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Friday, August 31, 2012

DETOURS

Oh geez, guys. I'm so sorry for turning mute until now. I've been going back and forth from Abilene to San Antonio since the weekend, and it should come to a stop around Tuesday. I've missed reading what you all are up to and definitely need to catch up!

There are still so many things I need to show you...new art, the end of the San Francisco trip, and what's been happening lately, but here's at least what my view looked like when I was on the four hour drive back to my hometown.


























PRETTY, eh? I always said that one of my favorite things as a child was when it rained while the sun was still shining. Nothing has changed...I'm still in love.

By the way, thank you so much for your sweet words about Azul. You make me smile from here to here (I'm stretching out both arms as far as humanly possible).

Friday, August 24, 2012

AZUL

Happy Friday, everyone! Guess what? I'm especially happy today because I have a new little something for you. I've been going too long without a new illustration and story! I couldn't stop thinking of Jasmine from Aladdin as I wrote this, and sort of threw me into a hazy dream mode.

This one's titled "Azul," and it goes hand-in-hand with the song that's also titled "Azul" by Jesse Cook.

Hope you enjoy:

























































This was the immaculate view she had always seen since birth: the deep blue tide of the rolling waves, the gentle swaying of the perfectly trimmed tropical trees, and the sparkling of the jewels on her dark skin blanketed by orange and golden sunlight.

She was all too familiar with the scents of the perfumes sprayed delicately around the palace and the gardens, the quiet solitude of the workers scattered around the palace grounds, and the occasional high-pitched laughter of her sisters and the well-respected guests of her family’s home.

There she sat in her cabana, looking out into the horizon of the ocean in the heat of the sun, as she did every day in her luxurious life. Staring into the deep waves, she once again contemplated the adventures waiting for her past the horizon in the vast water. The new soil was sure to be void of all the riches she had known, but she could no longer wait to finally desert this place and discover herself.

Knowing that the maids were likely to find her thoughts if recorded on paper, she had carefully planned her escape into the world detached from everything she knew in her mind. She had turned her thoughts over and over in her head for years by this point. Without moving any part of her slim body except her dark eyes, she surveyed her surroundings while bolstering herself to execute her detailed strategy.

The escape into the unknown was upon her.  

Thursday, August 23, 2012

CALIFORNIA TRIP: PART 6

I've been on a break with the trip updates (SO MANY PHOTOS!), but I think it's time to keep moving along. I think I have about two or three more posts to wrap up the trip. Whew! Is that overload?

If you haven't guessed, I was frigid this day. I stole my husband's jacket too many times to count.




































Isn't it pretty? I don't mind wandering around in the fog if I'm walking, but driving in it is a entirely different story.

The building above makes me think of Spain...and I haven't even been there yet! Are any of you from Spain or have you been there? Would this lovely green building fit right in with the rest of the architecture?


















































































As if I didn't already know it, San Francisco made me realize how out of shape I was (still am--I'm trying to remedy that with my gym membership). I was huffing and puffing like nobody's business up and down the hills. Yes...up and down. I probably resembled a worn-out rag doll as I dragged myself up the hills and puttered back down the hills.










































































The climb was completely worth the effort. This is the view at one of the highest points of San Francisco looking out on the water right outside of Coit Tower.

I love how the fog blankets the bridge and boats in the water. Breathtaking, no?

Monday, August 20, 2012

THE DONKEY POST

Hello, hello! How was your weekend?? Here's a section of mine...




























I didn't expect that I would ever create a post based solely on a donkey. I'm sorry. I couldn't help myself! When there's a cutie in the country, sometimes I need to show documentation.

This sweet guy is my father and mother-in-law's donkey. I can't remember if the boys (my husband and his two brothers) named him or not when they were little.


























This past weekend marked my dad's birthday, a dear friend's Jewish / Baptist wedding (where I thoroughly enjoyed cheering "Mazel tov!!!" and dancing in a giant circle held together by hands for the first time), and getting to go back home and see family. Petting Taco's soft ears was the cherry on top to the heart-swelled weekend. He loves the pears from the tree near the fence, but my camera was being emotional and wouldn't let me take photos of Taco munching.


















































I'm so lucky to be able to see this gorgeous sight regularly. I don't think I'd mind living in the country one day...

In other news, my in-laws actually made a road trip with my husband and I back to San Antonio! I'm this close to spending the rest of my day with my mother-in-law. :)

Have a wonderful Monday!

Friday, August 17, 2012

CAKE TIME!

Today marks the day of my dad's birthday. I can't tell you how many sacrifices my parents made for my sister and me when we were little (and even now!). I remember one night as a kid, I ran into my parent's room at night, screeched to a halt at the foot of the bed like I normally did, and then shyly squeezed my hands together at my stomach.

"Is it okay if I call y'all 'Mom' and 'Dad'?" I asked. All the first graders at school called their parents Mom and Dad, and I felt so childish and uncool calling my parents Mama and Daddy.

