Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Treasure hunt.

Remember my overly abundant excitement about going to the World Famous Pasadena Swap Meet a few weeks back? Well, here is the treasure I discovered while there...

 

... and I meant to post earlier but had to get the dark brown handbag back from the leather goods repair shop. The denim jeans were 5 bucks, the vintage dishtowel was 5 bucks, the silver spoons 10 bucks, the light tan vintage Coach purse 20 bucks, the dark brown vintage purse 20 bucks and the chair below was 20 bucks too. This all means I came home with change!


I pays to go with a list and be patient, or shall I say it "saves!" Tee-hee.

These photos are for YOU Dena!

Tuesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for someone so kind and dear to take the Kid to the beach while I was in class!

Monday, August 29, 2011

Blasted Social Media.


I've been contemplating something that happened a week or so ago and why I have such icky feelings associated with it, well actually it is something that has NOT happened... let me explain. 

I was contacted by an old childhood friend on a social website recently and he/she did not know that my twin sister had passed. Since it was our birthday a little over a week ago, it was natural for he/she to wish the both of us a happy birthday. Then he/she contacted me via social media again and told me he/she just found out about my sister and asked for more info. So I obliged.

It's a childhood friend, right?

No warning bells went off so I dictated a lengthy email and very nicely talked about what had happened with my sister, other things with the dynamics of my immediate family and the like. Then I asked about his/her family because I am curious and care and also the exchange is proper. Right?

Well. I am hearing crickets.

No response.

Nothing. Nada. Zilch.

I know... I didn't invest too much into this email, but I took the time to send her a personal email, you know, break such sad news with gentleness. I don't mind so much that he/she doesn't care enough to respond. Who knows, maybe he/she doesn't know what to do with that information or even HOW to respond. I get that. My problem lies with me. I allowed nosey ears to invade my space and I dished out the cookies on my good china. I opened myself up just a bit, trusting another human being only to get silence in return. I am bummed at myself for trusting and caring because personally, I really don't give a rats a$% if I see him/her again so why did I feel the need to be so personal?

It's called a filter and I am in desperate need of one.

Once again that is... reoccurring theme in my life.

Monday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for marketing Mondays!

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Sunday, Sunday.

The office manager was caught once again, sleeping on the job. I had to confront her today and tell her "This not acceptable behavior little lady, when we're trying to run a business here." She took one look at me, turned on her cute little pointy toes, curled up in a corner and ignored me. Sigh.


So, after being ignored by the lazy employee, I browsed around the kitchen for something healthy.


That something healthy turned into this juice...


With a burst of energy from the super yummy juice drink, I went back into the studio and painted this. Thought maybe a little singing bird might grab the attention of the lazy employee who sleeps on the job!


That's how we roll around here. How about you?

Sunday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for a load of work to be finished and out the door tomorrow!

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Some parenting thoughts.

Saturday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful I never have to say this to the Kid, but I would if I had to.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Sweet dreams.

My office manager is sleeping on the job!



Time to fess up.

I have a confession. I have an addiction to these...


Oh, and it's bad too. These are just the periodicals I have bought in the last month, and I couldn't find a few when I started looking. I know, I know, it's summer, right? One's got to have a little throw away reading for the beach or the pool.

But today, I noticed my problem. I bought three at the grocer's and when I quickly put them at the bottom of the cart so no one would notice, that was my tipping point. Who the heck would notice except my ten year old?

It's all the pretty pictures. It's the lure of the interesting articles on the lovely front covers. I can hear ocean waves on the travel mags, I see make-overs in my near future from the fashion covers, I hear peace and calm when I see the "three easy steps to get organized". As if all the answers are stuffed between 128 glossy pages.

I just can't help myself. And that right there is the problem.

Is there a twelve step program for magazine hoarding?

Sigh.

Friday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for the school orientation we attended today to meet the awesome 5th grade teacher! I'm also very grateful for three new magazines to read! Tee-hee.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

The good life.

Now this is why I live in San Diego.


Swimming in the pool, dinner on the harbor, extended birthday stuff... 'nuf said. Life is good.

Thursday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for everything.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

What does your mind whisper to you?

The mind is a powerful tool. 


Who do you think you are?

Random Musings:
This is an interesting article by Christine Kane, a motivational coach and weirdly enough, it relates to my illustration. You might like this too...

Watch Your Language: 7 Rules for Getting What You Want

Your language is a powerful tool! Words create reality. Even if my promoter friend doesn't know how on earth he'd ever get his guitar, it doesn't mean he should cut off the possibility with his own words.
If you're wondering how to begin watching your words, here are 7 rules for getting what you want!

1 - Eliminate "never" and "always."

