The new year is just a whisper away...

Some orange to brighten your day . . .

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I will be on the road for New Year's Eve so I am posting this in advance for all my friends and family who take the time to stop by. Here is my new year's wish for you . . .

"May the sun bring you new energy by day, may the moon softly restore you by night, may the rain wash away your worries and may the breeze blow you new strength."

Love you . . .

Please pass the punch.

I saw them . . . the paintings . . . for myself. My lovely friends and family have been sending me quick photos of sightings but I hadn't seen them up close and in person . . . that is until Sunday. I have to admit . . . I love them. The reproductions came out really nice, the colors are bright and fun and the display looked very cohesive. Plus, the display looked like some were missing already AND they are very reasonably priced. Me pleased as punch.

Wednesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful to see the Muir Woods. Amazing, truly amazing.

A San Francisco treat.

Hellllooooo from San Francisco! I hope everyone had a great holiday and is enjoying the wind down of the rest of this year. I wasn't going to make any posts until the new year began but a few things have happened to cause me to change my mind.

1.) Christmas came and went without my twin sister and we made it. Time didn't stand still, the day was quite nice and actually enjoyable. Yes, sad but not as bad as I thought it would be. It's funny, sometimes I still think time should stand still once in a while . . . and . . . it doesn't.

2.) Along the drive up to Santa Barbara, we counted over 73 hawks. Some were flying in packs of five or more, some were flying and hovering just above the highway, some flew alongside of us for a bit and some just went about their business without paying attention to us. I have never seen as many hawks in one day as I did that day until of course the next day on the drive to Monterey we counted well over that amount. Maybe it's a sign, maybe it's not . . . I like it all the same. 

3.) Mr. Man gave me a very nice camera for Christmas and I have been learning how to use it. I made a little challenge and thought I'd post a little bit of it. I am trying to capture all things orange . . . why? Because orange is my color!

How about you? Do you have a specific color you like?

Friday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for the chance to make new holiday traditions.

Saturday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for visiting with old friends.

Sunday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for spending the day with more old friends.

Monday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for road trips!

Tuesday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for fun, crowded cities like San Francisco.

Happy Holidays to you.

This just might be my last post for the year. Tomorrow morning, my little family of three will hop in our car and head up the coast without any definite plans. A little adventure during a time that is heavily loaded with emotion and traditions. Traditions that feel a little false right now. So, that being said, I'm not sure when I'll be posting for the rest of the year so I want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a healthy and joyful new year. See you in 2010!

Thursday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for this year to be almost over and yet very grateful for all the lessons I've learned along the way.

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah! My new site works. My year is complete and I am happy, happy, happy. Just in time to enjoy the holidays!

www.deborahmori.com

Will you take a peek and give me feedback, good and bad? I'd shore 'preciate it!

Recent sightings...

A friend of mine from Virginia, sent me this photo...this all seems a little surreal at the moment. But I'm liking it!

Waiting is the hard part.

For as simple as a site can look, there is a lot of work that goes behind it. And I mean A LOT. I just finished my site www.deborahmori.com after spending days and days on it, published it and now have to wait for it to show up in my browser. You'd think it would be instantaneous but... sigh... it's not. I think I'll go to bed and just maybe I'll have a nice surprise waiting for me when I get up. This would seriously make my year if it happened just like that. And. I'm. Not. Kidding.

How about you? Are you patient for results when you have spent a lot of time on something?

Tomorrow (Christmas Eve), my nieces are coming over and we are going to P.A.R.T.Y. We'll have lunch and cake and presents and crafts and maybe a movie... I can't wait! Christmas is my favorite time of year.

Hope you are enjoying your holiday season!

Wednesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for my bed and my new pillow.

A Stitch in time...

After being very frustrated about my overwhelming project of my website, I walked away from it (after being counseled by very good friends), and decided to concentrate my energy on making this. It is for my niece and it is cut squares of her baby clothes that her mom collected. While in hospice, my sister asked me to make something with them. So I did. I think I did my sister proud and her daughter will have something to hug and cherish for many years. Now... I have another one to make... gulp...

The house next door...

What is it? What is it? She exclaimed delightfully...

"Am I excited? Oh, very!" she squealed.

"What! I can't just rip it open?"

"Oh my, oh my..." she gasped.

"Thunk" was the sound her head made as it hit the floor. After picking herself up and dusting herself off and drying stray tears, was she able to admire the house that has moved into the neighborhood. It was simply stunning... a welcome addition for sure! Thanks Pam!

Tuesday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for some time to sit and read.

Great Quote to live by.

"You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself" - Jim Rohn 

This is at the heart of my core. I wish I said it first.

Big, big news.

I have some big news. Twelve of my paintings have been reproduced and licensed by Target. I KNOW! Target! I wasn't supposed to say anything until the 27th but they are in the stores on the east coast so that means it's fair game. My awesome cousin took some photos for me as they aren't in the stores on the west coast yet. She also said one of the stores was almost cleared out, hence the scarseness of the photo! Squeak!

Pinch. Can this really be happening?

