FUN in Learning As Inspired by 826 Valencia

My lovely and talented Mum is always sending me interesting links off the beaten path in art and culture. Lately, she's taking a course on Dance Pedagogy so the links have trended toward teaching creativity. I found this Ted talk by Dave Eggers to be really inspiring. (Thanks Mom!)

His enthusiasm for education is obvious, but what I love about his approach is that it includes FUN! In fact, FUN is the primary strategy for engaging the kids at his tutoring studio, 826 Valencia.

Because of a zoning law that requires them to have a storefront, it doubles as a Pirate Supply Company! They went all out to make it a delightful place for kids to come and hang out after school, and the students get to work with some of the brightest minds in writing today. (The Gallery of Signs is worth investigating, by the way.)

When I think back to my own educational experience, I remember a lot of fun. Over time, that led me to associating school with enjoyment. I can see now that the enthusiasm FUN offered led to a joy in engaging my intellect. I learned that making my brain think, consider and reason was pleasurable. I gained confidence from thinking something through and then expressing those thoughts.

I think another element to consider as a teacher is that to encourage creativity in your students, you must demonstrate it for them in your own approach to teaching. You must put yourself into what you are doing. Your experiences and interests are engaging to you and so they will help to engage the students. At least, that is the theory I'm operating under now as a novice teacher.

Other tutoring studios that are following this approach of FUN in learning include:

The Brooklyn Superhero Supply Company- the "Capery" is my absolute favorite, though the secret identity section, with it's motto "Strive to Be Boring", is a highlight as well.

The Echo Park Time Travel Mart: Wherever you Go, You're Already There.

Putting all these places on my "to visit" list! I'm sure many of you are also educators, and certainly all of us have the luxury of being educated. So what ideas and thoughts do you have on this topic? Did you enjoy school, or was it a drag? What were the contributing factors for you as a student? Let's discuss dearies!

Battle of the Books: November

Hello Darlings!

Book Club Round Two was another lovely evening. We enjoyed some amazing comfort food and a great discussion of The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake. However, I won't feel like our book club is officially rolling until we have the third book under our belts. (Third time's the charm, so on and so forth...) So, it's time again to choose a book for November. Please do read the synopses and cast your vote in the poll at the bottom of the post! May the best book win!

xo-

Becky

P.S) Our lovely Gwen mentioned a screening of the Swedish version of "Girl with a Dragon Tattoo" at the Aloha Theater to benefit a women's shelter here in Kona on Friday November 12th. If that book is selected, we can tie our meeting in with that. If not, we can still make a point to go and support services for women in our community!

Motherless Brooklyn Hard-boiled crime fiction has never seen the likes of Lionel Essrog, the barking, grunting, spasmodically twitching hero of Lethem's gonzo detective novel that unfolds amidst the detritus of contemporary Brooklyn. As he did in his convention-smashing last novel, Girl in Landscape, Lethem uses a blueprint from genre fiction as a springboard for something entirely different, a story of betrayal and lost innocence that in both novels centers on an orphan struggling to make sense of an alien world. Raised in a boys home that straddles an off-ramp of the Brooklyn Bridge, Lionel is a misfit among misfits: an intellectually sensitive loner with a bad case of Tourette's syndrome, bristling with odd habits and compulsions, his mind continuously revolting against him in lurid outbursts of strange verbiage. When the novel opens, Lionel has long since been rescued from the orphanage by a small-time wiseguy, Frank Minna, who hired Lionel and three other maladjusted boys to do odd jobs and to staff a dubious limo service/detective agency on a Brooklyn main drag, creating a ragtag surrogate family for the four outcasts, each fiercely loyal to Minna. When Minna is abducted during a stakeout in uptown Manhattan and turns up stabbed to death in a dumpster, Lionel resolves to find his killer. It's a quest that leads him from a meditation center in Manhattan to a dusty Brooklyn townhouse owned by a couple of aging mobsters who just might be gay, to a zen retreat and sea urchin harvesting operation in Maine run by a nefarious Japanese corporation, and into the clutches of a Polish giant with a fondness for kumquats. In the process, Lionel finds that his compulsions actually make him a better detective, as he obsessively teases out plots within plots and clues within clues. Lethem's title suggests a dense urban panorama, but this novel is more cartoonish and less startlingly original than his last. Lethem's sixth sense for the secret enchantments of language and the psyche nevertheless make this heady adventure well worth the ride.

