life without novacaine

Star of Wonder, Star of Light...

2009-12-18T19:42:00.000-08:00

There is a little Christmas village that has just sprouted nearby, it looks warm and inviting, a delightful visit might be in store. Wait, I can visit anytime I like because it is sitting on my cabinet in my dining room. Hooray for me. There is a little house hiding in the back... it is a gift so I can't reveal the entire structure. Just a peak for now. (I swiped the little tree from my son who is insisting he get it back very shortly. I suppose I'll make do with the lovely pine cone behind it! Kids I tell you...)

After finishing my little village, I escaped outside to witness this. The sun was bowing to the dusk and revealing all her majesty. Too bad about the telephone wires blocking my view. One day, they'll all be gone!

Yesterday my eye caught this and I just can't stop staring at it. Isn't it lovely?

This grainy photo shows the extreme loveliness of the image... it's a beautiful die cut. Just dreamy.

How about you? What has captured your attention lately?

Friday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful to see the top of my dining room table which has been covered with glue, paper, scissors and other crafty items for weeks upon weeks. I imagine dinner sitting at the table...

Gift Cards are gr8.

2009-12-17T21:37:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you but, gift cards seem to be the gift to give when you want to give a little somethin' to someone to say "hey, I know we don't exchange gifts but here's a little somethin' on me" OR sometimes it's just the perfect thing to give when you don't know WHAT to give. Anyway, it can be challenging to find cute ways to "gift" a gift card. So, I created this for you to save to your computer and print as needed. Here are the simple directions:

* Print onto thick paper.

* Cut out around blue edge.

* Fold down center to make crease and open flat again.

* Slice horizontal white line with Xacto knife (or something similar.)

* Glue or double stick tape on inside around edge area only and fold together. (Stay away from the sliced line!)

* Slide Gift Card through sliced line and fill in "to" and "from" areas.

* Give to recipient and see them smile.

The finished size should be 3" wide by 4" tall. See? Easy Peasy. They will think you made this just for them and that you are the cleverest being around! Try it!

Hope your holidays are going smoothly!

Thursday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful I woke up today very healthy and NOT sick at all.

Sleeping and walking don't always go together.

2009-12-16T21:28:00.000-08:00

Sleepwalkers – These are people who live through their lives in an unconsciousness state. It is not just about being physically awake – Many people around us are awake, yet living unconsciously. They are not fully aware of who they are, the larger context of life they are a part of and their real purpose in life. (read more...)

This article came from a really interesting blog called, The Personal Excellence Blog by Clestine Chua, with great articles about finding your purpose. I know one or two sleepwalkers and I am disheartened about it. Do you know any sleepwalkers of life?

All on a Wednesday.

2009-12-16T19:22:00.000-08:00

Lucky me. I painted today. Art directed a photo shoot with fun people. Watched my son in a Christmas program. Laughed like there was no tomorrow.

Unlucky me. I think I'm getting sick. Possibly the flu. Sigh.

However, I thought I'd post something since you came and stopped by. Wouldn't this be fun to make? I found it on daisyjane's blog here from November 23rd. Her blog is well worth a visit.

How about you? Do you like to make things?

Wednesday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for some hot tea with organic honey, an early bed time and a cooperative family.

Tuesdays are creative days.

2009-12-15T18:47:00.001-08:00

Someone asked me today if I paint everyday. No. I wish I painted everyday but somedays I have to do computer graphics, somedays I get to paint and somedays I make things with my hands. Like this. I made this for a book lover...

Then somedays I get to paint really big canvases like this. And layer paint. And layer some more paint, and then even more. You would not believe how many layers are on this large painting already. I almost don't believe it. It is for a friend and I hope she likes it when I give it to her in another day or two.

How about you? What do you fill your days with?

Tuesday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful to be feeling very productive. That's a really good thing.

It may be December but it's not always about Christmas.

2009-12-14T23:38:00.000-08:00

Very UN-Christmas but very necessary. A friend of mine's cousin is running from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic coast in January through April. 2,400 miles to be exact. I've been helping in a very small way with marketing materials and now I am designing a ONE color t-shirt to help represent this awsome kid and to also help make him some money to do this. Out of several designs, I liked these two the best. Which one do you like best?

It has been a nice Monday to focus on marketing my business... marketing Modays... and not even think for a moment about Christmas. I love Christmas but it can be a little overwhelming, it's nice to step away for a bit.

