by Amy | Oct 8, 2014 | Blog, The Art of Art
The latest Community Canvas is complete! A few weeks ago I took a “downtown” themed community canvas to Minot’s end of summer block party in downtown Minot. I’d been asked to bring it to the street festival for kids to paint on as they strolled between games and activities.
As, you can imagine, I was a little nervous when I arrived and discovered that my fellow children’s activity vendors included face painting, a bouncy house and games that gave away real prizes. After I set up and several parent’s asked it I painted faces {to which I had to say “no”} I figured the canvas would be a giant dud.
However, to my pleasant surprise, as soon as I started filling in a few spaces on my own, droves of kids started showing up, wanting to paint as well. It was a steady stream of kids for two hours straight! Sometimes there were more kids wanting to paint than brushes! The community canvas turned out to be a big hit. Crazy, I know. I had so much fun. Even the tiniest artists worked hard to stay in the lines and use the right color. Only one {who I’ll call an abstract artist} went totally rogue as you can see by the yellow streak in the red door.
I guess, it just goes to show that kids are attracted to creativity. Their little hands want to create and be creative. As grown ups, I think we should try our best to let them do that as much as they can.
So here is how the canvas progressed. Start to finish. First the outlined painting that I showed you earlier.
This is what I brought home from the block party.
When I bring it home I basically just retrace the black outlines. In this case I added a few other details as well, like bricks, window glare and cloud color.
As of now, this painting still doesn’t have a home. So, if you are in the Minot area and know of a business or nonprofit that would like to have a Minot-inspired art piece…created by the children of Minot–get in touch. I’d be happy to let you have it. It doesn’t exactly match my personal decor in my home.
I feel so super blessed by the opportunities the Minot art community has given me lately. At the end of this month I’ll be doing another Community Canvas, but this time it’s actually a “Classroom Canvas”! I’ll be drawing up an owl themed canvas for a first grade classroom to paint. It’s going to be fun times a million.
Amy
by Amy | Oct 7, 2014 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
Expecting | A Baby Announcement With Dogs
Something very exciting is happening to the Allender clan. Well, technically it’s the Kennedys. But since Erin was originally an Allender, I’ll still claim it as a victory for our team.
They are expecting! Which is just fabulous, because I myself love kiddos, but am still on the terrified side of actually carrying a baby and being a mom…however I have absolutely no qualms about being a zany aunt. I’m very, very excited {as are our parents–obviously}. I know the Kennedy foursome–Sis insists on including her dogs in everything–will look lovely as a fivesome. I’m so excited to show off this one-of-a-kind baby announcement with dogs.
Now, about the dogs. Erin loves her dogs. Loves them. You might think you love your pets. But she really takes it to a unique level. Unique–not totally crazy. {It’s a fine line.} So, you can imagine my surprise and delight when she told me their household was going to expand by two feet…not four. Because of the deep rooted love for the dogs {Jillian is the big one, and Penny is the little one} they obviously had to be part of sharing the good news.
For me, sometimes the most fun part about sharing photos with all of you is being able to tell the story behind some of them. These were taken at my parent’s house, when I was home to Indiana. You might even recognize the chair from the family photos we did in July. About half way through her short session my mom said she “had and idea,” and would be right by. I think as she walked away she said something about knowing, “just what we needed.”
No more than five minutes later she had returned to the yard carrying two baby bonnets. One from each of us sisters. Two minutes after that, they’d been strapped to the dogs’ heads. I love our family.
How she produced them so quickly is a mystery to me. It takes me longer to find Scotch tape in the drawer than it took her to find and deliver two bonnets that haven’t been used since the mid-80’s. And as you can imagine it was a pathetic sight to behold. Jillian didn’t even seem to care. She doesn’t care about much as long as there is a squirrel to watch. Penny, on the other hand was really embarrassed, but I am so SO glad that I got this close up of her.
It’s safe to say there are a lot of things about this first Allender pregnancy we will never forget. Congratulations times a million to this brilliant couple. Thank you for letting me shoot your baby announcement. It was a night I won’t soon forget. And I pray luck upon those dogs, because they are in for a shock when the baby arrives and starts hogging their attention.
xo
Amy
by Amy | Oct 3, 2014 | Blog, The Art of the Kitchen
For a long time I hated chicken salad. I think it was mostly because I’m not a mayo fan. Then, when I got older and more health conscious, I was glad I didn’t like chicken salad, because it turns out mayonnaise isn’t very good for you. But, as it is a staple baby shower, bridal shower and casual lunch food, I decided years ago to make my own recipe. A recipe that was both healthy and mayo free.
