Brain Gym

I returned this book sooner than desired. I wanted to pare down my load for the move. Choice made: No books from the Laburar. I can get them after I'm settled in the new place. I can resume when I'm over there. In the Modi Bode. Ah Hum.


The simplicity of the exercises are deceiving. And the fact that it's geared toward kids is too. This has much to do with crossing the mid-line which unifies both hemispheres of the brain. This is good for anyone at any age.

Oh. I just discovered that there's a second book at the Laburar. It might be the book, but the teacher's edition. It is newer, too.

Brain Gym by Paul Dennison - 616.85 DEN

"The companion guide to the Brain Gym book, for parents, educators, and all others interested in the relationship between movement and whole-brain learning."

I like this quote from the creator of these exercises:

"Movement is the door to learning."
- Paul Dennison

See? It is for all ages.

Todo Esta Oscuro

Here's an earlier movie from a namesake - Julio Medem. The DVD is at the Laburar. It's checked out but is due at the end of May. I'll reserve it after the move to the Modi Bode.


A chance to see Najwa Nimri in another role. She was captivating as Madre de Luna. I like the behind-the-scenes footage where she comments on the camerman's shirt: "... says it all." [laughter]

Cut It Out, Frenchy

This book was recommended as a good source of new techniques in a very old medium. It is at the Laburar.

by Durwin Rice
known decoupage guru

Here's a sample from the site that recommended it. They are smooth wooden chairs with decoupage prints of famous artwork:

from Jonathan Fong Style

He has other good ideas on his site, too. Some are sogi, but others have good possibilities for some simple but effective transformations. And like the butterfly, once you change over, you can't go back.

Yeah. Whatever. Just look at the ideas and do something creative with it. There is room to put your own stamp on this stuff.

Traditional Japanese Furniture

Here's a book available at the Laburar. It has good reviews, particularly in the area that appeals to me the most: lots of excellent, colorful illustrations.

by Kazuko Koizumi

For a long while, I've wanted to have a tansu-style piece of furniture. Now I can make my own. This is definitely going to be a key piece in the furnishing of the Modi Bode. It will provide good storage that is aesthetically pleasing. It will double as a divider for the space when moved away from the wall. And it will triple as a staircase for Bing. Just one of access point for her catwalk.