mushroom tender

Grounded, Illustration Friday

2012-01-12T20:15:00.000-08:00

There was a time in my life when the thought of being grounded, as in being held against one's childish will, would have been sheer torture. Of course, the point of being restricted for some misdeed was actually an effort by our parents to keep us grounded, or balanced by the strong foundation provided by this tough love. At some point during my adult years, I eventually discovered that staying home really wasn't such a bad thing. (Could that ever be more true than the week after the holiday season has ended?)
Though any good Libra will tell you that there's always an occasion to celebrate, it was a little bit of a relief to finally return to my own home turf, a much needed rest with no social engagements except with the ones I'd been neglecting around the house. First visits would be with my barely living plants which had been struggling to survive on little water or care these past beautifully warm and dry weeks.
After spending a good part of two marathon days of this self imposed "torture" of hanging out in the backyard in shorts, my feet barely nestled in flip flops, the low winter sun bore down, almost challenging me to a sunburn. As the plants and dry soil in the pots gasped, I comfortably sipped on a cool glass of water. My hands in the dirt and my semi-sadistic gardening skills being exercised, I was feeling the smug satisfaction of having almost pushed these plants to the brink of the green waste facility, but not completely. Like all good parents whose child rearing skills were seemingly modeled by prison guards from the "Cool Hand Luke" school of discipline, there was a spark of conscience and eventually a limit to the amount of abuse I could inflict. Swooping back to rescue them with fresh potting soil, a sprinkling of bone meal and water, the growth cycle would be put back in balance. Besides, when spring finally comes around, they'll be stronger for the experience!

Highlight, Illustration Friday

2012-01-05T17:26:00.000-08:00

For me, the highlight of the holidays was being able to spend time with family and friends. I was especially grateful for the opportunities to have shared these moments. It's been an exceptional season.
Looking forward to similar highlights in 2012! And no, my family and friends aren't olives- just aiming for a quick, graphic effect to submit to Illustration Friday this week! ;o)

Messenger, Illustration Friday

2011-12-29T16:11:00.001-08:00

This little messenger wants to know if anybody else is ready for a new year...
Hoping that 2012 brings good health, many creative days, and plenty of good fortune to go 'round.
Happy New Year!

Separated, Illustration Friday

2011-12-14T13:28:00.000-08:00

I recently separated myself from the blog for a couple of weeks. Though creating my blog was initially intended as a way to participate in Illustration Friday's weekly challenges, this year I've been blessed with visits from other bloggers who've reached out with their comments; some who drop in periodically and others who faithfully return.
Thanks to all of you! What wonderful gifts of friendship you've shared with me- I feel extremely fortunate to have had the pleasure of meeting all of you by way of blogging and learning about your artistic experiences through your posts. Even more so, that some of you return despite my ramblings and goofy puns. Those couple of weeks went by quickly, without anything to offer for IF, but during that brief intermission, it almost felt like there was a part of me that was missing...

Here's to hoping you enjoy all the best parts of the holiday season! ;o)

Brigade, Illustration Friday

2011-12-08T17:04:00.000-08:00

It's Thursday night and there's still lots to do to prepare for the holidays! Wish I could call in this flying brigade to help with the tasks which are mounting. Cross another item off the list- here's one to greet those who might visit and will double as a post for Illustration Friday.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

Silent, Illustration Friday

2011-11-17T17:20:00.000-08:00

Expressing my gratitude as the blessings of the autumn season are shared!

Stripes, IF

2011-11-10T23:11:00.001-08:00

A late Thursday night quickie, just for the fun of it.
Sometimes things just defy explanation. Looking forward to next week's word challenge!

Scary, Illustration Friday

2011-11-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

Barely finished with the Halloween candy, goblins and spirits, and the Dia de los Muertos sugar skulls and paper mache skeletons are just settling down for another year's slumber.
But don't look now...

Hee hee hee hee hee!
Ho ho ho ho ho!

Fuel, Illustration Friday

2011-10-27T18:08:00.000-07:00

Who knows what spooky concoctions are brewing this month as we prepare for the little ghouls and goblins to visit? A little bit of this and a little "bat o' dat," add a few bags of candy and there will be more than enough fuel to create a cauldron of fun!
"Witch" reminds me, before I fly off for the week... I'd like to wish everybody a Happy Halloween!

Scattered, Illustration Friday

2011-10-19T20:48:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks found me here and there, mostly there, as in far away from my desk. Imagine my giddiness when Illustration Friday announced that the theme this week would be "Scattered!" It's almost time to hand out the treats, as I've been doing my share of sampling them lately.
Inspiration is in the fall air! Some of my favorite bloggers are also scattering good deeds and sharing treats this week.

I promise these are not tricks- They're all guaranteed to put smiles on your face!
Ooh La La Design Studio
Shirley's Illustrations
Linda Hensley Art & Design
Anybody know of other good tricks or treats? Please share, if you do! Thanks!

Hibernate, Illustration Friday

2011-10-06T18:28:00.001-07:00

There was a really heavy quote about hibernation this week, which I opted not to include. Instead, I'll just leave it at this. It's possible to hibernate without actually going underground for the winter. Look around, there are a lot of people existing in various states of suspended animation. Hope they'll wake up and appreciate the beauty around them!

Thanks for visiting and your comments, if you feel like saying what's on your mind- I do appreciate hearing from you! And should you find me in a suspended state, a gentle nudge should bring me back around!

Ferocious, Illustration Friday

2011-09-29T19:57:00.000-07:00

Minor inconveniences of living in southern California, our Santa Ana winds roar down mountain canyons and seemingly blow everything that's not nailed down out to sea. Along with bone dry days and generally aggravating conditions for those who are prone to allergies, they often increase the likelihood of wildfires, by accident or arson. These winds are not nearly as destructive as tornadoes, but still ferocious!

