Chicken 10 of 12.

Lucinda was so proud of her golden egg, she had to sing about it. Little did she know singing was not her talent.

30 Days. You can do anything for 30 days. Or really, any number of days as long as you know there is going to be an end. Well, for some crazy reason I can't remember, I have commited to not eating out for the 30 days of September. I have to bring my food if I go out or always eat at home. For 30 days. When I agreed to this, it seemed like a good idea. Seemed like a great way to get back on track with comsuming more vegetables and cutting back on bad foods. Now that it's the last day of August, my commitment seems a little over bearing and well, not so smart. We'll see how it goes. Gulp.

How about you? Do you commit to things and then dread them when the time comes to make good?

Monday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a load of work to be done, only to be followed by a whole slew of fun projects.

Chicken 9 of 12.

This rooster is a bit wobbly from all the running around the coop after the chicks.

My family of three stopped by a friend's house to see their brand new chicken. A chicken in the city. This little chicken found them just by wandering into their house and it follows them around everywhere in the yard. Her name is Chicken Noodle. I am green with envy.

How about you? Would you like to have a not so common pet?

Sunday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful to have my children's book all finished and submitted before my deadline! Whoo-hoo!

Chicken 8 of 12.

Henrietta is stuffed after eating a full meal of corn on the cob and radishes. Poor Henrietta.

Saturday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a lovely spur of the moment dinner out. I love spontaneous outings!

Delightful lacy sugar.

Upon doing some research for lace, I came across this cake. Isn't this the most delightful cake you've ever seen? I thought so. It's from the RealSimple website, a site of all things clean, stylish and yummy. This cake was so nice to look at, I just had to post it. I think this one has my name all over it for my birthday next year!  

Chicken 7 of 12.

You've heard of the phrase "when pigs fly"... how about pink chickens? Yeah, that'll be the day.

Friday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a day of eating out.

Chicken 6 of 12.

And this little chicken stayed home to watch the corn grow. She'll be first in line for popcorn!

Shouting in the Whispers.

Done. I'm listening.

I love the commenter from yesterday who said: 

"I don't want to be transparent, but I am. Have always wished I could hide it. Is the painting about trust or lack of trust? It feels like the red is my heart and the tan is my skin with tears." 

I hadn't thought about this painting this way but it maybe rings some truth. And sadly, yes, I am extremely transparent myself and I have a huge lack of trust that has become apparent with all these sad happenings with my sister. Although I wasn't going to post the thoughts behind this painting, I think it is important to not only be clear about your intent but not be afraid to claim that intent as your own. 

The painting started out as an expression about anger, a surprising emotion that has gotten in the way of my grief. Some issues from my childhood have come to the front lines and are waving about claiming all the attention. I could never define the issues as they were just underneath the surface, that is until now. I won't bore you with intricate details but some of it is a lack of being heard. I was shushed and quieted as a child and was shown that my feelings and thoughts were not that important. Not always, but enough to begin some dangerous patterns. So this painting ended up being less about my anger and more about being confined and held back, forced into a form that didn't quite fit. As a child and young adult, I was shouting in the whispers. This painting, transparent? Maybe. But what a gift to work out emotions with not only a voice but creatively as well. Thank you for listening, it means more than you could ever know.

This week has been a particularily bad week, physically as well as emotionally. The breaking day was today and I had a tantrum the size of Montana. Unfortunately I had a witness. My son. When it was over we both looked as if we had been run over by an eighteen wheeler. I don't feel good about losing it in front of an eight year old but a small feeble part of me possibly thinks it was OK to show, that as humans, we all have emotions and they need to be expressed. And, it's not always pretty. In fact it sometimes is down right ugly. Poor guy. I am hoping the hot chocolate, the marshmallow brownie and green smoothie helped patch the wounds. 

How about you? Do you ever express yourself and wonder who that person was?

My quote for today:

"All reform is from within however restricted your circumstances. Look inside yourself to see something not in order. Seek to right that."

Thursday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful to have the opportunity and wisdom to right a wrong today.

Chicken 5 of 12.

