Day 13 of 21.

Chowder is feeling a bit insecure with his one arm being just a bit shorter than the other. Most of the other arctic birds haven't noticed except of course for the really large mean one in the group. Will the bully of the bunch reveal Chowder's secret and make him an outcast or will he find kindness in his heart and keep his trap shut? Stay tuned...

This exercise is supposed to be bringing me closer to a more vintage feel in my illustrations but as I inch closer, millimeter by millimeter, the vintage feeling is still so far away. Sigh. I have been creating some fun animal characters for a book idea though.

Saturday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for a really large cabinet I found at a second hand store just waiting for me to refinish! Yipee!

Happy Feats!

I am participating in a really, really cool project that starts in July. It's called Happy Feats a Traveling Sketchbook and it is a sketchbook that originates in England and travels around the world to different artists while they contribute their artwork to the sketchbook. I can't wait but will have to as my time isn't scheduled until January of 09! They are looking for a logo for the whole concept and here is my idea. Any one of the 52 participating artists can submit a logo and I'm not sure how many have already, but I really hope they pick mine. It would go right on the cover!

Saturday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for the really long walk I took with my sister early this morning. Lots of dogs walking about today!

Day 12 of 21.

Fifi's bark is much worse than her bite.

Friday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for my group of friends to go see the opening of Sex in the City tonight and aren't afraid to laugh out loud, clap in the midst of a movie, and drink Cosmos afterwards with.

What a little helper!

Got inspired today while doing some yard work with my son. We have company coming in one week so we are on organizing, clean-up, spruce-it-up patrol around here so I made a little illo of a boy presenting flowers to his mom. Not so vintage, I am stuck on how to get more a vintage feel into my illustrations so I thought I'd still work on that while adding more details to them in the mean time.

Watched "Atonement" last night and although it is a really, really long movie, I just LOVED the ending. What a surprise and an interesting way to end the movie. Worth staying up until 1:00 am for!

Thursday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for the fresh veggie/fruit juice I made today. A real pick me up!

Day 11 of 21.

Rub a dub, dub, just me and my ducky in the tub!

hey, Mom...

I was sitting at my computer and hear a pitter patter of smallish feet come up behind me. Then I hear, "Hey Mom, do you see anything missing from me?" And this is what I turn around to:My son decided to give himself a haircut but only a chunk in the middle right in the front. I've been waiting for this day as most kids do this but he waited seven years, to gather courage I suppose! We had a good laugh and then proceeded to try to even out the front of his hair. A hairdresser I am not! I won't post the "after" photo but take my word for it, IT IS SHORT!

Oops, I did it again!

Oh the pull is so strong, the Red Mango yogurt calls out to me, singing it's sweet lullaby all the while waiting for my return. And I listen. Today I listened, just like yesterday, the day before and a few days before that. The people behind the counter are beginning to recognize me. That is a warning to stop listening to the call of the siren. Must. Stop. Please. Someone. Hold. Me. Back. Or. I'll. Be. Back. Tomorrow.

Bleeding Truths and Reason-less Happiness.

Yesterday I posted about a book title called "Happiness for No Reason." Something really struck me with that title so I told myself I would find truth that bleeds and happiness for no particular reason the very next day, even if it kills me. Well, I am still here, stuck with some sad truths about myself, truths that make only me bleed and I did happen to stumble upon some happiness without rhyme or reason. The source: a nice large coffee from Starbucks when I only requested the medium, finishing a really happy painting, finding a few good deals at the Gap, planning out the rest of my book idea, reclining a heating pad across my neck where it really hurts and last but not least a genuine smile and squeals of glee from my son. Yes, I have found happiness without reason in the everyday with a little truth scattered about!

Kid's Art on Walls

Today I painted a mural, fashioned after an artist that my client really likes. I custom mixed the colors and thinned them out with an additive to create more of a transparent look. I do believe this is one of my favorites. My client is going to hang pictures of her family and framed artwork from her daughter in the trees. Love that. Then the little flower by the light switch is going to be a growth chart as her daughter gets bigger. That makes this art interactive! Awesome!
(Oh, I must give credit to my sister whom I dragged with me so I would be able to finish this in one day. Thanks Cecil!)

Tuesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for the lovely clear breezy day San Diego provided, it was even traffic free!

Red Mango, I say Crack-a-toa!

