illustration #91

OK folks, I have strayed from Christmas for a day. Here is belt buckle artwork I have created for my sister (who makes these really cool belt buckles.) I am so loving the orange right now.

Christmas, shristmas.

Today, after I picked up my son from school, we talked a little bit in the car about how we were a little hungry. So, instead of driving straight home and hooking us both up for a broccoli/spinach IV, I drove straight to Sees candy and escorted the little guy right in and immediately the overwhelming smell of chocolate overrode any sense that I came into the store with. The little Sees candy lady with her cute little blonde bob and funky glasses came running right over and popped a sample into our hot greedy little hands which we immediately popped right into our drooling pie holes (mouths.) That was it from there. I let Kainoa pick out his treat and then I went over to the shelves and started stacking boxes of chocolates into my arms. THEN I ran over and grabbed a Christmas tree shaped chocolate covered marshmallow for myself. What was I thinking? I didn't even have a list of folks to buy chocolate for and here I am grabbing off the shelves like it is the day after Christmas and everything is half off! After we made our purchases (and YES I did buy 4 boxes of chocolates for whom I don't know) we rushed out to the car and gobbled down our chocolate-y, marshmallow-y goodness. I didn't even savor the flavors, I inhaled it! There is something seriously wrong with me. Probably the kid too because he wasn't too far behind in the inhaling part. Then we took our chocolate smeared faces and proceeded to the health food store for some vitamins and vegetables.

illustration #90

I suppose I am really thinking of tall, skinny Christmas trees that lean a little to the left. Here I have illustrated one and yesterday I did too! Hmmmm, what does that mean? What does that mean?

illustration #89

Completely immersed in Christmas card design right now...everywhere I go, there is so much inspiration. It's eye candy everytime I step out I tell you. I wish I could carry around a sketch book everywhere I go and just sketch away. I suppose that wouldn't be too good to be driving while doing this...

Front door greetings

I try really really hard to have a green thumb. It is a very light shade of green but never the less getting greener day by day. With the help of my sister, I planted a lovely selection of plants in a large ceramic pot right near my front door. The plants have been growing with alot of careful watering and attention and now I have a really nice composition to greet my visitors. I couldn't be more pleased with it right now, however with my track record, things could go south at any given time so I'll revel in the joy of my healthy plants right here and right now.

IF_Zoo / Illustration #88

This illustration for Illustration Friday is for the new baby Panda at the World Famous San Diego Zoo. Although I don't care much for animals in cages, the zookeepers take really good care of the animals at this Zoo and my son and I visit them often.

illustration #87

Blue bird in a tree, could it be a partridge in a pear tree?

illustration #86

OK. I am head over heels into Christmas now. It doesn't take much at this time of year and even thought it is STILL November, I really am loving our tall skinny Christmas tree all sparkly and aglow. So, here is a winter illustration. I am thinking of whimsical trees and snowmen.

Today, we took the dog and our little family of three down to the beach to meet some friends for some photo opportunities. The dogs were running around all wet and so filled with glee and the children were chasing each other and jumping and playing in the sand. It was a lovely San Diego afternoon, how could we not get some great photos? Pam, I really, really hope we got something in those rolls of film! The setting was just too good!

Pretty pink tea cup!

A while ago, I wrote and illustrated a pretty pink tea cup and wished that I had one. Well, guess what? My friend from college sent me one in the mail yesterday. We have been out of touch for quite a few years but have re-established a connection and although she lives across the United States, I feel like she could just be a few miles away. Thanks, Karen! I LOVE my pink tea cup and I will use it and think of you and your thoughtfulness. You just made my week!

illustration #85

My neighbor came by with some flowers for us just because we brought over a plate of Thanksgiving dinner for her. That is so nice I tell you. These are the flowers, my illustration of them anyway.