Without further ado, here is my very own recipe for great chicken salad without mayo.
Tonight, I’m sharing that recipe with you. It’s so good. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken {I typically use left over chicken breasts from dinner the night before. The amounts in this recipe use about 1.5-2 chicken breasts.}
- 1/3 cup Low Fat or No Fat Greek Yogurt
- 1/4 cup Low Fat or Fat Free Ranch
- 1/4 tsp of: black pepper, garlic powder, and basil
- 1/2 tsp dill
- 3 T Dark Mustard
- 1/2 cup Raisins or Craisins
- 1/4 cup Almond Slivers
- 3 Stalks of Celery
Keep in mind that you can alter the amount of celery, raisins/Craisins, and almonds. It’s your lunch, make it how you like it. As a variation you can leave out the dried fruit and sub in 1/2 cup of halved grapes.
Here’s what you do.
I prefer to shred my chicken by pulsing it in my Ninja. But you can shred it with forks or your Kitchen Aide. Whatever you prefer.
In a bowl mix together the yogurt, ranch, mustard, and spices. Add in chicken, celery and fruit. If it looks dry add a little more yogurt or ranch.
It’s that easy and it’s so good. Enjoy! {And don’t forget to Pin it, for easy access.}
by Amy | Oct 2, 2014 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
Today I have a very special family session to show you. It’s especially special because it’s my actual family. While I was home to Elkhart last month, I did some fall family photos for my family. The reason I love doing sessions for my own family is two fold. Firstly, I love taking photos. Secondly, it forces them to spend more time with me.
And I love spending time with the fam.
Since I’ve disclosed to you that this is my own flesh and blood, it’s safe to assume that I might be a little bias…but I’ll tell you anyway–I think these portraits are the bomb. I think these kids are geniuses. I think this family is the cat’s meow. The only thing I don’t love about this is the fact that they live in God’s country {northern Indiana} and I live in Practically Canada {which is also lovely…but not quite as amazing as the Michiana area.} So enjoy the photos. Perhaps you can glean a little inspiration for you own family portrait session.
Now, I’m going to take a moment to point out something that this family totally nailed: Clothing choice. Sometimes that can be the trickiest part of photo day. I get asked all the time: What should we wear? Well, when it comes to fall family photos, you can take a lesson from the Bredenkamp clan. Solid colors are always a winner. It’s also a good idea to put everyone in jeans for cohesiveness, then mix up the shirts. The orange and green lend some color and look amazing with the fall backgrounds. The kiddos in gray and white are perfectly neutral.
I also advise folks to steer clear of trendy clothes. That way when you look back at your portraits, you’ll remember the amazing day, the lovely weather and the family. If you go too trendy, you’ll likely be distracted by your atrocious clothing, hit yourself in the forehead and ask yourself, “What was I thinking?” {Also, that sets you up to be made fun of by future generations.} Now, enough clothes talk. Let’s get back to the session.
If you are wondering where this lovely setting is, let me tell you. It’s Cobus Creek, one of Elkhart County’s newest parks. While it’s been around for a few years now, there are still lots of folks who haven’t heard of it. Let’s just say I came out looking pretty cool when I introduced them to this awesome location.
Okay, that’s one fam session down. I shot two others while I was home. Be on the lookout for those. You’ll especially want to see the one with a goofy Boston Terrier wearing a hat. She looked so embarrassed. I’m telling you, it’s worth a look and a laugh, so stay tuned!
by Amy | Oct 1, 2014 | Blog, Crafts, The Art of Gathering, The Art of Projects
I love Halloween. That’s no secret at all. One of my all time greatest dreams is to go to or host an epic Halloween party, just like the one in Hocus Pocus. Skeleton-clad musicians included.
Even though I’ve never been to a party that great–yet–I’ve still had my fair share of awesome costumes. Mostly because I have an awesome costume partner. And, although most of our costumes were thrown together in the last minute, we still pulled them off. It’s been a few years since we were costume clad for Halloween…one year I was hospitalized, the next Derek was working, and the years after that we had moved to Minot where our house was too small to host a party and none of our friends did either.