Monday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful my new website is almost complete. Just in time. Whew!

Pitter pattern.

Ahhh. Patterns. Patterns in life, patterns on paper, patterns of routine. It is nice to have them. To rely on them, to escape them, to make them. Yes. Patterns.

How about you? Do you have patterns in your life?

This quote speaks eons to me today:

"All blame is a waste of time. No matter how much fault you find with another, and regardless of how much you blame him, it will not change you" - Wayne Dyer

Saturday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful to be able to go to bed early.

Sunday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful to have a grief class to go to this morning.

Star of Wonder, Star of Light...

There is a little Christmas village that has just sprouted nearby, it looks warm and inviting, a delightful visit might be in store. Wait, I can visit anytime I like because it is sitting on my cabinet in my dining room. Hooray for me. There is a little house hiding in the back... it is a gift so I can't reveal the entire structure. Just a peak for now. (I swiped the little tree from my son who is insisting he get it back very shortly. I suppose I'll make do with the lovely pine cone behind it! Kids I tell you...)

After finishing my little village, I escaped outside to witness this. The sun was bowing to the dusk and revealing all her majesty. Too bad about the telephone wires blocking my view. One day, they'll all be gone!

Yesterday my eye caught this and I just can't stop staring at it. Isn't it lovely?

This grainy photo shows the extreme loveliness of the image... it's a beautiful die cut. Just dreamy.

How about you? What has captured your attention lately?

Friday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful to see the top of my dining room table which has been covered with glue, paper, scissors and other crafty items for weeks upon weeks. I imagine dinner sitting at the table...

Gift Cards are gr8.

I don't know about you but, gift cards seem to be the gift to give when you want to give a little somethin' to someone to say "hey, I know we don't exchange gifts but here's a little somethin' on me" OR sometimes it's just the perfect thing to give when you don't know WHAT to give. Anyway, it can be challenging to find cute ways to "gift" a gift card. So, I created this for you to save to your computer and print as needed. Here are the simple directions:

* Print onto thick paper.

* Cut out around blue edge.

* Fold down center to make crease and open flat again.

* Slice horizontal white line with Xacto knife (or something similar.)

* Glue or double stick tape on inside around edge area only and fold together. (Stay away from the sliced line!)

* Slide Gift Card through sliced line and fill in "to" and "from" areas.

* Give to recipient and see them smile.

The finished size should be 3" wide by 4" tall. See? Easy Peasy. They will think you made this just for them and that you are the cleverest being around! Try it!

Hope your holidays are going smoothly!

Thursday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful I woke up today very healthy and NOT sick at all.

Sleeping and walking don't always go together.

Sleepwalkers – These are people who live through their lives in an unconsciousness state. It is not just about being physically awake – Many people around us are awake, yet living unconsciously. They are not fully aware of who they are, the larger context of life they are a part of and their real purpose in life. (read more...)

This article came from a really interesting blog called, The Personal Excellence Blog by Clestine Chua, with great articles about finding your purpose. I know one or two sleepwalkers and I am disheartened about it. Do you know any sleepwalkers of life?

All on a Wednesday.

Lucky me. I painted today. Art directed a photo shoot with fun people. Watched my son in a Christmas program. Laughed like there was no tomorrow.

Unlucky me. I think I'm getting sick. Possibly the flu. Sigh.

However, I thought I'd post something since you came and stopped by. Wouldn't this be fun to make? I found it on daisyjane's blog here from November 23rd. Her blog is well worth a visit.

How about you? Do you like to make things?

Wednesday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for some hot tea with organic honey, an early bed time and a cooperative family.

Tuesdays are creative days.

Someone asked me today if I paint everyday. No. I wish I painted everyday but somedays I have to do computer graphics, somedays I get to paint and somedays I make things with my hands. Like this. I made this for a book lover...

Then somedays I get to paint really big canvases like this. And layer paint. And layer some more paint, and then even more. You would not believe how many layers are on this large painting already. I almost don't believe it. It is for a friend and I hope she likes it when I give it to her in another day or two.

How about you? What do you fill your days with?

Tuesday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful to be feeling very productive. That's a really good thing.

It may be December but it's not always about Christmas.

Very UN-Christmas but very necessary. A friend of mine's cousin is running from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic coast in January through April. 2,400 miles to be exact. I've been helping in a very small way with marketing materials and now I am designing a ONE color t-shirt to help represent this awsome kid and to also help make him some money to do this. Out of several designs, I liked these two the best. Which one do you like best?

It has been a nice Monday to focus on marketing my business... marketing Modays... and not even think for a moment about Christmas. I love Christmas but it can be a little overwhelming, it's nice to step away for a bit.

How about you? Do you get time away from the holiday hoopla?

Monday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful to make progress on two website designs.

Twelve Days of Christmas.

I don't know what turtle doves are but I think I like this version. I am finding it hard to believe Christmas is now twelve days away. When did that happen?

How about you? Are you ready for the holiday?

