MASS CR8IVITY DAY: New Children's Museum

Lots of fun things to see and do at the New Children's Museum today, including the participation of my friends: local artists Joe and John, Noe from Untitled Space, and Wendy with Sophie's Gallery.

 Joe Yorty is a craftsman like none other, creating nostalgic collections of work out of concrete, wood, and fabric. He rarely sells his work, but has a goldmine of ideas that are humorous, sentimental and well executed. Here we get to see his other half take part, in a collaboration with John Brady that makes you feel young again.

 Noe with Untitled Space

Noe Olivas can be described as welcoming, resourceful and humble. His collaborative nature gives an all-access peek of interests that are relatable and stimulating. Untitled Space exists within a 1967 Chevy Step-van, (currently trimmed with pom pom balls) and serves as both a living sculpture in itself, and a stationary forum for a variety of work. If you are looking for a cause deserving of a donation, this is the place and the person to gift it.

Sophie's Gallery

Before my current job, I spent 5 years working at a day program for adults with developmental disabilities called St. Madeleine Sophie's Center. They are a huge organization that serves over 500 adults in a setting which includes an organic garden, pool and art program. The Gallery Administrator Wendy (not pictured) is a brilliant light and has a great appreciation for hand crafted items, folk art and recycled creations. She has single-handedly brought the talents of the participating artists to the attention of the community for many years and gets very little recognition for it. This non-profit is lucky to have someone so invested in the growth and giftedness of each individual there.Today they brought a saori loom to encourage interaction between people of all walks of life.

The New Children's museum theme is 'think, play, create'. Young or old, it has much to offer and is definitely the perfect way to color your day.

Getting to know you: D.I.Y Gift Idea

This is quite possibly the easiest D.I.Y. gift idea out there. It costs very little money and requires light materials, and can be customized for many different people in your life.
The concept is sort of like the game '20 Questions' but more interactive and a great game for breaking the ice at work during team building exercises or interviews, or when having old or new friends over for dinner. It's a great way to have fun with your family and learn something about them at the same time.

 I made 4 of them for my co-workers this year, so I went with matching jars and general topics. I bought smooth mason jars from Target for only a few bucks each, but depending on the person you have in mind, you can use a recycled glass jar or colored container which are easy to find at second-hand stores.

I prefer to use clear containers and decorative paper since I think it encourages people to explore what it is. I purchased a variety of textures and colors which compliment each other, and which makes the overall look more intriguing. I picked patterns I knew my friends would enjoy, or would compliment their home. Again you can customize the jar depending on the theme by using many varieties of paper out there, or making good use of scrap-booking paper remnants you may already have.

 Once you have the paper selected, you'll want to cut small, roughly 1 inch pieces. You'll want them large enough to hold about a sentence worth of words. Then, using your imagination or, if needed, one of these websites below to help, write out a question on each piece then fold it in half. For every 3 pieces you put in, insert a blank piece. When you play the game, if someone pulls a blank paper they have to write in their own question and skip a turn. This helps extend your list of questions and build up new conversations over time.

General questions for everyone:
What if...
Random, mostly useless or fun
Life Possibilities
Getting to know you

Some ideas for co-workers or an office edition:
Starting a new business
New Hires
Ice breakers at work

Ideas for  a family-themed edition:
Home life
Exploring your Ancestors
Dinner table conversations

Idea's for a bachelorette party:
Witty and Pretty 
Engagement discussions 

New Years gift:
New Year, New You
365 Questions, one a day

Questions for the Spiritually minded friend:
Rapid Self-discovery
Improvement and growth

I hope you have fun creating these thoughtful gifts, or make one together on Christmas. It will bring much laughter and deepen the connections you have to those in your life.

Dia de los Muertos Festival on Halloween

The Dia de los Muertos Festival is happening this year at Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, tomorrow from 10am-4pm. It is a free event that features a parade, a chalk cemetery, altars and vendors selling Day of the Dead merchandise. There is also a lot of kid-friendly stuff like hands-on crafts and a bean bag toss competition. Sounds like a fun way to spend the day and educate your kids about different cultures and their traditions.

By the way, the sugar skull making class at Vintage Religion was not only fun but informative too. I have the recipe now and even bought the mold, so expect to to attend a class by me next year!