December 31, 2008

A New Year Reminder

It’s New Years Eve and they say this is a great time to Plan, Do and Review for 2009. And to question, will you be focused and on course for reaching your goals? Are you on the right track mentally, physically, spiritually, financially, relationally, etc.?

As many of you know, I have a passion for quality early childhood education. I've been running my little program out of my home for quite some time. As a former primary grade elementary teacher, I have met children from all walks of life, and met parents of varying parenting styles. When I was teaching, I found many challenges when I was expected to follow the rigid pedagogy, fragmented time of classes, and the whole notion that the teacher is the sole/main dispenser of information and knowledge. This, combined with the experience of being a mother for over 16 years, has shaped my philosophy. This is why I'm so drawn to the Reggian philosophy, and why I want to bring this preschool to my part of Austin.

So, I'm moving forward and putting my intentions out there, and things are starting to roll now, which I like to take as a *sign*. Yesterday, I received sketches from the artist creating my logo and I'm so happy that he was able to get in my brain and create the vision I have. I've obsessed over these things because they have to have meaning. Just like the name for my program, which took me weeks to come up with, and bam! It hit me one day after much brainstorming with friends and family. Yesterday, I also received quotes on the website I want to create, which is part of the next step in moving my program offsite.

The biggest challenge has been [and I expected this] to find property.

We went to look at a property for sale this morning. I found it one morning when driving around. I decided to check out this older neighborhood close to mine JUST to see if MAYBE there was property for sale in a non HOA neighborhood. And I found something. A one story home on 1.5 acres, in terrific location. It's a corner lot, one street over from new commercial land off of a well traveled street. I forsee it being challenging to find a homeowner wanting to buy this property because of the strip malls that have sprouted within view of the yard, however, it's perfect for what I want to do, since I am looking to run a small business.

The two main considerations are, first and foremost, if I would even be given a permit to run my business out of this property because even though it's on the corner, it still is in a residential neighborhood. But it's close enough to the highway and all the commercial property around it, that my hopes are high, and there is no HOA. I know of at least 4 other preschools started by local women, that have done the same thing out of an older home in older neighborhoods. The 2nd consideration is, it has a septic system, so we would need to either upgrade to a commercial septic (big moolah, but at least it would be on property we own) or see if we can connect to the city sewer.

I also have a lease proposal in my hands, which we picked up this morning. A commercial property we've viewed twice in PRIME location as well. Two other preschools have had much success here, so much success, that the first one, custom built a larger preschool, and the current tenants, bought preschool property because they have a huge waiting list, and will be moving out next month. It's just not what I envisioned because it's not the cozy homelike place I was wanting. However, it will be ready for move in VERY soon here and I know the state will license it since it's been a preschool for the last 13 years. So, there are many decisions to be made here. And I'm not sure what to do. It's much harder to qualify for a 2nd home loan than it is to qualify for a one year lease. I've had many people tell me, the right place will present itself at the right time. Things happen for a reason and when it's "meant to be".

I have adrenaline, and much anxiety, but also a ton of hope rushing through me as I type this. This is it for me. This is what I believe I am supposed to do in this lifetime. To have that place, that where young children get their first and strong start. And like my dear friend Anja told me this week, I see you doing this until you're 60. Running your holistic little escuelita. She's right.

If you've read this far, [and as the popular Southern saying goes] "Bless Your Heart" for reading my ramblings. I never post journaling like this, and I'm not sure why I'm still typing away and about to publish, but perhaps I just needed to 'talk' about this, even if it's to cyberspace.

So, here's hoping to a properous 2009 for my escuelita and that this actually becomes a reality for me and my families. Part of my New Year's resolution is to know, that there will be MANY obstacles in this journey and that I need to be able to find the strength to not let the hardships I will face, zap my passion.

