Friday, June 6, 2014

"Artist" Nick was asked to give Lessons to the Children

A few ladies from the Saturday afternoon  Language Club have their children in a private school here in Salatiga - it is called the School of Life.  It is a curriculum that gives children the opportunity to learn & grow in their own gifts & talents.  We think it might be comparable to Montessori school we have in the States.

 Nick was asked if he would come teach the kids some skills in painting?  It would be with the 1st to 3rd graders?  "Nick said yes of course we will - we will come and give them a lesson!" 

We were asked to be there at 8:30 am - and so we were!  We followed our friends Wawan & Nanik,  who lives close by, on the motorbike to the school.

It was a unique building - with trees - concrete treesup along side the 2 story building-creating a kind of tree house look!  It was a really great look...and so inviting for kids how cool is that?!  The grounds were very neat & tidy and spread out - Wow! What a great place to come to school to learn & have fun too!

When we arrived the children were all waiting outside for us at their tables.  The teachers (guru's) welcomed us warmly with  handshake.  They had set up an easel and a few tables for Nick to set up his canvas & brushes.  

The children were handed out a sheet of paper and then Nick began to paint - it was really  nice to have the easel there!  

He began to squeeze out some paint in a circle on a plate.  I explained to the children how you squeeze the little dabs of paint like that in a circle, choosing the colors you want to work with in your painting. Then in the center of the plate you can mix the different colors by dabbing a little paint - bring it to the center add a little water to make the color combination you want ~ 

The kids had been passed out color crayons and they looked intently and listened and began to draw the mountain just like Nick did and then the sky - and the horizon ....some rice patties - and the kids worked seriously along watching his picture all the time.  They were steadfast and focused those little ones!  So cute to see!

We explained a little about this and that...encouraging them - and of course we saw some little artists among the group too!  The teachers & some parents watched while someone was taking pictures of the morning.


Nick painted & I explained to the teachers about the different kinds of brushes & what each brush could do, a wide "fan-like"  brush can be used for the trees ...the teacher would interpret to the kids...and they would continue to watch Nick and color their own picture!

  When were given a little box.  In it some water and snacks, just in case we got hungry during our lesson!  Sweet huh?  So considerate and thoughtful!


I walked around and just encouraged the kids - ..and they just kept working at their picture....everyone was committed to finishing their  picture  - just like Nick.

Nick signed the picture and we told them that artists do that in the corner - so they too should do that!  He dated the picture so to remember this special day- and we encouraged them to date their own picture too so they will see their own progression in years to come! 

We told them with practice  they will get better & better...but to enjoy it and make it fun!  







 The end result~a scene of their beautiful Indonesia!  


 Very nice kids...each of you..did a great job!

  "School of Life"...A FUN place to be!
    Steven said "YES....that was a good lesson!" 

He kept coming to show his work...we think he is a little artist in the making....Go Steven!!

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Are we having fun yet?????



 Lianne & Beppie wanted to go see the Quilt shop - so off we went this morning!  What fun...3 gals on their bikes...."let's hit the road ladies! On the Road again....!" as the songs goes...Ellen Likes!




 Jessica & Joy had a paint lesson and Jess came over to show us what she had done!


 Thumbs Up for Jessica!!!!!!!


Good job!  Keep at it girl!


 Nick & I thought we would have some fun....we got the suitcase out (that has recently been sent to CA- our friends took it with them as they are visiting family there!)  We needed to do that because after the surgery - no more lugging heavy stuff around!  

We asked our neighbor Pak Jono if he would come over to take a picture of us on the bike!  


  Yep...this is one way to travel the roads of Indonesia!


Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Weekend ~ Pancake Breakfast, Language Club and Lunch at Endah's home!

It was Saturday again...and yes Pancake Breakfast at Kawan Kitchen....we enjoy the breakfast but actually the friendships there is whats so great!  It seems to be "the place to be!" on Saturday morning! 
 Beppie & Anita are very busy taking orders, while Elisha & staff are busy flipping those cakes on the griddle! 

Go guys! 
Elisha & Beppie youngest daughter Stefanie has come home from the Leiden University for time with Mom &  Dad and bro! 

There's nothing like sitting on Mom's lap...ha! Even when you are 19 years old!  And Mom couldn't be prouder of her girl!!!! 

It was so nice to just sit after the crowds had gone and zip coffee with them and chat!  We love our friends!


 At 3:30 it was time to head down the road to the Language Club again!  Gosh how the week flies by and then here it is Saturday again!








While language club was going on - Mahummad slept soundly & sis kept an eye on him!
Language Club brings people from all over town to be a part of it!  

We love this time of sharing and it seems 'word by mouth' the news is spreading &  new faces come every week!

Hey there's Andy & Janelle....Janelle is 2 months away from delivering their little baby!  Marcus will have a little sister to share things with! 

In the evening we decided to go play a game of pool with Kris & Lian...at our favorite hotel Kayu Arum,  They hadn't played in a while - so off we went in the evening.  The cute lights in the trees and the hotel all lighted up makes this garden so inviting! 


They were pretty good and you could tell they knew how to play the game.......and Kris showed his wife some fancy moves too...nice! 

He taught her to "aim" and she hit it right in the corner pocket....nice lesson Kristian!!!


Sunday afternoon ~

Sunday After Church Nick & I and Kristian & Lianne were invited for Lunch at Endah's home!  Boy did we ever get spoiled with some delicious Indonesian food....YUM!  

 Homemade cooking....and so tasty!!!  Enough to feed so many more!  Oh Endah you out did yourself!


We had a lovely time with her...and just chatted and enjoy sitting on the porch!

 There's my girl...my sweet sweet Endah...whom I love so much!!!! 
 Little Muhammad had his eyes on the cendol...oh yes he knew how good that was all right!
 Yes a Happy Smile as Mamma was dishing it up! 



Muhammad Likes?????

It was a nice afternoon and a special treat visiting for lunch!  Kris, Lian & Nick & I had a special time with Endah & family!