Frisson

Have you ever looked at art or listened to music and got goosebumps? Possibly one of the two art forms brought tears to your eyes. 

It's happened to me quite a few times. So much so I find it embarrassing when it happens. Someone typically asks, "Why are you crying?" Um, Because I was moved to. It's just kind of awkward. 

To make an audience feel is an artist's job. It doesn't always have to be that strong of an emotion. Storytelling should be in work that's created. 

Frisson ( French for "shiver"), also known as aesthetic chills or musical chills, is a psychophysiological response to rewarding auditory and/or visual stimuli. Apparently if frisson has happened to you, you have a special brain. Here's an article that talks all about it.

Do you have a special brain and are moved with frission? 

Code Piano Review - Teach Kids Coding, From @LetsStartCoding! #LetsStartCoding #Coding

This was the first year Isaak didn't believe in Santa. I should be thankful that he believed, for so long. He's in sixth grade, and I stopped believing in fourth grade. I wanted it to be a special Christmas for him. I kept reminding him that the spirit of Santa is still real. You can look up Saint Nicholas, and he was in fact a real, and giving person.

One of my favorite gifts that Isaak got, was Code Piano from Lets Start Coding. 
  

I was going to put it in his stocking, but decided I wanted to make it a bigger gift than that. I put it in a big box, filled with confetti, a note in there that he'd start actual Piano Lessons towards the end of January, and wrapped it. Code Piano is a perfect stocking stuffer size.

Learning how to play the piano has been therapy for Isaak. If he gets frustrated with his homework we tell him to go play his keyboard. It takes all frustrations away. It's the only thing I've found that works to calm him down, when he's really frustrated. I knew Code Piano would be up there on his list!

If you don't like to play the piano, that's ok. It's really mostly about coding. Lets Start Coding does have other sets!

• Code Piano $44.99
• Code Speaker $19.99
• Code Rocket $44.99
• Code Car $44.99

I have to admit I was apprehensive about Isaak starting to use Code Piano. I just kept thinking, What if we can't help him? The product was new to me as well. 

If there's one thing I disagree with, it's the age range 8-12. I think it's for ages 8 and up! It would be good, for a lot of adults to use.

Isaak kept saying, "I know how to code. Let's do this." So we did. The cards can seem like foreign language if you're not familiar with coding. They are helpful when you dive in to the project.

We read all the cards, and just decided to begin. They have everything you need to get started. It will work on my Macbook from work, but not my newer laptop I own. The newer one has no USB ports. There are adapters, but as is it won't work. 

Once it's plugged in, a download comes up, for the application. That was the one thing I wasn't sure where to put the coding in. It simply worked right after it was plugging it in.

From there are tips, videos, quizzes, and sample code to use.

If you code wrong, your code highlights in red. That way you know to fix it.

Isaak started out just like me, knowing what to do, but really knowing nothing. Ha! He got lots of code that was red, and not working. Thankfully they do have a refresh button.

We left him home alone, to do his thing. He called when we got a few blocks away. "Dad! I did something! Listen!" A few notes chimed in. He called a few more times after that. He was excited about his accomplishments!

I got home, and we did our video. He learned a lot in the few hours we were gone. He still needs to learn more. If he knew everything, Code Piano wouldn't be as fun. He'd have nothing to learn.

What I really loved, was that there was notes from Isaak all over my note page about the product. He said, "Mom I had to do some math to figure out some of the coding. You need math to code." I said, "Remember that when you tell me that you will never use math in the real world." 

I'd say Code Piano is a success! It's a toy, but also a learning device. 

Questions for you:

Do you know how to code well? Do you find it challenging? 

Out of all the sets they have, Which one would you choose: Code Piano, Code Rocket, Code Speaker, or Code Car?

Disclaimer: I got this product for free in exchange for an honest review. 

AncordWorks Waterproof Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker Review

When Mica was Isaak's age I made sure he got a speaker, to go with his phone. The boys love music. I got Isaak an AncordWorks Waterproof Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker to review.

Where to Get It:

The speaker shipped out really fast! You can get it on Amazon Prime for $15.99 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CH9FRYS.

Colors:

It only comes in orange. I do wish it came in other colors. I like orange, but variety is great!

Waterproof:

They show pictures on their Amazon page in water. I don't know that I'd put it in water. It is great that it's safe in the bathroom, where it's steamy. It would be great on the side of a pool. If water splashes up on it, it's safe.

Hanger:

It has a hanger, to hang on a hook.

Buttons:

The buttons are under silicone rubber to protect them. There is a hard rubber piece that opens for a charging cord, and to make it wired instead of bluetooth.

Do you love to listen to music? Do you find it to be a stress reliever?

Disclaimer: I got this product for a discount or free of cost to help with this review. The company did not tell me what to say. All opinions are my own.

Riwbox Bluetooth Headphones Review

Mica likes to listen to music and a few YouTube channels. Recently his favorite headphones kept shorting out. They certainly don't make them like they used to. Possibly they don't last as long because they are bluetooth. Wires aren't fun. He loves to have a set on the bus ride to and from school. Pretty soon he'll be going to his Health Care Academy Camp, and will again be on the bus. 

