What Fun Retirement Can Be!

     My watercolor class at the the Fairhope Art Center is sadly coming to an end. Catherine and Matt gave me the class as a birthday gift and it has been wonderful!  I appreciate them so much for this terrific gift.
    I'm taking the class with 7 other very talented artists from the local area under the direction of, Kathy Shepard, a fabulous watercolor artist from Pensacola.
    Retirement has been very fun so far!  I keep very busy; by subbing in Fairhope a bit for my teacher friends, and spending time with my artwork, family and friends, now that I don't have the responsibility of a "real" job.
     On November 19th I am participating in the St. Francis at the Point Annual Fall Festival from 8am until 3pm.  I will be selling my cookbook, notecards, handmade baby items and my latest wooden plaque creations--all fun gifts!  So, if you are free that day come by and enjoy the Festival!

Exciting Times Ahead!

     Summer has started with fun and excitement ahead.  Since, Catherine and Jon sold their house in Huntsville in May they have moved  their personal belongings to a storage unit in Daphne and are soon to be proud owners of a home in Fairhope!  Little Beau and his parents will be happy to have a place to call their own.  It has been a blessing to have been able to help them out with  temporary "lodging" and now they are ready to be settled in anticipation of the new arrival.
     I've accepted a position with University of South Alabama to teach two continuing education noncredit workshops in September.  See the "Special Events" section on the website for details on the classes and plan to join us for fun and enlightenment!

Almost a year has gone by!

     Wow! The months have flown by since my last post!
     Life took a sudden, swift change in August, 2014 when our daughter, Catherine, got a new job with Austal USA and our son-in-law, Jon, secured a position with Barnhart Crane and Rigging.
     When I returned from the FDA training in Washington, DC in July we got word that their new jobs were in the works.  Then things moved swiftly as they put their house in Huntsville on the market and moved down south.  Baby Beau and the family moved in with us and the family "boomeranged" overnight!
     That was the first week of the school year.  We suddenly had a precious one year old in the house and more mouths to feed.  The empty nesters were jolted into cooking, washing lots of clothes, babysitting and entertaining the new additions to the household.  Adjustments were gradually made and everything fell into place.  Many months went by with very little action on the sale of their house.    We learned that another baby is now due in November which made the sale of their house a top priority.  Another realtor was chosen and within a few weeks the house has sold--that happened during the last week of the school year!
     The fun part has begun to find the perfect home in their budget on the Eastern Shore.
      I made the dificult decision to make this school year my last one to teach since my attention needs to be on my own family.  The very sweet and caring staff at Fairhope Middle School surprise me with a lovely cake and a beautiful engraved pewter platter on the last school day.
     I plan to be very busy enjoying the things that I love like spending time with my friends and family, painting wedding dresses, promoting my "From LA to LA" cookbook, relaxing at our new northern retreat and the Delta camp along with whatever else comes my way!
   

Exciting News!

     The FDA training workshop trip to DC was a wonderful learning experience!  I met so many new FACS and science teacher friends from all over the United States.  The workshop was very intense and interactive.  Each day was full of educational work and professional development activities that I will be able to use in my classroom with students. We had the opportunity every evening to explore our wonderful Capitol city.  It is a very historical family friendly city.  I loved visiting the museums, the Smithsonian's and touring the war memorials.  Regardless of your political views, Washington, DC is a place worth experiencing!
     Below is a picture of a few crazy friends celebrating after graduation!

     During my DC trip, I learned that my daughter, Catherine Reynolds, and her family will be moving down to our area in August.  It will be wonderful to have them close by after so many years of living in northern Alabama.  I can't wait to spend more time with my little grandson!  

     According to his other grandparents he is reading already at 14 months!  I've missed so much!

     A Baldwin County newspaper article will be hitting the press this coming week, August 5th, featuring my cookbook From LA to LA and the new Wedding Dress Portraits.  So, pick up a copy and share with your friends!

     It looks like it is time for me to turn my attention to the start of school and preparing for Catherine's "big move"--I think it will be a very busy few months!

     Enjoy the last days of summer vacation ya'll!

Grant Opportunity!