Ernesta was convinced it was the chicken before the egg... she took a good portion of the day trying to influence the others in the coop as well.

Painterly emotion.

The start of my emotions in paint. What they exactly are, I cannot tell you for fear of hurting someone (someone who doesn't even read my blog) but regardless, I still don't want to cause any bruising. I am curious if you can tell what they are? I suppose with this type of painting, it could be anything from hatred and anger to joy and bliss.

How about you? Are you transparent in your emotion or do you hide behind a veil?

Wednesday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful Haagen Dazs dishes out happiness in pint size containers.

Little wings.

It has been suggested that I work on a painting or two to express some emotions I have been feeling. Sounds like a good idea, but in reality, my brain is struggling with the creative process. To be truthful, I haven't picked up a paintbrush in almost a month. There's been so many other things to occupy my time but that's not the entire reason. Quite frankly, I have had nothing to paint. I'm fresh out of inspiration and motivation for painting. This has got me a little down, well actually, more than a little. So I was going through some past posts and about a year ago I wrote this...

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, after reading this and contemplating the space where I was when I wrote this, I picked up a brush and just started something. I don't have a plan, but I think I'll just see where this takes me and hopefully the creative bus will be stopping by very soon. I'm looking forward to a little trip...

How about you? Do you force yourself to motivate even when you don't feel it at the time?

Tuesday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a chance to sprout new wings.

Chicken 4 of 12.

More on the Chicken Challenge...

Chuckles is feeling a little confused these days, the farmer keeps taking all the eggs. What's a chubby little chicken to do?

Pathways...

Some of you, along with myself, have been following the church experiment blog with wonder and intrigue. If you haven't, it's worth a look. I myself happen to be very drawn to this blog, not only for the entertaining writing style but the topic itself. So many churches, so many spiritual beliefs, so many people in this world lend themselves to interesting topics. 

This life is very interesting just because of that, inspite of that. We all have our various backgrounds and ideals as to how we were raised and some of us have stuck to them but many of us have strayed the path looking for something else. Something else that may resonate just a little bit better with our cores. Doesn't mean the old path was wrong, just didn't fit. Nothing wrong with that.

The post Church #33: The Leadership Summit really struck a cord with me. I'm on a spiritual path. I've been one who has strayed and was lost BUT I've also been the one who stuck around and followed the religious rules but was angry and judgemental. Neither is a good path. The results are empty and hallow on both of these paths. I have found what it all boils down to... is relationship. Living your life out of love.

How about you? Are you on a spiritual path?

Sunday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for the opportunity to spend time with my longest, oldest, dearest friend in LA and not think about anyone else but the moment.

Monday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for sparkling clean teeth, although I loathe going to the dentist. 

Chicken 2 and 3 of 12.

Mama chicken proudly shows her babies how to strut around the yard. Little do they know, they'll never be able to fly the coop, except lil' Marshall on the end. He is always one to do things just a little differently. March, little ones, march!
Stately Cornelius is always the first one up... and he likes it that way!

Chicken 1 of 12.

This illo is for a little challenge my friend Barron and I thought up over lunch and a few cocktails. A dozen chickens in a dozen days. Hmmmm... This one is frantically running around, worrying about nothing and everything at the same time. Relax little chicken... it'll be all right!

How about you? Do you ever run around with your head cut off?

Saturday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a nice weekend retreat with my best friend Lisa up in LA. Kid free! Whoo-hoo!

Waiting...

Right now I am waiting for:

1.) Three kids to get to bed in five minutes. The living room will be mine, all mine so I can have a cup of tea and watch a rented movie.

2.) The chance to pick up one of the seven books I am currently reading. Not such a good practice as I spend ALOT of time re-reading to remember where I left off.

3.) My imaginary maid to come and speed clean my house so I can watch that movie, read a book and drink a cup of tea. 

How about you? What are you waiting for at the moment?

Hugs and Love abound.

Kitten loves to give big hugs and share the love.

Cake with friends is ALWAYS a very good thing. Especially when there is a swanky place to sip interesting drinks and nibble tasty food beforehand! Lots of love was shared last night.

