A Bit Of Zen & Gratitude

I saw these wonderful murals at, of all places, a car wash in Los Angeles. I wish I knew the name of the artist, but unfortunately I don't. Aren't they wonderful? Their faces are so beautiful.
I also wanted to say thank you to Heather over at the beautiful blog Gathering Spriggs. I'm thrilled that she included my Lace and Light photo on the blog. I am really feelin' the blogosphere love this week, and I am so thankful.

I'm on Simply Hue & A Happy Birthday

Hi, I'm back. I told you it would be a quick trip.
Today, Vicki, over at Simply Hue (a most beautiful blog, by the way), featured my photo of the paper lanterns on post about the Creative Challenge Group over on Flickr. I was so flattered that she picked my picture to be included in this lovely collection of photos. Thanks Vicki.
Today is also my girls birthday. Nichole is no longer a teenager (hooray!).

Happy Birthday Honey, Mom loves you.

Lets Dance!

Today is National Dance Day, so lets dance! I used to be a dancer, as you can tell from my worn-out ballet slippers. Those babies saw some action, back in the day. Dance was my first love. I still love to dance, if only in my living room, when no one else is looking. I still have a soft spot for all things ballet pink, modern dance performances and performers, and toe shoes. So, will you dance with me?

Flowers On A Friday - Gathering Lavender

The parking lot, at my local grocery store, is filled with lavender plants in glorious full bloom. So, of course, I had to "liberate" some.

Lace & Light

Kumquats - Meatless Monday

Kumquats are like little bursts of bright sunshine in my mouth. Bitter and sour, they make my lips pucker. They just scream summer. I like them dunked in sugar. My favorite thing to do, is to add slices of them to my cup of tea. I'm a big fan of orange spice tea so this hits the spot. The biggest bonus of all, they are just so darn cute!

Kyoto Grand Hotel

The first night in Los Angeles, I stayed at the Kyoto Grand Hotel. What a beautiful hotel. They have a lovely rooftop garden too. Here are some pictures that I took at the hotel.

The rest of my stay was spent in far more modest accommodations, but that first night I was stylin'. I would highly recommend it.

Flowers On A Friday - Before and After

Before
Straight from the camera

After
with some Photoshop play

I'm Back

I've returned from the big adventure. Wow, what an experience that was! The main thing I would say is that I learned a lot. It was wonderful to hear all the nice feedback from the buyers. It was a bit frustrating to learn that so many people were interested in the enlargements that I had hanging in my booth. I had those made for display purposes, but I sure wish I'd known the response they would receive, because I would have had them available to sell. Next time, for sure! They did look great, I had no idea they would enlarge so nicely.
Traveling to the show was a bit nerve wracking. The large dress painting, which is painted in wax, was literally melting in the heat, on the way to the show. That was scary. As long as I kept moving the air flow kept everything solidified, but when I'd stop (to get gas, potty breaks, etc.) it would liquefy and begin it's own journey. Yikes! Remarkably, it made it through OK.
What else, oh yeah, I backed my truck into this low wall, that was temporarily invisible, in the parking structure, ugh! Utter exhaustion is my only excuse.
Los Angeles was fun to see again. There is so much to see and do there. I'm thankful I don't live in the middle of all that hub-bub anymore, but it's a great place to visit. I need to go back again soon, when I can just play around. I have some pictures that I will share soon.

Here is a picture of my booth. See the enlargements? And the dress? Barely changed, post melt. 

  After days of staring at the dress painting, and the guy in the next booth who was doing paper mache demonstrations, I became all inspired. My mind was filled with creative ideas as I was driving home. I can't wait to get started, and show you what I'm going to do. Inside my head it is so amazing. Now to make it a reality. 

Meatless Monday - Delicious Product

I'm still at the Beckman show, in Los Angeles, working hard promoting my cards. So here's a quick post to let you know about a delicious snack. I am hooked on this stuff. If you like spicy Thai peanut sauce you will love it.