I have been thinking about the coming new year, a time for a fresh start, a time to wipe the slate clean. Although I know that you don't get to start a new year and leave all your problems and issues behind, there is something so refreshing about looking at a brand new calendar, free of any commitments and adgendas. Wide open space to fill up as you see fit, or maybe leave extra open space for a little breathing room. The thought of starting a large block of time with a new attitude, new possibilities and time to breathe sounds so refreshing to me, I am speechless with anticipation.

I have two really big things happening in my art world for the new year. One actually starts at the end of this year and I can talk about it on December 25th. The launch date is December 27th, and sadly that is all I can say about that for twelve more days. The other really big thing is my Valentine's kids book that I illustrated will be hitting the shelves at Borders shortly after the first of the year. So giddy with glee is me.

Sunday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a day of getting back into my game. Getting caught up and finding the mental clarity to do so is a gift indeed.

What could it be now...

There's something taking shape around these here parts. Hmmmm...

Saturday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for the privilege to see a friend's child perform in a play.

Santa's come to town.

Yesterday, I received another package in the mail, this one was expected. But what a surprise we had in store for us. Who does cute drawings on the outside of packages? Well, doodlestreet does of course!

Then, look who popped out of the box! This clever little Santa with moveable arms and legs and the cutest little face. Just that round little nose is showing! The craftmanship on this craft is outstanding and simply amazing. If I had made this, it would have taken me WEEKS and you would see glue seeping out of the seams and dirt marks from me throwing it across the room out of frustration. But no, Pam whipped this out in an afternoon I just know it. Yes, my friend Pam is very talented! Thank you for the great gift... I love it!

How about you? Are you patient while making handmade items?

Friday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a large project to be almost complete, the little colorful houses beginning to come to life and my boy to be on the mend.

Great Quote of the Day.

"The greatest things ever done on Earth have been done little by little." - William Jennings Bryan

Good Days and Not So Good Days.

If you started your morning out with a wand of mascara sliding down your white shirt and then shortly after, having toilet water spray up into your face while cleaning it, would you go back to bed and start over? That just might be the universe telling you to. I should have listened.

Thursday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for friends. Boy, friends are what makes the world go round.

Beauty knows no bounds.

"It is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities" - J. K. Rowling

A few days ago, I received a package in the mail. I wasn't expecting anything so this was a surprising delight as I carefully sliced through the clear tape and peeled back the layers to discover this . . . 

. . . this beautiful, handcrafted, deep, rich, luxurious, chocolate brown shawl. From my friend. My friend from high school. My friend who looks like a very young Elizabeth Taylor. My friend who so graciously made this for me because this was how she could wrap her arms around me into a hug from far away. My friend who felt sorrow because of my sister whom she also knew. My friend who is so delightful in many ways, so giving and generous. She sent this to me, while having a very rough year of her own, after lovingly creating this lovely shawl for me. 

I am humbled by your generosity Dena. I am speechless and humbled. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I absolutely love this gorgeous gift from you.

Joyfully quiet.

There is a new housing development being built near us. Can't wait to see them finished!

I made this today after finishing up some holiday crafts. This little bird found a nice little home on my Christmas tree. Oh happy day. (Don't worry P, this is NOT a preview of your holiday surprise coming to you in the post.)

I'm feeling little bursts of quiet joy in this holiday season. How about you?

Wednesday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful my holiday cards came in the post today. I was hoping for another project to add to the list...

Strength and struggle.

Super great quote for today:

"Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strength. When you go through hardship and decide not to surrender, that is strength." 

I love this.

It's the holiday season...

Holiday love.

Not much to post tonight although I have to say we have been struck with the swine flu. Not sure how we got it but it's here and soon to be gone. Hopefully.

How about you? Are you making sure to take care of yourself?

Tuesday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful a friend convinced me to take the boy to the dr. today.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

What do you do when you are rushed to get to a holiday party and you realize you don't have any tags for your gift? Well, you come right over here and save this file to your computer and print away. Presto! Instant gift tags to adorn your holiday presents. My gift to you.

Random Thoughts in my head:

This evening, after caring for a sick child all day, I rushed to the grociers as tomorrow will be a whole lot more of the same as today. I'm digressing because the point of my mentioning this is I saw the leg lamp from the "Christmas Story" at my local health food store! I couldn't believe my eyes! I didn't have my camera but as soon as I can get back over there, I am going to snap a photo because this is earth shattering. In fact I think I'll hover close by for a while and exclaim very loudly "Be careful! This lamp is Fragilé!" at shoppers whose carts veer too close. (If you haven't seen the movie and have no idea what I am talking about, go watch it!)

How about you? Does it take a lot to humor you or very little?

Monday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful to have my son at home while it rained and stormed outside all day long.

If a woodchuck could chuck wood...

Hmmm, holiday craft project? Yup. I cut a bunch of wood today for a very secret holiday project that involves wood, paint, paper, glue, some magic and maybe a little bit of glitter. Oooooo. There are three of us involved, want to join us? I'll send you some wood along with the main idea of the project and you interpret any way you'd like. You'll just have to send back a photo. Interested? Feeling artsy? Let me know....

Now, where is my sand paper?

Sunday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a very loungy kind of day.