Old friends

I've been friends with this tree for 9 years. We met in 2001.  I was new to Boston and found him one day when I was wandering around the Common and through the Public Garden. I didn't know a lot of people and spent most of my free time taking photos, creating prints and exploring the city.  There was something about this tree I was drawn to- it was completely different from all the trees around it. It looked almost cartoon-ish, but at the same time beautiful.  He's just as magical in the Winter and Fall as he is in the Spring and Summer.   I've visited this tree in hard times & happy times, shared him with friends & family- and he is always, without a doubt, on my 'to visit' list when we take trips back to Boston.

So in the spirit of "Earth Day" which was "designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment", I thought I'd share my story about this tree. If you happen upon him, I hope you will take a picture and send it along. It's always nice to see an old friend.

This King's a Queen

Snapped this pic at the SD Zoo-- it's amazing how we, as artists, can put so much effort into creating something beautiful and in nature, it's just simply there. This peacock looks like the "queen"- perched atop a branch, watching over the flamingos in a long gorgeous gown. Only judging by those feathers, this bird's a 'king' in a dress- so now that I think about it, he's still a 'queen'.
:)
Stay tuned for my earth day post tomorrow! You will meet my long time friend, who just happens to be a tree. See you then!

Look at that Horse!

Well, actually it's a dog.

Today a homeless woman yelled at me for having my dog in the 'city' (i hardly call where I live the city) and that he should be running in the 'wild'. This is a common misconception that we often encounter.  It's one of the top 10 questions we get- "You must have big house. Do you have a huge yard??" In fact, Lucca would much rather be sitting on the couch watching Animal Planet, than running loose in the 'wild'. That goes for many great danes. They are couch potatoes. We, in fact, do not have a big house and we do have a yard but unless I'm out there with him, he'd rather be inside-yes- back on the couch.

While I'm at it, I thought I'd address the other most commonly asked questions in no particular order:
10. No, we do not have a saddle for him (if you think you are the first person to say this, you are sorely mistaken)
9. Yes, you may take a picture of him (he loves the camera)
8. No, he does not sleep in the bed (although he does sleep on the couch)
7. Yes, we are glad we kept his ears floppy too. (there's really no logical point in cropping)
6. No, your kid can't ride him (although maybe for the right price...)
5. Yes, I knew he was going to get this big. (um....I hope that was apparent when I picked out a great dane)

4. No actually, I am walking HIM (although I know you think its funny to say he is walking ME.)
3. He needs the same amount of exercise as other dogs... in some cases less.
2. He is 16 months, 132lbs, eats 8 cups a kibble a day, it's called brindle and YES he is still growing.
1. No matter how many times you call him a horse, he still isn't a horse.

Work, work, work, play, work work..

New Pieces have been posted on the website! I finally had some time to crop pics and list more pieces. That "free"time happened to be between 9pm and 1am on Saturday night with SNL in the background (who in the world is this Justin Beiber guy anyway??) and my favorite cookies to keep me going (see previous post) but those of you who also run your own business probably agree that that's what Saturday nights are for.  Recently, I met a buyer on a Saturday and she asked me if I 'worked' on Saturdays- and I smiled. I work whenever there is work to be done- which is all the time. Of course, I make sure to set aside time that is strictly 'non'working time- but Saturdays, Friday nights and Holidays certainly aren't off limits. What makes it okay for me is that, for the most part, Im enjoying what I'm doing so it doesn't always feel like work.

The new pieces listed include the Patricia necklace and bracelet- Its part of my current collection and they seem to be on just about every store's order. The necklace is a great choice for a long necklace (32") that makes a statement. Plus you can choose from 12 colors!

The bracelet version is great because it's tall (@2.75" from top to bottom), comes in Gold or Silver and you can wear it on your wrist or slightly up the arm.

Ok, now time to get back to work!

cookies!!!!!

