Day 12 of 21 (part two.)

This little ditty is for my new friend in the UK in the Cambridgeshire area. This is for you KA! You asked for crazy hair and you got it girl! You've got your art supplies and camera in hand. You are golden.

Boy is the summer starting to go by quickly. It is funny, when you have a lot on your plate the time seems to disappear very quickly. I was hoping for some time to relax and dawdle but it seems that dawdling and relaxing is for Sundays only. At least the last two anyway. Tomorrow, I must write in some time for doing nothing. Not one thing except just being with my son. I really do NOT want the summer to go by and not have stolen moments of giggling and lurking about with this kid of mine. My favorite little person in the whole wide world.

I have been noticing how easy it is to get wrapped up in everyday life and work and forget about the good things that nourish our souls. Things like sitting down and putting your feet up for 10 minutes. Picking up a book and reading a few pages while waiting for dinner to cook, instead of doing some other household chore. Walking and noticing the gardens in bloom instead of talking on the cell phone. Going to bed early instead of staying up late to get more done. Waking up before the sun rises, just because the day is fresh and dewy. So tomorrow, I'll pick up my feet, read a few pages out of a book, not talk on my cell phone and go to bed early after I dawdle a bit with my son.

We had a little basketball challenge today. Ten shots and the one who gets the most baskets has to buy the other one a pack of baseball cards. (Guess who picked out the prize!) I lost. I really tried to win because I was going to trade in the prize for a ten minute back massage but the kid is just too good. Honestly. He really is quite good and that's not just because I lost.

Monday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for a long power walk today with a Starbuck's coffee reward at the end. (I'm trying to give up caffeine again so I pick and choose my rewards carefully!)

A day by the shore.

Sunday is a day of rest, or should be at least. We took our bodies to the beach for some fun and rest. After finding a rather large sand crab scurrying along and a plastic toy horse, my friend and my sister planted our bodies into comfy chairs to watch our families play in the surf.
Although the day was a nice warm day, it turned out to be a little chilly on the shore. Quite a surprise since it has been rather warm. We stayed until the sun began it's decline into the horizon, turning our backs to the gentle splashing surf and promising to come back and visit very soon.

Sunday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for a day that felt like a week of vacation. I really needed that.

Intent.

Another painting in my inspired series. If we live our lives with intent, imagine how powerful the words would be coming out of our mouths. Imagine the productivity and the niceness that would abound in our everyday lives. Things would get done, time would be a thing to cherish, not waste. People would know where they stand. Consumerism would be lessened and trash would not litter the roads. Laziness would be a thing of the past. All because our every move would directed with intention... I'd like to live there.

Saturday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for an 8 mile walk with someone new today.

Should we keep her?

How can I turn this dog away? My neighbor asked us to "foster" this puppy for 2 days this afternoon. Teva, our family dog, seems to be OK with it. Otis, our desert tortoise, is under a bush somewhere in the yard and has no opinion yet. Scratty, our cat, is locked in my office all puffed up with annoyance and I think she really is the one who minds having this dog here. We've only had the puppy for an hour and we are already thinking up names. I DON"T think she will be going back.

Day 11 of 21 (part two.)

This little girl who is in my new book is the owner of a brassy young cat. This is no ordinary sassy cat though, she can speak. But only to my character. They have their own little language. I suppose this is not so strange, I once had a dog that communicated with me. We had our own little language. At least I thought so.

Friday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for a gaggle of friends I can get together with over beer margaritas and have a jolly good time! Laughs do not run short with this group! (The beer margaritas are real and not a misprint. I'll post the recipe once my head stops spinning!)

Day 10 of 21 (part two.)

This is a little illo of a new character for another book I am beginning to write. She has a lot of personality, but like most of us is faced with people in her life that tell her she can't accomplish what her heart desires. Does she listen to them or does she stand up for herself and go for it anyway? I can't tell you because then I'd give the book away but I'll leave the outcome to your imagination!

