My oh so talented friend Cathy released these gorgeous paintings today and I just love how she photographed them. It’s all just so pretty, I had to share it with you. You can still find some of the originals right here, and she’s selling prints here....perfect for Mother’s Day!

I think I finally finished up my large painting, so I should be back with a daily painting soon...After all those tiny portraits, painting large is a whole different experience.

Do you ever have times where everything feels so exciting, it’s hard to focus? Today is one of those days. Let’s say the last 3 days have been brimming over with excitement, that and cleaning, especially the windows in my studio. One project, I’m not ready to share yet ~ but, oh am I looking forward to the day that I do share it! The other excitement is that if I can remember correctly I finally "surfed" officially yesterday, meaning I stood up on the board and road the wave in on two feet, not my knees or my stomach. I say that "I think" I remember because when you finally stand up after many, many, many attempts the excitement causes you to go into momentary shock and there by lose your memory temporarily. I do remember wobbling to keep balance, so it must have happened! Our surfing friend, John is my witness.

The other news that I am ready to share, is that today I spent the most inspiring morning with these wonderful ladies, Wanelle, Jo, and Marina while they photographed me and my studio for the first issue of "Where Women Create". I think the universe heard my request for more "real", authentic feeling magazines, because this is it. In fact, it’s so "real" the inside of my studio cabinets and drawers were even photographed. Now you know why I was cleaning my studio windows this weekend, and all the organizing I did earlier this year came in handy ~ as my drawers were at least half way decent when opened :) And after meeting Jo, the owner, editor, publisher, in person today ~ I know this magazine is going to be FABULOUS!! It is another extension of Stampington, who publishes many titles, among which, my new favorite, Artful Blogging. The best part is that this magazine, is Jo’s dream, thirty years in the making.

So, it’s now afternoon and after some food, always good for focus, and a quick nap I think I’m ready to finish my large painting I’ve been working on, among other things that need getting done, that is if I can survive the heat today. While I love that my studio is a sun room, let’s just say that it gets a little hot in the summer time, I mean spring time...it already feels like summer here. Alrighty then, with a fan blasting on me, I’m off for some creating and messing up of the studio I spent yesterday afternoon straightening. I just wanted to pop in and say hi and share some excitement. I hope you had a lovely weekend where ever you may be.

The third series of tiny portraits are officially up at the shop! What can I say, other than I’m having too much fun with these tiny critters!!!

I woke up this morning in a good mood as is often happening these days, then my mind started spinning and a fierce, feisty mood, probably brought on by that crazy pain body...and ego ~ ensued. I decided that I needed to channel that energy elsewhere, as feeling annoyed was and is seriously a waste of time.

Ok, then. I channeled it into some new tiny portraits! painting = pain body. (If you don’t know what the heck I’m talking about with this "pain body" jargon, just read here. I honestly can’t say pain body, especially with a German accent, without laughing and that alone makes the pain body diminish.) It wasn’t my plan to create more tiny portraits this week, especially because I have a large painting project I seem to be stalling on...but, you know what they say, when inspiration or a bout with the pain body strike, PICK UP the paint brush. And it is Creative Thursday after all.

So, I’m still trying to figure out the best way to let all of you know, email and/or blog, and/or shouting from my studio window, when creations like this are released. This time I am giving those of you dedicated blog visitors a day ahead of time head’s-up. And I’ll send my daily painting email out when they are officially up. TOMORROW at 9 am PST at Etsy (a bit earlier than usual as tomorrow I have errands to run in the morning...got to get out of the door before the traffic begins), a new series of 10 tiny portraits will be available. And I’ve been listening to your requests....

Oh and I almost forgot to mention the blueberries ~ my first of the season, organic and crazy expensive (i’m still not sure those numbers weren’t a mistake on the grocery receipt) nonetheless... so worth it because they were some of the MOST delicious blueberries I’ve ever had. delicious blueberries = good mood returns.