How about you? Do you get time away from the holiday hoopla?

Monday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful to make progress on two website designs.

Twelve Days of Christmas.

2009-12-13T20:27:00.000-08:00

I don't know what turtle doves are but I think I like this version. I am finding it hard to believe Christmas is now twelve days away. When did that happen?

How about you? Are you ready for the holiday?

I have been thinking about the coming new year, a time for a fresh start, a time to wipe the slate clean. Although I know that you don't get to start a new year and leave all your problems and issues behind, there is something so refreshing about looking at a brand new calendar, free of any commitments and adgendas. Wide open space to fill up as you see fit, or maybe leave extra open space for a little breathing room. The thought of starting a large block of time with a new attitude, new possibilities and time to breathe sounds so refreshing to me, I am speechless with anticipation.

I have two really big things happening in my art world for the new year. One actually starts at the end of this year and I can talk about it on December 25th. The launch date is December 27th, and sadly that is all I can say about that for twelve more days. The other really big thing is my Valentine's kids book that I illustrated will be hitting the shelves at Borders shortly after the first of the year. So giddy with glee is me.

Sunday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a day of getting back into my game. Getting caught up and finding the mental clarity to do so is a gift indeed.

What could it be now...

2009-12-12T22:52:00.000-08:00

There's something taking shape around these here parts. Hmmmm...

Saturday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for the privilege to see a friend's child perform in a play.

Santa's come to town.

2009-12-11T17:37:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, I received another package in the mail, this one was expected. But what a surprise we had in store for us. Who does cute drawings on the outside of packages? Well, doodlestreet does of course!

Then, look who popped out of the box! This clever little Santa with moveable arms and legs and the cutest little face. Just that round little nose is showing! The craftmanship on this craft is outstanding and simply amazing. If I had made this, it would have taken me WEEKS and you would see glue seeping out of the seams and dirt marks from me throwing it across the room out of frustration. But no, Pam whipped this out in an afternoon I just know it. Yes, my friend Pam is very talented! Thank you for the great gift... I love it!

How about you? Are you patient while making handmade items?

Friday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a large project to be almost complete, the little colorful houses beginning to come to life and my boy to be on the mend.

Great Quote of the Day.

2009-12-11T12:30:00.000-08:00

"The greatest things ever done on Earth have been done little by little." - William Jennings Bryan

Good Days and Not So Good Days.

2009-12-10T22:16:00.000-08:00

If you started your morning out with a wand of mascara sliding down your white shirt and then shortly after, having toilet water spray up into your face while cleaning it, would you go back to bed and start over? That just might be the universe telling you to. I should have listened.

Thursday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for friends. Boy, friends are what makes the world go round.

Beauty knows no bounds.

2009-12-10T08:54:00.000-08:00

"It is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities" - J. K. Rowling

A few days ago, I received a package in the mail. I wasn't expecting anything so this was a surprising delight as I carefully sliced through the clear tape and peeled back the layers to discover this . . .

. . . this beautiful, handcrafted, deep, rich, luxurious, chocolate brown shawl. From my friend. My friend from high school. My friend who looks like a very young Elizabeth Taylor. My friend who so graciously made this for me because this was how she could wrap her arms around me into a hug from far away. My friend who felt sorrow because of my sister whom she also knew. My friend who is so delightful in many ways, so giving and generous. She sent this to me, while having a very rough year of her own, after lovingly creating this lovely shawl for me.

I am humbled by your generosity Dena. I am speechless and humbled. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I absolutely love this gorgeous gift from you.

Joyfully quiet.

2009-12-09T14:32:00.000-08:00

There is a new housing development being built near us. Can't wait to see them finished!

I made this today after finishing up some holiday crafts. This little bird found a nice little home on my Christmas tree. Oh happy day. (Don't worry P, this is NOT a preview of your holiday surprise coming to you in the post.)

I'm feeling little bursts of quiet joy in this holiday season. How about you?

Wednesday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful my holiday cards came in the post today. I was hoping for another project to add to the list...

Strength and struggle.

2009-12-09T07:56:00.000-08:00

Super great quote for today:

"Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strength. When you go through hardship and decide not to surrender, that is strength."

I love this.

It's the holiday season...

2009-12-08T21:46:00.000-08:00

Holiday love.

