Piggy in the Puddle

Places toTake a Warm Nap

2011-12-10T08:04:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to say hi. We hope you get to take a nap today.

From,
Lilly and Milo

Look What I've Been Up To...Mural

2011-12-08T07:42:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been sleep deprived?

Over Thanksgiving break I put in 48 hours of painting (I didn't even count the hours of consultation and planning) during evenings and weekends, after work, between running the Turkey Trot, and trying to stuff my face with the best brussels sprouts and cornbread I've ever had.

In the end, the client was pleased and I was tired. I'm still trying to catch my breath. I'm looking forward to Christmas break just so I can do nothing.

Look What I've Been Up To...Running

2011-12-04T07:13:00.000-08:00

There are lots of reasons why I haven't been blogging lately, so in a concerted attempt to redeem myself and explain my absence, as well as to delight your eyes and imaginations with the magical and wonderful things that have been keeping me busy, I would like to present a new series called "Look What I've Been Up To..."

1. I trained this summer for my first marathon with veteran marathoner, and my mentor, Sheri Epps. Our friend Amy Seed is the most encouraging runner I could ever have the privelege of knowing. She sang, danced, and recited encouraging scripture the whole time we ran this Long Beach Marathon. Our medals were huge by the way, proportionately so to the mercury that day. We cried at the end. I sat a lot at work the next day.

3. & 5. On Thanksgiving morning we move our feet before we eat. I ran two races: a 5-miler and a 5K (3.1 miles) I started the first race again with Amy, but she ran so fast she puked at the end. So this is my friend, Kristen Sullivan, who I was so glad to have by my side. And I made good time myself, but I had injured my knee a bit the week before and running these two races really screwed me up good. I'm upset at my injury and hope it doesn't set me back for a half marathon in January.

The 5K was my one year anniversary of running as it was my first race last year. I can hardly believe I ran two halfs and one full marathon in just my first year. I'm so hooked. In fact, not being able to run on my bum knee is really killing me! Hurry up and heal, silly knee!

2. & 4. Say hello to Oceanside-Carlsbad. This is where I get the privilege of running each weekend. I love that I get to start my weekends like this. I used to hate waking up early to run, but this is just so worth it. I can't wait to be healthy and get out there again. This makes me fall in love with God as Creator and fellow artist all over again.

Matrimonio Italiano...Bellissimo!

2011-10-05T13:00:00.000-07:00

She was Cinderella, riding side saddle, behind her two most handsome nephews, gentlemen perched atop their own strong horses. Her toes dangled and her veil swayed with the horse's gait. They rounded the corner and the people who loved them most were already on their feet.

The curls atop the flower girl's head were in perfect arrangement and her smile was sparkling almost as clearly as the tears in the father of the bride's eyes. Sister took the petite hand of niece turned garden fairy as they led the parade of ginger steps down the aisle, followed by nephews, clad in matching linen Armani tunics, and then the Princess herself on the arm of Daddy.

The Italian ceremony was long, so bride and groom sat in chairs as their most beloved friends and family spoke, prayed, sung and recited. The children's choir was especially sweet, but the groom may have been most moved when the bride surprised him with her own solo. A translator leaned forward in her chair, her Southern Italian waves brushing the shoulders of the Americans in front of her, her Southern Italian accent brushing their ears.

I ran around in the grass, sidestepping the zanzare as they bit my bare legs. Great candids are easier to come by with four photographers. Let's hope this works...

With little fanfare the bride and groom were ushered to Grazano Visconti, a medieval village, to be their own Romeo and Juliet. Poses atop stairs and behind ivy, stealing kisses with the intent to be caught by a point and click. The guests were glad we weren't gone long because the first course was elegant cold cut rosettes and savory pastries, as decadent as the wedding cake itself. This was followed by the most delicious pasta dressed as candy: ricotta pillows in striped noodles, twisted at each end.

The wine must have cost more than my own wedding dress, it was that delicious, and the meat, I'm told, was to die for. The spumoni cleared our palettes and our minds, ready for more. It was now around 5:00 and we had been celebrating since 9:30 am. But when the torta came, we could have stayed all night long. Espresso send us home heady and teary eyed; excited at a new start, overwhelmed with love, and ready for our beds.

It was a magical day to be sure.
I could do it all over again tomorrow.
All 10 hours of it.

Ahhh, amore. Auguri, Paola e Antonio.

Last Day to Sleep In

2011-08-07T12:26:00.000-07:00

Today was our last day to sleep in this summer. The life of a teacher is a charmed one. But we must go back to work tomorrow and my feet are surely dragging.

We have done a lot this summer, in fact, I think we have played harder this summer than ever before. Perpetual barbeques bleed lunch into dinner, one day into the next. Waterskiing until we are sore, frisbee for Jon and running with my girls for me. Kitchen remodel and visits home. Kayaking and paddle boarding in the lagoon.

And sleeping in.

This was the view in our summer bed today, trying to hold onto the last threads of both the season and the sleep.

I am extracting the dread and infusing the joy as I go into Fall; may I enjoy this year as much as I have enjoyed this lovely, lovely summer.

Surprise Visit

2011-07-27T09:27:00.000-07:00

I have a friend who sometimes blogs, with a wink and a smile, about all the wonderfully embarrassing things that happen to her in her less than mundane life at home with her two adorable girls.

The Fluffy One likes to lay out too...and share my pillow

Here is my nod to her:

Step 1: Don itty bitty bikini that no one but the walls in the back yard ever see me in.
Step 2: Hammock and Psychology lecture on iPod. Turn it up, zone out.
Step 3: While listening to the various stages of consciousness and sleep, be vaguely aware that the dog is barking somewhere inside. Ignore it. Again.
Step 4: Furiously scramble to cover myself, twisting, turning and flailing. Readjust said bikini in areas where it's been inched back to allow for fewer tan lines, but do this in the most graceful and expedient way a hammock will allow, eventually being spilled on the cement, along with my iced tea.
Step 5: Excuse myself, not at all awkwardly, from the pest control man who just rounded the corner and likely got the surprise of the day.

Note to self: Remember when it's bug spray day.

Oh, By The Way...

2011-07-22T08:03:00.000-07:00

I forgot to tell you.
Guess what I did!
This summer I got to run two half marathons and I want to tell you about them.

The first one was, at first glance, a bust. After only 1.5 miles I conked out. I got too excited and messed up my pre-run routine, and started out too fast. Going up a little hill, my friends took off. My mentor/coach/Mr. Miagi stayed with me and never left, but I was so upset about doing poorly and not keeping up. Finally she told me to get over it, and I wouldn't have wanted them to stay with me and wait anyway. I knew she was right, but I still couldn't enjoy my run.

My Mr. Miagi, Sheri

I started to get all philosophical and began to think about how I've also felt left behind by friends who have all gone on and started families, even though I started the race before many of them. It was an emotionally exhausting run, as well as a physical one, but I don't think it was as much of a failure and here's why:

My mentor helped me realize that I wouldn't want anyone to wait to start families as I wouldn't want these girls to slow down, and neither did the race end at the finish line. I didn't stop running, and I've only gotten better. I've gotten healthier and even ran another half marathon since then. And this is life too; we are all called upon to exercise our endurance at many different times, and we are all forced to run. But how we react and become stronger from these events is where the true success lies.

So my excitement at their finish on race day is just as genuine as my excitement when dear friends and family announce pregnancies and have baby showers. There is nothing that will ever keep me from sharing in their celebration, and knowing that their victory is also my victory. The God that is writing their story is my God too, and I love that he works in the people I love.

This first race was the Laguna Hills Memorial Day Half, and the second was the Freedom Half in Salt Lake City on Independence Day, which I ran during my recent vacation there.

Night and Day.

It was me, running it myself. No comparison, only enjoying the ride. Much of it was downhill, and I had no goals but to enjoy it. I finished 8 minutes faster than the other one, and I had a blast. My family was so supportive, and my dad even came out and met me at mile 10 on his bike and rode with me for a while.

I've been reading Ryan Hall's Running With Joy, and I finally got it this time. This is my run, I am not running it in competition with anyone, this is my story and I'm running it at my own pace, my best pace I can. I love that I have companions to pull me along and encourage me to do better, but ultimately, this race is my own and no one else's.

I have learned so much about life from running, and I have so much more to learn, in both areas. But one thing is for sure: I am hooked. And now, I am training for a full marathon in Long Beach this fall. I can't wait.

Family Legacy

2011-07-20T07:52:00.000-07:00

I have so many talented people in my family, and collecting all their wonders caused me to realize anew that I had no choice but to follow in their footsteps.

This little baby doll was my own, made by my mama and I just love that expression. The screenprint behind her matted locks was recently created by my fabulous cousin and I still haven't figured out how to use or display it. Any ideas?

Helen Dardik is ridiculously talented, and her work is just adorable. It wasn't until after I purchased her print on the right that I realized the darling child in the painting was a girl. So I decided to paint my own rendition, using some of her other sweet originals as inspiration and concocted the little watercolor cowboy on the left...just in case the wee one we get is a boy, not a girl. Now we have both bases covered.

My husband's great aunt passed down these embroidered and appliqued throws and they couldn't be more dear to me. I can't wait to supplement them with a quilt from my amazing mother-in-law.

So many handmade treasures here! My little sister made the hugging kitties on the left, an illustration of our sisterly love...they even wear our initials on their tummies. The teddy bear in the middle is one of the many bears my grandma made and nicknamed "Sheddy Bears," as my mom called them, not being able to say her own name, Shelley, as a little one. And the pink guy is a Popple; my own from the 80s. Anyone remember those? You can also see the zig zag blanket I crocheted.

