Authenticity.

Random Musings:
I had my first class tonight... it's actually a series of classes that is sort of a preparation for the Master's in Counseling program to see if we are really cut out for what the school offers. I was really intimidated all last week as this opportunity has been rather sudden. I was officially part of the class late last week and there was a paper due tonight. Yes, homework and the class hadn't even started.

Over the weekend, I did all my research and wrote my paper. Writing papers isn't something new but I was very overwhelmed by the project and felt sick about it all weekend long. But tonight, somehow, in some way, it all came together and it was great.

I guess it is always better to just be yourself and the rest will all work out.

Daily Gratitude: I am so grateful for such helpful and genuine people in my life.

Let the sun shine.

A stop sign near my house has sprouted leaves and a stem, dishing out smiles on a minute by minute basis!

I haven't meant to be away for a few days but life has been unfolding at lightning speed. For a few years I've been seriously considering getting my graduate degree in psychology and have slowly been taking a few classes to get my feet wet. Well, as of yesterday, I've been accepted into a Master's of Counseling program and my classes start this coming Monday! Two years and then another year or so for an intern practicum and my dream will be a reality!

I'll be facing the sunshine so I don't see the shadows.

Daily Gratitude: I am so grateful for good news from a doctor, a marvelous kid celebrating an eleventh birthday, and a truly amazing dinner celebration with family. Life is good.

New opportunities.

I went for a nice long walk today in one of the most lovely places on earth... Balboa Park in San Diego!

Daily Gratitude: I am so grateful for new opportunities on the horizon.

Good Quality.

Ain't that the truth!

Random Musings:
Last week, I went up to my instructor to collect the results of my last test. I didn't feel good about the exam, I walked away from the test day not knowing how I did. Usually I have an inkling if I did well or not but not this time. Not at all. So when she handed me my exam, and there was a 100% at the top, I was shocked. So shocked that I quietly said "Shut Up."

Yeah, I said "Shut Up" to my teacher.

After the words left my mouth, I wanted to grab them back and shove them back into my pie hole but of course that is impossible. I completely meant to say it like Courtney Cox on "Friends", you know, in a totally fun and joking way but I wasn't sure if it came across that way. So, like the obsessive anxiety ridden person I can be at times, I stewed about it for a while and then sent her an email apologizing for my slip up.

Then, I heard crickets. For an entire week. Until today.

She laughed with me and said she would have said the same thing. Lesson learned... stop over thinking things and be yourself!

I'd say she's my good quality people to associate with! Whew!

Daily Gratitude: I am so grateful for school to be over in 4 weeks!

Lemon Meringue pie.

I've been waiting to have more time, make peace with some anger, and for some lemon meringue pie to show up. What have you been waiting for?

Happy Earth Day!

Daily Gratitude: I am so grateful for a whole bunch of check marks that indicate "done" on my to-do lists!

Transition.

 Remember this?

It is transitioning into something more recognizable...

Daily Gratitude: I am so grateful for a productive day with succumbing to a looming migraine.

Mermaids.

This painting that resembles a turkey-like creature...

transformed into this...

I've got a peacock project going on right now. Hopefully I'll be finished in a few days and then I can move onto my next idea. Mermaids? Maybe.

Daily Gratitude: I am so grateful for lots going on to keep my mind off darker thoughts.

Never forget.

Mother's Day is coming up and I thought these words would be really nice to hear or say. Since they won't be coming from my mother (we've never had this sort of exchange), this is exactly what I'll say to my kid. Who would you say them to?

Daily Gratitude: I am so grateful for a very caring and kind neighbor.

Home cookin'.

Home cookin' goodness. I've been trying to be a little more creative with meals, fighting through the food rut I am in. All because of this book, it has become a little easier...

Ingredients are listed in words and pictures... like this:

So tonight I made ratatouille and crispy potatoes. The potatoes called for goose or duck fat. WHAT!?! I went for it anyway but had to substitute the fat for Crisco. WHAT!?! I've never bought Crisco before but since the recipe called for that kind of fat... I went with it. AND... it turned out amazing! So good in fact I had a generous second helping. The ratatouille was dreamy as well and very healthy. I highly, highly recommend this cookbook!

Now that's some good home cookin'!

Who knew!

For one of my Psych classes, we had to divide into groups and make brochures about certain areas of psychology that we are interested in. I teamed up with one other gal in the class who is interested in the idea of healthy mind - healthy body - healthy spirit all coexisting in the same body. We did ours on Health Psychology and guess what!? It's a super forward thinking branch of psychology that is exploding in the field. Lucky for me I bring graphic design skills to the table and was able to produce this... 

