I AM, gone.

I AM, so far gone I can't see the road.

I AM, so far gone I can't remember where to turn.

I AM, so far gone, I should be at peace.

I AM, still not at peace.

I AM, so tired of "hard".

I AM, so tired of hard.

I AM, so tired of hard.

I AM, so tired of hard.

I AM, so tired of hard.

I AM, so tired of hard.

I AM, so tired of hard.

I AM, so tired of hard.

I AM, wondering why me.

I AM, wondering where all the time went.

I AM, wondering how did it all start.

I AM, wondering when I'll be ok.

I AM, at the end.

I AM, an editor.

I AM, editing.

I AM, taking out and commenting in.

I AM, an editor.

I AM, on time.

I AM, picking up.

I AM, dropping off.

I AM, crossing the street.

I AM, in traffic.

I AM, fall.

I AM, falling.

I AM, failing.

I AM, forever in doubt.

I AM, it.

I AM, all I have.

I AM, all they have.

I AM, the "it" I need.

I AM, no longer there.

I AM, filtered.

I AM, a strainer.

I AM, a colander

I AM, a drainer.

I AM, different

I AM, with 2 less in my home.

I AM, different without them.

I AM, always feeling.

I AM, wondering what's REALLY wrong with me.

I AM, feeling ok, feeling badly, feeling ok, feeling sad, feeling ok, never feeling good.

I AM, not liking this lately...

I AM, a mommy.

I AM, missing Aaron.

I AM, so grateful today.

I AM, a mother first.

I AM, an old tub.

I AM, recycling.

I AM, finding new uses for old thoughts.

I AM, finding new purposes.

I AM, staying creative!

I AM, a lady bug.

I AM, painting a lady bug.

I AM, a lady and a bug.

I AM, one or both?

I AM, confused again.

I AM, questioning things again.

I AM, lonely.

I AM, left alone too often.

I AM, bored of myself.

I AM, not liking my own company.

I AM, wishing I would just go away.

I AM, 42.

I AM, only wishing that who ever watches over me above the clouds, doesn't leave my side.

I AM, really believing in that someone that watches over me.

I AM, another year older.

I AM, M.I.A.

I AM, no longer missing anyone.

I AM, not hiding.

I AM, missing the point of it all?

I AM, missing.

I AM, not a father.

I AM, their mother.

I AM, their hope.

I AM, what will make their dreams come true.

I AM, the one who tells them their father is not an awful peson, just not a good dad.

I AM, what will make their dreams come true.

I AM, a spirit.

I AM, not seen.

I AM, not heard.

I AM, not remembered.

I AM, so important to only me.

I AM, a machine.

I AM, what needs to get done.

I AM, in need of batteries.

I AM, on at all times.

I AM, not taking care of myself.

I AM, in control.

I AM, breathing.

I AM, wishing I could go for a walk...

I AM, fixing.

I AM, taking my vitamins...

I AM, mailing.

I AM, a Wednesday.

I AM, waiting for the next day too often.

I AM, rushing the next week, yet not wanting the kids to grow up too fast.

I AM, turning the page before it's read.

I AM, sitting at my computer on a Tuesday, wishing it was the end of Wednesday...

I AM, the driver.

I AM, driving with my son, who is now old enough (heavy enough) to sit in the passenger's seat.

I AM, now more cautious than ever.

I AM, driving him.

I AM, enjoying his happiness. He is happy and safe with me.

I AM, powerful.

I AM, watching my kids safely leave the house for their bus.

I AM, listening to the laughter of my youngest.

I AM, not having so many issues with my step son.

I AM, feeling loved by Peter.

I AM, once again feeling it's going to all fall into place.

I AM, powerful today.

I AM, a leader.

I AM, someone to follow.

I AM, going to make a difference.

I AM, leading.

I AM, begging you to follow.

I AM, a circus.

I AM, the cheerleader.

I AM, the poet.

I AM, the movie.

I AM, the clown.

I AM, simple.

I AM, forever searching, but grounded.

I AM, feeling lost, but finding others.

I AM, not at all confident, but preach about self awareness.

I AM, desperate, and that's my simple part.

I AM, a hole.

I AM, not whole.

I AM, at the dentist today.

I AM, watching him covered in cavities.

I AM, wondering why there are so many tests for me.

I AM, a big, giant, ugly, black hole.

I AM, so young.

I AM, wishing my age brought on confidence.

I AM, wanting to be connected.

I AM, disconnected forever.

I AM, lost.