What is this edging called, like little lace? These are two pillow cases great aunt made, hanging on the antique dresser a friend bought us. And the alligator up top is a pencil holder my grandpa made for all of the cousins when we were little. He sits by a needle punch I made a few years ago; and YES, those are cloth diapers below!

I saved some of my own Golden Books, my first Bible and my mom's copy of Alice in Wonderland, with some other collected classics from over the years. And there's no way my Strawberry-mobile couldn't make an appearance, however temporary.

Although this pint-sized room is filling up quickly, I know it will be full to the brim one day with all the practicalities and preciousness of all things child. For those of you in this boat, how do you keep from busting at the seams?

Everything's Hunky Dory

2011-07-18T08:13:00.000-07:00

Last week we were supposed to have our last meeting with our adoption social worker. It was the last in a string of months of classes, interviews, and inspections. But we were thwarted. By a neighbor in a hurry.

She was parked on the street and our across the street neighbor pulled out of her driveway a little too fast and, well, by hitting her car it certainly made for a more than inconvenient evening for all parties involved.

I couldn't help but thinking that this could be good, she is seeing us in a real-life situation, more than she could see in a clinical setting. And if our perfect little one isn't ready yet, this delay only makes for superb timing. It looks like we'll have to reschedule, but for now, everything's hunky dory.

Pinocchio's Chair

2011-07-15T07:59:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I happened upon an estate sale after a run at the beach. It was a serendipitous stop because I found this adorable chair for about $7. I knew I wanted to repaint it, but haven't until now.

I have so many little furniture pieces, frames, paintings, and projects just waiting to be brought to life, but sometimes it takes a while. I keep meaning to repaint a vintage folding chairs and table set, and even have the outdoor fabric to reupholster the seats. Maybe before summer's end...

Jon was out the other night and I just got the bug to finish this chair. It had been staring defiantly at me from the corner of our room for some time and I finally got the hutzpah to give it what for.

If you could snap your fingers right now, what project would you love to have finished?

Stripey Handmade Nursery Stage 3

2011-07-13T07:40:00.000-07:00

Done for now...

After finishing the touch up on the walls, we hung the art and some floating shelves. A friend bought us a lovely antique dresser when we were trying to pass our licensing, as this was an item we needed.

I've filled the room with several handmade items like embroidered blankets and toys and I can't wait to share those with you. I'll have to clean out the cat hair if I want to take photos... it seems Milo believes the crib to be a wonderful spot to snooze.

That reminds me, what does one do if the cat won't stay out of the crib? My little sister was viciously pounced upon by our cat once, and I'm not so keen on a repeat. Milo darts when we catch him, but is there any way to prevent this? Once we have a child, we won't be able to keep the door closed all the time.

The swing came from a former student (strange that our students are having babies now), and the rocker is from Jon's mom. The crib came from another friend who adopted and received it as a gift. And there are just too many handmade and vintage treasures to spill the beans about just yet!

Stay tuned, I will tell all. And one day, there will be one very special addition to the room that is unlike any other...

Stripey Handmade Nursery Stage 2

2011-07-11T07:22:00.000-07:00

On the striped wall, after the primer, white stripes and backfilling the tape, we then had to do 2 or 3 coats of color, with a heat lamp on them to dry between coats, removed the tape carefully, and there is always touch up. I've learned that. If I expect it, I'm not so frustrated.

The other walls look very blue in the evening, and quite green during the day.
I love how lighting changes things!

No pastels, no ducks, and no mint green or chicken-fuzz yellow.

In choosing so much color, I also didn't want to simply go with a "rainbow" color scheme. If you notice, there is no green in the stripes. Turquoise, yes, but not simply primary/secondary true-hues. I used red and tinted red (red+white=pink) and the charcoal grey has a blue hue to it, which allowed me to not use violet in the stripes. The pale green on the other two walls isn't really pastel, or maybe an updated pastel, but that's how I got away with not using green either.

I can't wait until the whole room is put together! This is turning out so nicely... a good pay-off for all that work. Phew!

Stripey Handmade Nursery Stage 1

2011-07-09T06:59:00.000-07:00

Hi! Look what I've been doing...

One of the things we have had to do for our adoption license is provide a space for a child, and while it would be sufficient to just provide a crib and a dresser, who wouldn't go the whole nine yards?! (good movie, btw).

Here are the beginning stages. I used these as inspiration, and derived the colors from there. I looked at a lot of inspiration from Ohdeedoh and knew that since we wouldn't know the gender of our little-one-to-be, creating a gender-neutral nursery would have both its challenges and its delights. I'll talk about that later, but for now I'll try to summarize the process.

BEFORE:
I painted samples on paper of the colors I wanted for stripes,
then played with the arrangement, taping them on the wall.

Using a dark grey primer, we covered the grey wall first. Then I added a white to make a light grey to go under the colored stripes.

Next, I measured out where I wanted the stripes, and knew I wanted a white line between each color. I painted 2 coats of white where they would be, then taped off the areas I wanted to keep white with 1" painter's tape.

The overhanging white (the white that peeked out from under the 1" tape) was then covered with grey primer again. And here's the real kicker:

BACKFILL- You know how paint seeps under the tape no matter what you do? Well, this is how you stop that. You backfill. What is the color under your tape? Mine was white. So I painted the edges of the tape with white so that it would fill the little holes and seep under, instead of the stripe color. Voila! Straight lines every time; no color seeping under the tape.

You Are

2011-07-07T15:50:00.000-07:00

Do I address the fact that it's been more than a month since my last post, or do I ignore it and jump right in?

I'm going to go with the latter.

The fact that my typing skills have deteriorated is a testament to the fact that I am more of an information consumer these days (with the help of iPhone/iPad dependency). Do you feel the same, especially if you have a smart phone?

Anyway.

As an act of truce and coronation, I'm gifting you with a complimentary trio of truths; I want you to know that you are:

Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him.
Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong.
~Ephesians 3:17

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
~Psalm 139:14

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He
removed our transgressions from us.
~Psalm 103:12

I love you and I've missed you. I'll try to never be gone so long again. Thanks for being there for me

One Foot In Front of the Other

2011-05-16T18:27:00.000-07:00

Girl has been busy.

I don't know if there's even anyone out there who still visits me here! But I have good reason. Really, who hasn't been a little too busy now and then. I determined to not feel guilty about my lack of blogging, however, because there have been more than one occasion since I've started this journey that my life was actually too busy slow down and document it. I've been busy LIVING.

One thing I've been spending a lot of my extra time doing is running. I don't do it well, or fast, but since Jon and I learned that we'd be in the business of developing a family and that it wouldn't happen quickly, I wanted to learn about endurance, and I thought running would be a good way to do that.

Oceanside Strand: one of my favorite short runs

It's not a fast race, I'm interested in finishing, I'm interested in efficiency, and one day I'll be interested in speed. But right now I'm interested in running more than 3 miles and learning how to shut off the part of my brain that says, "this is hard/I'm bored/that hurts" and just keep running.

On Memorial Day I am running my first half marathon and I'm not interested in running any faster than 11 minute miles, as we do the run/walk method from Jeff Galloway. But I'm putting in the hours to be able to do it, and I'm going to do it. And then I'm going to keep doing it and I'm going to eventually learn all those other things. I'll get better one day, but right now, slow but steady wins the race.

Defensive Lineman Seeks Weightlifting Class

2011-05-11T12:14:00.000-07:00

As the weather has been warming up, it's been so wonderful to be outside more and more. One of our favorite things to do is put our little 9 pound shih tzu, Lilly, in my bike basket and take her on rides around the neighborhood.

Unfortunately, the warmer days means that if I'm going to go out for a long run (I'm slow, so it takes a while), then I have to start earlier in the morning. I'm not much of an athlete, so running suits me fine. The only other sports I've done was sit idly in right field on a few softball teams, a brief stint in kickball in Portland last summer, and play intramural football in college at Biola University.

I found these photos (which were from the pre-digital era) and I thought I'd share some of those powderpuff football days. They were anything but powderpuff, or atleast that's what we'd like to think. There were quite often broken bones and countless bruises. It was NOT just fun and games.

Our team (which, by the way, I will not tell you our name...no one but us knew what NPA stood for) did pretty well the two years I played, and one year, for playoffs, one of the dads donated pads and cleats. We were pretty stoked. Until after the first game, the refs brought out the intramural playbook and told us that while we didn't have to forfeit our first win, we couldn't wear the gear anymore. That was a real bummer for the dad who bought them, since now everything was used and he couldn't return it.

I like to brag that my dad was a football player in college, my older brother did in high school, and I can proudly say that I too joined the ranks of familial ballers. Don't I look tough, by the way? Apparently I believed that if I just bent my elbow I would grow a muscle. I think I'll stick to running...slowly.

Plan: Soak It All In

2011-04-15T08:14:00.000-07:00

It's Easter Break starts this weekend! Oh, there have been so many mornings lately when I wished I was sleeping in instead of getting up before the sun. So this week I fully intend on taking advantage of the fact that I live at a fantastic Spring Break location of my very own.

I plan on:

1. House-sitting for the In-Laws (on the lake)
2. Swimming in said lake
3. Sunbathing next to that lake, in the back yard, and at the beach
4. Catching up on grading (ugh)
5. Finishing reading Water for Elephants (at the lake or the beach)
6. Working on my crocheted afghan
7. Painting the NURSERY!

