abstract designs

food coloring in milk, with a drop of dish soap:

Cupcakes by Sydney

She's really coming along on her cupcaking skills - two dozen of two flavors, with ganache filling, buttercream frosting and fondant decorations!

book reflections: Whispering to Witches

This was a fun, easy-to-enjoy book with kids, magic and (a little) mystery. It reminds me in some ways of Half Magic by Edward Eager - pretty good company, if you ask me. Light-hearted, doesn't demand too much of the read, consistant throughout. worldcat

Young Choreographers

This Saturday past was the Showcase event for this year's Young Choreographers program by Forest Grove Dance Arts. Each dancer (or team) selects their own music, cuts it to 1 minute 30 seconds, dreams up choreography to go with it, practices for weeks, performs before judges during the week and before an audience on Saturday evening. It's an amazing show with amazing talent. Everyone involved did an outstanding job.



That last picture is at the local burger place for ice cream afterwards!

And on Flickr, Daughter's dance and Daughter with Friend

Book Response: We Are Not Eaten by Yaks

A great, fun, rollicking bobsled-ride of a book. The twins just want to sit on the couch and watch TV but unfortunately for them, their parents are entwined in nefarious goings-on in the Explorer's Club. Hilarity and Yaks ensue. I'm amazed that the author can build sympathy for these archetypal couch potatoes but he does. Great fun. worldcat

Day at the Beach

Book Response: Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos

A very good read with a strong female lead and several interesting secondary characters; delightful grimy London setting; spine-tingling Egyptian curses; clever kids saving impercipient grown-ups (always a good theme); and of course a secret society. Doesn't get much better! More on Wikipedia

Book Response: Ombria in Shadow by Patricia McKillip

Recently read Ombria in Shadow by the inimitable Patricia McKillip (Riddle Master of Hed, Alphabet of Thorn ... on and on!). It didn't disappoint: McKillip has turned out yet another masterpiece that has you turning pages breathlessly while trying to read closely for nuance that you might easily miss. The characters are compelling: good, evil, funny, wry by turns. The world-setting is saturated with rich texture and a treat for the senses (imaginary ones, anyway). The finale is satisfying with enough unknowns to keep you on the edge of your seat.

State Gymnastics Competition

Crepes

by Sydney (well, I helped a bit)