     You really never know what's around the corner in education so, adopt the motto to always be prepared and flexible for the unexpected!
     After applying for an FDA grant to study food safety and nutrition this past spring I was notified in May that because of a small technicality I was declined acceptance.  However, all that changed in an instant this week when I got the "call".  I was notified by the national training coordinator  that a member of the selected class had to cancel because of an emergancy and since I was next in line was asked to attend.  I have been running to get packed and ready for the last few days.  It is a very exciting opportunity to study with experts in the field at the FDA, in the microbiology labs at the University of Maryland and at the USDA Agriculture Research Center.
    The purpose of this grant is to learn and teach.  I will be sharing this experience and information with my students in the classroom.  Then after attending the NSTA conference and an FDA teacher training in Long Beach, California in December I will hold a professional development training on this topic for FACS and Science teachers.  This is an all inclusive grant and should prove to be an awesome experience.  Cheers to the FDA class of 2014!
    Please pray for safe travels as I will be leaving soon!

Summertime Bliss!

   Update:  For those of you who are interested in the *Hand Painted Wedding Gown Portraits I've updated the Gallery on this website to include more samples of the dresses. 

    Check out the Gallery!   A keepsake wedding dress portrait would make a unique Christmas gift for the lady who has everything.  Contact me at fcscyndie@bellsouth.net

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  This summer has been such a peaceful and joyful time!  I have had time to work on projects that have been on the "back burner" for quite sometime.  I'm a list making person and to finally scratch off things brings joy to my heart!
     Today I made Fig Preserves for the first time in my life!  My mother was the "Queen of the Kitchen" making delicious seasonal preserves and jams.  Sadly, it comes a time when we have to step up to the plate and learn to do things on our own.  I must say that I was successful in making the preserves even though they are a tad short of a home run (missing Mom's loving touch).  Recipe below:

Fig Preserves  

16 cups fresh figs                     7 cups of white sugar

4 cups water                             1 lemon, sliced

Directions:

1. Wash figs in cold water

2. Place in a large bowl or in a clean sink, cover with water and soak for 20 minutes

3. Make syrup by boiling the 4 cups of water and 7 cups of sugar for 10 minutes in a very large   pot.

4. Add figs and lemon slices to the syrup and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally

5. Pour figs into hot, sterilized jars and spoon syrup over figs, leaving 1/2 inch of head space.  Top jars with lids and screw bands on tightly. 

6. Enjoy with your family--great on hot biscuits!  Great thoughtful gifts!

     Have a blissful day!

     

Wedding Dresses!

Your wedding is so special. Remember the day by having a Wedding Dress Portrait Keepsake!
Original *Wedding Dress portraits painted on 11 x 14 inch canvas $200.00.  

*Several close up front view pictures of the bride in her wedding gown will be needed along with the exact wedding date and the suggested background color.
Contact Cyndie at fcscyndie@bellsouth.net

Reflections!

     Gosh, I realize that I'm not a good blogger!  Time goes so quickly and so many wonderful things happen that it is difficult to keep up the post.  But fortunately, I have carved a bit of time for a quick update.
     Our precious grandson, Beau, had his first birthday in Huntsville at his family home to the joy of everyone in attendance.  He was such a sweet and very cooperative baby who clapped after everyone  sung Happy Birthday to him--just how adorable is that!
     This year I reached my 10th anniversary in the teaching profession.  Reflecting back to my first year  in 2004 it is very hard to realize that I made it this long!  Without the support of family and friends and much prayer I would have thrown in the towel long ago.  I'm going for year 11 with much excitement.  I'm taking on the job of FMS yearbook sponsor in addition to my regular teaching schedule.  I have been assigned a "hand picked" group of students to manage the process and I will oversee their work.  This new adventure stimulates my creative vibes and also brings back memories of my high school days on the yearbook staff.
     This summer has been relaxing.  It is the first summer in 10 years that I don't have speaking engagements booked which gives me free time for other things.  I can leisurely go to local professional development classes while still having time to paint, cook and sew.
     My latest challenge has been to paint wedding dress portraits.  The inspiration came from the encouragement of friends.  How exciting it has been to see the results.  It reminds me of the paper doll days of dressing the manequins in fancy flowing ball gowns.  It certainly seems to be taking off with orders that have already been placed.
     I just returned from delivering some of my artwork to a local Daphne restaurant, Samurai J, for an exhibition.  For several years we have loved getting away to enjoy sushi at this favorite local restaurant.  We have established a friendship with the owner, Michele, and after a suggestion was made about their featured artwork I've had the opportunity to showcase my work too. My home is now void of its wall art and the whole concept of "sharing" may take some getting used to!
     Happy summer everyone!