The Glass Castle: A Memoir Freelance writer Walls doesn't pull her punches. She opens her memoir by describing looking out the window of her taxi, wondering if she's "overdressed for the evening" and spotting her mother on the sidewalk, "rooting through a Dumpster." Walls's parents—just two of the unforgettable characters in this excellent, unusual book—were a matched pair of eccentrics, and raising four children didn't conventionalize either of them. Her father was a self-taught man, a would-be inventor who could stay longer at a poker table than at most jobs and had "a little bit of a drinking situation," as her mother put it. With a fantastic storytelling knack, Walls describes her artist mom's great gift for rationalizing. Apartment walls so thin they heard all their neighbors? What a bonus—they'd "pick up a little Spanish without even studying." Why feed their pets? They'd be helping them "by not allowing them to become dependent." While Walls's father's version of Christmas presents—walking each child into the Arizona desert at night and letting each one claim a star—was delightful, he wasn't so dear when he stole the kids' hard-earned savings to go on a bender. The Walls children learned to support themselves, eating out of trashcans at school or painting their skin so the holes in their pants didn't show. Buck-toothed Jeannette even tried making her own braces when she heard what orthodontia cost. One by one, each child escaped to New York City. Still, it wasn't long before their parents appeared on their doorsteps. "Why not?" Mom said. "Being homeless is an adventure."

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: Cases rarely come much colder than the decades-old disappearance of teen heiress Harriet Vanger from her family's remote island retreat north of Stockholm, nor do fiction debuts hotter than this European bestseller by muckraking Swedish journalist Larsson. At once a strikingly original thriller and a vivisection of Sweden's dirty not-so-little secrets (as suggested by its original title, Men Who Hate Women), this first of a trilogy introduces a provocatively odd couple: disgraced financial journalist Mikael Blomkvist, freshly sentenced to jail for libeling a shady businessman, and the multipierced and tattooed Lisbeth Salander, a feral but vulnerable superhacker. Hired by octogenarian industrialist Henrik Vanger, who wants to find out what happened to his beloved great-niece before he dies, the duo gradually uncover a festering morass of familial corruption—at the same time, Larsson skillfully bares some of the similar horrors that have left Salander such a marked woman. Larsson died in 2004, shortly after handing in the manuscripts for what will be his legacy.


The Red Tent: Skillfully interweaving biblical tales with events and characters of her own invention, Diamant's sweeping first novel re-creates the life of Dinah, daughter of Leah and Jacob, from her birth and happy childhood in Mesopotamia through her years in Canaan and death in Egypt. When Dinah reaches puberty and enters the Red Tent (the place women visit to give birth or have their monthly periods), her mother and Jacob's three other wives initiate her into the religious and sexual practices of the tribe. Diamant sympathetically describes Dinah's doomed relationship with Shalem, son of a ruler of Shechem, and his brutal death at the hands of her brothers. Following the events in Canaan, a pregnant Dinah travels to Egypt, where she becomes a noted midwife. Diamant has written a thoroughly enjoyable and illuminating portrait of a fascinating woman and the life she might have lived.

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao:


The titular Oscar is a 300-pound-plus "lovesick ghetto nerd" with zero game (except for Dungeons & Dragons) who cranks out pages of fantasy fiction with the hopes of becoming a Dominican J.R.R. Tolkien. The book is also the story of a multi-generational family curse that courses through the book, leaving troubles and tragedy in its wake. This was the most dynamic, entertaining, and achingly heartfelt novel I've read in a long time. My head is still buzzing with the memory of dozens of killer passages that I dog-eared throughout the book. The rope-a-dope narrative is funny, hip, tragic, soulful, and bursting with desire. Make some room for Oscar Wao on your bookshelf--you won't be disappointed. -Brad Thomas Parsons

Movie Review: A Judy Garland Marathon

A few weeks back I watched A Star Is Born after reading the sad story behind the renowned film. After it's release in 1954, it was enjoying big success and huge crowds at the box office. The head honchos at the studio decided to cut 30 minutes from the film so that they could fit in more showtimes each evening. Unfortunately, they made the edits without consulting the director and did them in such a way that they could never be recovered. The version that I saw had the original audio, but with still photographs standing in for film. Talk about a brutal triumph of commerce over art!

The film itself was interesting- lots of big razzle dazzle dance numbers, and belted out ballads, of course. The story is Hollywood's best loved tale: the rags to riches story of a woman from the middle of nowhere with big talent. She is discovered and propelled to stardom by a past-his-prime leading man who is devolving into a drunk and town joke. But what made the movie so special was it's star. Judy Garland was so vulnerable in this film. She plays a cracked and broken woman who comes to learn that above all, The Show Must Go On.

To me, the most moving scene comes after she has just had a devastating conversation with a close friend about her pathetic drunk of a husband. She begs her friend to help find her husband an acting job and pleads that above all, his last shred of dignity be spared. She is a wreck, crying, sobbing and shaking. Then comes the call. She is needed on set. And so she goes back to work, singing and dancing an energetic tap dance number that requires a joy she is nowhere close to feeling. But that is her job, and so she reaches in somewhere deep inside and pulls it out.