But. But, but, but…that doesn’t mean that our most amazing {and infamous} costume has been forgotten. Quite the opposite. I do my fair share of Pinning, but 90% of the time when I’m notified that one of my Pins has been repinned…I see this.
Me, Derek, Spartan Cheerleader costumes.
Yes, it’s amazing, I know.
So I thought today, being October 1st–I’d revisit this costume. The one that gets me so much buzz.
A friend recently told me that she found it on the top search results on Pinterest. Last year a friend saw it featured on a blog…and today I was contacted by the associate editor of Huffington Post Weddings. She wanted to run it in a feature about couple’s costumes. You can read it here. It’s called “18 Awesome Halloween Costumes for Couples Who Don’t Suck.” So, I guess it’s official. If you think we suck, you’re wrong. The Huffington Post says otherwise.
Crazy, I know.
The craziest part is that we literally threw that costume together the day of Halloween for a party we’d just found out about. We walked into the thrift store with a few basic ideas, and when we laid eyes on those atrocious, red, men’s pants, we knew we’d struck gold. The white bands are cut up white T-shirts destined for the rag bin. I cut the letters out of felt, and the whole ensemble is hot glued together. Who know, way back then in Enid, OK we’d be making costume history?
We even quickly memorized one of the Spartan cheers, just in case. But that never got performed in public, since the party turned out to be pretty lame. {Especially for the types who don’t consume adult beverages…us.}
After all the moves, we still have the sweaters somewhere. Just last year, I made Derek get rid of the pants. He wore them curling. I told him we could afford a pair that is new, and not bright red, or part of a gag. I only hope they have found their way into the heart of another cheerleader…
If you are looking for costume inspiration this month, check out my Killer Costumes board on Pinterest, or the HuffPost article there are some seriously clever things in there {uhhh Butter and Paula Dean?!}
Happy Haunting.
by Amy | Sep 30, 2014 | Blog, God's Character, The Art of Faith
{Image Via}
The Bible shows us the very nature of God. You can look at it pretty much verse by verse and critically think about what just that one tiny piece of Scripture says about the nature of God. When we do this, we find all kinds of answers; because God is not simple. He is complicated and righteous. He is everything and the Creator of everything.
I think, though, at the root of the nature of God lies His desire to be relational with His creation. From the very beginning when He walked in the Garden with Adam and Eve, to Jesus’ life on earth to clear the connection between man and Creator, to the well written ending of mortal existence…a second coming of Christ that will forever allow God and man to live together again. Even the complicated sacrifice system of the Old Testament was a way for people to maintain a relationship with God.
He desires us and pursues us. Even when we don’t desire Him and don’t pursue Him. He speaks to us before we have committed to listening. He tries to get our attention. God wants to be relational.
God does this in all kinds of ways. I’ve seen it happen to others. It’s happened to me. I’ve sat down to coffee and listened to others relay a story of how it has happened to them. He uses people, or circumstances, or disaster, and all kinds of other things. God is not silent. He longs for you. He is jealous for you. He is jealous of all the other things in your life that come first, and He will continue to pursue you until the end. He wants to be relational with you. Really.
And, like a lot of things in life, it comes down to a choice. Will you listen? Will I listen? Are we willing to pay attention?
The youth group is studying the book of Amos right now. As I’ve read it and reread it–trying to get a handle on the text in order to field questions as they crop up–one thing really stood out to me. And that is the communication God laid out before the Israelites.
In Amos, God speaks to His people, and He doesn’t have nice things to say. They are being judged for their ugly, evil ways. For oppressing the poor, greed, worshiping idols, and the like. Sometimes, it’s easy to think that we can continue living however we like, conforming to the ways of a fallen world. But that’s a dangerous way to live. Amos proves it. The Israelites were God’s chosen people, but even they could not escape judgement that held them accountable for their deeds.
But judgement didn’t come out of nowhere. Through the prophet Amos, God lists the ways He tried to get their attention, to stop things before they got out of hand. Famine, drought, drought on one town and rain on another, diseased harvests, bugs, plagues, war, and prophets speaking His words were all ways He tried to get their attention. Opportunities to turn to Him for help, to recognize their need for His grace. Yet, they didn’t listen. It’s so easy for me to be in awe of their deaf ears…but in my own life this happens too!