Necklace from Louloudo

What are you going to do this Easter? Any egg hunts? Egg dyeing (What's your favorite, by the way)? Cadbury Cream Egg eating? Happy Friday.

Liquid Rainbows

2011-04-14T09:29:00.000-07:00

It's watercolor refill at school today. My fingers hurt from squeezing out the tubes. Good stuff must be about to happen with this much watercolor.

God Likes Laundry Day

2011-04-11T09:27:00.000-07:00

A few years ago I read Serve God Save the Planet by Matthew Sleeth. While I already had a bit of a green bent, this book completely changed my persepctive. It discussed the WHY of going green; it isn't just about preserving the earth for future generations so that they can live and preserve it for generations beyond themselves. This is a perpetuation without real reason.

Many Christians seem to act as though sustainability is a four letter word used only by 'liberals.' But this book discusses how preserving what we've been given (Creation) as though we were stewards of it, taking good care of what God gave us, for the purpose of respect and worship, as well as for our own good.

The summer I read this book, we stopped using our ice maker, didn't use lights for a week (that was fun, and only candles in the evening meant we had to manage our time better, doing the things that required light during the day...I totally recommend trying this little experiment yourself this summer), and we also stopped using our dryer.

I love line drying clothes. Well, now I do. When I was little, we did it because we had to; we couldn't always afford using a dryer. But there are many things I now do for nostalgia and stewardship that I resented as a kid.

Last fall, our clothes line broke. We didn't fix the problem during winter, but now that the weather is much more laundry friendly I put up a new line. I just can't tell you how happy this makes me! And with the prospect of cloth diapers around the corner, I am all the more appreciative of the San Diego sun and the healing qualities, not to mention the earth-friendliness.

The short of it: I worship God with my clothes line!

Drooling over Mustard

2011-04-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

...the color, not the condiment.

I'm drooling over these Etsy finds this week.

1. Breathe by Merriweather Council
2. Linen Ruffle Earrings a la Pretty Things by Meg
3. Bashful Bird by Anna Viva
4. Retro Folk Cat from Giselle Gonzalez
5. Baby Bear Silhouette by Corella Design
6. Love Garden by Helen Dardik

Tron Reconfigured

2011-04-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

Listening to this in my art classes today. Not sure if more drawing or dancing is getting done. Either way, I dig it.

I liked the original movie; it reminds me of my older brother and my dad.

I liked the remake; it reminds me of my club-hopping techno days *sigh...to be young again*.

I like Daft Punk, but I like this remix version of the soundtrack much better. It makes me want to go work out, and that is always a good thing.

Two Fine Foxes

2011-04-07T09:40:00.000-07:00

I just purchased these "Two Fine Foxes" from Oliver Lake of Iota Illustration. I think it's just so fantastic that I wanted to share it with you. It will find a cozy home on the wall above my sweet friends' new baby and his forest friends nursery.

I just love these two foxy fellas so much, I might just have to buy some of his other prints for myself.

I attended a cloth diaper class with her on Saturday, and let me just say, I am so excited to be a cloth diaper mom. The technology has come so far in the last few years, so has the style. The husband even tagged along, and while he checked out early to scope out the bike store next door he is all about it. Even more impressive since he does all the laundry in our house! If you have any questions about cloth diapers, I'd be glad to share everything I learned this weekend.

Sunday Ride

2011-04-04T07:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my dad texted about the light snow dusting his lawn in Salt Lake City. Normally, I love hearing about the magical snowy weather where I grew up, but I today, I'm so glad to be in San Diego.

After I laid out in my yard, sheepishly donning my two-piece for the first time in months, I rode my bike to run some errands (after Jon's shenanigans this weekend, i.e. I went to the grocery store and he sold his Jeep, thus making us a one-car family again) and this was my view. This beats snow every time.

Zigzag

2011-03-22T07:39:00.000-07:00

I have a memory of being around 7 or 8 and lying on our brown, high pile carpet in West Palm Beach, Florida. Next to me was my older brother, and over us was our Mom's zigzag crochet blanket, just wide enough and long enough for 2 snuggled kids. All twenty of our toes had found adjacent holes to poke through, just like piglets lined up for dinner.

I asked my mom why the brown and orange striped blanket had holes in it (that seemed like the opposite thing to have in a blanket) and she told me that it was an afghan; she had crocheted it years before, and it was all made from just one strand of yarn! Maybe she'd teach me someday, she said.

On a winter trip home around 10 years ago, Mom taught me. I made all kinds of wonky scarves for friends that year, but I was hooked. Thanks goodness for gracious friends. Luckily, things have gotten a bit straighter.

I love these things that tie us to our families, things that make us like our mothers. I found my inspiration for our new nursery and the first thing I thought to make for it, and the little one that will someday fill it, was a zigzag afghan, just like the one my mom made so many years ago.

So as the rain pattered our skylight this weekend and I nursed an 8-mile-run racked calf muscle, I sunk into the couch, tucked up my toes underneath me (just the way Mom does) and started in. I can't wait until it all comes together, and I promise I'll share with you then too.

Do you remember having one of these afghans in your home when you were young? What do you have that ties you to your family?

More Mailbox Love

2011-03-14T07:45:00.000-07:00

I received the most wonderful thing in the mail this weekend. It was from my sweet cousin, who not only has a heart as big as a river is wide, but who also has an eye for design anyone would envy. When she puts the two together, this is what happens, and when I am the recipient I am so overwhelmed with gratitude that I must share it with all of you.

You may recognize the honeycomb screen print from here. I'm drooling! I can't believe I own this! In it was wrapped the most rapturously delicious tea from Townshend's Tea in Portland. I even let a friend take a whiff of my Rooibos Cinnnamon Spice at craft night this weekend and she immediately went home and ordered seven (7!!) different blends of chai tea for only $2.50 each.

Antique Bee Pin also from Cecily last year. I love her thoughtful heart.

I opened every tiny gift as if it were Christmas, savoring each item...I even took it back into a corner of my bedroom to unwrap just so I could do it as slowly as I wanted. An eclectic group of little tags and bakers twine greeted me cheerily, as did the delightfully simple necklace that was attached to the ribbon. Of course I put it on right away and haven't taken it off.

For the loose leaf tea, she was thoughtful enough to include a precious little ceramic cup with an infuser tucked inside, and let me be honest, I'm drinking it again right now.

Honey Dipper and hand thrown honey jar from Arts Fair in SLC, sent by my parents several years ago.

This is a wonderful way to start off a week. I am blessed beyond words. We have remarked to each other many times how lucky we are to have such a bond as cousins. We thought it was normal.

So, I'm interested, who in your life do you feel blessed to be bonded to, cousin or otherwise?

Oh, Honey

2011-03-08T08:51:00.000-08:00

I always preferred a Peanut Butter and Honey sandwich over PB&J.
My uncle's family started Miller's Honey. When I was little, my aunt would mail my mom a tub of Whipped Cinnamon Honey, sometimes even the stuff with a bit of the comb still in it.

I've never been afraid of bees, and I suppose their stings don't affect me as much as the average Jill.

Honeycomb screenprint by amazing artist, Cecily Sakrison

I think this all set me up for a love of bees. A few years ago when I learned about the severity of hive collapse I called my cousin to see how easy it would be to raise a hive. We decided it was more work than I could afford, but the dream is still there. Maybe one day I'll get to raise some, and then I'll surely be consulting this great resource (with a lovely cover design...yes, I judge a book by its cover sometimes).

And how about this sister title on Canning and Preserving...that's a one day endeavor too.

For now, I'll have to settle for a bee hotel like this one and try to passively help the bee population in my neighborhood. Before I do this, I'll have to take our neighbors into account, as we don't have much property, and I don't want to put anyone with allergies or real aversions at risk.

Sending Sunshine

2011-03-02T08:28:00.000-08:00

Things have been crazy busy around here: we are doing our 27 hours of adoption classes, I'm mentoring a high school girl, leading a small group, teaching at a Spiritual Day Spa on Saturday, scrambling to get our house together to get our Foster license, and working full-time, plus what I consider the part time doings of being an artist.

Do you ever feel like the things you do to keep sane get put on the back burner just so you can survive? I know I'm not alone in this. And while I don't want to wish my life away, I'm looking forward to summer. So since there's been little time to do any new paintings, I've stocked the Etsy shop with these great new postcards which I ordered from moo.com.

They're glossy, printed on sustainably sourced paper, and they are 100% guaranteed to give a TKO to any bout of winter blues you may be feeling. And what ever happened to mail? It's a dying art form, I tell you. The girls from the Valentine Swap through the Stationery Place had something to say about it, and the ladies over at The Benevolent Postcard Society are a small militia against the virtual epidemic of anti-handwriting. When was the last time you put a postage stamp on something other than a bill?

If you are anywhere as busy as I, or have any form of email-overindulgence guilt, try sending a postcard next time. One or two sentences does the trick, and I promise, it's like sending sunshine. Try it! In the meantime, drool over all the new postcards I've posted for sale in the shop.

Breathing

2011-03-01T07:09:00.000-08:00

I'm taking the day off today.

Because life needs to happen and I need to free myself from working at work so I can go work on life.

Not sure naps are on the list for anyone but the cats, but at least I'll be able to breathe a little easier to get ready for the Spiritual Day Spa I am teaching at this weekend.

This is a great way to start March; spring is just around the corner, friends!

Turquoise and Yellow Interiors

2011-02-28T07:45:00.000-08:00

Via Oh Joy

Via In the Fun Lane

Via House of Turquoise

This is our master bedroom that we did last summer; can't wait to do the rest of the house!