Happy New Year 2014!

     The fall semester has flown by!  It has been a fantastic school year so far.  I've been so swamped by the new computer teaching methods that I totally forgot to update my blog.  Learning the Moodle computer adaptation has been a welcomed challenge.  This is an organizational tool to keep lessons, tests and assignments altogether on a website page for students to access.  If you say the word "organize" then I'm interested!  The best part about getting materials organized in this matter is that it will always be there to use again and again.  I'm sure that it will be necessary to tweak things now and then but basically the work is done to be used from semester to semester.
     Our FCCLA club members enjoyed an overnight trip to Birmingham for a leadership conference hosted by a fabulous keynote speaker who rode a unicycle in his presentation!
     In November over the Veterans Day weekend I had the privilege of taking a delegation of 17 eighth grade girls and 8 mothers on an ultimate field trip to the Big Apple.  Yes, five days in New York City!  We joined with other schools in Baldwin County for a combined total of 43 travelers.  It was a food and fashion tour which involved a solid sun-up to sun-down itinerary of educational and fun activities. Spanish Fort High School FACS teacher, Dianne Bernasconi, spear headed the marvelous trip.

Here's a beautiful picture of my girls in Central Park framed with the colorful fall foliage!

     Our precious grand baby, Beau is just a love.  We were so fortunate to have them down south for Thanksgiving and Christmas this year.  What a special privilege it is to be a grand parent!  I'm still working on my grandmother title but with many suggestions and ideas I'm sure that one will stick soon.
     Matt is going to be embracing home ownership this week.  He has decided to put his money in a solid investment and we are so proud of him for showing maturity and responsibility.
     My dear Family and Consumer Sciences teacher friend, Joni Ojard, became ill in November and recently underwent a liver transplant a few days ago.  All indications are that the surgery was a success and that she is getting better everyday.  God promises to provide our every need and He has surely been merciful throughout this trial. Please join me in continuing to pray for a full recovery!
     Santa bestowed on me a lovely new sewing machine and I am throughly enjoying my time in the "Studio" discovering all that it can do.  I'm attending sewing classes weekly to master its use. So, I'm once again a student!
     A new spring semester with bright new faces ready to learn what the FACS curriculum has to offer will begin on January 14th.  We are so fortunate that our schools are still offering a practical "life skills" class such as Family and Consumer Sciences in our present day and time.
     Blessings to you for a fabulous New Year!
   

Welcome Computers to Fall, 2013!

     This school year has gotten off to a busy start with the issuing of Mac Book Air laptop computers to all of the students!  Yes, how technology has changed the way we teach.  The 7th graders are great kids and we are moving rapidly through the curriculum at this time by enhancing learning with the use of computer applications.
     I'm enrolled in an online MOODLE course to help me organize my classroom and club activities which is taking plenty of my extra time to set up. However, once most of the ground work is in place it will make for easier classroom preparation in the future.
     I'm so excited about the number of students interested in the Unicycle Club this year. The kick off meeting will be October 3rd. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone and encouraging them to ride--who knows what this year's opportunities will bring!
     I've enjoyed a wonderful field trip to Birmingham for the Joint Leadership Development Conference (JLDC) with very enthusiastic FCCLA club students who helped me celebrate my birthday while on the trip.
     My birthday was celebrated in grand style with my family a day later!  Oh, how the years are ticking by!
     Our new grand baby is growing up before our eyes.  He is a very healthy, happy big 4 month old boy.  Catherine is keeping us updated daily on his achievements through the use of technology and we are so anxious to see him in a couple of weeks.
     Jon has started a fantastic new job, putting in many laborious hours but so thankful for God's direction in his life. Praise the Lord!
     Hope this message finds you grateful and blessed! 
                                                                       
                                                                                           

Professional Development Workshops Galore!!