Not much to post tonight although I have to say we have been struck with the swine flu. Not sure how we got it but it's here and soon to be gone. Hopefully.

How about you? Are you making sure to take care of yourself?

Tuesday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful a friend convinced me to take the boy to the dr. today.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2009-12-07T22:02:00.000-08:00

What do you do when you are rushed to get to a holiday party and you realize you don't have any tags for your gift? Well, you come right over here and save this file to your computer and print away. Presto! Instant gift tags to adorn your holiday presents. My gift to you.

Random Thoughts in my head:

This evening, after caring for a sick child all day, I rushed to the grociers as tomorrow will be a whole lot more of the same as today. I'm digressing because the point of my mentioning this is I saw the leg lamp from the "Christmas Story" at my local health food store! I couldn't believe my eyes! I didn't have my camera but as soon as I can get back over there, I am going to snap a photo because this is earth shattering. In fact I think I'll hover close by for a while and exclaim very loudly "Be careful! This lamp is Fragilé!" at shoppers whose carts veer too close. (If you haven't seen the movie and have no idea what I am talking about, go watch it!)

How about you? Does it take a lot to humor you or very little?

Monday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful to have my son at home while it rained and stormed outside all day long.

If a woodchuck could chuck wood...

2009-12-06T21:16:00.000-08:00

Hmmm, holiday craft project? Yup. I cut a bunch of wood today for a very secret holiday project that involves wood, paint, paper, glue, some magic and maybe a little bit of glitter. Oooooo. There are three of us involved, want to join us? I'll send you some wood along with the main idea of the project and you interpret any way you'd like. You'll just have to send back a photo. Interested? Feeling artsy? Let me know....

Now, where is my sand paper?

Sunday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a very loungy kind of day.

Beauty from above.

2009-12-05T21:47:00.000-08:00

I received this beautiful photo today from a dear friend, it was too amazing to keep to myself. So, thanks P!

"This was a very clear gift I was given today. All the thoughts I had been having toward you and your sister and my prayers for your ability to weather the heartache, the answer came today in this beautiful moment at the beach..."

How about you? Have the heavens ever opened up so perfectly for you?

Saturday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for my little Christmas party I hosted with a friend to be so fun and eventful. Small group, large personalities. Fun, fun, fun.

Gullible, smullible.

2009-12-04T23:05:00.000-08:00

Wouldn't it be nice to see more blues around Christmas time instead of all the traditional reds and greens? I myself would love to have a blue poinsettia in my house.

Things on my mind (that should probably not be):

How gullible are you? I like to think of myself as not that gullible but sadly, I have to say that is not so. The gullible part that is. Just last week while we were driving to our friend's house for Thanksgiving, I received a text message on my phone. Not unusual, right? Well for some reason, this message was unlike any that I have ever seen. First of all the number was not one that I recognized, OK you say that is not so strange. Then it had the word "high" at the top with an asteric in front of it and behind it, then lots of lines of space with a message wishing me a happy Thanksgiving and a reminder to be grateful. All of this doesn't seem very strange at all, so what is my point? For some reason, I thought the message was from my sister. Gasp. Yeah, I know, like she could text me from heaven. For about 3 seconds I really did think she texted me from up above, hence the word "high" and then reminded me to be grateful. Oi. I am really gullible.

How about you? How gullible are you?

Friday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for very wise words from a friend.

Zazzle and Dazzle.

2009-12-03T20:25:00.000-08:00

Cool. My stamps from zazzle.com came in the mail today and I love them. However, if you order stamps from them, be prepared, they are huge. I ordered the medium and found them to be big, I can only imagine what the large size looks like! They are shiny and slick, I'm in love for sure.

Being on the Gala committee at my son's school, it was just a matter of time before we swing into full gear . . . and here we go with the start of it all. This is the invite, the beginnings of a whole slew of graphics to follow. I think I'm ready though, I think I'm ready.

How about you? Do you need to mentally prepare yourself for pro bono work?

Thursday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful to FINALLY feel the burn from my Sketchers Shape Up shoes. Weird to say this but I've been waiting for the pain.

Holiday Stickers for YOU!

2009-12-02T11:03:00.000-08:00

Here are some holiday stickers I created to grace some holiday gifts. Feel free to copy this file to your computer and print for yourself onto sticker paper. (I tried to make them a little lighter on the color so it won't use too much ink!) Happy printing!