happy, fiesty, fierce CREATIVE thursday

cheap propecia
propecia online
buy propecia online
lasix
buy lasix
lasix online
purchase lasix
accutane
buy accutane
accutane online
cheap accutane
buy accutane online
diflucan
buy diflucan
diflucan online
acomplia
buy acomplia
buy acomplia online
acomplia online
tadalafil
buy tadalafil
soma
soma online
buy carisoprodol
order carisoprodol
carisoprodol online
buy soma
order soma
cipro
cipro online
buy cipro
zithromax
buy zithromax
zithromax online
rimonabant
buy rimonabant
amoxil
buy amoxil
amoxil online
order amoxil
voltaren
buy voltaren
order voltaren
voltaren online
finasteride
buy finasteride
finasteride online
flagyl
flagyl online
buy flagyl
vardenafil
buy vardenafil
vardenafil online
sildenafil citrate
sildenafil
buy sildenafil citrate
buy sildenafil
propecia
buy propecia
order propecia
cheap propecia
propecia online
buy propecia online
lasix
buy lasix
lasix online
purchase lasix
accutane
buy accutane
accutane online
cheap accutane
buy accutane online
diflucan
buy diflucan
diflucan online
acomplia
buy acomplia
buy acomplia online
acomplia online
tadalafil
buy tadalafil
soma
soma online
buy carisoprodol
order carisoprodol
carisoprodol online
buy soma
order soma
cipro
cipro online
buy cipro
zithromax
buy zithromax
zithromax online
rimonabant
buy rimonabant
amoxil
buy amoxil
amoxil online
order amoxil
voltaren
buy voltaren
order voltaren
voltaren online
finasteride
buy finasteride
finasteride online
flagyl
flagyl online
buy flagyl
vardenafil
buy vardenafil
vardenafil online
sildenafil citrate
sildenafil
buy sildenafil citrate
buy sildenafil
propecia
buy propecia
order propecia
cheap propecia
propecia online
buy propecia online
lasix
buy lasix
lasix online
purchase lasix
accutane
buy accutane
accutane online
cheap accutane
buy accutane online
diflucan
buy diflucan
diflucan online
acomplia
buy acomplia
buy acomplia online
acomplia online
tadalafil
buy tadalafil
soma
soma online
buy carisoprodol
order carisoprodol
carisoprodol online
buy soma
order soma
cipro
cipro online
buy cipro
zithromax
buy zithromax
zithromax online
rimonabant
buy rimonabant
amoxil

4 x 4 in.

Today, I’m inspired to be even more green than I already try to be...and that’s it!...I’ve decided I’m finally going to go get a compost bin.

happy earth day ~ a day to celebrate this beautiful planet we live on. let’s take good care of it.

(original is sold)

also, on my usual "side note" ~ since you loved the tiny portraits, Outi thought it might be fun to turn them into a print. I thought it would be fun too, so I put together a print in case it might be a little something you’d enjoy. Once again, this bunch is so incredibly cute all together. You can find the print right here at the shop.

Meet Adelle, a bird by Ann Wood. I mentioned the talented Ann last year when I attended her show and brought home one of her horses, that I also adore. Almost a year later, I was finally able to acquire sweet Adelle who now sits at the helm of my ship, I mean desk. All I can say, she was the worth the wait ~ and the wait was not due to the fact that Ann only makes birds once a year, but it took that long for the timing of me to match up with the timing of a bird that was for sale that I could then purchase at super fast speed. Now that I am beginning my adventures with sewing, I realize just how much work goes into these little hand sewn creatures. And as with anything hand made, sometimes you have to be patient (a word and a concept I despise...) but it’s always so worth it!!!

My advice if you want one of these cuties yourself, is to sign on to Ann’s email list and her blog and get ready to pounce when they are released for sale. I’ll be back with a painting today...it’s been too long.....and thank youuuuu for the softie love!!!

bunny family ~ prototypes for Creative Thursday softies ~ eeeee!! i love them.

I’ve been creating softies!! You know it was just a matter of time before I started exploring soft versions of Creative Thursday characters. I, myself have become a bit of a hand made softies collector this past year and couldn’t resist exploring this whole new world of sewing and embroidery. Once again, things I used to do when I was little....it all comes in handy one day.

Since this is still a relatively new form of creation for me, I enlisted the help of another one of my favorite people and artists, the most wonderful Mavis! I met Mavis about 3 years ago when we were both members of the co-op gallery in Venice, Ten Women (of which she is still a member). Let me just say I spent the NICEST creative Friday with her yesterday, at her gorgeous home and studio. And even the Lulu girl was invited to come along and visit with Mavis' three great danes. Yes, she has 3!!! Once you’re a dane owner you instantly bond to anyone else in the company of these amazing dogs.

