what's new monday
12.03.07 18:10
Sweet Hide-Out 12" x 12" available on etsy.
Happy Monday friends!
It is a rainy and wet one here in Oregon land. I've posted a few new paintings in my etsy store, with more on the way. This month I will be posting my last batch of mini paintings for a while, to make room for prints and other things. There is a chance that I will resurrect the mini paintings in the future, but I'm not sure when.
I got tagged by the fabulous Tricia, for my five things...and I know that Wendy has done this before, but I thought I would tag her anyhow. No pressure Wendy!
Ok, here are my five.
1. I prefer to consume my vegetables in juice form.
2. When I was nine, I was diagnosed with a lazy eye (one eye that just doesn't work very hard.) So, I had to wear a giant pair of 80's glasses, and a patch over my good eye, to strengthen my bad eye. I think I wore the patch for about a year. Around the same time, I had to wear a retainer called a Bionater (yes!) that kept my jaw closed at all times, making it really difficult to do things like, speak.
To top off the full nerd look, I got a fabulous bowl style haircut that year. And did I mention that my "eye patch" was really a giant pink band aid that they put over one lens of my glasses? Needless to say, I did not win any beauty contests that year.
3. Few things make me happier than a really soft top sheet on my bed. It doesn't have to be a fancy sheet, just old and soft. In fact, I'm so attached to one particular sheet, that I take it with us when we travel. Once upon a time, my dear top sheet was accidentally taken away by the cleaning people at a hotel in Spain. It was never seen again. The pain still lingers. Luckily, I've moved on to a softer, and older version that I use today.
4. I listen to audio books all day, every day.
5. Swimming in rivers and oceans is my all time, most joyful activity. Soon, I hope to get a dry suit so I can do it year round.
That's it!
Also..also! The fabulous illustrator Leeza, is having illustration contest for her amazing sketchbook Think Jot Draw. It's a really cool book designed especially for children's book illustrators, with special pages to help you lay out a story. It also has blank pages for doodling, and lined pages for writing. SO awesome. The winner of the cover contest, will have their artwork appear on a limited edition cover of the sketchbook. Cool!
what's new monday
12.10.07 15:43
"A New Beginning" 12" x 12", available on etsy.
Hello Friends. Happy Monday!
A few months ago I mentioned something about this amazing orange journal that I had. It truly was, a remarkable journal. I don't want to sound too dramatic, but everything that I wished for, or daydreamed about and wrote down in there, seemed to come true. Sometimes in a shockingly short amount of time. In fact, it reached kind of a freaky point. I think that journal started to scare me with its amazing orangish power, and I stopped writing in it. Actually, I stopped looking at it altogether, and I hid it away.
There has been a lot of hubbub about the law of attraction, and the Secret, and all that over the past year. Some of it I roll my eyes at, but other times, there's no denying, that truly amazing things can happen when you line up your thoughts and desires and feelings.
Anyhow, I've decided to be less scared of good things coming my way, and try again. My new journal is blueish green, and I'm just starting to break it in. I've painted in it, doodled in thick black ink all over its insides, and very slowly, and cautiously, started writing and wishing in it. I've only had it for a week, but already I can start to see little blooms and wishes and daydreams clicking into place.
Here are some good resources if you want to learn more about the law of attraction. The Secret is pretty cheesy in my opinion, but it gets the point across.
Definition of the Law of Attraction
Law of Attraction Book. You can buy this on itunes. The reader is kind of stale, but the message is really clear and easy to understand.
Have a great Monday!
S-s-s-unday!!
12.13.07 02:28
A few weeks ago, there was an article in the Oregonian about Crafty Wonderland, and a few of my paintings made it into the story. Woot-woot!
This Sunday is the biggest Crafty Wonderland event EVER, which is probably why they're calling it the Crafty Wonderland Super Colossal Holiday Sale. I'm really excited to be a part of it. Last year, they split the holiday sale into two separate days, but it was still pretty nuts. I just remember that there was an enormous line wrapping around the Doug Fir, an hour before it opened, and that I had sold out of nearly all of my paintings in the first hour after the doors had opened. Fantastic, and completely, wonderfully, overwhelming.
But THIS year, things are different for a bunch of reasons, both in my little universe, and in the greater Crafty Wonderland universe, that I think will make the big day, run much smoother and happier for all.
1. The sale will be held at Norse Hall 111 N.E. 11th, Portland, OR. (It's close to the Doug Fir, but much bigger and can accommodate the large crowds much easier.)
2. Full bar!
3. I'm bringing more paintings. (If you're hoping to find a particular painting when you see me, please drop me a line in advance so I can set it aside for you.)
4. I'm not taking credit cards. (I spent some chaotic and maddening moments last year, crouched under my tiny table, trying to work the dang machine..)
5. It runs from 11-5
6. Free admission and all ages are welcome (ok, that's not different, but it's still great!)
Hope to see you there!
what's new monday
12.17.07 22:21
A sneak peek at a spread I've been working on for the Secret Circus book!
Hello Friends,
Well, Crafty Wonderland. Holy cow.
SO..it was a wee bit more of a success than I had ever hoped for. What an amazing day! There was a line wrapping around the block for five hours, with eager shoppers waiting patiently for people to exit, so they could enter. A bit overwhelming at moments, but really great. I had such an amazing time. I was so proud of Portland for showing up in droves to buy handmade!
Today, on the other hand, is a little bit of a different story. I just had one of those days. One of those stinky, stinky days. Nothing horrible happened, in fact some really lovely things happened. It's just my brain. It feels sticky and crabby and three inches away from falling into a pit of despair. Also, it's resisting everything that I know would be good for it..like a jog, or yoga, or even a nice walk.
So tomorrow I'm taking a mental health day. Yay!
On a business note..I've decided to keep my store open over the holidays, but I can't guarantee that your painting will make it to you before Christmas. I have a few leftover paintings that I'll be adding to the store in the next few days, but again, I don't think they will make it to you before Christmas. But..maybe? Hopefully? If that doesn't matter to you, shop away.
Also, if you've emailed me in the last week and haven't heard back, I am sorry. Slowly but surely I will get to you! I really love all of your emails and inquiries and I wish I could hug and high five you all in person...
Have a great Monday.
Hanner show!
12.29.07 22:52
Slowly but surely I'm crawling back from a wonderful week of holiday good times, and I hope that you all are too!
Tomorrow, December 30th, I'm going to be playing a Hanner show at Mississippi Pizza here in Portland.
I'm going to be playing with the fantastico folks of Husbands Love Your Wives, and Luminous Craft.
I go on around 7:00 or so 10:30 or so. The whole show starts at 9:00.
Hope to see you there!