Artificial

Today I list my IF picture. It was fun as always and colorful too. I love Billy Goats except when they chew on clothes or something else that was important. The weekend has begun and I have a slow start on getting all I wanted to do done, as painting was much more fun. I'm sure all you artist can agree. I think a clean house is highly over rated and clutter is the way to go. Don't forget about Ripple Kelly is still selling pictures for the gulf animals care. I haven't heard much about the oil spill lately but I don't think I really want to know all the details as they are to horrible for me to wrap my mind around. Not much more to say except my Cat is back for the time being. Did new flea medicine and she seems more calm. Maybe leaving was her way of telling me she was in pain. Not questioning it too much just enjoying her...have a great weekend and make your own world beautiful within the confines of your home....it is a good place to start!

It is Monday again and I am having trouble getting started. Our School reunion went really well as far as crowded bars and people are concerned. Not much on being able to talk and find out about our former classmates lives. Maybe that is good as we can make up our own stories of what they have done. Most looked really well and have been blessed with health. Somehave overcome lots of bad things and are still dancing. It's funny the ones you liked in school are the ones you still like and the ones you didn't like are still not lovable. Who would have thought 17 year old kids form opinions that last forever. Better go time is fleeting! Have a good one and SMILE.....

IF Double

Good morning on this gray and cloudy day! My posting for IF is a Father's Day card I made a while back. I think there is never much of a choice for Father's Day so this is one of the ones I created. Living near the Beach I always think of the colorful clothes we all wear and sometimes the Fathers have cornered the market on fancy and fun shirts. This Father likes looking at two of himself in the reflective glasses as he feels he is pretty spiffy! .....Busy weekend some high school friends are in town for an "all school" reunion as Mira Costa High turns 60 years old. Meeting a few at the local watering hole, Ercoles tonight and the school tomorrow. It is funny in a town that has changed into a upscale place full of not so nice people, that a few originals we call ourselves "Beach Trash" still function very well. People say there are no real people left but you can find them if you travel in the right circles. I think real always stays while pretend and phony will vanish like the tides in the ocean. I get a bit bitter sometimes but then I always feel so lucky to live near the Sea it all goes away. So onward to the weekend and hope I can keep up up with the flow!

Here is my picture for IF. I think that all good cooks work a bit of magic in the kitchen. Just like Artist they have to have a love for what they are doing. That explains how two different people can make the same recipe and one is really good and the other dish is terrible. Love what you do and it will never be a chore. I believe that to be true. It is beautiful in Southern California and I'm thankful for the Sun shine. My cat has taken all the abuse she can from my Daughter's cat and has moved across the street. She is my little baby so I am hurt.I just hope she is not sick, she comes across the street when I call her but doesn't want to come upstairs for fear she will be bitten ..I can't blame her..she is fixed as is the male cat....so I can't quite figure out what he is doing.....I'm going to spray carpet deodorant on the floor so maybe they won't smell each other....I guess I will just keep track or her and make sure she is all right and see what happens. I know you can't make a cat do something they don't want to do......

Summer is here!

Finally a beautiful day! It seems like Summer after all. Mom's eyes are really bothering her and the fact she took a sleeping aid first thing this morning didn't help. Her being confused confuses me as I don't know what is real and what isn't. Sadie Cat isn't happy with her flea medicine as it makes the little things bite her until they die. But other than that I have some drawing to do and Im excited to get into it. So good wishes and happiness to all and myself too!

Tuesday, little Tuesday....

Yay, the Sun is out in Southern California and it is getting warmer.Maybe it will seem like summer. I know we are spoiled with mostly wonderful weather but sometimes it is rather gloomy.Family back from camping, they had fun with all the cousins but are always happy to be home. Opened a facebook page for just my Art. I have been filling it and trying to scan as many pictures as I can. I tried to do one first and missed spelled my name,,typo error. Couldn't figure out how to delete it so opened another one. As soon as I figure out how to do it I will.I love the computer but sometimes it is way over my head. I usually just miss the tiny word somewhere... I posted a picture of a boy and his dog and cat in an old fashioned peddle car. I saw the picture in a magazine and I have an old car much like the one in the painting. I changed the clothing and background but the picture was my inspiration. It is funny in what sparks that inspiration. A small picture in a magazine(Love Magazines) or a flower, just anything. My cards are doing well., I sold a lot to a wonderful store in Hollywood Rivera called Harmony Works. The owner Royce has given me ideas and inspiration. Speaking of inspiration I have to get to work, lots of ideas for a project I have, better get busy....have a great day.

