Thursday, May 21, 2009

Thankful Thursday: Taking a Break To Smile


I was literally standing in the middle of the living room whining about how I'll never manage to get everything done in time to move when Brian walked in with todays mail.
"Something for you from 'Stella' and 'Cohen" he says. He just gives me the last names.

"Really?" I replied? "Gimme!"

"Who are they?" he inquired.

"Two of my girls. Lemme see!"

Opening the surprises in the envelope made me realize how lucky I am to have such thoughtful people in my life, and it also reminded me to post my Thankful Thursday which I meant to do this morning to show off my ATC's from Teri.

Now I won't have to revise this post and I can show my beautiful gifts all together.



These are the colorful and wonderful ATC's from Teri. She surprised me with two and I only sent her one. She did a crow for me because she knows how much I love them. And look, it brought me a daisy! Thanks so much Teri!!

Okay, so Mim recently asked me for my address because she wanted to send me a little something. A little something?? Look at all this stuff! It's a beautiful pear drawing by Mim on card stock with a nice note on the back. (Mim, did you know that I have a HUGE pear collection?) Then there's an ATC of Jimi Hendrix ( I think) with a sombrero and the word "air" on the card. I'm taking it as a reminder to breathe. And a Ms. Em ATC in a sweet little Ms. Em envelope!!How could I not smile after opening this package?Mim, you made my day a lot brighter!! Thank you!



And then there was this total surprise from Lynn. One of her lovely photo cards with one of her amazing quilted ATC's with a Chinese coin. No matter what way I hold the card it is a tiny masterpiece! Bless you Lynn. I love it!!

Please click on the images to enlarge the beauty of my talented friends.

Thank you ladies! We really have formed some wonderful friendships out there.

xoxo

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Animal Wednesday: Kitty Dreams


This is a collage I did with my greeting card program one day when I was messing around. I love the peacefulness of the image. This is where I'd like to be right now, so perhaps what I'll do when I take a break from packing, sorting and letting things go I'll let my mind travel to this magical place and just chill out with the cat.

Happy Animal Wednesday and pleasant dreams, my friends!

Monday, May 18, 2009

Cactus Monday: A is for Agave


Here's my first ABC atc card which will go to Lynn.

"A" is for agave. Hey, I killed two birds with one stone, Cactus Monday and ABC atc's seeing as I was coerced by the group! Sneaky, sneaky girls ;)

HCM my loyal friends!

Friday, May 15, 2009

Skywatch Friday: A Few More Sunsets


As my time nears the end of living near Asilomar Beach I'm going to take in as many sunsets as I can and share them with all of you.

Each setting sun shows us that we never know what's going to be on the horizon.

Happy Skywatch Friday, and remember to go here to see more skies in different parts of the world.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Thankful Thursday: Gifts From Afar




Sometimes all it takes is a trip to the mailbox to lift me out of a funk.

Handwritten letters from friends near and far have been showing up and all of them have had handmade treasures enclosed. Let me show you what I mean.




Here's a beautiful photo card of one of Lynn's quilts and it had a stunning fabric ATC inside that I was lusting over! The photo doesn't do it justice. I love this!


Thank you Lynn!



That very same day I saw this beautiful heart zentangle on an envelope and I knew right away who it was from! I was so surprised to see three of Margarets ATC designs all for me!! Again, photos don't do them justice. Her work is so delicate and colorful. I'll treasure these surprises alway! Bless you, Peg!





And yesterday this adorable little framed mandala came to me from Marianne in the Netherlands! I totally forgot about the "Pay it Forward" post she did. And I didn't keep up my end of the bargain either :(


Just look at the sweet little mandala in my favorite colors. I took a larger picture so you could see the scale of it.


Thank you Marianne!! This made me smile big. I love it and you :)


I hope all of your mailboxes hold special treasures too!


Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Animal Wednesday: Sun Therapy


As long as I find something in my archives I can take a few minutes to post something. I'm having withdrawl!

This is a painting I did when we first moved to California. This is Biff, one of the three boys that drove out with us. He was a typical sun worshipper, just like his mom. I took him from his previous owners when he was a year old. He had malnutrition and pneumonia. He lived on a dairy farm and they didn't believe in feeding him because they thought he wouldn't be a good mouser unless he was hungry. They never gave him vaccines and the result of that was upper respiratory infection that went into pneumonia.