Mesmerizing, Illustration Friday

2011-09-21T22:50:00.000-07:00

Here's the image I'm submitting for this week's word challenge over at Illustration Friday.

Doodling is a mesmerizing activity which has kept generations of students awake, albeit in an altered state of consciousness, as their instructors feed them the daily lessons. While many of my generation's class instructors seldom valued our efforts scribbled in the margins of our papers, classes now exist to release the doodler within. Just curious, would students in doodling class receive demerits for non participation?

Boundaries, Illustration Friday

2011-09-15T17:10:00.000-07:00

Everybody get back in line- School is now in session!

Disguise, Illustration Friday

2011-09-01T17:28:00.000-07:00

No, this isn't one of those "Monster a Day" posts, but is inspired by a little sea creature who comes naturally equipped with its own disguise. Seadragons are relatives of the pipefishes. They can be found fluttering about, propelled by their leafy appendages, perfectly camouflaged in the kelp beds off western and southern Australia.
Don't tell this guy, but I doubt he'll need to shop for a Halloween costume anytime soon!

Influence, Illustration Friday

2011-08-23T23:16:00.000-07:00

"In the beginning you must subject yourself to the influence of nature. You must be able to walk firmly on the ground before you start walking on a tightrope." ~ Henri Matisse

Today was spent quietly at my desk, alone with my watercolors and few distractions. As I watched my intentions float across the page suspended in pigmented puddles, it was clear that my hands rarely pick up a paintbrush without feeling the influence of all the artists whose work I have or will become familiar with.

Swell, illustration Friday

2011-08-18T20:56:00.000-07:00

When summer really starts to heat up, the kernels swell and pop right off the cob...

A Ray of Sunshine

2011-08-09T14:29:00.000-07:00

A good sunshiney day to you! A while back, Linda Hensley stopped by with a cheerful greeting and a sunshine award for me...I have been slowly getting around to making this announcement, but here it is.
Linda's an illustrator and designer who's a whiz at creating art that's not only visually and technically stunning, but her accompanying posts are always a kick to read as well. She creates straight from the heart, spicing things up with personal experiences which are always informative and thought provoking. I'm glad to have met her through blogging and appreciate the award she shared with me. Stop by her blog and say "Hello!"

The rules for receiving the award:
- Thank the person who gave you the award.
- Write a post about it.
- Answer the questions below.
- Pass it on to 10 bloggers who you think really deserve it and send them a message to let them know.

My unofficial answers to
The questions:
01. My favorite color: Green
02. My favorite animal: Dogs!
03. My favorite number: #8, round yet balanced
04. My favorite non-alcoholic drink: Water
05. Facebook or Twitter? Neither, yet
06. My passion: Peace, baby!
07. Getting or giving presents? Giving
08. My favorite pattern: Florals, even though vertical stripes are friendlier ;o)
09. My favorite day of the week: Sunday, a fresh start
10. My favorite flower: Wildflowers and Tropicals

Do you know these Sunshine Award winners? They're all creative, talented and inspiring in their individual crafts. I hope you enjoy visiting them!

10 Favorite Bloggers:
Rose Hill Designs
Leen Christens Illustrations
My Creative Day
From Jen's Pen
Vicki Smith Art
Ms. Moffatt
ValGal Art
Janets dibby dabby.com illustrator journey
Forest & Sea
Superpo Adventures

Obsession, Illustration Friday

2011-08-04T14:43:00.000-07:00

On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off On Off...

Sometimes you are, sometimes you aren't. And sometimes it's OK not to be either.

Perennial, Illustration Friday

2011-07-28T12:55:00.000-07:00

A good scientist is a person in whom the childhood quality of perennial curiosity lingers on. Once he gets an answer, he has other questions.” ~ Frederick Seitz

It figures that Illustration Friday and Mike would come up with a really challenging word this week, "Perennial," while I'm experiencing a case of the summer doldrums. Actually, it's been a period of "what should I do next?" but those activities have been unrelated to painting.
While walking the pups one quiet morning, it occurred to me that these native old oaks that live along the creek fit the bill. I often marvel at how these sturdy trees plant themselves near a source of water, maintain their stances for decades among competing plant life and only give in when disease, intermittent drought, flooding or landscaping crews come along to clear the way for "improvements."
After this quick sketch for IF, I'm heading over to see how Mike interpreted his own suggestion. I might even have a question for him, like "How did you come up with this one?"
Wishing everybody a curiously creative week!

Gesture, Illustration Friday

2011-07-21T15:50:00.000-07:00

Just a simple gesture of aloha in the form of a quick watercolor for this week's IF challenge.
The scent of sweet plumeria blossoms sent my thoughts traveling back in time, to early mornings sitting around Auntie's table, where she would teach us kids how to string leis with the freshly picked flowers.
Just daydreaming...

Stay, Illustration Friday

2011-07-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

This is one that stayed under wraps until this week, when I decided it might be a good time to complete it for IF.
Stay cool this week, as summer temps soar!

Remedy, Illustration Friday

2011-07-07T14:29:00.000-07:00

"To do nothing is sometimes a good remedy" ~ Hippocrates

A quick watercolor for IF this week, the fragrant lavender has been used as a remedy for a variety of ailments. Its soothing, calming effects suggest that Hippocrates might have been sniffing fields of it when he offered this advice.

If you'd like to try your hand at creating a unique gift from your garden, please visit My Creative Day. It's a brand new blog whose writer's first post offers step by step instructions to create a lavender wand. It's possible that the aromatic properties of one of these wands might magically take you to other faraway places, but I have a feeling that many more interesting and creative adventures could materialize if you decide to visit!