Howie Owl Template

2011-02-24T13:44:00.000-08:00

We had a crazy schedule today, so I had another teacher cover my 7th grade art class.

I printed off the whole family of little owl templates over at 3 Eyed Bear and told the sub it was "spatial reasoning" that they were doing. Really, I just think they are stinking cute and wish I could make a whole forest of them for myself.

Download your free owls, and make a hootie menagerie in no time. While you're there, print off all the other dolls, paper toys, and even a yeti to keep those wise fowl company.

I Have an Announcement!

2011-02-16T10:25:00.000-08:00

A few of my friends have asked me to blog about our endeavors in bringing home baby, but I made the decision to keep much of that content outside this blog, as I wanted to maintain this as a blog about creativity and art.

I have decided that I will include a few little stories and bits of info, just so the people who are watching my life and art are included in all aspects which affect those two areas.

So here's the scoop: we are adopting! Last year, I never wrote about our plans or our short efforts with the doc, but after three years and no smushy little one to call our own, we decided to adopt. As I learned, one can do a private adoption (international or domestic) or through the county. The former can cost between $15-30k, and the latter is free, but likely stickier situations.

If you're more interested in how we came about the decision to adopt versus through fertility treatments, or about how we decided to go through the county versus private agency, or anything else you can think of, I'd be glad to be a sounding board, a mentor, a shoulder, or informational source.

As for this little blog that I've loved for sometime, and I've had the pleasure of hanging out with you all, I would still hope to share all things creative and motivating and lovely. Don't worry, I'll for sure be posting about DESIGNING the NURSERY! and other such baby-related frippery, but not yet. I just wanted to keep my loyal lovelies abreast of the situation...and solicit some prayers and such for the long process ahead of us.

Speaking of Love

2011-02-14T07:04:00.000-08:00

These are some things I'm loving on today, NOT of the Valentine Variety.

Join the Circus by Helen Dardik

Boards of Summer by Elgarbo Art


The Woodland by Ina Luxe

Birthday Bunding yarn wreath by Itz Fritz

Tonight the hubs and I have a meeting until 5 and then head off to our first adoption class until 9. So romantic, I know. But I did open the shower door to a new athletic tank and jacket for my running excursions. Love that guy.

Help me out here, how are you celebrating love?

Pink Cheeks

2011-02-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

Kisses make my cheeks pink.

Here are a few mail-kisses I sent out for a Handmade Valentine Swap this year. I've been doing a lot of collages lately and these were four original pieces I sent as valentines in a romantic glassine envelope. Some of them were stitched, some painted on, some hole-punched, all original. I hope my girls heart them; I've loved receiving mine so far!

What makes you blush?

Love Begets Love

2011-02-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

Give a little love today.

For the Love of Hands

2011-02-07T09:39:00.000-08:00

In High school my girlfriends loved Nick from the Backstreet Boys. I just couldn't do it (although I talked myself into liking the band because my friends did); I just couldn't like Nick because I didn't like his hands.

I've always loved hands. They are just as difficult to draw as a face and many beginners shy away from drawing them. My theory is that is because there is as much character in hands as there is in a portrait.

I found this print from Restless Things and fell in love. In my opinion these are some of the most lovely drawings I've seen of hands in some time.

Alfred Steiglitz was obsessed with photographing his wife, Georgia O'Keeffe's hands and I can see why. Photos of her hands were so lyrical and sensual, with stories to tell and character to capture.

Egon Schiele is by far my favorite hand artist. First of all, nothing gets me more excited than his line quality alone. But his hands are such an important part of his images, skeletal and elegant, they add as much to a portrait as do the Mona Lisa's.

What adds to physical attractiveness for you?

If you draw, do you shy away from hands and feet? If you do, know that it's normal, but I challenge you to take the drawing of them head-on. Draw studies of them every day, in different poses, start with your own. Start today!

Cheating or Creatively Rearranging?

2011-02-03T09:45:00.000-08:00

I love to collage when I can. It's so easy to do while sitting at my desk at school.

There is something so immediate, so tactile about slicing up color and repositioning, recreating, recontextualizing when I'm collaging.

In a way, I suppose I feel like I'm cheating a bit, using someone else's painting, image, photo...

But I had a great Art Teacher at Biola who said that we, as artists, never create, but we creatively rearrange. I think this comes from Solomon's sentiment in Ecclesiastes that there is nothing new under the sun.

And when I was an itty bitty artist, my mom used to comfort me in my frustration of having ideas copied by classmates by saying first that it was the greatest form of flattery. But she also spoke of how there are no truly NEW ideas. Everything that has ever been made has come from inspiration from something that has come before, even if we can't trace it back to the source.

So I feel a bit more comfortable "creating" collages with these words in mind.

Did you ever have your work copied? How did it make you feel? Do you feel comforted or disturbed by the thought that no art is ever truly unique?

~~Both of these collages~~ (Night Hills flew off the shelf, but Swan Dive is still available) are up for sale for a steal of a price in my Etsy shop. I also posted a print of this collage, as I got so much great feedback on the original.

A New Feather

2011-01-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

In college, years ago, I took a graphic design class. I bought a laptop, and that magical package: Photoshop/Illustrator. The computer was old and the programs were so large they caused the computer to crash. Off to the Mac Doc my laptop went, but she was not healthy enough to sustain such a large file again.

Thus, my newly acquired muscles atrophied and my skills were lost. Well, went underground. Until now.

Last year, I reclaimed what was lost, and have slowly been making progress. I still love a piece of rough hewn, cold press, crisp white piece of Arches watercolor paper with a gorgeous deckled edge, but I don't mind a mouse and a computer screen as much as I once did.

There's nothing that breeds production like necessity, and I, as head artistic coordinator in our Women's Ministries at church, was recently called on to create a new logo for our Spiritual Day Spa (a great event where, among other things, I get to lead an Art Therapy class...another hidden talent).

I took a cue (and I'd love to take a class) from this amazing instructor, and I don't mind the result. I'll be proud to have this logo be atop any letterhead or brochure, but I still have so much more to learn.

What skill would you like to learn? Is there something you don't do well, and would like to do more? Why not start?! It's still only January...you still have all of 2011 ahead of you! Start something creative today, I dare you!

Yoshimi and the Pink Robot

2011-01-26T10:54:00.000-08:00

I often play Pandora in my art classes and one of my favorite stations is MGMT. While we don't hear too many tunes by this group, for some reason the Flaming Lips song Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots comes on quite often, especially during second period.

The kids have adopted that song as their anthem, and Yoshimi as their mascot. Yesterday, one of the girls asked me to draw Yoshimi for them, so I obliged. How could I not?

What do you listen to while you are being creative? Do you have the TV on in the background, or streaming radio, or audio books? If you listen to Pandora, what are some of your favorite stations?

For your listening pleasure, here are some of my favorite Pandora stations:

Blind Pilot (please listen!)

Penguin Cafe Orchestra (honestly you will LOVE this)

Mates of State (a very fun little station)

Your Story in Six Words

2011-01-19T12:51:00.000-08:00

Spoonful by Virginia Ray

I receive each week a little newsletter called Etsy Success. There are super helpful and creative morsels, dealt out in little spoonfuls, to devour and spark artistic and entreprenurial endeavors through the marketplace.

Yesterday, one of the spoonfuls was to share your story in 6 words. Here is an excerpt from the article by Linda Garbe:

Challenge #1: Your Story in Six Words

Many years ago Hemingway was asked to write a six-word story. In the same spirit, Smith Magazine has been challenging people to write their memoir in six words. Get more inspiration and info about this project on NPR.

Fill sheets of paper with adjectives that describe you. What are your best attributes? Think about what is most important to you. What do you value most? Your shop and your six-word memoir should make sense. Your story and your shop need to be in alignment.

It takes longer to write a good short story. You have to give it a lot of thought. After much thought and trying endless combinations my memoir is: “Storyteller addicted to color and texture.”

I had quite a few 6-word stories and certainly couldn't decide which was the best, but here are a couple:

Colorful, playful, and just living easy.

I create because I was created.

And check out this great zine on the art of being happy by Spoonful.

What would your 6-word story be?

I Resolveth Not

2011-01-17T08:02:00.000-08:00

I know I'm not the only one who doesn't make New Year's Resolutions.

I do believe that the New Year is a great time for a New Start. I've already started off with a Daniel Fast, mostly as a support to my non-vegetarian friends, seeing as how it's not much different from my normal eating habits. I definitely miss sugar, bread, cheese, and caffeine (a little...not much as I thought I would).

For those of you who are thinking about eating healthier, I have this one bit of advice: do NOT think of it as a diet. Anything that is meant to be a permanent change is not meant to have a semi-permanent mind set.

Any of you who are doing something like the 21 day Daniel Fast (which mimic's Daniel's diet while in captivity, refusing to eat non-kosher food, instead living off mainly veggies, and still ending up looking stronger and more handsome than anyone else in prison), or any other temporary goal I have this one bit of advice: you can do ANYTHING for 21 days!!! I mean it! If you can wrap your head around the fact that you can run really hard for just 5 minutes, or not eat something for just one day...you are powerful, and a force to be reckoned with!

Take this New Year by the horns, and do something you never thought you could. Don't make a resolution that is out of reach; most people have already dropped theirs by now. Choose to make each day new, and know that God's mercies are new each morning.

Mini Love

2011-01-13T18:14:00.000-08:00

I've been a little inspired, as usual, by Valentine's Day. Maybe it's the red, or the hearts, or the love...I don't know. I just always love the images for V-Day.

