gnome abode

for every elf and fairy sprite




With poplar and some local branches, I made this gnome home and some additional cut pieces. Now, only a child's imaginative play is needed to bring stories of gentle country gnomes and playful forest elves to life. While working on a Shakespeare play for my seventh grade students, I came across a fitting excerpt from Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream:

Through the house give glimmering light

By the dead drowsy fire:

Every elf and fairy sprite

Hop as light as bird from brier:

And this ditty after me

Sing, and dance it trippingly.

First, rehearse your song by rote,

To each word a warbling note;

Hand in hand, with fairy grace,

Will we sing, and bless this place.

happy holidays

from the Tan family

From Rick, Jennifer, Ricky, Joey, Wilson, and Linden,
happy holidays and blessings for the new year.

more angels

winter concert at davis waldorf

Winter break for Davis Waldorf was heralded by a beautiful evening of seasonal songs, lively dancing, string ensembles, and concert band performances. Students of grades two through eight proudly gave their all in bringing holiday cheer to the DWS community.

My seventh grade students had been practicing a song and dance number that I had composed for the past three weeks. Drawing from their varied talents and strengths - two on percussion, a pianist, two guitarists, vocalists, and dancers (a special thanks to my daughter who choreographed their dance), the students came together to create a very special offering.

Here are the lyrics:

Winter light aglow

whisper of falling snow

Lonely star on high

A silent holy night

Holly and mistletoe

Wreaths on every door

Bells rign in the season

Apples and cinnamon

Friends and family

Are all the gifts I need

Never mind the tinsel

Or stockings on the mantle

In this winter holiday

I sing to heaven and pray

Climb down

Ye angels

Bring peace

Climb down

Ye angels

Bring peace

Climb down

Ye angels

Have a blessed holiday season!

Rick

four angels

linden and her siblings

Linden at one week old with Ricky, Joey, and Wilson

Like autumn leaves turning from green to shades of orange, gold, and brown, the season changes, the children change. Linden "Li" is now nine weeks old, and becoming bigger, smilier, and cuter every day! My wife and I feel very fortunate and blessed that our four angels grace our home with love, warmth, and laughter.