Sister's Life Story.

Last Sunday, my church did a service that highlighted my sister's struggle with cancer. My nieces, brother-in-law and myself were interviewed for this very moving video. I felt this was a way to honor my sister's life and her walk of faith down a very dark and scary road. If you would like to watch it, click here and press play when the video shows up. (The video is about half an hour long.)

Weekend blur.

I don't know about you, but there is something very exhilarating about heading out of town for a change of scenery, staying in a top notch hotel in a room with a view, enjoying room service and attending the amazing, amazing, can't say enough about it, Bolshoi Ballet's "Don Quixote." It has been a very trying past few weeks and doing all of the above has refreshed my soul and plumped up my heart to tackle more of this complicated thing we call life. I am such a lucky gal.

How about you? Did you enjoy the weekend?

Sunday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a very dear friend to slip out of town with. Many thanks Lisa!

Electronic cake. Yum.

My friend Pam is enjoying a birthday today! This birthday cake is for her and also for anyone of you who might be celebrating a February birthday. We just had several around here, the month of love is a busy one for sure.

Have a delicious weekend!

Saturday's Gratitude:

I am so, so grateful for the rain. Even when I'm going out of town for some shopping and ballet viewing, it's not going to dampen any fun!

Year of the Tiger.

Chinese New Year happened to slip by on Valentine's Day and I didn't even notice. I'm sorry little tiger, this is still going to be a calm year so keep your claws to yourself. (Picture taken in August 2009 in Denver, Colorado.)

Finally got around to my easel today and painted this...

and this. I think I'm seeing a floral or some sort taking place in the near future. What do you think?

I am so glad to be slipping out of town to see a ballet performance in OC tomorrow. This has been one beast of a week!

Friday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a really good book to curl up with.

Joy and sorrow.

“May your joys be as deep as the ocean, your sorrows as light as its foam.”

Thursday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a weekend get a way coming up. It's good to have plans to look forward to.

Isn't this lovely? Imagine...

I learned to knit today. Watch out Martha...

Wednesday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for my son's teacher who is not only really nice but genuinely caring. Love her.

Tuesdays are quite busy.

My blue paintings are now blue green and about to take the next step to something like this... I'm nervous.

On another note:

Emily from bornluckystudios asked me to share some info about the little red zippered bag I created for my friend for Valentine's Day. The materials are from two paintings I made and cut up for this project. I then stitched the heart onto the background, stitched the circle on the back and sewed in a zipper. Next I stitched the bag all around the edges, added some beads to the zipper pull and wha-la... instant custom bag. Easy peasy, sugar pleasy. Anyone can do it if you have a regular ol' sewing machine. If anyone decides to make one, please post and let me know!

Another random note:

I stopped by Whole Foods today for some raw ice cream (dairy free dessert made from nuts and sweetened with agave syrup) to celebrate a birthday healthy style and while I was there, I saw a very lovely exchange between two people. There was a girl who worked there and she gave her friend a hug, maybe a greeting or reassuring grasp, however her hug was so intentional and important and in the moment. She took her time and devoted every single ounce of her being into this person's space, I was so drawn to the intentional presence she had. I had to say it took my breath away.

Then seeing that made me ponder when the last time I was that intentional, that purposeful, that slow and artigulate with movement. I really can't remember. Possibly way back into last year while being present for a special person. I can't be sure though and that makes me want to slow way down, breathe deep and just feel the air around me. I think I was supposed to see that lovely exchange between two people today.

Yet another random note:

I witnessed this battle yesterday and I'm happy to say Spongebob won despite the horrified look on his little face...


How about you? Do you revel in child's play on a regular basis?

Tuesday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a cooperative class to participate in an art project. Made my day nice and relaxing! (I'll post the results of the water fountain at another time.)

Quote on a Tuesday.

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it." - Goethe

A nod to you.

I don't know what I did to deserve this, but I received this award from the red headed stepchild blogger. That was so nice of you, thank you!

I must pass on the love so here is a list of bloggers that brighten my day:

doodlestreet

eric barclay

kelly medina

lisa graves

michelle allen

red dog and jude

angela matteson

edrian thomidis

lori

There are so many more of you lovely bloggers that bring smiles to my face, but I have to go pick up the kid from school so the list had to end. . . for the time being anyway. You all are wonderful so this award goes to each and every one of you too!

The gritty details of this award is to link to the giver and post links of your favorite bloggers who bring a ray of sunshine into your life. Don't forget to let them know about it too!

Setting boundaries.

Good reminder for the day! I don't have much else to say. . . I have the flu. Not too bad but just enough to remind me how precious my energy is.

Monday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for very supportive people in my life.

Sunday in the Park.

When in San Francisco a few months ago, I couldn't help but be drawn to these images of The Golden Gate State Parks Conservatory graphics created by Michael Schwab. I feel San Diego needs something like that so I made one for Balboa Park. I'd wear this shirt for sure!