They looked at each other (probably trying not to laugh), and told me of course. My sister and I had grown up calling our parents "Mama" and "Daddy" since birth, and let's just say my new trend only lasted a few minutes because it felt too weird and forced.

So here it is: Happy Birthday, Daddy! I'm blessed to be your girl. :) Same goes for you, Mama (minus the birthday, since yours is in December).


TA DA!!! I learned how to make a gif just for this very special occasion! You learn something new every day, right?

AT THE MOMENT

Thought today would be a good day to take a small break from California updates and dive back into art. Here's a little something I'm working on for Toshiko at It's Not Her, It's Me. Once I finish all the drawings and resize them in Photoshop, the final illustration will be turned into a banner design. Fun, huh? :)

I think I'll have to show y'all process drawings so you can see where the inspiration came from. You know what I realized the other night? I never say "y'all" on my blog, yet I say it constantly when I'm actually speaking out loud. Kind of strange. Maybe I was thinking in the back of my mind that I didn't want to sound honky tonk. Promise I won't say it constantly...but sometimes my Texan side will eek out, I guess.

Happy Friday!

Thursday, August 16, 2012

CALIFORNIA TRIP: PART 5

I don't think I'll ever forget this day in San Francisco, whether or not I become a recognized artist. To say the least:





















































My eyes were glued on this storefront with its minimal and dynamic pieces, and I couldn't resist standing outside in awe for an extended time. I didn't want to go inside at first because I knew I couldn't afford anything in the gallery, but thankfully my husband pulled me inside, exclaiming that there's never harm in admiring good work.








































































All photos of Tangent Contemporary Art
Featured artwork by Carol Feuerman, Patrick Hughes, and Steve Perrault

While I tried to quietly look around and not overwhelmingly appear as a tourist (almost impossible with a big camera strapped around your neck), my husband started talking with the coordinator of the gallery, who turned out to be amazingly kind and inspiring.

After a while of chatting, I finally gained the courage to ask him how he started in the art field. He told me that he landed this position after being born into poverty, working years in other fields, and moving along from one situation to the next. He had agreed to start and manage a new gallery with an artist, on the agreement that he would work at the gallery for only two years. "I said that five years ago," he said, looking up to the ceiling and smiling.

There are often times when I want to throw up my hands and give up on my passion, thinking that it may possibly never amount to anything. After talking to this hugely encouraging man, I realize that striving for happiness is not a ridiculous idea, although obstacles are sure to come my way (and they have constantly reared their ugly heads, trust me).

I wish I could have videotaped his conversation with us. If I ever got into a rut (which is often), I would watch the video and remember to just keep moving.

I may not have a video, but I won't ever forget his heartfelt words of encouragement.





























In the meantime, I can always look up at the reminders hanging above my computer to encourage me to keep learning and moving forward.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

CALIFORNIA TRIP: PART 4

This day was one of my favorites during the trip! I couldn't fit all the photos from this day into one post, so I'll have to show you a few tomorrow from this day. 

Would you like to see?  

We didn't want to use valet for parking at the hotel, so we decided to *try to save our pennies by parking in a parking garage a few blocks around the corner. We saw a sign that read "Only $15 Sundays" are were beyond excited. Buuut, when it was time to pay, it turned out you could park your car on Sunday only (and not also Monday) to get the rate. Sigh, nice try.

My husband is too tall for his own good (not really...I'm too short / uncoordinated for my own good) and always has to turn around and wait on me after he gets too far ahead. I feel like I did as a four-year-old holding my dad's hand while literally running to keep up with him.















































































We loved those little alleys filled with restaurants.
























The architecture was beautiful. As were the labels.



I just pretended like I could afford Louis Vuitton. I guess it was probably a good thing that my suitcase was ultra crammed, so instead, I only bought one red dress on major clearance for $20 a couple of days later. Looks like a one-shouldered million bucks in my eyes. :) 

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

CALIFORNIA TRIP: PART 3

Time for Part 3 of the trip...



















The commotion of China Town was exhilarating, and I loved talking to the sellers at the markets. What did we talk about? Mostly vegetables. Maybe it's the Chinese in me, but I didn't get bored with the conversation. I also loved the underwear hanging out to dry in the windows. Fabulous.











































































If we had access to a kitchen, you can bet I would have stuffed a bag full of vegetables and cooked them for dinner. If I were feeling especially daring, I would also bravely hang out my underwear. :)



















































The sounds of this man's instrument were beautiful. He graciously let me take his picture, so of course I went at it as if I were his personal paparazzi.

Although about a jillion items were for sale, we only came back with three (hilarious and adorable) things: two money pouches and one random keychain monkey ready to protect his banana at all costs. I couldn't part with one of them. She's sitting on the shelf above my desk, and I'm convinced she must be smiling at me.
























































































More to come! :)

Monday, August 13, 2012

CALIFORNIA TRIP: PART 2

Hello! How was your weekend?