A delightful birthday surprise.  A Double Delight rose bush, my sister's favorite flower. I can't stand the anticipation for the bloom! Thank you my fabulous friends, you so deserve much more than I can ever offer back.

Friday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for two projects to be out the door much earlier than I had ever expected. Therefore the afternoon was free to supply lunch AND that Long Island Iced Tea with my lovely friend Barron. I am so blessed with extraordinaryily terrific friends! And that, I am so grateful for.(I think I am going to cry.)

Happy. Choose it.

"Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." - Abraham Lincoln

How right that is. Do you agree?

Looking back.

This spoke to me today...

"No more looking back. Give yourself and all you have ever met a fresh start. Forget their sins and failures and your own."

Gripping on tight or jumping head first...

Whew! Kitten is jumping for joy because her little book is finally done. Well, the first round anyway! I can't wait to post some more, not sure what is "legal" at this point but sometime before Valentine's Day I am sure I can show some more book art.

Today I had a very interesting conversation with someone about fear. That's the "F" word in my vocabulary these days because although it is a very little word, it can be quite powerful.  Power that most of us can do without because being afraid can steal your joy, leave you stranded along the side of inspiration highway, paralyze your fun by making you way too serious. On the flip side however, we cannot do without fear. It's trying to find the balance of not running away from our fears but knowing just how much we can face them a little bit at a time that is the key. The key that will unlock a fruitful life, a juicy life worth everything you could imagine. I want THAT kind of life.

How about you? Are you willing to face your fears for a life that's bigger than you know? Gulp.

As Michaelangelo once said, "The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it."

Thursday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for knowing a boundary today and choosing to not cross it. Hey, I think I am learning something afterall!

Living to rock vs. living to exist.

Whilst in Colorado Springs I came across a line of t-shirts with this info on the back. I love it. Totally my creed for life but in someone else's words... David Culiner to be exact. You might like this too...

lovethislife...

is about celebrating the moment

and that we're not guaranteed or owed another day

and how cool it is that what we hide

can actually be the fuel towards our glory

and that it's not so bad being proven wrong

lovethislife...

is about welcoming the blind turn

and the possibility that there's no such thing as coincidence

and that it's never too late to pick up a guitar

or a paintbrush

or to make an amend

or to make a new friend

lovethislife...

could be about rekindling a past flame

or igniting a new one

or shapeshifting from a dreamer into a doer

or savouring the caress of a love long gone

lovethislife...

means whatever it is you want it to mean

because

lovethislife...

is a celebration of you and your path

lovethislife...

'cuz it could go at any second

you rock.

copyright 2002, david culiner

Words about someone special.

While in Colorado, I attended a memorial service of my cousin's wife Kathy who passed away from ALS. For those of you who do not know what ALS is, it is "Lou Gehrig's Disease," a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. 

I'd like to share two things with you about that service/celebration. First, as you walked into the church, you were immediately graced with the view of mountains and rolling hills through an entire wall of windows. Striking, jaw dropping beauty. About ten minutes into the service, a GIANT hawk, and I mean giant, swooped down and soared right smack next to the window almost pearing in and grinning with approval. Russ and I gasped and mouthed the words "haaaawwwwkkk" at the same time, amazed and stunned into breathlessness. However, after the service, I grilled all my relatives and NO ONE saw the hawk. How anyone could miss it, I am puzzled but maybe the hawk is only a sign for some and others recieve a different sign such as rainbows and crows. Wow, I am speechless to this day.

Second thing I'd like to share, my cousin Kathys' daughter Tara, wrote and read a eulogy speech about her mother. It was so touching and so well written, I thought I'd present it here for you. Writing a eulogy is hard. Much harder than you'd think as you have to sum up a person's life in a few sentences. So, here is an example of one that is well done...kudos to you Tara, kudos to you.

"I would like to thank all of you, our friends, our family, for the tremendous support you have given to our family. Our community support has been something that has been unbelievable, and could have never asked for such a beautiful place to live. So thank you all, each and everyone of you are very special in our hearts, and especially my mother, who enjoyed everyone in her life.