Mavis has one of those homes that envelopes you with inspiration, kindness and peace the minute you walk in the door. And you can spend endless time absorbing all the decorative details that are so beautifully, and thoughtfully displayed throughout every room. Her incredible art and creations are an extension of her sensibilities. It was all too inspiring not to share a few photos with you.

one of the girls, Angie, the "grandma" as Mavis calls her, sitting in the living room (umm...I mean half on the couch) and behind her, that little bit of "red" art hanging among Mavis' work, is one of my early, early prints "conehead dreams of a great love". Mavis was one of my first collectors and it was so fun to see that print hanging in her home as soon as I walked through the door.

Mavis sewing at her antique Singer sewing machine, in her studio with the Lulu girl taking part in the creative endeavors. Mavis' studio is filled with so many tactile, vintage and antique treasures, you hardly know where to look to absorb it all. You feel like you have endless possibilities for any and all of your creations. And you do!

Here’s one of her gorgeous creations in progress. She has recently started creating these 3-D pieces combining all of her treasures in the most enchanting displays. And in this one, take note of the tiny "mural" of people in the back. This is a piece of an antique hand painted fan.

I didn’t even know such a thing existed. Really! That someone once took the time to hand paint tiny ~ I mean tiny portraits of people on these delicate fans. And the shiny silver details are little sequins stitched to the paper. Incredible.

Another one of the girls, Betty, and the Lu.

Mavis, thank you so much for sharing your afternoon with me and for all the guidance on the sewing!! And if you, the readers want to find out more about Mavis, here you go ~ her blog, website and of course you can see her work 7 days a week at Ten Women Gallery on Abbot Kinney.

hope you’re having a super nice saturday ~

A little baby eye candy on a Friday. This little cutey is Sam, Melissa’s baby boy. And let me just say he is as sweet as he is adorable. She sent me this photo yesterday, because he is wearing an elephant t-shirt that I designed a couple of years ago, one of my many incarnations as an artist. It almost inspires me to want to make some more of these with one of my characters...

happy friday to you ~ I’m off to work on a very special project today that if it turns out the way I hope, might be something you will enjoy too!

Each one is 3 x 2 in.

Color and cuteness. What more could you ask for on this Wednesday? Enjoy! You can find them right here.

*Edit* one minute later ~ they were up, and now they are all gone. If you missed one this time around, I’ll be making more and please feel free to send any character "requests" my way!

*Edit* a few days later, you can now purchase them all together as a print over at the shop

I also had to share a recent commission of adorable, sweet, duncan ~ Yes, he is a dog under there. And he really has dreads for fur. I’m not sure what breed he is, but Duncan is definitely one of my new favorites.

(also you should know...I’m releasing 9 more tiny portraits tomorrow at the shop ~ and they are so very cute ~ if you don’t snatch them up, I’ll be happy to keep them here with me. I’ll let my daily painting subscribers know first and then I’ll announce it here at the blog)

All of these goodies arrived in the mail on the same day. And they’re too delightful not to share. First, my dear Mati’s tiny tiger kitten painting named Simone. I’ve been wanting a Mati Rose original since we showed together in the Girly Show last year and then when I saw her first tiger kitten with the little tube socks, I knew I had to have one if she made some more and she did!! You can find all of her beautiful, spirited work at her suspect shoppe. Also Mati and Kelly Rae are leading a week of creativity and painting bliss this October in Italy, that I have to spread the word about. How glorious would that be? Painting in Tuscany!! You can find out all the details right here.

Second, I received my hard copy of Erin’s gorgeous zine, Inspiration 3 featuring a collection of nooks and crannies: inspiration in the home. I blogged about it before, but it is so worth mentioning again. I will treasure it. Thank you Erin!

And last but not least, the cutest little snow owl tea cup from Anthropologie. I’ve seen this little fellow around and finally decided that I needed to acquire him after all. He ships as a set of two and I have to say that I don’t really see him as a tea cup, more like a bud vase or pencil holder, or just cuteness in your home. It’s such a treat to be surrounded by inspiring creations ~ and a recommended must like the ottoman.

8 x 6 in.

