Still Life

Truffula trees in water By Lily (18x24)

When asked what activity she wanted to do this winter, Lily was emphatic. Swimming? No. Didn't want to get wet. Gymnastics? No. Not in the mood. Music? No. No reason given. What she wanted to do -- and what she asked for for weeks -- was art.

Um...talk about genes. Nature vs. nurture? I guess in this case it's both. One of Lily's first books was a children's story about Picasso and Matisse -- with a slight barnyard twist. When Pigasso Met Mootise. And then, of course, there's my mother who missed her chance at an art prodigy with me; I'm sure she's been channeling creative energy at Lily since she found out that I was pregnant!

So I signed Lily up for a Dad & Tot art class through Arlington County, which was an adventure in and of itself (classes, especially in the winter session, are full within an hour of the online registration opening). Apparently I neglected to tell Noah to wear his painting clothes, so he did come home with a few red splotches on his absolutely favorite jeans. But that's not as bad as last winter when I told him that parents were supposed to be IN the pool with the kids during swim class. And reminded him that pool rules stated you have to shower first. So he showed up with Lily, on the first day of class, dripping wet in his swim suit, to find all the other parent "escorts" bone dry in their business suits. Oops. I guess I hadn't read the fine print on that class registration confirmation...

Week 1 of "Operation Artistic Endeavor" was a big success. Topic -- still life. Most favorite moment -- finding the super sparkly gold paint before any of the other kids. Next week -- clay creations.

And I don't know you about you, but I think that Lily might actually have gotten my mother's talent. Or maybe it's just because I'm her mother, but I was impressed! I mean, I can actually tell what it is. Not bad for four.