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Patterns Are Everywhere

Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008 by Alyice

I remember when my children were first introduced to patterns. It was a fascinating time, one that evoked great imagination. They’d see patterns everywhere. Nothing was off limits. If anything showed any sign of repetition, it was indeed a pattern and that fascinated them. Some patterns were subtle; you’d really have to look for them. Other patterns were more obvious; often sticking out like sore thumbs—as though someone intentionally put them there. To my kids, it didn’t matter if the patterns were intentional or unintentional. All that mattered was that the patterns were magical and interesting and fun.

Sad how we forget these simple little pleasures as we grow into adulthood. I suppose that’s why art is so fascinating to me at this time in my life. It requires a child-like imagination. It requires imaginative play. It requires us to see the world with new eyes—to experience everything for the first time…to look past what is to what could be.

I look forward to finding more time in my days for such child-like innocence.

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Sport Bowl Sioux Falls

Thursday, June 26th, 2008 by Alyice

Avoiding the heat and getting out of the rain is easy thanks to Sport Bowl in Sioux Falls. I must have passed by Sport Bowl a hundred times since my mother-in-law moved towards old downtown Sioux Falls but I never gave it a second thought until last week. The kids and I wanted to get out of the house. We wanted something different to do and we wanted it to be “cheap”. So we decided to give Sport Bowl a try.

Upon entering the facility there is a hint of cigarette smoke lingering in the air, but thanks to the ventilation it’s not enough to send my allergies into an attack. Off to the left is a Pro Shop where one can buy a beginner’s bowling kit for just $99.95—something I plan on getting if we decide to make this a regular habit as my fingers are too fat for the ten pound bowling balls—and on the immediate right are vending machines for drinks and candies. A few steps further has you choosing between the small diner on the right or the pool parlor on the left. Straight ahead are the bowling lanes.

On the first visit, we opted for bowling. The prices were pretty reasonable, too. $1.50 for shoe rentals—which my daughter firmly told me grossed her out and if we were to make this a regular thing, she’d need her own pair of shoes—and $2.50 per person, per game.

I must admit that I am a rather poor bowler. For starters, my fingers have always been on the chubby side (even when I weighed in at 120 pounds) so they don’t fit in bowling balls that I can actually lift with ease. Second, playing once a year doesn’t allow for improved skills. And third, I have a natural tendency to twist my arm as I throw the ball down the lane.

You should see me bowl. It’s quite comical. My form is poor and my balls seem to have a mind of their own. Sometimes my fingers get stuck in the ball causing me to fight for a release, other times the ball simply plops right out of my hand making a little thump sounds as it bounces a time or two before finally rolling down the lane, and then there are my gutter balls. I have more gutter balls than one person should be allowed. And yet, I have fun. I get really excited when I actually knock down more than two pins and my kids don’t seem too embarrassed by my little victory dance.

On our second visit, we opted for shooting pool and at just $5 per hour, per table, it was a steal! The pool tables and pool sticks did look a little beaten, but aside from looks they seemed in top shape.

Honestly, I’m no better at pool than I am at bowling. My son thought he was better off choosing me over his younger sister as a partner—boy was he mistaken! Not only did nearly every turn result in hitting the white ball into a pocket, but I cost us the game once by hitting in the eight ball. My daughter, my son, and my husband can “play them some pool” so it was no surprise that after the second game, I was asked to sit out so they could play “Cut Throat”. Honestly, I didn’t mind. It was fun just to be there as a family and I really did enjoy them succeeding at something I have yet to master—even got a kick out of their jump shots.

As for the arcade Sport Bowl touts…I’d pass. There are only a handful of games. You’re better off taking a drive to Dave & Buster’s in Omaha, Nebraska and making a day of it.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive family outing and can get out during the day—before the evening crowd of smokers and drinkers arrive—it’s worth the trip! They open at nine in the morning and close sometime after eleven in the evening. Visit Sport Bowl online (http://www.siouxfallssportbowl.com) for more information or drive to 1901 Burnside, Sioux Falls, SD or call 605-336-6063.

Until next time…

Posted in SD Transplant | 2 Comments »

Family Circle

Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 by Alyice

This canvas was designed for my sister-in-law. She’s the one who somehow manages to keep everything together when our worlds are falling apart. I honestly don’t know how I would have survived the deaths of my daughter or my mother without her! She’s also the one who keeps family traditions alive. Oh, how I do miss her family gatherings—living several states apart makes it difficult to attend them.

Before my mother passed away, my sister-in-law had developed a really nice relationship with her so I felt it only appropriate to incorporate a poem that my mother had given me so many years ago. The photo is of my mother-in-law.

The poem reads:

Our family is a circle of love…
Chosen for each other and blessed by God above,
Our family is a circle over everlasting love.

With sharing and support,
Laughter and affection,
Our homemade joy and caring
Deepen our connection.

We’ll keep these tokens with us
So that, near or far apart,
We’ll find each other’s love
Forever close in heart.

I just hope she knows how truly special she really is!

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