I've been looking for a way to marry my art skills and psychology interests... who knew?

Daily Gratitude: I am so grateful for the opportunity to volunteer at The Kid's school, cart around some of his school mates and see a fun musical play... all before noon! Then an impromptu lunch with a dear friend! It's my lucky day.

Warts and all.

This is a start of a little series I began a little bit ago. It's still really in the very beginning stages and I'm almost embarrassed to show it but then I realized that not everyone is familiar with painting and the process. So here it is... warts and all. I'll show more as I progress and maybe I'll show the others too. 

How about you? What would you show in it's beginning stage?

Daily Gratitude: I am so grateful for a nice surprise in my Psych class... 100% on my second exam! Whoo-hoo! I am much, much better at this school thing the second time around!

Quotle.

This is a quotle. It's a quote and a doodle mixed together. My own invention.

I absolutely love this quote. It's from Rango, the animated movie about a reptile who makes good in the big bad west. As much as we might like to walk away from the story of our lives at times, it just can't be done. Even when we try... the walkin' is just more of the story. How great is that?

Daily Gratitude: I am so grateful for another day of life today.

BEST way to hem a pair of jeans.

This is a quickie tutorial on how to hem a pair of jeans and keep that really nice jean stitching.... so they don't look like "mom" jeans. (and you KNOW what I'm talkin about, right?)

Step 1:

Try on jeans and measure how much you need to shorten them. Divide the amount in half and add an extra 5/8", pin the jeans at the new measurement by folding them up. (Example: I needed to shorten mine 2 1/4" so I marked the jeans at 1 1/8" and added 5/8", so my new measurement was 1 3/4". Be sure to measure from the fold to the edge of the original jean hem.)

Step 2:

Stitch as close as you can to the original hem line on the jeans. I heard that you can hammer (yes, the hammer from your garage) the thick bulky seams if your sewing machine can't handle that much fabric.

Step 3:

After sewing the new hem, fold back under and iron so the new seam is right above the original jean hem.

This is the inside view...

Step 4:

Try on jeans and wear your favorite shoes. NO ONE will know your hemming secret unless you want to share!

Our feelings are a response to stimuli around us. In most cases, we can choose how we feel and if you choose a positive emotion... you'll be doing your health a favor!

Daily Gratitude: I am so grateful for another rainy day and the opportunity to spring clean!

Hope more.

I am really drawn to this Swedish proverb and especially because it is simple, true and showed up at my doorstep!

Do you ever have something just appear out of nowhere and think it was just for you?

Daily Gratitude: I am so grateful for another lovely day of work, chores, and little league.

Polishing.

As we leave this land of warm ocean breezes...

Lively colors and interesting textures...

Clear blue water...

Postcard pictures at every turn...

I leave this land realizing the beauty of "letting go" because it all works out just fine.

Daily Gratitude: I am so grateful for opportunities to meet new faces, learn new stories, and savor the moment.

Obstacles.

Well now, ain't that the truth?

Daily Gratitude: I am so grateful for a day on the beach to learn stand up paddling! In the rain no less.

Happy Easter 2012!

Wishing you a very festive Easter!

Daily Gratitude: I am so grateful for a sunrise Easter service on the beach, a delightful brunch to come in the company of extended family.

Consent.

Another quote of empowerment...

Daily Gratitude: I am so grateful for walking just for the sake of moving the body... no place to go but wander!

Distraction.

So inspired by wild sea creatures...

Dramatic skylines...

Mini islands with swaying palm trees...

I do have some illustrations I'll post later but I thought some more photos might be fun for now.

Daily Gratitude: I am so grateful for amazing food and relaxation.

Can't get enough.

I love the cross process app. by TapTap. I can't seem to get enough.

Daily Gratitude: I am so grateful for ocean breezes.

Blue and green inspiration.

I find myself in the land of everything you look at is stunningly beautiful. Color and inspiration everywhere. Can you guess where I am?

Don't be scared.

Daily Gratitude: I am so grateful for health, warm water, and warm breezes.

Examples.

Tony Robbins was on Oprah's Network tonight and he said this. I LOVE it when people say it like it is. Oh Tony, thank you for saying exactly what I needed to hear.

Daily Gratitude: I am so grateful for new people in my life.