topiary cats
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
AED.18
How come no one told me how wonderful and FUN these zentangle thingies are???
Here are a few pics from Daya's third birthday:
Here are a few pics from Daya's third birthday:
Monday, November 17, 2008
AED.17
My cat is as lazy and sleepy as I am. Quick ink sketch. I just can't focus on amything requiring...errr...focus.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
AED.16
Here is a simple black and white drawing. It was very relaxing to do.
Daya's party went very well. I'll post pics tomorrow.
Daya's party went very well. I'll post pics tomorrow.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
AED.15
Today's offering is a cake. Tomorrow I am having a very small party for Daya's third (!) birthday. Have been cleaning and running errands. There is a lot left to do. I am very tired. The big question is whether to drink a few cups of tea and keep plugging on or get a little sleep now and wake up at oh-god-thirty in the morning.
Caffeine will most probably win. And since Daya is always up early I'll have to wake up at oh-god-thirty whether I want to or not.
So anyhow I just finished Daya's cake. Here it is- more fun with fondant. I bought the Dora image at the cake and baking supply store on 22nd street. If you've never been there you HAVE to go it's so awesome. In fact you should come to NYC just to go there.
I also made a huge mess in my kitchen, and of course I do not feel like cleaning it. Any volunteers would be greatly appreciated. In fact, if you come over right now and clean my kitchen I will make out with you for real.
Caffeine will most probably win. And since Daya is always up early I'll have to wake up at oh-god-thirty whether I want to or not.
So anyhow I just finished Daya's cake. Here it is- more fun with fondant. I bought the Dora image at the cake and baking supply store on 22nd street. If you've never been there you HAVE to go it's so awesome. In fact you should come to NYC just to go there.
I also made a huge mess in my kitchen, and of course I do not feel like cleaning it. Any volunteers would be greatly appreciated. In fact, if you come over right now and clean my kitchen I will make out with you for real.
Friday, November 14, 2008
AED.14
Crown Chakra
Oil Pastel
Well, the chakras are done. Perhaps now I'll stop being so predictable!
Serena, to asnwer your question...it's sort of a meditation. I get the image the same way I would any concept I want to illustrate. I focus on what I am trying to depict, relax my mind, and let the image come.
Daya's birthday is on Sunday and I have to clean my apartment and make a cake. She'll be three...amazing.
Oil Pastel
Well, the chakras are done. Perhaps now I'll stop being so predictable!
Serena, to asnwer your question...it's sort of a meditation. I get the image the same way I would any concept I want to illustrate. I focus on what I am trying to depict, relax my mind, and let the image come.
Daya's birthday is on Sunday and I have to clean my apartment and make a cake. She'll be three...amazing.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Sunday, November 09, 2008
7 Random Facts
Soulbrush tagged me.
So here goes:
1) I had a pet skunk named Truffle when I was a kid. He was really cool except we had to re-home him because he refused to be litter box trained. The person who took him in had the same problem. The third person kept him outside and I heard some years later that he only lived for a year or 2 more after that.
2) I deeply love all kinds of tea and do NOT like coffee. Not even coffee ice cream with chocolate syrup on it.
3) When I get mad at someone for being obnoxious I am the one who feels bad for getting mad at them.
4) I don't believe in canned pasta (with the exception of emergency rations).
5) I still believe in Unicorns.
6) I dearly hope that my daughter and I will be close friends when she is an adult. I never had a good relationship with my mother, can't see that I will in the future, and I don't want my child to feel the lack that I have always felt.
7) I'm still mad that Crayola retired Lemon Yellow and Green-Blue crayons.
So here goes:
1) I had a pet skunk named Truffle when I was a kid. He was really cool except we had to re-home him because he refused to be litter box trained. The person who took him in had the same problem. The third person kept him outside and I heard some years later that he only lived for a year or 2 more after that.
2) I deeply love all kinds of tea and do NOT like coffee. Not even coffee ice cream with chocolate syrup on it.
3) When I get mad at someone for being obnoxious I am the one who feels bad for getting mad at them.