Midsummer Night, Illustration Friday

2011-06-29T18:53:00.000-07:00

Been lured outdoors many a midsummer night by the sweet, intoxicating fragrance of this night blooming cactus. The spell lasts only for one evening and by mid morning, the flower has all but collapsed.
Was it able to entice that special pollinator? Only by the appearance of its fruit will these secrets be revealed!

Launch, Illustration Friday

2011-06-23T15:06:00.000-07:00

Did I miss a post? I was swept away on a short trip up north and back late last week. But upon my return, I took a short detour into a cough syrup induced haze, launched into a colorful fog of daytime television and naps. While staring off into space, this gallery of refrigerator spin art came into view and brought me back to earth for a quick re-entry to reality and IF.
Hope you're all having healthier weeks! Looking forward to visiting with you art bloggers as soon as all the channels are working again!

Shadows, Illustration Friday

2011-06-06T06:48:00.000-07:00

"I look out the window sometimes to seek the color of the shadows and the different greens in the trees, but when I get ready to paint I just close my eyes and imagine a scene." ~ Grandma Moses

I couldn't have said it any better than Grandma Moses, a true independent and artistic spirit. So today, my submission for Illustration Friday is one that I recently painted just for the sake of painting, something equally inspired by my surroundings here at the ol' homestead, and my imagination.

But before I sign off, I'll leave you with a link to another example of shadows from last summer. We weren't seeing many of them, so when the sun finally broke through, it put a whole new perspective on life! If you're so inclined, you may view it here.

Looking forward to seeing many more shadows this week!

Asleep, Illustration Friday

2011-06-02T14:28:00.000-07:00

In many parts of the world, naps are taken during the day to increase worker productivity. Apparently, this habit has its roots in warmer climates, where a rested worker was a happy and useful worker. It just makes sense, doesn't it?
The last time I remember naps being part of my routine was in kindergarten, and I was one of those kids who never slept. When the teacher wasn't looking, I quietly sneaked peeks around the room to see which of my classmates was nodding off.
Today, I'm making up for it. Seems like there's never enough time to catch a few "Z's." And as the day progresses, while not exactly asleep, I'm at least half aware that it's time to get moving before I miss my chance to post this pic on Illustration Friday!

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you're all well rested, happy and productive this week!

Raincheck

2011-06-01T09:18:00.000-07:00

Though Memorial Day weekend has passed and we're counting the days 'til summer, gentle spring rains continue to coax seasonal wildflowers. During chance encounters along the trails of my morning hikes, they appear like fleeting celebrities who smile for one quick photo before they quickly disappear, promising to return for next year's performance.

If anybody who knows the real names of these pinkish - lavender and / or the yellow flax - like flowers, I'd appreciate your assistance with my plant ID's! Thanks!

Soaked, Illustration Friday

2011-05-26T13:57:00.000-07:00

Guilty of being thirsty! I've never taken sand to the beach, or coals to Newcastle, but I've been soaked for buying bottled water, even when there's a tap! But in my defense, I do recycle those bottles...
And on a serious note-
It was difficult to play along with this week's challenge, when citizens in parts of our country are dealing with the devastation of severe weather and flooding. My heart goes out to all who've been affected.

Safari, Beginner, IF

2011-05-14T20:14:00.000-07:00

Let's go surfin' now, everybody's learnin' how...

When school lets out in a few weeks and even as the gas prices soar,
I hope the kids still manage to go on beach safaris.

Loading up the friends and boards, cruisin' PCH, summer mischief always beckons.
It's part of the southern California culture, you know?

And then...
Since Blogger locked the doors to the playhouse late last week, my last minute efforts were put on hold. Never mind. And don't think that the irony of posting my beginners, as the topic was ending, wasn't appreciated here!
While crouching among the flowers and pulling weeds, the inspiration for "Beginner" struck me. Just had to wait to post both topics.
Better late than never, I say.

Lesson, Illustration Friday

2011-05-05T18:15:00.000-07:00

I've tried to keep the good lessons I've learned close to heart and let the rest of it go. But the track record isn't exactly perfect, if you catch my drift! Experience tells me that I have much more to learn, and that's about all I can say on the subject for now...hee hee!

Welcome to my new visitors! Thanks to all who came by last week to comment. You're a kind and friendly bunch! I hope to see you again here, and of course I'll be heading over to your blogs, too. Hope it's been a good week!

Bicycle "Two-fer", Illustration Friday

2011-04-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

How did I get so lucky while playing hooky from IF? Last week's "Journey" took me away from posting something on topic. I woke today to find the challenge for the week is "Bicycle," and as luck would have it, I could pull something out of the archives to cover both! On Friday, even!
This adventurous little boy, with the help of a magical bird went on a journey to transform himself into a bird. Here, he rides a bicycle to convince his friend that even under all the feathers, he is indeed a boy.
Happy Easter to all of you blogging "Peeps!" May you continue to find much inspiration in the celebration of springtime and its symbolic messages of renewal and growth!

Bottled, Illustration Friday

2011-04-14T17:49:00.000-07:00

Some things idle in storage for years, but I know I'll use them for something, some day. The oval shapes in the background were made by inking the bottoms of small lotion bottles, which were then printed on a piece of paper. My simple watercolor of the two bottles was then scanned and placed in a second layer.
If I'd thrown those little bottles away, they probably would have eventually been recycled into something else, but today I had fun printing them and using them for to create my submission for Illustration Friday!
Okay, I hear you snoring back there...What else might be bottled or contained , waiting to be released or recharged? There's no time like the spring to open up, let the light in and find out!

Duet, Illustration Friday

2011-04-07T15:33:00.000-07:00

Pigs in a blanket, sawing logs.
It seemed like a good excuse to paint pigs this week for Illustration Friday, not because I was unusually hungry or tired!
Do you know the words to this tune? These two piggies perform a nightly duet, which goes something like this, "Zzzz, zzzz, zzzz..."

