whimsical wednesday

our journey was such fun for whimsical wednesday.  we played the license plate game.  our trip took about six hours and we drove across large chunks of three states.  we were very surprised at the results of our diligent effort.  during the drive from the midwest to the south we saw license plates from 27 different states! 

illinois, wisconsin, minnesota, indiana, maine, new york, california, washington, pennsylvania, texas, south carolina, north carolina, florida, tennessee, ohio, kentucky, missouri, michigan, georgia, kansas, oklahoma, mississippi, nebraska, askansas, colorado, montana and north dakota. 

wow!  we did not anticipate getting so many.  maybe the holiday season is a good time to play the license plate game. 

while we were at it, the grandchildren were given the challenge by their dad to come up with the names of all 50 states and they could use the license plate sightings as part of that process.  and they had to complete the list before reaching our destination.  the adults in the car could not give clues.  they managed to come up with all 50 with two hours to spare!  on the way home we are going to undertake the challenge of pairing capitols with the states.

get ready.....

i'll be on the road wednesday traveling with my grandchildren and their parents.  we shall play the license plate game.  you play too even if you are just driving around town.  because i'll be to our destination late, it might be thursday before i have the opportunity to post our whimsical wednesday experience on the blog.

whimsical wednesday!

it's sappy movie day.  being a day that i needed to rest, i have already watched (or slept through) two sappy holiday movies and i'm currently on number three.  i have no idea if i'll make it to the end as i'm very tired today and falling asleep sitting up!  the first movie i watched featured a six year old who lived in a hotel.  she was so smart and with it that she practically ran the entire hotel.  no doubt this tot could run the world.  but she did as predicted and saved the day by getting the two in love together and married, on christmas no less.  merry christmas!  the second movie was about a reporter being snoopy about a dude who played santa claus in a small town in mid-america.  of course she fell in love with kris kringle and protected him in her newspaper articles as well as falling in love with the perfect guy in town.  everyone was happy, which is typically the case in sappy holiday movies.  right now i'm watching a modern take on the gift of the magi, based on the o. henry story.  such a wonderful story about two people who give up what they love best to give to each other the gift they most want them to have.  the message of this story really touches me.  love at it's finest....when one loves so much that they care more about what the one they love wants without thought to their own wants or needs.  and in this story these two people feel such love for one another that they are always putting the other first.  not only is this a grand holiday message but it is a blueprint for living each day.  care more about what others need, especially those closest, and somehow personal needs are met as well.  hopefully i'll last long enough to see how this modern version of the gift of the magi unfolds.  however, if sleep over takes me i know how it ends for it can, in any version, only end one way.  with true gifts of love.

seek pleasure slowly

kierkegaard said, "most men pursue pleasure with such breathless haste that they hurry past it".

this is the season for much pleasure for many.  there are decorations to put in place or to look at throughout the town, cooking, baking, shopping, gift wrapping, cards to send, good food to eat, gifts to receive and give, programs to practice for and attend, parties and family gatherings.  it often becomes a rush.  a rush from one must to another.  what does the holiday season become?  an exhausting, harried series of have to and everything that people believe is wonderful about the season is lost.  many years ago i was in conversation with a group of women about three weeks before christmas.  they complained about everything they absolutely HAD to do before christmas day.  their combined list of tasks was overwhelming.  innocently i asked, "then why do it?"  they stared at me in stunned horror and when they recovered from the shock began to speak at once.  "how could they not?!  of course they had to undertake everything!  it's all so important!"  they explained none too gently as if i were from another planet (which could very possibly be!).  from their reactions i understood that they could not enjoy the season on their terms but had to adhere to some notion of what the season had to be as dictated by what or whom that should have no bearing on their lives.  as you enjoy this holiday season, seek pleasure but enjoy slowly.  you won't want to miss a single whimsical moment.

get ready.....

since thanksgiving (and even before), television networks like hallmark and lifetime have aired sappy holiday movies.  this whimsical wednesday watch one.  there are lots of channels to choose from or view a dvd of movies like it's a wonderful life, a christmas story (you'll shoot your eye out!  chortle!!......), meet me in st louis or white christmas.  by yourself, with others; enjoying hot chocolate or tea or popcorn.  come on.  you know you want to!

when the whimsey project began, it became necessary to think of an activity for each whimsical wednesday.  i noted early on that it seemed strange to plan for whimsey since whimsey (whim) is typically spontaneous.  however, it has been necessary to plan in order to alert people as to what to expect each week.   a few months into the process i noticed that most weeks the idea for each whimsical wednesday was indeed spontaneous.  often it was sunday night and it suddenly came to me what to offer on monday.  additionally, i thought knowing what was coming might dampen the experience.  however, what i have discovered is the sense of anticipation that comes when something is looked forward to.

on a whim

approaching people is not the easiest action for me to undertake.  i like people and enjoy their company but making the first move isn't my cup of tea.   on a whim i packaged christmas cookies for my neighbors (country living makes them visually close but physically distant) and delivered them right away before i could talk myself out of doing so.  i timidly knocked on each door and wanted to run away before the doors could open.  however, when they did, i was greeted by great people who gave me huge smiles of surprise and happiness.  i also got hugs and merry christmas wishes.  i returned home feeling grand.  on a whim can yield great results.  and remember.....kindness is never wrong.

you'll find me frolicking

a new twitter follower of the whimsey project led me to this website:  http://letsswap.it/, an art source where artists can swap pieces.  what a great idea.  immediately i sent the link to several artists friends so they can participate as well.  already i am thinking of what i might like to offer and bid for.  how grand to have discovered such a neat site.

one piece caught my eye.  it was entitled, "you'll find me frolicking".  instant bond!  it was already spoken for but i do not lament as it's the title more than the piece that endeared me (although the piece is grand).  YOU"LL FIND ME FROLICKING is whimsey, whimsey, whimsey.  in fact, it should be among the words we discussed in july; words that evoke whimsey.  you'll find me frolicking denotes a sensibility of heart, lightness, attitude and approach to the world.  try frolicking through your day today.  and tomorrow.  and the next and the next.  even the most difficult tasks and the most trying days are easier to manage when one is frolicking.  (reality check:  of course easier said than done.  but even the attempt at this frame of mind helps keep discouragement at bay.)

