Thanksgiving Grace

I don't need one particular day of the year to give thanks for all that I have in life.

I try to be thankful every day, and yes, sometimes it's hard

Like when friends and family get sick. Or when there's not enough money for bills.

But even if I'm in a weeping heap, I know how blessed I am just by being given another day to try to get it right. To make a difference even in some small way.

Here's to all of you who have made a huge difference in my life. I'm grateful to you all even though I may not say it (or visit) often enough.

I really love knowing you're there.

Really ♥

xoxo

Lo

full moon photo taken in Pacific Grove, CA.

raven photos taken at Nepenthe, Big Sur, CA

Illustration Friday: Sneaky

She wasn't being sneaky in the least.

 It was he who was being deceptive and cruel.

So on this crisp November night she kept a promise to herself as she walked away for good under the illuminating guidance of the full moon.

Her conscience was as clear as her big, green eyes.

She never once looked back.

brown paper bag, micron pen, prismacolor pencils

for Illustration Friday

My 600th post!!!!!!

Illustration Friday: Star Gazing

"But what if you leave me too soon?" the little seal asked his mother.

"You'll see me in the moon, little one. You'll see me in the moon."

To me, a shooting star represents someone crossing over to the next realm, the great beyond, something bigger.

This is for all of us who have lost someone we love dearly. When you see a shooting star, speak to them and send them a message. Maybe this was their way of saying hello to you.

This is pulled from my archives as I'm getting ready for an exciting visitor tomorrow, Marianne from Mandalas and More!  I can't believe she's traveling all this way to meet me! Well, she does have other things to see and people to meet like KJ and Mim (hopefully)  so it's NOT really all about me.

We pick her and her son Felix up in Providence tomorrow evening and then we'll come home to chill out and have pizza and wine...and cookies! I know, couldn't I do better?

Then Sunday my husband and Felix will go to a Pawtucket Red Sox baseball game while Marianne and I go for a day trip shopping and having a leisurely lunch to get to know each other. How fun!

Monday bright and early we leave for Provincetown to see KJ and JB and we will spend the night. I know they have a lobster dinner planned and a special coconut cake!

Then Tuesday night we'll head home and maybe, just maybe Mim will come to my house to meet Marianne. Sadly, her MIL is having a health scare right now and that might take Mim to Florida. Our prayers and good thoughts will go with them.

So, lots packed in a few days! You won't hear much from me until after Marianne leaves on Wednesday. Meanwhile, I finally finished her painting that I have been working and reworking for a year now. I'll post it after she sees it, because first and foremost it's a surprise for her!!

Happy weekend everyone. See you soon!

xoxo

 Lolo♥   

Cactus Monday: Purple Haze

I've managed to squeeze out a cactus ATC for today, now would someone please come and relieve me of my duties so I can do my Illustration Friday?

Hubby is away and I'm left with my wonderful but NEEDY dog and clients that are having meltdowns because of personal problems. I'm going to see my patients and do some hand-holding so please check back by tonight okay?

I'm jonesing to paint!

Happy Cactus Monday you crazy bunch! (I mean that lovingly!)

watercolors and Copic markers from KJ :)

Animal Wednesday : Bella Luna

Did you see that incredible full moon we had a couple of days ago? They said it would appear 14% larger because of how close it would be to the earth, and 30% brighter because it would be more aligned with the sun than usual. I nearly went off the road when I saw it!

Did I get a photo even though I had my camera with me. Uh, no.

Here's an older collage I did which reminds me of that magnificent moon, and a lovely white cat who's soaking in the magic.

Happy Animal Wednesday my lunar pals! I did NOT say looney :)

Animal Wednesday: Shoot for the moon!

To all my dear friends who have been here for me through another year, I wish you all the happiness your heart can hold in the coming new year. I hope 2009 is all you need it to be. And remember, if you shoot for the moon and miss, you'll still be among the stars!

Happy Animal Wednesday and many blessings for new beginnings!

IF : Voices

In the soft, quiet hush of winter I can hear the voices more clearly.

I'm pretty sure it's angels. If we ask for guidance, all we have to do is listen.

Wishing all of my friends a magical holiday season!

graphite and colored pencil on brown paper bag for Illustration Friday: voices

Animal Wednesday : Full Moon Magic

A few years back I did a series of four "Purrmaids." This one is titled "Molly and the Night Toads." On full-moon nights, Molly would wander off to the lake to await her magical transformation. The Night Toads would cast their spell and for a few magical hours, Molly would be one of the most lovely Purrmaids in the world. Later, when she'd go home her owners often wondered where she wandered off to and how she got so wet. Ssshhhh, it's a secret!

Happy Animal Wednesday!!