Author: Lisa Hoffman, curator of education
Perspective
Posted on December 19, 2018
December can be a difficult month in which to maintain perspective. Those of us in the northern hemisphere appreciate the many festivals and holidays of lights, as daylight is fleeting and the darkness descends. I recently shared a light-hearted story – with some of the Woodson Art Museum’s youngest program participants – about a snoring bear awakened too soon from his hibernation by well-meaning but rowdy friends. Bear’s initial, grumpy response was softened by Mouse’s offer of friendship . . . and snacks.
Fall Back
Posted on November 07, 2018
Daylight saving time ended Sunday. I was raised in the northern hemisphere and in a family that embraced “spring ahead and fall back.” We adjusted the clock hands to the correct position – at bedtime before the morning it changed to avoid the embarrassment of missing Sunday church service. We dialed the telephone for the official time recording to ensure accuracy and uniformity.
Momentous Moments
Posted on September 26, 2018
A guaranteed way to increase my blood pressure and heart rate is to ask me to take a moment to be in the moment. Be mindful. Clear the mind of clutter and focus on sensory stimuli. Concentrate on breath.
Fall Forward
Posted on August 15, 2018
I liked school. I anticipated August as it signaled new notebooks, folders, and a few clothes for the September kickoff of the newest school year.
Extend Fete Here on July 5
Posted on July 04, 2018
As I consider the Fourth of July, images of fireworks, sunshine, barbecued chicken, buttery cobs of corn, and strawberries fill my thoughts – with a soundtrack of laughter and children’s delight-filled shrieks.
Old and Big
Posted on May 09, 2018
A “Happy Birthday” chorus lilted through the gallery as a 2-year-old was feted by fellow class participants, including twins who declared that they were “old and big” (in a program for children 18 months to 4 years). A newly minted big sister returned with her mom and shared news of her little brother’s arrival. And the following day, the Woodson Art Museum welcomed the youngest Art Babies participant in recent memory . . . a 3-week-old cherub snuggled close to a proud, elated, sleep-deprived first-time-mom.
Passel of Puppies
Posted on February 28, 2018
Nellie is sophisticated, older, and receives private, in-home lessons. Mike and Molly are a bonded pair displaced by Hurricane Harvey. Ellie Mae’s pedigree is a smidge dubious (a further explanation follows), and Piper is a bounding, Tennessee ball of energy. Puppies . . . plenty of puppies. Our staff of fewer than twenty-five is currently raising five dogs, each younger than one year.
Blogged Down
Posted on January 17, 2018
I typically anticipate my slot in the “Woodson Wanderings” posting rotation. Storytelling is what I do; it’s the creative filter through which I experience the world. This time I became stuck, until I focused on a recent spontaneous creation that SPARK! participants sculpted from modeling compound. It means the world to me. May a modicum of all that SPARK! is – for individuals with memory-loss and their family members, friends, care partners, Woodson volunteers, and staff – find its way through my blogged-down thoughts and into this post so that you can delight in it, too.
Tradition
Posted on December 06, 2017
December 6th. It arrives each and every year immediately following December 5th and exactly before December 7th. For the twentieth consecutive year, a snowman-adorned stocking is filled with trinkets and treats – on this day. For the sixteenth consecutive year, a Santa-adorned stocking (filled with similar goodies) hangs beside it on the mantel. And for the nineteenth year, my two kids will forget that the sixth day of December is Saint Nicholas’ Day and will be pleasantly surprised (2014 was a momentous year as my daughter did remember and added chocolate-covered curried cashews to my stocking.)
Mary Kluz: An Original
Posted on September 20, 2017
My fairy godmother waved her wand one last time.
The toddlers that shared in joy, laughter, stories, snacks, and art making during the September 19 Toddler Tuesday are a unique group . . . the last to reap the rewards of the meticulous, disciplined, dedicated, and loving efforts of our dear Mary Kluz.