whimsey at work

this morning i got up, made tea and, while enjoying the first cup of the morning, stared at the two small pumpkins sitting on the kitchen counter.  these were in the thanksgiving table decorations and are still in such fine condition i could not throw them away.  not wanting to throw them away but not knowing what to do with them, it came to me.....  out came the festive holiday stickers i use on cards and letters and onto the pumpkins these went.  now the two wee pumpkins, still in fine condition, are ready for christmas!  let the whimsey in you shine.  and giggle at the results.

more snowflakes!

this morning i found a snowflake i cut yesterday and somehow lost as it was found on the floor in an unlikely place.  how it got there is a mystery, however, it was with much rejoicing that it was found!  it was immediately placed with the others on the window.  as i gazed at the grouping of snowflakes i knew another had to be made as there were now eight.  an odd number in a grouping of most anything is more pleasing to the eye. so out came another coffee filter;  a few snipes here and there and snowflake number nine joined the others on the window.  it was grand to prolong the whimsical wednesday activity just a tad longer.  of course, just enjoying the snowflakes in the window prolongs whimsical wednesday.  they remind me that i took the time to engage in an activity that served no purpose other than to delight and amuse.  every week i look forward to the opportunity to give myself permission to do something that matters to nothing necessary.  although, well-being is definitely not nothing!

whimsical wednesday!

as snow lay over the earth, i was inside happily cutting snowflakes out of coffee filters.  i can't take credit for that good idea.  a few weeks ago my granddaughter was home sick from school and she made several.  those were hanging in the window when i visited shortly thereafter.  once it began to snow here over the weekend i thought of megan's snowflakes and concluded that cutting snowflakes would be a great whimiscal wednesday activity for this week.  throughout the day i crafted seven snowflakes, each one unique as snowflakes are said to be.  they are hanging in the window, just like megan's, so they can be enjoyed. these were such fun to make when i was a child and they still are fun to make.  with very little effort a variety of snowflakes can be made and one can feel quite creative. if snowflakes are holiday decorations, then these are my holiday decorations.  and likely all there will be.  i'm looking forward to the soon-to-be-visiting grandchildren telling me what wonderful snowflakes i made.  let it snow!  let it snow!  let it snow!

get ready.....

the weekend brought  a blanket of snow over all the land.  that event sparked the activity for this week's whimsical wednesday.  let's make snowflakes from any type of paper.....printer, construction, coffee filters.  see how many different patterns you can cut without planning any of the designs.  have fun!

holiday memories at the mall

the whimsey project and times square mall celebrate the holidays.  from november 20th, in time for santa's arrival to the mall, to january 2nd, when ringing in 2011, the community has been invited to visit the holiday memories display.  along with items depicting holidays throughout the year, notebooks are provided for  participants to share their favorite holiday memories and to read the memories of others.  below are photographs of my family participating during the thanksgiving holiday weekend.

whimsical wednesday!

the internet is acting up and i'm not feeling especially perky or whimsical.  however, i did create the holiday card.  it was simple in comparison to the grand plans i had for it.  but it was made and the accomplishment felt good.  a piece of red construction dotted with flecks of silver sparklies was the basis for christmas stickers.  these were special stickers in that they were puffy to create a 3D effect on the paper.  the person the card was intended for benefits from a great deal of tactile sensations.  it was immediately placed in an envelope and prepared for tomorrow's mail.  no doubt, in a few days time, it will be thoroughly enjoyed.  at least that is the hope.

get ready.....

the season of giving has arrived. throughout the month people will be giving to others something from their hearts for all manner of reasons and celebrations.  for this whimsical wednesday, create at least one card for someone who really would benefit from such a creation.  i am already thinking of who for and what the card will be......

whimsical wednesday!

the car motored along the dark interstate for five hours last night.  all along the way, in the distance, bright christmas lights could be seen gleaming for all to see.  the ones that are so very magical to me are the lights glowing on singular homes, like farms, amid a sea of black above and all around.  they seem to be a gentle beacon; beckoning the viewer to come closer.  oh, but that i could.  passing population centers find the landscape filled with lights in all colors, shapes and variety of display.  chicago was the destination and the entire city became one enormous christmas light display to me for the downtown was awash in dots of light with it's usual adornment in buildings and on the roadways!  it was breathtaking to behold.  such a treat for me as my travel to the city is typically in daylight.  what i have missed not beholding this amazing sight after dark more often.  as i traveled to the home of my daughter and her family, i was able to enjoy the christmas lights on individual houses.  some provoke giggles, others astonishment and still others there is no adjective to describe them.  just think.  we shall all be able to enjoy these seasonal wonders for another month.  take the time to look.  i will.

get ready.....

it's after thanksgiving.  that means there's lots of christmas lights shining each night.  wednesday will be a roadtrip for me and mostly in the dark.  let's take this opportunity to look for and enjoy christmas lights glowing in the dark for whimsical wednesday. because i will arrive at my destination very late, i will post my experience thursday.

whimsical wednesday!

it's the day after thanksgiving.  this week's whimsical wednesday activity of gathering nature for the thanksgiving dinner table was definitely a challenge.  all day wednesday it rained, rained, rained.  oh how it poured!  although it kept us inside with no opportunity to collect pine cones and acorns and leaves and bittersweet for our centerpiece, we were all very grateful for the rain.  there hasn't been significant rainfall for several months.  the earth drank deeply as the skies offered relief.  we hoped to have a moment or two to collect our decorations on thanksgiving morning however the weather had other plans as it continued to rain, rain, rain.  the ducks were happy.  we weren't unhappy but anxious to be able to create our traditional thanksgiving dinner table decorations.  finally, my wonderful daughter braved the elements to cut a few vines of bittersweet.  fortunately one grows close to the garage door so there was a bit of shelter as she gathered.   i watched from the window in solidarity.  from the cupboard she found a candle, polished stones and things i didn't even know i had!  along with the lovely bouquet we were given for the holiday, she created a centerpiece to rival anything that could have been purchased from a florist.  our table looked beautiful and inviting.  later in the evening, as we sat by the warming fire in the living room fireplace, i looked out the window to discover that the rain, rain, rain had turned to snow!  snow on thanksgiving.  our most wonderful holiday of the year was most wonderful.

get ready.....

thursday is thanksgiving, the most wonderful holiday of all.  at least for my family.  we would rather celebrate thanksgiving together than any other holiday so we make the effort to ensure that everyone comes together at the farm.  it's a wonderful time.  we look forward to, prepare, enjoy, then savor each year.  one of our family traditions is to walk the farm the day before or thanksgiving day, gathering what nature has to offer to create the centerpiece for the table.  we gather leaves, twigs, acorns, dried flowers, bittersweet, pine cones; whatever catches our fancy.  we add a candle or two to what becomes a lovely, impromptu holiday creation.  this whimsical wednesday, we shall gather and create and we invite you to do the same.  even if you live in town, you will be able to find items for your table as nature is everywhere.