I took him to the vet hospital where I worked. He was negative for leukemia, thank goodness, so we treated his pneumonia, fattened him up and when he was better we neutered him. He was nearly seventeen when he died.

He had the biggest crush on me, honestly it was a hoot! I dearly miss him.

Now that we're moving back, it seems appropriate to post something that I did shortly after our arrival.

Happy Animal Wednesday!! And yes, I'm still packing like crazy ;)

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Blooming Tuesday Debut


Hello there! I'm taking a short break from my self-imposed hiatus to post this artichoke blossom my husband brought home for me one day last year. I plunked it in the vase and sat right down and painted it on canvas. Normally, I don't paint many still lifes but I did enjoy the 'complicated simplicity' of this one.


I'm taking lots of deep breaths, packing little by little but getting it done.

I already miss everyone though so I felt like posting something!

Happy Blooming Tuesday!

Friday, May 08, 2009

Needing a Break


To all my friends in blogland, I hereby announce that I need a huge break and therefore I won't be posting much unless the muse hits me.

I'm overwhelmed with losing patients, leaving clients and packing up sixteen years in a place I love. I had a mini-meltdown last night so I'm going to listen to my body and do some inner-work. Long walks, meditation, boozing it up...just kidding about that one! I just need to quiet my mind and be kind to myself.

I'll still visit you all. I'm just taking the pressure of myself to have to post.

Hopefully these smokestacks will simmer down soon.

I knew you'd understand ;) Please feel free to stop by and talk to me. I don't want you to forget me!

xoxoxo

Thursday, May 07, 2009

Thankful Thursday: Bend Over....






...let me see you shake a tail feather!!! Remember that song?

I got the sweetest note from Debra Kay last week (with some tail feathers from Oliver) and I think it arrived the same day Oliver got his ATC from me. I love karmic synchronicity!
Debra Kay said that Oliver wanted to send me a piece of his heart but his ass mails better!! Oh, they kill me. What a pair!

Thanks you two. You're a sunny spot in my day too ;)






I also got these beautiful roses from Mimi a few days ago. She has the most beautiful garden. She'll scatter some of Casey's ashes there among the rose bushes and lavender. Thank you Mimi. My cat Bliss and I love them!

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

Animal Wednesday: Mimi's Soulmate


I got a frantic phone message one day from an elderly gentleman asking me if I could help him get his dog in the car because he needs to take him to a vet right away and he and his wife were unable to lift him. I called the gentleman back within five minutes, but by then a neighbor helped load the dog and off they went. He did appreciate my call however, and would be sure to keep my number in case he needed me in the future.

The future was two hours later. They had taken the dog to the vet who had painted a grim picture without much advice or hope or compassion. I agreed to meet them and their dog right away and to assess the situation. They said the dog was a Corgi and he was around 10.

I walked in the door and greeted Mimi and Ed. And then I saw Casey and my heart sank. He was nearly twice his normal weight. He had a mouth so rotten you could smell it from across the room. The only thing their vet said was that 'he has kidney disease and that's to be expected for a dog his age and there's nothing we can do except hospitalize him for a few days and give him fluids.' He said it so matter-of-factly but he failed at one of the most important things. He never looked into Mimi's eyes to see the connection between owner and dog. He stayed purely clinical and didn't show patience or respect to these sweet, elderly people who clearly loved their dog. The only thing Mimi and Ed feel that vet did right was to give them my name and number.

Here's what the next ten months meant to Casey.

First and foremost, I made an appointment with my veterinarian. It would be more than a week before we could see her and they were impatient and desperate. They scoured the phone book for other vets who could see him right away, but I convinced them that my giving fluids at home (provided by the other vet) would keep him going until he saw my vet. "She's worth the wait, I promise!" They've thanked me every day for being so insistent.

The first course of action was to treat Casey's kidney disease with a proper, low protien dog food diet. No more croissants in the morning. No sharing dinners with him. We established his age was 14+ years from looking at his records, not 10. Within 5 months we took 13 pounds off of him. I went over every single day to give him fluids under the skin to help keep his kidneys flushed, and to monitor his feedings and his progress. We all went to the vet appointments together. We got his bloodwork in good enough shape to clean up his mouth and he began enjoying his food. He would run around the long table several times a day just because he felt so good to be alive! And as much as a transformation as there was in Casey, so it was with Mimi. I'd walk in the door each day and look at her first because she was my barometer for how he was doing. They were so connected.

