Illustration #30 / IF-TheBlues

Blue moods come and go, but on a moonlit walk through a dark and twisted forest, the blues may just take up residence.

Illustration #29

I suppose I have been thinking alot about the seasons changing, lives changing, constant movement... today's illustration is called "Seasons". We bought some pumpkins today just to celebrate the changing season.

Illustration #28

Fall is definitely here, you can feel it in the air. There is a coolness all around. Even the sun doesn't seem as intense as just one week ago. With Fall comes Halloween and although I have been immersed in graphics for the Halloween industry for over 10 years, it still amazes me how excited people get when the bright oranges, greens, blacks and purples cover every surface for the month of October. My son is thrilled about the Fall and the start of all the hallowed hoopla it brings. My illustration is for the inevitable Halloween that will grace our doorstep this year.

Illustration #27

I have been working on a freelance project that involves fairy tales (that's about all I can say about the project for now) but it inspired me for this Little Red Riding Hood illustration. It's just Little Red without a wolf.

Illustration #26

My son. He really is the cat's meow for me. He has such a funny sense of humor, always has a smile on his face and is really quite kind and empathetic for a child. He has these cute little bright white chicklet teeth and a twinkle in his eye when he smiles. Just so darn cute I tell you. BUT there is something that I hope will change one day and that is he wears his pants so high, it looks like the waist is almost up to his armpits!! I'll tug those pants down and he'll just reach over and pull them back up to his comfort spot. Nothing is getting him to budge on that fashion statement so I guess we'll just have to wait that one out. So this illustration is for my son and all the little old men in the world who feel comfort in having a belt strapped around their chest!

Illustration #25

Today I saw this darling little old lady walking towards downtown, she was about 70 or so and she was all dressed up in a flowery dress with shiny, shiny gold shoes and a gigantic pink umbrella. She was such an unexpected surprise of sparkly pink happiness that I just had to smile and ponder why she was so sunny with all her happy pinkness. I love that little lady. Here is my illustration of pink delight on a boring old Tuesday.

Quotes I Love...

Loneliness Is An island In The middle Of A sea of people --R.R. (age 11)

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. --Anonymous

Sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same. --the Fray (All At Once)

Illustration #24

I feel like I am going blind. I swear, my eyesight is getting worse it seems. The tiny print on vitamin bottles? Forget it! I stretch out my arm to hold the bottle far away and it still doesn't help much. I already have reading/computer glasses and I think I need new ones to wear all the time. Could be a fun fashion statement I suppose. This illustration is me with different glasses. Which one do you like?

Illustration #23

Today at 6:30am, I looked out over the Laurel Street bridge and saw this view. I have to say, this is one of my favorite views in San Diego. You can see the trees in the park, the tops of the buildings from downtown and the Coronado bridge in the background. The sky was full of grey clouds, heavy with moisture from recent rain. Really lovely view today.

Illustration #22

I have been thinking alot about our dog Teva lately. She has been getting short changed on the walks this past week, we've just been short on time lately. Well, today I took her out for what we thought was going to be a nice long walk, but as we were out and away from the house, it started to rain. I know, rain in southern California in September! Well, we got drenched on our way back and I tell you there is nothing like a sad looking wet dog. This illustration is for sweet Teva.

Illustration #21

This illustration is for a submission to "Illustration Friday," a blog where illustrators can submit their creations on a weekly basis by creating a drawing/illustration on a pre-picked topic chosen by Illustration Friday. Well, I finally have the guts to submit one, I think I may be too late for this week's submission but what the heck, I'll do it anyway. The topic is "wedding." Funny, a funeral and a wedding to think about all in one week.

My website...it's arrived!

I finally figured out the kinks and my website is up and available for viewing. Please check out my mural pages and custom card section. I'll have more in my graphic design and illustrations areas soon. Please let me know your thoughts, I promise to take criticism well!!

Here's the address: www.moridesignstudio.com

Illustration #20

A few weeks ago, my sister and I went out dancing with some girlfriends and there was a pretty funny incident that happened to my sister. She had just purchased these really cute wedge shoes with white polka dots all over them. They really were VERY cute shoes and she was so proud of them. Well, the shoe gods were not with her that night let me tell you because we stumbled out of a dance club right out onto the sidewalk and there at the intersection, my sister slipped in her brand new wedges and fell right there on the curb. It seemed to happen in slow motion but our reactions were just as slow and we were not able to save her from falling. She jumped right up and was not hurt but maybe a little bruised in the ego. Boy did we have a long laugh over that one!! This illustration is for Cindy, my sister!

Illustration #19

Just got back from a funeral. It was in Orange County and was for the father of a high school friend. It was quite hard to be at the funeral, the last one I went to was for my father 6 years ago. Many thoughts came racing back, not an easy thing to immerse oneself into. I have to say there was the most beautiful thing that happened there though which made it completely satisfying and struck me with awe and dumbfoundedness. At the burial site, the immediate family members let white doves fly off into the sky that was cluttered with grey clouds. Seeing all these birds fly altogether, a white mass against a dark sky was truly marvelous. This is what my illustration is for today. The glimmer of hope seeing these doves fly off to the heavens, carrying messages of love to the one who has passed on.

