Last Christmas was a very sad time for myself and my family. Our sweet Kitty of almost 22 years past away. Chloe was a total "Love" all her life. She followed me everywhere and was incredibly special to me. After she died I wasn't so sure I could get another kitty for a while... I figured if it just happened then it would be meant to be. So when my friend Cindy was visiting me and received a text message that another friend of ours cat had just had kittens, it was pretty shocking. Especially after the fact that I was just speaking about it to Cindy. I was telling her that my oldest daughter really wanted a grey striped kitty for hr birthday. We texted back the question, "What kind are they?" Answer "Grey Striped!" I'll take one...and our friend replyed, "Two for one special!" I wasn't so sure about taking two of them but later that week when I went to see them I noticed that there were only two that were grey striped, the other three looked like Chloe!...so yes, I'm taking two! :-) You see it's my birthday too....
We won't be able to bring them home for a few more weeks, but we're already madly in love. Have a great weekend everyone!
Days are warmer, nights are hotter and it couldn’t be busier….I actually thought it would calm down a bit, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Finally Friday I was able to mail off some important papers…I’m happy to say that after some negotiations and lots of questions I have signed a second licensing agreement. This one is for my line of children’s décor! I feel sooooo blessed to have met these two companies to help me expand my art and vision. Now to do the work!
The challenge is…I’m still unpacking!!!! Uggg…I don’t know about you, but it’s extremely difficult for me to work in an environment that’s in chaos, so I spent the entire day yesterday cleaning out my studio….(Why do I have papers from the year 2000???) So far I’ve only made a small dent and unfortunately it’s the kind of work only I can do…organizing fabrics and computer equipment, my artwork, my daughter’s artwork & years of Interior Design projects. It’s so easy to get side tracked by an old picture, a letter of endearment, and the gorgeous weather outside!
Luckily Serena kept me company. We blasted tunes on the ipod and cranked away …looks like today with be more of the same…that is, if I don’t have too many martini’s at Rosa’s today! Today is the Martini Shakedown from noon to 3:00, it’s always so much fun to see what the different restaurants come up with and of course, all the delicious food! (Plus...it's also fun to hear the comments on the decor and the bar...this was one of my favorite Interior Remodels...)
On a different note, I’ve been watching this volunteer sunflower bloom on our private drive. It started out small and with only the help of Mother Nature, it has been blooming beautifully. It certainly picked a nice place. The view is not too shabby. 
Sunday afternoon and I'm tucked away in my studio working on a nautical office design for a new client...I finish up my initial concept board and I hear my youngest daughter call my name. "Look what I made." I just thought it was so cute. Here we are both working on our designs...hmmm...hers looks just slightly more fun. :-)
You know it's going to be a good day when it starts off teaching an art class to 31 4th graders making macaroni Self Portraits! Kids are amazing! I had so much fun teaching this project!
This one's my daughters. :-)
Have a great weekend everyone!
I've been absent lately, I know, trying to figure out life's next step. My lease is coming up soon and I'm itching to get a bigger space. Partly to feature my new designs but also to feature some of the amazing artists that are in this beautiful area as well. Should I stay or should I go? Ahhhh.....
It's also been incredibly busy with my Interior Design projects, some of which have been quite challenging...it's one thing to be hired for your design ability, ideas, resources, but that doesn't necessarily mean the client will always take my advice, but it's all a learning experience and I'm always thankful for that... Bill's always telling me that I worry too much, I think I'll try to take his advice this time and just chill....or as my 13 year old would say, "Chill-Lax".
I've also been working on two new exciting websites! One will feature local artists on the Central Coast (so if you are one don't hesitate to contact me!!!) and the other will have my product for sale, both very fun! On a weekly basis I meet lovely, talented artists who I enjoy sharing business ideas and tips with. Over the past year I've been writing it all down and soon you'll be able to download it all. Sites like Handmadeology have also been insightful for artists who want to sell on line. My new site will have tons of information, hopefully to help you bring your art and your vision into the world. We need ART! :-)
Some days you think you have it all planned out and along comes a lovely surprise! Almost everyday but Sunday, I spend my mornings with my clients then I try to spend some time at my boutique, get a work-out in if possible, and then a few more hours of work at night...so I guess it's obvious, I'm a workaholic. Today, my most talented friend, Cindy, just popped in to say Hello...always a pleasure to be with Cindy and a delightful break from all my projects. As we were talking, the conversation went to friendship and living a more simple life. She had 2 things to say, tips, that I just have to share with you! One idea she has for birthday gifts with friends is to share a book that you recently read and enjoyed...in fact, it can even be your copy! Why not, right? I loved that idea! The other suggestion she had was to always have your Santa hats in your car because you never know when the perfect family Christmas picture may present itself! Isn't that clever? That way it's done long before December 25th!