I know we will all decease someday but how we pass away makes it significant. In my mothers life she battled the ultimate disease that should never be wished upon anyone. We were all affected by how fast, fierce and unforgivable ALS can be.

She had a lovely heart and a spit fire personality, that never let her spirits drift away. She laughed, cried, spoke her mind even when she was sick. Her bright eyes lit up the room. Her smile made everyone smile. She cared deeply for everyone in her life. So we must go on throughout our lives with our spirits high, caring of others, and look out for one another, cause I know that is the only thing my mother would want us all to do.  So do this in honor of my mother Kathleen Mary Falcone."

You say it's your birthday...

Happy Birthday Cindy! Miss you. Love you. Don't ever forget it. Now, off to find some birthday cake, a movie, and a Long Island Iced Tea. Wait, I have the kid today so make it a plain ol' iced tea, the movie and cake can stay.

Wednesday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for some birthday smiles and hugs today. Human contact can be so nice at times.

Business Identities.

Ahhh, it's so good to be home and in front of my computer. I think I have become quite a nerd in regards to needing my electronics! I didn't get to post yesterday, it was mostly a traveling day and I have decided that when I come to my computer very late at night with absolutely nothing to say, it's probably better to just keep on walking by rather than say something of no value or draw something just to get something posted. You are worth more than that. I am worth more than that. I am still going to strive for 365 days however, but there may be a few missing links here and there.

Above is a website, business card and powerpoint presentation I created right before I left for Colorado. I have many diverse types of clients for my graphic design business, I suppose it keeps me motivated by working on lots of different types of work. My favorite is art that pertains or relates to kids though. Always has been and most likely always will.

How about you? Are you a kid at heart?

Monday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for safe traveling from Colorado.

Tuesday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful to be back home surrounded by what's familiar and what grounds me.

Rocky Mountain High.

Colorado is a pretty, pretty state. Me thinks me could live here. Of course having the luxury of driving around leisurely and stopping at breath taking spots at any given moment is not on order for a normal life but I sure do like Colorado. A lot. Everytime I visit, I see a little bit more of what captured my cousin's heart when he moved here and raised his family. Below is a little of what Colorado Springs was offering today...

Watching rock climbers scramble up red boulders.

On the look out for falling rocks.

Feeding wild life.

"Bearly" escaping a mauling.

Crawling through tight spaces.

Still finding the ability to breathe in tight, dark, cold, musty spaces and smile.

Witnessing the beauty of a spectacular sunset as the sun reaches out it's last rays of sunshine across a darkening sky. Stunning.

How about you? Are you captivated by new places?

Saturday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for the warm and loving arms of extended family members.

Sunday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for feeling rested and energized while longing for a good night's sleep.

The wonders never cease.

Ran into a sparkling, howling 12 foot tall moose yesterday. He paused for a moment for me to take a photo.

This place... is called Garden of the Gods. It just may be so. I'll let you know after I visit today. God, it's so good to be alive sometimes!

Tiny snippets of heaven.

Hello my friends. I didn't mean to ignore my blog, life just sort of had the opportunity of getting in the way, again. It is funny how it can do that when the big stuff is in the forefront. Hence, life without novacaine.

We attended a memorial service yesterday and I have to say, it was one of the most touching, endearing and ethereal experiences I have had. Really. It is right up there with my sister's memorial. There is something to be said about listening to the personality of the deceased person and letting that light shine right on through to sprinkle love on each person's heart. I'd like to write more on this later so I'll include a few photos and leave it at that.

Just need to mention, on the way to the service, my family of three saw 3 hawks flying together above a field. One was for my dad, one for my sister and now one for my cousin. Perfection.

The family. Notice 2 rainbows in the upper left-hand corner, the heavens were smiling and painting for us.

Everyone needs to have an Aunt nancy and Uncle Bill. Delightful.

Whoever said children can find happiness in whatever presents itself at that moment was brilliant. This moment included a large box and stairs. Indoor sledding!

Thursday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for the ability to travel and visit family. It's really the most important thing we have in life. Family and friends.

Friday's Gratitude:
I am so grateful for the proof of heaven in tiny snippets here on earth.

