Lighthouses in Three

Last fall the Yang Ming Transport Company held its 1st International Children's Painting Competition. Thanks to Ms. Jesse, who works at the Houston branch of Yang Ming, our kids were encouraged to submit entries. Anne, Joy, and Nathan decided to send in entries depicting lighthouses on the coast. Here are their respective entries.

Anne's entry.


Elise Joy's entry. Third Place in US regional judging. Honorary Mention in international finals.


Nathan's entry

As can be obviously inferred, Nathan only participated because we encouraged him. Anne and Joy worked on their watercolor paintings quite a bit. Anne's approach is linear and clean. Joy decided to fit in as many details as she could, with a lot of variety. As a parent, you're not supposed to play favorites, and I'm not. But Joy's painting comes across as vibrant and creative. Apparently, the judges felt the same way, because Joy's entry made it to the International Judging phase and got an Honorary Mention honor.

Great job, Joy. We're happy for you.

Budding poet

Surprisingly, Ellie-Joy is showing a knack at writing. She's been writing for her local elementary's "Do the Write Thing" Publishers Party for four years now. What I have found notable are her poems. This is her latest:

MY VERY OWN YEAR
(c) Elise Joy Tan, 2006

Every new year
Brings lots of good cheer. ~ January

Some days the wind blows hard
And twirls the leaves in my yard. ~ February

It's not so cold; the sun is bright;
We have to finish our assignments and write. ~ March

It's been raining this week, raining today;
I'm really glad it's almost May. ~ April

Hooray! School's over, let's have some fun;
Swimming in the pool and lying in the sun. ~ May

Let's go to the zoo, to play and run;
And maybe see an elephant who weighs a ton. ~ June

I'll go watch the fireworks, because it's the 4th of July;
And it'll be beautiful when I see it with my very own eyes. ~ July

School's going to start; I'll need some supplies,
And tell last year's teacher a few more goodbyes. ~ August

Since school's started, I'll get acquainted with the rules,
And always use my leanring tools. ~ September

It's almost Halloween, so say "Trick or Treat."
But in front of a teacher don't say, "Smell my feet." ~ October

It's Thanksgiving now, so be thankful for;
And don't always ask for a whole lot more. ~ November

Jesus is the reason,
For this holiday season. ~ December