We both agreed that we like to celebrate the people in our lives randomly. Not necessarily on a birthday or holiday. Little did I know what Miss Cindy was up to... Cindy gave me the most adorable card (and if you know me, you know I speak with Yummy, Delicious, Lusciousness etc. as my standard descriptions of people and life) that was fantastic as itself but inside was the most thoughtful, the most beautiful gift I have received in a very long time. Cindy made me a custom necklace with the most gorgeous stones. The Pink-A-Licious stone is a Rainbow Ruby Moonstone...DIVINE!!! Wow! I am so touched and blessed by amazing friends like you Cindy...thank you, thank you, thank you! 
I've had an incredible opportunity to design and present a collection of textiles for a national company....so I've been working over time, thinking, sleeping, breathing it. My husband is such a dear, he will usually stay up with me when I work late. Last night two sleepy parents walked into our bathroom and this is what we found on Bill's sink faucet. How cute is that? Wonder which little monkey left that there? I'd put my bets on my middle one. :-)
Kid's are so great....
I like to think I'm a fairly positive person. Considering I have a small retail boutique, you would think that all this negative economy news would totally freak me out. 99% of the time I am able to tune out all the chatter but I have to say...I had "a day"....that it got to me....and it was a very long, yucky day. It was around the holidays and I noticed things had quieted down (which just never happens in my life...) but it was..."That day" I listened to the news and I began to worry...really worry...uggg! Do you know I actually thought to myself, maybe I should just go get a real job instead of this artist gig I've been doing my entire life...well, Thank Goodness, I only allowed myself that one day to have a pitty party... and I learned something very interesting. Here's something I know for sure.
You create your life and that doesn't change no matter what people are telling you. You are in charge.
The next day I awoke a changed person. I made a completely conscious choice to stay positive and work hard...do you know from that day on, I have been swamped with projects and some pretty amazing opportunities. Hence the week long dry spell from posting...
I made some very clear goals, wrote them down, and look at them everyday. You can be anything you want to be, achieve any dream you have....turn off the news and know that there are many people out there who are doing quite well and you can be one of them too. This is a new day. The day of the big corporations telling us what to do is over. It's back to one on one, me and you. How very nice!
So the next time you have a quiet day, turn on some music & do your paper work, catch up on stuff you've put off, because the very next day your desk may look like mine... :-)
Fabrics everywhere, (a few of them mine!) kitchen layouts, uploading portfolio pics, selecting furniture for clients, paint colors....etc., etc, etc,...ahhhhhh......my happy place!
It absolutely could not be a more beautiful day on the Central Coast! I'm so excited to watch my middle daughter, Raquel, aka Rocky, play in her All Star Soccer Tournament. This weekend the Central Coast League is hosting the tournament and I'm so thankful the weather is beautiful and warm since I'll be working a snack bar for a few hours! I'm so inspired buy these little girls who are so talented at such a young age. Go Celtics!
I have to admit I have been a bit absent lately...is it the Murphy's Law or what? These past two weeks have just been loaded with wacky events! It started exactly two weeks ago when my husband got really sick...(the day after Chyna chipped 5 teeth and I had a little fender bender!!!) for the first few days we thought it was food poisoning, as the week passed he got worse and worse because actually it was a Ruptured Appendix....for goodness sakes! So we spent the past week in the hospital....uggggg!!! Although it's just been one thing after another, I am an eternal optimist, I feel this has been a wake up call. When you are faced with a hurt child and a very sick husband...life gets put into perspective real fast. All the little things you take for granted become appreciated on an entirely new level. When Bill could finally walk (like down the corridor hooked up to an iv) we took a stroll through the halls (that were in grave need of some serious decor) and we stepped outside into the courtyard. I will never forget how amazing it felt to take a deep breath of the fresh air and either will he. Why are hospital rooms void of fresh air and color and good food???? When we finally got him home all the roses were in bloom. I never have enjoyed them as much as I did that day. Luckily, through much support, prayers and love from family and freinds, everyone is finally healing...I am so incredibly thankful to all of you who brought dinners and watched the girls, sent cards, came to visit and my incredible mom who did my laundry all week....she's going straight to heaven!! Thank you everyone, all your prayers and good thoughts have touched our hearts deeply!!!!