Things eventually began to decline a couple of weeks ago. Casey wasn't enjoying his food (which greatly upsets Mimi) and he began to walk funny. He seemed more vague to me as if he left the room but his body stayed. A recent ultrasound showed a couple of masses and funny cysts on his kidneys. And now he was dropping too much weight too fast. They could do MRI's and all sorts of extensive and expensive tests far from home but we all knew his age and other factors would probably go against any treatment.

Yesterday when I saw him we made an appointement for today to have his hind end checked out because of a new swelling. But by last night they called in a panic. Casey couldn't move his back end at all. I went over and spent a couple of hours sitting on the floor and checking Casey, but mostly letting them talk. I gave my honest opinion as I always promised I would. I felt it was time to let him go because he had nothing left to give. Mimi wanted to hold out hope for the appointment and I told her hope is a good thing.

I carried Casey to the car knowing full well that this was the last time we'd all be together. Mimi was singing to Casey in the back seat, mostly about what a sweet puppy he is. Ed was sitting in the front with me, discreetly wiping an errant tear. The doctor came in and examined him and agreed letting him go would be the kindest and bravest thing they could do. He was given a large dose of anesthesia so he'd sleep. The doctor and I let Mimi and Ed have some personal time with him and then we were all there for the final injection.


Casey was a gentle dog. An old soul in a short package. You could tell that he was grateful for the help he was getting. He never, ever complained until last night. That was the first whimper I ever heard from him in ten months.

He adored his family and he savored time in the garden with Mimi.

He lived his life with gratitude and he left us feeling more grateful for small blessings. Like Ed said when it was over, "Imagine that, we gave him 300 more days of a good life."

We sure did Ed. We sure did. And it was my great pleasure to be a part of it.
(This is a stock photo of a Welsh Corgi. Casey was camera shy.)

Monday, May 04, 2009

Cactus Monday: They're Here!


Remember the new residents that moved in last week?

There goes my peace and quiet!

HCM everyone!!

Saturday, May 02, 2009

Illustration Friday: Hierarchy


She's top dog at our house. The little boss. All twelve pounds of her.

Never underestimate the tenacity of a Chihuahua/Rat Terrier mix in a Pit Bull suit. Ever.

Happy weekend everyone!
acrylic paint, Prismacolor pencils on patterned paper.

Friday, May 01, 2009

Skywatch Friday: Misty Morning


The first of May and the morning sky is inviting. The mist is rising off the water as the surfers get ready to start their days. Aaaaah, life is good!

Happy Skywatch Friday everyone! Don't forget to look at that glorious canvas over your head. To see other sky shots, run on over to this place!

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Thankful Thursday: Blessed Again


Well, my dear blogger friend, Soulbrush from London struck again!

This time she sent me two of her original African paintings as well as three original African inspired ATC's. I had no idea she was going to do this!

When I get to my new home in a couple of months I'm going to put these in a place of honor. So many of you have sent me lovely pieces of art. I hope I can find wall space to show them all off!

Thanks so much SB. You're the best!

Happy Thursday everyone. May your blessings be many. I know mine are ;)

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Animal Wednesday: Tis A Puzzle


Well, I had intended this to be a jigsaw puzzle design but my submission was rejected. Oh well! This was many years ago when I was sending out portfolios like crazy. I haven't submitted anything in years but I'm thinking of getting my feet wet again. The problem is I don't do any digital art or tweaking because I never learned how and all the companies want you to know so many digital programs. What's wrong with good old fashioned art supplies for pete's sake?

Well, here's my plain old acrylic and colored pencil fancy schmancy gecko!

Happy Animal Wednesday! And don't be afraid to show your true colors.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Cactus Monday: Future Residents


Hey, what have we here? I guess we'll just have to wait and see!

(I completely spaced on CM again and ran and painted this in five minutes!)

I think I have too much on my mind with moving, etc.

Anyhoodle, HCM everyone!! And smooches!

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Illustration Friday: Theater


"Channeling her inner Diva."


I don't have an inner Diva. I don't think I ever have. I don't feel the need to try and upstage anyone. Just the thought of that drama is too exhausting!

The world is a stage as they say, and we are all actors in a grand play until our final curtain call.




acrylic paint, colored pencils (prismacolor), patterned paper, and a sticker for the sparkly crown!