whimsical wednesday!

libby and i have been very busy with chores around the house.  time, however, was taken this early afternoon to bake cookies.  ok.  the cookies were ready-to-bake from the freezer but they were warm and soft just out of the oven.  almonds were also roasted.  at three, the kettle was filled and heating on the stove while the table was set for tea.  a candle burned and a very sappy holiday movie was playing on the hallmark channel (libby and i are both willing to listen to if not completely watch this yearly holiday fare) while we sipped tea.  libby enjoyed the cookies while i enjoyed the nuts and sugar free dark chocolate (that's what one does when on a restricted diet....improvise!), talked and enjoyed the afternoon break.  we decided there should be tea during thanksgiving weekend when we are joined by sarah, scott, megan and jacob.

get ready.....

let's repeat tea this week.  even though the tea that was sipped last wednesday was enjoyed, it wasn't as planned.  i am looking forward to afternoon tea wednesday.

whimsical wednesday

tea wasn't what was anticipated when the activity was announced on monday.  my daughter and i are visiting my parents and tea had seemed a nice afternoon sit around the table and talk activity.  however, soon after posting on monday, we received word that a dear, dear family friend had died; his battle with cancer over.  the services were this afternoon.  mom and dad decided we would go to the club for dinner.  while they enjoyed spirits before the meal i had a cup of tea.  it was excellent and the time together festive.  we talked and laughed and shared memories and enjoyed each other's company.  throughout the evening, thoughts of our friend and his sweet wife and the similar occasions that we shared together filled me.   we raised our glasses (mug for me) to them. 

get ready....

this whimsical wednesday, enjoy at least one cup of tea.  make even a single cup an event.  select a blend that is truly enjoyed or try something new.  pour it into a lovely cup with a saucer.  use a cream pitcher and sugar bowl.  have scottish shortbead or other tasty treat with it.  put it all on a tray.  light a candle and play music.  if possible share tea with someone else.  even if tea is enjoyed alone and can only be for fifteen minutes in the day, relax and savor this interlude.  if tea isn't what you prefer, drink coffee! 

whimsical wednesday!

another busy day was upon me so craft making was one of the first activities of the day.  it was decided to make a craft my children made many of in the mid 1980s when they were in early elementary school.  it seems everyone made them and it was truly a fad.  whatever it was we had fun making them together.  that craft was putting seed beads on safety pins and then wearing them on shoelaces.  silver toned safety pins were selected along with three colors of seed beads, cobalt blue, aquamarine and red.  the accent bead was larger and silver toned.  a variety of different arrangements of colors were placed on fifteen medium sized safety pins.  lunch was enjoyed with friends and the beaded pins were shared with them.  they loved them and think i am oh so clever!
giggle.......

get ready.....

it's november!  gift giving time will soon be upon us. remember all the simple gifts we created for our parents and others when we were children?  this whimsical wednesday, create another of those simple gifts for someone; a pot holder, a juice can pencil holder, a jar lid frame to use as a magnet or christmas tree ornament.  everyone made these gifts.  select your favorite or make a new one.  if you select a favorite, tell us about making the original and who was it for.  

whimsical wednesday!

even though company will be arriving later today and they could have been invited to participate in whimsical wednesday with me, i could not wait.  at first light i was out to feed the animals and, soon after, i was roaming the trails, bucket in hand, poring over the leaves that carpeted the earth.

because the activity was supposed to be more of a game, i created one for myself.  at least 100 leaves had to be collected, if i touched a leaf it had to be put in the bucket.  the walking was slow and the leaf examination careful as i had to be sure before touching a leaf.  some were touched quickly for it was only an instant that i knew that particular leaf belonged in the bucket.  others took longer because those leaves were quiet and needed more time to be heard.

monday, after posting the activity for the upcoming whimsical wednesday, i was involved in my usual activity....joining the quilting group.  the group quilts for charity and all manner of quilts for all manner of persons are created.  my job is to machine sew together the layers of the small quilts for children.  as i sat at the machine i listened to the ladies complain about the leaves.  my ears perked up since leaves were on my mind......  oh, the colors were dull, not pretty this year. the leaves were falling too fast.  the leaves made a mess.  leaves from neighboring yards blow into their yards; they shouldn't have to rake leaves that don't belong to them.  the oak leaves are the worst because they fall all season long and into winter no less!   "oh, the nerve of those leaves!!!!" i thought as i listened and sewed.

there is no leaf raking on the farm.  the wind blows them about and they land where they land.  watching them blow about and come to live on the earth instead of in the trees brings great pleasure.  walking among them is like being with friends.  that is what i savored this morning as i gathered leaves.  the ones that shouted "look at me!" are vivid among the others and stand out; noticing them takes no effort.  the quiet ones are the ones that thrill me.  the colors, shading and patterns are subtle and reveal their beauty when picked up and looked at closely.  as i returned to the house, the bucket full of beautiful leaves, i thought, "the ladies don't know what they are missing!".

something had to be created with the leaves, per the dictates of the activity.  as i came into the kitchen i spied the cobalt blue bowl full of red apples on the table.  i instantly knew that would make a great home for the leaves.  the apples remained in place and the leaves positioned among them.  another game was played.  the leaves had to be placed in the bowl as they were layered in the bucket.  no picking and choosing.  this made the challenge of arranging more interesting.  one by one the leaves came out of the bucket, held and examined for shape, color and size, then placed where best suited the leaf and emerging arrangement.  when the bucket was empty and the bowl full of leaves and apples, i stepped back to admire.  ah, nice.

then i enjoyed a mug of hot chocolate!  =]

get ready.....

fall is a month along.  leaves are falling fast and furiously.  this whimsical wednesday, let's play in the leaves.  remember raking leaves into huge piles and jumping into them after a running start?  wonder why children enjoy such an activity.....  regardless of why, it is grand fun.  if you aren't inclined to rake, run and jump, collect leaves.  as many different types as you can find.  make something with them or just put them in a bowl or basket or bucket and enjoy their company for awhile.  then have a cup of hot chocolate.  with marshmallows!  share this activity with someone else or several someone elses as this activity would surely be more fun that way.

whimsical wednesday!

i had fun today!  armed with the dozen happy notes i crafted yesterday afternoon, i was about town.  all over town.  some places were destinations; others just looked like good places to leave a happy note.  happy notes were left on bulletin boards, in restrooms, on store shelves, on the restaurant table along with the tip where i lunched with a friend.  these were obviously anonymous.  i stopped by my sister's office and gave one for her to the secretary to put on her desk when she was out and since the secretary was happy to comply she got a happy note as well.  met a friend to pass a few items between us and she will have found a happy note in the bag i gave her.  the friend i had lunch with had one slipped into her purse when she was at the buffet getting dessert.  the last one was the first one i gave.  it was put in the mailbox for my very nice mail carrier to find.  when i returned home and got the mail the happy note was gone so she took it!  that made me giggle.  after leaving each happy note i wondered who would find it and if they were surprised and if it made them smile.  i wondered if the happy notes were left in place for others to find.  hopefully they brightened the day for those who encountered them.  this was much fun.  a whimsey project activity that bears repeating.