This is my 403rd post. It hasn't even been a year since I started my blog but I seem to have a lot to say and illustrate. This has been an incredible journey for me and I thank each and every one of you who view my blog and put up with all my antics and musings along the way.

Thursday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for a full day of meetings, work and inspiration. I am also very grateful for another day here on this earth.

Top of the world, or the Ferris Wheel at least!

I am posting a photograph taken this evening in leu of an illustration. I had another visit to the Del Mar Fair tonight! This time, I just went with my sister with no kids in tow. We went to taste some fried potatoes and ice cream bars and look at paintings/photography and buy some tea. I love the fair. One can really escape reality if only for a few hours and during that time relive memories from childhood. Yes, I really love the fair.

Wednesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for the paintings by three children today. All very different but trying the same techniques. But not much work done today either and I am grateful for the break because painting is so much more fun.

There is a silver lining in there somewhere!

Man, I am so glad today is almost over! I had so much work to do today but didn't get around to finishing anything. When my son was dropped off from a sleep over, we went to the market to drop off some recycling (long story about trying to give the kid responsibilities and earn a few bucks although I'd much rather throw all the recyclables in our green bin and have it all picked up every other week!) Anyway, my car wouldn't start when we got back in it. Argh! I just had it at the mechanics and spent a pretty penny and here I am with a dead car. Well, I got it jump started and we were off to the mechanics again. Then at my eye doctor appointment, I discovered I need glasses. Well, not just every now and then reading glasses but EVERY DAY glasses! Argh. So after an agonizing hour I picked out some stylish frames, dropped another pretty penny and was off to dinner with some whiny kids. I realize this is just regular every day stuff that happens but I am so glad this day is about to end. Tomorrow is a fresh new one and I am hoping to get my car back in excellent running condition and a big chunk of work finished! Freedom!

Tuesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for my child, even when he shows not one drop of gratitude for me. Especially then because it's my opportunity to help him find the silver lining.

Illustration Friday_Hoard

Proud little Mary likes to hoard all the nice, kind words for herself and will only share the mean and spiteful ones. She will be a lonely little lady if she keeps this up!

Day 9 of 21 (part two.)

This tortoise is loving the long hot days of summer. Feeding on fallen peaches and random flower petals, he is fattening up quite nicely before even thinking of slumbering in the next few months.

I saw a movie called "The Namesake." LOVED it. It is about a couple from India that comes to NY and has a family and how they adapt to American ways. The children are torn between Indian traditions and American customs. Excellent movie. I'd watch it again! I never have had much interest in going to India, but now I'd love to go!

Monday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for some unexpected time to myself today!

Day 8 of 21 (part two.)

A mama skunk and her little baby wandered by, looking for some ice cream. Didn't have any but sent them off with iced coffee and almonds. (Maybe that is the reason for the wild look in their eyes!) I am trying something new with my background shapes. I don't really think it is retro but it is rather interesting. At least the skunks think so.

Another HOT day in San Diego but a really motivating one. I am reading the "Success Principles" again and not only just reading it but partaking in the exercises as well. You know, painful things like writing down goals and future wants and self motivating phrases. My best friend and I are "walking" the book together so my progress will be held accountable by someone other than just myself. This truly is THE most motivating book I have ever read and believe me I have read quite a few. There was a time in my life, way back when, when I went through a "self help" episode and read every self help book I could find. Nothing compares to this one. (NOT that this is a self help book at all!!! It is more of a motivational, get your butt in gear and face your fears kind of book.) All my pages are worn and dog eared and every time I re-read something, new life is breathed right out of it. I always take something away that seems new and fresh. I even listen to it on my Ipod while going for my long walks. OK, I MAY be a little obsessed but I have to say it has changed my life. Better than a great new pair of shoes and the perfect handbag!

Sunday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for an afternoon out with my best friend and some surprisingly delicious peanut butter fudge!