Now, if I could only find my cell phone that has been missing since Thursday! Is anyone else having this crazy of a month?
Saturday afternoon and I'm trying to wrap up some old business and have a relaxing evening. Heaven knows I need one! Yesterday was full of crazy events. In the afternoon I received a call from my daughter's school that there was a "little accident" and Chyna chipped *A* tooth. Of course I cancelled all appointments and ran over there to find out..... it was 5 teeth!!!! You know, all the visible front ones, top and bottom! She was so upset and so was I....thankfully my wonderful dentist, Dr. Wakeman in Pismo Beach, came in just to see us. After we took the x-rays, got the *wonderful* news, and scheduled a day to reconstruct her teeth, I ran back down to the boutique to pick up my work....and as I parked, I got hit by a truck! Holy Moly! It was just one of those daysssssssssssssssss......The good news is it's Saturday evening and teeth and cars can be fixed. I hope you all have a less eventful weekend as I did! :-)
BTW stop by and check out the cutest throws and tote bags I just got in! Totes are only $25 and throws are only $20!!! Great, right? 
I didn't post last week because nothing felt significant to write about...not that there aren't wonderful items and events happening all the time, but last week was different. Last week a friend of mine passed away...cancer....two weeks before her mother passed away as well.... I read the paper last week and she had no obituary, just a notice of death. For some reason I always thought that the people who didn't have obituaries, didn't have anyone who loved them. As I tore her notice out of the paper, I knew I had been sadly mistaken. Mary had many people who loved her. She has three daughters (like me), a loving husband, extended family, and many, many friends.
I met Mary because my oldest daughter and her youngest daughter are best friends. Her daughter asked me to take her school shopping last week. We spent the day together and she told me all about her mom. I learned more about what a gracious, kind, loving woman she was. A woman who never complained when the cancer ached her bones. A woman who had amazing strength and courage and who showed her love and appreciation of the people around her until it was time for her to let go.....
I learned how to be a better person for knowing her.
Still in times like these life has to go on. Somehow we have to continue to do the daily things we do like laundry and grocery shopping. For me it has new meaning. I feel so blessed that I can do these things and see the sunrise, and kiss my children and husband goodnight. I guess the point of what I'm saying is I am thankful for every moment and I no longer take anything for granted.
When her daughter and I went shopping, we looked like everyone else. No one knew that her mom and grandmother had just died... I knew it was important to do these ordinary things. It gives us stability and teaches us how to trust the world again... I was so proud of her and how well she handled the day. She is a beautiful young lady and gracious like her mother.
The people we spoke with throughout the day were kind which is so important. I have always taught my girls to remember to be kind to everyone you meet. You just don't know what they are dealing with. Believe me, everyone is working on something difficult...showing kindness to one another is the best way to heal each other...
Mary, I will miss you and I will watch over your daughter the best I can, but I know you are in the best place of all to watch over her and guide her...your presence will be greatly missed.... but never forgotten.
