art lesson

Several days ago, as we were planning Ella's art-themed birthday party, I suggested we play "Pin the Ear on van Gogh." This, of course, led to 1. the explanation of how a famous artist named Vincent van Gogh had gone mad and cut off his own ear, and 2. the quick realization that this game was wholly inappropriate for a party of 7-year-old girls.

Today we're watching our friends' daughter, Olivia, and this morning she and Lauren were playing with art supplies. As Olivia pulled out the scissors, I took note of her long, blond tresses, imagined explaining a new haircut to her mom, and quickly suggested that we not play with those today.

"Why?" Olivia asked.

"Because we wouldn't want anyone to cut themselves," I explained.

"Yeah," Lauren said, her eyes wide, "because one time, an artist cut off his ear and sent it to someone in a box. Right, Mom?"

I cringed. "Right."