  The Alabama Alliance for Arts Education 21/2 day workshop was just a fantastic experience!  FACS teacher Diane Bernasconi from Spanish Fort High school and I set out on this adventure only to be bombarded with  many fabulous art projects that we actually made ourselves and continued to complete on our own time, sometimes working until 10 0'clock at night! Our instructors were extremely knowledgeable; teaching us paper/fabric marbling, painting, poetry, stain glass jewelry art and the importance of movement/dance to keep class periods energized.  Now, I have great ideas for art projects that I will feel comfortable incorporating into my curriculum.

  Here I am dropping the paint into the marbling pan prior to dipping the paper and fabric to make a marbled design.  It was so fun because you never knew how the imprint would turn out!

  I always wanted to be an art teacher so this is my chance to be one!  Tomorrow starts the beginning of school for 2013-2014- my 10th school year at Fairhope Middle School!  Cheers to teachers and students!

Summer Reflections!

  As always my summer is tightly scheduled which probably contributes to the time flying by.  I'm now at the bottom of my to-do-list which always gives me a welcome feeling of accomplishment.  It has been a fantastic break!  The SREB conference was amazing.  It was thrilling to see over 100 people in attendance for my "H.O.T.S. for education" presentation on Friday, July 19th.  Thanks to all in attendance and for your comments and well wishes as I look forward to seeing you again next year in Nashville. We were even able to see Baby Beau on our return trip from Charlotte where he gave me a few precious chuckles.  So adorable!
 One of the BIG projects on my list this summer was to create a craft room for sewing, painting and projects.  Fortunately, my husband and son, Matt Wilkins, got on board to see this through.  It started with moving furniture, cleaning out drawers and closets, painting walls; then laying out the plan on graph paper, locating the cabinets and installation.  It's a dream come true to have this functional space all my own!

 One more week of professional development and then it will be back to the early morning school schedule. I must say, that as much as I love my time off there is something to be said for the productive work routine and getting to know my new students that I actually enjoy! Cheers to my 10th year of teaching! God bless and  be safe!

What a week!

  Our family had the privilege to host the newest member of our family for the week of the Fourth of July!  I had a thrilling moment when little Beau responded to me with a precious smile.  Oh, the pride of a grandparent!  We all enjoyed babysitting, having meals together with those memorable interruptions, laughing at the small "toots", tripping over baby "stuff" and visiting with family, neighbors and friends. It just can't get any better than that!
  Sadly, however, our dearest friend, Barbara, lost her battle with cancer on the Fourth of July!  She was the most adorable, stylish lady and I suppose it was fitting for her to go out with fireworks.  The services were beautiful. The comforting messages and lovely music helped to remind me that we are on earth temporarily and where our focus should be. Please join me in praying for her adoring husband, family and friends.
  At this moment I am preparing for the national SREB conference in North Carolina next week. Pray for safe travel and for me to reach other teachers with my presentations on literacy as it relates to Career Readiness.

Oh Happy Day!

Wednesday, May 22, 2013 was a exciting day for our family!  The newest member of out family, Beau Reynolds, arrived at about 4 o'clock in the afternoon.  His dad came out with a pink and blue reversible hat to inform the waiting family and friends of his gender.  He teased us a bit with the pink showing and then lifted the blue side up high to announce "It's a boy" what a joyous time for all!
I had the privilege of staying in Huntsville for 9 days to help the new little family adjust to having a baby to care for.  It was a fabulous time to bond with the "little prince", prepare nutritious meals as requested from the cookbook From La to La, keep the laundry going, and drive mom and baby to first appointments etc. Beau is a precious baby, sleeping 4-6 hour stretches, eating well and just unbelievably calm.  What a tremendous blessing he is!
Please keep this new family in your prayers.

Where Has the Time Gone??

It is said that the older you get that time seems to fly!  Well, I am here to prove the saying is true.  My school year has just flown by with a challenging Fall semester and a really exciting Spring semester.

I was selected in February to be part of the Baldwin County Digital Renaissance technology team representing my school.  Our county is converting to Mac Book technology this coming Fall.  All middle school students will have the opportunity to use a Mac Book laptop "tool" to assist them in their school work.  Therefore, I am part of a team of teachers  who are attending trainings several times a month in order to help other teachers learn the new technology.  I feel honored to be a part of the team.

My FACS students and I have been working closely on an American Cancer Society sewing project this spring.  It was brought to our attention that cancer patients going through treatments could be comforted with the help of small pillows that are placed under pressure points.  So, the students have been very diligent in using their new sewing skills to make over 100  pillows. It has been a very rewarding experience for all knowing that maybe someone can be comforted by their hard work.