Flesh tones beware

I just have to laugh at myself, and I do alot but this takes the cake. I went to the dermatologist the other day and had a few "spots" removed. One of them was a small mole and it happened to be on my face. Well, after the doctor cut it off, the nurse slapped a bandage on it with some ointment. Well, this bandage was one of those small circle Band-Aids you use for little tiny pin pricks or miniscule cuts. It is the color of some sort of supposed flesh, and whose flesh color it is I have no idea. This Band-Aid on my chin could have been a neon sign pointing to the removed mole, screaming at any unsuspecting passerby to look, gawk and stare. I am so used to having moles and spots removed as I grew up in the 80's when tanning was very very popular and it didn't matter how fair you were, just please pass the baby oil and run don't walk out into the noon day sun. But, this flesh colored Band-Aid is the most sorrowful thing I have ever seen. I am a designer, I can come up with a better flesh color than what is available. I mean, please. Hey, maybe I will!

illustration #84

It's Nutcracker time again! I know, it's only the day after Thanksgiving and not even December but it is our little family tradition to decorate for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving. So, we got out our little collection of nutcrackers. I don't make a habit out of collecting anything but I do have to say I have a soft spot for nutcrackers. My son and I decided a few years ago to do this together, so we treasure our little batch of nutcrackers. So here's to the nutty cracker men that line up along my shelves at Christmas time.

illustration #83

Edward made it through yet another Thanksgiving season. Will luck hold him through Christmas? Let's hope so!

Well, we didn't eat Edward but some poor turkey made it to our table this Thanksgiving. And it was so good! After 10 years of being a vegetarian, I am really enjoying my turkeys I have to say. We are all stuffed and feeling rather sleepy, I think it will be an early night. Happy Thanksgiving!

Gobble, gobble, gobble!

Got the turkey in oven, the sweet potatoes are boiling and the whole house smells like Thanksgiving. Mmmmm. I can't wait to eat! I am cooking this year and I have to say, with the help of Glad Turkey bags (a helpful hint I learned last year), I have this whole cooking the bird thing wired. My turkey last year was the best turkey I have ever eaten. Thanks Glad!

Kainoa and I made a Thanksgiving Tree and here is a photo of what the creation looks like. This was his idea, he is so creative and such a willing participant! (That's his cursive handwriting on the orange turkey, pretty good for a 6 year old!)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

illustration #82

Wasn't gonna do it but here is a winter-ish illustration. I'm saving my turkey for tomorrow.

Illustration #81

My niece has a little friend who is such a mad little girl. She is actually very smart but can be so angry at the same time. She is mean and scary around other unsuspecting little kids. This is for "mad little mawy!"

On another note, our "Blu Fish" died today. It was so sad. Here I was going on and on earlier about how this little fish was the trooper of the bunch and how he has lasted so long. Well, not any more. Goodbye little fish, we'll miss you.

IF_Superstition / Illustration #80

Seeing a single crow is very unlucky.
But 2 means good luck!
3 means health.
4 means wealth.
5 is sickness.
6 means death!
What if you see a dozen? Could that possibly bring some good luck around? What about a baker's dozen? Would the 12 + one bring bad luck since we are talking 13?

illustration #79

Scratty is on the hunt.

illustration #78

While on a walk this morning, I was stopped in my tracks by a small, bare tree with one lonely persimmon clinging to it's branch. Such a nice subject provided me with inspiration for today's illustration.

illustration #77

Even little monsters have nightmares too.

illustration #76

I suppose I have a little mid-century on my mind. Well, really I did this illustration for the color blue. While on my power walk today, I met this young man (well didn't really meet him as we just said hello as we passed on the street) and when I got up close to him as we passed I noticed he had the most extraordinary eyes. They were the color of icy blue, unlike a color I have ever seen before. The color was so unique though because even though his eyes were so light and you could almost see right through them, they had a warmth that was particularly remarkable. I didn't think much about this thin, lanky person when walking up to him but when he flashed those eyes I just can't stop thinking about that lovely shade of blue. So, here's to you blue eyed man of mystery. Thanks for the illustration inspiration!

PB & J, the best of life...

