life without novacaine

The force of love.

2012-02-22T19:16:00.000-08:00

I saw this quote today pinned to the wall in a math professor's office as I walked by. I have to say it stopped me in my tracks, it was so good!

Have you had any enemies change into friends just by changing your attitude towards them? I have. I gave up my simmering anger (that I had clung to for three pain filled years)... just let it go and suddenly they weren't an enemy anymore! I did this way before I was super intentional in my thoughts, actions and attitudes... basically, I was blindly letting go. It was amazing.

Wednesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for an inconsistent teacher who keeps my on my toes!

You, dazzling you.

2012-02-21T20:08:00.000-08:00

Fabulous and awesome YOU has something of value to share with the world. What is your amazing talent? Don't feel like you have one? Maybe just being here, sharing your life experiences is the talent. Maybe you have touched someone in a certain way that altered the course of their life. And you didn't even know it! You are a gift to share.

Tuesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for feeling lost at times for when I find my way, it's all the sweeter.

Nature's calling.

2012-02-19T18:23:00.000-08:00

Nature has been very kind lately, and I've been paying attention.

Sunday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for a little perspective on a long drive by my lil' ol' self today.

Big change.

2012-02-18T18:48:00.000-08:00

This a wedding invite I've been playing around with.

I've been having lots of spontaneous conversations about going after what drives you and how having supportive people in your life can assist you on your path. I've been having a large amount of uncomfortable feelings come up in my life in the past 4-6 months and I've heard that means there is a big change brewing. I'm looking forward to change... bring it!

How about you?

Saturday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for bristling resistance in my life as it challenges me pick my battles.

Nothing wrong.

2012-02-16T11:49:00.000-08:00

I felt like someone needed to "hear" this today. Quite possibly could be me but I am sure it could be someone else too. Maybe you?

Thursday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for the nice long walk and talk with a dear friend AND the opportunity to teach an art class this afternoon!

This is what love looks like.

2012-02-15T21:03:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, the "hallmark" day of love, I surprised The Kid with a cute card and a large chocolate bar early in the morning. (We get up before the sun so it was VERY early.) He wasn't expecting anything, in fact he had forgotten about Valentine's Day and was completely surprised. Instead of grabbing the goods out of my hand, he looked at me with a horrified look and said "What day is it? I am sorry but I don't have anything for you!"

Of course I didn't care, and I reassured him but it must have been on his mind because when I picked him up from school, he presented me with this colored drawing he made in art class. My heart just cracked in half, right then and there. One half was saddened that he felt as though he had nothing to give me, but the other half leaps with joy because he thought to create something from the heart, the best gift of all!

So then we go out to dinner tonight at one of our favorite burger places. We played hangman and his turn spelled out "I love you." (which coming from a ten year old is like gold) THEN even better, he gave me some hugs... in public! I'd have to say that this certainly, most definitely, absolutely, positively is what love looks like!

Wednesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for warm fuzzy love from The Kid.

For you my "Deerest."

2012-02-14T06:57:00.000-08:00

Have a sweet and lovely day my deer!

Tuesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for dancing raindrops in the dark of the night.

Sweetness.

2012-02-13T17:40:00.000-08:00

A face only a mother could love. Or a dog-crazy person... I would love a bulldog!

Random Musings:
This semester, I am taking two psych classes and one of them is called "intro to counseling." My thought in taking the class was to get a good idea about the world of psychology, on the other side of the chair so to speak. I am not new to psychology and it has been a love of mine for a few decades so this class seemed like a no brainer to me.

That is until I attended my first class. Then my second. Then my third. And today my fourth.

Each class gets more challenging, not only intellectually but psychologically. As a class, we often break off into groups and practice sharing vulnerable things about ourselves. It is so much more raw and exposing than I ever thought it would be. We break down the thought process of helping people by looking at our own strengths and weaknesses. Mostly weaknesses, they bubble at the surface quicker than the strengths ever do.

Through this class I have learned quite a few things about myself that I had no idea about. It's embarrassing. It's humbling. It's fascinating. I'm not sure how I gather the courage to keep going back but I do.

And I have to say I love that.

Monday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for a daily ferly of life lessons.

Darling.

2012-02-12T20:06:00.000-08:00

There is a holiday of love coming soon and I'm claiming this one for myself. Since I don't have a pug of my own to love, I had to create one.

Happy weekend!

Friday, Saturday, & Sunday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for really, really nice neighbors, finally finding the exact shade of gray for my walls and uber talented musicians.

Persnippity Perspective.

2012-02-09T17:57:00.000-08:00

Just playin' around with some new textures. Oh, and the whole "you control the outcome of your life" thought.

Thursday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for a night alone with The Kid. (And a few furry animals.)

Who's it all about?

2012-02-08T17:32:00.000-08:00

Much like the other men in my life, the dog is no exception...

I loves me some doggie art! How about you?

Wednesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for a delicious strawberry ice cream bar to soothe a sore throat! Yummy!

Joy was her name.