Monday or Moanday......it's your choice.....

It is another overcast day here in Manhattan Beach. We have been having such late summers it is hard to believe it is Summer. I have been trying to help Mom with her eyes and keep her happy as the cloudy days really bother her. Sometimes it is hard to be the optimistic person when you come up against such grumpiness early in the morning. I finished a painting I had set aside so I feel good I hate to have unfinished art lying about. I will post a picture of it as soon as my camera batteries charge. The family has been camping and are returning today. I hear they had fun and probably will be tired as you really never sleep well if your not in your own bed. The cats are playing musical houses. To Mom's and then My house and sleeping different places each night. I suppose it is because they CAN! Participated on the website "We love to illustrate" That is fun. So between Ripple, Illustration Friday and We love to Illustrate I sould keep my creative mind working.....Have a great week and remember to stop and smell....I mean stop and smell the Roses or any other flower that you find around!

Here is my contribution for IF topic Diary. I sometime think my imagination is all that gets me through the tough times. As long as I create and have the ability to express myself nothing can get me down. It for me is like breathing. And sometimes as I think all artist do, just create and make something without any of the outcome mattering. I was thinking that this little girl didn't have a perfect life but as long as she can write and express herself she will be OK. I love Elephants so this is a good excuse to get one in a picture. I got the computer to like me this week and I was successful in posting this picture....maybe Im just a little more careful and did like is suggested to do SLOW DOWN...not a bad idea anyway... I always wonder what we are rushing so fast to. The weekend is here so Im hoping to get my home in order, good luck, I say to myself but I do have the intentions....I know were is paved with good intentions....Have a great week and I do love Ripple and Illustration Friday... and feel priviledged to be able to participate in both...

Can't believe it has been almost a week since I have written anything. I have been so busy with the holiday and all. Had a great weekend celebrating the 4th. Attended a party and talked to a friends Son I hadn't seen since he was about 8 years old. He is now 51 and looks very much like is Dad. He has a step Mother that tried to keep him away from his natural Mother for years and isn't liked very much by anyone. His real parents have since passed away and I helped fill in the gaps about his Mother from my point of view. I just don't understand how adults can think that a child doesn't have enough love for more than one parent. She is selfish and will be the one alone in the end. The Son has turned out really well and I'm sure his Mother would be sooooo proud of him. Funny how life works....it continues to daze and amaze me.....

Hi again, I feel so stupid I tried to list my picture on IF and finally go the blog to show up but never the thumbnail. I had done it twice before and succeeded , Oh well better luck for me next week. I hope that the others get deleted. This picture is for a book I'm working on called "The Secret in Grandma's Garden". I love Sunflowers and the color they bring to a room. Today has been busy again and I have alot of work to do. I freelance designer for some toy company's in Southern California. It is fun and getting paid is also fun too. My Granddaughter sold her painting for Ripple so we need to get it in the mail. To those that comment on my work each week I thank you. I feel so faltered that other artist like what I do. Have a great Friday I'm off to the 99cent store they had Lavender plants for do you believe it 99cents...Hope there are still some left. Byee have a happy day and don't let the unhappy people win...SMILE at them...it startles them and they wonder what we know that they don't! ..and in truth we do....we really do!

Today is starting our very busy. Some days just take on a life of their own. I may plan something or think about what I am going to create today and before I know it something else has taken place. I feel so bad my 91 year old Mother is having a hard time seeing. She has had successful surgery for glaucoma and we are waiting to see if cataract surgery will help. I wish I could instill some excitement into her life. Most of her friends have passed away and she seems to have lost her desire to do anything short of some small tasks. My family all try to touch base with her each day but since she can't hear very well, it is hard to carry on a conversation. It is a double edged sword.....you are lucky enough to live long but if you can't hear or see ....why. I know I am learning patience. I always thought I had it but I really must reach down deep into my pockets to find more.....I have some jobs in the wings and that is exciting. And some new fairy animal paper dolls I want to work on. I will post what I have made I think they are fun. Love checking out all the artist on "Illustration Friday". What talent I feel like each blog/website is a new present for me. WOW is my reaction to their work and what they have to say. Ripple is also exciting as Kelly is posting some new things from Children's Book Illustrators that are established. I can hardly wait to do my first book. I have a book I have done, but don't know how to get it published....working on that. Off to chase lions, tigers and bears....or should I say the general public.....I will let you know who wins the animals or me....tee hee!