Never and always are words of hysteria. "I always mess everything up!" "I'll never figure this out!" "I'll never get an Olson Guitar."
First off, it's not true. If you always messed everything up, you wouldn't have made it out of the womb.
And second off, extreme words are designed to hook you. It's just your emotions taking a joyride. You're more powerful than that.

2 - Use AND instead of BUT.

"But" dismisses the statement before it. "And" includes it. For instance, "That's a good article, but it needs some editing" isn't nearly as encouraging as "That's a good article, AND it needs some editing."
"I love you, but..." is another great example of the dismissive power of "but."

3 - Avoid "Should."

Should is a heinous word for many reasons.
"Should" is victim-speak. It disempowers its object. It negates desires, thereby making it harder to make choices. It adds a nebulous energy to the decision-making process.
Use empowered language instead: "I could..." "I would..." "I am choosing to," "I would like to," "I don't want to," or "You might consider..."

4 - Stop calling yourself depressed.

Also stop allowing anyone to tell you that you are depressed. When you call yourself "depressed" or "obsessive compulsive" or "ADHD" or whatever - you're claiming this thing. You're calling it forth with the most powerful two words in our language: "I am." Stop claiming anything you don't want to be!

5 - Delete the word "hate" from your vocabulary.

"Hate" has lots of energy. When you use it, you send lots of energy out into the very thing you "hate." Even if it's negative energy, it's still a powerful force, adding its charge to that thing. You're also depleting this energy from your own spirit as you say it.

6 - Be "great." Or "wonderful."

A disease of the creative temperament is a belief that we must be authentic at all costs. So we can't answer a simple "How are you?" without delving into an in-depth scan of our emotional temperature.
Try this instead: When people ask you how you're doing, just say, "I'm great!"
I used to think if said this, then I better have a darn good reason for saying it, like I just won the lottery or something. I thought it would make me look suspicious, and people would start to wonder if something was wrong with me. But then I did it.
And you know what? Most people don't care why you're great. You're saying it for YOU.

7 - Pay attention to the music of your speech.

You know how some people? They talk in question marks? And you have no idea why? But it makes you think you shouldn't really rely on them? And it makes you not want to hire them?

The music of your language says a lot about you. If you let your sentences droop like Eeyore, ("Thanks for noticing me.") or if you do the uncertain question mark language, take note of what attitudes are causing this. These patterns are created for a reason. Even if it feels like faking it at first, generate confidence as you speak.

Christine Kane is the Mentor to Women Who are Changing the World. She helps women uplevel their lives, their businesses and their success. Her weekly LiveCreative eZine goes out to over 20,000 subscribers. If you are ready to take your life and your world to the next level, you can sign up for a F.R.E.E. subscription at http://christinekane.com.

Wednesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for a migraine to be diverted. Whew! And also for wise, wise words to show up just in the nick of time!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Here kitty, kitty, kitty...

These are the final kitty illustrations and Etsy banner for my friend. Fun!




Tuesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for a tiring day back in college.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Scrappy cat, oh scrappy cat.

Here's a few little scrappy cat illustrations for a friend. I know which one I like best. How about you?


Monday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful my psychology class starts tomorrow!!

Sunday, August 21, 2011

A hawaiian birthday.

This past Friday was my birthday, woot-woot, and a few friends, Mr. Man and I had a little celebration at an official and authentic luau! It was so much fun and quite a lovely production right here in our very own backyard... well, San Diego harbor that is! These are a few snapshots of some luau fun...



How was your weekend?

Sunday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for sparkly family and friends.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Greetings.

Since the holiday season has already knocked at my door, I thought I'd put together some Christmas card greetings for a new Etsy shop. There is nothing in there at the moment but these soon will be...


Which one do you like?

Saturday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for birthday fun to last all weekend long!

Friday, August 19, 2011

Birthday Wishes.

Happy birthday to my sister. If you were still here, I'd make you wear this...



I'd make you eat this...




and every single day, I would tell you that I was glad you were my sister. I would also call you Cindy Lou. Not because you liked being called that but hey... isn't that what sisters do and it sure is dang cute!

Friday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for birthday breakfast at my favorite restaurant.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Story Endings.

I heard something similar to this today and fell head over heels...


How about you? Do you believe this?

Thursday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for loads of work to be crossed off the "to do" list!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

The holidays are just around the corner.

Just days ago Christmas was peeking out and now... quick look, it's Halloween! My oh my, you can't even blink around here without somethin' changing!


How about you? Do you dream about holidays way before they happen?

Wednesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for some rockin' new hair!

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Where's Waldo?

More art spotted at Cost Plus World Market. My heart's aflutter right now....


Parts of me ask, do people REALLY want this stuff? What do they actually do with it and where do they put it? Does any of it touch anyone personally? Has any of it inspired someone? Has it helped motivate anyone to jump start something big in their life? Apparently this stuff keeps getting made and put out there so SOMEONE is buying it. I wish I knew who.... I am humbled. So humbled.

Tuesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for feeling a little better and also for a really nice lunch with my good, good friend Ned.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Beyond the Bed & Bath

Look what has shown up at Bed, Bath & Beyond! My darling cousin's daughter (I think that makes her my second cousin) sent me this photo. I just LOVE when people from far away send me sightings of my artwork... it feels so "Where's Waldo!"


There's a few more to follow... I suppose tomorrow might be a good day to visit the beyond section over at Bed Bath & Beyond!


Monday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for complex Lego creations from The Kid, seeing bad kid movies at the theater, and eating fish tacos in the sunshine.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Reaching Goals.

Today a small goal of mine was reached... a 15 year goal of attending the Rose Bowl Flea Market and searching for adventure and vintage items! My friend Katherine and I got up at 4:30AM, drove 2 hours, rummaged and sought out treasure with the best of them. It was awesome. It was magical. AND it was tiring. Here are a few memories captured on film...






This was a creepy photo of a diorama in a store in Old Downtown Pasadena called The Gold Bug. It obviously showcased bugs of many different kinds.


Here are photos by Katherine... it is quite obvious who is a professional photographer in this duo. Hint, it's not me.  Yup, these were taken with her camera on her phone. Sigh.







Saturday, August 13, 2011

Christmas bells are ringing.

This is the finished 12 Days of Christmas repeat I created. These are my favorite colors although they are far from traditional. Unfortunately, the markets I've worked with tend to want the traditional. Oh well.

 Here are a few items that might look great with my illustrations!

I can't believe my mind is on Christmas already. How about you? When you start to think about the holidays? Do you give yourself plenty of time to cruise through them or are you a frantic mess up until the very end?

Saturday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for more ten year old boy fun! This has been a very masculine week!

Friday, August 12, 2011

Friends.

Hello friends. I would like to introduce to you two lovely new friends... gold and turquoise. My very, very good friend, Chris Bolton, custom made this for me. I've known Chris since 1986, which means we've been friends for twenty five years, seems like a lifetime and actually IS a lifetime since we are both so young and youthful! She is a wicked talented... 

j e w e l r y  d e s i g n e r

...who is very modest and doesn't like to boast about her talents. So, I will toot her horn for her. Toot-toot! Go visit her website and then go back later cuz she is updating it to something just as fabulous as she is.




How about you? Do you have talented friends that you need to talk about?

Friday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for a sluggish morning so I can stop doing stuff and rest.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Jumpin Jive.

We've got a giant trampoline in our back yard. The yard where things are so over grown, small children get lost, which on some days may not be such a bad thing. This large trampoline has become the center for all things fun. If you are in a bad mood, just go jump as high as you can for ten minutes and you will return a new person. If it is hot outside, the garden hose with the sprinkler attachment buys you lots of cool-down fun! And, this trampoline serves as a camp out spot for young boys. I'd say this has been one of the best purchases... EVER! So while the boys in this family go out and have some "get over your mad and cool down fun", this one (me) made some more Christmas art. Now it's my turn to go jump!

 

Thursday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for long lost friends who have made a splashing return in this "almost 45 year" old's life! Yikes, 45 in one week!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

12 days of Christmas in August.

Although it is NINE days away from the magical day of my birth (ha-ha), I sat around working on some art for a new Christmas project. Well, I didn't really SIT around as there were three ten year olds running amuck throughout the house, but during the peaceful moments I created this. It is only a peek cuz I can't show all of it but hopefully it will make it through the many rounds of presentation and become something fabulous!


Wednesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for many friends to meet at the beach over dinner, nerf gun bullets come in day glow colors so they are easy to find, and little boys are pretty easy to redirect.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Changes.



Andy was onto more than innovative art I'd say! Change. It's bound to happen whether you want it or not. Even though for the hundredth and seventy third time you insist with your heart that it's all going to stay the same... change comes bounding along. So, since I know change is right around the corner, I've leaped into some new attitude shoes and cleared out some piles of papers I've been letting stack up. Just clearing the way for change and hopefully some new ideas. What have you changed lately?

Tuesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for the relaxing day at the beach with three young boys. (Hasn't happened yet but if I say it as such... it's bound to happen, right?)

Monday, August 8, 2011

Food art = F A R T. Tee-hee.

Marketing Monday has taken a new spin today in these here parts. My very good pal, Barron, came over today with his arsenal of paints and we painted canvases for an upcoming project. As we discovered, painting yummy food is a little more difficult than imagined. Mostly because the ten year old kid had his eye on both donuts for the duration of our painting session and also because it's hard to remember to paint what you see with your eyes and not what you see in your mind. Here is what we cooked up...

My sprinkled yummy goodness...




Barron's delicious gooeyness...




Now, what to do with art that reminds me of food?

Monday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for work, fun and movies in the afternoon.