Day 7 of 21 (part two.)

Happy 1st Day of Summer! Since it really is the first day of summer, southern California has decided to have a heat wave to get the people to the beach. So we obliged this afternoon. Very fun day of surfing, boogie boarding, beach ball tossing and keeping cool under an umbrella. This illustration is a celebration of the beach going summer participants. Backyard BBQ's, evening cocktails on the lanai and ice cream festivities are not far off!

Saturday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for the delicious Mexican food I ate for lunch AND dinner!

Almond Joy's got nuts.

My newest painting in the "Inspired" series. The paint is still wet and dripping but I wanted to post it anyway. Creating our own joy. If that doesn't sum up an entire lifetime of disappointment after disappointment, I don't know what else does.

Friday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for an evening of socializing with most of my friends at a birthday party. FUN!

Shades of Grey

I finished this painting yesterday but was still waiting for some paint to dry around the edges so I am posting it today. This particular painting stems from a conversation I had with a friend about seeing life in black and white. Crisp and clearly cut with no blurry edges. I only wish life was that way more times than not because I firmly believe there are so many shades of grey that the black and white are becoming muddied.

Certain things are cut and dry, but most things come along with the murky grey. For example, feelings. Feelings can change throughout the day many, many times over about people, our work, our living situations, etc. Opinions can be grey. Some of us stand so firmly in our opinions but given the chance for a great rebuttal or debate, even firm opinions can be changed. Likes and dislikes are grey. One day you can absolutely like or love a certain food or book or path and then instantly something can make your like turn into a dislike. Our roles in life are grey. Being a parent and a working professional has very fuzzy edges as we all need to make exceptions to take time out of work for the little things that come up in parenthood, for instance an illness, a child's ceremony or show, classroom needs, etc.

These are just a few examples I can think of, I am sure there are many more. So here's to our many shades of grey. Did I miss one that seems obvious? Let me know!

Thursday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for a day at home, didn't drive the car at all today! That rarely happens and it was nice.

Day 6 of 21 (part two.)

I have dog on the brain. I really, really would love to have another dog, having more than one is always fun. In fact, I'd like this dog, she looks pretty fun and entertaining. Something is holding me back from getting another dog though, I think about introducing the cat to the new dog and then the desert tortoise and my head starts spinning. Then there is our dog we already have who comes with her own issues and my head spins faster and rolls to the floor. Maybe I'm just not quite ready for another dog just yet. Maybe soon.

I will have another website up soon. I just registered the domain today and am starting to plan it all out. This is for me and my own personal work as well as work I have done in the past for clients. When I go live, I'll keep you posted! This just excites me so.

Wednesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for a trip to the art store with my very, very good friend Barron, for some new supplies to try out.

Day 5 of 21 (part two.)

Summa time. It's here and in rare form. My boy was released from first grade today and we hopped in the car and went to the Del Mar Fair with the cousins. There's nothin' like summer time quite like being at the fair. The greasy smell lingering through the air, the bright lights all flashing every where you look, the loud music from the 70's blaring and the rickety rides squealing and creaking for one last turn around before coming to an abrupt stop. These are all the sights and sounds from the fair that scream summer time to me. Really, really bad food and lots of walking did us all in but as we washed the dirt and grime from our feet, we smiled at each other with the knowledge that time can stand still because summer time is here!

Tuesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for an early evening to rest some dog tired feet!

Afflatus.

I realized something today while driving. (Don't know why some of my best thoughts come to the fore front while driving.) My thought was on inspiration and creativity. I've haven't been on the creativity bus for a while now, being really swamped with work and other family commitments. I've been waiting at the bus stop, ticket in hand, but I just haven't been able to hop on. What is wrong? The mood or the inspiration just hasn't hit me lately. I've been waiting, looking under rocks and even in the back of the fridge for it but never to have it appear.

