Good Morning Precious!

Today on the airplane, I had the pleasure of sitting in the aisle of a very nice, large bulk of a man with a straw cowboy hat and the nicest personality I have encountered in quite a while. I had to stop counting the "Thank You's" he kept dishing out to anyone who offered any sort of niceness his way and I mean even just getting out of the way so he could walk down the tiny airplane aisle kind of niceness. Anyway, he got on the cell phone twice and was talking to someone he referred to as "Precious". "Good morning Precious" and "How are you Bunny?" are some of the things he said more than once. Normally I would be feeling sick to my stomach upon hearing such verbage but for some reason coming out of this giant of a man, exposing his sweet, soft endearing side really was one of the warmest things I had heard in a long time. Really. He got me at "Precious." So darn cute I tell you.

My cousin's wife. She is doing quite well actually. Much better than I had expected. She looks good, she seems to be able to get around better than I had thought she could and she is even on an antibiotic to treat Lyme's Disease which she tested positive for. Apparently, Lyme's Disease can mimic some of ALS's symptoms so there is hope in the air that she may not actually have ALS but Lyme's Disease. Yipee! There is better hope for recovery.

Monday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful to be able to hop on a plane and be in another state with snow fluttering down from the sky in under 2 hours. Just beautiful.

Friday 4/04/08

T-shirt design for the USO run a few years ago.

Thursday 4/03/08

Business cards I created for an animal photographer.

Wednesday 4/02/08

Logo and business identity I created for a chiropractor.

Tuesday 4/01/08

April's fool.

Monday 3/31/08

OK. Not so good at the letting go thing. Sigh. Here is Monday's illo.

Blip in the everyday.

I will be out of town for the next week so my postings may be few and far between as I am not sure of my computer availability. Stay tuned, don't give up on me. My Illustration Acquisition will continue.

I think that is part of my anxiety and unease for this trip. I am on the computer all the time and have been creating daily illustrations since September 1, 2007. I don't mind taking a break from my work but not this. This little blog o' mine feeds my soul and I am nervous to be away. Ah, the lesson of Letting Go, always in the forefront I suppose! Colorado here I come!

My first car.

This is an illo of my first car. I was thinking of my first car today while driving. I had a love hate relationship with that car, most of the time I loved that vehicle. It represented freedom to me like nothing else could at age 17. Once in a while though, it gave me mechanical problems and then I hated it. I had just gotten my license and my dad helped me purchase this car. It was $2,500 and all bright and shiny. He drove my sister and I to the home of the person who was selling it and then drove off in his truck, leaving my sister and I the keys to the bug, stick shift and all, to find our way home. I didn't know how to drive a stick shift but after that afternoon, it was no problem. I think it took me about 3 hours to drive 20 miles.

I believe I was thinking about my first car today because I do my best thinking while driving. I have composed the funniest books and clever articles while driving only to forget them when I get home to write them down. I think a tape recorder would do me some good.

I am off to Colorado tomorrow. To uncharted territory so to speak. I am stepping out of my comfort zone to help out some dear family members and I really am not sure what to expect yet. I sure will find out when I get there but for now I just have to deal with my unease and anxious mind until tomorrow. Heard it might snow on Thursday there. I suppose I should have held onto my old winter coat I just gave away to the second hand store. I am not a saver and lately I have been in purge mode so in times like this, I may have acted too quickly. Oh well, that's always my story...

Sunday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for a sick household to be on the mend.

IF_Homage

Homage: Something that shows respect or attests to the worth or influence of another.

This is an illustration of a redbud tree in honor of my father who passed away much too soon. He loved redbud trees and some of his ashes are buried under one such tree in Lake Tahoe, a place he really loved and visited quite often. The redbud tree has leaves that are dark burgundy and are heart shaped. They quiver in the wind and the branches spread out like a nice canopy to provide shade during the heat of the summer. I love that tree too and think of my father when I see one (which is often because I have one planted in my backyard.) This is my homage.

Nesting with friends.

Just got back from a little wine party with the girls. A girl's night out with wine, yummy food, lots of chick gab. We all lead such different lives but can gather in the safety of friendship and share stories, laughs, scars and silly dance moves. What bliss, a gal can't ask for much more!

