One of the greatest joys in the world is being a grandparent. Besides sharing art with our four grandkids, I encourage them to learn greetings and the cultures of many other countries. Max and Sophia each have “Passport to the World” (Your A – Z Guided Language Tour) by Craig Froman. ‘Passport’ features a bit of culture, a map and basic greetings from Armenian to Zulu. I started them on little personal note books with headings for 70 top languages of the world. They fill in basic greetings for hello, goodbye, thank you and peace, draw and color a map and add details. It is a daunting task, so I said I would pay them $1.00 per country.
Here is a delightful response from Sophia (age eleven):
Nona,
I have finished Armenian and Bangladesh. You don’t have to pay me because I’m doing it for the fun of it.
This is a line design I made last year when I was ten years old.
Love,
Sophia
Sophia’s Design
Sophia will be surprised to see her art on line. She would probably love your comments also.
Hi Sopia,
I love the bright colors you used in your design….I hope you will share more of your art with me.
Hugs,
Nan Johnston
Former Library Director
in Canton Ohio
Nona’s Kindred Spirit
& Novel Group Book Buddy
Sophia!
I am so pleased that your Nona shared your art so others may enjoy it as well. You are very talented and I’m sure this will help open doors for you in the future. Continue enjoying your “Passport to the World”. We feel very special when your Nona greets us in our own language so I’m sure you will bring smiles to many people that you will meet in your life’s journey.
Hopefully, I will be seeing more of your work posted on line. God bless you.
Idalia
Grandmother’s Neighbor
And Book Buddy
Who helps Nona with her Spanish!
Buena Suerte!
Beautiful art, Sophia
Joy, Nona’s Book Buddy
Sophia,
I am thrilled that your Grandmother in sharing her knowledge and wisdom with you. I think I would be your third cousin since I am your Grandmother’s first cousin. I am so impressed with your artwork. It was your Grandmother who inspired me to do the artsy thing that I do with fabric. I have only done one water color in my life and every time I look at it, I think of your Grandmother!!! Blessings on you little one.
Christine
Nona’s cousin
You are a blessing to your grandmother! What a talent you are!
Ellen Gordon
Your Nona’s Book Club Friend
from “The Novel Group”
I can see that the Apple does not fall far from the Tree!!!! Glad for you, Bobbi!
Marilyn Abt
Your Port Jefferson Friend
Who met Sophia when she was only a toddler.
Very nice drawing!…
Great Uncle Angelo
Papa’s Brother
Dear Nona,
Thank you so much. I will try to make more drawings for you each week. The title of this piece is “Miscellaneous.” I made it when I was 10. And I did it in art class last year.
The winter sun is so pretty here. I took a photo of it today.
Just beautiful, the colors are magnificent, Sophia has a talent, wonder where she got it???
Love,
Ellen Kossover
A Novel Book Friend to “Nona”
Very impressive work. Congratulations Nona for so successfully inspiring your granddaughter.
Your Brother, Fred
Dear Bobbi,
You must be having such fun with Sophia, a gift for both of you!!! Hope it’s ok that I made a copy of her photo to paint, it’s perfect!!!
Love you,
Your Sister,
Judie Pufpaff,
Landscape Artist of “The Spirit Within”
http://www.JudiePufpaff.com
Hi, Sophia:
What a awesome art work you made. I love the design and the colors. It perks me up. I am so proud for you!!!
Kathy Wheeler Nona’s book club friend
Guten Tag (Good Day) Sophia,
I am glad your grandmother published your art work, it is inspiring.
She sings with me in the Solivita choir and she bought one of my quilted works.
I am a quilter and I love those vibrant colors in your work.
I can see a quilt made with your design and colors.
Einfach Wunderbar! (simply wonderful)
Keep up your good work.
As they say on this popular TV Show:
YOU HAVE TALENT!
Viele Grüsse, (Cheers!)
Gaby Backert
at Solivita
Dear Sophia, you sweet soul sees what heaven must look like – all beautiful colors covering the earth. Can’t imagine what your art work will look like in another 11 years!
Your talent for your age is incredible.
Sheila Anderson
Book Circle and a friend of your wonderful grandmother!
Dearest Sophia,
I am so impressed that you did this beautiful work, at just 10 years old. I love the primary colors, the shapes, round, pointed, and the map..There is much to see in this work. What a lovely gift from Nona and back to her. Whenever we talk about our families, and I would say, “I just spoke to my brother”, Nona always asks for the individual’s name. Nona feels that speaking the person’s name gives more importance to the conversation, and the individual. I love it, so I now do the same.
Keep up the grate work..
Nona’s friend Susan
Grateworks Apprentice ( who did the rubbing for the Orlando Manhole Cover)
Novel Group Book Club member
Helper in last year’s theme for the Solivita Book Circle annual dinner
Shalom
How beautiful, I love the use of space, lines and color, the imagination extending beyond our own planet yet filling in the void (field of unknown) with vibrance and life. She puts a ceiling and comfort to the great beyond using all the colors of natural light! A natural talent just like you Bobbi.
I love the depth of subject matter you have given them with the personal note pads expanding their minds, reaching out to other cultures and the world.
It is so clear how she has conquered this world with love. You should be very proud!
With Love,
Tia,
Your Dress Designer and Friend
Long Island, NY
Happy St. Valentines Day!
Your Granddaughter is outrageous with her picture.
Picasso is her new name!
Imagine how her art work will unfold, can’t wait to see.
The picture is beautiful.
Wow thank you all for all the nice comments. I will contunue my journery on learning to get better on my work each and every day.
Thank you very much,
Sophia