OK, it's official. Red Mango frozen yogurt puts something addictive in their deliciously tart and tangy frozen treat they call yogurt. I had some last week, couldn't stop thinking about it, then dragged the family there yesterday and today my husband stopped by on his way home from work. And even now after eating a large original flavor with mochi and blueberries, I am still pining for more. That to me screams ADDICTION! According to their website redmango.com, they claim to have nutritional benefits such as, no fat, natural ingredients, live and active cultures, and protein and calcium. I think they forgot to mention the crack additives that make you crave it fort nightly! (Much like the Colonel and his fried chicken in "So I Married and Ax Murderer!")

Do Fish Wear Pants?

Was at the bookstore tonight and I ran across a book titled "Happy for No Reason." I didn't pick it up but I just love that title. Another book title I ran across while leaving the store, "Tell the Truth Until They Bleed." Love that one too. Sometimes I just like to read titles without seeing what the book is about. They can be so clever all on their own. These two, hit a cord with me. I'd like to be happy without a reason and I also sometimes want to tell the truth, even if blood is drawn. Weird, I know. But none the less true. I'll see some truth and happiness tomorrow, even if it kills me!

Monday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for a nice yard to pick weeds in (even though I can't stand the weeds.)

Illustration Friday_Worry

Little Foxy's mom tried very hard to soothe his worry about wearing glasses.

Day 9 of 21.

This could be a new character in the book I started writing yesterday. Sort of has a little bit of a vintage feel, maybe. I'm still trying. However, I am wondering if trying for the vintage thing is barking up the wrong tree so to speak, could be I am trying too hard. Well, twelve more days to figure it out.

My sister and I have been doing some research on twins and have discovered that even though identical twins, like us, have the same DNA, we could still be very, very different. I am speaking in terms of our health and how we respond to situations and difficulties in our lives from a health standpoint. It seems that I have faced more health issues than her and although my life is not anymore taxing than hers, we have discovered that one twin can absorb more stress in the womb than the other therefore leading to more health issues later on in life. Or it could be that I happened to get all the junk done and over with early on so my later years could be fulfilling and peaceful! Hmmm, lots to ponder on that one!

Such a great Sunday it was today. The sky was so crystal clear and the air provided a nice cool breeze for walking. That little rain storm we had was just the ticket to clear the air! Very nice day today!

Sunday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for another great meal at Ortega's Mexican Bistro! Oh, and an iced decaf americano I am really grateful for too!

Searching for the Sun.

Look who's out and about looking for some rays of sunshine. This is Otis our desert tortoise, one of three pets at our house. He is quite a cranky ol' chap, has been ever since we acquired him 10 years ago. I have to say he is one great pet though. Keeps to himself cruising the yard eating grass, flowers and fallen fruit. Sometimes during the summer, I'll go out looking for him and suddenly find him under a fruit tree munching on a mushy peach. He'll look up with peach smashed all over his little face as if to say, "Yeah, where else did you expect to find me?" During the winter, he hibernates in a large box for about 5 months out of the year. When he is awake and out cruising, he'll come when I call him and he is very interested in red painted toenails and romaine lettuce. I think I'll go give him a little watermelon right now. Otis, you rock buddy!

Birthday time again!

Happy 9th Birthday Delaney!

Sadly, I have been feeling a little worn out and burned out about work lately. Quite frankly I've been feeling like that about pretty much everything these past few days. I seemed to have lost my motivation and drive. I can't blame it on the weather although it's been rainy here, I can't blame it on anything really. I was starting to become pretty upset about my lack of interest in work and quite frankly anything creative and I am just wondering how many others go through a little burn out now and then? Probably more than I can imagine, life isn't easy street all the time, it just isn't. So anyway, what to do about it. Although I am still trying to figure out what to do about it, I do have to admit that a very in depth and inspiring conversation last night stirred me to get going again. (Thanks Pam!) I decided to just get up today and get going. Do the things that are good for me, even if I don't really want to do them. Sometimes just the act of doing something you usually enjoy can get you motivated. I'm not used to running on empty and just chugging along so where is that darn filling station?

Anyway, I did manage to write some more of my children's story and work out some illustration ideas for it. I also choked out a few other illustrations today. I guess I am feeling a little bit better!

Saturday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for a great family to be around today for my niece's birthday.

Day 8 of 21.

Breakfast on the run! The egg by itself is a nice protein filled meal but the toast, the toast just couldn't resist that sunny egg so off they ran together.