4) I don't believe in canned pasta (with the exception of emergency rations).
5) I still believe in Unicorns.
6) I dearly hope that my daughter and I will be close friends when she is an adult. I never had a good relationship with my mother, can't see that I will in the future, and I don't want my child to feel the lack that I have always felt.
7) I'm still mad that Crayola retired Lemon Yellow and Green-Blue crayons.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
AED.8
Root Chakra
Oil Pastel
Julie:
The stapeliad sketch from yesterday was done with a Micron pen tip size 005.
Oil Pastel
Julie:
The stapeliad sketch from yesterday was done with a Micron pen tip size 005.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Thursday, November 06, 2008
AED.6
Today I went to New Jersey to see a client. The foliage was spectacular, and I wish I had my camera with me.
This is a quick sketch in oil pastel.
This is a quick sketch in oil pastel.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Cat
I'm not sure exactly how but I managed to change my camera settings. Click on the photos to enlarge them.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Sunday, November 02, 2008
AED.2
This is a little sketch of a color garden and it isn't finished. I'll probably need one more session with it.
It's watercolor though I should have used gouache and prob will tomorrow.
This is fun; I almost feel like I am back in college with assignments. Except that the all-nighters are optional and I have a day job. And a kid.
It's watercolor though I should have used gouache and prob will tomorrow.
This is fun; I almost feel like I am back in college with assignments. Except that the all-nighters are optional and I have a day job. And a kid.
Ode to My Pencil Box
Not being the most organized person in the world, I pick and choose what I'm obsessive about when it comes to keeping order. For instance, I require a clean desk at work with everything in its place. I do prefer order to chaos but it's always been a challenge at home.
Another thing that falls under "must be perfectly organized at all times" is my pencil box. I am rather fond of my pencil box. You see, I've had it for over 13 years- since my first year in college. I was so excited to get it, and I remember having to wait a few weeks to make the purchse (something about being broke...).
Through the years it hasn't changed much. (Although I used to keep a little vial of Walnut ink in there and I can't find it! I wish I could!) The google eyes that used to be on the front came off years ago and it's collected a lot of art-grime that I have never been able to clean off (though not for lack of trying).
Here is the grand tour of my pencil box:
I keep lots of stuff in there, all perfectly arranged so it will still close.
Most notable things are:
*The usual assortment of graphite pencils, both regular and water-soluable
*A pastel pencil I have had since I was 9 years old. (From a General's Drawing Set)
*Ink pens and a brush or two
*An Altoids box for pencil shavings. (Got the idea from my high school art teacher. And it fits perfectly!!)
*A pretty Black Goldstone rock (because I like it- pictured in close-up above)
*Xacto knife and blades
*A dry point needle
*Bamboo pens, more assorted loose charcoal and graphite
*A few different kinds of erasers
*A white moonstone, a blending cloth I've had in there since college, a purple die, and a cross stone.
What's in your pencil box?
Another thing that falls under "must be perfectly organized at all times" is my pencil box. I am rather fond of my pencil box. You see, I've had it for over 13 years- since my first year in college. I was so excited to get it, and I remember having to wait a few weeks to make the purchse (something about being broke...).
Through the years it hasn't changed much. (Although I used to keep a little vial of Walnut ink in there and I can't find it! I wish I could!) The google eyes that used to be on the front came off years ago and it's collected a lot of art-grime that I have never been able to clean off (though not for lack of trying).
Here is the grand tour of my pencil box:
I keep lots of stuff in there, all perfectly arranged so it will still close.
Most notable things are:
*The usual assortment of graphite pencils, both regular and water-soluable
*A pastel pencil I have had since I was 9 years old. (From a General's Drawing Set)
*Ink pens and a brush or two
*An Altoids box for pencil shavings. (Got the idea from my high school art teacher. And it fits perfectly!!)
*A pretty Black Goldstone rock (because I like it- pictured in close-up above)
*Xacto knife and blades
*A dry point needle
*Bamboo pens, more assorted loose charcoal and graphite
*A few different kinds of erasers
*A white moonstone, a blending cloth I've had in there since college, a purple die, and a cross stone.