Turn up the radio with Riwbox Bluetooth Headphones! 

This set came with a black charging cable, and a white listening cable. 

Brand: 

Riwbox is the brand. You can get this set on Amazon for $28.85 on Prime https://www.amazon.com//dp/B0798MYJ26.

Tuning Me Out:

I joke when he listens to his headphones that he puts them in to tune me out. Maybe it's to tune his brother out. Ha! These do keep the sound in, and outside noises out.

They fold up too! Mica shows that in the video below. It's great because then they can be thrown in a backpack. 

Colors:

White and Gold
Black and Gold
White and Silver
Purple and Green

Do you like earbuds or headphones?

Disclaimer: I got this product for a discount or free of cost to help with this review. The company did not tell me what to say. All opinions are my own.

Random Tid Bits

1. I do different types of critiques with my students: 1 on 1 (them and me), a group of 2 with me, whole class (I don't mention names), groups of three (them) with a worksheet of questions to fill out, and lastly they turn the work in and I draw on tracing paper over it to hand back to them. I don't do all the above for every assignment. Just 1 or 2 ways of critiquing per assignment.
   
   Last week I had a group critique of 3 students along with a worksheet for them to fill out. They talk about the piece, and answer the questions as to what their group thinks about their art. If I don't have a sheet they talk about anything, but the work. When I said it was Group Critique time they all grumbled. I said, "What's the deal?" One said, "I just don't like talking about my art. It's awkward." Another said, "We just don't like talking to each other." I said, "That means you need more practice. You guys have to learn to talk to one another, and about your work. You're not getting out of this!" They looked at me with darts in their eyes. What the heck?! Every class has some kind of energy, and this one is quiet. Maybe it's a generation thing? My last class was really talkative though. I'll probably get on my evaluations: "Mrs. Apel makes us talk to one another. I hate her for that." 


2. Isaak, "Mom I NEED a shoulder rest for my violin! I think we're supposed to get it at Scheels." Me, "I don't think Scheels is the store we need to get a shoulder rest at." Isaak, "I don't know it's somewhere that starts with an S." Me, "Could it be Schmitt Music?" Isaak, "Ya that's the place." Me, "Do you know what shoulder rest you need? If I shopped online I bet I could get it cheaper. I'm just not in the mood to run all over Omaha." Isaak looking online with me, "That one, no that one, no that one." Me, "We better go to Schmitt Music."


3. My husband is a science guy. When something happens he doesn't think it's a miracle. It's chance, genetics, or science. I do believe in all the above. I'm not a super religious person, but I believe in a higher being. Good thing can happen to good people. If someone is down on their luck, life has a way of turning back around for them. What do you think? Do you believe in mostly science, are you religious, or are you a bit of both?


4. I got a tea set to review on facebook. Truth I mostly got it to redo their packaging for my portfolio. The tea really is good! You can get it here.








5. I went out with a guy "Geordie" when I was in grad school. His real name was Hugh, middle name Gordan, which is where he got the nickname "Geordie". It seems like a lot of hoops to go through to come up with a nickname. I ended things. I just didn't think we were compatible. He was super quiet! I wouldn't say I'm outgoing, but I can carry a conversation. I have patients, for quiet people. One this is true about quiet people: When they say something it's usually well thought out, hilarious, and/or profound. They don't waist their words. They savor them. It's odd that I feel like I'm knowing him more because of what people post about him on facebook. He has a brother, and a close group of high school friends. All of which he never talked about.  Things weren't weird when we broke things off. I think we were both old enough to know that life goes on.
   
   He passed away in his sleep last week. I wasn't close to him any longer. I feel for his friends and family though. He was pretty young! He has two girls, still in elementary school. He got married, divorced, engaged, and separated. He died alone. May he rest in peace!

So here's to Gordie also known as Hugh, the quiet guy that ran a printing press:



Greene Square Printing - Acworth GA from Brian Gaukel Productions on Vimeo.

Disclaimer: I didn't get the tea set to review on this blog. I'm just sharing because it's a cute set.

@cozyphones Headband Headphones Review

My boys are in love with listening to music. Big headphones are cumbersome, earbuds hurt me and have never fit in my ears very well, and small headphones feel cheap. I want to say, "Thank You!" to CozyPhones for their comfortable headphones. 

Three Types:

1. Adult Active: Black, Blue, White and Pink 

The Active CozyPhones run $19.97 right now. Go pick a pair up! They usually run $29.99.

2. Adult Sleep: Black, Grey and Violet

The Sleep CozyPhones run $21.97 right now. Go pick a pair up! They usually run $29.99.

3. Children Fleece: Unicorn, Panda, Fox, Froggy, Purple Frog, Monster, Cat, Paw Patrol Chase, Paw Patrol Marshall, Paw Patrol Skye, and Pink Bunny 

They run $19.97 right now. Go pick a pair up! They usually run $34.99.

