some color and some projects

I get real inspiration from color.  Sometimes something as simple as passing out crayons to my special kiddos can be enough to get the little jolt I need.  One of the apps my students like is called Gravitarium 2.  For kids who enjoy a sensory experience this is a very satisfying app.  One finger sends the colors doing one thing.  Add a second finger and the design changes.   And so on, until you are using all five fingers. We use my iPad and my ceiling-mounted projector to have a bigger experience on the pull down screen at the front of the classroom. Here are some screen shots.





I have also been picking out paint colors for a remodel my husband and I are doing in the kitchen and dining room.  In the kitchen we are tearing out all of the upper cabinets and using only the large bank of cabinets that act as a pantry for all food, and the one across from it (think kind of galley kitchen) for almost all non-food items.  We are obviously keeping the drawers for flatware, dish towels, and a few other things.  In the spirit of our great purge we have been trying to complete, we are getting rid of many kitchen items that are old and worn out or that we simply have not used enough to warrant keeping.  Man, it feels good to get rid of things.  Here are some colors we are using in the kitchen (ice blue walls, white cabinets, and charcoal countertops), along with some destruction shots.




I have learned a few things this week that work from this remodel metaphor.  First, that some good hard physical work is good for what ails you.  Second, that sometimes husbands who are not engineers may not know what is holding up what when cabinets are being removed.  And third, that renewal of our surroundings may be helpful in our renewal of ourselves.

18 comments

Kalpesh | February 6, 2012 at 3:42 AM

This is fantastic information regarding the color and some projects. I am thankful to get this information when i was searching for electronic projects

gigi | February 6, 2012 at 5:34 AM

That is a way cool app! Great idea too.
Good luck, girl! Our remodel is going to be the death of me!

LisAway | February 6, 2012 at 8:34 AM

Good things to learn. :) I like the new color scheme. And my sister's kids love that app. Your screen shots are neat and remind me of my current blog background (which I've been meaning to change, but now I like it a little better when I think of it as a screen shot from the app. :)

lesa | February 6, 2012 at 9:48 AM

You are the one that is inspiring me to paint my white walls!

Unknown | February 6, 2012 at 11:06 AM

The colors for your kitchen are awesome. And, honestly, there is nothing like a fresh coat of paint -- on walls and in life -- to kickstart the more challenging overhauls. Awesome!

CB | February 6, 2012 at 7:09 PM

Love the color combo - It will be beautiful!

I am inspired by your last line "The renewal of our surroundings may be helpful in our renewal of ourselves". Very good!

mermaid gallery | February 6, 2012 at 8:39 PM

there is a lot of satisfaction when the reno is finished....hard work feels great and the end result is always a thrill....great colors for a kitchen.....a few pops of color will make it soar....and you singing will help too!!!!

Connie | February 6, 2012 at 8:49 PM

Ive tried to leave a comment a couple of times so now I'm back! I will try to remember your last line about the renewal of our surroundings may be helpful in the renewal of ourselves. We're in the process of doing some remodeling. It isn't easy and since we (that means Andy) are doing most of it ourselves, it will take years!!

wendy | February 6, 2012 at 8:58 PM

What a fun ap for the kids in your class to have fun with. I would love that explosion of color !!!
WOW...what a great and exciting kitchen project.
You'll have to keep updating photos for us to see your progress.
That would be fun.
Fun for us watching...easier then doing all that work (tee,hee)
Sooo WORTH it

Joanie | February 6, 2012 at 10:13 PM

Remodeling is always so much work, but so worth it in the end when you will enjoy the project for years. Can hardly wait to see it finished.

Kimberly Vanderhorst | February 7, 2012 at 11:35 AM

I love what you said about the renewal of our surroundings . . . such truth there, I've discovered that in my own life more than once now . . .

Marianne | February 7, 2012 at 12:51 PM

Those photos are super cool.

And good luck with the remodel...I know a guys who comes in handy with household projects if you need a little help!

Becca | February 7, 2012 at 12:53 PM

So much coolery. I love the app. I love that you're using it to help your specials. I love that your kitchen renovation allows you to do that "We don't need this" weight loss. I could use some of that.

Also, it's fun to get a long-form Kazzy entry. Way inside your head, that's where I want to live.

Lara Neves | February 7, 2012 at 9:57 PM

Love the lessons, especially about husbands who aren't engineers. I've learned that one a time or two!

How exciting to be remodeling! I'm kind of jealous...and can't wait to see the end result!

heather | February 8, 2012 at 12:37 PM

Just gave you an award on my blog. :)

Bonnie | February 8, 2012 at 2:24 PM

What a wonderful project! I love a good cleanout/remodel/color update. It is good for our soul, like breathing in and out, letting go and taking other in. How fun!

Honey I'm Home Blog | February 10, 2012 at 11:44 PM

Oh my goodness. Congratulations & condolences on your kitchen remodel. You'll love it, but it can be a painful process. Make sure to show us the photos after!

Warmly, Michelle

Valerie | February 12, 2012 at 9:17 PM

Gee...how did I miss this post? LOVE the color!
Can't wait to see the kitchen redo~ I'm sure it will be fabulous!