My curiosity piqued, this weekend I watched Judy Garland - The Concert Years. While I wouldn't recommend sitting through this dull documentary to any but the most devoted Judy fans, (her obnoxious daughter Lorna does the film no service with her phony narration) this little gem was nestled in at the very end. I think it explains precisely what made Judy Garland so irreplaceable. She was unafraid to be completely vulnerable and the frailty let her gift shine through brilliantly, giving us a little glimpse of what life really is. Her story reminds me a great deal of Edith Piaf's, and also of this quote:

"There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets through." -Leonard Cohen

Watch this clip, and tell me if you agree.

Before & After: Kitschy Plastic Swans!

Before: Plastic Baby Shower Swans- perhaps intended for holding candy favors wrapped in tulle?

After: A Coat of antique gold spray paint and an overflowing bouquet of paper millinery flowers. Still kistchy, but hopefully more Jeff Koons than Precious Moments. This pair decked out in Celery and Apple can be had right over here.

Pear and Plum are here...

and Peach and Primrose right over here.

I'm having lots of fun with spray paint lately. Have you done any make overs recently?

Sneak Peek at my Student's Artwork!

Here's a peek at some of the artwork my students have been doing with me at school. I love how bold they are with color and composition.

This lovely piece was inspired by "There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly ".

These Treasure maps (on crumpled up paper bags) inspired by "How I Became a Pirate".

And these are a few hand puppets I made with them too.

The Particular Joys of Lemon Cake (and Chocolate Icing!)

I guess I've been on a bit of a cake baking tear around here lately. This chocolate confection was created for our latest book club meeting in honor of "The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake". Since it played the title role in the book, I figured I'd better do it right.

I did cheat and use cake mix again this time. I used 2 boxes of yellow cake mix, to which I added the zest and juice of three lemons. I made four layers and decadent chocolate icing with 2 sticks of butter 3 or 4 cups of powdered sugar, 1 1/2 cups cocoa, 1 cup melted chocolate chips and a bit of whipping cream for good measure.

The Marching Band figures are from Tiny Things are Cute. (Remember the interview I did with her way back when?)

Have you baked anything fun lately?

Just look at the rougish troupe of musicians that is performing on my desk! Aren't they charming? I installed these vintage chenille figures near my Bose player, from whence tunes emanate while I'm working in my studio.

I found these little fellows on Ebay and I'm mad about them- especially their rakishly tilted berets and mischievous expressions. They look like true Jazz Cats. Pipe cleaner figures like these are the inspiration behind my Pipettes. I'd love to get my hands on some of the super skinny chenille manufactured back in the day- it's remarkably sturdy wire!

Have you stumbled across any great finds lately?

Sneak Peek at My Golden Birthday Invitations

I just whipped up these invitations for my Golden Birthday celebration. I used some doilies, foil wrappers from chocolate coins and sequins for a little extra razzle dazzle. It should be an evening for the books!

Before & After: Mini Bathroom Makeover!

I'm a little unsure of what to do with the wicker shelf that hangs in the master bathroom, but it was looking quite blah, so I decided a mini makeover was in order.

I laundered all the towels in VERY hot water with some bleach and while they were still warm from the dryer, I folded them into big fluffy thirds and made a sculpture of sorts. Doesn't it look a little like a spa? I think I may fill the jars ($2 at Goodwill!) with a collection of natural sea sponges like these, or maybe seashells.

I'll be honest darlings. There is no way the towels will stay looking this way, but for one afternoon, it certainly did look heavenly, didn't it?

Do you like to re-arrange things in your house? Or do you decorate only when you move in?

A Rainbow of Love Birds Now Nesting at Becky Kazana!

I got a kick out of the rainbow effect as I was listing these and I thought y'all might too. Come pay my Love Bird Wedding Cake Toppers a virtual visit right over here.

Giddy Giveaway! Win $100 Shopping Spree from CSN Stores!

More giveaway fun today thanks to my friends at CSN stores! They're offering one lucky reader $100 to spend on anything site-wide!

You could put your winnings towards a drop leaf dining table worthy of Louis XVI.

A gorgeous tangle of flora and fauna from Tord Boontje...

Or a shiny metallic handbag by The Sak in an unexpected color!

Should you be the lucky winner, you can choose anything you like from CSN stores! (Please note that shipping and handling will not be included, though many items have free shipping.) I especially like All Modern.com, Cookware.com and LuxebyCSN.com.

To enter this Giddy Giveaway, leave me a comment describing a memorable moment that happened around the dinner table. (For me, it's playing Parcheesi with my Mom, Dad and Brother as a little girl. We LOVED the Royal Game of India!) Please make your entries thoughtful, because I'll be choosing my favorite. Don't forget to include an e-mail address so I can notify you of your win!