Saturday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for my nest of friends.

You can wear an apron anywhere!

Oh, by the way, if you have been reading my blog, a few posts back I wrote about an incredibly cute apron I received as a gift. This apron is so cool! Stephanie Waterman is the fabulous creator and her website is: chictochic.etsy.com
Check it out!

Donuts in Paris.

Strange but funny dream my son had last night. Thought it would make a good illo. I am humored by it, he's got an audience of one at least!

More thoughts on changing your language. This is a phrase I have coined in attempt to stop the negative energy around me from busting in and blowing all the hard work I've done in the past few months to bits. I have come to believe that if you walk the talk, you'll start believing it sooner or later.

There is a certain someone in my life that really gets my goat and she is not going away anytime soon. She is really negative, has been for many years, and I am just now noticing how that affects me. NOT liking the affects. So, since I cannot change someone else, guess who must do the changing? Yup. It's me. I can change the way I interpret the back handed comments, the negative expressions, and the tugging down of my psyche and just move forward with my own positive energy. I. WON'T. LET. HER. GET. THE. BEST. OF. ME. That best belongs to someone else.... ME.

Friday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for good friendship, great lunch and the companionship of my small child.

Logos, logos and legos.

I am whippin' out logos right and left because I need to get my work done before Monday. Why? What's Monday? Monday I hop on an airplane at 6:15 am to fly to Colorado to help out my cousin's wife with ALS. I am not a nurse, but I am hoping I can just be of service to the wonderful parts of my family. They are some of the wonderful parts, I have some not so wonderful parts but refuse to go into THAT! They don't deserve to have this hideous disease hit them square in the face but for some reason it's there and clinging on. So my work must stop for five days while I take care of some of the important stuff in life. Like caring after people. It is so easy to forget that. I can get so wrapped up in my work and forget what is the important stuff in life. Must. Not. Do. That. Anymore.

Long winded round about way of showing a logo I am working on. Can't give more details for what or whom it is for but I thinks it so durn cute!

Tonight I was at a Cub Scout meeting for my son. He has graduated into the Bobcats now so he got a patch and a pin. We did a little skit and some of the boys were not there so you know who got to fill in. THEN I got reprimanded for giving the Cub Scout salute during the Pledge to the Flag. Geezzzz folks. I didn't know! THEN I got acknowledged for being a helpful parent and bringing my band saw for the meeting when the boys were working on their race cars for the big DERBY race. They push you down and then help you up I tell you. At least they didn't kick me!

Thursday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for the beautiful clear day down by the cove in La Jolla today. It was just lovely. That is why I live in San Diego!

Eat, Pray, Love: the book.

Had book club tonight. At my house. Lots of yummy food, wine and talk. This book is truly one of my favorites and was a great one for discussion. It is about the journey of one female who takes a year traveling to discover belief in herself, belief in God, belief in humanity and the surprising discoveries she encounters along the way in Italy, India and Indonesia.
My personal favorite part of the book is her discovery in India, a place I really am not that drawn to, but I just loved how she learned to overcome the need to fill up space with her words and just be still and even let go. LET GO. Something that is so very difficult but yet something we all need to do at different times in our lives. I find that when I let go of something I am gripping so tightly to, the answer or need surfaces and I can be grateful for the release. Don't get me wrong, I have a vise grip on A LOT of things in my life but along the journey I am finding the blessing in letting go. I highly recommend reading the book. This is a keeper!

Wednesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for the gathering of friends, being able to share ourselves and getting to know other individuals.

Illustration Friday_Pet Peeve

Pet Peeve: Individuals who leave a trail behind them while they cruise through life, enter or leave a room, or just make toast in the morning.

Ocean Odyssey.

Here are a few photos from our school Gala event (the one I almost gave myself heart failure from stress!) Ahhh, the whole thing all put together. Beautiful.





Decorations committee...

Can you read what I read?

Went to Borders downtown today with my sister. We got lost in the art section and found so many inspiring books, new projects to jump into and crazy ideas to start. (Like I need to add one more thing to my plate right now!) I just LOVE bookstores. If I am feeling somewhat off in anyway, I can find myself at a bookstore and bring myself around, back to my whacked out "normal" self. I enter in lacking and leave fulfilled, and arms loaded down with stacks of reading materials. I think the only other place that can do that for me is a coffee house and it's just not quite the same.

Tuesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for people who write books and get them published so the whole world can be invited into their minds for a moment.

Sleep Tight, Nighty Night.

Painted in a little boy's room today. Let me just speak freely for one moment, I haven't been around newborns in quite a while and this little boy was just so cute. Made me think about adoption one more time for about two and a half seconds. Anyway, now this little boy's room is ready for him to grow up in, or at least for a while until he gets bored of lambs and moons and stars.







I love painting in kid's rooms. There is just something so sweet about the whole thing.

Imagine...

If only fear wouldn't hold us back, imagine what we could accomplish.

Monday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful that this day is coming to a close. Maybe my headache will go with it.

Me and the boy.

This is the project my boy and I worked on between parties and play dates during his school break.

And the rest of Easter Day...

So for the duration of our Happy Easter day I decided to rip out the caulking around the tub in our bath. Why? Because of a few reasons:
1. There is nothing quite like a woman with her own power tools. (Granted, this job didn't require power tools but I have always wanted to say that line. OK, I'm an official dork.)
2. Because I can and I like doing fix-it projects on the house.
3. It would have made my dad proud. (He was a contractor and gave me my own set of tools, therefore encouraging a life long interest in handiwork.)
But now I have to stop the project and let the tub dry out because I believe I discovered some water seepage behind a few tiles. Argh. Thank God we have another bathroom.

Then on this Happy Easter day, my son has been having a wee bit of a hard time due to too much chocolate and lack of sleep. (I got only four hours of sleep myself so I could have thrown myself onto his bed with him and had a good cry too.) So needless to say things are a little hectic around here at the moment.

Then on this Happy Easter day, I am about to throw more fuel into the fire. I have found my start up disks for my computer (long story about my disorganization) and I am about to do some "fixing" to the beast. Hopefully I will not destroy it, then my daily illustrations will come to a quick halt. So, if you don't hear from me for a few days, you'll know I never made it past this extremely early Easter Sunday alive.

I think I'll go raid my son's Easter basket for a little pick me up first. Happy Easter!

Happy Easter. Bok-Bok.

She was on the look out. Heard there was some Bunny hoppin' around looking for some eggs to dish out to little kids. Look elsewhere Bunny, look elsewhere! She's watching closely!

Happy Easter Everybunny! We started our Easter morning going to a sunrise Easter service on the beach right by a roaring campfire. Coronado Beach to be exact. Who in their right mind leaves their house at 5:30 am to attend a service on the beach? I suppose we do when you live in San Diego and the weather promises to warm up very nicely later on. Nice way to start the day, on the beach wrapped in blankets, sipping coffee in the company of other crazy adults and unsuspecting kids who also thought it sounded like a good idea the night before. Apparently we thought it was a good idea, and I have to say..........it was.

Sunday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for some new music to listen to and belt out loudly in my car (while driving alone of course!)

Whoo is ready for some Easter candy?

Windsor is hopefully wishing to discover some chocolate Easter candy in his nest bright and early when he wakes up (or when he goes to sleep as owls stay up at night.) That Easter Bunny had better be clever so he won't be spotted by Windsor!

Last night my son had a sleep over at a friend's house. This was an unexpected chance to go out and see the town grown up style. Taking complete advantage of the situation, my husband and I dashed out for dinner and a walk around downtown and happened upon a cozy little wine bar that just opened! We were celebrating some good news that has come along for my husband. What a find and a pleasant evening I must say. Can't wait to see the kid today though and his toothless smile. (He lost another tooth yesterday. Pulled it out himself!)

Saturday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for seeing my best friend today and the opportunity to just get away with her for the afternoon.

Timeless style.