Reading all the recent comments and blog posts linking back to the latest podcast inspired me to create a painting with a special message on this Monday, or rather the characters in the Creative Thursday world wish to cheer you on. For all of you out there needing a little extra reminder of this very sentiment, this one’s for you! I’m making it available as a print over at the Etsy shop just in case you need a daily reminder hanging in your home or office. From left to right, Lovey, sweetie bear, simone and Ruby (in new springtime outfits ~ I got some new paint colors that I had to try out :)) oscar, little sackbelly, and rabbit.

(original is sold)

I kind of fell off the face the earth into patio furniture land. I didn’t even offcially get to wish you a happy weekend, because on Friday we bought some new chairs + ottomans for our garden. They were on sale just this week, so we had to move fast. The ottoman’s are a MUST by the way. If you’re feeling frugal, like you "don’t really need" an ottoman to go with the chair. You do. An ottoman, I’ve realized, is essential. And if there are two of you, you can’t share either ~ you must have your own, which is why yesterday morning we were out again, to get the second ottoman. My entire life I don’t think I’ve truly had comfortable patio furniture. While these are not vintagey and cool, (I’ve found that vintagey and cool does not always cut it in the comfort department) they are some of the most comfortable chairs I’ve ever sat in. Did I mention that they rock too? They’re from Target, and they even come with the faux "embroidered" crewel throw pillow ~ a nice little bonus!

Needless to say with our now summer like weather this weekend, this is where we’ve parked ourselves ~ except for jumping into the ocean early this morning for surfing then a fun breakfast visit with Mark and John. Really once I sit down, I can’t get up. Good thing there’s an outdoor electrical outlet close by, so I can bring the ol' laptop with me, as this might just have to be my new office.

hope you’re having a beautiful weekend....I’m headed back to my chair.

3 x 2 in. (original is sold)

More excitement over here, but in tiny form. While painting on canvas is ok, it doesn’t compare to my joy of painting on wood. Remember when I painted my tiny portraits last month? I painted them on canvas because I couldn’t resist the tininess and I thought that my favorite wood panels that I use for all of my paintings didn’t come that small. But low and behold in a recent order, Art Boards attached a tiny panel as a free sample. More jumping for joy. I felt like a whole new world of "small" possibilities opened up. The possibility for me to paint more tiny originals for you and the best part is that if you already have one of my paintings, these will fit right in. My plan is to have 10 more for you early next week. So if you missed out on them last time, here’s my official head’s up! Baby Jackalope is a tiny original I released today. They are all 3 x 2 inches, with that slot on the back, that makes them so easy to hang.

On another side note. I’m often asked what products I use in my creating. For all of my paintings, I am a dedicated Art Board user. I love, love, love them!!! You can find art-boards at art stores near you of course, like Dick Blick(where you can also order them online) and you can order them directly from artboards.com. I recently placed an order by phone, and had the pleasure of "meeting" the owner, Patrick for the first time. Let me just say that it’s a wonderful bonus in life to do business with such nice people, and Patrick is one of them. A fellow artist, he found a niche and created a business. Not only does he create a superior product but he takes care of his customers. Example: On (rare) occasion I have been known to paint my images "updside-down", which can create a problem for hanging....because the slot on the back is then upside-down. This happened recently and I mentioned it to Patrick and he offered to add another slot to the back for me, at no charge. Now if that isn’t excellent service?! Thank you Patrick!!

And on yet another side note for today ~ my inbox is overflowing with congratulations this morning, especially from so many of you who have been there since the "beginning" ~ I can’t thank YOU enough.

So I donned my favorite Urban Outfitter’s jacket, grabbed Sean and my camera and paid a visit to Urban Outfitters to see my art in person. While I felt sort of silly posing with my art in the middle of the store, it had to be done. It was just one of those special moments to be captured by a photograph. :) When I saw the actual canvases, which Sean discovered first, I jumped with excitement. I have to say it is an unusual feeling to see something you created, that has been so close to you in your small creative world, appearing on a larger stage in such a mass market. But anyway, I just wanted to let you know that you can find the canvases in stores now! Yippy!! Thanks again for all the UO love and a special thanks to Bacchus who even sent me photos he took from a San Francisco store.

Don’t you love my heavy-handed symbolism with the globe lamp in the background? One of my most treasured possessions, actually ~ I’ve had that globe lamp since I was a little girl and I used to look at it often and wonder how my life would be.

Ok, so I watch the Oprah show from time to time and when I saw her promoting Eckhart Tolle’s new book, A New Earth, Awakening to your Life’s Purpose ~ I thought, "hmm... interesting, but I’ve already awakened" so I ignored their web class for the first 4 weeks.