What's in your pencil box?
Saturday, November 01, 2008
AED.1
One of the things I would like to get out of this month of art every day is to start working regularly in my sketchbook again. It's been a long time since I kept one, and I know they are indespensible to any artist.
Starting sketchbooks (and journals!) is very difficult for me. Once I've worked in a book for a while, I get to "know" it but that aquaintance period is difficult. So I thought to start with a dedication.
Here is Athena, who I have loved since I was a small child. She is a goddess of wisdom and war, but also the arts.
Actually I started drawing daily a few days ago and it feels really good. A lot of insecurities surrounding my art and creativity and surfacing, and most of it is my belief that I'm not as good as I should be because I haven't put the time and effort into my craft. I need to build a current portfolio.
I always had a wish that I needed to make art like I have to breathe- but over the years I've had difficulty finding that fire of inspiration.
Serena, thanks for being my friend during this journey. It's great to have some moral support.
:)
Starting sketchbooks (and journals!) is very difficult for me. Once I've worked in a book for a while, I get to "know" it but that aquaintance period is difficult. So I thought to start with a dedication.
Here is Athena, who I have loved since I was a small child. She is a goddess of wisdom and war, but also the arts.
Actually I started drawing daily a few days ago and it feels really good. A lot of insecurities surrounding my art and creativity and surfacing, and most of it is my belief that I'm not as good as I should be because I haven't put the time and effort into my craft. I need to build a current portfolio.
I always had a wish that I needed to make art like I have to breathe- but over the years I've had difficulty finding that fire of inspiration.
Serena, thanks for being my friend during this journey. It's great to have some moral support.
:)
Friday, October 31, 2008
New Year
My intention for the new year:
May you also be blessed with happiness.
Daya was a faerie. It suited her very well. Please note that the almost-three year old is bigger than I am.
And my cat says hi. One day I will learn how to focus my camera properly for close-ups.
May you also be blessed with happiness.
Daya was a faerie. It suited her very well. Please note that the almost-three year old is bigger than I am.
And my cat says hi. One day I will learn how to focus my camera properly for close-ups.
Happy Halloween/Samhain!
Yesterday, Chris posted a ficticious scary story and invited readers to post their scary stories in the comments section. I was going to write my scary story there but felt it might be better placed here.
This is a true story, from my deep dark past. After you read it I think you'll understand why I never tell it.
Some years ago I was involved with the Pagan scene here in NYC. I was in what I guess you'd call a coven. That in itself was not scary- liken it to very small religious services. A lot of it was a good experience and I learned a lot. But I digress.
During that period I was also on a couple Pagan-oriented email lists. I think it was still eGroups at the time. (Remember eGroups?) Well, on one of the lists I got into a small tiff with a girl who was into some questionable stuff. (demons I think?) She got mad at me (why I can't recall) and threatened to "show me" (paraphrased). I didn't think too much about it- perhaps at most I thoguht I'd have a strange dream. But I didn't.
***pause for some background details***
At the time I lived in a basement apartment in a private house. The windows were small and high up near my ceiling. My bed was positioned in a corner so that my head was near one of the windows.
The girl I got into the tiff with lived across the country somewhere. She was not on the east coast.
***resume story****
This happened over a weekend because I was sleeping in. The next morning I was fast asleep and i heard a voice outside my window. It was a male voice, very deep and oddly, very beautiful. Something about it, though, "carried through the air" wrong. (I don't know how else to describe it.)
My blinds were down but I could tell that it was bright and sunny outside. Anyhow I couldn't really make out what the voice was saying, being half asleep and all, but as I came to full awaremess it was saying things like "You don't believe in me I'll show you." I don't recall anything else it said except for it's threat to "piss on my head". Which meant it knew where I was in the apartment without ever having been inside or seeing through a window. I was really freaked out and so did the only thing one can do in that kind of circumstance- I prayed.
And it worked. Immediately. The person/thing went away.
