Happy Halloween

David Lloyd painting, the Headless Horsemen

From the land of the Headless Horseman 

Happy Halloween.

to teach art

an apple comes to life, colored pencil, prismacolor

Today, I teach an after school classic drawing - art class to a dozen children.  I enjoy guiding them, listening to them and encouraging them to look and to draw.

Pencil, a student's still life, a fall gourd, some sunflowers, a small pumpkin.

To teach art is like sharing a secret, or giving someone glasses to help them see.  My class gives me the opportunity to stand back, to guide, to listen and to observe budding artists.  Amazed at with only a pencil and paper what one can do, to teach art.  Take an art class and learn to look, to listen and to do.  Surprise yourself with what you see and what you are able to draw.

orange soda bottle - a student's work of art

If you are an artist, teach or volunteer to teach a student or a class and be inspired to encourage others to create.  As a teacher, I feel like a Momma bird, flying to the class, bringing worms for each of the little birds, hungry to learn, eager to fly and "draw."

gratitude

periwinkle bloom gratitude note cards sent to me!

Gratitude is heaven itself.

                     ~ William Blake

I just had to take a moment and express my sincere gratitude to each of you.   As an artist and mother of three, my daily life is one of striving for balance and to please many.  Criticism and anxiety often side track me from reminding myself how truly blessed I am.  How fortunate to do what I love, to be close to raise my family and to build a business.  It is all so much easier when I have an "attitude with gratitude."

Never realizing the impact that the blog world would bring to my day, the amount of work streaming in and the ability to balance requires patience.  I ask those of you who are waiting for "artwork or lunch" to be made, to be patient and to know how eternally grateful I am for each of you.  

While on a job yesterday painting, my client reminded me, "There is a plan or a puzzle for each of us while we are here and we must not fail to see that the missing piece is in someone else's hands."  It made perfect sense.  I wanted to thank each of you for your amazing support and patience in helping me to solve my puzzle or striving to be the best Mom, artist and friend.   

A little "attitude-gratitude" is what I encourage each of us to try today.

true gift tuesday

True gifts spring spontaneously from one's pure compassionate heart with no thought of any return.     

                         ~Buddha

Today is "true gift tuesday" and I am doing a little give back to the first 3 commenters!  (not to worry if you do not make the first 3 as I will be posting a series of give back tuesdays!)

Last week I sent a box to Perfect -Beginning  to get the ball rolling for a "pay-it-forward."  

There is something special about getting a box in the mail.  Yesterday, a box of goodness was sent to Architect Design.

The requirements for the the pay-it-forward true gift tuesday are to be fun, thoughtful and simply something to make the person smile!  I want to thank la la lovely for sending me a box, a lovely chocolate bar, a pretty little soap dish and a delightful initial magnet which I love!  She has just launched something to remind us to be good and that each of us can make a difference.

this little doll is running to give her Mum something special.  

she dressed herself and I had to take her photo, what style!

I just love her "dora" boots!

So good things come in 3's.... May each of you go forth this true gift tuesday.  It is in giving that we receive.  Give something simple, make someone smile today.  Release your inner child and play along, pay it forward, "true gift tuesday!"   The top 3 must e-mail me, as to where to send!

visual gifts ~ virtual thanks

A lovely package arrived in the mail the other day.

Visual Vamp sent me this pretty package, inside, a book "Gotta Tango" along with an illustrated card that I drew for her and she printed.

Thank-you.  This gift made me feel like dancing!

cabbage galore

Voila!  Thought I would share a new photo taken with my new camera of my cabbage galore!

I am learning - so please be patient as I discover the world through the lens.

serendipity

pve design illustration for Sur la Mer, California

Nothing makes my heart skip a beat faster than a "boutique" or a "shoppe" full of international charm.  I adore the kind of place where you feel compelled to step inside because the sunny disposition is right there smiling at you in the window.  From the minute you walk inside, pleasantries are spoken, you are welcomed as someone special.  

Sur la Mer inspires the love of the beach inside with furnishings and accessories

Happy things eye you, silk pillows to jazz up your couch, chic lighting, or a gorgeous book and suddenly you find yourself in deep conversation with the shoppe-keeper, why it's as if you have known one another for a life-time. 

Sur La Mer design offers services to artfully prepare your home, inside and out!

You find out that you both love the art of creating and designing an artful home.  Both beach lovers, sunscreen users, travelers, love french things, a serendipitous moment, right!

pve design, illustration of topiary in front of Sur la Mer

Touches like potted topiaries, fresh cut flowers, the scent of a candle, and lovely music draw me in and I feel compelled to bring something home.  A new design book, a frame, a wonderful wooden bowl and a soft throw all seem to call my name, making me feel special, in a "boutiquey" sort of way.  The above illustrations were done for "Sur La Mer" - a lovely boutique in California.  Tell me, if you shop there?  What speaks to you, do you have a favorite local shoppe that calls your name?

creative zen

photo from creatives outfitter

Part of the creative process requires taking notes and creating lists in an organized process.

In my quest for organizing, I came across this site that offers some tools to outfit your creative thought for running a home or business with ease.  Cool sheets or note pads to write it down. Paper provides a spot to return to the well of ideas.

As you create your lists, pare down each project to what is essential to make the most of your time and effort.  Tools, such as this along with manilla file folders help to get organized.

The thing that is blocking you or getting in your way will suddenly be apparent and make more space to create your project.  Starting this process for any task will provide balance and time.

How do you make lists to find your time for creative zen?  Creatives Outfitter has great tools if you need help.

Picture this

Picture this, my brand new Leica Camera.  

I had been stalking this camera for some time and finally knew that I would be near the Paul Smith Store - where I had spotted this camera and was finally ready to make that commitment. A serious one, at that - but not as serious as this new fun and fabulous ring pictured below.

faboolosity lucite rings

Prior engagement, lunch at Souen in New York City with Faboolosity and Shore(house)Chic

dining on yummy macrobiotic food, natural beverages and fun conversation.  We agreed that we have to make this lunch a regular.  Faboolosity posted - seeking intervention with "watch" advice and agreed to give the top 3 a "prize", hence a fun lucite ring! ( Her mate makes these!)

take this ring and blog about it.

pve on the left and shorechic on the right

(note to self, moisturize)

I love my new ruby and pink rings and my new camera and new bloggy friends too.  Oh, and then when I arrived home several packages were waiting at the door, one was my new book "FLAIR."  What a picture perfect day.

classic calendar

A datebook or calendar is one way to stay organized and on task.  Remembering birthdays, and special events is one of my areas of expertise.  I simply keep a birthday calendar and try to remember dates for loved ones.  Growing up, we always had lovely birthday dinners with sweet items hand carried by Aunties.  People often remark, "Oh, how did you know?"  I simply reply,

"calendar."  Do you have a datebook, a calendar or are you a complete tech and have it all on your computer or hand held device.  

I still enjoy writing it on my classic calendar and then remembering important dates with hand made cards or something sweet.