I AM, wishing my age brought on confidence.

I AM, lost.

I AM, not...I AM too...I AM not...I AM too...I AM not...I AM too...

I AM, suspicious

I AM, unsure of the other side.

I AM, wondering if it's him.

I AM, not scared.

I AM, obvious.

I AM, not hiding.

I AM, not small.

I AM, loud.

I AM, a boxer.

I AM, fighting with so many insecurities.

I AM, fighting for my kids.

I AM, fighting loneliness.  

I AM, trying to fight with faith.

I AM, looking.

I AM, wondering if there really is someone watching over me.

I AM, curious to see what will happen next.

I AM, not ready for more of the "hard".

I AM, looking up at the gray skies.

I AM, a song.

I AM, not Paul.

I AM, not Linda.

I AM, a list.

I AM, a list of things to do.

I AM, a list of things I need.

I AM, a list of things I want to be.

I AM, Monday.

I AM, at Alina's Career Day

Hello, my name is Vivian, and I'm an artist.

I have a room in my house that I work out of, instead of calling it my "office", we call it "the art room". It's where we ALL create and I love this space in my house.

This has not always been my full-time job, I've always painted and sewn, created- before and after my jobs I had out of the house. One day, I became brave and really wanted to show people what I created. I created a doll, and I called it the "I AM doll". Here's what the doll looks like...everyone say "hi" to the dolls...

(show kids dolls...)

Now, I know you're thinking- "that's just a box with rectangles hanging from it", right?

(wait for the laughter to end)

But, I created them and they are "dolls" to me, I AM, the artist! Simple boxes with these "things" hanging from it- my "I AM" doll.

(wait for additional laughing to end...these are 3rd graders...)

So, these "boxes with things hanging" have the words "I AM" sewn across the center. "I AM happy", "I AM crazy", "I AM sad", "I AM a sunny day"...you could make up whatever phrase you wanted to with these simple words. And this is one of the things that makes them special- they can mean something different to everyone. When I created these dolls, the "I AM" was part of a phrase "I AM someone who can make a difference".

What's even cooler about these "dolls" is when someone buys a doll, 30% gets donated. (kids immediately need to impress me with their math skills...I'm impressed!) 

The donations help fix homes that are still damaged from the Hurricane Sandy storm over Halloween last year, it could help kids feel better, it could help buy books for a Library! So, with my company, people buy what I'm creating and I get to then put some of that money towards helping others- how cool, right??????  You all just had a food donation at school- how great does it feel to know that you all helped some families eat a meal or have a snack!

I have cards that I attach to the dolls so when people buy the dolls at a store or online, they can be reminded where their donation is going. I've brought cards with me today, so that we can all play with the "I AM" phrase. It's really fun and when you're done filling it out, you can attach it to your book bags, use it as a book marker...whatever you want.

Now, because today is so special to me, I'm so happy I was invited-  I'd like to donate a girl doll and boy doll to your classroom- let's vote on which patterns you'd like to have and then we can vote on where you'd like to donate to: Hurricane Sandy or Queens Library.

(craziness begins and the fun of voting and donating is DONE!)


I AM, proud of myself and I've made Alina proud of me as well.

I AM, rained on.

I AM, done with my run for the morning.

I AM, running away?

I AM, running towards nothing.

I AM, maybe just moving too fast?

I AM, over it!

I AM, over the laziness.

I AM, over the whining.

I AM, over the bipolar.

I AM, over the guilt of being one parent that has to play the part of 2.

I AM, over being crushed.

I AM, over the emotional tantrums.

I AM, over feeling selfish when I do something for myself.

I AM, doing something for myself.

I AM, worried.

I AM, worried for a friend.

I AM, worried about a pain in my side.

I AM, worried I have advice because I know too well on this topic.

I AM, worried I know about that topic.

I AM, worried for those boys.

I AM, worried for all girls. 

I AM, an Aunt!

I AM, a bee.

I AM, a spider.

I AM, not a hornet.

I AM, a bug.

I AM, unique.

I AM, so dam unique and I like that about me.

I AM, invisible.

I AM, never included.

I AM, not the godmother.

I am sorry, is no longer an exceptable response.

I AM, disappointed.

I AM, never going to have another baby shower.

I AM, not traveling to see her pregnant.

I AM, not traveling today at all.

I AM, bummed.

I AM, a ladder.

I AM, something to climb upon.

I AM, safe.

I AM, going up and going down- at all times.

I AM, no longer the rug...

I AM, tired.

I AM, tired of not having any confidence.