Made my favorite cookie recipe Friday night and since I can't share an actual cookie with you I thought I'd share the recipe. It's easy and impossible to mess up. And  my favorite part is that you don't even have to break out the mixer...all you need is a whisk and wooden spoon.

Ingredients
1c. butter, softened
3/4c sugar
1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2.5c all purpose flour
1/2c semisweet chocolate chips (or more if you are like me and want extra chocolate)
For Coating:
1.5tbsp sugar
1.5tbsp cinnamon

1. Preheat the oven to 375degrees. Line cookies sheets with parchment or grease pans.
2. Put butter and sugar  into a bowl and mix well with a wooden spoon, then beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Stir flour into the mixture and add the chocolate chips. Batter will be thick and you might need to knead verses stir. Mix until thoroughly combined.
3. For the coating mix together the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. (I like to add a little more sugar than cinnamon)Scoop out tablespoons of the cookie dough, roll them into balls and then roll  them in the cinnamon mixture to coat.
4. Bake for 12-14 minutes (Mine are always done in 12).Cool on racks.
Makes @ 30

Experiment with different mix ins- Instead of chocolate chips try peanut butter chips. Or add raisins, nuts, dried cranberries- whatever is your favorite!

ENJOY!

Easter and Earthquakes

I don't like earthquakes. In 1989, I shared a room with my sister and I told her she was banging too hard on the wall (she was hanging a picture I think). But that shaking turned into what became one of the largest earthquakes in Northern California (Loma Prieta). A freeway collapsed and a piece of the Bay Bridge fell.  Yesterday's 7.2 earthquake, centered not all that far from here in Mexico, was a little like deja vu. Those feelings of anxiety race back. I was helping my husband with a project at the SD Firehouse Museum, where he volunteers (which was closed for the day) and my first thought was GET OUT. We were in a very old building that is crammed with all sorts of items on high shelves, hanging from the ceiling, etc.  My second thought was Lucca. I imagined he would be freaking out at home, barking or crying (despite his size he is a big baby) and that he'd possibly peed out of fright. We hurried home, my mind racing, to a snoring dog lounged comfortably on the couch. Maybe I should take a relaxation cue from the dog. Lesson learned. Whose the baby now?

Yesterday was Easter and while this pic wasn't taken yesterday, I figured the yellow flowers are a bit Easter-y.  Here, Lucca is channeling his inner 'Flower Child'.  ;)

Knock it off!

Yes, it's true, I saw a mimi&lu knock off! Over the weekend, we stopped by the SouthPark Walkabout.  Four times a year business's in Southpark, a cute San Diego neighborhood, open their doors late into the night and the crowds mingle, grab a drink and shop.  I stopped into a few stores and as I checked out the jewelry I found myself staring and one of my designs-only it wasn't mine. I've seen this before but not so spot on. Now, before I go any further, I will say that I firmly believe that it is very possible for work to result in similar designs even though they were developed in separate minds. I think there is a term for this but it escapes me now. So, yes, this very well couldve been the case. This particular item was, however, almost identical to one of my signature best sellers(which I wont mention by name) and it also happened to be made by a local designer (whom I also won't mention by name). I made a decision early on to simply accept that this just happens. Intentionally or unintentionally, it's going to happen and if I'm going to let it bother me, I'll end up wasting a lot of energy.  For me, it's flattering in the sense that someone thought the design was so good it was worth replicating.  One half of me feels like giving a big sigh, like 'really?' But the other half manages to disregard any feelings of discouragement  because it drives me to develop more distinct designs. The truth is, I've usually already moved on from the design to something new and exciting and fresh.

The rest of the walkabout was a nice evening out and I popped into some stores that I plan on revisiting. Clariy Soap & Candles was one of my favorites and I wasn't even there for the soap or candles! They also sell their furnishings and I saw rustic tables, chairs and a large chest that I would've been happy to lug home. I'll def. be back when I'm looking to fill a space in my home.