You can buy CozyPhone on Amazon as well. 

They have a 100% money back guaranteed. 

We were sent Adult Active in White. It's made with a lycra that's made to keep your head cool. Mica sweats a lot. I'm glad the fabric makes him cool. It seems to work great.

I thought it would be great considering that Mica is doing Cross Country. I just wish he wouldn't of gotten shin splints. We can't tell if he's milking his pain, but after almost 2 weeks he's still limping. I hope he gets back to running on the weekends.

Mica likes to listen to Led Zeppelin, Jon Bon Jovi, Van Halen and more in his headphones! They connected up great to his phone!

We did go for a walk, and he enjoyed having his music playing.

Mica's CozyPhones came with a bag to store them in.

We were also sent Children Panda. It's made with a soft fleece. It seems to work well. Aren't they so cute?

Isaak loves to listen to Minecraft videos, and feels like he should be equal to Mica with screen time.

Isaak is huge into watching and listening to Michael Jackson videos in his headphones! They connected up great to his kindle!

I do wish Isaak's Panda CozyPhones came with a storage bag like Mica's did.

Sound:

They both complained at first about the sound being muffled. I think because there's fabric there, the sound does need to be turned up a bit.

They also had to position them properly for hearing music. You can't see where the speakers are. They can be felt inside there, so lining them up to your ears isn't that difficult. You can also move the speakers inside the fabric.

There are somethings I love to listen to: Like songs, but other things I don't like listening to: Like Minecraft videos. Headphones go on PLEASE!

Durable:

They are wonderful in the comfort department! 

The cords are braided, so they'll hold up better than some other headphones. 

You can actually take the headphones out of the CozyPhones to wash the fabric. 

I don't know how these hold up long term. I've only had them less than a week.

I like that CozyPhones has headphone for active people, people that want to relax, adults and kids. There are so many options.

Which option would you pick?

What would you listen to in your CozyPhones?

Disclaimer: I got these products free to help with this review. CozyPhones did not tell me what to write. I only review products my family or readers will find helpful.

Feel the Music With this #Tambourine Review

This is such a fun tambourine for kids. If you want to play with your child, they make tambourines for adults too! 

Sizes:

• 4"
• This is a 6"
• 6" in a Drum Form
• 8"
• 10" Two Different Types

For Any Music Lover:

Isaak likes it, but I had in mind that I'd give it to my nephew Emerson. He enjoys dancing, and playing instruments. I run out of ideas on things to get my nephew that has special needs.

Where to Get This Tambourine:

You can get this on Amazon Prime for $12.40. With each size the cost varies. Buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_p_36_1?rnid=386685011&keywords=tambourine+for+kids&rh=n%3A11091801%2Ck%3Atambourine+for+kids&low-price=12.40&high-price=12.41

Handle:

I love the handle that this tambourine has. It doesn't get in the way of it playing great.

What it's Made of:

It has a birch body and natural leather for the drum part.

eBook for Playing Songs:

It comes with an eBook. I have to admit I like real books more the eBooks, but eBooks do waist less paper. This book shows you how to play the tambourine.

Here's Their Hot Cross Buns Song From Their eBook:

Did you have a tambourine when you were little?

Disclaimer: I got this product for a discounted price in exchange for an honest review. The company did not tell me what to write. I only review products I think my family, or readers will enjoy.

WW: Mr Creator {Linky}

My 9 year old Isaak is always creating something. I find him amusing. 

An image on a program when we were at a children's theater:

A painting he did in an art club he attended:

He plays a lot on his cheap keyboard that he got for Christmas. He's big into playing the theme song to Beverly Hills Cop, which was also on Monster's Vs Aliens. When we get sick of it, and ask him to play something else, he plays the same song in a different keyboard mode.

He also likes to play his made up didgeridoo. 

Arbor Day Farm - Part 3

I heard so many good things about Arbor Day Farm that I wanted to visit.

There are 2 posts prior to this one about Arbor Day Farm.

Tucked away is a kid area. They have tables for arts and crafts, music, and another treehouse to climb on.

The boys loved the music area.

Right outside the kid area is a spider web they can climb on. Isaak in particular was drawn to this. He climbed on it when we walked by it, and when we were just about done with our trip to the farm.

They had 2 sets of sound things you could put your ears up to. It basically make the sounds of nature louder. It's pretty cool!

This squirrel seemed to pose for us. I wish I was quicker with my camera. I had plenty of time to take photos of it. It's just that at that time I had it put away - safe and sound in my purse where it belongs.

 

This butterfly seemed to follow us for awhile. I think it's a Papilio Troilus - thanks to a friend that apparently knows her butterflies. 

After seeing all my pictures it was worth the trip. Plan on it taking most of the day if you go here. They have a lot of trails. Some we didn't even go on. About the only negative thing I can say, is that the trails see to go off their map. We got lost. We tend to wander, then question where we're at. The map could have included more of their trails.

We didn't go to their apple stores. I would have liked to have done that. We were kind of beat at that time. It was in the 90s.