Grocery Shopping 101

 If your kids want to act like monkeys...treat them like monkeys. monkey see, monkey do

 teach them the basics of produce selection.

  

unless you want to be on restroom door duty, have the kids do their business before you leave the house.yes, it may be scary, but it's  better for the environment - so use the air dryer.

 Shop in the bulk section for extra savings. Yes, there is a pun intended here.  We are "deluxe mixed nuts", and we're proud.

 sometimes skipping, is absolutely necessary.

 Nap time?  No problem, we needed paper towels anyway.

 If the monkeys behave, get them the treat you promised before the adventure began.

 Mom's treat?  Water...?  Doesn't seem right.

another week's worth of groceries bought - check.

My son, Harold...?

my muse for this week (more often than not) is one of my kids.  My youngest, who...according to my brother bears a remarkable resemblance to Harold, as in..."Harold and the Purple Crayon".
What do you think?

 Harold toasting the purple crayon

Harold eating the purple crayon

Have your cake, and decorate it too!

I believe art presents itself in many different forms.
I have always jumped from one artistic endeavor to another - there seems to be a constant need to scratch that creative itch...and I darn well scratch it nearly every time. The desire to try everything at least once, it definitely a defining characteristic for me.

I joined up with a partner, Charise (my cake sensei) and we had a small cake decorating business for a stint.

Here's a few samples of cakes that I decorated.

Charise has continued on while I have moved on to scratch yet another itch.  You can view all of the creations at The Frosted Cherry

Here she comes, just a walkin' down the street...

This Muse Monday post is somewhat random...just get used to it.

The inspiration for this post came while walking down the seasonal aisle at my local grocery store.
That is where I spotted an arched garden stake - similar to this, but on a small scale. It probably stood about 2.5' tall.

I couldn't get over how much I loved the shape.  I made a mental note of it and moved on.  Later that evening, I pulled out my sketch pad and started to doodle.  Eventually, this came out onto my paper:

Since then, I have started a new canvas.  I just love the idea of a path leading into the unknown.  The arch acting as a portal- to a different time or place.  Stay tuned and I will reveal it once it's complete.

Thanks for joining me to today!

Remember, inspiration is all around us - you just have to open your eyes.

Flashback Friday

Yes, another catchy theme day title!
Every Friday I will feature a "flashback" (art) from either myself or another illustrator that has encouraged me to never give up on my dream.
It could be from 10-15 years ago...or last week.

For my first Flashback we go back about 4 years when I was blessed with the opportunity to be a vendor at the juried Capital City Market in downtown Boise, Idaho.  I presented myself as a children's artist and sold prints and originals of my whimsical designs.

 
acrylic on canvas

acrylic and digital

My stint with the market only lasted one season as I realized I would much rather spend every Saturday at home with my family then out sweating in the hot sun and making very little $. Don't get me wrong, there are a few artisans that do quite well...but they are the exception. The market goers are very much into the local food and produce...which they should be.  Not so much about buying art - window shoppers I guess you could say.

 It's a fun Saturday activity for those that live in the area.  I highly recommend it.  Every Saturday starting at 9:30am-1:30pm during the months of April-October.

Muse Mondays

Okay folks.

I've been told by someone who is "in the know" about blogs, that I should have regular weekly posts on certain topics.  That is, if I want to draw a crowd of followers.  And hey, who doesn't like followers?  Really?  If you answered "no"...well then...liar, liar, pants on fire!

I came up with my own catchy little title for my Monday posts - "Muse Mondays"
This is where I will post about something that I have seen/heard/experienced that inspired my muse.  Excited?  Yeah...I knew you would be.

Here's the first Muse Monday post!

I recently came across some satellite photos and was astounded. Mother nature has to be one of the most ingenious artists I know.  Take a gander at a few of these and then click on this link to see the rest.  Enjoy!

Look out world, here I come!!

So, it's time to go full speed ahead! With what you ask? Taking over the world, of course! Okay, so not really. How about just becoming a world renowned children's book illustrator and author. That's not too much to ask, right?

Many of you who know me wonder what will make this artistic endeavor different than all the others that I have pursued. Or, why will this desire out last my others? Maybe it won't, I can't say for sure. I do know however, that I have dreamed of becoming an illustrator ever since the tender age of 7. I think that should account for something. I've also always tinkered around with writing and recently have had sparks of motivation to start my first book.

I guess that in my mind, that was out of reach. So instead of shooting for the stars, I just shot for the nearest craft bazaar. It's not that I don't appreciate all of the experiences and people I've met along the way. I have learned a great deal over the past  years.

It is time... time to go big or go home! It's the stars or bust!