Since Nothing Is Doing On My End

Well, I guess it was inevitable, my computer is finally showing it's nearly 10 year age. I really can't complain as it has served me well.

My poor computer's graphic card seems to be going and it is having trouble keeping up with just about everything. So until I am able to save for a new Dell XPS things will be a bit slow.

In the meantime I want to show off a friend of mine and her wonderful ETSY shop - Tiger Head Designs. Artist Lora Shelley has some really great pieces included in there

There is a definite sweetness to Lora's work when she depicts animals and her color palette lends itself to an old fashioned charm. I am reminded of a children's book illustrated a time long ago.

My favorite pieces, although it is hard to pick are Tiger Grrrr, Singing Fox and Kitty Finger Puppet 

Tiger Grrr:

This charming piece drew my eye immediately which is odd because pink does not normally do that. I think perhaps it was the overall painting and the little story I had made up in my mind when I saw it. The tiger sort of gave me a chuckle.

Singing Fox:

I am instantly reminded of something that happened just a few weeks before. I was driving home from my sister's house and I saw a fox jumping gleefully amok in a field full of sheep. He had no interest in the sheep but was bounding through, perhaps chasing bugs until he disappeared into the woods.

Kitty Finger Puppet:

Well this just made me laugh because this is often the last thing I see before getting pounced by one of my kittens, paws stretched out doing one of those wrestling ring dives from the headboard of my bed.

There is so much more to gaze upon including some ceramic hand-painted pendants (one of which I am a proud owner of) so go and take a look at all the wonderful treasures that you are sure to find in Lora's shop. You might become a fan too.

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My Day (and Night) At The Playboy Mansion

Well they are finally here, photos of my trip to California to represent our little group of artists. First off I can not believe I was offered this opportunity but so glad it came my way. It was a difficult thing to do but also a ton of fun and I met so many nice people along the way.

That day started out in a panic for it was 45 minutes before I was to leave for the mansion and I still did not have two of our boxes. Thankfully the post office spared me a severe panic attack and produced them just in the nick of time. I ended up getting the worst taxi driver for my very short ride over to the mansion (my trip was THREE times the amount it was to drive back to my hotel room, hmmm caught on to that fast and didn't tip him.) He assumed I wanted a tour of the stars homes and to see where Michael Jackson lived, sorry dude, so not interested.

I got there around 4pm and things were starting to get set up and two very nice security guards helped me with the boxes, perhaps because I was looking so lost, confused and I might add pathetic. While they were doing me the favor along came this comically grumpy man yelling and screaming toward (not exactly at) me about who I was, why there was a taxi in the driveway (which I am guessing by the amount of people that ran toward it was not a good thing) and none of the information I was telling him meant anything to him. I really could not help but laugh at him because though I knew he was serious there was this "I give up with all these people, grumble, grumble, grumble" quality to him. Off he went flailing his arms muttering away. (he later came up to me and appologized and we had a very pleasant conversation. I was just glad he relaxed though I certainly could understand why he would be so uptight)

I spent a while fixing up our table and getting to know some of the other vendors and the photographer, oh and the handful of peacocks that roam the grounds. ah and I almost forgot, a woman wearing nothing but blue paint, eyelashes and heels. Thankfully she was sitting down by the pool and not standing. It would be a bit difficult talking to someone with their breasts at eye level, well that is unless you were attracted to breasts I suppose. It was hot and I was stuck in a cocktail dress and heels, or as I liken them to tiny little torture chambers, especially since I was standing on uneven flagstone all night. Right in front of me though was the famous grotto (alright, I admit, I didn't know that until I was there and someone told me that was what it was)

I did not have to wait that long before the guests arrived and I was very excited to see that Apolo Ohno was on the list. I was one that was glued to the tv watching him skate in awe. Just because he was on the list did not mean he would be there but I was hoping he would show.

All of the celebrities walked into our area, only certain ones were allowed in and proceeded to visit each table. I was introduced, shook hands, got a hug or a kiss on the hand or cheek and told them a little about our group. I got to chat with a few of the athletes and celebrities on a more personal level too. For the most part everyone of them was kind to me and seemed interested in our art.