Even today I wasn't feeling it. But then (and this is where my afflatus comes in to play) I just realized that I should "just do it anyway." Although I wasn't feeling in the moment to finish a painting I started a few weeks ago, I decided to "just do it anyway." Either it would turn out great or not so great or even horrible but at least I would be painting. This in turn got my mind thinking to my calling, my purpose while I am on this earth. I'm still figuring out my calling but I do know for certainty that art and being creative is involved somehow. Everyday I am supposed to be working or creating something that moves in the direction towards my calling. EVERYDAY. Whether I feel like it or not. So today I "did it anyway." And you know what? My calling came and visited me while I was in the midst of painting. So I am very pleased I "did it anyway."

So this leads me to the question, are you moving in the direction of your calling? Everyday can be an avenue to do something, anything, big or little that moves you in the right direction. Even making a phone call to someone you need to call in your interest, inches you closer. Making a list inches you closer. Finishing a paining inches you closer to. Now my path is 10,000 miles long minus one inch!

Tuesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for inspiration and the ability to act on it.

Day 4 of 21 (part two.)

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there! I got to wish my father a happy day because we went to his grave site. I really miss him. He's been gone 7 years and 26 days. It was nice to stop by and have a quick chat.

Sunday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for a delicious breakfast at the Naked Cafe this morning.

Day 3 of 21 (part two.)

Grrrr. This is an example of how I felt today, sort of a self portrait. Can't bore you with the details as we all have bad days where nothing goes right and the world is just not on your side, so I just have to say I'm very glad this day is about to close. I escaped to a movie tonight to see "The Visitor" at the Landmark theater, thinking this film would boost my spirits as it was about a man who was bored and complacent in life and met some people who changed things for him. Well, the ending was horrible. Just left you hanging and wondering how people could give up on something after tasting greatness. The potential for this film was really tremendous and yet it failed in a miserable way. Here's to hoping tomorrow brings so much more inspiration, pleasant people, and a lot more gratitude!

Saturday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for a really nice cup of coffee.

Day 2 of 21 (part two.)

Gustof, the inquisitive giraffe is on the lookout for some dark leafy greens and some Elvis Costello tunes. Come to think of it, so am I! Another stab at the retro, vintage look. Maybe this one has a touch of it, yes?

Today I saw the cutest pug. Her name was Sandy and she had a forhead of grey hair because she was an elderly gal. So cute. So cute. I really, really want a pug, and a samoyed and a malamute. The chances of finding any one of these lovely animals at the shelter is the challenge though becuase I refuse to buy a puppy from a mill. I rather pick out a pound dog, they make the best pets! Maybe one of these days I'll have one to write about!

Friday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for two things: 1. a child who gets an award for having wisdom and 2. for finishing a Powerpoint presentation that has been lurking around for days. Hello weekend!

New Beginnings.

Went to a high school graduation today, haven't been to one in a very, very long time. I won't say how long because I am talking about my own high school graduation but things sure have changed since then. This particular school is in a very affluent part of town but I couldn't believe how much security there was. It was almost like attending a concert at San Diego State, (which happens to be my alma mater.) At this high school graduation, I couldn't help but have feelings of new beginnings and feelings of life just stretched out before you as a wide open canvas, just waiting for an application of paint. I remember the feelings of being a little scared about the next step but always, always confident that things would work themselves out no matter what step I took. I remember feeling so confident that I could take the world by the horns, it was just up to me to decide what to do with it. I'd like to feel that again for my own life. Young and deliriously confident. Not full of myself confident but the kind that I have so much to offer and life's rejections haven't shown up on my doorsteps yet. The kind of confidence that I am able to do anything and I have time on my side. Yup. That'd be nice.

Thursday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for a lovely meal with a lovely family.

Day 1 of 21 (part two.)

This is Randall, a mean spirited little pig. He will pay for his mean behavior when he is smothered with kindness. (Or made into bacon!) I am entering another round of the 21 Day Challenge with the hopes of finding a bit of a retro feeling in my illustrations. That was my goal the first time around, didn't quite capture it but after thinking of changing my focus I keep coming back to this challenge. So here it is...

