Dana Lee, mother of a 6-year-old boy, Eli, and a 4-year-old girl, Eden, has managed to find time for herself to pursue her personal interest in creating art. She said she has always enjoyed art. In fact, she studied art in college, but followed a more practical side and switched to art education.
As an elementary art teacher, she worked, cared for the family and, as with most teachers, took care of some of the school tasks which moved into the home and took up some family and personal time. It was even tougher when she was working on a masters in curriculum administration and instruction.
Since Lee is actually an elementary art teacher at California R-1 School, she was able to engage in some of her art interests. But, on the whole, it wasn't quite enough to fill the need she felt.
After finishing her masters, she managed to clear out some time to use for her own interests, painting. Lee has now created enough paintings to be able to market some of them. To get the art work in front of those who are interested, she uses on-line social media, contacts through friends in the city, and has some on display at Winding Road on Oak Street.
Lee spoke of preferring to paint in oil, even though it is harder due to the time it takes the paint to dry.
"While it takes longer, it also allows the artist to blend the colors," she said.
Finding time to pursue her art interests, has her thinking about "how you do things," she said. "Children change your perspective. One does things that are more in the childrens' interests."
Taking some time for her own art work "makes me a better mom to have that time to myself."
Dana and her husband, James, met through mutual friends when they were teenagers. He is a carpenter and a full-time student, majoring in occupational safety and construction management.
They plan to spend the upcoming Mothers' Day just as they have for at least five years. The family travels to her mother's home in Westphalia. It is a working day.
Dana's mother is an avid gardener. Dana and James take mulch for her mother's garden, and for most of the day, they work on spreading the mulch where it is needed, or wanted. While it might not be considered the most relaxing day, it is special in that the family works together to achieve something special for her mother and sets a good example of family togetherness and working for the children.