Yesterday, in the afternoon while keeping busy with household chores and telling jokes with my son, there was a knock at the door. Who in the world could that be? We don't get many unexpected visitors. A very nice lady was at the door bearing a gift for who? Little ol' me. My best friend sent me a special little gift out of the blue and had it delivered. After recovering from complete surprise, I tore into the beautiful tiny package to discover this darling little vintage number. Oh my, I LOVE this apron. Not sure when I would wear an apron but I'll sure come up with an occasion to wear one now! So very excited about the whole thing. The surprise, the exquisitely wrapped box, and the darling little number. Thank you my friend, thank you! I love it!


Actual photo of apron. This lovely little number is available from Chic to Chic. 619-894.0888. You can also email Stephanie Waterman at chictochic@mac.com. I think she has an Etsy website too!

Friday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for an unexpected night without the child. Adore the adult time but miss the lad terribly, all at the same time.

Spring has sprung.

Happy first day of spring! There is a crispness to the air these days with a hint of warm demi glaze, a little bite of what's to come. Warm weather is heading in and flowers are stretching their little necks towards the sky to breathe new life and flash their beauty. The newness is bursting all around, feeding our souls to grow and expand -- motivate. This is what I like best about spring. We can shake off the old stale crusty parts and expose the soft new wonder. This has been a good year already. One quarter of the way into it and this year has offered up fresh promises already. Are you ready to pick the newly budding fruit? I sure am. Bring it on Mr. Spring, bring it on!

Thursday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for new ideas and the sense to run with them.

Easter Break.

Today we forced ourselves to stay home. (Well, I actually forced the issue and my son robotic-ally obeyed.) There are so many things to be done around here and coming out of a torrential busy season and being out of town, the list has sprouted it's own legs and walked off in disgust. So here's the low down of our very exciting day:

feed animals
make decaf coffee
load of laundry
vacuum
wash front screens on house
wash front door
another load of laundry
eat Joe's Os/drink green drink
try to upload new website
return numerous phone calls
return numerous emails
another load of laundry
clean out closet
another load of laundry
listen to new CD
watch movie while going through magazines
another load of laundry
eat lunch of some sort
go out to buy birthday presents & go to post office
return home to do another load of laundry
clean off coffee table
make homemade chicken noodle soup
eat dinner
make chocolate cookies
try to upload new website again
make birthday cards
surf web
dishes
another load of laundry
post Illustration Friday illo
read before bed

Wasn't that riveting reading? Now I bet my son will be begging me to go back to school next week. ha!

Wednesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for a nice clean house.

Illustration Friday_Heavy

Lil' Chicken was heavy in thought as to just what that darn Easter Bunny instructed him to do with these colored eggs. Lil' Chicken contemplated signing with another temp agency after this job was over!

Nighty-Nite.

This is an illustration for a mural I am going to be painting in a little boy's room next week. I love painting in kid's rooms, there is such fulfillment in creating a space for a little person and seeing how happy they are to retreat into it. I especially love when the child gives me creative input, that's when it really matters.

The trade show I went to in Las Vegas was so cool. There are so many great characters that seem to hover around in this industry. I was very surprised at how regular and normal some of the buyer seemed to be as well. Just your average bunch of Joes walking around carousing for products. Crazy I tell you. I couldn't believe some of the home decor I saw. There are some very large, 25 feet large, automated scary creatures that rise and loom over you when you least expect it. Yes, they hide behind things and then burst out of nowhere to scare you. Wow. It's amazing what people can think of. Anyway, the show was huge and very overwhelming but what a treat to see all of it under one roof.

OK. Las Vegas. I am not a gambler. I repeat, I AM NOT A GAMBLER. But, I did drop $10 in a slot machine and guess what? I won $91! I NEVER win anything. (Well, I think I won $5 at Bunco but if you go enough times you will always win something at Bunco because you put $5 into the kitty everytime you go!) I was so excited, but not excited enough to try to do it again. Lady Luck doesn't hang around with me for long.

I have a love/hate relationship with Las Vegas. It is so out of my normal everyday life that when I get to Las Vegas, the city seems to burst at the seams with life. There is so much stimulation and is definitely a city that never sleeps. I am always very excited to go out and see all the sights when I get there. However, by the next day I am ready to leave. So ready to leave. However, a nice spa treatment could convince me to stay a bit longer I think.