I AM, tired of thinking there is bad still coming our way.

I AM, tired of waiting for the light to turn GREEN.

I AM, tired of needing coupons.

I AM, tired of wearing wigs and masks, and leggings and sweaters, and gloves.

I AM, unsure of what to do next.

I AM cooking - while I don't know how to cook.

I AM driving, finally once again.

I AM observing - my child seek attention

I AM sitting - and everyone else circles around me like mad.

I AM, not a follower.

I AM, looking for followers.

I AM, not a follower.

I AM, because I am.

I AM, trying to keep in touch.

I AM, touching thread.

I AM, needle and thread.

I AM, not sewing this minute.

I AM, surviving.

I AM, watching a survivor.

I AM, related to a survivor.

I AM, initials.

I AM, with EIN number...watch me FLY!

I AM, paper.

I AM, a mailbox.

I AM, a mail room.

I AM, not only a piece of paper...

I AM, invisible

I AM, unrecognizable

I AM, triumphant

I AM, on the move.

I AM, at peace.

I AM, moving.

I AM, moving forward.

I AM, moving to registration.

I AM, movement.

I AM, still as a bird.

I AM, getting bored.

I AM, feeling dizzy again.

I AM, watching the happy birds move around so rapidly without worries.

I AM, hopping

I AM, hopping and hoping it gets better soon.

I AM, a dam bunny.

I AM, watchful

I AM, chasing a dream.

I AM, watching myself run!

I AM, tired.

I AM, tired.

I AM, going to not be so tired.

I AM, not going to have many more visitors.

I AM, tired of waiting.

I AM, tired of  inconsistency.

I AM, a winner.

I AM, the winner of a small battle.

I AM, here.

I AM, well.

I AM, realizing how well taken care of I AM...

I AM, silent.

I AM, silently considering the screaming.

I AM, remembering a day.

I AM, still not over so much.

I AM, fighting.

I AM, lucky.

I AM, ready to celebrate another birthday with him.

I AM, glad it's him.

I AM, amazed at how lucky i am.

I AM, very much in love with the right man this time.

I AM, still lost.

I AM, still so lost.

I AM, back to teaching.

I AM, not going to teach guilt.

I AM talking.

I AM, a talker.

I AM, getting ready to have a talk.

I AM, not going to be understood.

I AM, silent.

I AM, needy.

I AM, not always happy.

I AM, heading OUTDOORS.

I AM, needy (and unable to place a question mark after this sentence).

I AM, today.

I AM, in need of an umbrella today.

I AM, catching all that falls today.

I AM, not going to pay attention to the past today.

I AM, worried today.

I AM, waiting for tomorrow.

I AM, not teaching well.

I AM, teaching my children to remain honest at all times.

I AM, lying.

I AM, keeping a farm.

I AM, still laughing at the sound of my daughter leaving the house this morning, "oinking" like a pig...

I AM, raising children.

I AM, living on an old horse farm.

I AM, keeping it all!

I AM, Thomas the Train.

I AM, not a child.

I AM, renting space

I AM, a table.

I AM, a chair.

I AM, a few hooks.

I AM, a few frames.

I AM, a hoop, circle or dot...

I AM, his niece.

I AM, looked at

I AM, not so wrong.

I AM, being watched.

I AM, not so wrong all the time.

I AM, looked over.

I AM, not so wrong all the time after all.

I AM SEW....

I AM, so anxious, again?

I AM, so going to have a "full" day.

I AM, so back to the drawing boards.

I AM, so not finding hoops to jump through.

I AM, sewing- before and after it all.

I AM Sam...Sam I AM...

I AM, meeting Sam Bodnar this evening!

I AM, a wooden hoop.

I AM, sewing in circles.

I AM, fighting for space.

I AM, wearing a macaroni necklace! (made by my Andrew...)

I AM, fancy with code.

I AM, watching the rain FALL.

I AM, not going to be on the GROUND.

I AM, going to carefully remove items from the BIN next time...

I AM, still not driving.

I AM, forever waiting.

I AM, weighing the pros and cons.

I AM, not able to drive, still. ugh!

I AM, that kind of girl

I AM, a girl that keeps on waiting...

I AM, interrupted.

I AM, rebuilding.

I AM, renovating.

I AM, looking for excuses to not sew?

I AM, interrupted by their bad dreams.

I AM, ready for a sleepover the kids have planned for me...

I AM, comeback queen!

I AM, teaching my son how to battle the bullies with words!

I AM, inviting...