Then last Monday, I was watching her show and she mentioned the web class again, as she always does because she thinks this is the most exciting thing she’s ever done in her life ~ really ~and now I know why! This time something compelled me to watch part of the first class. Then I asked Sean if he’d like to watch the live class later that night. We watched class #5 and then proceeded to spend every night of last week watching every other class in reverse order. Our coffee mornings, well most of our days have been filled with conversation over the ideas put forth in this book and the class. To say I’m a bit obsessed with this information is probably an understatement.

This isn’t about awakening solely to your life’s purpose in the way we think ~ "what will my life’s work be?" This is about awakening to your LIFE and the world around you.

It’s at this point that I will say no more. I now fully understand what it means to let people find their own way in this world through whatever means resonate with you most whether it be religion, spirituality, both or whatever else makes your heart sing. I will say that with all the conscious information I’ve been devouring over the last 10 years, nothing has tied everything together for me, in the way that Eckhart’s interpretation has. (And I also have to say that I flipped through his first book "the power of now" 5 years ago and it didn’t speak to me at all) Once again, it’s not really new information, but his interpretation, for me, has been the key. I really feel "awake" in a way that I never have before. And the proof is in the pudding, because since as far as I can remember I’ve never been much of a morning person and I’ve had consistently happy mornings for the last 10 days. And the happiness just spills into the rest of the day, putting my moodiness at bay. I was excited about life before, but the excitement has reached a new level. And this doesn’t feel like a temporary shift. It’s as Oprah and Eckhart were saying, a feeling of "causeless joy" ~ meaning nothing in particular has happened to give me that sense of joy (aside from the goodness that already exists in my life). The joy is just present, and with this new awareness, I now have more and more access to it. And you might think, oh well, hello "urban outfitters"? and I would say YES, that is SO exciting but I knew about that last November.

With all of that said, I felt compelled to share this book with you because it feels as though many of you who find your way here to this blog are "in search" of something more in your life. I really think that this information might resonate with you. Eckhart offers a clarity that seems to be resonating with the world ~ thanks to in part to Oprah’s willingness to share it on such a large scale, and let me tell you, if the world gravitates to this message even a little bit, then we are in for exceptionally EXCITING times to be alive!

I highly, highly recommend the web classes. End they’re free! A new one airs every night and there will be 4 more classes beginning this coming Monday, with the topic of "Finding who you truly are" (should be a good one!). The good news is you can listen to them at any time and all the classes can be found at Oprah.com and on Itunes. I’m also mentioning this today, because Oprah will be discussing the book and talking to people worldwide about the impact this has had on them thus far, on her television show later today.

So, if you feel inspired, Enjoy! And if you’re already tuned into this you’ll have to let me know what you think. You should also know, if you’re already familiar with these concepts, that I’m trying to be especially conscious here in my blog posts and with the podcasts, making sure that they are not being written from my ego or my pain body :).

Thank you Oprah and Eckhart.

6 x 6 in.

What I can tell you about this painting, is that today I’m wearing this particular shade of green. Yup, I’m even wearing a matching headband ~ that~ and this color green just oozes springtime doesn’t it? But really there’s more behind this painting, that I’m not ready to reveal just yet. Nothing like a little blog suspense...

(click here to buy original)

Last year on the podcast about color with Rachel and Holly, Rachel mentioned that she’d like to know more about what inspires each of my paintings. I said I would consider writing more about what’s behind each piece, but I’m afriad I’ve fallen short of that that and here’s why. One of the qualities that I enjoy most about art is its ability to embody a different meaning, mood, feeling for every individual. While my art is often straightforward and simple, each creation contains a specific feeling. And since my paintings are daily paintings, you, the viewer are getting a glimpse into my day, often translated through the expressions in my characters, or in the case of this photo above, you are seeing a replica of imagery that inspired me directly. Remember "songbird" from last week? My next door neighbors' trees set against the bright blue sky were where the choice of colors came from.

When it feels significant or appropriate I will share a piece of the story behind the image, otherwise I like for my art to speak for itself. And in all honesty, sometimes I don’t really even want to give too much thought to what’s behind my work. I prefer that you elicit whatever meaning resonates with you all on your own.

Keeping my word is important. And if I can’t or decide not to keep it, I’ll explain why. With all my new space and time, I can finally share with you those things I’ve been meaning to tell you for quite some time now.

