Train Depot Pitstop (Tuesday trip)

  A couple weeks ago my bookclub visited the Suffolk Seaboard Station Railroad for our recent book The Girl on the Train.  While here we discussed the book, were introduced to the next book and received an informative tour of the museum.

The tour was interesting as I had never visited here before.  Inside you see all types of items from the train itself, to what the conductor wore, signs and dining car items.

The group made the climb upstairs and took in the sights of downtown Suffolk.

 We concluded our trip with a peek in the caboose.  I actually didn't know these were the living quarters for the train staff.

Not sure about the story behind the torpedoes.

It was a nice day trip.  Train fans would appreciate seeing all the memorabilia and model trains.  

If you are interested in visiting the museum you can find out more information here.

A Trip to Virginia MOCA

  MOCA stands for Museum Of Contemporary Art!  Contemporary is defined is art that is the product and reflection of the culture in which we live.


  My daughter and I visited the Virginia Moca last weekend on a free weekend!  What a great way to introduce us to an art museum we had never been to and to a different style of art my daughter has never seen. 

My favorite thing about an art museum is not the creativity behind it although that is spectacular but, that it changes.  You can always go and see something new.

This art featured was so amazing to look at.  I had to refrain from touching it because it was so unbelievable.  Cardboard was constructed into shapes and positions.

Cardboard!!!! These were just the start.  These were made by art students in high school.  This wasn't even the main event!

Right this way!!

My daughter told me to go first.   I mean who knows what's beyond that black hole.

Magic! Art is magic!  

The Monitorium exhibit was created by artist, puppeteer and more Wayne White.  Here he focused on the history of the Battle of Hampton Roads with the Ironclad ships.  In this exhibit you see sailors, ship related objects and there is even some fun hands on experiences.  You can read more about the artist here.

Next stop we got to see all things "don't touch"!

The objects in the next room were made up of wires or glass but we're on stands or tables.  So they were very tempting. If she saw something, she got excited and immediately wanted to point it out.

I think her favorite after all that we saw was the art lab area.  This area encouraged people both young and old to leave your art.  You know after seeing everything you have become inspired! 

First stop was a picture on a piece of paper stuck on to the wall.

Next stop was cardboard!!! Behold the community board of artistic creativity!

I would say we stayed at least an hour and a half or so.  She had fun looking at all the different pieces of art and creating her own.

It was definitely a great way to spend an afternoon.  We had time together. We experienced a new place and some new art together! I'm glad she is open to visiting different places.  

Date 23

  I hope this week is proving itself fun.  I hope you are enjoying your undivided time with your child.  Sadly, I need an excuse to stop what I am doing to give one on one attention to my kids.  Everyone is always going in so many different directions that it just becomes second nature to entertain or neglect kids.  But to stop and give undivided attention to just one takes effort.  I need an all hands on deck plan in effect to help. Older ones or dad has to step in so that I can hang out with one child over another.

  So today take your child out and provide them with  some  culture or not.  Today your date is to take them to the museum.  This weekend my youngest daughter and I spent some time at the local art museum.  She asked to stay and look around after we dropped her sisters off. I said sure why not.

  We actually spent the whole day out and about and she really liked it.  The art museum at a childs pace (with a boot) does require patience but as long as she enjoyed herself who cares if she doesn't know who made what.  We discussed different types of art.  I asked if she could make me a bowl with her playdough?  I asked if she could paint the face of a person?  If she could make an abstract picture.  Her little wheels were just turning.  I know she is plotting her future art debate.

  You don't need to go to an art museum.  We have a children's museum as well as even the botanic gardens.  So choose a place they would like to explore. A place you can walk at a comfortable pace and learn and communicate about.

  Have fun!  That's all that matters.  I'm sure your child will just love to experience something new.

Date 12

  The week is almost over but the fun doesn't need to be.  Your have hopefully spent some quality time dating your significant other and had fun along the way.  Today is day 12 of a month long dating month.  This week was shared for your chosen mate.  Only a few more days left let's make the most of it!

  Today your date mission is to get out and about.  Check out a car show or whatever his hobby is.  For you maybe you like visiting a art museum or looking at antiques. Spend time sharing what the other person likes.  I'm not sure if you can squeeze both activities in on the same day but that would be best.  Even surprising your date mate with what they look to do would be nice.  No money needs to be spent.  Simply browsing or window shopping is sufficient.  This date is about sharing hobbies, a low key fun activity.  Learning from your partner what they like.

  This date can bring you closet or educate you in unknown areas.  I wouldn't mind looking at cars.  However at a slow, check out all the engines and tires rate of speed may get old quickly.  So I may talk about other things to pass the time.  I might be able to have a full conversation with him, an almost undivided attention conversation because he would be happy and content looking at cars. Doing something he likes to do.  Lol, I would win at a museum too because he may decide to talk more to pass the time as well.  We know how men just love to talk.

  Well there you have it everyone.  Get out and about today and see something.  His and hers today. Equal sharing.  Have fun with this and only one more day before we date someone else.....

Finding your inner artist or photographer

The botanical gardens in my local area are having this art challenge!

They have placed these frames through the park in to entice you into taking/making a work of art.  As with any good work of art it will shown at the Chrysler Museum of Art.  This public participation will coincide with the garden movement of 1887-1920.  These works of art will be shown on monitors.

This was a great day to take pictures and enjoy the garden.  As usual I had a willing participant to model for me.

I did manage to capture a moment or two without my assistant.

She did however help me find most of them (she missed the two in the children's area as we didn't go in there but I could see them as we passed).

As if you needed another reason to go the roses are in bloom.  They bloom twice a year and it's still time to take time to smell the ..........

Appreciate all the colors!

 My personal favorite also making an appearance are the hydrangeas.

Making another appreance this year are the butterflies.  This exhibit just opened today so be sure to check that out while your there.

http://norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/

http://www.chrysler.org