And I've been more than inspired by Lyndsey's Valentine Swap. I'm even entertaining starting one at work, among the teachers...bring back a little mailbox luv. Would you ever do a Valentine Swap, kindergarten style, at your place of employment?

So to help inspire you to join the Swap and get a little bit of snail mail of your own, I've put a few new sets of mini-cards in my Etsy shop, where they share some shelf space with a few paintings from last year's (here and here) love-making (and by that I mean card-making...with hearts and such.)

Love Notes: Handmade Valentine Swap

2011-01-11T06:09:00.000-08:00

Photo here.

I was searching for the perfect valentine yesterday when two women walked past and noticed the rows of pink and red hearts and lips. They were less than thrilled that Valentines cards were already out. Now I'm no fan of seeing it myself, on January 1, but it's only about a month away. Ok, a month is a bit far, but still, these things sneak up on a girl if not adequately prepared in advance!

I'm not sure what I'm going to do for the husbie this year, but one super fun event I am going to take part in is a Handmade Valentine Swap from Lyndsey (aka Paper Girl) of The Stationery Place. Go here for more info. It sounds super easy and fun, and c'mon, when was the last time your mailbox was filled with perfectly sweet handmade love notes?!

A Full Retrospective

2011-01-10T09:37:00.000-08:00

Goodbye 2010. You were a very full year. Full of love and romance,

God provided for us, in His timing, a new house to call our own,

And to fill to the brim with sunshine, love, and too much stuff.

Lots of crafts were made...paper, stitched, crocheted. Too many to count, in fact.

While we weren't yet blessed with little chicks of our own, we've cuddled many a good substitute.

Spring brought a new song to our hearts, full of optimism and merry-making.

Being back in Oceanside to stay meant we could act like tourists in our own town.

Arts and culture were sandwiched in between good restaurants and the good ole Coastal Lifestyle we love.

July meant discovering Portland, and rediscovering most beloved family.

August was filled with too-short days of foreign-family visits. (Seriously, too short...always is.)

I spent our summer (and our money) decorating our bedroom and I quite like the results!

Not nearly enough time was spent painting. Lilly and I were both a bit exhausted from other responsibilities.

School means back to the grind...where even parties are work.

This girl had a milestone birthday, ushered in with a non-surprise party which ended in smiles and rollerskates.

The year ended with my first ever Christmas Eve dinner hostessing. (It was a smash hit.)

Lilly says...

2010-12-25T06:58:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!
And candy canes are AWESOME!
And dressing up like Santa is not.

A Snowy, Merry Christmas to You

2010-12-23T21:54:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't get to see the magic of a white Christmas, I'd like to share some of mine from the past.

For me, the palms are swaying as they light up our warm winter sky with colored lights, singing the miracle of Christmas in their own way. But deep down, the snow warms my heart most.

Merry Christmas, friends!

Guess Who's 30 Today

2010-12-21T09:09:00.000-08:00

Give up?

Me.

That's who.

Drink a toast to a brand new year, this should be the best ever.

Cold, White, Magic

2010-12-17T07:55:00.000-08:00

When I was very young my family lived in South Florida. I would watch Christmas movies and dream of places that had white winters, icicles, foggy windows, and just a few steps removed from the North Pole.

On my birthday, December 21, 1991 my family moved to Salt Lake City. I longed so much to make my first snowball that as soon as a glistening embankment was spotted on the highway, we stopped just to touch.

I think that to celebrate my birthday next week I'll watch my favorite Christmas movie, Little Women, and imagine putting on my winter skin on a snowy hibernation day.

Merry Christmas.

Hello, I am Thinking of You, Tea Cup!

2010-11-11T20:04:00.000-08:00

I am busy.
Can you relate?
No?
That must be nice.

I've been prepping for a craft fair on Sunday, an process that I can only imagine must be smoother for veterans. I'll let you know how it goes.

For now, I wanted to let you see a few of the little watercolors I've done amongst all the craziness. Find them here.

Running Story

2010-11-03T06:16:00.000-07:00

I have bad feet.
And I like to run.

The two things don't always go together, but I've been learning a lot about endurance in both life and on the road.

On Saturday a friend and I ran at our favorite spot along the San Diego Coastline and it went something like this:

A wet sea air chilled our hands for the first 10 minutes but was soon forgotten as the sun climbed up and tickled the surf with thousands of tiny dancing diamonds. Cutting through the campground we ate breakfast with our noses; campfires teased us with roasting coffee and bacon. It was Halloween so each camp sight shared their toothless, grinning pumpkins as we, with short breaths, chatted about everything and anything.

Turning around at mile 4.25 and sipping on electrolytes we did the reverse trip, only going uphill wasn't so easy this time. Smile at the old surfers with their coffees, assessing the days ride. One more mile of hard breath and we were in the ocean up to our waists. Forget about wet shorts, this is San Diego. Cold salt water is nature's ice pack and after 8.5 miles I could sure attest that God is also a physician. Better and faster was the healing than any pill or massage I've ever had on my aching feet.

I'm ready for 10 miles this Saturday.

Hitler's Maps

2010-10-11T16:35:00.000-07:00

I've been doing a lot of collages lately for gifts. I really like the immediacy of a collage. I love that it's not like I'm making something out of nothing, like I usually do with a painting.

I found a National Geographic with lots of lovely maps and quickly stashed them in my collage pile. It wasn't until I was arranging them on my workspace that I realized they were all of Hitler's old maps. Oops. This was supposed to be a wedding present! I won't tell if you don't. They're just too pretty!

So I think I'll secretly call this "Hitler's Tea Party" or "What Hitler Does on a Day Off." Is that totally tasteless?! Any better ideas?

Celebration Sale

2010-10-05T17:15:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's already October. We sort of got cheated out of a summer, weather-wise.

The other day a random glance out the window was greeted not by the sun-shiny 97 degrees of the previous day, but a torrential downpour that has been unloading ever since. While on an errand I snapped a phone pic of the storm with a little peek of sun reminding me that this too shall pass.

I love fall. And I love Etsy. What started as a silly little hobby (and evolved into a potentially less silly hobby, and now is again just a hobby...with just a hint of future potential) has yeilded this little crafter

99 sales!

What a fun game! I'm always saying that I'd be making all this stuff anyway, so instead of stuffing it in a closet, I might as well let others enjoy it, right? Right.

So I think this calls for a celebration! To celebrate, I would like to offer

{10% OFF to my 100th sale over at my shop.}

There's only one 100 and it could be YOU! Please share in my elation and enjoy your side of the cookie. I love you all; thanks so much for the support and fulfillment you all are in my life.

Convertible

2010-09-30T06:19:00.000-07:00

I like it when a mistake is joyous.

Exhibit A. {see above}

This week I've been learning to

"consider it joy when troubles come your way"

because it gives an opportunity for endurance,

which makes you complete,

needing nothing.

Have you ever made something great out of a mistake?

Dodo Collage: Free Download

2010-09-28T06:04:00.000-07:00

I've been collaging a bit the last couple of days. Here's one that I made to be the background for an Excel doc. I lightened it a smidge from the original to I could print on it, but I like the full color option as well.

I've also done one for a friend who just birthed a wee dumplin' with rosy cheeks and I can't wait to give it to her, or to show you. We'll see which one comes first.

Feel free to print these for your own use, just please don't distribute them and give me credit if appropriate. Because I love you. And leave me a comment so I can know if you loved it!

Bumps and Boos

2010-09-23T10:32:00.000-07:00

Lots of babies and new life. I'm so proud of these mamas.
My sweet cousin in law in Portland is really starting to show a bit of a belly at 16 weeks!

This dear friend in Sweden posts weekly pics and has titled the documentation as "From Poppyseed to Watermelon."

And yesterday little Katherine Ryan arrived, ready to play with her big sister, wrap around Daddy's finger, and snuggle for ever with her lovely mama, my college roommate, Kelli.

Ladies: My heart is so full with excitement as I get to share in your victories; your difficult ones and those of a few more who have yet to announce their own accomplishments.

I hope this is encouraging to those of us who are waiting for a Stork-y visit of our own, and may I share my new outlook:

The fact that this can happen is celebration for me too;

I get to share in your victory because

the GOD that has done this is MY GOD too!

PS: not sure whyblogger isn't letting me format my paragraph...sorry for the difficult read

Ain't No Old Timer Yet

2010-09-21T12:53:00.000-07:00

Bones creaking more than before.

Nine o'clock is the preferred bed time.

Make sure to get my fiber.

Dinner no later than five.

But I ain't no old timer just yet.

Last week we chaperoned our students' Jr./Sr. Retreat on Catalina Island where we snorkeled, kayaked, hiked, stayed up late, worshiped early, and rarely ever sat still. {PS: my team won the competitions and I get to wear jeans to work all week *gloat*.}

Then we recouperated by heading up to the in-laws' to go waterskiing, swimming, have a luncheon, cook a big meal, and never sit down because our arms were full of little nieces and nephews.

So...today I thought it would be fun to get a cold. Just to make sure everyone knows how hard I played.

Image here.

Wishing I Was on a Greek Isle

2010-09-14T11:15:00.000-07:00

If I lived on a Greek island, I'd wear this everyday.

I don't, but who says I can't crochet and make my first sweater anyway?

Inspired, yet again my the magnanimous Anna Maria Horner, I snagged this book and used this yarn in Misty Taupe, which I love for the shiny 3-dimensionality of this soft, sustainable bamboo yarn.

Fantastical Me

2010-09-03T06:58:00.000-07:00

New original, now in the shop.