Want a bonus entry? I thought so! Please visit Dining Rooms Direct, pick a favorite item, leave me a separate comment including the link and explaining why you love it. Bonne Chance my sweets!

P.S) Follow me on Twitter and Facebook so you'll never miss one of my Giddy Giveaways!

The Winner of the "Never Let me Go" Giveaway is...

First, I wanted to thank each of you for your thoughtful entries to this contest. I am always impressed with your comments and it means so much to me that each of you participates in the little community we've made together on this blog. I LOVE hearing from you. I plan to keep doing giveaways until each of you win at least one lovely thank you treat.

And without further adieu, the winner of a copy of the novel "Never Let Me Go", an autographed poster and t-shirt is Liz who said:

"A movie I saw recently that I really liked was Good, with Viggo Mortensen, which just came out on DVD. It depicts a normal German college professor's gradual rise in the ranks of the Nazi party. What really set it apart from every other Nazi movie I've seen is that it depicts him as a good, if flawed, person who gradually makes small but significant compromises for his own sake and the sake of those around him, justifying them to himself in various flimsy ways.

[SPOILERS] First, he refrains from speaking out against Nazi book burnings, joins the Party and finally accepts an "honorary" position in the SS to advance his career under the pretext that he can affect change from within; he accepts an offer from Goebbels to have his novel about the ethical complications of compassion for the dying turned into a propaganda film for euthanasia; he makes only a half-hearted effort to secure his close Jewish friend exit papers.

However, though we aren't asked to sympathize with him at the end, he never becomes a caricature or a monster; he is weak and complacent rather than evil and without humanity. The absence of faux-German accents and typically German first names among the main characters and the use of familiar (if British) colloquialisms underscore the film's implication that what happens here could happen at any time and in any country."

Sounds like a powerful film Liz- I'm adding it to my Netflix que for sure! Thanks for the amazing recommendation and please do let us know what you think of the novel! Congratulations!

Glamorous Party Inspiration

Just as I was about to cancel my Martha Stewart Living subscription, they rolled out an editorial that was aimed directly at The Fab Miss B's heart. A glamorous housewarming party complete with:

A bathtub full of Vueve Clicquot (something about that feels quite 1920's, don't you agree?)...

Loads of shiny balloons, fishbowl champagne glasses, tuxedos and sparkley jewelery...

And the piece de resistance: An Oreo Cookie Cake! Isn't that an irresistible combination of high and low? I wonder how many packages of Oreos that required?! My estimate is 14. Just look at the size of that pedestal!

P.S) The apartment they were warming was pretty incredible itself. I loved the sinfully plush pillows on the Bento Box inspired bed.

They pulled out all the stops for this party, but it still felt lighthearted and fun, not stuffy and overdone. The spirit of this party is figuring large in the inspiration for my Golden Birthday party, so stay tuned!

What's the best party you've ever been to? What made it so special? Was it the food, the music or just a special group of people? Spill it dearies, my party and I need your tips!

Four Years of Wedded Bliss: Celebrating with Flowers, Fruit, Champagne and One Very Big Coconut Cake

Eric and I recently celebrated four years of wedded bliss. I wanted a giant coconut cake but I couldn't face Martha's Coconut Column recipe, so here's what I did.

I added 1 can of coconut milk to 2 boxes prepared white cake mix. (Special credit to my husband for rescuing the cakes from my wrath when the pop out pans I was using leaked batter all over the floor of oven creating massive cloud of black smoke. I was ready to toss them in the garbage with rage, but his clear head saved the day.)

For filling between the layers, I used lilikoi jam thinned with a bit of lemon juice. For frosting, I beat butter and powdered sugar together, a pinch of salt and a bit of cream with a dash of coconut extract- not too much! (I used 1/4 tsp for about 4 cups of frosting) Then I toasted shredded coconut in the oven till lovely and golden brown. It tastes so much better toasted- crunchy, nutty and sweet- and carefully patted it over the top of the iced cake. Divinity. (Topped with my all time best seller Flamingo Love Birds!)

The traditional gift for a fourth wedding anniversary is flowers and fruit, so we hit the farmer's market for a selection of both. Eric is quite the tropical fruit enthusiast, so it was really fun to choose it together.

Clockwise from left, we sampled cherymoa also known as custard apple, lilikoi or passion fruit, yellow and red dragon fruits (similar to kiwi with crunchy black seeds and a tart flavor), hairy red rambutan and rose apples. Each one was really unique, but I think the rose apples were my favorite. They tasted like candied rose petals with the texture of a pear.

Eric, I'm so glad you are my husband. Your curiosity, humor and talent for living fully and well inspire me day after day and year after year. Here's to a hundred more years.