2010 southern illinois harvestfest

once again the whimsey project went to the mall!

a conceptual, found object scavenger hunt created by the whimsey project was included in the 2010 southern illinois harvestfest and hosted by times square mall.  people of all ages were invited to participate in the free scavenger hunt during regular mall hours for the duration (october 8th through 17th) of the harvestfest.

participants were instructed to seek out contained, fall related items placed in the public spaces of the mall then to write their discoveries on the available game cards.  completed game cards could be placed in the available gift bag for a chance to win a prize.

keegan neikes of sesser, illinois, won a ten dollar gift card to the mall's subway sandwich shop.  he will be able to take his mom and dad out for a treat!  (keegan's mom, tera, related that the three of them really enjoyed the scavenger hunt and thought it was a neat idea!    .....thank you, tera!)

and many thanks to bethany benjamin and the crew at times square mall for welcoming the whimsey project's harvestfest scavenger hunt.

below are photographs of my grandchildren completing the scavenger hunt.  we had fun playing too!

get ready.....

people love getting happy surprises.  doesn't matter what form, these surprises are grand.  this whimsical wednesday we will leave happy surprises for others in the form of notes.  leave them for family, friends, strangers.  put them anywhere someone else will discover them and be surprised and well, happy!

whimsical wednesday!

after a very long and very busy day, the thought of a long soak in a bubble bath sounded so inviting.  it was lovely.  lots of bubbles in the hot bath took away the wear of the day.  add the giggles that are rubber duckies and it was the perfect ending to a hectic day.  there is an impressive collection of rubber duckies arrayed along the rim of the tub in the guest bath; courtesy of the grandchildren.  the duckies are all sizes and dressed in various themed outfits or are just yellow.  they bobbed among the bubbles and me.  they reminded me of the genuine flock that resides on the lake just outside the front door.  the antics of both real and pretend makes me smile.

get ready.....

life was too hectic monday to post the activity for this week's whimsical wednesday.  today will be very busy as well.  that's why this week's activity is perfect.  on whimsical wednesday we will enjoy a bubble bath.  and play with rubber duckies if these inhabit the rim of your tub.  if you don't have a rubber duckie or two consider stopping at a store and pick up a few to float amount the bubbles with you.

whimsical wednesday!

it was a beautiful fall day.  perfect for walking the trails in the meadow to cut flowers.  there is a daisy like flower that blooms this time of year that i really love.  it's yellow and happy.  flower gathering had a recipient in mind.  my daughter was arriving via amtrak at noon and the flowers were for her.  the flowers and i made our way to the station.  when the train pulled in and she suddenly appeared i was standing there, happy yellow flowers in hand.  she grinned as soon as she saw me and her bouquet and said, "look at you!".  with a hug she took her flowers and our visit began.

get ready.....

the meadow is beautiful this time of year.  the fall flowers are vivid, plentiful and offers the last splashes of color before winter appears.  this week, pick flowers (if possible) and give them to anyone....a family member, a friend, mate or significant other, a stranger.  everyone loves flowers.  wednesday will find me in the meadow.  where will you find flowers to give?

whimsical wednesday!

photographs have been on my mind all week because i didn't know quite how to approach today's whimsical wednesday activity.  this morning i rummaged in the photographs and art supplies for frame decorating or album making ideas.  what i wanted to do with the photographs came to me immediately as i looked through a stack.  my sweet 18 year old zero doggie died in may and the 13 year old mutton doggie has a terminal illness and will soon be gone.  photographic focus, therefore, was looking for photographs of the dogs.  several photographs of both dogs appeared in the many photographs looked at.  each touched my heart and brought a happy and sad smile.  these photographs were set aside for another time.  a time to create an album for each doggie in tribute as both doggies are (and were) very, very special companions.  this would have been enough to fulfill the spirit of whimsical wednesday's activity, however, i wished to be involved still.  looking through the supplies i found the almost finished homemade photo albums that i began last year.  they have remained incomplete because illness sidelined the project when first undertaken and then everything else got priority.  today was the perfect opportunity to complete this project.  what was left to do was the finishing touches and that is the fun part!  each album was given the consideration needed to use just the right materials to make each one unique.  these are now arrayed on the table so they may be admired throughout the remainder of the day.  none are intended for me as they will be gifts.  they will be enjoyed today before being shared.  then others will be able to spend time with their photographs; whimsical wednesday or otherwise.

get ready.....

it's a beautiful fall day!  cooler, sunny and bright.  being outside is so glorious.  that is the setting for wonderful moments.  we capture moments on photographs.  aren't photographs amazing creations?  we can look at one and feel in response.  for this whimsical wednesday, let's revisit our photographs.  dig them out.  look at them.  savor them.  share them if possible.  talk about them.  it would be grand if you could create something special for  one or a special few and put them in a new album that you have purchased or made yourself.  or get a frame or decorate a frame for those favorite few.  put these somewhere around the house where you can enjoy them even if just for awhile before putting them away again.

whimsical wednesday!

when announcing this wednesday's activity i knew i wanted to make a huge pot of vegetable beef soup.  there's a touch of fall in the air and soup felt just right.  my mother makes a grand pot of vegetable beef soup and that's the memory i tapped into for what i cooked.  there was always the dilemma.....eat the portion of beef allotted in the soup or have it on bread with ketchup!  decisions, decisions! choices, choices!!  growing up i finally got wise about this dilemma and enjoyed half of the beef in the soup and the other half on bread with ketchup.  oh, how wonderful it was to have figured out how to have it both ways.  mom's soup is still my favorite and i try to make mine taste just like hers.