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Award Winning Saturday


I've been wanting to come up with an award for quite sometime now, so finally here it is, The Uplifting Blogger Award.

One of my blogger friends thinks that the award loses importance if we don't take the time to name the recipients. I usually just tell all of you to take it because I hate rules and it takes so long to link everyone! So, here's what the award is for and here are the 'suggested' rules for passing it along ;)


This award goes to fellow bloggers who visit frequently and raise my spirits with their kind words of encouragement, their beautiful images and their wonderful outlook on life. They make blogging a positive experience and continue to make my life richer.

Please feel free to pass this award along to your friends. I ask that you do name them but you don't have to link to them. Just stop by their blogs and let them know you've given them this award. Here are my recipients in no particular order. Thanks to all of you who raise me up! xoxo


Soulbrush

Mim

KJ

Debra Kay

Teri C

Catnapping

Get Zapped

Caroline

Margaret

Hardwax

Andy Doodler

Marianne

Suki

Renee

Roberta Baird

Sketched Out

Suana

Val Gal

Bella Sinclair
Mick

Flying Colors

Lynn

Lisa at Greenbow

Stapeliad

Julie

Artist Unplugged

Yoon See

( I apologize if I've forgotten you. I'll add you when I remember!)

Friday, April 24, 2009

Skywatch Friday: Heron Morning




On some mornings I have time to take my dog to El Estero Park in Monterey on my way to my first patient of the day. We walk around both loops of the lake as she enjoys the many sightings of Coots, ducks and Canada Geese, but every once in awhile we get to see a heron or an egret up close.
(See her on the left?)
I put Emma in the car so I could get these shots. They're very camera shy!
This is a very early morning sky which ended up being quite blue after awhile.
Still, grey as it is I love the reflection in the lake.


Happy Skywatch Friday! And don't forget to always look up at the beauty and to click here to see more sky shots from around the world!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Animal Wednesday: Too Cool For School


Who's that handsome dude behind those Foster Grants?


I painted this the first year we moved here, 1993. I fell in love with the sea otters at first sight. There's a protection act for them because their numbers were declining rapidly. Now the population is up to some pretty healthy numbers, still though there are some that die way too young at the hands of mean or careless people as well as natural diseases.


Today is Earth Day. Let's celebrate this glorious planet we live on by doing our part to help the environment and all the flora and fauna we so very much enjoy.

Go Green!!


Happy Animal Wednesday on Earth Day!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

KJ Interviews Me!


KJ, one of my newest and best blogger buds has come up with five questions of her choosing to ask me. I'll do my best not to put you to sleep!


Who was the WORST friend you ever had, and why?


I decided not to go with my original answer because it's just too painful to rehash. I think the worst friend anyone can ever have is someone who lies, cheats or takes advantage of you.I'd give nine cents of my last dime to anybody I thought needed it more than me, but if they befriended me first and then stole that dime, well, it would be like ripping my heart out. That's a simple example but I think you get it.


What is your favorite part of your body, and why?


I would have to say my heart because of it's capacity to keep loving, trusting and giving even though it's been damaged a million times.
I'm always surprised at the times I feel I have no more of me to give and then I see someone who needs compassion and empathy or just a simple hug because they have no one else. I'm amazed at the resilience of my heart.


If you could design your own house and yard, what would it look like?


Ever since I can remember I've wanted a rambling New England Farmhouse with a refurbished barn turned into an art studio. I'd love to bus inner-city kids in for a few weeks each summer to get a taste of the country life and get free art lessons given by myself and my talented, generous friends.

I'd have an English style garden on one side of the house with arbors of Cecille Bruner roses and a vegetable garden in the back. There would be an assortment of previously discarded animals soaking up the good life, forgetting their nightmarish pasts. My house would have enough spare room to be a refuge from the storm for any of my friends that needed a safe place and a new beginning. Oh how I would love a house like this!

What irritates you more than anything else?

Ignorant pet owners. There needs to be more education out there for people on spaying and neutering as well as general care and nutrition.

I can't stand to see a pet that's never allowed inside to be a part of the family. Dogs are not meant to be back yard decorations, and people who think that cats are too independent and therefor don't need love and contact~what rock were they born under? Animals reflect what we teach them. They really do want to please us. My heart sings when I see a happy animal and know that they landed in the right home.