Well said.

This lovely quote graced my home page this morning...

"In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins - not by strength but by perseverance." - H. Jackson Brown

Here is a little family fun with my cousins. We were experimenting with photoshoot advice I have been given over the years by photographers. The first photo is an example of what not to do. It seems to be a natural reaction to tilt your head backwards when there is a camera pointed at you, therefore giving you the unfortunate view of your nostrils and an unflattering image of your face. In the next photo, we all pulled our chins down just ever so slightly and you can see how much better the photo looks. I won't go into the posing of our waistlines and shoulder placements because that became rather comical, so we'll just show the chin experiment and be so very happy we did. Right Nancy Ann?

Photo 1:

Photo 2:

Golden Doves

I am heading out of town for a few days. Unfortunately it's not for the best of reasons, but it's out of town none the less. I'll be attending a memorial service for my cousin's wife, Kathy, who passed away a few weeks ago. It was only a little over a year when I flew out to help her and I just can't believe she is gone. She will be greatly missed. So, off to Denver to see my rediculously fabulous cousins and aunts and uncles. Yes, this is my little family of three's mission for tomorrow. 

When I fly in an airplane, I try to look at it through a child's eyes. I remember one of the first times I was on an airplane and it was so exciting. A big giant hunk of metal was catapolting myself and many others through the air at lightning fast speeds, that idea seemed so exciting! Then as an adult, I began to think of the big giant hunk of metal catapolting myself and many others through the air at lightning fast speeds and tried very hard not to cringe or belt out a very loud scream. Yes, not so exciting. When did I become THAT adult and when did I lose the child like wonder of air travel? I hope to get it back, it's coming little by little, every time I fly it comes back just a teeny bit more.

So, since I'll be gone, I will also be away from my computer. I'll have my laptop and will be making posts, because, well, that's just my thing, but I'll have to come up with some other way of being creative as I won't have my Illustrator program. I suppose I'll have to make do with pen and paper! OR my camera.

How about you? Do you get thrown out of your routine by travel, or do you take it along with you?

Wednesday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful to be finished with some graphics projects just in time for my trip! 

Knock, knock.

This quote came knocking today, I opened it up and am so glad...

"Seek diligently for something to be glad and thankful about in every happening and soon no search will be required."

Where's the love.

Little kitten has lots of love to share, even though the puppy ate her kitty food and the bird flew off with the catnip and the last bit of string.

No matter what happens throughout the day, at the end of it, we can always look forward to a fresh new one the next morning. There will always be a new day and a chance to start with a fresh clean slate.

How about you? Do you look forward to the morning?

Tuesday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a new dog watcher to feed our animals while we are away. It is so reassuring to know your animals are being taken care of in your absence.

You say it's your b-day!

I meant to post this yesterday but now it has become belated birthday wishes. Happy birthday my talented friend!

Today was a very long Monday. After taking the kid and nieces to the beach for an afternoon of salt water delight, I had a long discussion with someone about stages of life and how long one needs to stay in these various stages. I am so impatient because I am feeling some pretty strong emotions lately (obviously) but there is one emotion I am particularly fed up with and would like it to promptly leave. I have done all the work I can on this emotion, be it spiritual, mental, and physical but it just will not leave. I think about it every day and am trying to release it. I think because I am trying so hard, it's going to set up home in my heart and that would crush me. Boy, this journey called life is hard at times!

How about you? Do you hang onto emotional baggage longer than you'd like?

Monday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for my friend Pam who charged into the cold water today like Joan of Arc. Girl, you are my hero!

Sketchy ketchy koo.

This is a sketch of some ideas for the children's book I am illustrating. It is fun to play around but frightful to commit to just one idea. Somehow I find that although I am living my dream, it paralyzes me.

Below is a quote that showed up today and screamed at me...in a convicting good way though. Gulp...

"Fear of what others will say is lack of trust in Me. Convert all difficulties into the purification of your character."

Sunday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for life's little lessons. The big ones are what I am having difficulty with though. : )

Saturday in the park.