Toy, Illustration Friday

2011-03-31T11:00:00.000-07:00

We welcome our newest little one into our family.
Little Skyler arrived late last night, and I understand he's already staking out his place on the sand!
This is a composite of the pair of paintings that were painted in honor of his arrival. I hope they'll make him smile and coo almost as much as his favorite toys!

I'll Show You Mine...(TDAC, IF-Cultivate)

2011-03-22T20:54:00.000-07:00

It was too tempting to keep this under wraps, so "bare" with me, as I post my submission for They Draw And Cook, who've teamed up with Simply Beautiful, Simply Delicious, California Figs to host an illustrated recipe contest featuring figs as an ingredient. My recipe is a simple fig and apple crisp.

Figs, leaves, apples? Hmmm...My mind wanders to the Garden of Eden, (or eatin'?) where I hear they cultivate a taste for all things forbidden. "Go ahead," the little voice entices me, "one picture, serving double duties... Nobody will mind!"

Seems almost sinful, but you can view a lot more over at Illustration Friday this week. Oh, and if you want to see the recipe in all its glory, I just found out it was posted this morning. You can see it here. Take a peek!

Stir, Illustration Friday

2011-03-17T14:29:00.000-07:00

It's always a good idea to watch where you step, but should you see the shamrocks stir, use extra caution. I understand the wee folk are out and about.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Thinking of You

2011-03-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

While the disastrous events that have hit Japan during this past week continue to grip the world's attention, our hearts sink deeper as we watch the horrors unfold and grieve with the victims of this unimaginable tragedy.
Drawing inspiration from the resilience and perseverance that the Japanese have demonstrated as they've endured and risen above other hardships throughout history, we recognize that pain is temporary, and the opportunity to reach out to others always presents itself.
Wherever we might be, do we know others who could benefit from a little kindness? Can we find it in our hearts to share a little?

Warning, Illustration Friday

2011-03-09T15:40:00.000-08:00

Cactus has its own built in warning devices.
And if you missed it the first time, there might even be a second thorny warning.
But these cacti are visitor- friendly...All spines have been removed for Illustration Friday!
I traveled far and wide to find these in my own backyard. It was a good excuse to get outside and soak up a little bit of warm sunshine to share with you this week- Are you feeling it yet?

Swarm, Illustration Friday

2011-03-03T16:02:00.000-08:00

Just down the road, a neighboring seaside farm puts on an annual springtime extravaganza when the hillside explodes with swarms of ranunculus.
Without grumbling about the good old days, let's just say that what used to be free and occupied much more of the seaside acreage, is now sampled for a small admission fee and in in a much smaller dose, with more restrictions and added attractions to draw larger crowds, or swarms, if you like.
On a sunnier note, here's a tiny (but free) sampling of the view from my memory of the old roadside flower fields that I'm sharing for Illustration Friday! Do you feel spring in the air?

Layer, Illustration Friday

2011-02-24T01:09:00.000-08:00

"Man - despite his artistic pretensions, his sophistication, and his many accomplishments - owes his existence to a six inch layer of topsoil and the fact that it rains." ~Author Unknown

Much of the country would be grateful for a string of warm sunny days such as those we've enjoyed recently in southern California. Besides providing the obvious distractions, the sameness can get a little too predictable. A recent trip through the desert between cloudbursts, as the spring wildflowers awaken provided just enough visual stimulation to shake the mental cobwebs loose. Beneath layers of sleeping brain cells which sometimes seem to occupy areas of space as vast and arid as the desert, small seeds of ideas wait to be unearthed, even sporadically and unexpected.

Sweater, Illustration Friday

2011-02-12T19:44:00.000-08:00

“Sweater, n.: garment worn by child when its mother is feeling chilly.” ~ Ambrose Bierce

This week, my mind wanders to a famous cardigan worn by a man whose mother made sure he was always warm. With all due respect, I imagine that Mr. Rogers wouldn't mind if I put hearts on the sleeves of his sweater for Valentine's Day. Besides, in his characteristically kind and gentle manner, he told all of us kids it was okay to pretend in the Neighborhood of Make Believe!
Happy Valentine's Day to all!

Reverse, Illustration Friday

2011-02-10T18:04:00.000-08:00

Sometimes a girl just doesn't know which way to go as the deadline for Illustration Friday approaches. So Neil, an alien, zipped down from outer space to deliver a reverse message.
Thank goodness for palindromes, mirrors and people with eyes in the backs of their heads, maybe?
One step back, and we'll all be moving forward from here!

Surrender, Illustration Friday

2011-02-03T15:26:00.000-08:00

I surrender! Here's a quickie for this week's prompt, inspired by Valentine's Day and with a nod to all the tattoos and other forms of body art out there.
I must confess, I've never surrendered a square inch of my own flesh to ink or piercings, having already sacrificed tiny pieces of myself to the roads, sidewalks and other undisclosed locations where my much younger self used to skate around on (or off, as it were) urethane wheels.
Whether it's a sweet valentine, a kid rolling down the road on wheels, or a bold statement in body ink, each offers a form of expression as individual as its origin. Surrender yourself to an expressive week!

Dusty, Illustration Friday

2011-01-27T12:56:00.000-08:00

Reaching back, way back, to an unfinished project to post this week for IF. Beneath a dusty stack of files, a watercolor concept takes on a new life as a reminder that it's almost time for a little spring cleaning!

Chicken, Illustration Friday

2011-01-20T15:24:00.000-08:00

Here's a chicken that never flew the coop, never got to cross the road, and still has no offspring to count before they hatch. She's loosely based on a concept for a figurine that never really got past the "scratch" stage, until today, when I decide to give her wings a little color and a new attitude, to submit to Illustration Friday.
Nothing like running around at the last minute like a...well, you get the idea!