Today I finished writing and illustrating my first children's book. I am so excited. Finally, after 20 years of wishing in the back of my mind, my story came out onto paper with characters to boot. Quite a bit of work I'll have ahead of me to actually get this published but for now, I'll float around on a bubble for a little while! Yipee!

Wednesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for finding a wicked pair of walking shorts, great flip flops and a most excellent sun hat when I wasn't even looking!

Head down, pedal to the medal.

Where in the world did all this crazy work come from? I find that when I turn around, I find yet something else I have left undone and need to finish. The list of projects and work is growing, not subsiding. (It really is a good thing, just not all at once!) Do you ever have days or weeks like that? It is pouring busy-ness around here, no sunshine in sight. This is a part of a book I'm illustrating, rough comp still but it's going, going, soon to be gone!

Summer starts next week at approximately 1:00pm Tuesday, June 17th. That is when my son is officially not a first grader anymore but a soon to be second grader with the whole summer before him. I am hoping to get most of my work accomplished so I can help him enjoy the beginning of summer. I know it officially doesn't start until the 21st but here in San Diego, our summer starts Tuesday!

21 Day Challenge will begin again starting tomorrow. I am going to sketch and scan, sketch and scan.

Tuesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for yummy sushi so readily available at a restaurant nearby.

Day 21 of 21.

Well, the 21 day challenge is over, I have reached my 21 days. However, I think I'll start a new one. 21 days of sketches. I mostly sketch and draw on my computer and not much in my notebooks. I believe I can dedicate 21 days to pen and paper and a scanner. This last illo is of some costume art for an Alice in Wonderland theme for toddlers. Can't say who it's for but you'll see it around come October.

Monday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for a day home with my son to visit with relatives.

Illustration Friday_Forgotten

Sad little fairy. She has been forgotten by her friends. Hopefully they will return and bring cake to make up for the disappointment and abandonment.

Day 20 of 21.

Almost there! This bunny has rather large feet, good feet for walking! She is determined to get to her friend's house before all the cupcakes are gone.

Speaking of walking, while on my long walk today, I've decided that the best way to see a city and it's tucked away neighborhoods are to walk through them. I've always liked to walk but since I am in training for the marathon and a half in October, I really get out there and stroll. And while I stroll, I listen to this:
Bossa N' Roses--Patience
and this:
Aaron Shust--Give Me Words to Speak

Sunday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for time of my own.

Day 19 of 21.

Today we went to a children's party at Mission Bay for some kite flying. It was gorgeous out, nice and breezy, sunny but not too hot. Perfect day for flying a kite. There were picnickers too. Lots of them. Some even brought BBQ's, hot dogs and hamburgers wafting through the breeze. It smelled like summer already. Summer is on it's way!

Saturday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for a over the top delicious dinner at Bandar. Persian food with good friends. Perfect way to highlight the weekend.

Company's comin'.

Having company in your home is such a good motivator to get your unfinished projects done. So with that being said, my house is clean and my projects are finished but now I am tired and left with not much to post. I leave you here with a postcard I made for a contractor last week. Have a great weekend, I am hoping to!

Friday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for my friends. All of them.

Love Me Tender, Love Me Sweet. (Day 18 of 21.)

Oh, Elvis! You're nothin' but a Hound Dog! A legend you'll always be!

Today you'll never guess who I ran into! Guess. Guess. OK. ELVIS! Well, an impersonator but a darn good one. I was waiting in the car for my sister to finish in the post office and out walks Elvis himself. Well, of course I couldn't let him go by without a comment or two. After all, he was all dolled up in a polyester white suit with bling all over it. We started a nice little discussion about how he does singing engagements for the American Cancer Society and was just at the hospital cheering up some kids. THEN he started to sing some Elvis songs right there in the parking lot. He was AWESOME! When my sister came out, she didn't quite know if she needed to rescue me or just sit back and enjoy the show. After all, it was a bit unprecedented. Thanks Mr. Elvis man, you made my day! Now I have to dig out my Elvis CD and get All Shook Up! Darn sweet day, today, darn sweet!