How would you describe your connection with animals?

I'd have to say it's almost a spiritual connection for me. I haven't met a dog or cat that I couldn't befriend. Even the wildest ones that I couldn't pet knew I was there to help in some way. I have the patience of a saint when it comes to gaining the trust of a frightened animal.

Animals are our best friends, family members and healers. I can't imagine a world without them.

Thank you Miss KJ! This was a fun interview. xoxo

Monday, April 20, 2009

Cactus Monday: Creature Comfort


Stripes was a happy kitty now that the owner removed the sharp needles from the house cactus. There were just too many trips to the vet!

Happy Cactus Monday everyone!!

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Illustration Friday: Impossibilities...never!


When we lend a hand to those in need~

When we have faith in something greater than ourselves~

When we refuse to be pulled down into those dark places

and instead, soar above our challenges~

How can we dwell in impossibilities?



(For my brother Jimmy, with love. Stay strong. I'm coming home soon. Promise. xoxo Picasso)

Friday, April 17, 2009

Skywatch Friday: Puffy Remnant


I love this little wisp of a cloud highlighted by the sunset. It's moments like this that make me smile as wide as the sky ;)

Happy Skywatch Friday my friends! Please remember to look up and to also visit here to see more sky shots from the world.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Animal Wednesday: Aries


I thought I'd do a quick little ATC of a ram for my husband's birthday today. He's an Aries through and through! One look at all the broken things around this house and you'd see that I live with a ram in a china shop!

Happy Animal Wednesday to my Aries friends and otherwise ;)

Life Is A Breeze!



A sweet award has been given to me by the wonderful Caroline over in Malaysia,
and designed by the talented Peter Breese.
She is an amazing, accomplished artist who inspires everyone around her. I was honored that she wanted my pigeon envelope and happy that she had won it! She sent me a lovely origami butterfly card in return which I will send as a letter to someone once I move back east.


For all of you who have given me awards in the past, you know I don't follow the rules! I just can't name a few of you to pass it on to because you all touch my heart and feed my soul and encourage me to keep on keeping on.
You're my extended family in a way and I'm crazy about all of you!


Caroline also gave me the Renee Award, given to me by Ms. Renee herself as well. You can see it in my sidebar to the right. I promised Renee I'd always keep it on top ;)


This loving award was given to me by a new friend Deepaz in Dubai!
She's an enthusiastic little artist who has a huge heart. Thank you my friend!
So please take these awards because all of you deserve them, and pass them along as you see fit.
If you play by the rules, pick six people to pass the "You Make Life A Breeze" award to, and 7 people for the "I Love Your Blog" award.
Thanks again ladies!! xoxo

Monday, April 13, 2009

Cactus Monday: Blues Barrel


I have the hardest time coming up with fresh cactus ideas! Here's a quick ATC of a barrel cactus in a barrel done in blues and greys. This ATC has a linen texture...weird but nice to work on.

Happy Cactus Monday!!

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Illustration Friday: Fleeting Time


I have always loved this poem. I've chosen one of my Soulcollage cards to depict the magic of childhood.


The Summer Day
Mary Oliver
Who made the world?Who made the swan, and the black bear?Who made the grasshopper?This grasshopper, I mean-the one who has flung herself out of the grass,the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down-who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.
Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.

I don't know exactly what a prayer is. I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass, how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields, which is what I have been doing all day. Tell me, what else should I have done? Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon? Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?

Friday, April 10, 2009

Skywatch Friday: Chief Big Cloud


The skies were clearing after a rain shower. This cloud over the Asilomar Conference Center looks like someone has been sending smoke signals!

For more interesting shots of skies from around the globe, please stop by Skywatch Friday and join the fun!

And remember to look up, there's always so much to admire.

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Animal Wednesday: My Birth Mandala


Many of you know Marianne, wife, mother, animal lover, world traveler and the creator of exquisite mandalas. The other day a large package came to me and it was my very own birth mandala painted in oils by her. We had talked about doing a trade when I showed interest in having her paint this for me. Never did I imagine what impact it would have from the moment I opened it. I just knew it was me at first glance. I'll do my best to share its meaning with you by summarizing her explanation. She took the time to write out several pages as well as printing a couple of notecards with this design. Unbelievable!