2012-02-07T09:52:00.000-08:00

My bestie just had to put her lovely old german shepherd down this morning and this has touched my heart so sadly. Our delightful animal friends seem to bring the most joy to our hearts, just when we need it and then their short lives must come to an end. I read something the other day, that captured the essence of a dog's love and it goes something like this...

"We are created for this life to learn how to love unconditionally, but dogs come into their lives already knowing how!"

Joy, you will be greatly missed.

Tuesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for lots of furry love at my house.

You had me at hello!

2012-02-06T19:12:00.000-08:00

Just couldn't resist a little puppy love! Although I don't think a Boxer is the dog for me, they sure can be cute. Our next door neighbor puppy is a boxer and he brings such delight for my old dog and The Beast!

Monday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for some really fun future projects!

Favorite things.

2012-02-05T14:52:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things really IS to go places I've never been. This entails the physical, the mental and also the emotional. The whole enchilada! Then, the next favorite thing to do is to go back to the really great spots that make me feel good.

How about you? Are you an adventurer at heart?

Sunday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for long and leisurely days of homework, computer, and picnics.

Privilege.

2012-02-04T13:43:00.000-08:00

Feeling unusually blessed to be alive today in this big, messy, fantastic life. It's all a gift.

Saturday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for a nice walk early today as the sun made it's slow attempt at warming the cool crevices of the morning.

Valentine print outs... get 'em here!

2012-02-02T16:08:00.000-08:00

A little more Valentine's love... This is sized to print onto a 8.5"X11" piece of sticker paper and hand out to all your lovely friends.

Random Musings:
Wow, it can be overwhelming to redo a website! I've been looking into giving mine a spruce-up (mostly because part of it is off-line) and I'm feeling not quite up to the task. So instead, I super cleaned my bathrooms, filled holes in the grass from the dog, and basically any medial task I could find to make me feel like I did something worthwhile, while the entire time I thought about my website. And how much I am not a techie. And how much it pains me to have to redo it.

So.

Solutions...

1. Don't do anything. Look the other way and maybe it will go away.

2. Jump in head first and just do it while learning the newest Adobe Dreamweaver (since I only know the most dinosaur version.)

3. Find a cool template.

4. Pay someone to do it and put off painting the house.

5. Go have a drink with a friend and think about it tomorrow.

Hmmm. I'm leaning towards 3 and 5. Do any of you FABULOUS creative people know any cool templates?

Thursday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for clean bathrooms and clean laundry!

Love is in the air.

2012-02-01T20:16:00.000-08:00

It's that time again! Happy February!

Wednesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for a lovely stroll in the delightful sunshine today.

Resurrecting files.

2012-01-31T19:53:00.000-08:00

These are a few birthday graphics I did last month for a 50th birthday bash. I almost forgot about them and since I'm trying to be responsible and back up my files... I thought I'd give them one last gasp of air.

You know what I absolutely love about the early nights in the winter? I LOVE going to bed early. I wake up before the sun no matter what so the extra hours I've been getting have been turning this grumpy old gal into a sparkly ray of sunshine!

Tuesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for crazy animal love, new soup recipes to try, and lunch with The Kid in a crowded and noisy lunch room with his peers!

Solutions.

2012-01-30T18:29:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite quote, I live by it.

I just discovered recently that my internet provider has stopped hosting a site that contained my portfolio of mural paintings. Without telling me. That's a problem and I'm looking for a solution, one that entails NOT redoing my entire site!

Thanks Cox Communications. (LOVE that communication is in your business name!)

How about you? What problems do you face that require a solution? Are you remaining open or fighting it tooth and nail?

Monday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for a humbling and exhausting psyc class that requires students to come and be vulnerable. It's so uncomfortable yet empowering in a weird way.

Baby Shower cuteness.

2012-01-29T19:36:00.000-08:00

Cuteness all put together...

Just had to show the shower graphics all put together... super cuteness, amazing food, fun party.

Sunday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for repeated opportunities to stop talking and just listen.

Cuteness.

2012-01-28T09:04:00.000-08:00

Have some new baby inspired art going on around here, partly because I have tons of requests and partly because it's just so fun to create cute art. I love cuteness. How about you?

Random Musings:
I've been away from my blog lately because I've been learning another lesson, one that needs to keep repeating itself. That is the lesson of saying "no." Lately, life has been very full and there are so many... so, so many things I want to do, but I just seem to keep running out of time. Life can be full but it must be balanced. I suppose the balance is what I've been needing as I am walking around in circles.

The lesson... find more balance, slow down, say "no."

How do you find more balance in your life?

Saturday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for lovely friends, old and new.

Worth it.

2012-01-25T20:11:00.000-08:00

Such is life.

Wednesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for full days, lots of sunshine, doggie kisses and no TV.

Havin' fun.

2012-01-24T19:36:00.000-08:00

Just playing around with some design ideas for a baby shower I am going to this coming Sunday. Hopefully, there will be some delightful cupcakes to nibble on!

Tuesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for too much work to keep up with.

Do what is possible.

2012-01-23T15:21:00.000-08:00

Today, as I sat in my first class of the semester, it was easy for me to wonder if this is all worth it. Although I find the psychology field VERY fascinating and I am grateful for the opportunity to attend classes again, I was feeling a little overwhelmed at how far I still have yet to go. Far to go within this new field to make any sort of difference. Far to go to figure out if I even CAN make a difference. Then the lovely teacher assigned her students into groups to interview each other and that was the point I wanted to get up and run. High tail it out of there because I felt so uncomfortable sitting in this classroom. I didn't want to talk about myself and certainly didn't want to talk to anybody else because I am just plain tired of my story.

However, I forced myself to stay glued to my seat throughout the break, interview another classmate and even stand up and introduce my peer in front of 40+ people. U-n-c-o-m-f-o-r-t-a-b-l-e.

But during the midst of all of it, something miraculous happened. The little tiny stories about people started to surface, people fumbled, people cheered and at times we all laughed. In a super short amount of time I felt as though I got to know a lot more people. Some of us even formed the beginnings of a bond. Then I realized that we all just start by doing the necessary, then doing the possible and soon we are doing the impossible.

I think that's pretty darn FAB.

Monday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for drizzly rain in the land of sunshine.

It's raining babies!

2012-01-19T19:06:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you have joined the group, like I have, that doesn't have many members that are having babies or are getting married anymore. These types of things have come to a halt or at least slowed w a y down. That is until recently. I know two people in my group who are having babies! What a delightful surprise! This is some art someone requested for yet ANOTHER baby maker! I think it's raining babies around here.

Thursday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for delightful friends for The Kid, and another successful middle school meeting!

Time to give.

2012-01-18T19:27:00.000-08:00

Some of you may know The Kid goes to a charter school and has for several years (although we are new to this particular one just this year.) Part of the deal is there is A LOT of parent involvement, yay, that's part of the attraction on my end because I have found that when the parents are involved, usually you get some great kids. Anyway, I've been getting my feet wet in the volunteer department and donating some graphics time for upcoming events. This is a "pop art" one for an art night... the theme of the night is "pop art"!

Wednesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for a middle school meeting tonight to explain the rather long and detailed process of venturing into unknown territory.

Swirls and such.

2012-01-17T16:19:00.000-08:00

I worked up a little paint doodle for a mural client a few days ago and this is the digital sketch.

Today, it came to life... me hopes she likey! Would you like this if you were a preteen?

Tuesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for cool days with long strands of sunshine.

There's power in them there words!

2012-01-16T07:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Martin Luther King Day!

Random Musings:

I read something this morning from a teacher/inspirational artist whom I admire, that struck me as one of those "AHA" statements. It is this:

"People have asked me so many times why and how my life is so great. I think it's because I enjoy the whole thing, and I'm not waiting for a better version."

Oh boy, she just said she's not waiting for a better version! Wow.

At times I've wondered if I am waiting for something better to happen, just waiting... because I know that something better is out there and for some reason it is just around the corner. So sit and wait. The illusive better version will show up. Sit and wait because all the crumby things that have happened are the precursor to something fabulous.

Um... yeah.

Wake up. This IS your better version. This IS your fabulous life... crappy things and all. It is all about how you live in this everyday life and accept the crap but CHOOSE the better attitude DESPITE the crap.

One little sentence.

So much power.

I like it.

Monday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for the opportunity to spend the day in LA with one of my nieces, The Kid and my mom.

Imperfection.

2012-01-13T19:23:00.000-08:00

Random Musings:
Breathe. I needed that word yesterday. When an elderly man was bitterly mean to me in a parking lot, I forgot all about that word. I reacted instead and let it ruin part of my day.

Then, much later, while I was still running through the unfortunate event in my mind, I suddenly remembered to breathe. Ahhhh, there you are little word of the year! Instantly, in one breath, everything is all right in the world.

Thursday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for mean people as the nice ones seem so much nicer.

Friday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for salads for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sometimes all in the same day!

Breathe.

2012-01-11T17:22:00.000-08:00

Lucky me had a breakfast meeting here...

How did I get so lucky? All because I remembered to breathe.

Wednesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful when art meets life.

The little things.

2012-01-10T18:46:00.000-08:00

Little things matter, yes they do! Like... stopping here to eat a delicious sandwich with a view instead of racing home or worse, eating that sandwich while driving!

Tuesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for a lovely doctor who cares.

Your sparkly goodness.

2012-01-08T13:19:00.000-08:00

We all have so much amazing abilities inside of us, whether we acknowledge it or not. Little things in life can smoosh those abilities down, day after day so one day we just forget what we are capable of. This is to remind you that your sparkly goodness is showing and you can do ANYTHING you set your mind to!

Sunday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for leaf dappled sunshine.

New beginnings.

2012-01-08T10:01:00.000-08:00

New year, new beginnings... what a great time to celebrate a new life coming! These are a few invite ideas I created for a baby shower. Theme colors... orange, pink & red! FUN!