Now, He says, judgement will come. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. He beckons them to “Seek me and live.” {Reference} He urges them to turn away from pagan gods and return to Him. He calls them to life, back to a relationship with the Living God. He lists their transgressions, they can easily see what needs to be done to remove His wrath. In Revelation, He tells us that He rebukes and disciplines those whom He loves. {Reference} Much like a parent disciplines a child, not from hatred, but lovingly. Discipline is not a bad thing.
For me, this kind of slap-in-the-face insolence would be enough to send me packing. To break ties and forget about giving any more second chances. Not so with God. He will never stop pursuing us. Ever. That’s pretty incredible. No one is too far gone, no one is beyond the offer of hope. At the end of the book, after listing their awful deeds and sinful heart issues, God tells His people that He will restore them. He will continue to offer them life, love and a relationship with the Most High. Again, from Revelation He says: {image via}
God wants a relationship.
So my questions for you tonight are this: Has He been trying to get your attention lately? And, what will you do about it? Will you listen, or will His call fall on deaf ears?
by Amy | Sep 29, 2014 | Blog, Crafts, The Art of Art, The Art of Design, The Art of Projects
You know how something just keep getting shoved to the end of your to-do list? If not, props to you. Maybe we can chat sometime and you can tell me how to quit doing that.
But I digress.
Something that has been pushed to the end of the line over and over again, is getting my shop up and running. I’ve had the photos in a folder on my desktop for months. I’ve had the products to be sold sitting in the cloffice since June. But every time I thought about reviving my Etsy shop and updating my PayPal account, I felt like gagging…then I’d simply walk away from the computer, or take a stroll through Pinterest instead.
But after my weeks in South Dakota and Indiana, I came back revived and refocused. Ready tackle, promote and grow the blog and business. {The amazing feedback from the Bridesmaid Thank You Cards, also gave me a pretty good push.} I can now proudly say that:
The Amy Allender: The Art of Living Etsy shop is now open for business!
So, now, you can shop products I’ve created in my home “sweat shop” or designed. You can access the shop from my navigation bar here at the website, or by visiting my Etsy shop. Soon I’ll be adding more invitation designs as digital downloads, and new items as the holiday season approaches, so be on the look out for those.
And now that the PayPal account has been revived as well, I’m hoping to add a “pay online” feature for photo clients…so no more check writing at the time of your session. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I’ll let you know when that goes live.
In the mean time, enjoy the shop. Favorite the shop. Share with your friends. Buy some gifts. You know, that kind of thing. I love you all. Thank you so much for encouraging me and being so amazing. If you have an Etsy shop, let me know by leaving a comment {I think I got that bug fixed too}. I’d love to check you out. Here are some items to get you started:
[shop_featured_listings]
by Amy | Sep 26, 2014 | Blog, The Art of Art
Remember in August when I told you about that awful, just awful auto-correct? Also, before we move further, look how cute my cat is. She’s precious.
You know, the one that said, “I have a Canadian all dressed up with no place to go.” If you missed it, read that post here.
After complete silence for nearly a month, I realized that the street festival that I was originally asked to take my Community Canvas {read here if you don’t know what that is} to sort of got moved to Saturday, September 27th. I say it sort of got moved because it’s technically not the exact same event. That was the Festival on Main…which never happened. Now it’s part of the Fall Block Party. Pretty much the same thing, only it’s held on 1st Street instead of Main. {For those of you local to Practically Canada, go here for details.}
So, anyway, after weeks of hearing nothing back…and discovering that it kind of had been rescheduled, I decided to reach out to the victim of my sloppy texting and ask if I could bring the canvas down. Mostly, because it’s huge and in my dining room, and I have no desire to finish it by myself.
To my pleasant surprise, she was happy to hear from me and said they were thinking of getting in touch and asking me to come with the canvas.
Phew!
What a relief. I triple read my reply and told her I’d be there.
Next week I’ll show you the {hopefully} finish product…barring another sudden rain storm that cancels us again. But tonight I just wanted to tell you the conclusion of the text tale. And, to peer pressure you in to coming to see me tomorrow downtown. I’ll be setting up around 11am and planning to stay until it’s finished, probably around 1:30pm. If you are in the area, whether we have met or not, I’d love for you to come paint with me. It’s as easy as filling in the lines, just like a coloring book.
If nothing else, you can say you saw the well dressed Canadian in person.
Amy
PS–For one more laugh I’ve decided to add in the photo of the conversation we had last month….