Even though it is Saturday, when you are a freelancer, any day can be a work day. So, this day was that kind of day. I cranked out logos, business cards, web designs and now I am tired. But feeling fulfilled. This website above is for a natural skin care line my best friend has created. She's just about ready to go big time! Whoo-hoo!

Last night, the Tooth Fairy stopped by for a visit. When my son got up this morning, I eagerly asked him if he got any money from the Tooth Fairy. He cracked a gigantic smile on his face and proclaimed proudly, "Yes, she gave me three dollars for my corn kernel!" 

(The corn kernel reference is a running joke around our house. If you don't brush well, you end up with corn kernels!)

We are off in another hour to ride our bikes down to the concert in the park. The band Ruby and the Red Hots are playing and they are red hot, my friends. The child just might have to be publicly embarrassed by a dancing mom!

Saturday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a productive day!

Fuzzy bliss.

Not an unusual sight in my hood. Wonder where this person is going?

Garden rewards.

This is the fruit of my garden. I planted some tomato plants and a green pepper plant but I am not sure what sort of crop I am going to get this year. That is because I had the plants sitting in their original containers for a while before I planted them. Which is really silly for me because I don't take plants seriously when they sit around waiting to be planted. We play a little game of water, don't water, wilt, water, don't water, wilt. Sadly, we both lose.

A week and a half ago they did make it into the ground so now they have my full attention. I was rewarded with these four cherry tomatoes. Hope they stay happy all summer long because I love those little red spheres.

How about you? Do you have a garden?

Friday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a slew of logos I worked on today.

Great summer fun...

Today I will finish reading this book. It is hilarious. Not just really funny, but "laugh out loud at inappropriate moments" funny so people around you will look over and marvel what a good time you are having by yourself. Here is a blurb about the book... great fun summer reading!

In her latest collection of essays, Notaro (The Idiot Girl's Action-Adventure Club) turns out a double-handful of chuckle-worthy vignettes, looking at episodes of panic on an airplane, spying on guests at a mountain resort, learning to live with the ex-con down the street and, of course, handling the numerous disappointments and betrayals of the human body... read more

How about you? Do you have a good summer book?

Yesterday, I ran into a neighbor while out walking early in the morning. I don't talk to this neighbor very often as he and his family moved to another block a while back but when I see him outside while walking the dog, I'll stop and chat. Since I don't know him very well, I didn't have a whole lot to say, so we chatted about home remodeling projects and the weather and joked about seeing each other for several days in a row out walking early, early, early. 

The reason I mention this is, I have to say it was nice to talk to someone who doesn't know my story. He doesn't know all the recent tragedies in my life so he didn't feel akward skirting those issues or feel the need to offer any condolences or feel the need to talk about any of it. Two things hit me as I walked away.

1. As time goes by, I will encounter more of this. More space will shoulder itself into the time between my losses and the current day. Life just keeps going on with or without my attention.

2. Time will heal the hurt, but what once was a wound will become a scar. It's up to me to see how nicely that scar will be. Will it be all raised and ugly, proclaiming attention where ever I go? Or will it be a nice smooth flat scar that often goes unnoticed? I'm shooting for the latter.

Even more friends.

Kitten and Puppy found new friends along the way from the ice cream parlor. One new friend was quite forward and Kitten was feeling a bit stressed. Nothing that a lick of French Vanilla ice cream can't help recover though!

How about you? Does ice cream make your world a bit better?

Thursday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a few new projects!

I think I've made a mistake.

"The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one." - Elbert Hubbard

Love this!

Making friends.

Kitten has found a new friend. They met over at the park while waiting in line for the teeter-totter. Quite a pair they make.

How about you? Do you make friends easily?

Wednesday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a nice leisurely day.

You can hold it in your hands but it's never yours to keep.

I just had to post this illo for my friend, I created it one year and a half ago. For some reason, it's been getting a lot of attention lately.

Perfectly said.

"You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you."- James Allen

Cheesy sneezy.

My son. Ahh, my son. He is really such a funny character, makes me laugh all the time. For example, he is going through a phase where he is easily embarrassed by silly little things his parents do. He's 8, mind you.