Change is in the air, can you feel it?

Saturday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for the accomplished feeling of house projects that involve power tools and turn out successful!

Seven.

2012-01-05T14:11:00.000-08:00

Inspiring. (Saw this over at ThingsWithWings.)

Could you do this? I wish I could say... yes.

New Year, New Journey.

2012-01-05T12:49:00.000-08:00

Thank you Jo Marks for featuring my art in your New Year, New Journey selection! I am humbled to be included in this fine, fine group of artists.

This is a fabulous time for a new journey? What is yours? Mine... finding my way through the piles I've made in my home office/studio!

Thursday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for the journey of inspiration, invention and insight.

Un-resolutions.

2012-01-04T19:09:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I always INTEND to make new year's resolutions and many things about my life need to be changed or adjusted so the list could be plenty long. However, when it really comes down to it, I end up not making any resolutions. It seems that the willpower to change something comes when I am good and ready and not one minute sooner. New year or not. So, although I'd love to make them, this year is officially UN-resolution making for me.

Instead, I love to have a word for the year and each year I give plenty of time thinking about what that word could be. Eventually one comes to the surface and stays, making itself home in the corners of my brain. My word for this new year is "Breathe." Naturally a very shallow breather, I've been learning how to slow down and take deep breaths, and I've seen the amazing results in calming anxiety, slowing a racing heart and much better focus. This word is perfect at this point in my life as this is the ONLY thing I have control over. (Not that it's about control though!) When a stressful situation pops up, and there are plenty on a daily basis, I find stopping and just focusing on breathing eases the severity of my stress. AND that my friend, is my life line.

How about you? Did you make any resolutions or pick a word for the year?

Wednesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for the ability to streamline my surroundings and my interior thoughts.

You.

2012-01-03T18:51:00.000-08:00

I've already posted this not that long ago but it needed to be said again. You know who you are.

Tuesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for the new year starting off to a nice even flow. Steady and productive yet restful.

First day of 2012!

2012-01-01T08:17:00.000-08:00

Wishing you a year full of color, inspiration, and joy!

Color inspiration from Pantone's 2012 Spring collection.

Enjoy your day!

Ho, ho, ho... MORI Christmas!

2011-12-30T18:20:00.000-08:00

Looking back before looking forward.

2011-12-29T19:02:00.000-08:00

Looking back to the holiday goodness...

Random Musing:
I don't know if you are superstitious, or believe in signs or feel that there are spirits around us and honestly, I am not sure how much of the above I hold onto myself. What I do know for sure though is that those that have passed before us come back to us in nature and leave us a little sign or nudge to try to communicate. Nature will always speak to us if we listen.

I don't know how much I've shared about my interactions with hawks but there is this connection I have with hawks ever since my father died. Especially since my sister passed, I have had these incredible quick episodes with hawks. For example, hawks fly along side my car while I drive down a certain street and not just near my car but right along side of my car. Right along side! Also, not just once, not just twice but several different times. I've had a hawk swoop down about 3 feet from my head once while out walking. Sometimes I'll see one perched on a street sign or a highway sign waiting for me and turning it's head while I pass along. Crazy interactions with hawks...

Yesterday, I was at a corner near my house and a hawk fly right up to my car, across my windshield and turned and looked inside. I almost hit it with my car, it was that close.

These are those times that I think nature is speaking. The interpretation is up to me, and usually it feels like a simple visit to say hello, but sometimes it feels like someone is letting me know I'm noticed. Someone is paying attention. We are not alone in this. It's all going to be alright.

And I'm listening.

I know for a fact I'm not crazy either as Mr Man now has interactions with Hawaiian Terns and my neighbor has hummingbird visitors. See? You just have to listen, nature speaks.

How about you? How does nature speak to you?

Thursday's Gratitude: I am so grateful to have memories to look back on and memories in the making for the future.

Hand made smiles.

2011-12-27T18:31:00.000-08:00

I love a handmade Christmas. I wish I could hand-make every gift but quite frankly, I just don't have that kind of talent. But, when I can, I jump at the chance to create something cute for someone even cuter. This is a pair of pajamas I made for my niece Audrey and her American Girl doll needed a matching set...

She loved them and I loved the smile it brought to her face for Christmas!

Tuesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for some last minute encounters with friends at the Zoo!

Wear your passion.

2011-12-26T12:16:00.000-08:00

There is a lovely page of quotes circulating around, I've taken some of them and created this... it makes me nod my head and smile. If this makes you smile too, feel free to save this to your computer and print on 8.5"X11" paper.

Monday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for a warm sunny day and few crowds this morning.

Merry Christmas 2011.

2011-12-23T09:09:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a fabulous holiday and a very merry Christmas! Enjoy your friends and family as they are greatest gift we have. Thank you so much to everyone who stops by here, you are truly valued.

Friday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for my friends who are the family I get to choose.

Food and Drawings...