Thursday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for the singing show put on at my son's school. It's so great to hear kids burst out in song, even if they are way off key! Wow, today was a day full of song!!

Day 17 of 21.

Two little bunnies out for a picnic. Watch out for the wolves little ones, watch out for those wolves!

This brings me to my thought behind my illustration. First of all, my thoughts aren't as cute and illustrated in my head as this but I am exercising my illustration brain to go along with my thoughts. So what I was thinking today is, much to the likeness of these bunnies, we usually go about our business in our everyday lives not looking for trouble or what lurks around us. Sometimes, out of the blue, we can be startled and challenged by the wolves, be it an angry person, a bad habit surfacing or difficult situations popping up. I know that is what makes life go around, so my point is, how we handle the wolves determines how well our lives are going to turn out. I have found in the past that when I get angry, complain or start a self pity party, this leads me no where very quickly. (At times I have stayed at that pity party til' my welcome was worn out!) I have also discovered that if we step up to the challenge and try to find the positive or a tiny, miniscule thing about the wolf that is not so bad, we are on the road to happy so much faster. So here's to the road to happy with picnics along the way!

What life means to us is determined not so much by what life brings to us as by the attitude we bring to life: not so much by what happens to us as by our reaction to what happens.--Lewis L. Dunnington

Wednesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for finding the happy on the path of life.

Thoughts to ponder...

While looking for the perfect graduation gifts, I came upon this quote. I have heard this quote in bits and pieces but not all together. I like it. I LOVE it. I think I'll live it...

To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people,
and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics,
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better,
whether by a healthy child, a garden patch,
or a redeemed social condition;
To know that even one life has breathed easier because you lived.
This is to have succeeded.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Day 16 of 21.

This little pug wants to play. He can come over and play at my house, we love animals here. We used to have 5 but now are down to 3, alas, not by our choice. My son and I would LOVE to have a little pug. I have been wanting to get another dog for quite some time now but we have one more family member to convince. And he's the major dog walker so that's gonna take some talkin'! Some day!

I was at the store with my sister last night and there was this large man, who looked like a professional football player, walking in with a cane. He insisted we go first through the door as he said he was much slower. Then he noticed we were twins and started talking loudly about how much we look alike and blah, blah, blah. Then he said, "You even have the same toes!" I don't think I have ever had a man comment on my feet. I ALWAYS notice people's feet and hands so to have someone do the same struck me as quite interesting. I would have never expected that to come out of his mouth. People are so funny. Every single day I am reminded that you can never, never judge a book by it's cover!

Tuesday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for a really nice cup of coffee and a very pleasant walk in a new part of town.

Day 15 of 21.

Before I give up on the vintage thing, I'll give it another stab. This little mouse has grand visions of pirate ships and fair maidens in far off lands he must rescue. However, only having one eye and one leg to stand on, he is going to have to practice, practice, practice in his room until dinner time.

Oh boy, I have got to get cookin' on my children's books. School is out in 2 weeks and then my work days are going to be cut very short! I have so much work being sent to me right now and all I want to do is organize my studio and paint. Isn't that the way things always are? Always wanting the wrong thing at the wrong time! Well, a lot of the time!

Monday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for the day of organizing I had today. I feel new and fresh! (Well, fresh maybe but definitely not new.)

Day 14 of 21.

Otto tried to keep up, not letting a wheelchair slow him down. He only had to be extra careful jumping off curbs and going down steep hills. He was lightning fast and soon found out he could more than keep up, he could lead the pack!

Sunday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for the walk at dusk I took along the Strand to Coronado. It was glorious out!