scooby painting

Above is the completed painting and my work in progress pictures.  The canvas is all wrapped up and ready to be shipped to New York today.  Safe travels Scooby!

a little zen

I love Sherri Kruger.  She writes for the blogs Serene Journey and Zen Family Habits.  After my "allow myself to breathe" post yesterday I headed over to her blogs to do a little reading and just as I suspected she had a fantastic post that was written just for me!  Well, not exactly just for me but, it sure felt that way.  Whenever I am feeling off center I usually can find a post by Sherri that speaks directly to me.  She is just awesome like that.  This time it was Give Yourself a Break.  It is just what I needed.  Thanks Sherri.

treasure hunt: delightful pearl artisans

Delightful Pearl Artisans Treasury on Etsy

The East Valley Artisans is hosting a treasury challenge. I encourage everyone to get in on it! You don't have to be an EVA member, but you do have to create an Etsy account if you don't have one. Once you have an account, click on this link. Then click the blue "Create a List" button on the right. You can enter as many times as you wish! To see challenge details and prizes click here.

allow myself to breathe

I have been struggling a bit with "life" for a lack of a better term, lately. I don't write about my feelings and struggles on this blog often.  I think I have a hard time putting that part of me "out there".   I try to keep a positive outlook and have a hard time admitting out loud that I'm not always positive.

I have had feelings of fear and anxiety coupled with constant movement lately.  I wonder sometimes do I move about from one thing to the next simply because I yearn to explore and learn or is it something else?  Do I move because I am running from something or running towards something?  Am I fearful of being still with my thoughts or that I will lose my "creative momentum" when I stop?  I put a lot of pressure on myself to be the best I can be in all areas of my life but, sometimes I wonder what all this business of being busy is for?

My house isn't organized as I would like.  My children and husband aren't getting as much time with me as I would like.  My family doesn't live as close as I would like. My personal goals for this year are not as complete as I would like. My artwork isn't as creative as I would like.  My portfolio isn't showcasing my art and design work as I would like. And the list goes on ...

This loop of consciousness has been occurring more and more lately.  And with it comes a lack of focus, a lack of care, a lack of motivation, a lack of love for myself and my life.  What is my life about?  I used to be so confident in myself, my goals, my life, my direction but right now it is all hazy.

I need to step back, find focus and allow myself to breathe.

logo design

Hi! I'm guest blogging on Soft Flex Company's blog today. Today's post is about logo design. Logo design is one of the most difficult aspects of graphic design for any designer. However; I know most entrepreneurs are on a tight budget, so they usually make their own logos so I outline a few basics to remember. Click to see today's post.

avocado and bean burrito

This Meatless Monday post comes from a book I just finished reading, Ultrametabolism: The Simple Plan for Automatic Weight Loss by Mark Hyman. I have tried a bunch of recipes from this book and wanted to share the ones I liked best. I substituted some things because it was what I had on hand and the recipe still turned out great. 

Avocado and Bean Burrito

2 cups shredded lettuce
2 Tbsp yellow onions, chopped
1/2 avocado, peeled pitted and chopped
2 Tbsp chopped cilantro (I substituted parsley & mint since that is what I have in my garden)
4 Tbsp chunky salsa (I substituted tomatoes, chopped)
1/2 cup re-fried beans
2 sprouted corn tortillas (I substituted whole wheat tortillas)

Mix all the ingredients in a medium bowl except for the beans & tortillas. Smear 1/2 the beans on each tortilla, fill with vegetable mixture and wrap burrito style.  Enjoy!

Learn about the Meatless Mondays Campaign

ced: life

I have been thinking a lot lately about were I live.  About the places I have lived, where I am now and possibly where I want to live in the future and wanted to pay homage to the houses I have lived in.   They each have a story and place in my life. 

To see what others have been working on this week for the life theme, click here.

painting in progress: scooby

 Scooby 7-11-2010

Remember Scooby?  I have been working on this painting since the end of February.  Back in May I removed his front legs due to placement and then I stalled.  Click here to see the last update on my blog. I was unsure of how to get his front legs right so, I ended up letting the painting sit for over a month because I was afraid to mess it up.  Finally, I mustered up the confidence to go for it.  I mean, I couldn't just leave Scoobs without legs, now could I?

ced: life

For this month's creative every day theme of life I immediately thought of this writing in my sketchbook ...

Just sitting, sitting that's all.
No sound.  Just noise.
Noise from outside, noise from behind, noise from in front, noise - AH - the noise from inside.
No sound. Just noise.
Faces withdrawn from each other, from themselves.
Not understanding, not realizing this is supposed to be fun. 
LIFE is supposed to be fun.    

I wrote this while in college in New York City. It is a fantastic place to people watch and I that is what I was doing when I wrote this. To see what others have been working on this week for the life theme, click here. 

travel drawings

Bert & I traveled to New York a couple of weeks ago for a great friends wedding on long island, which was fantastic. While we were there we were able to catch up with some friends and enjoy 2 Phish concerts in Saratoga, which was equally fantastic. It was a really nice weekend away.

Traveling without the kids allowed for some time to draw.  The first one is my very first attempt at a zentangle and I have to say it was a lot of fun and really meditative.

curried waldorf salad

This Meatless Monday post comes from a book I just finished reading, Ultrametabolism: The Simple Plan for Automatic Weight Loss by Mark Hyman. I have tried a bunch of recipes from this book and wanted to share the ones I liked best. I substituted some things because it was what I had on hand and the recipe still turned out great. 

Curried Waldorf Salad

1 large red delicious or gala apple, skin on cored and diced
1 cup extra firm tofu (I omitted this)
1/2 cup celery
1/4 cup toasted walnuts
1/2 Tbsp flaxseeds, ground
1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger
1/2 tsp curry power
1 Tbsp walnut oil (I substituted olive oil)
head endive, separated and washed (I substituted mixed greens)

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except the endive or mixed greens.  Arrange endive or mixed greens on plate, spoon the mixture on tops and serve.

Learn about the Meatless Mondays Campaign

monthly goal meetup

Happy JULY! Summer is in full swing and HOT.  While many are enjoying the beach and are able to chill outdoors.  Us desert dwellers are beginning our hibernation. We stay indoors much of the day and only venture out when there is water involved!  It's a new month which means it's time for the monthly goal Meet Up.

Here were my June goals ...

1. add new rain drop and starfish earrings to etsy shop - complete!  see new earrings
2. blog about wedding invitation designs & add samples to etsy shop - gotta do
3. guest blog at East Valley Artisans for the month - completed and had my first giveaway!
4. Favor cards for Laraine's wedding - completed
5. Baby Shower Invitations for Jenny - completed
6. joined LinkedIn and now need to work with it a bit - gotta do
7. continue with quick books- nothing
8. continue web site freelance project - got homepage approved!
9. complete scooby painting- a l m o s t  t h e r e!  Just have finishing touches
10. gym: monday, wednesday, thursday and saturday- total slacker! 

And here we go into July ...

1. blog about wedding invitation designs & add samples to etsy shop
2. blog about baby invitation design & add sample to etsy shop
3. menu, program and place cards for Barbie's wedding
4. continue with LinkedIn
5. continue with quick books
6. continue web site freelance project
7. ship completed scooby painting
8. gym: monday, wednesday, thursday and saturday

Wishing everyone a super summer and a little break in your work for some fun! Stay cool.  If you would like to join in the Meetup fun, head on over to Athena Dreams to read more about what we do and how to join in.