The mandala is created from the numbers in your date of birth based on numerology. Every number has a vibration and a color. We start with the day of birth, the 7th. Then the 8th month, August. The year is 1953 ~ 07/08/1953

The reading starts from the inside of the mandala to the outside. Please enlarge it to see the beautiful detail. Here we go...


7 (purple) star with a spiral in the middle. The spiral translates into meanings of spirituality and rebirth. In terms of spirituality, the spiral symbol represents the path leading from outer consciousness to the inner soul. In terms of rebirth or growth, the spiral symbol represents the consciousness of nature beginning from the core or center and thus expanding outwardly. This is the way of all things as recognized by most mystics.


8 (violet) Lotus. The lotus flower is a symbol of rebirth, but in addition to its religious meaning, the lotus is also a symbol of all that is true, good and beautiful, representing good fortune, peace and enlightenment.


1 (red) snake. The Ouroboros "tail devouring snake," is an ancient symbol depicting a serpent or dragon swallowing its own tail and forming a circle.

The Orouboros often represents self-reflectivity especially in the sense of something re-creating itself, the eternal return, and other things perceived as cycles that begin anew as they end.


9 (rainbow colors) lotus petals. In brief, the lotus is a very important symbol in Buddhism. it refers to the purification of body, speech and mind, and the blossoming of wholesome deeds. An open blossom signifies full enlightenment, a closed blossom signifies the potential for enlightenment.


5 (sky blue) with five crows. She felt compelled to choose this animal for me!

Crows are the keepers of the sacred law, and to have a crow in your totem is very powerful. personal integrity is your watchword and your guide in life.

If you have a crow totem, your prime path is to be mindful of your opinions and actions. You must be willing to walk your talk, to speak your truth and to know your life's mission.

Crow is an omen of change. Crow lives in the void and has no sense of time, therefore, it sees past, present and future simultaneously.

Crow merges both light and dark, both inner and outer,

It is the totem of the Great Spirit and should be respected as such.

They are symbols of creation and spiritual strength.

Look for opportunities to create and manifest the magic of life.

Crows are messengers calling to us about the creation and magic that is alive in the world today and available to us.


3 (yellow golden) suns. The sun, celestial guardian of the human ego, rules Leo.

The sun is an emblem of glory and brilliance. It is also a symbol of authority. It represents happiness, life and spirituality. The rising sun is a symbol of hope.


All of these numbers added up equals 33 (3+3=6) but I keep the vibration of 33 because it's a master number. 33 is my birth number.

33 (yellow and golden) hearts. These hearts are part of a chain of golden beads and pearls. Gold, the noblest color, represents the light of the sun and was once borne only by Princes. Gold is said to gladden the heart.

Pearls are called 'teardrops of the moon.' Some believe that pearls were formed by angels passing through the clouds of heaven. Over time, the pearl has become a symbol of purity and innocence. These form a yin/yang protective chain of unconditional love with the hearts which can't be broken.

The meaning of my birth number 33...

The Compassionate~

The 33's cherish a love of beauty and balance. They feel a deep compassion for the world and have to guard against becoming a martyr. We have to be cautious of self-sacrifice for others. We are more helpful by becoming teachers by showing the way for others to follow. Te birth number 33 is very rare and will call me to leadership and responsibility. This may not always please me, but I'll have to make my peace with it.

The 33 individuals usually achieve fame through acts of kindness, tenderness and compassion that lead to the transformation of the world's consciousness. Some famous 33's are Albert Einstein, John Lennon and Meryl Streep. I'm in good company! ;)

I'm told that I'm often coming up with ideas that some people think are a bit 'out there.' If I follow my instincts then others will follow me and we'll end up with a kinder, gentler world.


And finally, my birth number added with my birth month (the 5th sign of the zodiac)=5+33=11. This is my course number, and again, another master number. This number is the course you have to follow in life in order to fulfill your destiny. It is represented by the 11 rainbow colors in the background.

Here's what marianne said about people who are 11's.

'When you practice spontaneity, you stop judging others. You see beyond past and present and overcome obstacles that would normally become impossible to transcend. Cherish adventure, life's drama and all mystical experiences.

learn to serve people unselfishly. It is important to be empathic whether you agree or not. Develop your wisdom and the ability to be impartial. This needs courage and a special way of handling resistance: not fighting, but still reaching your goal.


I know this is a lot to take in on a blog, so thanks for hanging in with me. I just felt compelled to share the beautiful work and words of Marianne , a new and cherished friend. I know we'll have that glass of wine together one day!

