This is a follow up to this post. If you want to add a little bit more whimsy to the world, and you're looking for something fun and crafty to do, then first, gather some rocks. Paint them bright colors. With smiley faces or hearts or four-leaf clovers or anything else you might find in a box of Lucky Charms. Then bring them back outside for others to find. Bam. Instant whimsy. And just like that, the world is a little bit better place to live. Thanks to the awesome Katie for the idea (and photos.) …
Archives for May 2012
Things Are Lookin’ Up
This is the first in a series of brand new art prints I'm releasing in the coming weeks. I created this one in response to the global economic crisis. I don't know about you, but I've found it downright exhausting to hear the constant stream of negativity on the news and in daily conversation. No doubt, we are living in trying times, but no matter how dire the circumstances, there are always hidden opportunities waiting to be found. Some of the largest and most important companies and technological advances were born in the most challenging periods of history. Some may discount the power of positive thinking, but the truth is this: You can't spot a good opportunity when you're looking at life with a bad attitude. I used the weather section of a national newspaper as the foundation of this piece to serve as a reminder that it's up to us whether our future forecast is sunny or gloomy. Two sizes of prints are available, and the original is, too. And in an effort to spread …
Two Kids in a Car Singing “Somebody That I Used to Know”
So a couple of young friends became addicted to the song "Somebody That I Used to Know" by Gotye and began requesting it every time they were in the car together. So their parents rigged up a video camera, filmed them over a few car rides and edited it together to make this. Fun. Here's an idea: why not make a music video with some kids you know? It'll be just like the days when MTV actually played music videos. …
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The Anatomy of a Jumbo Freezie
Or, Mr. Freeze, as it was known when I was selling them for 10 cents a pop from the concession stand I ran as a youngster in Peru, Illinois. Seemed like an appropriate thing to post as the temps hit 90 plus here in Wisconsin. Art by Carolyn Verkuyl …
Our World Needs More Whimsy
A creative group of folks led by Sean Martindale decided to do something about the various neglected city tree planter boxes that dotted Toronto. More than 30 "planter interventions" were created by a group of 17 Toronto based artists, designers, gardeners and urbanites within a 24-hour period in 2011. …
Not-So-Small Rebellion: Woman Finds Fun in Losing Wallet
You lose your wallet. Doh! You retrace your steps and realize that you accidentally threw it in the recycle bin. Idiot! You discover that the trash has already been picked up for the day. You cannot be serious! It dawns on you that you now get to spend a few hours calling banks and insurance companies followed by a trip to the DMV. Son of a... How's your day going? If you're like most people, your day becomes a shame bagel with frustration frosting and anger sprinkles on top. Or. …
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More Cheap Family Fun: The Flour Game
Had I known about this idea two years ago, it probably would have made it into The Kim & Jason Guide to Cheap Family Fun. But I didn't, so here you go. It's called The Flour Game and if you like fun and aren't afraid of getting messy, this is for you. Get a teacup or small bowl and pack it tight with flour. Regular, white, flour. Flip the cup over onto a plate, remove it, and carefully place a Lifesaver candy on top. (Some people use a coin of some sort, but candy is better in every way.) Then everyone takes turns cutting the flour with a knife, taking care not to disturb the Lifesaver. The person who makes the Lifesaver fall has to fish it out with their mouth. No hands -- or feet -- allowed. I'm not sure who invented this game of awesomeness, but I learned about it here. It is a game in search of an occasion. It's perfect for birthdays, Christmas parties, even National Flour Month, which, of course, is March. Or, if you're having a case of the Mondays, you could find …
Carpe The Hell Out of This Diem
My neighbor has a brain tumor. He's in hospice. He's under forty. So yeah, this seems about right. The best day to do something amazing is always today. Photo credit: Etsy …
You’re Invited: Escape Adulthood Summit 2012
You are invited to join us for something amazing. On August 24th & 25th, we are hosting the first ever Escape Adulthood Summit in picturesque Madison, Wisconsin. It will be a wild rumpus of epic proportions. Part conference, part retreat, part mastermind group, it’s a one-of-a-kind event designed for people instilled with the soaring spirit of childhood. Learn more! …
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Unleash Your Inner Superhero
You are in possession of something powerful. Something with the innate possibility to change the world. You walk around with it every day, but sadly, you're likely oblivious to its paradigm-shifting potential. Don't feel bad, however, for even the most advanced airport security scanners are completely unable to detect its presence. …