So today, we were at an office supply store getting some CD pockets, pens and paper and my son spied a HUGE bucket of cheese puffs. HUGE. Of course while he was looking at them, I was watching him out of the corner of my eye so I asked him if he wanted to get them. If there wasn't any hydrogenated oil in them, I agreed for him to get them. So, surprise to me, the ingredient list was good so we plopped them up on the counter, ready to go to a new home. Granted, we don't buy many of these snacks, so this bucket was a REAL treat.

After I paid for them and I grabbed my bag of pens and such, I was so tempted to turn my head towards my son and say, "Grab your cheesy balls and let's go!" But alas, I didn't because of the embarrassment thing. I really, really wanted to though. Really.

More little nuggets of humor from the kid (this is just today's material too):

"Whatever you do, DO NOT say anything bad or embarrassing in front of the store camera because they'll see you!"

"I want to have a kid someday but I don't want to get married. You are stuck with that person forever."

Maybe I'll have to embarrass him real good tomorrow!

Investing all you've got. What! In this market?

This was created for a special project but I found it quite intruguing and useful, I thought some of you might enjoy this chart as well. Who wouldn't want to invest in themselves because YOU are the only YOU you've got!

I just heard great news today. I am going to be a published children's book illustrator! My dream. Until the contract is actually signed, I cannot speak more about it but I'll be able to disclose soon as this is a seasonal project. I am so excited! I could up and do a cartwheel!

Tuesday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a rewarding art and work life. One of my first responses was to share this with my sister but she already knows.

Chickin Lickin.

Three things struck me as funny today:

1. The word "chickin" is a fun one that rolls off the tongue in a delightful sort of way. Take note though, it's not the word "chicken" but "chick-in!" Say it slow and smile.

2. When you conciously make an effort to not eat food that is bad for you, somehow that is all that seems to be available.

3. What is it about the words "I need my space right now" that seem to register as an invitation for phone calls to chat from the very same person I am needing space from? Oi. 

I am going out of town for a few days next week. My cousin's wife died last Saturday so my little fam of three is heading out to Denver. Since my birthday is coming soon and I don't have my other half to share it with, a few days out of town, surrounded by some really great family members seems to be just the calling. I miss my cousin's wife, Kathy. She was amazing and the world is so much sadder with her not in it. But, I must say, heaven has gotten pretty lucky lately with the new arrival of Kathy and my sister. I can hear the laughter and the music now.

Monday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for friends who matter and make a difference in my life.

Show stealers.

The other evening I went over to a friend's house to sip some wine on her deck that overlooks the San Diego bay in Banker's Hill area (my favorite neighborhood in SD!) We sat out there for quite a while just chatting and laughing and escaping the banal trivialities in real life. When the clock struck midnight however, the critters came out to haunt us. We had a spy in the form of a possum try to steal the show. We scared him off but I think the only thing he happened to steal that night was pleasant dreams from my friend. She was a little freaked out by that critter. So here is a friendlier version of a possum coming to replace the nightmare-ish visions you had, my friend!

How about you? Are you easily frightened in the middle of the night?

Sunday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a very nice relaxing massage today, followed up by delicious bites and sangria at my favorite wine bar, Wet Stone. Thanks Leslie!

Showing up.

"Adversity is another way to measure the greatness of individuals. I never had a crisis that didn't make me stronger."- Lou Holtz

This quote really struck me as I was just discussing this in great detail with someone yesterday. Time and time again, there is a certain person in my life who should be showing up in difficult times and would gain great strength from it, but chooses not to. It has become very apparent that in the times of adversity, when you show up, your true character is revealed. Disappointing as it is, there is a lot to be said for those who turn and run the other direction. It is very interesting what happens when life becomes hard, and it does so in seasons, for every single person on this earth. No one is granted an easy time, all of the time. Boy I wish that weren't true. What to do about the runners, besides trying to gain an understanding of where they are coming from? Not sure. Still trying to figure it out and when I do, I'll let you know!

How about you? When times get tough do you show up or do you become paralyzed?

Saturday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a loving son, a nice cool morning and great quotes that just show up right when they are needed.