December 29, 2008

More Photo Fun

Remember last month, when I posted the sneak peek for the family who wanted to wait until after the holidays to have their photos posted?
Well, here they finally are. Isn't this a beautiful brood?
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December 27, 2008

Boxing Day Party

Our holiday happenings have been overall, low-key, and I'm certainly not complaining. After an incredibly busy several months, we didn't want to "need a vacation after our vacation", if you know what I mean. Christmas Eve, my clan headed downtown to Congress Avenue, and enjoyed a wonderful late dinner at the restaurant my brother helps manage. After dinner, Mike and Sophia went home, while Domi and I bundled up and headed down a couple blocks to Saint Mary's Cathedral for the annual midnight mass tradition he is requesting we keep going. We enjoyed watching the carriage rides pass by with the scenery of the Capitol building and lights in the background.

Jay flew in last night and we headed straight to a Boxing Day Party. Boxing Day is an English tradition that has nothing to do with pugilism. It is the day after Christmas Day, also called St Stephen's Day (as in Good King Wenceslas), and usually the day when families and friends get together in England. It was hosted by the lovely [English] Hawes family, whom we met through Domi.


These teens are pretty much, inseperable. Domi is at the age when dating usually starts, however, there is no dating going on here. Even though I would completely approve--even be thrilled (great girls, smart, eclectic, come from a good family, and so on) if they dated, but alas, they consider themselves "siblings".

It was such a nice evening because we were all able to enjoy it together as a family. The "kids" did their thing, Sophia played with some old Duplos they had there, while us adults talked, ate good food, and enjoyed a good English brewsky. This is the way to relax, be with friends and family, and enjoy the holidays.

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December 22, 2008

His Little Black Book

When I was approached by a lovely young lady to do boudoir style photos, I immediately told her I don't do that type of photography--don't have a studio, don't have lighting. And not to mention, I had NEVER taken those types of photos before (not that I'm a prude to photograph a woman barely wearing anything, hey, I even have a black book of my own). Sticking my camera 2 feet from a toddler (or my teens) is one thing, but being able to pull off something like what she wanted is a WHOLE other story. Posing? Lighting? Intimate? Erotic? Ack!

Well, I agreed to do the shoot. She did everything I asked her to do. It was a LOT of work, but holy smokes--

They are hot.
Smokin' hot.

I've told her when she's older, she will be glad she took these pictures. She will be able to look back and say, 'wow, that was me'.

I've been climbing the walls because I have not been able to post these for over 2 months. She's giving this beautiful black book of goodies to her honey tonight (yes, tonight!) for their anniversary. She even delivered it to the manager (my brother, and yes it was wrapped) before they sat down for dinner, so he could bring it out with dessert.


He's probably getting it as I type this post. So, now I have free reign to post a taste, but alas, not all will be here.

The rest, are only for him.

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December 20, 2008

Timeless Beauty

I needed a break from the frenzy of working on the business plan and other logistics for my preschool, so I thought I'd take a much needed break and post some photos. This was the second time I was invited to this home, but this time, I was asked to photograph their family. I loved everything about working with Lori. She has this timeless beauty about her, and her home is filled with such nostalgia, that I even ended up inside her closet, taking pictures of vintage treasures I found in there. None of those are posted here, but thought that was neat.

Lori and Chris, thank you for giving me the honor of capturing your family's photos. I hope this hobbyist did them justice. Here's a handful of my favorites.

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More shots on my Flickr

December 15, 2008

Love Things Vintage

I've been slammed with the logistics of searching for property for my preschool, but thought I'd share a couple goodies that I captured last weekend.
Many, many more to come...

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December 08, 2008

Black and White

I just realized I'm on a B&W photo trend here with my posts lately.
This is from our art exploration today, which was Black and White painting.
Who knew these two colors would be so fun to work with?

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December 07, 2008

December 04, 2008

December 02, 2008

Yoga Naiya

Yes, you guessed it. The tots of Casa T. are reaping the benefits of children's yoga with Krista a seasoned and certified yoga kids teacher. It was awesome. She will be visting the house once and week, and I, like the kiddies, cannot wait for our next class.

Posted several photos on my Casa T. blog, but
wanted to share some of the goodies over here too.

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