I AM, anxious.

I AM, feeling I've not left my home in years.

I AM, inviting you all to come over for a play date?

I AM, itching to purchase SOMETHING, but unable to drive myself ANYWHERE...grrrrrrrrrrr

I AM sad.

I AM, so sorry today.

I AM, so sad.

I AM, not the president

I AM, not willing to be president of my house...

I AM, filled with gratitude today.

I AM, loved and respected.

I AM, going to be ok...

I AM, not going to fall over.

I AM, going to teach my children about love and loving.

I AM, going to teach my children how to fail and then fail again.

I AM, going to teach my children how we are all different and not all kind.

I AM, going to stand alongside my kids during their heartbreaks.

I AM, going to have to let them lean on me and I will not fall over.

I AM, going to hold them closer when they feel they are being left alone.

I AM, going to buy my daughter flowers today.

I AM, building for quantity

I AM, wanting to pack...

I AM, leaving?

I AM, in quantity...

I AM, building my inventory.

I AM, new!

I AM, old.

I AM, in a job?

I AM, glad yesterday is over with...

I AM, needing a push.

I AM, working.

I AM, going to make this work.

I AM, not really...

I AM, determined.

I AM, frustrated.

I AM, not going to fail.

I AM, not confident...

I AM, creating

I AM, creating a box?

I AM, creating friends.

I AM, creating attachments.

I AM her...

I AM, a little Beyonce today... ha!

I AM, afraid.

I AM, supporting the Breast Cancer Prevention Fund: http://www.breastcancerpreventionfund.org

I AM, going to help one woman, every 60 dolls that are sold.

I AM, afraid of Cancer...

I AM, afraid of dying before my kids.

I AM, alive.

I AM, watching the water run so quickly.

I AM, listening to the boys still sleeping.

I AM, smelling the wind.

I AM, tasting my coffee.

I AM, feeling a bit sad.

I AM, alive.

I AM, motivated

I AM, waiting for the sun.

I AM, many.

I AM, a cousin.

I AM, a niece.

I AM, a sister.

I AM, a daughter.

I AM, a granddaughter.

I AM, a friend.

I AM, having a "snow day"

I AM, listening to tales of bad dreams.

I AM, covering cold feet.

I AM, wishing there were more snow days.

I AM, sad to think one day, my kids won't be home with me on their snow days...

I AM, missing my mom today.

I AM, painting

I AM, painting a hallway?

I AM, going to be painting again soon.

I AM, cold.

I AM, here.

I AM, here...

I AM, fighting for equality!

I AM supporting the Human Rights Campaign: www.hrc.org

I AM, mailing and marketing and learning and teaching...

I AM wishing for words.

I AM, wishing I was as brave as Mr. King.

I AM going, going, going...

I AM never going to be able to be a father and mother to my kids.
I AM never going to be able to change the decisions their father has made for them.

I AM never going to have enough hours in a day.

I AM...going to find peace.

I AM helping a family

I AM, helping the Hance Family: www.thetapinacompany.etsy.com

I AM, not that strong
I AM hoping to never have to be THAT strong...

I AM, so proud to know so many strong people. Today, it's all about strength!

I AM, a valentine

I AM, valentine-ready! www.thetapinacompany.etsy.com

I AM, never lazy

I AM in need of a lazy day!

I AM, asked "why mommy" so often these days...

I AM, not so good...

I AM, not good at taking my meds.

I AM, making sure the kids take their vitamins!

I AM, not so good at taking my meds.

I AM, in need of more Ibuprofen!

I AM feeling...

I AM, feeling surrounded by good karma.

I AM, feeling the results of hard work.

I AM, becoming helpful.

I AM, addicted

I AM, addicted...to so many things, good and bad...

I AM, adding to my "New Year's resolution list".

I AM feeling the color PINK today.

I AM, a friend to Sam Bodnar...

I AM helping Sam Bodnar and his family.

I AM learning about Eosinophilic Disorders (Eosinophilic Esphagitis).

I AM, a Mom.

I AM, sunny.

I AM, feeling the sun.

I AM, putting December decorations away.

I AM, hopeful.

I AM, anxious.

I AM, smiling

I AM, with new energy today.

I AM, picking up the pieces.

I AM, pausing to smile.

I AM, a photographer.

I AM, back to taking pictures.

I AM the editor.

I AM, sewing and stitching.

I AM, confused

I AM, hopeful.

I AM, terribly confused?

I AM, new.

I AM looking for aligned planets...

I AM, growing up along side my kids.