because soup is much tastier when it's simmered for a long time i began the pot of soup on monday.  it was early, obviously, but i couldn't bear to have half-ready soup to enjoy on whimsical wednesday.  as it simmered and i savored and anticipated, i invited friends to enjoy soup with me for lunch.  they enjoyed it just as much as i did.  we had soup and talked and had a very pleasant few hours sharing together.  they each took home a container to enjoy later.  after all,  when making soup it's always much tastier when there's a large batch simmering in a huge pot!  mutton doggie enjoyed it as well because she was allowed to lick the bowls when we were finished.   a neighbor just had surgery so homemade vegetable beef soup was packaged for that household as well.  there's plenty left for me to have later and to put in the freezer for another time.   this was a grand whimsical wednesday because i shared with others based on a warm memory of my mother that i could actually physically experience.  for me, food is a genuine form of love.

get ready.....

this whimsical wednesday, let's bake or cook; something from scratch, not from a box or frozen.  something that evokes a special memory or tradition.  it doesn't matter if it's cookies, soup or cinnamon toast.  make it and share it.  savor the doing, the enjoying, the remembering.  share your experience with us.

whimsical wednesday!

listening can be hard work.  we are so used to being bombarded by sound that we tune most of it out.  we miss a great deal of the world because of this factor.  my listening today consisted of several intense sessions.  in between the nothing but listening i found i was more attuned to the sounds around me than i was otherwise.  throughout the day i listened (notice i didn't say "heard"?) to the sounds of different birds.  they were calling or answering or just singing.  dogs barked in the distance.  one's plaintive cry brought tears to my eyes.  i could only hope he was eased very soon.  the kitty laid on me and i listened to her breathe and purr and the sound of my hand stroking her fur.  i giggled when i listened to the sound of her snoring which sounded like higher pitched zzzzs.  with my eyes closed i knew what the dog was up to.  the sound of her nails on the various flooring in the house.  the crunch of her food as she ate.  the lapping of water from the water bowl when she got a drink.  the coming and going of vehicles on the blacktop beyond the country road that leads to the farm.  i wondered what the drivers were doing; where they were going and what they set out to accomplish for the day.  and, if they were coming north away from town, had they accomplished their missions.  the ducks quacked in all their vocalizations; a familiar sound i never tire of.  the rustle of leaves on the trees as the wind picked up throughout the day caused me to hope that rain was coming.  listening colors the world as a child colors in the spaces of a picture in a coloring book.  my world was brighter today because i listened.

get ready.....

i am just returned from a hectic trip.  in fact, since beginning the whimsey project in july, life has been very hectic.  for this whimsical wednesday let's be quiet and still.  if you can manage an hour of calm, sit somewhere comfortable and inviting, and listen to all the various sounds that surround you.  it'll be amazing just how much there is to hear.

whimsical wednesday!

only one card was created today but it took a long time because it's quite a card.  last night i began thinking of what materials to use and what the card should look like.  the finished product turned out better than imagined.  the card is tall and narrow as i used a wine bottle bag for the card itself.  it's brown like a paper bag and has purple grape clusters all over it.  a great foundation.  the front was plastered with stickers of all varieties on the grapes.  inside a pocket was created from the bottle of the bag and the greeting part of the card was put on a mini card that can be removed to turn over and read (the front of the mini card is of a pine tree with gold pinecones).  more stickers decorate the top and bottom across both sides of the card.  and the fronts of other cards, one christmas and one valentine's day, were added.  these had friendship messages.  more stickers on the cards and stickers on the pocket. stickers, stickers, stickers.....ducks, smiley faces in all shapes, sizes and colors, kitty cats, flags, flowers, bunnies, some of the united states, hearts.  oh, this card is magnificent!  it's large too so it had to be put in a large manila envelope to be mailed.  it's been mailed to a special friend.  a friend with alzheimer's disease.  this card will offer much to look at and touch.  i hope it is enjoyed as much as i enjoyed making it.

get ready.....

let's create this whimsical wednesday.  create and share.  make a homemade card.  use very simple materials like a piece of paper for the printer or lined notebook paper used for schoolwork or construction paper or old wrapping paper, whatever is available at home.  decorate with crayons, markers, pictures cut out of any catalogue (i enjoy using seed/nursery catalogues because the pictures are of flowers).  send the card in whatever envelope you have handy to someone you'd like to enjoy the pleasure of finding real mail in the real mailbox.  if you are in a very creative, generous mood, make and send more than one.  enjoy!

WORK! an installation......

the whimsey project went to the mall!  as a labor day tribute, an interactive art installation entitled WORK! was created.  the installation, employing the principles of found object art, was an interpretation of the work condition.  viewers were invited to be participants by either journaling about work experiences or, if too young to work now, what jobs might be wanted as well as posting business cards in the installation.  if participants did not have business cards, provisions were available for business cards to be created to post.  the following photographs are of the installation.

whimsical wednesday

today's whimsical wednesday was grand.  there were several errands to tend to so the first stop was the dollar store in order to secure balloons.  five red heart shaped balloons were selected.  they were tethered to red ribbons.  they bounced about me as i carried them to the car.  it makes me giggle to put balloons in the car.  they seem to have a life of their own!  the first stop after getting balloons was to an office.  in i went, carrying the first red heart shaped balloon.  after conducting my business i thanked the person behind the desk and said, "here, this is for you!" and handed her the balloon that i carried in but paid absolutely no attention to as if carrying balloons was something quite routine.  she had noticed it but said nothing until she took it with a smile and said, "why, thank you!".  out the door i went.  there were at least three more such encounters to enjoy.  the second and third balloons were given at the same place.  i stopped at my sister's workplace so that i could surprise her with a balloon.  she was happy, happy.  she asked what the occasion was and i told her it was balloon day and here was her balloon.  "national balloon day?" she asked.  "if you want it to be, yes." i responded.  giggle....  she caught on.  her secretary was so happy about my sister getting a balloon that i gave her one as well.   a big grin and a me too and a thank you was my reward.  time to move on as there was still many stops to make.  next came the mall.  as i was walking in a mother with a wee girl was walking out.  this wee one was so cute that i knew she was the one to get the balloon i had in my hand.  i asked her, "would you like my red balloon?"  to which she replied, "oh yes!  i would!"  "then please ask your mother if it's ok if i give it to you."  she looked up at her mother with that look of please that children offer parents when something is hoped for.  mom said yes!  she grinned and i grinned and the mother grinned as i tied the balloon on the wee one's wrist.  i looked back as i walked away and saw the two of them grinning at one another and so happy to have a red balloon.  the grocery store was the final stop of the day.  there was one balloon remaining.  should i keep this one for myself or give it away?  as i parked another vehicle pulled in next to me and the dude driving, i noticed, was smiling and seemed to be enjoying his day.  it struck me that this guy would really like a balloon.  he was already well on his way into the store and i neither wanted to wait for him to return or chase him through the store, therefore, i tied the balloon to the side mirror on the driver's door.  he would have the surprise when he returned.  by the time i was finished shopping and returned to my car his was gone so i could only imagine his reaction to receiving a red heart shaped balloon.  hopefully he was as happy as everyone else that received a balloon on this whimsical wednesday. 