Who, Me?

2011-01-18T13:09:00.000-08:00

Have you visited Heather over at Rose Hill Designs lately? In the midst of all the creating that's going on over there, she recently took some time to share this award with some stylish bloggers. Since she consistently puts together some pretty stylish posts, it was flattering to be included on her list.

And now by accepting this award, I am required to share seven things about me, which is probably going to blow away my "stylish" cover, but it's all in fun!

1. As a child, I did not like mushrooms, but you could say they "grew" on me, or at least often appeared in my food.
2. Native to southern California, I was born third out of five children.
3. I'm married and have one teenage son (still in the middle, here).
4. I enjoy visiting museums with my friends.
5. My favorite colors are "golden brown sugar" and "toasted marshmallow," colors that describe my two pups.
6. I can almost always make room for a little ice cream.
7. I might be happiest when I can get my hands "dirty," whether digging into the garden, artistic pursuits, or kitchen creations, but not necessarily in that order!

And now, it's my turn to pass this on to a list of fifteen bloggers with whom I've recently made an acquaintance. Check out these talented and stylish bloggers:

Mindful Drawing
Indigene Fine Art and Illustration
Charlo Arwin
Original Small Format Art - Carolynn McDade
Linda_Hensley
GasBombGirl
Rue De Toot
Providential Egg
Posh Also Makes Stuff
Abby Normal
oloratrementina
Vilt og vakkert
My Picture Garden
wendy w. lee blog
Jasmine Wall Illustration Blog

Hope you enjoy visiting their blogs, too!

Deja-Vu, Illustration Friday

2011-01-11T16:03:00.000-08:00

If anything could say it experienced a sense of deja-vu, wouldn't it be water? In southern California, sometimes we have it, sometimes we don't, but we just go with its intermittent flow and hope we don't get stuck up that creek without our paddles!
Gray skies outside my window hint that soon, I'll be dealing with water and a deja-vu of a different sort looms. Unfortunately, it will be in my kitchen, and a sink full of dishes waiting to be cleaned. Hope you return to more exciting circumstances!

Resolutions, Illustration Friday

2011-01-06T16:20:00.000-08:00

It's not that I don't set goals. But my conscience likes to follow me around all year long anyway, so why bother with resolutions just because it's a new year? Wouldn't it be nice to be able to just float along without a care?
Before the first week of 2011 is complete, I want to wish all of you who visit a guilt free and Happy New Year, full of inspiration and freedom to create!
P.S. Thanks to all of you who stopped in last week with encouraging comments. It wasn't my intention to create such a sad looking piece, it was just the end of the year and kind of wet and dreary! I guess I can resolve to spread a little more sunshine in the coming weeks!

Winter, Illustration Friday

2010-12-29T23:02:00.000-08:00

Today, the winter rains washed away tired reminders of the previous months. Hoping there is a fresh and happier new year waiting for its cue...

Mail, Illustration Friday

2010-12-19T01:07:00.001-08:00

If you don't already have too much on your plate this week, then let me "send" you over to They Draw and Cook, where Nate and Salli, along with the FN Dish are hosting an illustrated holiday recipe exchange.

For a tropical twist on a cookie classic, I submitted my recipe for "Coconut Snowballs." Bite sized, buttery coconut shortbread dusted with powdered sugar might be the next best thing to being wrapped, stamped and mailed to the tropics for Christmas!

Hope you have time to bake a batch- Enjoy!

Phenomenon, Illustration Friday

2010-12-13T15:31:00.000-08:00

At this time of the year, it would be difficult to ignore the phenomenon of the Star of Bethlehem, a bright star in the eastern sky which led the wise men to the birthplace of the baby Jesus. The miracle of His birth inspired the celebration of Christmas and generations of faithful followers who practice Christianity.

Tonight, a different type of celestial phenomenon will be occurring. The Geminid meteor shower should be visible under clear skies, sending long streaks and flashes of light among the stars throughout the late night and on through the early morning. Bundle up and take a peek, and enjoy a heavenly gift from above!

Prehistoric, Illustration Friday

2010-12-09T07:52:00.000-08:00

Just starting to feel the crunch of the holiday season starting to bear down like a rock this week. If this happens to look familiar, the image was previously posted for "Subterranean," back in March. Still, I wanted to offer a submission for this week's prompt! Here's a little holiday repurposing...And hey, it's the thought that counts, right?
*Speaking of thoughts, as much fun as we have with the holiday season, there are those who might be facing challenging situations. Please remember them in your thoughts and prayers!

Savour, Illustration Friday

2010-12-02T22:10:00.001-08:00

Savour the warmth of a little sunshine as the temperatures drop!

Sneaky, Illustration Friday

2010-11-24T07:33:00.000-08:00

As much as we love our traditional Thanksgiving feast here in the USA, it can't be too much fun for the turkeys. Not exactly keen on taking the "tofurky" route yet, I still look forward to another holiday tradition when the President "pardons" a turkey whose neck might otherwise have met the chopping block.
This year, two turkeys were excused from their "guests of honor" duties at the dinner table, but I'm guessing there are probably other sneaky feathered friends out there, taking a cue from distant relatives migrating south for the winter. For those who are able to fly the coop, I hope they're traveling to the tropics and catching a suntan, rather than surrounded by trimmings on a platter and getting basted to a buttery golden brown!
Happy Thanksgiving!

Burning, Illustration Friday

2010-11-18T16:11:00.000-08:00

Trying to be on my best behavior at this time of the year, since Santa is tallying up his gift list for the well behaved. Every year, my mom used to ask him for five good kids. Whether she was rewarded her wish or not was never determined because were usually too busy making tracks, out of a spanking's reach. Speaking of tracks, Hot Wheel tracks were often the weapon of choice, or whatever else we still had scattered across the floor when she asked us to clean up.
"Spare the rod and spoil the child" never crossed many of our parents' minds back in those days. Maybe we exaggerate the severity of the punishment just a little bit, now that "time outs" have become standard. But after we'd all experienced our share of burning bottoms, I'd have to say that my mom finally got her wish.