Yup, it’s ture. I have a teenager! 13 years ago I gave birth to the first of my three beautiful little girls, Serena Faith. Of course I still remember it quite vividly…it was a very difficult delivery which ended in a c-section. Even though she was born at 8:31 am, I didn’t get to hold her until 4:00 in the afternoon! I will never forget that moment…ever! I never thought I could love anyone as intensely as when I looked into her big, brown eyes. My heart just melted… I remember the nurse wanting to take her so that I could recover but I cried to hold her 5 more minutes…flash forward 13 years and now I see a beautiful individual who is incredibly artistic, loving, and intelligent…I won’t lie and say 7th grade was a pick-nick because it certainly had it’s tearful moments. As she started to grow up and change her “look”, I fought it every step of the way…(growing up in private school I wasn’t allowed to wear make-up until I was in high school). The morning arguments of “tone down the make up please” always wore on me…then more, she cut her hair and made her own clothes and I watched something crazy happen….other’s began to copy her…she was a trend setter, a visionary…and I finally woke up. (Which is weird that I, an artist, took so long to figure this out. I suppose I was looking for my own peer approval…dumb, I know…) I realized my beautiful daughter is amazing and I have to let her explore her talents. Watch out Project Runway… She has to become the best version of her, not what I think that should be…(believe me, I will still argue the make up), but she is a good person, I mean really good. You would want her to be your bff for sure. She is genuinely happy for her friends and family and doesn’t have a jealous bone in her body. Serena, happy birthday my lovie, I am so proud to be your mother… thank you for teaching me a new way of thinking! This is Serena’s cake that her super, fabulous dad made for her… (don’t even get me started on how fantastic HE is) strawberry and vanilla, with black candles of course.
Another crazy week closes with a fantastic turn out at last night's Trunk Show! It always overwhelms me how lovely this little town is and how supportive they are of the local arts. We have so many unbelievably talented people living here pursuing their passion...Since I opened my boutique, a little over a year ago, I have had the opportunity to meet and showcase many wonderful women entrepreneurs. Last night, Kelci Gonzalez of Crafty Mama Creations really shined! (as I knew she would) and a very special THANK YOU to Krista Provolt of Creative Cake Designs, who made the most adorable cupcakes and divine chocolate cake! Many people commented on her fantastic presentation... I just love when these artist make me look good!!!
(Sad, sorry, side note: I left my camera at a clients house last week, so I have hardly any pictures but you can see some pics on Kelci's blog. I think Shaunah took some of the fantastic cupcakes which I'll post later this weekend)
Someone who did take lots of pictures was Miss Jenny of Live Artfully Magazine which I have been given a great honor to write for in the spring edition! Much more to come on that and the creative visionary, Jenny, who recently started the magazine, which is destined for greatness! Wait until you see how beautiful it is!!! I highly recommend subscribing!
That's it for now...have a creative weekend! Do something you love today!
Sunday morning, a cup of coffee, and finally a free moment to properly thank all of the wonderful people who donated their beautiful gifts and donations to Brighten A Corner. Last Sunday I had the very humbling experience of dropping off all your delicious goodies at the job site. I was so impressed with how Robin and her crew completely remodeled a home for a family of 6. Two parents, one older sibling and three newborn triplets. The two story house had to encompass several functions which was successfully achieved by, what I call, thoughtful design. As I pulled out one donation after another it was no easy task to keep from crying (big surprise to those of you who know me) but even the people I didn't know were in tears. So with no further ramblings, let me thank you properly.
To Karla from Sugar Bear Designs who made a beautiful treasure box for the girls. Robin, said she had been looking for the perfect place to store memories of the baby that passed away, and when she saw Karla's Treasure Box she knew she had found what she was looking for. Thank you Karla for creating something so special!
To a new found blogging friend, who is so talented it blows my mind, Karin from Creative Caos who made not one, or two, or even three, layettes and burp cloths and blankets, but so many divine treasures we just couldn't believe it. I wish I could have taken a better picture of the exquisite hang tags she put on the items as well. Opening her box at my boutique was like looking into heaven. When they saw these items at the project, everyone cried! Thank you Karin!
To my new and very talented friend from Crafty Mama Creations who has all her fabulous goodies at my boutique, Miss Kelsi, for making a terrific, one-of-a-kind, diaper bag. Thank you Kelsi!
Now this one really touched my heart. This is a very special thank you to Jenny all the way from Texas. I have never met Jenny but somehow she found my blog and read about this project. She took it upon herself to create a beautiful diaper bag and set of burp cloths. I'm so overwhelmed to find such kind and lovely people. Thank you Jenny for being the kind of person we should all aspire to be.
To my vendors that I contacted that didn't hesitate to donate some of there fantastic product. The very talented girls, Lynn and Marta, at Baby Bella Maya who sent 3 beautiful plush, designer blankets, and darling booties in an array of colors...Thank YOU!!!!