Thursday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for the start of another painting.

Friday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for a new restaurant with great food and good friends. Nice way to round out the week!

Illustration Friday_Wide

There's something to be said for heading out to wide open spaces, even if only for the weekend!

7 favorite Movies.

Just was over at Gina Perry's blog, the Pineapple Diary, because she started the whole 21 day illustration thing and she also is a fabulous illustrator. She listed 7 favorite movies and invited anyone else to join in, so I'll give it a whirl! Here goes:

1. So I Married An Ax Murderer. This is an all time favorite, really silly, really funny and just pretty darn great. I've seen it about 87 times and still enjoy it every time it's on.
2. American Beauty. Just LOVE Kevin Spacey and this movie is brilliant.
3. Without a Paddle. Another really silly movie but I do really get a good laugh out of this one too.
4. 40 year Old Virgin. OK, I know. A little over Steve Carell because he has become all used up and over done like turkey on Thanksgiving but a really funny movie none the less.
5. The Big Blue. This is such a beautiful film. Unforgettable imagery, interesting premise, good chemistry.
6. The Notebook. Who doesn't like a good love story? This one is so good.
7. Requiem for a Dream. A very disturbing film but like a bad car accident, you just can't look away.

There. 7 movies. What are your favorites?

Day 7 of 21.

Bird perched on a flower. Can I say this is vintage looking? I should say not but I did really like what came out of my computer when I sat in front of it with nothing to offer. I'd say this just came out of my vintage brain and I'll call it a day.

Wednesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for the Cub Scout water gun fight we had this afternoon right after a good ol' fashioned game of Bingo! It sure was fun to run around like a nine year old and throw caution to the wind!

Humble Pie. Would you like a slice?

This quote caught my attention today. I am not quite sure what to think about this but here goes. I do feel that as human beings we are filled with a carnal nature that brings tendencies towards being proud and lofty. How it is manifested in each of our lives though is what makes us truly and uniquely human. I know at times I can get wrapped up in my own life, not thinking beyond myself and then something humbling happens. I am humbled on a regular basis. Just living here in southern California, trying to establish myself daily as an artist and a creative being can be humbling. Very humbling. Not letting that carnal side of me get the best of me is something I earnestly strive for. Now don't get me wrong, I am ALL for building each other up and being ambitious towards goals and sharing opinions with each other. That is what makes the world go around. BUT, at the same time, only looking out for ourselves and being too proud or judgmental can really set us up for a big dose of humble pie. I think this is what the author of this quote was saying. Do you have another opinion about this? I'd love to hear it!

Tuesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for a day of solid work although being a slave to the clock. Tick, tock.

Day 6 of 21.

Ridin' along in my automobile...

I was having a great day today UNTIL I stopped at the store for a few things, ran into some friends and then went to my car and discovered my car battery had died. Just plain quit. Then, I ran back into the store, stepping in chewed up gum along the way, to ask my friend to help jump start my car (I've learned to always carry jumper cables at all times!) All this with the kid in tow. Bummer for him. Needless to say we remedied the situation but it is amazing how quickly your day can turn around. Turn around in all different directions. It swiftly went from great, to bad, and then to good, all in about 15 minutes. Life's little lessons...

I was thinking the other day about what I would buy with an extra $100. Don't know why I was thinking that but I was. THEN my new issue of Real Simple came in the mail today and what little article was in there? What would you do with an extra $100! I kid you not! I thought about this and nixed the idea of buying a new outfit, a new clicker for my car that broke and is held together with super glue, a nice meal out or donating the money (pure selfishness.) Instead I would buy $95 in books, a pack of sugarless gum and an iced Decaf Americano. So, the question is, What would you do with an extra $100?

Monday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for a new issue of Artful Blogging that I bought tonight.

Day 5 of 21.

Sigh. Not vintage looking at all but this is an illo of my son because MY BABY SURFS! He can officially be called a surfer now, standing on the board and riding it a few feet qualifies you as a surfer, especially when you are 7. I have yet to see this event however. Today was scorching hot and I was going no where near a location of sunshine and sand. Little ol' me holed up in front of the computer while the boys hit the pounding surf. (Or gentle lapping waves according to whom you talk to!) I don't mind though. Having enough skin cancer has learned me a lesson if there ever was one to be learned. If you are fair skinned, STAY OUT OF THE SUN. OK, OK I'm listening. I'll catch my outside excursions in the off peak hours thank you very much.