Things on my mind:

L I G H T & A I R Y. These two little words were very important words for my sister. She wanted to be light and airy so badly. Most of the time she couldn't get there as her world seemed so heavy with worry but I do think she got glimpses of what being light and airy felt like on occasion. It felt good for her. Light & airy.

These are not my two words although I can appreciate them. A lot. My two words are G I G G L Y & S P A R K L Y. Yup, giggly and sparkly. I am not really sure how giggly and sparkly really looks but at times I get glimpses of it and it makes me warm and filled up while a gigantic smile crosses my face. They feel so effervescent to me. Yes. It's giggly and sparkly for me all the way.

How about you? What two words would you use to define yourself?

Wednesday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for long talks.

Oh Christmas Tree...

2009-12-01T19:11:00.000-08:00

Oh, Christmas tree, you are so pretty. I was inspired to draw some trees, very modern trees because the kid and I decorated our Christmas tree this afternoon. He is so thrilled to get into holiday decorating, I just let him go off while I sat back and watched. I am so full when I get to witness his joy.

It's humbling to be a parent to this child. Humbling in a really good way, there is such exuberance for life and bursting giggles and funny sayings when he is trying to figure life out. God knew exactly what He was doing when he lent me this child, he is exactly what I needed in my life. Humbling indeed.

How about you? Are you entering the holiday spirit with joy or trepidation?

Tuesday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a splitting headache that would not go away so it made me slow way down. Just what I needed to do!

Only on Monday.

2009-11-30T21:28:00.000-08:00

Christmas card ideas for a client. I can't decide which one I like better.

Right before Thanksgiving, these goodies came in the mail for me. Gifts. Many gifts all in one day. You'd think it was Christmas or something!

1. The hardboard in the back is a blank canvas for something creative from Pam over at doodlestreet. Thanks Pam, I cant wait to get paintin'!

2. The lovely striped friend frame is from my newest blogger buddy Lisa over at lisagravesdesign. It's from a new project she and a friend are launching. Best of luck to you Lisa and thanks so much!

3. The Keep Calm Carry On is from my friend Paige (I just love that name) who saw this and was reminded of my sister because that was her motto. Thanks Paige!

Then, while out lunching today in the OC with my newly re-aquainted longtime friend from elementary school Amy, I saw this jump into my hands and scream a silent scream for me to purchase it. So, of course I did and now I have something cool that my sister would have LOVED.

For those of you who asked, this is a diorama. It is a make believe world you create inside a shoebox. You can do one of any subject and for some strange reason I have been thinking about them and literally dying to do one. So last week my niece told me she had to do one for her 5th grade class and I nearly jumped out of my skin just trying to get some of THAT action! She came over yesterday and we created it along with my other niece who wanted some creative action too and made a Christmas themed one. Shame on me for not taking a photo. This is a sample of some random diorama from the internet.

How about you? Do you like to create little pretend environments in shoeboxes?

Monday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for a lovely long and leisurely lunch.

Holiday Hoopla.

2009-11-29T21:05:00.000-08:00

Well, it's official. The Christmas season is in full swing. The holiday hoopla is here. We almost decorated for the season today, the boxes made it from the garage to the deck. Inches away from holiday cheer we find ourselves. Maybe tomorrow, there's always tomorrow.

How about you? Are you ready to dive into the holiday season?

Sunday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for the chance to make di-o-ramas with shoe boxes with my nieces today. Fun stuff.

Texting knows no bounds.

2009-11-28T19:54:00.000-08:00

I just read today that you can pay Santa $10 and he will text a letter to your child. Really? This is where I give my big eyed blank stare. REALLY? My heart sank when my eyes scanned this sentence, where is the magic behind a text? How does a small child get to experience the personal acknowledgement from the big guy if just a few texted lines show up on his/her mom's phone? What can he/she hold in his/her tightly gripped little hands, inhaling deeply and possibly smelling the faint scent of cookies if there is no letter? No squeals of glee at the large envelope addressed to him/her? Just a quick text... oh my.

I think this may be the last year for Santa talk around our house and I'll be heartbroken if he doesn't get a letter in the post. Yikes, I just had a realization that maybe it's more for me than for the kid. Gulp.

Naaaahhhhhh.

How about you? Do you think Santa should text?

Saturday's Gratitude:

I am so grateful for the delicious rain storm we encountered on our way back from LA. I heart rain.