Afterwards, Illustration Friday

2010-11-11T21:30:00.000-08:00

Afterwards, everybody pitched in and helped clean up the dishes.

Don't you just love when that happens?

Just another Thursday night post for Illustration Friday...Afterwards, I'll breathe a sigh of relief, having barely sneaked under the wire, just hours before next week's challenge!

Spent, Illustration Friday

2010-11-04T15:01:00.000-07:00

Obviously, I've used up the week seeing to other tasks before submitting my post to Illustration Friday. That's what happens when the week that welcomes the first days of November turn out to be as gorgeous as anybody could've asked for here in southern California. Warm days, cool nights, low tides that invite a mid day stroll along the shore...It's like spring fever all over again. Never mind that the holidays, blogging and other pressing matters are pending.

Looking out the window on one of these crisp mornings just before dawn, I observed the moon hanging low, nestled in the acacias. Still bright, it appeared to be tiptoeing in, having spent a crazy night chasing stars across the autumn sky.

Hope you've all survived the Halloween candy surge and hope to see how you've "spent" the rest of your week!

Racing, Illustration Friday

2010-10-28T18:12:00.001-07:00

Like this little spider, I'm racing to wish everybody a Happy Halloween! Illustration Friday will post a new word tomorrow, but these busy fingers might be preparing to meet the little trick or treaters who will pass this way. Hope the night brings treats and the tricksters are merciful!

Spooky, Illustration Friday

2010-10-20T21:26:00.000-07:00

Which is most spooky?

a) Walking into any store at this time of the year and being greeted by aisles full of candy, creepy Halloween decor, costumes and masks?
b) Turning the corner to the next row and finding the store employee putting the finishing touches on the Christmas displays?
or
c)Being reminded that the holiday season is in full swing?
Time marches on, as they say. But tell that to a person who's posting her interpretation of this week's topic for Illustration Friday much later into the next week!
Hope you already completed yours!

Transportation, Illustration Friday

2010-10-14T17:41:00.000-07:00

Back when I was a kid, we didn' t have school buses. They existed, we just didn't live far enough from our schools to be able to ride them. Except for two years in junior high, we were always located on the farthest boundary where the districts determined who would walk or who would be bussed. Rides were given on rainy days, if we were lucky. Needless to say, my shoes were always worn out before the next pair replaced them.
As usual, I pondered what I'd offer Illustration Friday this week, while walking my dogs. Transportation, as I learned as a kid, meant feet. As in "Trick or treat, smell my feet!" I hope the tradition of kids on foot, dressed in their costumes and pleading for candy continues. It's one night of the year that we actually see some of our neighborhood kids on foot! And yes, we'll still be handing out the treats!

Surprise!

2010-10-07T20:37:00.000-07:00

Recently, I discovered that a special surprise was waiting for me from the very talented Leen Christens. When I visited her blog, she had an award waiting for me!
Accepting this award, I promised to pass it on to my own list of lovely bloggers, (guys, you are included). Each of these friendly people has taken a moment to stop by for a visit and share some of their talents. They're all equally appreciated, especially considering that they're busily creating beautiful art, sharing secrets, tips, techniques and successes over at their own studios. Are you familiar with them? If not, take a minute and visit them. I hope you enjoy their work as much as I do!

My Lovely Bloggers:

Marion Eldridge, NEW ART NEWS
Jane, Jane's Journal
Lee, Defining Me
Ann, Ann Pilicer Illustration
Kay, Sniplings
Christiane, Scrapbook
Sally, Ms. Art Lady
Deborah, Dosankodebbie's Etagami Notebook
Mary Jane, Painting Puppies
Carol, The Blue Cat
Debbie, Little Deb's Doodlings
Lisa, Lisa M. Griffin, a creative progress
Vincent, Light and Shade
Nathan, The Art of Nathan Bottcher
Jazzlamb, Ulti Chhatri

Enjoy! :o)

Beneath, Illustration Friday

2010-10-06T21:40:00.000-07:00

When was the last time a piñata cracked open and the children waited patiently until all the treats fell out? If candy is falling from the sky, you can bet excited kids will be diving beneath the clouds to catch a few handfuls of the sweet stuff!
Safety first, of course!

Old-Fashioned, Illustration Friday

2010-09-29T12:39:00.001-07:00

It's that wonderful old-fashioned idea that others come first and you come second. This was the whole ethic by which I was brought up. Others matter more than you do, so 'don't fuss, dear; get on with it.' ~ Audrey Hepburn

Illustration Friday offered a dose of reality with this prompt. Having just celebrated a birthday earlier in the week, I'm getting well acquainted with many things that have already been. But no matter one's age, simple old- fashioned notions will always stand up to the test of time!

Acrobat, Illustration Friday

2010-09-23T15:40:00.000-07:00

"The poet like an acrobat climbs on rime to a high wire of his own making." ~ Lawrence Ferlinghetti

Sometimes the high wire isn't so high, but it's still a stretch. And sometimes, things just snap.

Illustration Friday, how about a few acrobats in the belfry?

Proverb, Illustration Friday

2010-09-15T23:43:00.000-07:00

"A proverb is a short sentence based on long experience." ~ Miguel de Cervantes

Silence is golden, until the next post!

Dessert, Illustration Friday

2010-09-09T17:44:00.001-07:00

"Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first." ~ Ernestine Ulmer

Meet Mister E. Pye, who gives "dessert to die for" a whole new meaning. As Illustration Friday suggested, desserts were what was on the menu this past week. Too bad Mister E. Pye didn't know Ernestine!