The meeting took place at the spot where they agreed, at the edge of the forest under the lantern of a full moon. Sensing the wise old traveler's sorrow, the fairy reached a hand out to comfort him as he began telling his story...

It feels so strange to be painting like this. I have never really lived in the fantasy world. When I was young I was never scared of monsters, instead I feared robbers and fires. I could never read fantasy novels and skipped out on many of those movies too (except Never Ending Story...loved it).

I also prefer to paint things that are part of the real world. I love capturing, not really recreating. I think that has to do with the fact that I feel I could never recreate better than it's already been done, I'd just like my own record of it.

I was really offended once when another art student said that I was a recorder, not an inventor. But I've become more comfortable with it recently. I'm still trying to figure out who I am as an artist, but I wonder if I ever really will unless I become one full time. I don't know...

Eyelets

2010-08-30T19:20:00.000-07:00

Take me home.
{The cute girl who made me is trying to save up to make a family .}

Knitting Antisocial

2010-08-23T08:37:00.000-07:00

I attempted to go to my first knitting social at a great, newly discovered yarn store lastt week. I say attempted because here is how it went:

I happened upon super cute said shop where I learned of the upcoming Knit Night, which I quickly plugged into my mental calendar. I dreamed of mingling with like-minded women as needles clicked and words like worsted weight and cable and purl floated around the room, but truly, I wasn't sure what to expect.

So I packed up my yarn and did a drive-by peeking to see if there was anyone there. The bell on the door chime greeted the 5 women already sitting in the small shop, but no one looked up to welcome me into the fray. I surrepititiously browsed the yarn, waiting for some recognition of my presence until someone (I suppose one of the owners) finally sent a weak hello my way.

I continued around the store, touching, appearing to be busy, secretly eavesdropping and wondering if I would be allowed to enter the club, if even for a visit. I made a full circle without any acknowledgment of my presence, even nearly bumping into the owner-woman at one point, still being ignored.

So I left, thinking to myself that this was much less of a Knitting Social than it was a Knitting Antisocial. I also left feeling keenly aware of how easy it is to be a part of a clique and vowing to make a more concerted effort to not repeat this very high school behavior in my own life.

I will reach out to women who don't have a place at church, I will not let the unnoticeable students be invisible this year, and I will keep being friends with the underdogs.

What can you do to make sure an outsider is made welcome in your life?

The Twilight of Summer

2010-08-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

The sun has set on my summer. School is back in session and I have the busiest schedule I've ever had.

Despite the crazy shortness of our summer (because we changed our school year to an earlier start and end date), I feel like I got a lot done. NOT ENOUGH, mind you; it's never enough. But here's what I did:

1. Redesigned my bedroom and made most of it from scratch: painted walls and furniture, made bedding and bedskirts, upholstered a big ole headboard, and did it all on a dime.

2. Went to Portland to visit family, to craft, and to EAT.

3. Cleaned out the entire art room at school and re-organized much of it (thanks husband).

4. Made tons of little handbags and tiny projects.

5. Played in the back yard.

6. Cut my hair.

7. Learned how to run (for real). Really, I've always done a bit here and there, but I've got an unofficial trainer who runs with me on Saturdays (this weekend we did 6 miles at the beach...with a little bit of walking too, which I'm realizing is not cheating).

8. Had about 30 dinners with friends, saw 15 old friends, and gained what feels like 10 lbs because of it.

9. Went to the Doctor to see about our baby problems (no answers yet).

10. Rode our beach cruisers to the beach and to the movies like about 100 times.

Not that you wanted the details. I'm still leading a small group, I've agreed to take on a mentee (the super cute and oh so talented Heather), and I'm hoping to join another small group with the husband. I'm on the Women's leadership committee at church, and Jon is co-leading ASB (student government) this year, which means, by default, I am too.

So now that my crazy fun summer is over, my crazy *not so fun* school year has begun. Bring on the ridiculousness.

Daddy's Girl

2010-08-09T07:10:00.000-07:00

I paint like my mom.

My dad does numbers. I do NOT do numbers.

But apparently, he and I go to the same hair stylist.
Not sure how that works since we live hundreds of miles apart.

Cousins' Dinner

2010-08-03T12:03:00.000-07:00

*Sigh.*

The summer is coming to a close for Jon and I. We go back to work on Monday. But we couldn't feel more blessed, more filled up by the abundance of friends we've shared time with this summer. So many dinners, shows, visitors, vacations, barbeques, bike rides, and even mentoring have filled up our hearts like too-full summer picnic baskets.
One of the many joys is the bringing together of friends, like our cousins: Jon's cousin and mine both live with their husbands in Portland, only minutes from each other and never really knew it. During our visit we forced friendship upon them and hope they don't have too much fun up there without us.

When was the last time you got together with friends? What's your favorite thing to do? For us, it's EATING. Out or in, we'll take either.

Quilt Philosophy

2010-07-28T13:00:00.001-07:00

When I made this quilt for my cousin as a wedding gift, the only stipulation I sent along with it was to use it. Don't hang it on the wall, don't put it on a shelf. Use it. Get stains on it, wash it, use it.

All this love has, no doubt, added to the charm of this quilt. The ripples and softness is exactly what a quilt should be.

I think I'm going to start doing more of the same. What's your quilt philosophy?

Simple Thing

2010-07-23T07:47:00.000-07:00

We've all heard it said that it's the simple things in life that really count. But only if we take the time so appreciate them.

Mom called this week while I was looking at recipes to make some freezer jam and she said, "No, don't do that! It's time you inherited my canner and made some real jam!"

That immediately reminded me of the narrow pantry of my childhood, filled with Ball jars that sparkled with shimmery peaches, homemade applesauce, and spicy grape jelly. Mom learned to can from her mom who had the very best pantry, which was perfect for one chair that held a little girl and all her imagination. I used to sit in there when I just wanted to smell the canned goodness, make up songs or plays, or listen to Bobby McFerrin on my walkman.

Grandpa had a cherry tree over his workshop out back, and us cousins would climb up and pick cherries all day while the adults would cheer us on, pointing out the biggest clumps. Mom and Grandma canned those too.

One summer, Mom and I picked peas from Grandma's garden. Now, I hated peas, I still do. I think it's because mom served them, from a frozen bag, almost every night. But there's something about sweet fresh peas from the garden, warm in the morning sun, like candy in your mouth, that can turn a girl to a pea-lover in no time.

I don't have a garden yet, nor a cherry tree (my lemon tree looks promising, though), but as far as appreciating the simple things, the sparkling golden sun from our sky light on my very own hardwood floors really just sent me over the edge today, so I thought I'd share.

That's my simple thing. What's yours?

Salt and Pepper

2010-07-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

I'm off to Portland to visit this ridiculously talented and amazing young thing I get to call cousin. Actually, I call her Cecily. Well, actually, I call her "Pepper", because I'm "Salt." She's the brunette and I'm the blonde.

She's always been my partner in both crime and creativity. Countless hours have been invested with her in perfecting the arts of swinging, writing advertisement jingles, girl scouting, doll and jewelry making, entrepreneurial endeavors, traveling, hiking, bell ringing, and play writing. But that's just skimming the surface.

Now I'm off to her place, along with the husbie's cousin, who is also an angel sent from heaven (whose childhood experience with her cousin was not quite as girl-scouty as ours were). PDX, here we come!

Grandma's where we get our talent. This painting was of us and my brother in about 1984.

Beach House Furniture Addiction

2010-07-20T11:56:00.000-07:00

I have a new infatuation. You ever painted furniture before? Let me just say that I was so intimidated to do this, even though I had no good reason to be. All I needed was someone to give me the confidence and a few pointers and I was hooked! That friend was Sheri Epps of Sheri Epps Designs in downtown Vista. If you haven't been to her shop yet, it's charming, and she is a doll.I bought this old antique dresser from Sheri (it was the first antique she ever bought for herself when she was 18) and had grand plans of painting white and yellow stripes. I did a test and immediately realized stripes weren't right for this piece. So we went with the distressed look.
I sanded it down and slopped on one quick, uneven coat of three types of white: a pinkish one, a bluish one, and a stark white paint. Once it was dry, I sanded it again with my palm sander. A coat of sealer and $100 worth of Anthropologie knobs and voila! Here is the before picture of the turquoise dresser I promised: (I caught the kitties like this when I stepped out for like 2 seconds). I've had this with it's bedroom set since I was two years old.

And here is the after. This was also sanded, with 2 coats of primer (even more plus some Zinsser on the top to hide a water ring) and 2 coats of semigloss Poolside Blue from Benjamin Moore.
And because I couldn't stop, I found this nightstand on the curb and busted out the separator piece that once held a drawer. I didn't have any more primer so I painted it a lovely ivory, and when I added the Poolside Blue, I kept the inside detail on the front white, just because.Now it sits outside our front door, waiting to help empty an armful of groceries or an iced chai latte from Starbucks while I fumble for my keys.

But now I feel like I can take on an army of ugly wood...next I have the kitchen cabinets, dining room table and hutch to paint. I can't stop! It's so great!

What have you painted? Do you have horror stories, or was it simple cake?

Good Morning Front Yard

2010-07-15T08:20:00.000-07:00

Good morning tiny front yard. You're looking better every day.
Good morning neighborhood. Nice to see (some) of you.
Good morning Ponytail Palm. Bows or ribbons today? Braids? Ok.
Good morning Bougainvillea. I know husband calls you Gorgonzola, but he's learning.
Good morning succulents. Don't worry, that sun will be off you soon.

I'm so lucky to have all of this. And to call it mine. And that all of it smells of sea salt. So lucky.