And to another one of my most favorite vendors at Patricia Ann Designs who so thoughtfully sent over some changing pads and yummy burp cloths. Thank you Shelley!!
And to my good friend Kimberly and my neighbors, Ed and Liz, who donated a very generous amount of money...thank you from the bottom of my heart. And my good friend, Cindy, for donating diapers, which you know with three little ones is a much appreciated gift! And to Carol, and Helen, and Danielle who all offered to help as well!!! Thank you!!!
Last but not least, my ultra creative friend, Christine from Christine Mason Miller (and several other fantastic sites worth adding to your favorites lists) who bought a matching lamp and had it sent directly to the project site last week. Thank you so much Swirly Girl !!!
I hope I haven't left anyone out but if I have please email me. I want to close with thanking Robin. Who walked in my boutique one day full of life and energy and excitement about her project. Meeting her has been one of the biggest gifts of all to me. By sending out one email I became the recipient of something so amazing. I got to witness people at their most generous best. Each day the packages would arrive, one by one...all I could do was cry because I was so touched by your actions. If everyone could do just one small kind act as this, we really would have an amazing world...so thank you Robin, for bringing that goodness to my attention...May you all be blessed ten times over. 
To view project pictures of the before and after you can
here.
PS Please email me if you have a problem leaving a comment...seems to be a glitch I'd like to fix.
I'm feeling so guilty. I have been so swamped this week...like the kind of busy, that you just want to cry...but I have to post a little snippet about all the wonderful people that contributed to the "Brighten A Corner" remodel for a lovely little family of new triplet girls. I promise to post in detail soon!!!! If you'd like to view pictures of last weekend's project you can see them
here. Thank you so much and check back soon!!! Below is a picture of some of the beautiful donated items before the space was put together. 
What a crazy, whirlwind trip to San Francisco, driving in the pouring rain...uggg! I'm surprised I didn't snap my steering wheel in half for as hard as I was gripping it! Regardless, the trip to SF International Gift Show was fantastic! I picked up two new, very different jewelry lines, some incredible and very whimsical decor, and new bedding and bath lines as well...(More about the show later when all those yummy items come into the boutique!) Onto something I am requested a little help for... Before I left town a lovely gal named Robin came into my shop. She told me about her ministry...she is kind of like "Extreme Home Makeover" for the Central Coast. She told me a story of a little family that is struggling to make ends meet and to provide for their 3 little girls (triplets! there were 4 but sadly one little one left us).
Having three daughters of my own, and quite a sap at that, I promised to help her the best I could...
which leads me to You. They are looking for bedding and decor for the little girls room. The 3 babies will sleep in a queen size bed they are making into a custom crib. I asked why and she said because that was what they had to work with...do you see where I'm going with this? If this story stirs your heart and you have something, anything you can donate...fabric, bedding, wall decor, clothing or the million other things babies need...or if there is a service you can provide like sewing or painting...I know you will be blessed ten fold. If you are local, you can drop items off at the boutique...Tuesday - Saturday 11:00-5:00, or email me and we'll figure something out. You can read about this great organization on their website: Brighten A Corner 
I've been a bit behind on posting this week because I am in the throws of throwing a big baby shower tomorrow for a amazing friend of mine who is having twins! I've also been designing her nursery in her gorgeous, historic Victorian which has been a total pleasure. On top of all that, there is the restaurant I am remodeling and the house I am building...Oh, and the ten other clients I'm working with...so you see, that's why I haven't posted much...but I'll be back next week....if I survive... :-)
Have a great weekend everyone!
Happy New Year's Everyone! I love the first day of the year. I always grab my journal, a cup of jo, and write my goals and wishes for the next year. I usually start a new journal every year by my journal from 2007 was still quite bare. That's because last year was about work, work, work...and some years are just like that. This year I hope to be more about creating...I have some fantastic projects lined up and terrific resources I am excited to share with you...but enough rambling.... It's a new beginning, a fresh start...may you achieve all the dreams in your heart...
This man did...this is an amazing clip that will free you of any fear you may have towards following your bliss! You have got to watch this!
Inspiring Clip