(Sorry Cindy, you got bumped until tomorrow!)

Illustration #18

Unbelievable. I saw ANOTHER dog looking out a window today. What is that all about? Of course I had to do my illustration about that dog.
Tomorrow's illustration is going to be about an incident that happened one evening while out with the girls, watch out Cindy, it's comin!

Oh, I also have to mention how funny my son is. He cracks me up everyday with the funniest things he says. Today we were in the car talking about friends and being at other people's houses and he was telling us a story about being at his friend's house and his friend made him be friends with a mean kid. My niece said "Well, why didn't you just say NO?" and my son said, "Well, I meant to say NO but YES just came flying out!!" Ha, out of the mouth of babes!! That little guy couldn't be any cuter!! Just love him.

Bassam Coffee House

There is this really fabulous coffee house in San Diego called Bassam. It used to be downtown but moved to 5th Avenue closer to Hillcrest / Bankers Hill area. We went there the other night and I had the peach tea. It started out as a little shriveled, dried up ball that I dropped into a hot cup of water. After a few minutes, it bloomed into this beautiful flower of peach essence that was just divine. Had to take a photo of it.

Illustration #17

Today on my walk, my sister and I passed this cute old craftsman house on the outskirts of downtown and saw the cutest lab looking out the window. Only his eyes and ears and a bit of his nose was showing. So funny. This illustration is for him.

My website...it's almost there!

Last night I finished a good portion of my website, uploaded it to the server and when I went to check it, most of it was not there. ARGHHHH! I am so frustrated. I am so close but yet seem so far. I have to call in the big guns on this one because I don't know how to fix it. Maybe tomorrow when I am recuperating from oral surgery, I'll be able to divide and conquer. I'll let you know when it's up so you can take a look!

The Little Engine That Could

Here is a photo of my lovely rose bush. It cranks out these fantastic blooms all on it's own. Just divine!!

illustration #16

I was working in my backyard today, you know, beginning the fall clean up and enjoying the last few remnants of summer blossoms. We have alot of really lovely plants but I have this one rose bush that produces the most incredible roses, and not just a few but a vast amazing display. I hardly do anything for this plant, maybe wave some fertilizer in it's direction once a year but that is about it and it truly is the crowning glory in my yard despite it's neglect. So this illustration is for the "Little Engine that Could" in my yard.

illustration #15

Scratty the cat. When she is good, she is very good, but when she is bad, she is wicked!

Volvo Cars are the best thing around!

I drive a Volvo wagon and I have to say I love it. It is my fifth Volvo and I keep coming back to them. I found the BEST mechanic for my car and recently I had to take it in for a brake inspection. The brakes were making the loudest squeal (I could be heard from down the block it was so bad) and instead of insisting I need new ones, the mechanic adjusted them and now they work beautifully and noiselessly! The greatest thing about the mechanic is he called today to check up on how the brakes were working. Who does that anymore? I thought that was just grand and I'll give him all my business. The mechanic is: Independent Volvo, Jeep and Saab at 5824 Autoport Mall, San Diego, CA 92121 (858)457-5133. If you live in San Diego, go to them. You won't be disappointed.

illustration #14

Today, my sister and I walked to this really great place for breakfast called Hash House A Go Go. (Really, really great food.) On the way we passed a second hand store and decided to go in because we haven't been thrifting in a very, very long time. I was so excited to find the most beautiful winter white wool coat. It had a fur collar and although it was stunning, I could not EVER possibly wear a fur pelt so I cut it off and left it with the store to resell. The coat is fabulous! Very nicely made, in excellent condition and almost tailor made for me!! Plus, it was half off!! I am so elated with this purchase that I had to do an illustration of it. So this is my illustration of my lovely recycled white winter coat.

illustration #13

Earlier this week, my sister, myself and a good friend took a freestyle dance class by a private instructor in the privacy of my friend's house. We are going out dancing tomorrow evening and we wanted to learn some new moves to bust out on the dance floor. It was a great class but hilarious and embarassing at the same time. This illustration is 3 chicks showing off their 2 left feet. It's called The Dancing Chicks.

illustration #12

What a day. Too many doctor's appointments. This illustration is "An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctors Away, So They Say!"

illustration #11

Today's illustration is of a little dog named Nena. She is the tiniest dog with the biggest personality. Being one of seven animals and the smallest of the bunch, she rules my friend's household. Here's to small beings with high hopes and large aspirations!

illustration #10

I have a funny story, although it is not so funny for me. I'll tell it to you because it is the inspiration for my illustration today. This weekend, I had a really nice glass of extracted juice from carrots, kale, squash, apples, and lime. As I was enjoying the aroma and body of this juice (much like a glass of wine), I was also wrapping a birthday gift for someone and while I was not looking a FLY had an untimely drowning in my glass of juice. It sank a little bit and when I picked up my glass and twirled it around to appreciate the ice cubes bobbing around in my juice I did see a little dark thing but only thought it was some part of the vegetables. Well, I took a big swig and the FLY went into my MOUTH! UGH! So gross. Of course I spit it out and performed a sort of disgusted dance ritual at the sink much to the humor of my family. I have to admit that is one of the grossest things I have ever done. So, this illustration is to all the stinkin' flies in this world. I call it Fly Anger (because I am so angry at those darn flies!!!!!)