MY Museum Tunic a la A.M.H.

2010-07-14T09:59:00.000-07:00

Anna Maria Horner. Love.

Skipping across her blog recently I found this post with a tutorial on how to make my own Museum Tunic.
I whipped up this ditty with some spare threads from my stash, and I even wore it out on the town. A smashingly delicious gallery opening by my friend Wade Koniakowsky (more about that later) and then a great show by local band, Lesands.

Now, I wasn't aware that A.M.H. used 54" fabric, so when my 45 inch stuff wouldn't quite fit around my hips, I panicked! Never mind, I'll just add a triangular side panel.

It was so stinking easy that I made a shorter tunic and didn't add the elastic waist, but sinched up a wide belt instead. (Sorry 'bout the photo...camera phones work well for late night creativity).
Now go make one!

Oasis in the Bedroom

2010-07-13T13:04:00.000-07:00

Well, despite every aspiration I had for being the world's best blogger this summer, my efforts have fallen by the wayside as I sift through the unending to-do list during these blissful months of play, rest and work.

I did mention in my last post that I would be busy, so here is a glimpse at some of the things I have tackled and am in the midst of currently.
The most time-consuming and rewarding endeavor is our (my) ever-progressing bedroom redesign. After painting the walls a sprightly shade of yellow and my childhood nightstand and dresser a dreamy ocean blue-green, a big change has already taken shape. New bedding thrown from our bodies on these warm summer nights is refreshing, and this pillow from Amy Butler is in the works.
Speaking of, did you know Amy Butler has a bedding line at Bed Bath & Beyond? I turned the corner and blubbered like a total idiot...I couldn't have been more shocked if she had been sitting there herself. I picked up the sweet ruffled pillow and the $40 price tag quickly reminded me that I have the very pattern at home. A trip to the fabric store afforded me the opportunity to snatch up this sweet print, and it will don my mattresses soon.
Headboard fabric has been purchased and is awaiting my eager hands for assembly, curtain and bedskirt fabric is *hopefully* in the mail, and a darling antique arts and crafts dresser is all sanded down in my garage, dreaming of the yellow stripes it will soon wear.

Even unfinished, some of our Swedish friends visited last night and I spied the Mr. peeking his head in our room and, sighing, said, "I love this room!"

You will too, once I post some finished pics!

Hurricane Season

2010-06-07T16:19:00.000-07:00

It's always summer in Oceanside, but sometimes it's more summertime than other times.One of those times is almost here. Two more days left of school and then it's really summer.I walked into my house this afternoon and realized, it's hot in here. Last night we slept with the windows open, I don't really know if there is anything more sweet.Well, I'm holding on to the last few days and then, I fear, the real work will set in. Our sights have been sealed upon more than a few tasks to accomplish in our too short vacation, among them are remodeling the kitchen, redesigning our bedroom in as complete and thrifty way as possible, and gutting the art room at school to paint the long neglected floor. Oh, and maybe doing a mural, an illustration for another text book, private art lessons, finish (I mean start and finish) a quilt, make lots of use of our gym memberships, and visit with family from the other side of the globe.

Strawberry Cut-Out for a photo op at the Vista Strawberry Festival

Sounds like the opposite of a vacation. My hope is that I can find some time to blog, paint, and get my Etsy on amidst the hurricane. Maybe I'll be too busy to eat, too. That'd be a super easy diet plan. Anyway, until that day arrives, here's the few little things I've had time to do lately, check them all out in the Etsy shop!

Koons Owns Kitsch

2010-05-13T06:51:00.000-07:00

Every year I alternate teaching classical and modern art history. This year we cover the latter, and we just finished modern architecture, Dada, and Surrealism and I am on a modern art high. I got my students so excited about Dadaism that they were even talking about it in normal, outside-of-class conversations. One student is ready to sign up with Duchamp to play Dada chess.

A lot of people can't stand Dada art; Duchamp and his Readymades are all a big joke. But to him, a bottle rack was art because art is what exists in the artist's mind...if you say it's art, it is. And no art is 100% original, so where do you draw the line?

I got to see The Fountain a few years ago when I was in Israel, and seeing as how I'm not used to looking at urinals, I was surprised at the small size...and the fact that it was just sitting on the floor!

Anyway, the art nerd in me is loving this image (click to see it bigger), especially "Duchamp owns everything."

What are some of your favorite movements or artists in art history? Picasso? Monet? Botticelli?

Green Improvements

2010-05-10T07:05:00.000-07:00

While we have had our eyes opened to the extravagant cost of remodeling our kitchen, we've taken our shell-shocked hands to the yard.

Well, Jon has borne the brunt of the work, although I think it's fast becoming a hobby for him. Case in point: I was gone for the weekend and I came home to 30 square feet of new sod and two dozen new plantings. The next weekend a saw was purchased to prune the overgrown Yuccas. On Friday I was interrupted in my bikini by an inspection of the Palms which then were ripped out on Saturday.

That husband. He's amazing. I like mine.

So while I get a little sad when a tree has come to its end, I get excited to plant something new...I'm thinking jasmine.

I guess the kitchen is going to have to wait for now.

Two Bits of the Future

2010-05-06T17:53:00.000-07:00

While I've been busy making my home my own, it seems there is a tiny like-minded lady who is dong the same thing...and on my property!Do you see her? There she is! I was sitting in the garden, under our lilac bush (which is now more of a tree) and I was serenaded by the humming wing beat of a constantly coming and going hummingbird. When I finally stood to stretch, I noticed the little abode hung just above my head, as magical and inconspicuous as a mistletoe. I grabbed my camera for a few shots and found two tiny treasures inside.What a beautiful and exciting thing to experience...life, that is, and its process. When I was 9 years old I watched my little kittens be born and my loving and wise teacher-mother used the experience to train and grow my little mind.Here I am, a couple of decades later, and the wonder is not lost on me. Perhaps I can follow in Momma Hummingbird's footsteps soon and will make this home a nest full of little chicklets too. I had better watch closely, I have a feeling she has a thing or two to teach me.

Brick and Mortar

2010-05-03T06:35:00.000-07:00

What makes a house a home to you? Is it the four walls, the people in it, the location, the feel, the style, the smells of cookies baking...

Me and the Fluffiest Around the Neighborhood

2010-04-29T08:35:00.000-07:00

"Let's go on a walk!" I said. "We'll introduce ourselves to the new neighborhood."The little fluffy one said, "Ok, I've been feeling the need for some wind in my hair. Let's go."
"Look at those giant green leaves," the fluffy one said, "and the sun coming through them like that!""Yup," I said, "it's because we live closer to the beach. Can you smell the salt water? Feel the ocean breeze?""Oh, yes!" Said the fluffy one. And we sauntered along, admiring the beauty of springtime near the beach.
"What's that?!" shrieked the fluffiest puppy. "Oh, don't worry, that just means you know we live in California. Think of it as art."
We continued on our way, finding lots of treasures, new and old.
Amongst all the flowers, we even found some made of glass. The fluffy one tried to smell them, but they did not smell like the rest.
"Phew! That was awesome. Let's do it again tomorrow," she said.
"Ok."

What does your neighborhood look like right now? Now it's your turn to take ME on a tour!

House of Turquoise

2010-04-19T12:43:00.000-07:00

I have the privelege of knowing a fantastic interior designer, Sheri Epps of Sheri Epps Design in Vista. I'm not sure how I managed it, but I have the awesome blessing of having her help me design my bedroom in my new house. We've had the same decor for 7 years and I think it's time for a change. In researching and looking for inspiration, I defaulted to my favorite blog, Delight by Design and was directed to this fantastic source of all things turquoise. Take a peek into House of Turquoise.
I'm thinking turqoise walls, yellow furniture, and white bedding. Thoughts?

Spring Tweets

2010-04-14T05:36:00.000-07:00

New in the Shop for Spring.
I had some aprons, but those flew off the shelves. I'll have to make some more soon when the dust begins to settle.Mowgli things they look pretty good...go see 'em for yourself!

Glimpses of Our New Home

2010-04-12T16:58:00.000-07:00

I always promised myself that if I were to start a blog, I wouldn't let it go by the wayside. Alas, here she sits, neglected and left wanting. Those who visited regularly have now become bored, no doubt, and for good reason too! I haven't visited you either in quite some time!

Well, here's why. You know that word busy?

Moving (and the entire process of buying a home, not to mention the 2 hour daily commute before we moved) has been an all consuming business.

Moving in takes a while. We have to introduce ourselves to it and wait for it to introduce itself right back. So we are not entirely out of boxes yet, but lots of you dears have asked for pics, so I've tried to capture a few corners and vignettes of our house which is quickly becoming a home.

Still in boxes, but back at the beach.I love my Man. I love sharing hardwood floors with him.

I have 2 rosebushes: one inherited, one a housewarming gift.Sunshine and a perfect place to read.The craft room. Need I say more?

We Did It!!!

2010-03-30T21:08:00.000-07:00

We are finally home owners!
After:
12 months of searching
40+ offers made
{7 months on a pending sale}
*2 months* of escrow
100s of antacids
and
160,342 prayers [at least]...
...we finally own a little 3 bedroom/2 bath starter home with a sunroof and hardwood floors.
Woo hoo!!!!!
Now, friends, what should I do with it?

He Loves Her; She Loves Buzz Lightyear

2010-03-29T20:00:00.000-07:00

My Lamb. Angel. Sierraca.

My best girl in High School is now a wife.

A cute little watercolor for the happy couple.