I tried calling the police but my phone was dead. I quickly got dressed and my very freaked out landlady was at the front door of the house. She said she had called me twice and left 2 messages on my machine. I never did get them. The incident also blew out the power supply on my computer. (That really pissed me off.) I asked what the man looked like- she said he had longish blonde hair, was walking funny and had a bottle in his hand. They had never seen him before. I told them I had no idea who it was and it wasn't a friend of mine. I don't think they believed me but nothing more ever happened.
My phone started working again and I bought a new power supply for the computer. I also slept at my friends' place the following night. For over a month I slept with the lights on.
Remind me sometime to tell you about the stuff that was happening in my apartment right before Daya was born when my ex was completely loco.
I'm off to Target now! Happy Halloween, love and kisses!
This is a true story, from my deep dark past. After you read it I think you'll understand why I never tell it.
Some years ago I was involved with the Pagan scene here in NYC. I was in what I guess you'd call a coven. That in itself was not scary- liken it to very small religious services. A lot of it was a good experience and I learned a lot. But I digress.
During that period I was also on a couple Pagan-oriented email lists. I think it was still eGroups at the time. (Remember eGroups?) Well, on one of the lists I got into a small tiff with a girl who was into some questionable stuff. (demons I think?) She got mad at me (why I can't recall) and threatened to "show me" (paraphrased). I didn't think too much about it- perhaps at most I thoguht I'd have a strange dream. But I didn't.
***pause for some background details***
At the time I lived in a basement apartment in a private house. The windows were small and high up near my ceiling. My bed was positioned in a corner so that my head was near one of the windows.
The girl I got into the tiff with lived across the country somewhere. She was not on the east coast.
***resume story****
This happened over a weekend because I was sleeping in. The next morning I was fast asleep and i heard a voice outside my window. It was a male voice, very deep and oddly, very beautiful. Something about it, though, "carried through the air" wrong. (I don't know how else to describe it.)
My blinds were down but I could tell that it was bright and sunny outside. Anyhow I couldn't really make out what the voice was saying, being half asleep and all, but as I came to full awaremess it was saying things like "You don't believe in me I'll show you." I don't recall anything else it said except for it's threat to "piss on my head". Which meant it knew where I was in the apartment without ever having been inside or seeing through a window. I was really freaked out and so did the only thing one can do in that kind of circumstance- I prayed.
And it worked. Immediately. The person/thing went away.
I tried calling the police but my phone was dead. I quickly got dressed and my very freaked out landlady was at the front door of the house. She said she had called me twice and left 2 messages on my machine. I never did get them. The incident also blew out the power supply on my computer. (That really pissed me off.) I asked what the man looked like- she said he had longish blonde hair, was walking funny and had a bottle in his hand. They had never seen him before. I told them I had no idea who it was and it wasn't a friend of mine. I don't think they believed me but nothing more ever happened.
My phone started working again and I bought a new power supply for the computer. I also slept at my friends' place the following night. For over a month I slept with the lights on.
Remind me sometime to tell you about the stuff that was happening in my apartment right before Daya was born when my ex was completely loco.
I'm off to Target now! Happy Halloween, love and kisses!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
31
Today I am 31. I am definitely older, my wisdom is questionable at best, but dammit I can still fit into the cute shiny blue shirt I wore in college AND the cute size 4 grey and black business dress I bought at the World Trade Center back in 2000. (I somehow can't part with it so it might as well still fit!)
Those two items of clothing are my size benchmark. The dress is a little tighter (it was really loose when I got it) but I had a kid ok? And I gained wisdom and that's got to take up space somewhere right? Actually I can still wear the dress and not feel embarassed.
I know because I tried it on this morning. If it wasn't true I'd be lamenting instead of being happy.
Did you know that having kids does awful things to your body? I really think that is the most unjust thing about being a woman. Pregnancy should make our bellies tighter and definitely should not make The Girls flatter than they should be. The kid doesn't want to come out? Mom gets a C Section belly for life! It's so unfair. Yes it is.
