IF: Routine

My most important routine,
my daily cup of coffee.

we three

I've had a happy little burst of inspiration this week.
I've been managing my to-do's, prioritizing and making studio time for myself every day.
It's amazing how a painting comes together. It may take me several days to finish a piece because large blocks of free time don't exist in my life right now, but I'm learning to appreciate working this way.
I gesso, then leave.
Collage some, let dry.
Cut out pieces at the kitchen table, glue later.
Slowly it comes together.

IF: Poof!

Now you see her, now you don't!

Now on ebay for a THREE DAY AUCTION

Bid early before she disappears...

enigma

and here she is

Lila

Lila is becoming such a little person. It's a gift to watch a child develop. She recently started giving hugs. Feeling her skinny little arms snake around my neck while she gives a squeeze, or even better, a deliberate pat, is pure bliss. She talks a bit, jabbers a lot, and has begun singing, really more of an off-tune warbling, but all I hear are angels.
Lila doesn't like to wear clothes, but after a week straight of finding her naked in a wet bed, we got smart. She now goes to sleep with a pull-up, panties, a onesie and pajama bottoms on. We've been dry for three days now.
Lila does like to draw. I feel like the father buying football jerseys for his newborn son, whenever I get out the crayons, but she truly enjoys it. I will buy a big sheet of posterboard, put it on the floor with crayons, and a couple days later have a masterpiece.


Forgive me if in a detail of her scribbles, I see the depth and precision of a Pollock

cruise control

I’m feeling better, my mouth is still a bit sore, but my spirits are higher.

I’ve almost sorted out many things that had been weighing on me, distracting me. I had Lila enrolled at two “preschools” because I’m crazy like that. I will be sending her to what was actually my first choice, only on Friday mornings. Then she can go to the home care on Mon, Wed afternoons, after staying home with me in the morning.

I spent one of my sick days applying for the new semester, requesting transcripts and other such paper finding missions. I love the internet. I was thinking about how much gas money I was saving each time I printed out a form, or hit submit.

This has been a fast and furious summer. I’m putting on the brakes for the next three weeks and will be savoring the moments.

ouch!

Monday morning I experienced the pleasure of having my wisdom teeth removed. I expected the after effects of soreness, being swollen, trouble eating, but my worst symptoms by far are dizziness, nausea, extreme fatigue and just really being out of it. I'm sad this morning, because I expected to make a big leap in feeling better, but I woke up feeling kind of like I did yesterday. Blah. I went under general anesthesia for the procedure and I wonder if that is what is causing me to feel so yuck. So back to the couch for me.

IF: Sour

Yay! I have the painting completed in the week alloted



18.25" x 12.25" x 1" (with wood box frame)

View this painting on ebay click here

fierce

one of these days i'm going to have my illustration friday piece done during the week it applies too.

meantime

I was going to put a new painting up tonight on ebay, however I just realized I don't have a scan of it yet. It's a good thing I'm not in school this summer, because all the sun has turned my brain to mush. I took the painting up to office depot this morning to get it scanned, and after buying a self-inking stamp of my son's name to quiet him, and buying a super cool aaron chang tote bag (why office depot had them, I don't know, but it's not my fault. it's not like i was at the mall where one would be expect to be tempted) they politely informed me that their scanner was down. bah, that's the second time that has happened, and if they weren't so reasonable and friendly I would take my business elsewhere.

so in the meantime you can see the latest endeavor which was distracting me from painting, our updated hallway bath

summertime

somehow, since i've been out of school, I have even LESS free time.
I have been so busy with my kids, every day we are at the park, or swimming, or Paul will have a little day camp. I've been enjoying every minute of it. I usually paint during Lila's nap, but I'm still recovering a bit, and I'm tired and hot after our morning excursion, so will take a little rest too.

Home projects have eaten up a lot of my time as well. We painted our bedroom, a rich deep blue. Then we had contractors in to lay ceramic tile in our two bathrooms. That of course motivated us to strip wallpaper, paint and decorate those rooms. Lowe's and Target should give us own parking spots, for "customer of the month"

Things seem to be settling down though, so will have to make it a priority for a little me time each day.

I will do it myself

new mixed media painting = oil, acrylic, charcoal, pastel, vintage papers

Inspired by a troublesome week, but all is well now



wood box frame, dimensions are 15.25" x 12.25" x 1"

4th

...sold...

Mixed media = acrylic, gouache, pastel, charcoal, vintage papers, matte medium
dimensions are 12" x 9" wood box frame

Forever

Conversation with 4 year old son

Paul: I don’t want to marry Lila (sis) when I grow up.
Me: That’s fine Paul, no one said you had to marry Lila. You will choose who you want to marry some day.
Paul: I don’t want to marry ANYONE when I get big.
Me: Then don’t marry anyone, you don’t have to get married if you don’t want.
Paul: I don’t want to go to the ball and get married, I just want to live with you.
Me: You can stay with me for as long as you like.

I'm acutely aware of how fleeting this mommy love stage is, and believe me, I'm eating it up.

teatime

sold

I will be listing this painting on ebay later tonight. To purchase in advance, price is $200.00, just email or comment if your interested :)



Wood box frame, dimensions are 15.25" x 12.25"
Shipping is $10.00 in the usa
worldwide shipping is $18.00

Chesterfield Art Fair

Just a reminder to all creative types in the St. Louis area, today is the Chesterfield Art in the Park(ing) Lot

http://www.chesterfieldarts.org/2007ArtinthePark.htm

I'll be there with my kids taking in all the local talent

bff

my best girl of almost 20 years has finally left me.
she has threatened it many times, and i left her once for two years,
but now it's her turn.
may she have much fun, success, excellent lattes and glorious hikes in scenic seattle.
but if it doesn't work out, i just bought an espresso machine

i'm going to miss you more than i even know





beautiful erica, on the right

!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My magazine cover is out!!!!

See it HERE

etsy shop updated!

lot's of new goodies,
check it out

South Side Iron Chef

Our town has a little event called South Side Iron Chef. Basically a few local talents join to cook in a dear friends backyard to the amusement of a peanut gallery. Last time they used fire pits, today they will be using George Foreman grills. During a round, two chefs will cook against each other, having one hour to complete a 3 or 4 dishes incorporating a secret (usually terrible) ingredient revealed at the event. Then a few lucky tasters and a table of judges (local restaurant critics) will get to sample all their dishes. At the last Iron Chef some of the secret ingredients where Wonder Bread and canned mock duck.

Not your typical Sunday afternoon bbq, but a great time for me and my family, and a lot of my friends I never get to see will be there.