Boy was I ready to leave there yesterday. I could not believe the sea of people out cruising about during the day. I had no idea St. Patrick's Day was so big there. Well, I suppose Spring Break and other conventions had something to do with it. Whatever the reason for the crowds, I couldn't get out of there fast enough. I even drove most of the 6 hours back home and didn't even mind too much.

I was fasting today. I actually didn't start out with the intent to fast but when mid day arrived and I realized I hadn't eaten anything yet, I then had the bright idea to continue throughout the day with just a lot of liquids. I have a few friends that fast occasionally and it seemed like a good idea this morning. Well, after my walk I started to have a headache and it only progressed into the evening into a gigantic sledge hammer type headache. Even after I ate a big salad for dinner. I am told that is your body releasing toxins from not having food. I am not so sure I believe that. I think that was my body telling me that it doesn't like being starved, even if only for one day, and if I do it again the head will be coming detached the next time. We'll make up tomorrow I am sure.

Tuesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for the 6 mile walk in the clear sunshine around a lake today.

Luck O' the Irish.

Who knew Vegas would be so crowded on St. Paddie's Day? Great trip. Dog tired after 6 hour drive. Must go to bed. Happy St. Patrick's Day.

Monday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for the old comrades I saw at the trade show and the opportunity to even be there. Life is good.

SEWA Skincare

These are some business cards that I have created for a company called SEWA Skincare. They are launching their product next month. I am working on their website and it should be up soon.

Halloween in March?

Leaving for Vegas shortly for the Halloween Costume and Party Show. I am so excited, this is the biggest show for Halloween and I finally get to be there and see all the packaging, logos, costume art, etc. that I have worked on for the past 12 years. It is really exciting to go into stores like Target, Party City, etc. and see some of the work I have done hanging on the shelves around halloween time but this is going to be different. ALL the vendors will have their goods displayed for the buyers to come and take a look so I'll get to see everything before October! In case you can't tell, I am very excited about this.

I am posting 2 illos for today and tomorrow in case I get back really late or we decide to go skiing on our way back and don't get back for a few days.

Sunday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for the rain, thunder and hail last night. Freak storms are always fun.

Saving energy.

Our trusty washing machine of 7 years has been showing signs of seeing better days. We purchased a front loader a few years after we bought our house for several reasons:
Uses ALOT less water.
Much kinder to your clothes.
Uses ALOT less water.
Uses less energy.
Often can hold more!
However, over these 7 years we have had to have the thing serviced 3 times and have purchased the extended warrenty many times over because of the continued servicing. Well, since we have paid for the blasted thing 3 times over, I decided when it is time for it to go, it can have it's own natural death with no need to bring it back to life. We are holding the life paddles back this time. I will purchase a front loader again for all the same reason listed above but I'll buy something other than Kenmore.

I like the idea of doing my part, contributing to conserving our natural resources, recycling everything I possibly can for the past 15 years, bringing my own bags to the market, driving used cars, buying used items when I can, growing some of our own food, etc. These actions are things we make a part of our everyday lives for our son to see and realize there is no other way. However, I am pondering what else can I be doing?
When I visit the local coffee barista, I see all the paper and plastic cups overflowing in the trash cans and it literally makes my stomach turn. When did we become such a throw away society? I know "being green" is becoming more of an accepted idea (although I have friends who don't recycle AT ALL because of the inconvenience) but what else can we be doing to lessen our waste? More thoughts on this later.

Saturday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for an evening out at a new dinner house.

Spa Day.

Oh, Lil' D. Why did you have to lose control and back talk to your parents? Now you may have lost Spa Day. The party you have been talking about all week long where you and all your 8 year old friends will lay around on warm towels with a green goopy mask on your faces and eyes adorned with cucumbers may be forbidden to you. No pretty toenails to show off in summer flip flops. All the other girls will not be as rested and primped because you may not be there. Hold your tongue little one, bite it if you have to, just don't talk back ever again. They mean business!

I remember talking back to my parents and I can still taste that bar of Dove soap that graced my tongue and scratched my teeth. I suppose it is a kid's duty to challenge one's parents and see just what you can get away with. I am not looking forward to that challenge when it comes from my own child however. Already almost 7 years has passed and not much of any back talking yet. I consider myself lucky for that although I sure do put up with a lot of whining!