Last night, while I was on the computer, my son came in and was proclaiming his love for me. This he does quite a bit lately and I am SO loving it. Well, he came up behind me and patted my back with his little six year old hand and told me, "Mama, you work so hard and take such good care of me and gave birth to me, I want to make dinner for you tonight." I almost fell out of my chair. Not because of this sweetness that filled the air while he was talking but I was so touched and wanted to cry, a good hard cry because that was just so tender and endearing. He did make dinner for me. It was a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a glass of Gatorade. I didn't have the heart not to eat the sandwich (due to a wheat allergy) so I gobbled it right down and I have to tell you that it was THE best PB & J sandwich I ever had. (He even cut the crusts off and everything!) Could he just be any cuter? God, I love that kid!

IF_Scale / Illustration #75

This is my illo for Illustration Friday. As he scales up the mountain, he hears singing in the distance. Could it possibly be Julie Andrews?

illustration #74

Yesterday was a holiday and there was no school so we had a little school mate over for the day. Well, just getting over a cold, I wasn't really in the mood for alot of entertaining so I took my son and his friend to the movies to see the Bee Movie. They were so excited and really enjoyed it while I happily closed my eyes for a nice little snooze in a dark environment. I actually like kid's movies and will be the first one in line to take my son but yesterday, I was tired. The Z's won.

illustration #73

It sort of rained yesterday. A light sprinkling of sorts. Lovely. That is my inspiration for my illustration today. Rain and a burnt orange umbrella would be nice to go along with it.

the secret of youth...

I have met something that has changed my life, and in the best way possible. I know this blog is more about my growth as an illustrator but it is a teeny bit about healthy living and parenting so that gives me the tiny chance to go on and on about a product that is truly remarkable. It is called Green Vibrance. It is a powder that consists of all kinds of green foods like different kinds of grasses, broccoli, spinach, squash, chlorophyll, probiotics and antioxidants to name a few along with various vitamins and minerals. Taking this green drink makes me feel so good. And I mean incredibly years younger, lots of energy and mental vitality good. I can really feel it when I forget to drink it and I get the afternoon slump that I used to feed with caffeine. This stuff is amazing. Take it from someone who only 2 years ago felt 80 years old at the mere age of 39. It has changed my life. You can get it at your local health food store and I recommend you go get some, run man what are you waiting for?

illustration #72

Since I am in the mood for the holiday season, I thought I whip out some Christmas-y type illustrations to get ready for the holiday cards I'll be creating. I can't believe there are so many Christmas decorations out in the stores already! Pretty soon, we'll be shopping for bikinis and sunscreen along with our wreaths and sparkly lights! Yikes!

school house rock!

Today, despite suffering from a little cold, I took my 2 nieces and my son to the Junior Theater production of School House Rock. Remember, and I am probably dating myself, School House Rock used to be on ABC and there were songs like " I am a bill on Capitol Hill" and "Conjuntion junction, what's your function?" It was so much fun (once we all got situated and the gripes and whines of "I can't see" were all taken care of) and I probably enjoyed it more than any of us since it brought back all those memories from way back when. Sort of put us all in the mood for the holiday season, or me at least!

illustration #71

I am really into pomegranates right now. In fact I am so into them, I sometimes eat them as my dinner. There is something about the sweet yet tart taste when you crunch on the bursting little red seeds. I hear they are really good for you so I'll keep eating them and maybe, just maybe I'll share.

illustration #70

Tonight I threw a little party with my sister. I haven't thrown a party that wasn't kid related in a very long time and it certainly was about time for this one! There was a theme to this get together and I sent out the invites along with a few questions for discussion. Here are the questions:

1. When you were 18, what did you imagine your future would look like? How close does your life today come to that vision?
2. What is the one piece of advice you wish you'd been given as a young person?
3. What is the best money you have ever spent?
4. What was your biggest financial mistake--the complete waste of money that still haunts you today?
5. What has been the best surprise about married life? And the worst?
6. What is the best thing about being a woman? The worst?
7. At this point in your life, is there a dream you will never get to fulfill? What is it and what makes you so sure it's out of reach?
8. If you could live anywhere in the world, (time money or commitments not being a concern) where would you live and why?