But all in all, I still fit into the same size clothing I wore 11 years ago so I'm feeling pretty good about that.
:)
Those two items of clothing are my size benchmark. The dress is a little tighter (it was really loose when I got it) but I had a kid ok? And I gained wisdom and that's got to take up space somewhere right? Actually I can still wear the dress and not feel embarassed.
I know because I tried it on this morning. If it wasn't true I'd be lamenting instead of being happy.
Did you know that having kids does awful things to your body? I really think that is the most unjust thing about being a woman. Pregnancy should make our bellies tighter and definitely should not make The Girls flatter than they should be. The kid doesn't want to come out? Mom gets a C Section belly for life! It's so unfair. Yes it is.
But all in all, I still fit into the same size clothing I wore 11 years ago so I'm feeling pretty good about that.
:)
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Friendly Letter
Dear Neighbors That Keep Flooding My Kitchen,
STOP IT OR I WILL FREAK THE FUCK OUT AT YOU. If the water coming out of my kitchen drain is from your dishwasher, use the correct fucking soap. NOT dish detergent. If my floods are from your illegal washing machine, get rid of it, suck it up and pay the $1.90 to wash and $1.90 for a half hour in the dryer like the rest of the building. Yes it's highway robbery and I totally understand but that's no excuse for you to flood my kitchen.
I do not want your waste water or your soap bubbles in my sink or on my floor or on my counters. GOT IT?
Love and kisses,
J
STOP IT OR I WILL FREAK THE FUCK OUT AT YOU. If the water coming out of my kitchen drain is from your dishwasher, use the correct fucking soap. NOT dish detergent. If my floods are from your illegal washing machine, get rid of it, suck it up and pay the $1.90 to wash and $1.90 for a half hour in the dryer like the rest of the building. Yes it's highway robbery and I totally understand but that's no excuse for you to flood my kitchen.
I do not want your waste water or your soap bubbles in my sink or on my floor or on my counters. GOT IT?
Love and kisses,
J
Art Every Day
Ok, so I have to paint soon or I'll go loopy (-er than usual). I've taken to starting anatomy studies of hands after Daya goes to bed but I can't focus very well.
My brain has been Googilized. :(
Wonderful Serena blogs about the Art Every Day Challenge for November and I'm trying to push myself to DO IT ALREADY.
So while a huge part of me is protesting (I can be such a toddler, really!) I'm signing up to do it because I think I really need to kickstart my sorry ass into producing some art!
I do much better with project deadlines and a little pressure.
My brain has been Googilized. :(
Wonderful Serena blogs about the Art Every Day Challenge for November and I'm trying to push myself to DO IT ALREADY.
So while a huge part of me is protesting (I can be such a toddler, really!) I'm signing up to do it because I think I really need to kickstart my sorry ass into producing some art!
I do much better with project deadlines and a little pressure.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The Things We Do...
...to get a kid to poop in the potty.
Daya hates to poop. She says it stinks. So she'd rather just avoid it altogether. It's not hard to figure out that this is not a workable solution, clever though it is.
So I stuck a suppository up her butt and I am hoping for the best. So far she's incredibly resistant. But in the end she can't possibly win the Poop War.
Thank goodness for laptops with DVD drives!
Daya hates to poop. She says it stinks. So she'd rather just avoid it altogether. It's not hard to figure out that this is not a workable solution, clever though it is.
So I stuck a suppository up her butt and I am hoping for the best. So far she's incredibly resistant. But in the end she can't possibly win the Poop War.
Thank goodness for laptops with DVD drives!
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Dualistic Humanity
I have no qualms about admitting that I often feel frustrated and disgusted at human nature. But then I am priveliged enough to bear witness to situations in which there is such a genuine and selfless outpouring of love for someone who really needs it from so many people, that- I don't know- humanity gets redemption points or something. If you haven't already, go read about Annika.
The human experience is tough because it's all one big fat hairy paradox.
For example:
I am deeply thankful for a nice apartment in a nice neighborhood and the ability to more or less manage the rent.
But then comes a 4.5% rent increase (previously was 3%) and that just pisses me off.