One celebrity that stood out the most to me was Quinton Aaron. I can not say enough kind words about this man. He definitely won the sweetest, most polite celeb of the night award.

Another very pleasant man that I met was Jamal Sharif Anderson. He was kind enough to pose with two of our artist's works. He also happened to be from New Jersey, not too far from where I live. Those two celebs were not the only ones I enjoyed meeting. There was Craig Robinson, Christopher Owens, Hill Harper, Nicholas Gonzales, Nick Barnett, Ryan Mathews, Roger Cross, Russell Westbrook, Takeo Spikes, Willie Gault and quite a few others but as soon as I saw the light blue shirt from across the pool I was a bit gushy and in shear awe. It took forever him to get around to where I was at and then finally...

 

I held my painting back just so he would hold it and he did so making silly tiger faces as the camera snapped his photo. I thank him for being a good sport, he made my night.

Apolo was not the only Olympian to show. I got to meet Lindsey Vonn and Julia Mancuso too (both of whom are super sweet and by the way Julia is also a painter) They were all a real treat to meet and talk with.

The night came to an end just a bit after 2 am. I was tired as it was 5am from my side of the states and my feet hurt all the way up to my knees. I did however get to spend a little time in the party tent and had a bird's eye view the whole time during the meet and greet.

across the grotto into the party
the grotto with the mansion in the back

the mansion and party tent

 

 

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Sew Buttons On Ice Cream

Sew Buttons On Ice Cream Birthday Invitation

It is time for ICE CREAM!

I once knew someone that would use the phrase "Sew Buttons On Ice Cream" quite often. I was thinking about him the other day and, well this illustration came out.

I know I have been a little bit absent as of late but many things are happening around here, most of them beyond my wildest dreams.

I think perhaps I have mentioned somewhere before that I have been working as a puzzle illustrator and I love my job there. We are getting very close to launching the web page, perhaps it will make it by September. Once Upon A Puzzle is a unique adventure that is quite unlike anything else out there. I can't wait until we get online and you can see all of the neat stuff developing behind the scenes.

In other news (and very BIG news) I will also be taking a trip across country to Beverley Hills and the Playboy Mansion, yup, I typed that right, Playboy and before you get any ideas it has nothing to do with the magazine, trust me I wouldn't sell a one if I were in it. What I will be doing there is representing a handful of artists at the ESPY Awards Gift lounge. It is the first time out for me and I do not know what to expect. I am a bit nervous and a little overwhelmed. (I said yes to doing this and then thought, "What the hell did I just do?") You know, that is ok thiough, it is an opportunity that may never come about again so why not grab a hold and go with it. Thankfully my very good friend's husband lets her out of the attic every once in a while to be my travel buddy (really all I had to say was one word...Disneyland)

So this design will be my last at least for the next two weeks or until things settle down. Wish me luck, I might need it!

Sew Buttons On Ice Cream Shirt

Sew Buttons On Ice Cream Letterhead

Sew Buttons On Ice Cream Bag

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MTV Movie Awards

They are finally here! The photos from MTV's Movie Awards have been posted! well some of them anyway

Ronnie Magro and Sammi "Sweetheart" Giancola from MTV's Jersey Shore

If you would like to see the set-up and get a link to view all the pictures hop on over to my website and take a peek.

Next up the ESPY Awards in a couple of weeks!

From Here On Out

I have moved the story of my little charges over to a new blog so the people who follow me for my art can continue to do so and yet if they are interested they can follow the story elsewhere

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And Sometimes It Is A Pile Of Poop...

I know that there are a few people that have been following my kitten story and ask about them from time to time. I do not have good news for you today. It seems as if all the kittens have the FELV virus and this afternoon I had to put Cassandra to sleep (thank you Julia for being there with her when I could not) Two of the other kittens are not doing well and the third is not as healthy as he should be. I was told to expect the worst and I have though I am armed with and arsenal of Pedialyte, vitamins, pumpkin, a sock full of rice and a host of other things that could help. I won't give up as long as they do not (or are suffering)

I have great friends in Sara Inc and without them I don't know what I would do. I owe you all big time and I have ideas on how to pay it forward but in the meantime if anyone would like to make a donation (or even better adopt) then visit their site and open your home to what will become a part of the family

It is funny how something that has come into your life for such a minute amount of time can make such and emotional impact on you but these little guys did. I know I did all I could, I know that it would have been worse if they were out on the streets but I do feel helpless and sad because they are so little and young. It isn't easy but I would have done it again if I had to.