We tackled question #1 and everyone took a turn telling a small bit about their life story. It was so interesting to hear the answers to these questions and also very surprising. One person in particular told us how she wanted to be an actress but didn't make there along the way to getting married and having kids. This person was the last person I ever thought would say she wanted to be an actress because she is very quiet and almost a little shy. I can't tell you how interesting it was to hear these kinds of bits about people I thought I knew. Then we moved on to question #8 and that also was very telling about certain people. I loved, loved, loved the discussions and am looking forward to hosting another event like this. Maybe I'll keep the list of questions and we'll get to each one eventually. This certainly was a time to shine!

Illustration #69

I did two illustrations today. This one is from a visit to the Zoo with my son's first grade class and one smartie pants little boy taught me this riddle...

Red touches black,
Friend of Jack,
Red touches yellow,
Could kill a fellow!

Hmmmm, I wonder if I had poison on my mind when I created this or was just thinking of someone named Jack. Who is this fellow Jack anyway?

IF_Hat

If this didn't get her into the Mad Hatter's Secret Society Ball, then there was no hope for her at all.

illustration #68

Tonight I went to a Cascading Style Sheets class. This is a web design class. However, I did not know that there would be so much HTML coding involved and I was not mentally prepared for such serious techie information. My sister took the class with me and we were laughing at the absurdity of us being there at this particular time. She did a little drawing of me and this is what it looked like...
This cracks me up because this is exactly how I felt 5 minutes going into the class. Yes, this class was PAINFUL! So painful that my eyes had rolled to the back of my head, in fact they had jumped out from my sockets and rolled across the wood floors collecting splinters and cat hair along the way. I really don't think I'll be going back. At least until the end of the year. Maybe after the new year starts and I have promised myself impossible resolutions, then maybe I can tackle it again. If not, I suppose I'll just have to take that resolution and shove it to the back of the closet along with all the other new year's resolutions I was not able to keep.

illustration #67

Today I was driving and saw a cluster of giant green leaves with some wild curly pipe cleaner looking plants waving around behind it. So this was my inspiration for my illustration today.

illustration #66

This is a cuppa tea which I am about to make for myself right now. I wish I had a pretty pink cup though.

illustration #65

The weekend is over. That makes me sad. I went up to LA to visit my best friend and there were no husbands, no kids, and nothing but 2 girls just doing whatever they wanted. We went to the Huntington Gardens and Library in Pasadena and saw an awesome exhibit of american art from etchings. Truly amazing. Then we had high tea. Super fun. Then we did a little shopping, picked up a movie and some sushi and headed home. We went for a run at 10:30 pm and had the funniest thing happen. We were jogging along by a park, minding our own business and saw some sprinklers going off up ahead. Well, when we came upon them we realized they were the shoot really far kind and had streams of water shooting us in the face and bodies while trying to escape the missles of water. It was so funny and SO unexpected we were laughing our heads off. I laughed so hard I almost peed my pants! I miss laughing that hard. So this is why my illustration has the Sunday blues. I want more weekend, that's all.

illustration #64

There seems to be a craze right now for cupcake stores. Yes, sweet, yummy, delicious, colorful, personal cakes you can hold in your hand. Can you find the sprinkles that my son drew? A birthday shout goes out to my friends Ted and Inga who celebrate their birthdays on the third of November.

illustration #63

Today's illustration is for a couple of friends who are having a baby. Loads of giggles in their future!

illustration #62

I like to celebrate the simple things in life. Reading to my son right before his eyes surrender to sleep, seeing the morning sky unroll the blanket of daybreak, breathing in the steam of a fresh cup of coffee... these are the things I like. Today's illustration is about that simpleness that life offers but few have the time to greet.