Sunday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for a huge project to be completed! One I have been putting off for weeks and weeks has now been put to bed!

Day 4 of 21.

It's one, two, three strikes you're out at the ol' ball game. Still trying to create some retro looking illustrations. How about a retro subject? Good ol' baseball is about as old school as you can get. Maybe the subject helps make an illo look vintage. Tomorrow I hope to have an answer.

Hot pockets! It sure was hot today! My son was at a friends house for a good chunk of the day and I was hoping to tackle a few house projects before my in-laws get here but our motivation level was about as high as a worm's belly crawling across the hot pavement. So not much accomplished except some web work, some reading, some movie watching, some shoe shopping and a nice long walk early in the morning.

Saturday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for the delicious potato dish I made for a brunch out with great friends.

Day 3 of 21.

Hmmm, maybe a little texture would make this illo sing retro. But for tonight, I just have a young girl reading in what I hope is a vintage looking palate. Must. Do. More. Research.

Today my son was awarded the VIP award for his 1st grade class. Only a few students are given this prestigious award, you must demonstrate a talent and consistently good behavior. His talent is excellent cursive writing. WHAT? Yes, his cursive is very, very lovely but I could think of a few more outstanding talents beyond handwriting. How about being able to laugh at everybody's jokes, even the really awful ones? That takes talent. How about getting your homework finished on time every time? How about being an excellent reader and in the top reading group? How about loving to draw and create? How about being able to curl your tongue into a tube? Well, whatever. The school year is almost over and I am biting at the bit to have the end of the school year hurry itself right on up to being over. Then the summer is ours! Pools, popsicles and concerts in the park are right around the corner. Yipee!

Friday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for some time all to myself.

Day 2 of 21.

Well, vintage it's not so much but what it is is a tribute to teachers in schools. This week is Teacher Appreciation Week at our school and my illustration is for them. Because we all know how valuable a good teacher is!

I was noticing how nice the weather was today. It usually is pretty nice here in San Diego, but it has been especially nice lately. The kind of weather that you are comfortable in a t-shirt and maybe a light sweater or jacket. The kind of weather you get really, really used to really, really fast and then you stop noticing how nice it is UNTIL it gets really, really hot all of a sudden. We've had a few of those spells lately and it looks like another one is brewing up for the weekend. So today, knowing we're in for a hot spell, I really took notice of the perfect weather and enjoyed every ray of sunshine. Really!

Thursday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for the long walk I almost went on but was cut short by a big ol' cup of coffee!

Day 1 of 21.

OK. Here it is, my attempt at trying to bring in a vintage feel into my illustrations. I am thinking my color palate plays a big part of this as well as keeping the colors very limited. Not quite sure but I'm giving it a go. If you have any suggestions or comments on how to create a vintage look/feel in illustrations, I'd LOVE to hear them. I'm not really feeling the vintage love from yester-years, so tomorrow I have a new date with vintage appeal.

Hooray! I just reached my halfway mark in my fundraising goal for the Avon Breast Cancer Walk today! Thank you so much for your donations and support. I can't wait for that walk!

I bought a new pair of walking shoes today due to the blisters I have been getting with my old pair. Being more of a runner in the past, I have been gravitating towards running shoes while venturing on my long power walks and today I have been swayed by the lure of the walking shoe. SWEET. They are so sweet and so full of air I feel like I'm walking on a cloud. I never knew such billowy softness existed! I am never gonna feel my feet again! Thank you walking shoe expert for sharing your knowledge and buttering up the determined ex-runner to explore other options! I promise to not be so set in my ways again! Tomorrow that pavement is gonna see me FLY!

Wednesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for finding the exact color turquoise paper I needed for some invites I am creating!

Illustration Friday_Electricity

The electricity that bolted through them every time they touched was enough for at least one of them to get burned. They couldn't help themselves though. Young love is electric.

Kindly Koi.

Some kind koi have sprung out of my computer, wrestling their way to my blog. I could only oblige and offer some space for them to splash.

I have joined the group over at the pineapple diary to participate in the "21 Day illustration" exercise. The rules are you must pick a time of day to create an illustration and keep consistent with that time for 21 days so it will become a habit. Since I have been creating an illustration a day for quite some time now, the challenge for me is to pick a "theme" and stick with it. I am thinking of trying to create more vintage looking illustrations for this challenge. I am so drawn to the vintage look and have a small collection of books for my son but I have a hard time thinking of how to capture that in my illustrations. I am starting tomorrow. I think noon will be a good time for me. See you at noon with vintage on my mind!

Tuesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for my best friend whom I can talk to every day and not tire of our discussions.

Is "knitty" even a word?

This is "Sock Monkey." He hasn't earned a better name quite yet although he is my son's fabulous friend who I made a few years ago. Six years actually. He is so cute. I love him and just may have to take him back when my son tires of this little knitty yarn goodness.

Friday night I sort of felt like I was coming down with a cold. Well, the cold never quite materialized but has left me wandering in between the land of wellness and the forest of illness. I can't be either place at once so I have to linger on the outskirts God only knows how long. I can function but feel tired and a little achy at the same time. Not a good place to be. I'd rather get sick and be done with it already. This teasing is for the birds or at least someone else. I don't have time for this nonsense!

Monday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for the walk I forced myself to take and felt much better afterwards.

Mother's Day.

Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever. -- author unknown

My Mother's Day: After starting the day with breakfast in La Jolla and a stroll to work it off, I enjoyed the day with my child. We went to the Zoo to see the new African exhibit which was not open because the exhibit is not yet completed. It was not in vain though, got to see the elephants which are my favorite animal and some really large elephant poo. It was great. The things I enjoy all because I have a kid!

The 2 best things about today were:
1. My son gave me a card with a five dollar bill in it. The five bucks didn't thrill me but the fact that he gave it to me out of his hard earned savings and from the kindness of his heart DID thrill me. My boy was so proud of himself as he had hidden the five dollar bill under the couch for several days and then moved it because I may find it while vacuuming. (Which I never did because I didn't vacuum all week!) He always throws me by how generous his spirit can be.
2. I was given a "coupon" for a wet suit. This stemmed from the fact that I happened to mention that I wanted to try stand up paddling and my husband heard "I really want to become a surfer and surf with you and oh, I'll give stand up paddling a try too!" He, he. Yeh, that'll ever happen. The surfing part I mean. I am a cold water whimp. The whimpiest that ever existed. I could wear 2 wet suits, one on top of the other and still not want to go into the surf during the winter/spring time. However, the stand up paddling seemed like fun. I could possibly venture out on the board and not even have to get very wet. That is my kind of ocean sport. That and kayaking. There is a big possibility you DON'T have to get completely wet with either of these. I'll have to see about the wet suit.

Sunday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for red painted toenails!

Celebrate Mom.

Happy Mother's Day!

Saturday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for my son who brings me flowers and drawings and sweet kisses and it's not even Mother's Day yet!

You say it's your birthday, gonna have a good time!

Happy, happy 6th birthday Audrey!

Friday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for a bottle of zinc, vitamin C, a kombucha drink, some hot tea and a movie to combat the feeling like I may be coming down with something. Oh, my super soft zebra striped lap blanket. I am grateful for that too.

Woulda, shoulda, coulda...

Just got back from a night out with my girlfriends. We talked about a canoe trip that I was SUPPOSED to go on two weekends ago but for some reason I chickened out at the last minute. I am not afraid to canoe down a river, in fact I love kayaking so I am positive I'd dig the canoeing. I am not afraid of camping, I can camp along with the best of them. I am not afraid of eating outdoors or carrying in my tent and goods and roughing it for a few days. The fact of the matter was I really think I thought way too long and hard about bears and it sort of freaked me out. I was afraid of getting mauled by a bear. BEARS EAT PEOPLE. I actually don't think there ARE bears in that part of the Colorado river but for some reason I was convinced there were. So it seems that I missed out on a really fun trip with a bunch of girls roughing it along a river for 3 days. Too bad for me. Well, I guess there's always next year.

Thursday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for iced coffee.

Grateful on a Wednesday.

What is with San Diego's weather lately? It was so hot a week and a half ago and now this week has been gloomy and rainy, well not quite rainy but misty that's for sure. Not good motivating weather I have to say, my comfy lounge clothes have been calling out to me and I have been listening. Maybe I wouldn't do as well as I think I would up in Seattle. Can't wait to see the sun soon!

Wednesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for finding my favorite macadamia coconut tea at a nearby store.

Illustration Friday_Seed

The seed of love starts at home.

Wag the tail.