One more day and I am on my way to the 23rd Halloween Costume Party Show in Las Vegas! I will be attending the trade show after creating graphics for one of the leading Halloween Costume companies in LA for the past five years and a total of twelve years immersed in witches, princesses and goons. I finally get to see it all on grand display at the trade show! I am beside myself with delight!

Friday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for the company of great friends during a study at my son's school.

Magnificent.

I can't tell you how happy this chocolate covered marshmallow made me today. It was pure magnificence!

360º

This day, I found myself so completely overwhelmed with all these creative projects on my plate that I found myself doing 360's in my house. I let myself get to this point, probably way too often, and then I have to freeze, take a deep breath and choose to be still. Anything else produces more 360's and a worn pattern in my hardwood floors. So I was still today. Actually listened to a book on tape and did a little mending of some clothing while sitting on the couch in the filtered sunlight. So my type A personality was satisfied with accomplishing some stitching and mending and my tiny sliver of a contemplative side was satisfied with more knowledge from a book I desperately needed to "hear." Woohoo for me. Sorry for my web clients, I'll be on it tomorrow!

The button is also for my son who is "cute as a button!" He was reading to me tonight and impressed me with his reading capabilities. We are onto chapter books and he actually reads very well. He is getting quicker and his voice has lift instead of the monotone drone new readers have. I enjoyed myself immensely. Thank you K!

Thursday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for the ability to consistently be moving at a quick pace yet stop and be still when the time is needed.

Differences between Dogs and Cats.

My sister emailed this to me. I found it hilarious, especially the cat part. Since I have a dog and a cat, I thought I'd share this funny blurb with you!

DOG DIARY

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 PM - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
1:00 PM - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 PM - Ran back and forth in the hall! My favorite thing!
5:00 PM - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 PM - Got to play tug! My favorite thing!
8:00 PM - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 PM - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!


CAT DIARY

Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.

In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Bastards!

They continue to pick me up and handle me, an obvious attempt to subvert me.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches.

The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released -- and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously intellectually challenged.

Tonight I will again lay on their heads while they sleep and hope to smother them.

Wednesday Blues.

Been working on some patterns lately for some packaging. Some of the client rejects happen to turn out to be favorites with me though so I am posting one I love. Lots of work as of late. Yeh, that's a good thing.

Been working on some paintings too. Not much progress in that area. My ideas in my head aren't transferring to canvas quite like I was hoping for. I'll be walking tomorrow, maybe my head will clear itself out just in time to swing a brush across another canvas in the afternoon.

Wednesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for good friends and Carrot Carumba Smoothies.

Spring Cleaning

I was sort of in a funk today. Pondering on this, I have come to realize that I think I am down one friend. Part of it is due to a dinner I had with a very long time friend and a very unfortunate conversation we had. Actually, it wasn't much of a conversation as when one converses with another, there is an exchange of words, a sharing of the mind and talking from both individuals. During this dinner, the topic was something very banal, nothing to get too heated about but my friend started to become very annoyed and antagonizing which was quite surprising. I would have gladly changed the topic but he kept talking louder and louder and faster and faster as if to out talk me and never give me the chance to speak. He refused to listen to any reasoning and couldn't quite support his opinion in a stately manner but was dead sure of not hearing anyone else's either.
After I left, I thought about how the conversation went (my sister was there so I know I wasn't imagining this) and I thought how sad this situation is. I am not sure we are friends anymore. I have tried to make amends but to no avail. So this quote is very appropriate when I think about friendship. We need our friends to build us up, to encourage us and be heard. We don't need them to silence us, to keep throwing dirt on top of the seed as we reach for the sky to bloom. At least I don't. It's springtime and I feel some spring cleaning comin' on!


Tuesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for another day just around the river bend.

It's the experience.

Just came in from playing an impromptu game of basketball with my son. Yup, I still got it. I used to play in jr. high school and it all came flying back as I zipped around our make shift court and shot basket after basket. (Well, keep in mind I was playing a six and three quarter year old and had a glass of red wine already, so maybe my perception is just a bit warped!) Anyway, the point is, I was out there playing a game with my son. I have been swamped with work lately so that part of life has been suffering. He had THE biggest smile on his face when I said I would play. Just priceless. That is one of the beautiful things of being a parent, we get to keep trying over and over to make it right.