6 x 6 in.

Ruby, "Good morning Olive. Who are you going to be today?"

Olive, "Why a panda bear, of course."

(click here to buy original)

For what’s next! You see I took this picture back in late January with the idea that I would use it on the blog to announce that my organizing efforts that began in January of this year, were complete. It’s now, what month are we in? April, and I’m thrilled, and relieved to report that I’m DONE.
I’ve always considered myself an organized sort of person, but never have I been organized to this extent. I have to say the feeling of freedom that surrounds this kind of organization is so very worth the hours spent to get here. I felt like I could never focus entirely or even commit myself to certain projects, even just more, spontaneous, fun times, without feeling a bit of weight on my shoulders about the "things" that need to get done. It seemed that there was always something more important that needed my attention first, totally understandable of course when you’re trying to get a business off the ground. The plan was always that I’d get to those other things later. Well later became years and then I was facing a rather lengthy process to sort out the years.

Here’s one example of what I’m referring to that I’m sure many of you in this digital age can relate to. Digital files including photos, music, computer files. Mine were all out of sorts. And the time I "didn’t have" to sort those files, was spent instead trying to maneuver around the disorganization every day. You know, this habit gets old fast, especially when digital files make up 85% of my life, my business and my day. The truth is the time that you think you’re saving by putting this often tedious process aside is really just an illusion. The freedom that I presently feel is space. Space for ideas to come in, space to maneuver in, space to breathe easier and feel that sense of peace and ease more often.
What does all this mean for you? Well, really this post is probably mostly for me. A symbolic gesture honoring the progress I’ve made and announcing an opening for what’s next, while celebrating the additional feeling of freedom. Maybe as is often the case, sharing here on the blog, might inspire you. I know this isn’t really groundbreaking information. But when you’ve resisted a concept for a while and it finally assimilates, you realize that maybe what all those "people" have been saying all this time actually works ~ you can’t help but want to share! What this does mean is that I now have the space to share more with you here on the blog. And since I’m having so much fun with this blog these days, I’m looking forward to it! I also now have the time to officially start working on a special project that I think you will really enjoy. Now I also just have to keep up with the day to day organizing so it doesn’t expand again, but again so much easier now that the rest has been put to bed. Ok then ~ that’s that! I’ll be back shortly with a daily painting.

(and by the way, I bought that gorgeous wallet pictured above from Elizabeth over at Twig. It’s an Orla Kiely design, and I waited so long to share it with you that it is now sold out, but the good news is Twig has new designs in the same style ~ and I have to say here that not only are Orla’s colors and designs so pretty and elegant, but the wallet design is super functional ~ LOVE it! Also Twig is celebrating their 1 year anniversary by having a special 20% off sale now through April 18. Just enter the code HAPPY_BDAY at checkout. And have I already mentioned how Elizabeth is one of the nicest people to do business with? Yup, I probably have and it’s worth mentioning again. She’s the BEST. Congratulations Elizabeth on your 1 year!!)

3 x 2 in. (original is sold)

Oh, I had the nicest day today! Well let’s just say this was one of those exceptionally nice weeks!
We decided to be productive and work most of the week after all...Sean’s working on his next screenplay, that is going to ROCK IT, by the way! But, today we decided ~ was officially our "vacation" day, because our gorgeous weather was back in full swing (it’s been a little chilly here, like winter wants to hang on a bit, our Southern California version of winter that is). So on our vacation day we headed to one our usuals haunts, a favorite, Seal Beach. We had a yummy seafood lunch, you know the kind with the hot sourdough bread, clam chowder and garlic cheese bread...I was hungry... And the best part, I got a BIKE! Yup, a red cruiser. Funny thing is I’ve always wanted just that, a red cruiser ~ and then today, we’re walking down the sidewalk and there it is!!!! A man working in the barbershop was selling a used one. He had it parked outside with a little paper "for sale" sign attached and when he saw us admiring it, he ran out of the shop in the middle of a haircut he was giving and told us all about it. I LOVE when things like that happen and I’m enamored with my new bike! I’m so excited, I feel like a kid again, a kid with a brand new bike. When I was a kid, my first bike was a pink panther one ~ just thought you should know that. Needless to say I now have all these grand plans for Sean and I to bike everywhere this summer, especially the Sunday farmer’s market in Beverly Hills that I have yet to explore. Oh, yeah and did I mention it has a basket on the front?