2011-12-22T15:28:00.000-08:00

I've been specifically illustrating food for the past week so I just had to make another recipe for the fantastic TheyDrawandCook.com website. The book with the same name is out in bookstores now and happened to make Martha Stewart's must have for Christmas this year! It's a really fun and delightful book to give as a gift or keep for yourself.

I just might make this tonight... except I don't have asparagus. Maybe kale would be a good substitute!

Thursday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for the library on Coronado Island as they almost always have the books on my list! I am also extremely grateful for the A in my psychology class last semester!

Eagerness in the kitchen.

2011-12-21T22:26:00.000-08:00

Josie was a little too eager when baking muffins the other day...

I was a little too eager when I was going to make holiday fudge and then settled for peppermint ice cream instead.

Wednesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful to be almost finished with a really big project! Somehow this happens every year around this time!

Adventures.

2011-12-20T20:07:00.000-08:00

Josie and Skittles the kitty are having more adventures...

How about you? What adventures have you had lately? Me... well, getting my deck fixed so we don't fall through it was today's adventure.

Tuesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for a lovely physical therapist to help my left forearm get better.

Just hanging around.

2011-12-19T19:54:00.000-08:00

I so love silhouettes.... how about you?

Monday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for a short line at the post office today! whew!

Drawin' and Cookin'.

2011-12-17T21:23:00.000-08:00

Since I've been making more illustrated recipes, I thought it was time to submit one to www.theydrawandcook.com.

These are super easy to make and VERY tasty. So good, you can't eat just one!

Saturday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for an outing with a friend and not being one of the frazzled shoppers at the mall!

Lot's to be grateful for...

2011-12-16T19:09:00.000-08:00

Another little peak at something cookin' up around here... what could it be?

Friday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for unexpected lovely people from the past popping up in my current life, time to volunteer in The Kid's classroom, and funny furry dogs who bring joy into my home.

Mellow yellow.

2011-12-15T10:04:00.000-08:00

My friend's gorgeous daughter is off the market and gettin' married! I am honored to create some Save the Date cards for her and these are a few ideas...

Personally, I like the bookmark as my nose is ALWAYS in a book and I'd like to look at these lovely faces everyday!

Random Musing:
I've been infatuated with the 12 days of Christmas (in case you couldn't tell) and all along I've been making art with Four Calling Birds in part of the sequence. A day or two ago, I stumbled on a blog and read it's not "Four CALLING Birds" but "Four COLLY Birds!" Never, ever heard of that and truly if that's the truth... I'm screwed. Anyone ever heard that mistake before?

Thursday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for the parent teacher conference I attended this morning for the knowledge I receive about The Kid is worth it's weight in gold!

Cookin' art.

2011-12-14T16:51:00.000-08:00

There is somethin' cookin' up over here and this is a sneak peak.

I think it might be a little obvious...

Wednesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful to be able to stay home with a sick child and get a ton of work done!

Skittles the kitty.

2011-12-13T20:17:00.000-08:00

Josie and Skittles the kitty just couldn't wait til' Santa arrived.

Come to think of it, neither can I!

Tuesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for getting in touch with good friends from the past.

Look together.

2011-12-12T18:23:00.000-08:00

What did you see today that was beautiful? I saw some fantastic rain.

Monday's Gratitude: I am so grateful to have registered for the exact classes I need for next semester.

Words to pick.

2011-12-11T16:12:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again... one that welcomes change and a fresh start once the holidays cease. For the past five years, I've allowed a word to appear that steamrolls the direction of the coming year. When I started this, I thought I was in control and could choose what my word would be and how that could determine the outlook of the year. Quickly I discovered that that's not how the process works. I "get" a word once I am quiet and meditate on what direction my life is going and usually what is lacking comes up in the form of a word. For instance, last year was hope. I was all out of hope and this word kept showing up and showing up so bada bing... that was my word. Today, this third week in December, I've realized I have my hope back. Same goes for the past years with the words, simplify, intention and motivate.

How about you? What word would pick you for next year? I'm leaning towards abundance and healing myself.

PS. My friend told me that my blog was down for a few days and another person told me she had problems leaving comments. I think I fixed the problems, hopefully fixed the problems, although I couldn't duplicate any of them. Going back to a basic blogger layout may just do the trick. If you see anything that might need my attention, can you please give me a holler? I would be most grateful! THX!

Christmas art.

2011-12-11T15:46:00.000-08:00

I almost forgot to show you my finished 12 Days of Christmas art...

I had some cards from Amanda Woodward (I think she recently got married and changed her name!) and since I couldn't bear to part with them, I created something personal for my home. I'll look fondly upon this for years to come.

I just love the holidays, don't you?

Sunday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for 10 years today of being a cancer survivor! Whoo-hoo!

Holiday Cuteness.

2011-12-10T17:47:00.000-08:00

My favorite person in the whole world was all dressed up for a school holiday performance and I just had to share this mighty fine cuteness. Wish I could share the ballroom dancing performance! 5th graders doing the Waltz, Merengue, Tango, and the Swing is a sight to be SEEN!

