Bringing Back the Dinosaurs

This morning, for some reason, I found myself lamenting the absence of Nabisco's Dinosaur Ritz Crackers. My oldest was quite fond of these when he was two, but they were only around for a few months. My son is seven now, which would mean it's been five years since we've seen any dinosaur sitings from Nabisco. My youngest is four and has not had the pleasure of meeting and eating these bite-sized bits. For him, though, a box of Farm Animal Ritz Crackers would be preferable to dinosaurs. Now, maybe sales weren't good enough for Nabisco to keep these going, but I'm pretty sure that every dinosaur loving toddler would relish these crackers during snacktime. Let's face it, as much as we all love them, sometimes goldfish aren't what you're craving.

With this in mind, I took a jaunt over to Nabiscoworld.com to see what Ritz products are on the market. Sadly, there are no fun-loving shapes to be found save for a few footballs, smiley faces and the up and coming springtime crackers. But, what to my wondering eyes did appear, was a Ritz recipe challenge. Now, here's something that has been on my list of things to do for some time, but like Dorothy's scarecrow, I try to think of new things, and then I sit and think some more. After a while, I've second-guessed all my possiblities and missed the deadline to submit my recipe.

This time, I've got it! I have a go-to recipe that I use Ritz crackers for and I've toyed with it and tweeked it to a point that I love. But more importantly, it gets high ratings from the family that eats it. So, I've decided to try for a chance to win this contest. And, did I mention that the winner gets to meet Guy Fieri from the Food Network? Meeting Guy just might be better than bringing back the dinosaurs.

My funny valentine

I am sure there are many of you out there feeling much the same way as me when I say, "Where did 2010 go?" In a recent shopping trip to a local retailer, I was abruptly reminded by the fact that Valentine's day is once again fast approaching. Now, many would argue that this holiday is grossly commercialized. For me, however, the heart motif never grows old. I like to see how a shape as simple as the heart can be reinvented time and time again.


Last year, I was pleased to find these Lorax bookmark valentines. Because the Lorax is so well-loved in our household, I decided these would be great for my son to give out at his Kindergarten party. Fortunately for me, he agreed! With that, I had the thought that these bookmarks should have a bit more staying power. So I decided to laminate them. Once I had cut them apart and trimmed them up, I used a hole-punch to make a spot in which to insert a ribbon through. I knotted the ribbon at the end and with that my son had sturdy bookmarks to give to the other children in his class.

Winter Walk

After many discussions regarding animal tracks, my son's first grade teacher organized a winter walk this past Sunday morning. The walk took place at a local woodland reserve, Destruction Brook Woods. The main purpose was for children to come together with their families to further explore the comings and goings of animals through their prints in the snow. After a brief introduction by a DNRT representative, families split into three groups; each being led by one of the teachers whom organized the event.


Along the way, we found many tracks. Most commonly represented were the tell-tale signs of the rabbit. As if the rabbit weren't cute enough, the tracks it leaves behind even resemble the silhouette of a rabbit. Other tracks noted include those of coyote, raccoon, fox and deer.

It was impressive to see the families that came out to enjoy this event. The children were excited to see each other and really got into "tracking" mode. Yet, their excitment was controlled and purposeful, hushed by the calm after a new-fallen snow. The majestic trees with snow-capped branches created a picturesque backdrop for a morning of discovery.

To Feed My Soul

I am a starving artist, although not in the typical sense that one associates with that term. I am not trying to feed my family on the sale of my art alone, but rather I am starved for the chance to even create my own artwork. My job affords me the opportunity to be creative, but more vicariously through others. There is my home and my yard, too, that I spend time decorating and landscaping. There is some nourishment from this, as well. But, yet I am still hungry. Cooking and baking allow other opportunities to satiate my need to create, but this only provides temporary satisfaction. And, then there are the projects that I plan for my own children which provide longer lasting contentment. Their eagerness throughout the process and excitement over the final product offer up a healthy portion of creative energy.

With this, I begin with a plate. A plate made in Deruta, Italy, one of the oldest town's still make majolica in Italy. Deruta potter's reached their peak during the Renaissance, but continue the tradition to this day. When in need, I look to their surface designs as a source of inspiration. Here is a sketch that I have created for a tile plaque of which will be part of a series. I have used the Deruta motifs to help with my creative process. Beginning this sketch was extremely satisfying.

Following through with the start of the tile was fulfilling. Although it is not done, I am content with the fact that it is in process and that I have a scope and sequence of future pieces to come.

A "To-Do List" is Never Done

This is the time of year when students and teachers alike, await February vacation. And if you're anything like me, with vacation comes the ever volumous to-do list. It comes with it's fair share of "clean this, clean that" orders. Cleaning, in my opinion, is a thankless job. This is why my list is NOT all work and no play.

Included on this list are the titles of several books that clutter the floor near my bed. Despite the halfway point for many of their bookmarks, I am afraid I may have to go back to the beginning for a few of them. The Time Traveler's Wife, for example, was confusing enough to flip-flop through, but I am determined to read it even though it has already been made into a movie. (I could just add "watch the movie" to my list, but I'm not willing to give in yet.) I'm sure I will watch many movies this vacation, all of them most likely animated. Fortunately, though, my boys do love a great stage performance. The orchestra, the lights, and the props blend together to produce a magical experience for all of us. With this in mind, I made sure that my list didn't forget to include, "see something magical".

Thankfully, we will check this off our list with a visit to the Providence Performing Arts Center in Providence, RI to see Disney's Beauty and the Beast. I have heard that significant changes have been made to the set design. I am excited about taking my boys to see it.


No, I do not plan on sneaking these into the theatre. But, I am super excited over this new-found product. With candy, comes the rational to buy them. So, I did what any baker would do: proclaim them a necessary ingredient in my next batch of cookies. With my to-do list in hand, I quickly added, "bake cookies with Almond Joy pieces".

Finally, I believe I have mentioned in the past that I love art. I love food. I love food in art. And, this exhibit at the MassMoca in western Massachusetts proves to satisfy my adoration. The exhibit is housed in it's KidSpace, which only helps to solidify the fact that this will be a great family outing. The closing date of the exhibit has been extended, so I may plan this trip for a later date. Either way, I will save my list, I'm sure I will have more to add.