Removal of Google Friends Connect

Google Friends Connect

My dear followers, I will be removing my Google Friends Connect widget from my side bar soon. If you use GFC to follow me, you will still be able to see my posts on your Blogger dashboard, but it will no longer be available for new readers. If you are a new reader, click on [...]

The Artful Parent

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Good morning everyone! I’m over at The Artful Parent this morning. If you haven’t yet visited Jean’s blog, you’re in for a treat. Jean has a huge collection of art activities that you can do with your children and if you have some time, grab a cup of coffee and take the time to read [...]

My Tablecloth Tradition

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I get particularly inspired this time of year, especially with my home. Magazines are my biggest source of inspiration and last week I picked up a copy of one of my favorite magazines, Country Living. As I thumbed through their November issue, I came across the article Stitching Together a Tradition. A warm feeling filled me. [...]

Mood Boards

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Through the e-course, Blogging Your Way, (hosted by Holly Becker from the Decor8 fame), I’ve been expanding my creative outlooks. The purpose of mood boards is to help you connect with your inner loves. If you are new to blogging, mood boards can help you establish or at least nudge you in your authentic creative [...]

FamilyFun Magazine is Looking for Submissions

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FamilyFun Magazine is launching a new, super cool kid’s magazine called Disney’s FamilyFun Kids! It’s an ad-free, creative, can-do magazine packed with easy crafts, puzzles, games, art pages and more! And, they need your help… FamilyFun Magazine is looking for submissions for two fun sections of their upcoming issue. If you have students or children [...]

Steps to a Better Blog

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I get asked alot of blogging questions. Things like how to make a banner or how to resize photos or even more personal details like if blogging is worth my time. I decided a long time ago that I’m not the right person to ask. When it comes to blog design and technical stuff, I’m [...]

287 Secrets of Reinventing Your Life

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I have the sweetest husband in the world. I came home from work today, wandered upstairs to my bedroom/office and saw this book leaning up against my computer. Last year, Dana Hudepohl contacted me and asked if she could write a piece about Deep Space Sparkle. Of course, I said yes. After a few interviews, [...]

Working with Family Fun Magazine

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I have stacks of old FamilyFun magazines in my closest. I subscribed to the magazine for years and still have many articles clipped and organized in my “things to do (eventually)” binder. I even wrote a few essays with the hope of someday writing for the magazine. Never did send off those essay proposals. So [...]

Public Art (and lack of!)

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Not sure if I’m getting the verbiage right, but I love public art. And after last summer’s travels, I almost feel like an authority on the subject.  Our first stop in our journey was Vancouver, British Columbia, host of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Talk about a city that loves its heritage. Public art is everywhere. [...]

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall!

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Today is the first day of school for my 3 kids: Newt a senior, Tate a sophmore and Elly a seventh grader. I became a bit teary after snapping the customary First-Day-Photo that I have been taking since Newt began Kindergarten. It’s really my favorite time of year: a chance to start fresh, create new [...]

Happy (belated) 4th! And Summer Sneak Preview

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I’m proud to be an American. My passport was issued to me in the summer of 2002. Hands down the biggest and most inspiring day of my life. I wasn’t expecting the massive crowds (not only the newly minted Americans, but their throngs of supporters). I went to the LA Fairgrounds alone expecting a quick, [...]

What to Expect…

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Summer has hit our household. My children have completed grades six, nine and eleven. Last night we went out for our end-of-the-year celebration dinner and spoke about each kids accomplishments, what our summer goals are and what we’re looking forward to next September. I came away feeling proud, happy and content that my children have [...]

1000 Followers Contest!

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My itty-bitty blog has grown! And it’s all because of you! Your comments, questions, inspiration and enthusiasm have provided me with a daily dose of energy. I never would have guessed two years ago that my blog would become the best part of my day. If you are a blogger like me (and have the [...]

Deep Space Sparkle’s Year in Review

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The skies are heavy and my house warm. I’m sitting in my perch (my office is located in a little nook in my bedroom) watching the rain thunder down.  Today is a perfect day for reflection. I’ve learned a lot this year; about teaching art, managing and keeping students happy, and most significantly how transfer [...]

Thank you Mrs. Palmer!

A little gift from one of my third grade students….I love my paint-splattered apron. Thank you, Phoebe!