How about you? What kind of cuteness going on to you have this holiday season?

Saturday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for a delightful pre-lunch outing at the fabulously decorated Coronado hotel Del!

To You From Me.

2011-12-09T18:51:00.000-08:00

Thought it would be fun to make some fun tags to decorate your gifts, so this is a FREE printable for you to copy to your computer and print out as many as you need. Of course, since I can't get the 12 days of Christmas out of my head they have made it onto your gift tags! Enjoy!

I'm almost done with my Christmas gift gathering (shopping!) How about you? Are you beating the crowds?

Friday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for some Christmas art making today.

Holiday happiness.

2011-12-07T18:02:00.000-08:00

Christmas joy. Festive time. Celebrating our Savior's birth. It's all good.

Wednesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for freelance checks to arrive at just the right time!

Santa Gnome please come home.

2011-12-05T18:43:00.000-08:00

I would love to have him in my yard!

Monday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for a fun afternoon celebrating my friend's birthday! Everyday is a good day for a celebration!

Sprinkled with kindness.

2011-12-04T16:21:00.000-08:00

I've been on a quest for the past few years to be very intentional in my personal life, work life, with my friends, and most of all with my family. Being intentional doesn't mean it's the easy way or your message will be willingly received by another person. It does mean however that you are giving your best, even if it's the best you have for that moment, and that is the intention of your true self. It is really all you need for that moment. It doesn't matter how the other person responds to your truth because they are responsible for their own actions and you are responsible for yours.

In an uncomfortable word exchange with someone close to me, my intention was not received very well this past weekend. In fact, the other person was very defensive and tried to bully me into thinking I was in the wrong. But I wasn't wrong (even though that wasn't the issue at hand.) I stuck to my intention and my reason for speaking up, brushed aside the strong desire to back down and please, and sprinkled my words with kindness. It was the best I had to give at that moment and the sudden A-HA moment I had in my heart felt so right. Kindness wins every time.

How about you? How do you manage to stay calm and kind when bullied with words?

Sunday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for some get your hands dirty kind of yard work. My back hurts, my feet ache but I feel so complete.

Tis the holiday season...

2011-12-03T14:40:00.000-08:00

It's the holiday spirit! This is some printable holiday art I made. If you would like a copy of this to frame and place on your wall this Christmas season, save to your computer and print away on a letter size paper!

Happy printing!

Saturday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for lovely info to download to my IPhone and learn something... also known as podcasts!

Thinking before you leap.

2011-12-02T21:31:00.000-08:00

I've got some gifts under my tree... and it finally looks organized and well thought out this year instead of a cluster of crappy holiday paper!

How about you? Do you think about your wrapping before you begin?

Friday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for a lovely chance to stroll through Balboa Park during a Christmas themed festival tonight.

City view.

2011-11-29T19:20:00.000-08:00

Holiday in the city.

Tuesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for 80 degree weather in November!

Thanks, I needed that.

2011-11-28T20:18:00.000-08:00

I needed this today. How about you?

Monday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for an epiphany.

Holiday for goodness sake.

2011-11-27T18:44:00.000-08:00

The tree is up, the nutcrackers are out, lights are twinkling and holiday patterns are dancing in my head...

I had to make myself NOT wrap any presents since it still is November. I might have some serious holiday burn out if I'm not careful... I just can't help myself, it's the holidays for goodness sake!

How about you? Are you ready to greet the season?

Sunday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for a leisurely day at home.

December art.

2011-11-26T19:11:00.000-08:00

I bought these holiday cards from one of my favorite illustrators, Amanda Woodward, two years ago. Since I can't bear the thought of sending them off to another home, I've decided to make some holiday art with these cards. For now, I'll just show you this lovely artwork and in a day or two, I'll show you my final collage piece.

What do YOU think I should do with these?

Saturday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for a relaxing day at home.

It's on!

2011-11-25T18:13:00.000-08:00

Now that Thanksgiving is done and over... the holidays are officially in full swing! Yipee!

Friday's Gratitude: I am so grateful I didn't have to go near a store on Black Friday today!

Happy Thanksgiving 2011.

2011-11-24T06:52:00.000-08:00

Helping up.

2011-11-23T18:25:00.000-08:00

This is for someone who was slapped with some teasing...

This is the best Christmas present you could give (or get!)... great recipes with amazing illustrations! Go pick one up here, today!

Wednesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for a houseful of guest I will have tomorrow... therefore a very clean house today!

Looking back...

2011-11-22T09:10:00.000-08:00

After a 10 hour drive from northern California to southern California, I had nothing left in me to post yesterday. However, this morning, I wanted to share some photos that inspired me over the last few days.

Tuesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful to be home and snuggling with two fluffy dogs and one aloof kitty.

Monday's Gratitude (a little late): I am so grateful for road trips.

Remember...