With Halloween looming within sight, the ghosts and goblins are starting to act up. Do they serve their pie with "I scream," and is that "a la moan?"

Oh, I am just killing myself! See you next week!

Immovable, Illustration Friday

2010-09-02T16:59:00.000-07:00

Immovable. Have you ever felt like that? This week, the word must have hit home so hard, it was difficult to know which direction to take! For Illustration Friday, I offer my last minute entry.
To all my blogger pals who stopped in with kind greetings last week, a very warm thank you! That you took the time to visit really brightened my week! Hope to see all of you in your future posts!

Atmosphere, Illustration Friday

2010-08-26T18:41:00.000-07:00

“For me, a landscape does not exist in its own right, since its appearance changes at every moment; but the surrounding atmosphere brings it to life - the light and the air which vary continually. For me, it is only the surrounding atmosphere which gives subjects their true value.” ~ Claude Monet

After what seemed was going to be an endless supply of gray, cloudy, soggy, drippy and unseasonably cool summer days, to finally see the sun peeking in my window prompted me to paint a section of my garden and newly discovered shadows. Illustration Friday's word of the week, "atmosphere," and its related quote by Claude Monet inspired a much needed change in direction and attitude.

Star Gazing, Illustration Friday

2010-08-18T23:51:00.000-07:00

"Star gazing is a connection to humanity's earliest curiosity about our place in
the universe" ~ Thomas Kiernan

When the summer skies are too cloudy to view the Perseids (or any other stars for that matter), a monkey has to improvise. Creating a star gazing moment for his crabby neighbor, his monkeyshines prove that his place on the evolutionary scale is a debatably higher, and that coconuts don't fall far from the tree, they just bounce.

Caged, Illustration Friday

2010-08-10T17:34:00.000-07:00

Just trying to find a little levity in this week's word "caged," for Illustration Friday.
Instead of trying to meet everybody's lofty expectations, sometimes a person just has to recognize how to make him (or herself) disappear!
Now, where are those keys?

Artificial, Illustration Friday

2010-08-04T20:54:00.000-07:00

Christmas came early this week as I scrambled to find something to post for this week's word, "Artificial." Peering outside the kitchen window, I noticed the little ones next door had stashed a plastic Santa near the gate. Was this decoy left by the little munchkins to trick the neighbors into thinking the holidays were near? Ha! This fake Santa just brought me inspiration for Illustration Friday. Besides, everybody knows the real one's still out there enjoying his summer vacation in an undisclosed location far, far away!

Hallelujah!

2010-07-30T09:06:00.001-07:00

Today marks the completion of one year's worth of blogging and participating in Illustration Friday. For those of you who might have visited during the past twelve months and wondered why an illustrated blog calls itself "Mushroom Tender" and has no reference to mushrooms, well here they are. A whole patch full of 'em. There could even be a few toadstools among them. But you get the picture...
Here's to another year! I'm looking forward to seeing all the beautiful, funny, cute, clever, and inspired work from all the other artists out there. And it's been a real pleasure to hear from everybody who has taken the time to stop by and comment!

Double, Illustration Friday

2010-07-26T16:37:00.000-07:00

On a hot summer day at the beach, a couple of hot doggers riding tandem can double their fun on the waves.
Meanwhile, the dogs are waiting for even warmer days to arrive along the Southern California shore...Have you seen the sun lately?

Diary, Illustration Friday

2010-07-13T16:39:00.001-07:00

Illustration Friday allows us the privilege of communicating our images and accompanying text every week. In a sense, it's a visual diary to share with the world.
Does Big Brother still want to know all of Victoria's Secrets?

Giant, Illustration Friday

2010-07-08T14:57:00.001-07:00

Here's another flashback for the word "Giant," as suggested by Illustration Friday this week.
As kids, we spent many hours playing in and around a giant tire that my dad brought home. Situated beneath the olive tree on the side of our house, it was a magnet for the children in the neighborhood, providing a cool place to hang out and discuss all the private matters that kids needed to settle on a warm summer's day.

Paisley, Illustration Friday

2010-06-24T18:09:00.000-07:00

I've been on a trip to nowhere, man...For the past few months, Illustration Friday's word challenges have gone unmet by yours truly. But this week's word, paisley, prompts me to tell the story about the time we were returning from a trip to San Francisco, during the height of the hippie era.
My parents were as straight as arrows, but my dad had a sense of adventure that meandered as far as his imagination could take him, maybe farther. Anyway, our family was packed in an early 60's Ford truck with a camper, heading back to Southern California, when my dad decided to give a couple of hitchhikers a ride. The details of how they met are somewhat fuzzy, but they rode all the way home with us, at least 7 hours or so. I'm sure my dad was happy to have the extra passengers to talk with, because once we arrived home in Orange County, he continued to keep them awake, projecting his collection of slides gathered from adventures in Hawaii accompanied by his usual detailed verbal descriptions. One hitchhiker, a young artist named Felicia, sat patiently with me, coloring in my coloring books during the long night and sharing her set of oil pastels with me, which she let me keep. When my dad reported to work that next morning, my mom drove our two guests to the freeway on ramp, where they waited for their next ride to San Diego.
Many years later, I have to laugh at the difference in attitudes towards hippies and hitchhikers, while hoping the two friends made it safely to their destination. I wonder who was more unnerved by the whole experience, my mom or the hitchhikers! And like I said, many of the details of this story have slowly faded, like my mom insisting they had a dog, and how I decided many years later that they relate to the word, paisley. But I'll always remember my parents' willingness to help a couple of travelers, a young artist named Felicia and how simple gestures of sharing inspired many pictures and quiet fascination with many things off the beaten path.

