring assignment, I said "yes" to two students that had been waiting about 90 days for a tutor.  I prefer Spanish speaking students because I have some background in Spanish (a college major 50 years ago).  That first encounter is always an eye opener and yesterday was no different.  Jose and Orfelia arrived early (as most adult students do) and were anxious.  Anxious about meeting me, anxious about having to speak English, anxious to learn as much as I could pour into their hungry minds.  Orfelia was in her 40's and had taken some college courses in her youth in Honduras.  Jose, too was from Honduras, much to their delight.  It is always a good feeling to meet someone from your home country.  This was no exception.  Jose is 23 and came to the US when he was 19.  He had been working as a roofer here in Florida but recently had gotten a "good" job with a company that cleans Target stores.  He goes to work at 3 AM.  Orfelia works in receiving at Bealls four days a week on a shift starting at 5AM.  When she leaves Bealls, she goes to the beauty shop she owns and works there.  As with every tutoring assignment I have had, I was humbed by how hard these people work and how close to the edge they live.  Because of the language barrier they know that they are at the mercy of the people they encounter.  Why was I debating with myself?  I have work to do and I LOVE it.  It is so worthwhile!  And important to these people.

Challenge 55 Recognizing Moebius Syndrome

This week we continue our recognition of Moebius Syndrome.  Laura, The Diva has a darling son who has this syndrome.  Moebius Syndrome is a congenital nerve disorder affection cranial VI and VII nerves controlling lateral movement of the face.  Some cases are more severe than others.  Artoo has struggled as an infant but continues to grow and thrive in his family that includes attentive big brother Chewie and Mom and Dad.  Tomorrow many of us will be wearing purple hoping to raise awareness of Moebius Syndrome.
As for my entry in the challenge...wish I had centered it better but I was off and running with it before I realized my problem.

Carole Ohl's "tangle a day"

I treated myself to  Carole Ohl's "tangle a day" calendar for 2012.   This is so much fun for those who enjoy the Zentangle (a registered trademark) art form.  I am not a Certified Zentangle Teacher but was fortunate enough to take a class in Zentangle.  I was hooked.  As you know, I follow the Diva Challenges religiously.  This calendar is another way to enjoy your Zentangle daily.  There are several ways to use the Calendar.  I have been entering a tangle a day but on '19,20,21 I had a single string running through all three days.  It is a wonderful way to practice my tangles, try new tangles and remember to old ones hidden in tangle books filed away in drawers.  I ordered my calendar directly from Carole Ohl at 'openseedarts.blogspot.com' but it can be ordered from greydenpress.com/store/.
Treat yourself!

The Diva is ba-a-a-a-ck!

Laura Harms of I am the Diva blog is back from a well deserved hiatus for the Holidays.  There are plenty of us in "blogland" that are happy to see her return with this challenge #53, "Undine".

This geometrical pattern reminds me of why I got a "D" in geometry and had to go to Summer School after my junior year in highschool.  I struggled with it, so this is my offering for this weeks challenge and again, welcome back Laura!

"Orchids by the Sea"

I love Phrags and Paphs.  This color caught my eye.

Lovely artwork as well as planting supplies
and of course orchids are available.

E

Each display had it's winners.

Today is the last day of "Orchids by the Sea", the Sarasota Orchid Society show and sale.  It is an amazing event.  Orchid Societies from the southwest Florida area create amazing displays that are
judged and awarded.  Orchid suppliers provide an incredible assortment of plants available for sale.
Then there are books, artwork, planting supplies and plant display supplies available.  It is just a perfect place to spend a few hours and enjoy the beauty of these amazing plants.  After hours members of the Society enjoy a catered dinner amongst the displays.
I was a "worker bee" on Saturday but managed to come home with some Aliflor, charcoal and fungicide (in anticipation of spring potting) and a dear little specie,  C. Walkeriana, Semi-Alba Carmela.  It has a wonderful scent.   I also got a tiny bit of a vanda.  I have never grown these so this will be a bit of a challenge.