get ready.....

on whimsical wednesday, share.  get a balloon for you and one for a friend.  or get several and give them all away (but it would be nice to have one too so keep one).  if there's a dollar store in your area, shop there first.  if the store carries helium filled balloons they are, obviously, only a dollar a piece.  that's a bargain!  lots of whismey for your buck!  hold on to your balloons!

whimsical wednesday

oh, chalking sidewalks in the big city was grand!  (i like that word....grand!)  today the grandchildren began their school year and this was my first year to experience any thing school with them.  i knew how to begin the day.  early this morning, when walking the dog, messages were chalked on the sidewalk leading to the car just for them.  these messages wished them a happy school year and a great first day and a great year.  each had personalized messages.  when we left the house to go to school, they were very excited and surprised to find the messages.  they knew right away the messages were from me even though my name wasn't anywhere to be found.  beam!!!!!!  after school (a half day) we were able to play together chalking the sidewalk with hearts and rainbows and flowers and stars and kitties and dogs and messages and names.  everyone on the street was able to enjoy our handiwork. 

get ready.....

the grandchildren and i returned to the big city sunday; affording the perfect opportunity for this week's whimsical wednesday activity!  chalk, chalk, chalk the sidewalk!!!!  i brought along two containers of very large sidewalk chalk (isn't it grand that even chalk is specialized!?) for the event.  we shall cover the neighborhood with happy faces and silly greetings.  can't wait to hear about your own chalking adventures. 

whimsical wednesday!

oh, what a grand whimsical wednesday it was!  the grandchildren were over the moon at the prospect of eating dessert first; and at every meal if they wished.  after their initial excitement ebbed they grilled me as to why they were allowed to eat dessert first.  because, i explained, it's whimsical wednesday and on whimsical wednesday wonderful is bound to happen.  at breakfast they had cookies.  i had ice cream.  at lunch they had cake.  i had ice cream.  at dinner we all had ice cream!  yummy!  yummy!  it was fun to have a day free of the rules.  even though we broke the vegetables first rule, we still managed to eat "good" food today.  at dinner they asked if their bedtime snack would begin with dessert......

get ready.....

this is a day later than usual as the grandchildren and i just returned from our delightful roadtrip, however, no one should need much time to prepare for this week's whimsical wednesday activity.  shakespeare wrote, "dost thou think because thou art virtuous there shall be no more cakes and ale?"  indeed not!  for tomorrow's whimsical wednesday we shall proceed as suggested on the tee shirt my daughter wore when she was in middle school:  "life is short.  eat dessert first!"   enjoy what you love most in the way of a treat before any meal of the day!  if i know my grandchildren, it will be breakfast for us (and maybe lunch and dinner as well!).

whimsical wednesday

the road trip was uneventful in the way one wants a journey to be uneventful and it was eventful in the way one hopes a journey will be.  being on the road for six hours with two children under the age of ten offered many opportunities to play "cow!  i win!".  we weren't even out of the driveway when "COW!!!! I WIN!!!!" was trimphantly proclaimed from the back seat because there are cows across the road from the farm.  these were white.  about two miles along there was more cows and i was able to shout "cow! i win!!!"  first.  ha!  these cows were black with white faces.  i love variety.  =]   even though much of the landscape was rural there were only pockets of cows.  but we saw all of them and the three of us took turns (without trying to) at hollering, "cow!  i win!"  first.  peals of laugher followed each sighting.  there were two very creative depictions of cows along the way.  since our whimsical wednesday of cloud watching i have been very observant of the white fluff in the sky.  it was very exciting to find a cow there looking down on me.  a beautiful cow at that, very full and billowy and a lovely shade of the lightest gray.  driving through the largest urban area we passed on the interstate, we saw one of those chik-fil-a billboards that have the cows admonishing the vehicles' passengers to eat mo' chiken!  those cows are something; 3-d, one standing on the shoulders of the other.  the last cows we saw before reaching our destination were standing in the shadow of trees and it was if they were playing hide-and-seek with us as they were dark brown and blended into the shade.  were you able to say, "COW! I WIN!" today??

get ready.....

wednesday will include a road trip for me, therefore, whimsical wednesday's activity will be fun on the road.  let's play the game, "COW!!!!  I WIN!!!!!"; a silly bit of  goofy fluff that's fun to play in the car.  when a cow is spotted call out, "cow! i win!".  play alone or with others.  in a group, the first to spy a cow and say "cow! i win!" wins the game.  what could be sillier than that!?  if you are playing in an urban area and it is unlikely you'll spy an actual cow, be creative.  what do you see around you that would be anything cow?  tell us what those representations are!  if cows are what you spot, describe the cows because all cows are not the same.  enjoy!

whimsical wednesday!

this was a great day for smiley wearing as i was out and about all day long taking care of some of the never ending errands list.  i encountered many people as a result.  before leaving the house i stuck three small, yellow smiley face stickers on my clothing at the shoulder.  a good spot for them to be seen by others.  everywhere i went i was treated very well as all the clerks in the stores i shopped at were more helpful and friendly than usual. as i walked around i got sideways glances as people weren't sure they wanted to acknowledge my accessory but they were interested.  at least five people i did not know said hi.  children loved that i had smiley stickers.  they looked and grinned.  they got winks in return.  the true test was the courthouse stop.  the employees are typically crabby and work at being as little help as possible to citizens.  however, today, with my smiley face stickers and my own pleasant smile i not only got help but help like never before when doing business at the courthouse!  i was duly impressed.  lunch with a friend was part of the day's activity and she loved that i was wearing three smiley stickers. she wondered why though and my response was that i decided today was silliness day and that others seemed to enjoy my stickers.  she raved about them throughout the meal. before we parted i took one of the smiley stickers and stuck it to her t-shirt and invited her to have a silly day too.  she was so excited it would seem she had been given diamonds. she declared she was going to see if people she encountered enjoyed her sticker as much as the people i encountered enjoyed mine.  today proved to be the hottest day of the year as the temperature soared well above 100.  it could have been a day in which all i encountered were grumpy.  i am convinced that my pleasant self and my happy, silly smiley stickers made the day for everyone.  this whimsical wednesday was a huge success.  