Last Friday she made the most beautiful bride, and I cried lots of tears of joy and we danced it up all night on the dance floor.

Adam is the most funny and kind and handsome guy and was made perfectly for her.

Congratulations you crazy kids.

How Husband Got a Black Eye

2010-03-15T05:59:00.000-07:00

Me: Man, I really wish I knew where my watercolor paper was, I have to do a painting.
Husband: It's in the garage behind that obnoxious piece of furniture you won't get rid of.
(Disagreement on how I do want to get rid of it, it just didn't sell at our last garage sale ensues.)

One week later:
(I bought a new package of watercolor paper, not a bad price, but still not cheap.)
Today in the Garage with Husband:
Husband: "Look, there's your watercolor paper!" (NOT pointing behind said lingering furniture).
Me: "What! I just bought a new pad!"
(Husband exits, I come around and stare, not finding the prize, swearing I'm staring right at it and don't want to ask husband for fear of his token 'If I find it, can I hit you?')

(I continue looking and off stage left, a glimmer in my periphery leads me to the disparaged pad of paper.)

(Husband enters, searching behind the now famous piece of furniture.)
Me: "What are you doing?"Husband: "Looking for your paper!"
Me: "Behind the furniture? You said it was over THERE!" (Points across the room, to the so-called hiding place "discovered" only moments ago.) "And it was neither place! It was right here all along!!!!"

Dumb husband, caught in his steaming load of horse crap, slinks away, metaphorical tail between his legs.
This is what I did to him.

Or it's just last Halloween's really good face painting. Either way, I did it.

Nothing is Impossble

2010-03-11T12:42:00.000-08:00

I am waiting for a golden sun ray when the weather forecast is gray and still.

It's not impossible, but I still bring along my raincoat.

Photo here.

Labyrinth

2010-03-10T07:09:00.000-08:00

Do you remember?

I was five.

I loved and hated this scene. I was so frustrated for Sarah...but man did I want that dress! Then as I continued to visit the Labyrinth over the years, my growing disgust for all 80s fashion overtook my infatuation with the etheral ballroom scene.

Enough time has passed and I am once again in love. Strange and glowing and illusory and evanescent, references to the Goblin King (don't get me started, singing "You remind me of the babe..."{love that David Bowie}), Ludo (which my shih tzu eerily resembles at times), and that fabulous ghostly white owl that follow Jennifer Connelly through a maze of a dream, ending in MC Escher's Relativity, find their way into at least one conversation or thought of mine a week.

Do you ever feel like you're chasing something through a maze? Lately that's how I've been feeling. But today I remember that there are so many things present in the absence of home ownership; things that I am richly blessed to have.

What is present in the absence for you?

Shoes in the City

2010-03-05T10:44:00.000-08:00

I have a friend who stopped counting her shoes at pair 150.BTW: This is a little ATC I drew and gave to one of my students.

Are you a shoe-a-holic too?
What crazy collections do you keep in the closet, or out in plain sight?

Happy Friday, dear friends!

Cotton Candy and Lollipops

2010-03-03T06:34:00.000-08:00

When spring colors first start coming on the scene, I feel like I have to eat more candy, breathe more air, and go on picnics more. Fairs are around the corner, blossoms line the street on trees and sidewalks, and kites start to dot the skies.

Check out my springtime line-up now in the Etsy shop. There are a couple of super cute totes, one slouchy, one boxy. A snazzy felt "handkercheif" ring in it's own crocheted Tiffany box, and a hand felted peacock purse are lining the shelves in all their springy glory. Check them out today!

What lets you know it's springtime in your neck of the woods?

Like Curtains In a Window

2010-03-01T06:31:00.000-08:00

Do you ever notice that it's hard to be poetic about the tough experiences in your life?I feel that I can write about the awesome splendor of the clouds in the sky while I'm running, or comment on the trio of 3-piece suits having a business meeting while ankle deep in the waves, but when it comes to talking about the trials we've faced on our pursuits of home ownership and starting a family, I am not so open to the introspection.

Putting the difficulties of my life into perspective is harder than I imagined it to be.

My blog is imported to my Facebook page. Sometimes I forget this. There are different people who read my Facebook posts, and often I forget how vast my audience is. Oops.

Can I talk about my frustrations with home buying when my Realtor reads my blog? Can I talk about my class when my students read my posts? How do I let my far off friends and family in on our daily life when so many people seem to be peering into the window? Should I put up curtains?
A vague and eloquent euphemistic paragraph often seems to do the job, but how am I to be less superficial and a) give those strangers who read something interesting, while I also b) write a meaningful and vulnerable blog?

What experiences do you have with this? How have you combated this as a blogger?

I find that reading a girl's sob-story in ridiculously unclear, vague rhetoric is a bit whiny and meaningless. But then again, I've stumbled upon a blog or two in which it seems the writer is quite unaware how very public her account of her most recent girl-doctor visit is.
How well do you want your readers to know you? What do you want to read on a blog?

Lindsey Powderpuff, Aritst Extraordinaire

2010-02-26T06:20:00.000-08:00

More endeavors to master Photoshop. It's easy when I can import my own little drawings. Of course I'm not doing anything too complicated yet (as you can see here), so excuse my simplicity.

But I would love some feedback...any suggestions? Font? Layout? Placement and color of type? Remember, I don't know how to do much, so stick with the basics or give me directions, friends. And no need to go easy, lemme have it.

Martha Stewart Also Went To Jail

2010-02-22T07:26:00.000-08:00

Do you ever feel like, "Why does bad stuff always happen to ME?"

My husband can charm his way out of anything, get free stuff from anyone, and has somehow always avoided getting a traffic ticket.Then there's me, who didn't try to get out of jury duty, although there are surely ways I could have tried. I called diligently every day, finagled my way through the inconveniently and sorely ill-functioning phone system, and was told all week that my services were not needed.

But today I got a pretty pink letter in the mail that said I will now be looking at a GIANT fine &/or jail time because I didn't show up last month.

WHAT?????
This means I must now show up on Thursday, or they will take my first-born. Ugh. Excellent way to ensure my pride in being a responsible citizen.

Anyway, something else that's pink, but with far more smiles, is this new Giant Market Tote in Bubblegum which is now making it's appearance in my shop. Check out the great price, just in time for Spring to come roaring in....I hope I can enjoy it from this side of the bars!

Flower Girl and Her Masked Owl

2010-02-20T16:50:00.000-08:00

I finally posted her in the shop!

{I said I would.}

Life Is Rough

2010-02-18T10:40:00.000-08:00

Sunshine sunshine sunshine flip flops.

Life in Oceanside is rough. It's 72 degrees right now.

Oh, and I'm going running here this afternoon. *Don't be jealous.*

Snow Some Love

2010-02-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

I love the snow.

{I'm just sayin'.}

Images from my trip back to wintry SLC this Christmas.

Orchard Girl

2010-02-15T06:51:00.000-08:00

You know how I said I've been trying to re-learn Photoshop? (I know, I know, I'm so behind the times). Well, here's attempt number seven or some such number.

The girl is a watercolor, and the orchard is a little scene I'll tell you about later. Not bad, after figuring out how to cut out the girl and import her, work on two different layers, and sneak in a couple of tweaks on the shadow.

Hey Valentine...

2010-02-14T06:10:00.000-08:00

I got this to say:

You are one SLY Devil.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Just Wondering...

2010-02-13T08:02:00.000-08:00

How old were you when you got your first {real} kiss?

Who you gonna kiss tomorrow?

Image: Long since sold felted zipper pouch from my shop.

When Does Persistence Pay Off?

2010-02-12T19:33:00.000-08:00

I'm desperately trying to re-learn Photoshop and Illustrator.

As a developing artist in high school I always preferred real paint and paper over a mouse and a monitor, but in college I finally took an intro graphic design class. Now I'm wishing I had paid more attention.

As I try to re-teach myself, I've found Pioneer Woman Photography to be a great go-to place for both info and inspiration. So as I read up on depth of field, this Dahlia by SKC Photos reminds me that we could be living in a little house on a street with a similar name very soon.

We are in escrow, folks! After a long and patient 7 months we are hoping to close on a home on Dalea Place by the end of the month. Phew! I hope it was worth it. Here's a little sneak peek of the floor.

Please excuse the photo, it was taken from the realtor website.

What sites for inspiration and information to you find yourself frequenting? Let a girl in on your secrets!

Down The Rabbit Hole

2010-02-09T08:27:00.000-08:00

Little brother and I are exited for it. We made our own Wonderland this winter.

Can't wait. March 5.

New Edition

2010-02-07T19:58:00.000-08:00

Meet Milo.

The newest edition to the family.

One day we're going to get a real kid.

Winter Citrus Salad with Endive and Red Onion

2010-02-05T18:45:00.000-08:00

Here's what my fabulous Aunt Zaurie made.

She is famous for her cooking.
And here's my version of it. I prefer the watercolor version of things.

Hey Girl, Guess Who Who?

2010-02-04T09:33:00.000-08:00

Here comes the flower girl.

I think she's me. My bridesmaids dresses sort of looked like this, almost 7 years ago. And the bouquet was modeled after my own...but I don't think there were any Masked Owls at the ceremony.

My students started their animation section (see here, and here) and I think they are really loving it (who wouldn't?!). But this comes from another of my prep drawings. It might show up in the shop soon, but I have yet to find time to post it.

Dead Cat

2010-02-03T19:19:00.000-08:00

Bang bang. Mowgli's dead.

Ok, so it's just paint, but that's nothing new. After all, I picked him out of the litter because he came and laid in my palette in the first place.