Thank you so much.

~Namaste~



Monday, April 06, 2009

Cactus Monday: Prickly Grape anyone?


Sheesh, sometimes I can't buy an idea! I was painting a different atc of prickly pear blossoms and it wasn't coming out right, then I started doing a zentangle type of doodle and this is what it ended up as. A mess!! Too much going on to begin with and then I added glitter. I should have passed this week but I'll post it anyway. Maybe we could make some wine with this Prickly Grape cactus!

Happy Cactus Monday!!

Friday, April 03, 2009

Illustration Friday: Talisman


I wasn't really sure where I was going to go with this week's word, I just knew I liked it as soon as I heard it!

To me, ravens and cats have magical, mystical powers. I thought I'd convey it as an image of a cheetah wearing a raven talisman.

I rushed it a little because of my busy schedule these days.

I hope it still holds a little magic for the viewer!
(acrylic paint and Prismacolor pencils on patterned card stock)

Skywatch Friday: Showers on the way


Just another lovely day at Asilomar Beach! Be sure to check out other skies at Skywatch. And remember to look up and enjoy the view!!

Thursday, April 02, 2009

Thankful Thursday







This blogging community is unbelievable at times. I went to the mailbox on Monday and there was a package from Marianne and a package from Lisa at Greenbow. I knew to be expecting a birth mandala from Marianne but I had no idea what Lisa could have sent!

The package from Marianne contained a beautiful notecard that she now sells in her Etsy store, 2 mandala stickers, a lovely hand written note on the red mandala card and the original egg mandala that I had the hots for!! Thanks so much Marianne, you're spoiling me!!

Lisa sent me a book she had won from Teri C during one of her giveaways. Lisa asked teri if she wanted it back and Teri said "Lolo might like it. Send it to her!" So she did, and she also enclosed a beautiful bookmark that she collaged with a lovely garden theme. How neat!! I just love it!

Thank you ladies for your thoughtfulness and for being a reason why I continue to blog. Where else would I get all this loot??!! No really, bless you all ;)















Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Animal Wednesday: Meet Tay (Mateo, or Mattie)



This is my friend's little 12 pound Italian Greyhound, Mateo...Tay, for short. Or we call her Tay-Tay or Tay-O-Lay or naughty girl (because she is.) She's around 9 years old now and still sleek, fast and elegant. She looooooves Auntie Laurel! My friend said Tay knows when I'm coming over if I've called on the phone. She anticipates my visit and screams like a banshee when I get there. It's a crack up! She can be high maintainance because she needs it to be all about her (just like my dog) but she is irresistable. Look at that face! She's the 'cat of dogs' and knows only two speeds... lightening fast or sleeping.
I just thought you should meet this cute little girl. I'll miss her when I move :(
Happy Animal Wednesday!
(I thought I'd continue the Greyhound theme Debra Kay!)

Monday, March 30, 2009

Cactus Monday Afternoon


Eeeegads, the day almost got away from me before I had a chance to whip up a cactus! Here it is, fast and dirty!

Happy Cactus Monday you wild bunch of Cactuteers!

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Illustration Friday : Poise


wait.....wait.....wait....


OKAY!!!!


Good dog!
acrylic paint, colored pencil on scrapbook paper

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Celebrating Renee


Today is the birthday of one of my newest blogger friends, Renee.

There are a few people in blogland that have touched my heart and have become my dear friends. You know who you are.

I met Renee when she started commenting on my posts and the very first time she showed up she signed it, "love, Renee." I had no idea who she was or why she loved me, so I had to investigate! Well let me tell you that Renee is all about love. I knew that the instant I started reading her posts and the comments left by fellow readers. Even though she's living with a terrible disease, she puts emphasis on 'living' and embraces it every day. She has touched the hearts of every blogger who has stopped by her place, not out of sympathy for her, but because of who she is at the core. You must stop by and meet her and give a birthday hello. You'll see what I mean!


Dear Renee, sister in the trees, raven heart, kindred spirit and lover of life~

may this day hold magic for you and be all you desire it to be and more.

You teach me to be grateful for every breath and every blade of grass.

You make me laugh out loud and you make me weep when I need to.

You are a champion. You kick ass and I love you.

Birthday blessings today my friend, and many more down the road.

xoxo

Lolo