I am not sure who in the cosmic universe thought it was a good idea to give a clinically depressed animal lover a litter of sick kittens but when I meet the one responsible I am going to hurt him/her badly.

Goodbye little Cassy

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Sometimes Things Are Not So Rosy

Yesterday mom cat was dropped off to be spayed, tested, and ear tagged in the event that she could not be tamed (we are still working on that part) I returned later that day to pick her up and found that she is FELV positive and I am heartbroken. I also understand that there is a good chance some of her kittens may have it too and that I should prepare myself. What I did not prepare myself for is the quickness of loosing one of them. It happened this morning at 2 am, one of the little ones died in my arms, he was so little and so young.

I have had many, many pets and the loss of any of them does not get easier, this one is certainly no different. There are things that go through your head when something sudden like this happens, the "what if I only" are there, even if it is an irrational thought, but as a dear friend reminded me, at least he died in my arms and was very loved instead of being outside all alone. I just wish I could have done more, so goodbye little guy, you were here only a short time but you were such a pleasure to have around.

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Great Memorial Day Sale At Zazzle!

50% off posters
40% off business cards
30% off aprons
20% off stamps

Visit Pen And Ink for more great business cards, and postage

Just use code MEMORIALSALE when checking out

* 50% of the poster net sale price, 40% of the business card net sale price, 30% of the apron net sale price, and 20% of the stamps net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying products are purchased and the coupon code MEMORIALSALE is applied at checkout. The net sale price is the price of the product (excluding shipping and taxes). For Zazzle Custom Stamps, the net sale price is the difference between the price of the Zazzle Custom Stamps (excluding shipping and taxes) and the face value of the postage. Offer is valid from May 27, 2010 through May 31, 2010 at 11:59pm PT. This offer does not apply to past purchases and may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or volume discount offers. If a volume discount applies to your order, you will receive either the discount set forth in this offer or the standard volume discount, whichever is greater. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.

Read All About It

It is finally here! I am being featured in a magazine along with 11 other very talented artists and I am so excited.

Read about Diane Duda, Gina Minichino, Laurie Hardin, Lisa Marie Robinson, Liz Hall, Lora Shelley, Mariana Musa, Melissa Hamilton, Rebecca Bowker Czosnek, Tricia-rennea Wilson, Zoya Geacintov and myself.

The magazine has lots of beautiful pictures created by the artists themselves and a light, candid interview with each of us. The magazine is available in the USA, UK and Canada so far though they will be opening it up to more countries soon.

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Kitten Cuteness For Charity

Kitten Cuteness Card

As any of you that follow this blog know I have found a litter of kittens in the window well of my basement. Since these little guys and their mom need to be checked and spayed and neutered I figured they can at least help me pay for it.

Yesterday I took the little ones outside to expend all of the energy kittens seem to have a boatload of. I happily grabbed my camera of course and caught some very cute poses, not hard to do when your subjects are as darling as mine. Thus "Kitten Cuteness" was born and all the proceeds from the sale of these items will go to defer vet costs.

I have a few bits of cuteness up currently and will be adding more as my models do their thing. Stay tuned for more kitty antics as the days go by, I am sure they will provide me with plenty of material and keep your fingers crossed that mom can calm down enough to be placed in a loving home.

Feel free to spread the word, refer my products or if you are able maybe purchase a few items. I will gladly take any help I can get.

Kitten Cuteness Mousepad

Kitten Cuteness Bag

Kitten Cuteness Magnet

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Everywhere, Cats

Floral Calico Kitty Rescue Bumper Sticker

Now, I can't imagine why I have cats on my mind, well maybe I could and I guess these floral calico cats came out of my recent backyard find.