Monday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for being a parent. It truly is one of the best things I have ever done in my life.

Give the kid the camera...

While at disneyland a week and a half ago, we were eating at Goofy's Kitchen (an expensive restaurant in the Disneyland Hotel outside the park) because you can meet all the characters and it is a good place to rest and re-coop before the long drive home. Well, I gave my son my camera and these are pictures from what he thought was camera worthy. I just LOVE that he took all these photos of food! Hotdogs, jello, chicken, and cupcakes. My child is a very funny character indeed!

I think I'm in LOVE!

Look what I came across when strolling around South Coast Plaza Friday evening with my sister! A GIANT sock monkey! I have a strong affection for sock monkeys I tell you. I made my first one for my son while recuperating from a really big surgery six years ago and since then I just heart them. I am not a collector of anything but if I was, sock monkeys would be high, high on that list. Isn't he just so cute? Just look at those ears!

Sunday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for the fabulous grilled cheese sandwiches I made tonight. Thickly sliced sourdough bread, butter, sliced tomatoes, avocado and sharp cheddar cheese. Yum, what a delicious splurge!

Go Speed Racer, Go!

Cub Scouts is keeping me rather busy these days. I didn't realize, as I usually don't when I commit to one thing or another, how much time and effort little things can take from us. I thought it would be a matter of just showing up. (Just shows how observant I am!) But alas, I have a manual to read, pledges and handshakes to teach my son, and a wooden derby race car to help design. [I refuse however to succumb to wearing an adult size Boy Scout uniform! I won't, I won't, I won't. No matter how many people tell me I should or how cute it would be. I'd rather lick peanut butter off the bottom of a shoe.] But anyway, back to the derby race car. There is a big race apparently where all the troops in the area get together and have this big race with all their little wooden cars that they have carved out of a block of wood and made all aerodynamic and such. It's a big deal. Never knew. I better start practicing with my band saw! See, this is one of the reasons I still need my dad around. He would have LOVED this with a big bright shiny heart kind of love.

To Do or To Be?

How about giving your "To Do" list a break for a day and contemplate a "To Be" list. Everyone has something that they have to accomplish or get done today be it cleaning out the linen closet or paying the monthly bills or getting to the market. Maybe for one day, we can set aside that list of chores, the pile of business that keeps us spinning in all directions and think about our character traits instead. We all could use a little more love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control in our lives and a "To Be" list could just be the answer even if it's for only one day. As Albert Einstein once said, "Try not to become a man of success but rather to become a man of value." I think I'll try it first thing in the morning!

just bloom.

I have this thing for quotes. Quotes that motivate, inspire or move you to have that "Ah Ha" moment or just get going are like candy for me. I don't even have to search them out anymore, a lot of them come to me, as though I am beckoning them with the thirst to soak it all in and just bloom with the message. It is almost becoming an addiction.

My sister and I went to OC last night to stroll around South Coast Plaza and have dinner with a long time friend. I grew up in OC and South Coast was my hang out. I lOVED it. Now though? Not so much. Don't get me wrong, there are great stores and great restaurants there but the feeling I have in OC is not the same feeling I have in San Diego. Although San Diego is becoming quite a large city, it still has that laid back casual feeling in the air. I seem be reminded of that every time I step away from it. It sure is nice to come home.

Saturday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful to live in lovely San Diego and have my best friend come down from LA again tonight!! 2 visits in one month! Lucky, lucky me.

IF_Garden

"And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."--Anais Nin

Spring is just around the corner. We have had quite a bit of rain here in San Diego and the wildflowers are starting to bloom everywhere. With the spring comes a fever of being able to be outside, enjoy the fresh air and soak in the crisp air that is starting to warm up a bit. Although I have been enjoying the cold winter, OK cool winter here in southern California, spring means we get to spring forward. Jump. Move our feet. Spend time in the garden. Get motivated. And that is just what we need.

Friday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for a flexible schedule that allows me to contribute at my son's school and be a part of a community that can do something to better this earth and the people on it.