How about you? Do you ever see something you like and try to adapt it into your everyday life?

Saturday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for really good friends to eat out with.

Sunday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for situations that push me to bite my tongue when I'd really like to stick it out.

Surprised silly.

Completely knocked out silly. That's how I felt when I stopped by Target today and saw my "love" print in their regular line up. Down the isle with the framed art. Not a special one time deal but something that will have a little life in this fleeting world. It is my print with a glass layer and my black swirls on the glass surrounded by a black frame. Love this.

How about you? What surprised you today?

Friday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a terrific work meeting today.

Zoo musings.

Stopped by the Zoo today with my friend Ned to draw some animals, eat lunch and take some photos. When in Ned's company though, little gets done except for laughing and interesting conversations so I didn't take one photo. Not one. My backyard holds many treasures so I snapped a few photos of them instead.

This one is for a certain someone who LOVES dandelions.

How about you? Do you notice everyday beauty?

Thursday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a job that allows me the freedom to go outside and sketch.

Hope on a wing and a prayer.

I am wishing all of this for you today. Everyone needs a little bit every single day, some more than others and for today, I wish you all of it.

Peace.

Wednesday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for some really great news about a new project.

Great quote for Today.

"This one step - choosing a goal and staying to it - changes everything." - Scott Reed

Magic in the air.

This is part of some magical illustrations I was working on today for a fun little project. I can only share a tiny peek...

Thoughts in my head:

"You have to believe in yourself when no one else does. That's what makes you a winner." - Venus Williams 

I found this quote to be very significant today as someone just told me that I am hoping for a response from a certain person that I am not going to get and I am putting too much into that expectation. (Which is true.) I need to change my way of thinking so I will be OK when I don't get what I am hoping for. Not that I shouldn't care what other people think but just don't put so much weight on other's responses. Just believe in yourself.

I think I was told in a nice way that I am insecure. Ouch. 

Tuesday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a very productive day.

Blue Storm.

There is a blue storm brewing up around this area. I've been painting blue square canvases and I can't seem to stop. It's turning into a novel of sorts, I can feel it. They each have coats and coats of acrylic paint with lots of glaze and the luminosity draws you in, pulling you to look at all the layers peeking through. I'll try to get a better photo, it's just a little tricky with the glossy sheen and reflection and my beginner camera skills . . .

Although most people had the day off today, I worked on a graphics project that came in on Friday. I feel so fortunate to be able to work at home, however, it does have it's down side. It's almost impossible to walk away from work. I always seem to be in front of my computer in my office or on the laptop in another room. A cooperative artist community of sorts would be the perfect solution . . . I don't know of any around here but I suppose I could start one. I've got a few friends interested, anyone else?

How about you? Do you like your work environment?

Monday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a spontaneous picnic in Balboa Park this afternoon in the 75 degree weather. Just perfect.

Happy Valentine's Day to you, and you and you!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! Couldn't resist just one or two more hearts, after today, I promise no more.

Twilight chocolates from the boy. How does an eight year old know how to get to a gal's heart? Vampire chocolates my friend, vampire chocolates. Oh, and things like little butterfly kisses reluctantly distributed and sweet sayings like "Will you home school me because I WANT to spend more time with you!" Ha-ha-ha. Yes, I'm a big ol' sucker, I'd buy swamp land in Arizona from that kid. 

Lovely little sushi lunch that just HAD to be adorned with a little heart shaped burn your nose wasabi! The sushi chef was too busy to create this so I formed it ever so lovingly because I just knew that deep in his sushi heart this is what he intended.

On another note:

After quite a bit of thought, I have decided my life is not getting a whole lot simpler. I'm trying to make it so but the same types of busy-ness keep showing up at the doorstep and I keep inviting them in. So, cold turkey I must go. It is going to be a silent death of Facebook for me. I contemplated giving up my cell phone but panic set in and the idea of giving up something smaller sounded better when I was feeling weak. 

"Facebook, I must part ways with you for a while. We can still be friends, don't get me wrong, you are great but we just can't see each other for a while." 

There, I feel so much better.

How about you? How do you make your life simpler?

Sunday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for some quiet time to watch a few documentaries on health, sitting in bed while eating vampire chocolates.

Art project gone wrong.

My original thoughts on creating a mosaic water fountain for my son's class auction project is not going so well. I am having difficulties finding the right materials to make what I had planned out. Now, I'd really like to create something like these. Anyone have any suggestions how to do that? How in the world did they get that large decorated piece to stand up in that small container? Anyone?

Budding Hearts.

The last day of hearts. This is a budding heart hoping to bloom just in time for Valentine's Day!

Speaking of Valentine's Day, I used to not really be much of a fan. It seemed like a forced Hallmark kind of holiday with extra pressure to purchase stuffed animals, oversized greeting cards and loads of sugar. Then, last year I came to the conclusion, a day of love can really be celebrated in anyway and there really aren't any written rules of how to show your love. I'm back on the Valentine's side of the fence now and hoping to spend the day in a large green kayak, paddling around the bay with Mr. Man and the boy. Maybe a little lunch to round things out would be nice too. Happy Valentine's Day Eve to all of you!