get ready......

last friday i was at the local home improvement center getting a few supplies.  when i exited the store and walked toward the car in the parking lot, an old lady was walking toward me.  i was smiling as i came out of the store, for no particular reason.  she caught sight of my smile and i smiled wider just for her.  she didn't know what to make of this however she smiled in return.  it made me giggle.  oh!  how simple a gesture and how good it felt to share such a simple moment with another.

this whimsical wednesday will be devoted to smiling.  put on a smiley face; be it a sticker, pin, a piece of paper with a smiley face drawn on it with a crayon and stuck to your clothes with masking tape!  whatever the medium, wear a smile all day long.  make note of the reactions you might receive in return and share those with us.  i'm looking forward to wednesday.  (you are welcome to share real smiles as well!)

whimsical wednesday!

the clouds were with me!  this morning the sky was vivid blue but devoid of clouds.  later in the afternoon they began to roll across the sky so i grabbed paper and pencil and made my way to a prime viewing location.  the clouds didn't disappoint.  as i watched them i was concerned that i wouldn't "see" anything.  however, i told myself to look for nothing; to clear my mind and just enjoy being outside looking at the clouds.  that must have been what was needed because as i relaxed and concentrated on the various shapes, texture, density and shadow of the clouds as they slowly drifted by, i began to see plenty!  my cloudy discoveries:

reclining figure:  the shape of a person, lying on the back seemed to be to be doing what i was doing.....looking at the clouds!

teddy bear:  a huge, puffy, full strikingly white cloud looked like a teddy bear sitting down.  it was positioned in profile and the head was tilted slightly to one side.  

dog:  a very large dog was laying on the back, tummy exposed, legs in the air with the right front paw slightly higher than the rest as if waiting for someone to come by and shake it.  my dog, mutton, assumes this pose often.  that position usually yields a belly rub and a paw shake.  i imagined the doggy cloud would enjoy the same.

person in profile:  a head and part of the shoulders is what this cloud offered.  it was all the more clever because the lips were pursed with a streak of wispy clouds along side the mouth.  it seemed that the figure was blowing the clouds.  

dragon:  a very large dragon revealed itself in one very large cluster of clouds.  it was detailed in features from head to the end of the tail.  it had lots of character as it was complete with flames being blown from the mouth.  a true fire breathing beast!  impressively so.

all of the clouds were moving as in slow motion so i was able to enjoy each shape for a long time as they floated by.  it wasn't long after i saw the dragon that dark clouds began to follow and soon there was no clouds but one dark sky.  thunder was heard so it was time to retreat inside.  not long after coming indoors much needed rain began to fall.  

get ready.....

announcing the activity for whimsical wednesday is usually posted on monday.  however, tomorrow is going to be extremely busy so the announcement comes today.

this wednesday we will enjoy cloud watching.  please devote at least a half hour to gazing at the sky.  let your imagination roam and as the clouds drift by, note what you discover.  then post your impressions to share with us.

more about coloring books and crayons

we learned a bit about the history of bubbles after playing with them on the first whimsical wednesday which prompts me to post a brief history of crayons and coloring books.  information was found at wikipedia.com, buzzle.com and ezinearticles.com.

coloring books as we know them today were originally intended for use with paint.  the first company to produce the books was the mcloughlin brothers company, in the 1880s, which later became a part of the milton bradley toy company.  taking the concept further, the creator of buster brown, richard f. outcault, produced a coloring book titled, buster's paint book, in 1907.  this book had the distinction of using coloring books as an advertising vehicle.  soon other such coloring books circulated to advertise many products.  there are coloring books for adults as well as for children.

the first crayons were made in europe, a mixture of charcoal and oil.  the most recognized crayon is the crayola crayon, produced by the binney-smith company, which produced paint.  the process used wax instead of oil and was mixed with pigments to make different colors.  the crayons had the added advantage of being nontoxic.  the first box of crayons was made in 1903 and contained eight colors:  red, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, brown and black.  today the binney-smith company produces 120 colors as well as a wide variety of other art materials.  

a friend recycles used crayons by peeling off the wrappers, breaking them into small pieces and placing them into a throwaway, aluminum cake or pie pan lined with foil (sprayed with vegetable oil spray).  the pan is placed over a pot of  hot water on the stove.  the heat and steam melts the crayons into a jumble of colors.  (this process would most likely work in the microwave as well, using a non-metal container). after the crayons are completely melted the pan is moved to a hot pad to cool.  after partially cooled the "cake" of crayons is cut into pieces of any shape and size.  these are really neat to color with.  and they look great.

whimsical wednesday!

there are much to do today but whimsical wednesday was not forgotten.  there was a plan!  get at the chores and take coloring breaks.  this proved to be a great way to accomplish necessary tasks as well as take much needed breaks throughout the day.  while working there was the anticipation of grabbing those coloring books and the "box" of eight colors to look forward to.  even though the pictures in the books were of typical items like cars and trees and such, i didn't color them as an adult, as they should be.  i colored them the way a child would, with lots of color on the page.  the bus i colored was became red, yellow, green, orange, blue, purple, black and brown.  it turned out to be a beautiful bus.  i would love to ride in such a vehicle.  another selection was taken from the book of fairies in fairyland.  a giant mushroom was colored brown, yellow, green, black, purple; all very lightly shaded and the colors blended into one another.  to see that mushroom in nature would be amazing.  since these images were in books belonging to the grandchildren there was an added pleasure to this whimsical wednesday.  for each picture i colored, i left a note for the coloring book's owner.  when they visit and enjoy coloring, they will find that their grandmother had been there!  no doubt that will be a moment of whimsey all its own.

get ready.......

it's monday once again and time to announce the activity for this week's whimsical wednesday!  we are going to nab a box of crayons and coloring book and color!  i shall dig into the stash i keep for the grandchildren.  and while i have a huge selection of crayons, i'm thinking i will limit myself to the simple box of eight colors that is every child's first box.  if you wish, you may color OUTSIDE the lines!

i'm forever blowing bubbles.....