I became Jello.

Tonight our little family of three went to Ponce's, a local Mexican food restaurant in an area of San Diego called Kensington with my sister's family. That place has THE best food and it is quite easy to become addicted to their beans and rice. Well after an excellent meal and a tasty margarita, we walked down the street to a TemperPedic store that sells mattresses. They not only have the most incredibly comfortable mattresses but there is a massage chair that I had the privilege of sitting in for close to half of an hour. (Well it felt like half of an hour.) One should not have tasty margarita before sitting in this chair because I almost walked out with a $3800 massage chair. It was as close as you can get to a massage by an actual human being. I love massages and was thinking a few days ago that I need to go get one. Well, tonight my friends, I became jello sitting in a chair.

Thursday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for such a beautiful sunny day.

And the light went on.

I was talking to my very best friend this morning, like we usually do every morning, and she was having an unusually sad, bad, down morning. We all do at times but she and I can have a dialog about the things that bother us and swing things around for each other so we see the light. She was struggling with a problem that involves another person, an unhealthy individual that has many issues and tries to influence others to see things in her dusty, clouded view. We talked about changing her inner dialogue. Changing her language. Praying about it. Hanging the bummer at the door. Well she did for the rest of the day and you know what my friends? It worked! She had a stellar day!
For about 6 months now, I have been practicing changing my language and I honestly have to say it has changed things for me. Changed things to where my days aren't jumbled up with the crap that myself and others can load onto my shoulders. My weight bags are so much lighter, I have a skip in my step. The light went on for my friend today and boy is it burning brightly! So this illustration is about changing your language and the light that will shine and sparkle within when you do.

Wednesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for a day of rest and a day with successful meetings and getting some more work done. Boy am I grateful!

It's flu season.

I've got a sick kid at home today. There is a bad flu going around school and it somehow found it's way over to our house. This however turned out to be a good day for bonding and snuggling for both of us. Oh, and a good day to get a lot done around the house which has been under complete neglect. So, not such a good day for the kid but it was good to be homebound.

Tuesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for health, a strong body and immune system.

le cat

I just found out the other day that my cat has a friend. She has a little cat friend that comes around and visits her. They just hang out together. Of course the dog has been staying inside more often these days so I assume this new found friend feels somewhat safe meandering about with my cat. I think that is so cute. I have always had dogs and I know they like companionship but I thought cats were lonely souls, preferring to pick their own crowd of one. I like the thought that my little cat is a friendly sort. So this illustration is for my little friend making, mouse chasing, tortoise fearing cat.

Monday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for animals who bring such joy and contentment into everyday life.

Illustration Friday_Leap

Just Leap. If you reach for the moon, you may get the stars.
“When in doubt, make a fool of yourself. There is a microscopically thin line between being brilliantly creative and acting like the most gigantic idiot on earth. So what the hell, leap.”--Cynthia Heimel

Disneyland, the most boring place on earth.

I took my son and some friends to Disneyland for an early birthday present this past Wednesday. We had such a fabulous time. However, my son claimed "it was kinda boring" to my husband the next day. WHAT!?! How can anyone say Disneyland is kinda boring? It turns out he was really scared on a sort of fast ride and he didn't like it at all. I LOVE fast rides so I can't empathize with his almost seven mind on this subject. Maybe my fun time was a little different as Nancy and I gabbed the entire time but even if it was pouring rain and freezing cold, Disneyland could never be boring. Growing up in Orange County, I had the privilege to visit Disneyland numerous times so my affection for this place of magic runs deep. Kids. You never can predict what is going to come spurting out of their mouths!

Sunday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for this uneventful day. After a week of stress, I was extravagant with a nap and a movie today! For this, I am so grateful for the little things.

The walk to there.

Life is a journey, picking up bits of wisdom and glimpses of happiness along the way. Wouldn't it be nice if we were born with this insight?

Our big event for my son's school debuted last evening (hence the lack of a post yesterday.) After preparing for it for weeks (months), setting up, working the event and breaking it down over the course of 15 hours today, I have to say it was lovely. Just lovely. I'll be posting photos soon.

Saturday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for the generosity of friends and new people I have met on my so called journey.