2011-11-20T15:51:00.000-08:00

Remember... I created a few mural ideas for a friend up in San Francisco a while ago? I finished painting it today and here are the results.

From this...

To this...

I think little Vivica was pleased.

Sunday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for the opportunity to bring a smile to a little girl's face.

I left my heart...

2011-11-19T19:07:00.000-08:00

I love me some San Francisco's finest...

...especially the famous Irish Coffee at the Buena Vista.

Saturday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for inspiration everywhere I look.

Another side of San Fran...

2011-11-18T19:36:00.000-08:00

We made it to San Fran & so far this is all we've seen...

so far... pretty interesting and not the usual. Me likey.

2011-11-18T06:34:00.000-08:00

I love this... it's SO true.

It's always about them. Really.

Friday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for nice, long car rides accompanied with good music and a little junk food!

Hello beautiful.

2011-11-17T18:49:00.000-08:00

I was thinking about you today and thought to myself...

Thursday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for the change to go on a little road trip and also the the paper my teacher gave us to write over the Turkey Lurkey break. (More gratitude for the first one!)

You are...

2011-11-16T07:29:00.000-08:00

Just in case you didn't know...

Wednesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for the ability to stop and breathe in the midst of my disfunction.

All together now.

2011-11-14T17:38:00.000-08:00

It's always fun to see little projects you work on come together....

How about you? Do you work on things and send them off to never see again?

Monday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for clean teeth, the thought of getting braces at age 45, and fun projects to be working on!

Holiday Hope.

2011-11-13T11:28:00.000-08:00

Getting in the mood for some Holiday action!

The winner for my November Give Away is..... (insert drum roll here)

Katherine Haleen

Hooray Katherine! I've got some loot for you, and just in time as your birthday is tomorrow! Funny how things work out...

Sunday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for a nice long walk after a nice long rain, a large lovely yard for my not-such-a-puppy-anymore dog to run around in! Life is grand in the little things.

Happy Veteran's Day 2011

2011-11-11T07:27:00.000-08:00

Thank you Veterans... you have done what many of us cannot do, and that is put your lives on the line all in the name of freedom for those you've left safe at home. I value your gift and thank you.

If you see a soldier today, thank him/her!

Friday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for the freedom to be who I am and not have anyone tell me what to think, say or do. (For the most part, that is.)

Year's end.

2011-11-10T19:21:00.000-08:00

It's the end of the year my friends and I can hardly believe how time is flying by. The holidays are almost upon us and I have to say I've started my Christmas shopping. It's going to be easy peasy this year as I've committed to keeping it simple. And by that, I mean creating gifts and purchasing art from other artists.

How about you? These original paintings will be going up in my shop in the next few days if you are looking for something original... and best news yet... there will be a nice discount to go with it!

All of these are being released into the universe so room will be made for new art...

even this one, which is my favorite...

Hop on by....

Thursday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for a little break from school and work! Only a day or two but I'll take it!

Autumn collection.

2011-11-08T17:34:00.000-08:00

These photos are an autumn collection from this blog and I just LOVE them. Makes my heart feel all warm inside.

Maureen Cracknell Handmade

BHG

Sweet Little Thrills

I think I feel a creative burst coming on! How about you?

Tuesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for a nice dinner out with a dear friend tonight at a new restaurant!

Ponder.

2011-11-07T16:08:00.000-08:00

I was pondering this thought today...

Do you agree?

Monday's Gratitude: I am so grateful to be finished writing a scientific article review... whew, sure wish my brain thought this was more easily...

Illustration Friday_Stripes

2011-11-06T16:45:00.000-08:00

Even with his too-small sweater with stripes, Herbert still managed to find his holiday spirit!

Don't forget to leave a comment to be entered into my November Give Away!

Bookstore love.

2011-11-06T10:57:00.000-08:00

I love you Barnes & Noble! Look what I found at the local bookstore...

Don't forget to enter my November Give Away by leaving a comment! Any ol' comment will do!

Sunday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for terrible dreams as you always get to wake up!

Looking' for some lightness and giggles.

2011-11-05T07:35:00.000-07:00

A little fun for the first weekend in November....

Don't forget to leave a comment to be entered into my November Give Away!

Saturday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for lovely, lovely rain!

Honk-honk for Salli!

2011-11-04T12:01:00.000-07:00

Toot-toot! I have a lovely blogger friend named Salli Swindell and she is a mighty talented illustrator/artist who is also one of the uber creative brains behind the TheyDrawandCook website and book! She created some fantastic art for a home decor company and it is now in stores at JoAnn's! I went there yesterday and grabbed a few items. I'll be going back for more as soon as they finish stocking the shelves! Hooray for Salli! For some serious holiday cheer, go grab yourself some delightful holiday tins, bags, paper goods, & decorative items, etc.!

November 2011 Give Aways!

2011-11-04T11:49:00.000-07:00

Hello my lovely readers... today is a day for a Give Away!