Ours turned out to be a lot of fun, and I think I may have enjoyed Schlitterbahna little too much. Don't trips to water parks make you feel like an excited five-year-old all over again? And of course, singing and dancing to the Spice Girls (er...and One Direction) while watching the closing ceremony for the Olympics counted as the cherry on top. 

After a ridiculous amount of sorting, here are a few shots of our first day exploring San Francisco, if you're interested: 



















































































The colossal bridge entering San Francisco amazed me instantly. I bet the locals are used to tourists (like me) hanging their heads out of car windows trying to catch every part of the city possible. Surely they realize this behavior is understandable.




































It was so strange to experience such a big change in climate across the city. This was our sight of the Golden Gate Bridge on the exact same day. I kept pressing my hands against the windows to feel the heat change to cold.










































































While I was busy recovering from a mild heart attack after driving (I mean passenger-driving) up some steep roads in the city bumper-to-bumper (no photos there), my husband was sweet and booked a hotel downtown for his frazzled wife.


























...I calmed down again.

So, we decided to walk around the streets for a change. Guys, my first few steps in San Francisco involved a plunge into the pavement after marveling at the New York-esqe view. I wasn't feeling graceful, but I was all smiles anyway. Reason? Because we were on our way to a feast down the street...





























This crazy-amazing restaurant and bar is called Ryoko's. If you even remotely like sushi, you HAVE to go here. Oh...and that's iidako (baby octopus) shown. I just about died when I had my first bite and tried not to hog the rest of the plate to myself for the remainder of dinner. Not only was the food ridiculously good, but I also loved the atmosphere. We sat at the crowded bar and munched on our food while listening to music with a techno beat that made me want to jump off my barstool and dance with my chopsticks in the air. I wish this restaurant would move itself to San Antonio. Le sigh.

To be continued...  :)

Friday, August 10, 2012

CALIFORNIA TRIP: PART 1

Okay! Here is Part 1 of the trip. I had some serious trouble narrowing down, so I think I'll post outtakes on Facebook.

I didn't mention to you yesterday that we almost missed the most important part of the trip due to a bomb threat in the San Antonio airport. What?? I've never missed a flight because of that bizarre reason. Thankfully, everybody was fine, but I'm sure they were melting in the heat once they were evacuated out of the airport.

The boy and I decided to put our brains together and drive to another airport in Houston so that we we wouldn't miss the first and most crucial day of the trip. Five minutes later, after booking the flight out of Houston, we felt like total morons for not realizing that we could drive a shorter distance to the Austin airport. Fortunately for us, the airlines were able to fix our huge mistake.

The REAL reason we went all the way to California was because a friend of ours was getting married in Walnut Grove...and oh my gosh, it was a gorgeous wedding. Unfortunately, I only got a few steps from the car snapping shots when I realized that my battery had decided to die. I'm just showing you the gates of this crazy place...guys, the wedding was held on the grounds of a mansion. I was kind of in awe, to say the least.











































































I had to pick up my jaw from the ground every time I blinked.
















































































The ceremony took place behind the gigantic trees (I almost fell over backwards taking photos of them), and then everybody went inside the mansion for the rest of the night to celebrate. My husband and I were able to stay the night in the mansion as opposed to our scary hotel we had excitedly picked out thirty minutes away in Sacramento. Quite the upgrade.







































































These shots were taken while we were lost and attempting to get off the tiny island of Walnut Grove. See that water? You had to cross bridges to get across to the other side leading to San Francisco, and one of the bridges were closed. That called for a confused (but beautiful) detour. We kept seeing sings for "Sutter," and my husband joked that we were going to be stuck on the island forever. I said it would turn into Shutter Island, ha. Of course that wouldn't happen...it's too pretty.

What amazed me most was the extreme change of climate from one area only twenty minutes away from another area. I'm talking going from 55 degrees to the high 90s. How?? Anyway, being that I'm from Texas, I preferred the heat in Walnut Grove, and I basically froze in San Francisco. I definitely wore out the one pair of skinny jeans and leggings I brought for the trip!

More to come on Monday...

So, what about your weekend coming up? I'm headed to Schiltterbahn to celebrate a sweet friend's birthday tomorrow morning. Extreme heat? Yes. Lots of water? Oh yes! Bring it on.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

I MISSED YOU!
























































































Guys! I owe you a huge thank you for all the great recommendations. Unfortunately, we didn't have the time and energy to go to every place, but we made it to quite a few!

I have about 1.5 billion photos to share with you ranging from the wine-like county of Walnut Grove (a gorgeous island that's reached by crossing draw bridges...I feel like a Medieval person saying that...is that what they're called?), the gorgeous bridges entering San Francisco, foggy days at the beginning, sunny days at the end, and everything in between.

We got scared in Sacramento, so no pictures there. :( Note to self: no more "great deals" of $50 hotels in the big cities. It doesn't work the same way Texas does. We learned THAT the hard way. Safety Sally all the way.

I think I'll just start showing you a few photos of my favorite areas in parts until we get through the trip, starting tomorrow. How does that sound?

Hope you've had an amazing week! :)
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