illustration #9

As I sit here drinking a cup of tea and contemplating a subject for my illustration, I got to thinking that I haven't had any sugar for 40 days! Now that is quite a feat for me as I used to LOVE sweet treats. My whole life I have and I thought that would always just be part of who I am. Well, I guess it's not. I have come to stepping out of my denial and realizing that sugar is not so good for our bodies and took on the challenge of not having any sugar for one month. That was the month of August and my birthday happens to fall in August but did I eat one little morsel of cake on my birthday? Not one. (Lot's of alcohol though which does convert to sugar, but that is a whole other topic!) So anyway, this illustration is for my really, really good friend Barron (who used to say I was mean when I ate sugar!) and all the sugar lovers around. I call it Sugar Coma!

It's printed and boy does it look good!

Here's the banner, it's official! I have to admit that it came out pretty sharp, and there was great response to it from other team members! The Black Scorpions had their first game on Saturday. Let's just say it was a great learning experience! This age is quite a joy to watch.

illustration #8

Life is an adventure. Whether we are looking for it or not, life just has a way of bringing adventure into our lives. It is what we do with it, is what matters. So look around. Be ready, it's coming! This illustration is about an adventurous life.

illustration #7

Today I passed an establishment that had "Xena the Sword Swallower" on the marquee. Now this establishment is of question so I am sure my illustration is not quite what was being advertised but I was intrigued by Xena and she sure did make a great topic for today's Illustration Acquisition. So here is to Xena and all her sword swallowing!

illustration #6

A dog named pretzel. He really exists and is the cutest little hot dog around.

illustration #5

Today's illustration for my Daily Illustration Acquisition challenge is about breakfast. Breakfast is supposed to jump start your day and give you lasting energy until lunch. I am embarrassed to say that yesterday I caved and gave my son a horrible breakfast. Since it was the first day of school, he was feeling a little nervous and wasn't very hungry (which is unusual). So, I let him squeak by without eating much of anything and we left early for school, planning on swinging by Starbucks for a little "treat" before class. While I ordered my venti iced decaf americano, I let him order a chocolate milk to wash down a donut with. A donut. What was I thinking? Fortunately he just ate a few bites and left the rest so his veins weren't pulsing too drunkenly with a sugar rush the size of a two story building. The day went well never the less but today I claimed back my sanity and served him up a delicious smoothie packed with fresh fruit, protein powder and Omega 3-6-9 oil. This illustration is about breakfast.

illustration #4

Today was the first day of school!! Lots of trepidation and excitement felt around here. My son entered the first grade today and he made me so proud how he just walked in and greeted his teacher and friends and sat down. No tears this year! Yipee! I am a little sad summer is over but at least I can get some work done now! This illustration celebrates the first day of school.

illustration #3

It is so hot around here right now. San Diego is going through a very miserable heat wave and has been for a few days now. It is hot. It is humid. Everyone around here is cranky. I'm calling this illustration Maudlin Monday.

maudlin \MAWD-lin\, adjective: Tearfully or excessively sentimental.

illustration #2

Daily Illustration Aquisition posting number 2. I am trying a new style, I drew this from a photograph in Illustrator and added outlines on top of blocks of color.

illustration #1

Here is my first illustration for my daily illustration acquisition. Granted this was an illustration I had to do, it is a banner for my son's soccer team but it still counts. Long story how I was volunteered into making this banner but it has become a challenge I enjoyed! I started it yesterday (September 1st but am not posting until today September 2nd) so this is my illustration for yesterday and I will be posting my illustration for today a bit later.

being alone

It is solitude that encourages and permits the experience of depth. No wonder so many of us avoid it. – Julia Cameron

Do you like to have alone time? I do. I need it. If I don't get it, you don't want to mess with me. I suppose I am somewhat of an introvert but I think it is more than that. It is when I am alone I can really hear my voice and I don't have to worry about what I am thinking and I can just let my thoughts go places I normally don't have time for.

Shortly after I became a mother, I had a series of very unfortunate events happen in my life that changed my path and direction immensely. I didn't know where I was going anymore and so I just decided to focus on becoming the best parent I could possibly be. I lived for being in the moment with my child and that grew into being in the moment in other areas of my life. I still didn't know exactly where I was going but at least I could remember where I had been.

Then another birthday rolled around and although it is one that shouldn't be such a big deal, it really hit me. Where am I going? I spend at least 1 hour a day walking/running through the most scenic places in San Diego reveling in my alone time. I can start to hear my voice again. It is really great. I have decided that I want to pursue my 20 year dream of becoming an illustrator for children's books. Starting today, I am going to create one illustration every day until the end of the year. I am calling it my "Daily Illustration Acquisition." Practice makes perfect right? I will be posting them, the good and the bad.