Just got back from seeing a movie with my sis, it was "Made of Honor" with Patrick Dempsey. Have to say the only good thing about it was the various dogs throughout the movie and of course the eye candy Patrick Dempsey. Lot of fluff, a bit boring, but the dogs in the movie were very cute. Oh, the Scottish countryside was quite nice too. That's about all I can say though. Wait for the DVD.

Did I exceed my expectations for the day? Well, no. I guess I'll have to give it another go tomorrow, I mean later today as it is already tomorrow. That's the beauty in life, we always get another chance with the dawn of a new day right? Lots of work I must accomplish so my prospects look pretty good.

Tuesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for the escape into the movie theater.

Extraordinary.

I think I'm going to try this tomorrow. It would be nice for far exceed my expectations for once! I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...

Monday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for the progress of my children's book idea.

Target, I think I love you.

I was in Target yesterday with my sister and when she rang up her goods a coupon was attached to her receipt. Well this wasn't just a coupon, it was a ticket for a FREE bag of chocolates. PAYDAY!! Who gives away free bags of candy? Well, apparently Target does to unsuspecting lucky individuals! So, when life hands you lemons, go ahead and make lemonade. BUT when life hands you a free bag of chocolates, walk, wait NO RUN and snatch that baby up because that doesn't come around very often! Thanks Target. It's official, I think I love you. Here's to chocolate induced love!

Happy Mayo!

Ole! Shoulda had a margarita today! But no, didn't think about it until now and 11:30 pm is too late to start. Oh well, I'll think about it next year (or maybe tomorrow!)

Sunday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for the delicious breakfast we had down by the beach this morning.

Gratefulness...

This is my next painting in my Inspired series of paintings I have been working on. I wait for the idea, and after focusing and mentally preparing for the inspiration, it all floods in, the ideas streaming in. If I don't act right away, I am afraid it will all go away. I am a grateful prisoner of sorts in my own mind.

Last night, long after my son surrendered to slumber, I snuck into his room and snuggled with him to watch him sleep. It is so sweet to watch a sleeping child. His mouth relaxed and slightly parted, his lashes look so long as they sweep across his cheek, I just love to watch this child sleep. As I was gazing upon him, a strange feeling of regret came over me. A regret not of something that I had done but a sense of regret that I'll never know this being as anything other than a mother knows her child. I know this is one of the greatest bonds and I most certainly am not belittling it because I love, love this bond but I was overcome with a sadness that I'll never know this child as a friend who he trusts with his secrets. My son is a wonderful human being, a compassionate, sensitive, funny child that will grow into an adult with many virtuous qualities and I'd love to know him as a confidant, a friend, a business work mate later on in his life. I know I won't always be able to hover or be so inquisitive about his life as I am at this tender age and that I suppose is what makes me just a tinged sad. OF course I am grateful and am tremendously happy that I have such an incredible son and I cherish that. He is my sunshine during the day and my moon at night. Is that weird I love that kid so much? Does every mother feel that way about her child? I don't know, but I just can't help myself.

Saturday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for nice friendships for my son.

Just keep walkin'!

I've been feeling a little out of sorts lately. Not sure why, maybe it could be that I haven't been taking the time to walk and train like I used to for the past couple of weeks, or it could be because I haven't been eating as carefully as I used to, or it could be because my sister has been out of town and my schedule is all out of whack, or it could be just because life has it's normal ups and downs and I am a little out of sync. Whatever the reason is, today I woke up with a GREAT attitude. Out of no where I had a "life just try and knock me down" attitude that stuck with me for the entire day. I had a GREAT day. I made myself walk down at Mission Bay which was the best decision I have made all week, had the best cup of coffee and drank the whole thing, finished another painting, got some work finished and rearranged my son's room with him this afternoon. All my favorite things all rolled up into one super fantastic day. Give me a "Whoop, whoop" and a "Hey!"

Friday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful to have life and be able to enjoy it 100%.

It's all about the 3's.

She just may be my new character for my book idea. Not sure but she's getting close.

Today is my 333rd post. Three is my favorite number and I just happened to notice how many posts I've made. That's quite a few in 8 months, I guess I had something to say! Too bad I don't have much else to say tonight, all my thoughts went out the window after I fell asleep reading to my son tonight right before his bedtime. I am so worthless when I fall asleep and then wake up a little bit later.

My Ipod came today and I am so excited. If only I could figure out how to use it properly... (geez, I really am quite useless at this moment!)

Thursday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for a chance to work out in my garden.