I have found that I am quite fluent in Cat but my Kitten is not so good. One quizzical tilt of the head of any of my cats and I know immediately what they need, they have me trained well. Kittens are not so easy. They mew and cry all of the time and sometimes I think it is just because -with no reason behind it.

I love these little guys, the entertainment is endless and yesterday after a little play session some of them were so tired they started to fall asleep standing up. Their little eyes would droop and over they went into a deep little kitten sleep. I am glad they are here, they make me feel needed which is something I do not often feel anymore and I am enjoying the time I have with them.

If you purchase any of the Floral Calico Kitty line (or anything in any of my stores for that matter) it will help me to make sure these little guys get the care that is needed. Vet bills are costly and there are five kittens and a mom, all of which deserve a better life than that of the street reproducing.

Floral Calico Kitty Blue Bag

Floral Calico Kitty Orange Mousepad

Floral Calico Kitty Pink Sticker

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Usquequaque Prosum

Usquequaque Prosum, I recently learned this phrase while working on a freelance job. Usquequaque Prosum means, if loosely, "Always Do Good"

Now anyone that knows me knows how much I love animals and there must be a cosmic sign over my home that only animals can read and it says I am a safe haven.

For about a week I have seen a beautiful orange and white tabby, rather young and very elusive and it wasn't until 2 days ago I understood why.

I had begun the task of yard work after not being able to get outside because of the weather or other engagements. Against my house was a bunch of tall weeds that have taken root in the spring. I have an old picnic table that houses my container garden up against the house and below it is a basement window-well...and well that is when I came across this:

Yup 5 of them all tucked away next to the window shielded from the elements by the well cover and safely under the table, perfect spot. I certainly do not need any more animals as I have 6 cats of my own but if I do not do something now these little guys will reproduce and become an even bigger problem so guess who has a litter of kittens for a while? Now of course I wouldn't let mom stay out there making more kittens so out came the Have-A-Heart trap and within an hour she too was caught.

Thankfully I have friends that volunteer for S.A.R.A. a wonderful rescue and they have been giving me guidance, lent me a cage for mom and a lot of other help. I never had baby kittens before as all my cats were young adults when they adopted me so this is certainly a learning experience and I am a nervous new mommy.

Since this is kitten season and they are so overwhelmed I will be taking care of these guys until they can be checked and fixed as well as their mom. Hopefully I can work with mom so she can be placed in a home. Right now she is feral and maybe with a little love and lots of patience I can turn her around...spaying might help too.

I have seemed to go off the subject of art which is the norm for this blog but animal welfare is very important to me and I wanted to share. Maybe it will inspire some of you to "Always Do Good" in whatever is close to your heart.


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Pirates, Princesses, Time Travel, Fairytales, Super Powers And More

Hmmm, where have I been? Yes I have been laying low and by my own admittance have slacked off on any Zazzle updates. It is not my fault so much as I have been getting work quite regularly.

One thing that I have been making progress on is with a company called Once Upon A Puzzle. Now we are not to the point of going live just yet (hey I am painting as fast as my little hands allow me) but things are moving along almost smoothly. If anyone is interested in following a brand new company from the ground up head on over to Facebook and Once Upon A Puzzle, become a fan (or like us as it is now called) and maybe even take a guess as to what is brewing on my end. (yes puzzles are involved but it is so much more than that.)

On another note that top secret project that I have been working on, that very hush, hush one is off to the printers for a proof. I guess I can let you know that very soon a new magazine is being launched called "Indie Arts And Illustration" I have been helping a friend with the layouts and each issue will feature 12 artists. The first issue will be available for purchase very soon and don't forget to keep an eye here to find out where and when. You might even know a few of the very talented artists that grace the pages of the first issue and if you don't then you are sure to become new fans of them.

The Espy awards as well as the MTV Movie awards are just around the corner and I am so excited about it and wonder who will be receiving my work.

I also have a website that I am redesigning for a very talented artist named Lora Shelley. I am giving her a whole new updated look to showcase her beautiful artwork.

I guess that is all for now. I must get back to painting, I think time travel is the order for today, perhaps even a few superpowers too, we'll see what comes out the end of my brush.

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