The newest and most exciting news is that I'm going to be a grandmother!  Yes, Dan and I are taking the next step and looking forward to meeting the newest member of our family.  After Christmas I became a ridiculous Pintrest fan. Combing the website for baby sewing project ideas and tutorials.  I've made everything I could find and spent hours in the fabric stores planning my creations.  It has been more fun than I could imagine and the baby is NOT even here yet! 

Praying and giving thanks everyday for the very big an exciting change that's coming our way in late May!!

Weddings are in the air lately and From La to La has been part of each gift.  The cookbooks are still popular after all these years! Thanks to all of you who continue to keep them in print!

Welcome Fall!

Well, thanks to a week of teacher work days, hurricane Isaac and the Labor Day holiday we are back to a  slow start this school year.  My students are fantastic even though my classes are larger.  It should prove  to be a very productive school year.
 
I'm looking forward to getting to know my students through the Family Scrapbook project that they are presently working on.  The scrapbook is a collection of their autobiography, an "About Me" survey and a Life Map graphic organizer depicting highlights of their lives.

At home we have been completing projects that I started at the end of the summer. Dan and I have been re-upholstering stools and chairs and I've been keeping the sewing machine humming.

I love a a chance for a new beginning!  Let us always remember the words of Solomon in Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline."

Have a great Fall!

Schools Out for Summer!

I stepped out of school and into a busy fun filled summer! 

On June 7^th I began a twelve day Walking Tour of Italy’s Amalfi Coast with friends. We visited Naples, Sorrento and Rome. It was a physically challenging trip with gorgeous views of breathtaking scenery from mountain tops and cliffs.  Now, I can’t wait to make an Italian style pizza!

After a 24 hour trip home from Italy it was onto a restful fun filled week at an Alabama beach house with our entire family.  We enjoyed walking the beach, hunting for shells, capturing wildlife pictures, bike riding, water boarding and kayaking, taking naps and eating many leisurely meals around the table.

There’s just something romantic about a summer wedding! In June we were fortunate to be “guests of the groom” for a gorgeous wedding in traditional New Orleans style at the Sacred Heart chapel with the reception at Antoine’s.  How neat it was to see the street cars whizzing by and to hear the musical sounds of the quarter!

What fun it was to be a part of the monthly “Simply Salad” luncheon at my church, Eastern Shore Baptist!  I was asked to informally speak on how I use my unicycle as a teaching tool in the classroom and I seemed to thrill them by spinning around the room as a grand finale.  

I just returned from the Southern Regional Education Board’s (SREB) national conference in New Orleans, Louisiana were I was a featured presenter.  I gleaned many novel ideas to take back to my classroom and thoroughly enjoyed presenting my literacy plans which requires using graphic organizers to help visually outline ideas before embarking on a writing assignment. I also spoke on sharing talents with students to open the doors of communication. I rode my unicycle for the audience as well as informing them of how unicycles can be incorporated in school physical education programs to promote excitement in exercise.  New Orleans in July is one of the hottest places on the planet but it was a fun filled week where we enjoyed fabulous food and entertainment.  I did carve out time to have dinner with my dear New Orleans friends where conversation was never lacking.

For the next few weeks of summer I plan to take it easy and relax at home and I pray that you can do the same!

They Are Here!

Back To The Drawing Board-Literally!

Wow! What a humbling experience. My paintings were not accepted for the exhibition. It was a long shot to think that I could measure up to the standards of artists with renowned art degrees. But what is so reassuring and wonderful is to know that my family and friends support me 100%, encourage me and love me regardless of the outcome. Ultimately isn’t that all that is important? I will always paint and work to refine my style because it is relaxing and fun. I am so grateful to have an outlet for creative expression.

Spring semester is in full swing. I have fantastic students and I look forward once again to having the opportunity to mold and direct the 125 new students to embrace the wholesome life skills that the FACS curriculum directs.

Cookbook sales have soared recently! Word of mouth is the best way to advertise. It thrills me to know that people are preparing the recipes “From LA to LA”often and are successful in their results. It’s simple to order—just send me an email at gumbocreations@hotmail.com

Cyndie

Back To The Drawing Board