What you see below is all going to be given to one lucky reader on November 11th at midnight. That is one week for you to stop by here and make a comment. You can comment about anything your heart desires but I'd really love to hear how you make your holidays special. I know I always have such good intentions but so little time to do all the little special touches. How about you?

NOVEMBER GIVE AWAY
1. 2012 calendar...

AND

2. 6"X6" wooden block with cupcake print in resin...

AND
3. Creative book by Lisa Sonora Beam (I love this book)...

AND

4. A Custom Holiday Card just for you.... you pick the design and I'll customize it for you with your family photos!

All these are brand new and just for you (or a special friend) and just in time for the holidays. Whew... hope this sets your autumn into happy mode!

Friday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for little things of comfort that help make my life so warm and fuzzy.

Fabulous....

2011-11-03T19:16:00.000-07:00

Dear friends, I didn't mean to mislead you with my talk about a November give away. I will post it tomorrow as today is almost ending and my daylight hours to photograph have long given way to darkness. Please check back tomorrow and I will have a goodie or two for you.

Until then, these are a few "Turning 50" logos I've been tossing around lately. I seem to have a lot of people in my life that make celebrations something to remember... now that is something quite nice I'd say!

Thursday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for a delightful musical put on by my niece's school where she was the lead role. That girl can sing! I'm so proud... great job Delaney!

Tink, tink, you stink!

2011-11-02T19:41:00.000-07:00

Wow, I just realized I've made one thousand and eight hundred posts! This calls for a give away... check back tomorrow for a November give away! In the mean time, here are some illustrations I created for a friend's mural. I've recently reconnected with my good friend from high school and now I'm going to fly up to San Fran and paint a mural for his daughter! Yipee! Which one do you think they picked?

I know which one I would pick! How about you? (If you had a daughter and if she liked Tinkerbell that is!)

Wednesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for a very productive day and puppy breath!

Super Five Oh.

2011-11-01T20:17:00.000-07:00

If you were turning the big Five Oh... wouldn't you like to be thought of as a superhero? It would be the bomb.

Tuesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for Fall to be in full swing!

Halloween Trickers.

2011-10-31T20:45:00.000-07:00

We found a few trick r' treaters tonight...

...and this little 12X12 painting by Eliza Tolley found it's home on my wall!

Happy Halloween!

Monday's Gratitude: I am so grateful all the candy is now out of the house.

Bonjour!

2011-10-30T08:23:00.000-07:00

Here's a little more Paris love for a lovely pre-halloween Sunday!

I wish I had been smart enough to take a photo of The Kid and I in costume for a Halloween bash we went to last night. Who knows when anyone will ever see us in some sort of costume again!?! Well, I suppose there is always next year...

Sunday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for lots of animals to love.

Halloween Kitties.

2011-10-28T17:09:00.000-07:00

Allard and Paisley set out for some trick r' treating fun!

How about you? Will you head out for some Halloween fun this weekend?

Friday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for a community of friends, bits of work, and deep belly laughs.

Mon Cherie.

2011-10-26T19:42:00.000-07:00

More Paris love. I think I'll have to go there soon. Maybe on my way home from Italy next year! Squeak!

Wednesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for an afternoon with my niece and the chance to visit the SDMA to see a Dali exhibit.

I see London, I see France...

2011-10-25T19:17:00.000-07:00

For some reason, this autumn season is dishing out the histamines... not enjoying that too much. But I've been easily distracted by some Parisian fun. This is a new little something I've been cooking up and I have a few more on the way. Ooo, la, la.

Tuesday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for some fun projects on the way.

Rock it Loud.

2011-10-23T18:31:00.000-07:00

I love this. Super fitting to end a deliriously crazy weekend.

There are some Paris themed canvases showing up in my studio... hoping to show a few tomorrow!

Sunday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful to be knocked to my knees with an allergy attack for it reminds me to listen to my body and S L O W way down. (PS. I'm really not grateful for allergies but I AM grateful for the reminder, just wish it had come in a less painful way.)

Three little pumpkins...

2011-10-22T17:29:00.000-07:00

Three little pumpkins all in a stack, all are white with bits of black and one looks quite a bit like Jack!

These babies grace my front steps with many thanks to The Kid! Halloween decorations are much more fun to make than buy.

Saturday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for a fun photo shoot with THE nicest photographer around, clean area rugs, and hopefully a nice dinner.

100th Birthday Mary Blair.

2011-10-21T06:44:00.000-07:00

Happy 100th Birthday Mary Blair! Your art is sung from the treetops!

Time changes things.

2011-10-20T17:27:00.000-07:00

In high hopes for the "candy themed" holiday coming soon, I created this illustration today...

from this illustration dated 2008...

Then I was inspired by this...

Here's to going places! Where are you going?

Thursday's Gratitude: I am so grateful for another exam in my class that when I left, I really felt like I'm starting to get back into the swing of things!

Weirdness...

2011-10-20T10:21:00.000-07:00

I would love the new IPhone as there seems to be a serious "red eye" fixing app. that turns those with the dreaded "red eye" into SUPER BEINGS!