Oh, and by the way, Valentine's Day is not all about pinks and reds either!

How about you? Are you a fan or foe of Valentine's Day?

Saturday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a font nerd friend who will sit through the documentary "Helvetica" with me. Thank Barron!

Fear.

"The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one." - Elbert Hubbard

Ordinary Days.

Hearts on a tree. These are some paper hearts the boy and I cut out to put on our holiday tree branches. I bought these branches from Pottery Barn and they are sugared so they sparkle and synthetic so the branches will hold up. I've been thinking about a multi holiday tree for a while now and finally decided to make one . . . life is short so celebrate the ordinary days.

These flowers reminded me of my sister. She so loved tuber rose, hydrangea, wax flower, tulips and roses and during her short stay at Hospice, I made sure she was surrounded by all of these lovely smelling flowers. The beautiful smelling flower season is back so these lovelies are gracing my sofa table! Hooray!

How about you? How do you celebrate ordinary days?

Friday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a nice day to hang out with my son and play catch, paint, cut paper, watch tv and eat pancakes, popcorn and peanuts.

Imagine that.

Like the song goes, I left my heart in San Francisco. . .

Great Quote:

"It's time to start living the life you've imagined" - Henry James 

I have this quote on my refrigerator. I love it.

Wednesday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for good communication.

Thursday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for uncomfortable situations, they give you the chance to grow into comfort.

Love is in the bag.

More hearts. This is a little bag I made for my friend over at Doodlestreet. I love the front with the heart and the messy love but I've realized now the little circle on the back sort of looks like the bullseye from the Target logo. In fact that is the first thing that Mr. Man said when I showed him these photos. . . I'm just sayin'. It's a laugh a minute around here. Ha-ha-ha-ha. . . silence.

February brings surprises!

Pam, over at Doodlestreet, and I participate in little challenges and art exchanges once in a while and I just received another one of her creations in the mail today. I love this so much. . .

Somehow, I think I get the better end of this deal!

On another note:

I had a funny experience happen today, one that involves awkward moments. We all have had them at various times in our lives but this one felt uncomfortable and warm at the same time. It happened at my painting class this evening.

I decided not to go to my last class because of some disturbing news I had heard earlier today and I was not feeling in the mood to go paint with other people. Painting can sometimes feel very private at times. But I did go to the class to tell my teacher how much I enjoyed being in her class and pick up a few canvases I had left on the drying rack.

So, my teacher and I are talking, sharing some insights and discussing future classes. It's time for me to go, I pick up my canvases and she leans forward but at the same time takes a small step. I thought she was going to give me a hug so I spread out my arms and at that exact moment I realize she was just going to step out and walk away. She did give me a hug, so that was the warm part but at the same time, I felt like a big dork and that's the uncomfortable part. Yes, it's those awkward moments that keep life interesting.

Mr. Man got a big laugh over that one.

Tuesday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a clean sparkly dog, fresh from the cleaners. (The dog groomer that is!)

Hang on little love. . .

Love just keeps hanging around! I made this yesterday with cut up painted canvas and my sewing machine.

Little love.

Yes, it looks like it's going to be hearts all week long. Yesterday's (Sunday) paper confirmed it! I almost had a seizure when I saw my little love painting in Target's sales flyer. Woot!

Monday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for nice surprises.

Lost in the static.

We'll be looking for love all this week around here . . . in the shape of hearts that is.

Drill Power.

Ever see a very small bike powered by a drill? Well, cross it off your list because now you have! (Yes, that is right. You are looking at a cordless drill on the back of that baby!)

Art fills my soul.

I received this in the mail from Jennifer Float of Nolaa Gallery on Friday. Love the hand painted envelope!

Before I left for LA on Friday, I was called to paint this. Not sure where I'm going with it but it is mixed paint and glaze so the final product is very smooth, like glass. I have many more layers planned but I'm liking this direction and seeing something oceanic maybe. Where do you see this painting going?

What's a little rain?

My best friend, who has lived in LA for the past 10 years, requested to go to Disneyland for her birthday. We went. We had a blast. Here are the highlights. Oh, and by the way, a rainy day and SuperBowl weekend is the PERFECT time to go! Very, few crowds, non existent lines, lots of breathing room . . . it was awesome!

A perfect pink castle against a gray and pink sky . . .

Art from Mary Blair. Be still my beating heart . . .

Model of the castle from years and years ago . . .

Mickey and Monsters Inc., by far the second best Disney movie next to Toy Story . . .

Mardi Gras beads in New Orleans area . . .

More vintage art . . . I could have stared at this painting for hours. I think the clerks were getting a little nervous though.

How about you? What would be your highlights of Disneyland?

Sunday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful to finish my grieving course this morning. Sure wish the grieving was finished instead.