since blowing bubbles on whimsical wednesday, i have been thinking about bubbles and the origins of bubble blowing.  an internet search led me to two interesting sites, www.bubbles.org and www.bubbleblowers.com.

it seems that bubble blowing may have been done by children as long as ago as ancient times.  during the 18th and 19th centuries, mothers gave their children leftover washing soap for bubble blowing.  bubble blowers were formed from anything that was available such as rope, string, wire.  it was during the 20th century that bubbles began to be sold by street vendors.  in the 1940s, the chemtoy company, which made various cleaning supplies, was the first company to systematically bottle bubble solution.  later this company was purchased by tootsietoy company and bubbles were on their way.  bubbles (solution and blowers) are now sold by several companies worldwide and it is claimed that bubbles are the best selling toy in the world! 

curious, i read the label on the bottle of bubbles (miracle bubbles by the imperial company) i played with on whimsical wednesday for a list of ingredients and none were listed. the ingredients for bubbles is either universal or some huge secret!  however, it took no effort to find recipes for homemade bubbles.    
         
here's a recipe i found on grandparents.com:


1/4 cup liquid dish washing detergent (regular dawn or joy works best)
1/2 cup water (tap water is fine as long as it isn't hard with iron and other minerals)
1 tablespoon glycerine or clear corn syrup


here's a recipe developed by professor bubbles, worldwide bubble entertainer, and published on his website bubbles.org.  he writes that he uses this super bubble recipe during his performances:

2 parts regular dawn or joy dish washing liquid
4 parts distilled water
1 part clear karo corn syrup

in addition to bubble solution, homemade wands can be made with just about anything that can be shaped into a circle or already is circular such as a straw or funnel.

if you are so inclined, mix a batch of bubble solution and craft a wand.  then post the results of your personally made bubble fun. 

whimsical wednesday!

this morning i awoke, looked at the clock and jumped out of bed thinking, "i have to get busy!".  as i went about the morning chores i suddenly realized it was wednesday; the first whimsical wednesday and there was important "work" to do.  after taking care of the most pressing tasks, i ignored the to-do list, grabbed the bottle of bubbles and made my way to the bench under the huge maple tree in the yard between the house and the lake.  i was greeted by the ducks and the cats and a visiting flock of canada geese, who haven't appeared in some time.

i blew bubbles!  they emerged from the wand in all sizes, singularly and bunched together.  as each set of bubbles floated away, i watched their journeys.  some popped quickly.  others landed gently onto the grass and rested there until a breeze or a cat pouncing popped them.  a few chased the ducks and geese, who got out of the way.  one bubble caught the attention of two ducks before it flew over the water and the ducks followed it.  it made me laugh out loud to watch the ducks swimming after a bubble.  what was absolutely amazing was the few bubbles that alighted on the water's surface and glided across the lake, one actually skipped over the water.  i was certain it would quickly pop each time it landed but it when the distance across the lake. 

an hour was spent playing with these shimmering, iridescent, glistening orbs of ephemera.   i returned to the house (and chores) content. 

get ready.......

monday posts will announce the activity readers can participate in on whimsical wednesday.   in that the goal of the whimsey project is to allow for an opportunity to play,  let's begin with an activity that we, as children,  enjoyed during the summer.....blowing bubbles!

if you have children you probably already have a bottle of bubbles around the house.  if not, please pick up a fifty cent bottle and find a few moments on wednesday to blow bubbles.  big bubbles, small bubbles, multiple bubbles at the same time.   enjoy blowing bubbles alone or with someone else.  i purchased a fresh bottle of bubbles today.  i'm ready for whimsical wednesday.  hopefully you will be too.

whimsical words

words in and of themselves can evoke a feeling of whimsey.  this notion encouraged me to create a list of words that i most associate with the concept of whimsey.  my list includes:
*chortle
*blissful
*enchantment
*mirthful
*relish
*guffaw
*merriment
*cachinnation
*hilarity
*escapade
*levity
*gambol
*exuberance
*gaity
*farce
of this list, the one i am fondest of is chortle.  think of a happy baby or toddler younger than two.  get them laughing and what erupts is that grand belly laugh that only wee ones can offer.  it makes me happy just thinking about it.  

what words comprise your whimsical words list?


(speaking of words, the whimsey project spells whimsy differently than typical.  whimsy, whimsey;  both are correct.  whimsy was already taken when the blog was created so we get to employ the uncommon spelling, which is very typical of me!)

whimsey everywhere

we remember from school that a noun is a person, place or thing.  in the realm of whimsey, a person can be whimsical, a place can be whimsical, a thing can be whimsical.  additionally, we could add experience.  an experience can be whimsical.  it can and often is.  when we engage in experiences that foster fun and silliness we enjoy for the sake of enjoyment. whimsey!     it is also possible to find whimsey in the experiences of others.  sometimes just watching someone else having a good time makes us feel good.  my home is a farm.  the nature that surrounds me is filled with wonder that i delight in daily.  just this morning i was on the porch when i heard vigorous splashing in the lake.  thinking it was the ducks, imagine my surprise when i turned to look and found a very large dog having a swim!  he was splashing and jumping and dunking himself underwater.  he sure seemed to be having a grand time.  when he finished, he got out of the water, shook himself and water flew all around him.  then he trotted along the driveway until he reached the road and he was on his way.  i watched him until he disappeared from sight.  i realized i was grinning the entire time.  because this was such a happy moment for the dog it was a happy moment for me.  and it stayed with me all day long.     look around you.  find the whimsey everywhere.

welcome to the whimsey project!

whimsey. a noun meaning a quality or state of being that is whimsical or fanciful; a fanciful or fantastic creation especially in writing or art. synonyms of whimsey include: fancifulness, playfulness, caprice, fancy, idea, impulse, whim and whimsey. of these, the one that stands out is playfulness.

it is the goal of the whimsey project to bring to others, especially adults, the opportunity to engage in whimsical, fanciful play. all too often life's responsibilities and concerns pushes play out of our lives as we age. whether it is realized play is an important component of living. children require play for positive development. adults need it to remain whole. as oscar wilde said, "who said life has to be serious?" the whimsey project will endeavor to live up to mr wilde's words.

although whimsey is associated with spontaneous action, it will be necessary for the project to plan happenings. this will allow as many as possible to participate. along the way, we hope that readers/followers will offer their experiences with whimsical events or ideas for happenings. much will unfold as the project progresses and in this way, much will be spontaneous. we are excited to find out where the whimsey project leads. please come along!