Does that make me gratefully pissed off? Cause I'm grateful for sure...as sure as I'm also pissed off.
The human experience is tough because it's all one big fat hairy paradox.
For example:
I am deeply thankful for a nice apartment in a nice neighborhood and the ability to more or less manage the rent.
But then comes a 4.5% rent increase (previously was 3%) and that just pisses me off.
Does that make me gratefully pissed off? Cause I'm grateful for sure...as sure as I'm also pissed off.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Prayers for Annika
A liver became available for Annika. This is her third transplant. She's 7.
http://moreena.typepad.com
Please pray for Anni, and peace for the donor family.
Then go hug all the people you love.
http://moreena.typepad.com
Please pray for Anni, and peace for the donor family.
Then go hug all the people you love.
I'm Here!
It's finally October!
I am such a sucker for autumn. The air has cooled off very nicely and I have once again started with my almost nightly hot baths. Work has calmed down considerably and since I have so much vacation time left, I am taking off all Fridays for the rest of the year!
A WHOLE ENTIRE DAY EVERY WEEK where I can put the child with the sitter and do whatever I want to ALL DAY!!
Museums, hello! Swimming, hello! Painting, hello! Afternoon naps, hello!!!
Now I must go catch up on blogs from some of my favorite people.
Love and kisses to all of you!
I am such a sucker for autumn. The air has cooled off very nicely and I have once again started with my almost nightly hot baths. Work has calmed down considerably and since I have so much vacation time left, I am taking off all Fridays for the rest of the year!
A WHOLE ENTIRE DAY EVERY WEEK where I can put the child with the sitter and do whatever I want to ALL DAY!!
Museums, hello! Swimming, hello! Painting, hello! Afternoon naps, hello!!!
Now I must go catch up on blogs from some of my favorite people.
Love and kisses to all of you!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Maia
Tomorrow my friend's daughter turns 2. So of course I did a faerie portrait.
Here is MAia as a Bubble Faerie.
This whole month has been extremely hectic. I'm snowed under at work. Hopefully things will calm down a little in the next couple of weeks.
Here is MAia as a Bubble Faerie.
This whole month has been extremely hectic. I'm snowed under at work. Hopefully things will calm down a little in the next couple of weeks.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Life These Days
We're already into double-digits of September. Amazing.
More and more as I get older (ouch!) I think about how each day of my life could be the last...and how short life really is. And how lazy I am.
Work has been really draining my energy. This is not a complaint, as it's such a rare occurence. But there have been problems at work, both with the team as a whole and specific people. It has been unpleasant. And long-term. I have been feeling very bad and angry. The good news is that earlier this week a lot of the issues really came to the fore and I do think it had to happen in order for positive change to occur.
I am not a punching bag for other peoples' shadows. It is very difficult being sensitive to the energy of others in a corporate environment. I pick up on intentions. Some people are very difficult to be around.
There have been quite a few days lately where I come home feeling bad and the one thing I want is a hug from someone who really cares. That's the crappy side of being single.
But anyhow.
I'm tired. In October I'll take a few days off to decompress. Something nice to look forward to.
Thanks Serena for checking in. It really does make me smile.
More and more as I get older (ouch!) I think about how each day of my life could be the last...and how short life really is. And how lazy I am.
Work has been really draining my energy. This is not a complaint, as it's such a rare occurence. But there have been problems at work, both with the team as a whole and specific people. It has been unpleasant. And long-term. I have been feeling very bad and angry. The good news is that earlier this week a lot of the issues really came to the fore and I do think it had to happen in order for positive change to occur.
I am not a punching bag for other peoples' shadows. It is very difficult being sensitive to the energy of others in a corporate environment. I pick up on intentions. Some people are very difficult to be around.
There have been quite a few days lately where I come home feeling bad and the one thing I want is a hug from someone who really cares. That's the crappy side of being single.
But anyhow.
I'm tired. In October I'll take a few days off to decompress. Something nice to look forward to.
Thanks Serena for checking in. It really does make me smile.
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