Whitney Drake

TheBoy was running late from work and wasn’t answering his phone. This wouldn’t normally be a problem, but right now- we share a car. Normally I’d have been tearing out my hair wondering how I was going to get my kids to school, but my mother-in-law hadn’t driven her SUV to work, and that has carseats in it. I was just worried about TheBoy! Thankfully, nothing was wrong and I didn’t have to take my MIL’s car (am I the only one who feels odd driving someone else’s car?) TheBoy was just running late and his phone was acting up.

After the Oldest Kidlet was dropped off at preschool, the little guy and I drove back over the hills and stopped at Michael’s. I was struck by an idea yesterday- one that I really want to do. I got the greenlight to buy supplies, and so I decided to go for it. But we were still early for Michael’s, so I took the Younger Kidlet to Starbucks. I got a Chai Latte and he got an iced water. I’d forgotten about this trick- when we used to live next to a Starbucks (our apartment complex was next to it, anyways), we’d walk over to the Starbucks on the weekend and TheBoy and I would get our drinks and we’d get a tall iced water for the little guy. It doesn’t matter what’s in the plastic cup, it’s enough to make the kid feel special. (And best of all, it’s water- that won’t trigger his allergies)

Here’s the proof. As soon as he got the cup (they gave me a grande), he sat in his chair as though he was a grownup and quietly sipped his water. He didn’t drink very much- but that cup is permanently attached to him, I think. I might have to get the reusable cup they sell just so that he can feel this excited all the time.

Right now he’s sitting at his little table while I watch this week’s Iron Chef America, eating rice and some turkey breakfast sausage- and yes, nursing his cup of water.

I have to say that I really enjoy the time I spent with him. He’s coming out of his shell (or maybe just his brother’s shadow) and really is showing his personality.

So this idea. It’s for a series of collages, all with a Dia de Los Muertos theme.

This is what I bought.

1. Metallic tissue paper
2. Tropical color paper pack
3. Black & White Paper
4. Autumn color paper pack
5. 12″ x 12″ plywood squares (and some 12″ x 4″ rectangles)
6. Foam Brushes

Not pictured: Mod podge & ebony stain.

I’ll be taking pictures as I go along- it’s going to be a bit of a slow process. I have to stain the boards, let them dry/cure. Then I have to start layering the paper, bit by bit. Before I even stain, I’m going to start working on some sketches.

But expect to see some pictures pop up here and on Twitter!

Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s nearly time to get the big guy from preschool!

Originally published at American Whitney. You can comment here or there.