Also, what can I say but ~ my goodness, you all have expressed such kindness and support, along with your personal stories, in your comments over the last two days, that all I can do besides stare at my email inbox in awe is leave a thank you in the comments of the last podcast post. You know those moments when you are so touched, you feel like anything you might try to write would only pale in comparison to what you really feel. This is one of those moments, so I’ve expressed it in a painting with tiny Olive as my spokesperson for joy today. thank you, thank you, thank you....

(on a side note ~ if you are wanting to see a few more pics of my studio accompanied by a mini interview about it, just pop on over to poppytalk. I also am officially promising to start sharing more "corners of my home"...now that we are finally feeling settled in. And on one more side note ~ speaking of corners of your home, Erin released her third installment of a completely inspiring, gorgeous, beautiful ezine that you can download right here. It sounds funny saying (or writing) this, but magazines are beginning to pale in comparison to the inspiration I continue to find in the blogging world. happy weekend to you.)

self portrait 1994

Whew!~ this one took a bit of extra uumph to pull together and I tell you now it’s a long one about 38 minutes to be exact. I felt it needed to be and I will also say it was really cathartic to write and share especially on the heels of my big news yesterday. It’s basically my career "story" (so far!) with a little extra emphasis on the money part of it. I’ve shared segments of my story in many of the podcasts but none have put it all together, in chronological order, as this one does ~ and I’m thinking it might be good timing for this particular one since I have heard from so many of you lately saying how much these podcasts are "just what you need to hear". It always helped and still helps me to hear the details of someone’s story, especially the part that "is how it all began", and then the part of how they made it financially, since money is so much a part of our present "survival" and often the main reason we let keep us from following our dreams.

With all the recent build-up of this one and so many of you waiting for it, I certainly hope it will meet your expectations. As always, it was fun for me! And thanks, as always, for tuning in and joining me on the journey.

click above to listen now

click here to download MP3
Download Instructions
Mac Users option click and Windows users right click on link above to download the file.

*Edit* later today. I was missing a directory in the link to download the mp3 earlier, but have now fixed it so it should download just fine. Also, Holly posted another thoughtful article as her contribution to this series yesterday. You can read it right here. And it looks like Erin is on a roll with another post (about networking) today as well! It’s so fantastic to get so many perspectives on this never ending subject. Glad you are enjoying the podcast so far!

You see, you guys thought I was gone for the week. But the truth is blogging isn’t like "work" to me. It’s one of my fun things that I love to do ~ so the real question is can I stay away from the blog during my so called "vacation" week. I just wanted to let you know in case I disappeared at all this week. But, not yet because I have BIG NEWS that I’ve been trying to keep a secret since before Christmas. I’m not really that good at keeping secrets so most of my friends already know, but I haven’t let it slip here on the blog, until today.

My art is now at Urban Oufitters! It’s exciting, because I’ve been a loyal Urban’s customer and have loved their style for quite a while, them and my beloved Anthropologie of course, which if you didn’t already know happen to be part of the same company. Except that I do have to say the last two times I’ve been in an Urban Outfitters the music has just been too loud for a pleasant shopping experience. Now that could be at the stores only here in L.A. where people think they are going to a night club instead of shopping or I could actually be getting old...NEVER.

I digress. I’m thrilled to have my work continue to find it’s way out the in the world and I’m so thankful for the opportunity. I also hope this offers you yet another way to enjoy my art. They have two images that are 10 x 10 in. printed on stretched canvas ready to hang on the wall for $18, a very affordable price indeed.

I had hoped to share a photo with me on location with the art, but it hasn’t arrived at the stores yet, so stay tuned and I’ll let you know when you can find them in a store near you. In the meantime you can find them right here online. Or if you see them, you can let me know as sweet Helen did. She was the first to let me know she had seen them online by commenting here on the blog. thank you helen!

My plan is to be back with the podcast that I’ve spent most of the day writing. Let me tell you now it’s a LONG one, but I feel that this one needs to be. In the meantime, Erin has put her first roadmaps post up at her blog. I’m still here, so I’ll see you again soon.

Oh, and I’m happy to report that this is not an April Fool’s day joke...it’s for real...I never liked this holiday, probably because being a prankster is not my specialty. ;)