Linked, Illustration Friday

2010-04-12T22:11:00.000-07:00

What's marking the finish line at a dachshund race? Sausages, linked together, of course!
And the rules state: No cold cuts during this hot dog competition.
No matter who places first, every dog's a wiener!

Dip, Illustration Friday

2010-04-08T21:58:00.000-07:00

For those of us who wait to post our illustrations just hours before the word for the next week is posted, we have to really reach to come up with something to offer. I dip(ped) way down into the past, to a Saturday night ritual for many of us old enough to remember the days before curling irons and other modern conveniences.
After a bath, my mom applied Dippity -Do to my damp hair,
forcing me to sit patiently as she rolled sections up into pink rubber curlers. I learned to pray at an early age that my hair would dry before Sunday school, or else I'd have to endure another form of torture, the hair dryer. But that's another story...Or maybe another word for Illustration Friday!

Expired, Illustration Friday

2010-03-24T23:02:00.000-07:00

Expired treasures abandoned by ocean waves, seashells sit like beautiful castaways waiting to be discovered along the shore.

Subterranean, Illustration Friday

2010-03-18T21:43:00.000-07:00

A good portion of my life has been spent keeping such a low profile, I might as well have been living underground. So when Illustration Friday came up with the word "Subterranean," my thoughts naturally went places that I decided not to share with the world.
With my hands in the dirt and enjoying the sunshine this week, painting wasn't my first priority. Inspiration from ancient cave paintings kept me in balance.

Brave, Illustration Friday

2010-03-09T14:01:00.000-08:00

It's best to be brave, to step out of the comfort zone and confront one's fears head on. It's usually discovered later that the fear of the unknown was more frightening than what was actually out there.

Perspective, Illustration Friday

2010-03-04T13:14:00.001-08:00

Breaks in the clouds allow us opportunities to find silver linings.

Adrift, Illustration Friday

2010-02-16T09:59:00.001-08:00

I will make you brooches and toys for your delight
Of bird-song at morning and star-shine at night.
I will make a palace fit for you and me,
Of green days in forest and blue days at sea.

Excerpt from "Romance," by Robert Louis Stevenson

Muddy, Illustration Friday

2010-02-10T14:12:00.000-08:00

Muddy water, let stand, becomes clear. ~ Lao-tzu

From the depths of a muddy pond, the lotus blooms as a symbol of high spiritual aspirations. This week, my answer to Illustration Friday's challenge comes paired with two koi, symbolizing perseverance and strength.
The winter season can be a dark and dreary time. Here in southern California, heavy rains brought mud which carved destructive paths in areas that were recently plagued by fires. With spring approaching, the hillsides can look forward to being comforted with blankets of green velvet and healing with the next generation of wildflowers, as the skeletons of charred trees renew the life within their blackened trunks.

Focused, Illustration Friday

2010-02-04T14:02:00.001-08:00

Illustration Friday has posted great word challenges in the previous weeks, and the creative excuses not to meet them have been even greater in number! This week's word challenge came as I unearthed a letter from my mom, with her accompanying inspirational message in which she paraphrased Proverbs 3:21: "Have two goals: Wisdom, that is, knowing and doing right- and common sense. Don't let them slip away."
The next few verses assure us that when we remain focused, using good judgment, we can keep moving forward without fear of stumbling, that the road ahead will be safe.
This might be my clumsy attempt to wrangle three weeks' worth of words with one illustration, but this hikers are focused on the road ahead and enjoying the small patch of wilderness. Leave it to a mom to put it all in perspective! Happy trails!

Confined, Illustration Friday

2010-01-12T02:37:00.001-08:00

“Laughter is one of the very privileges of reason, being confined to the human species.” ~ Thomas Carlyle

Muffled, but hysterical laughter could be heard from behind the door to the room shared by these two sisters. Often, they retreated to the tiny space where they could continue to bust up despite negative pressure cast upon them from family members who didn't relate to their humor. Although others attempted to portray these two as monsters, they were basically a couple of good girls viewing life from slightly different angles, constrained by paths set for them through DNA and other social pressures. (And that was mainly youthful exuberance and each sister constantly egging each other on).
Thank you, Illustration Friday and Thomas Carlyle, for the note of validation and excuse! ; 0 )

Renewal, Illustration Friday

2010-01-07T16:56:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!
As traditions go, it's a time for renewal, which is an appropriate choice for the first Illustration Friday challenge.
May your cups be full with balanced blends for good health in mind, body and spirit as we enter the next decade!

Adding Color to "Entangle"

2009-12-08T22:22:00.000-08:00

By adding a little color to these pups and cutting them loose with a little more whipped cream, perhaps it will raise the mischief level a notch!

Entangle, Illustration Friday

2009-12-03T18:05:00.001-08:00

December brings an unexplained energy surge, but not usually until the week before the big holiday. Maybe it's due to the fact that some people are still emerging from under the mountain of Thanksgiving leftovers.
These pups are entangled in swirls of whipped cream, enjoying the sweet transition from one holiday to the next. With more than a day's worth of calories to burn, maybe I'll find the energy to finish this pencil sketch before next week's Illustration Friday post!

Music, Illustration Friday

2009-11-27T07:21:00.000-08:00

This being the day after Thanksgiving, I give thanks to Illustration Friday for not publishing today's word on time. Last Friday's topic had me digging through stacks of old pieces as the holiday approached. Meanwhile, time was impatiently tapping it's toe.
I took a break from the frantic pace, then it became clear to me that the hum of bees and other insects dancing through the garden were some of nature's most perfect music.
Ta-dah!

Unbalanced, Illustration Friday

2009-11-13T06:45:00.001-08:00

“The truth is balance. However the opposite of truth, which is unbalance, may not be a lie.” ~ Susan Sontag

Ask a Libra to interpret this, and you might find yourself waiting for a lo-o-o-ong time to get a response. So when Illustration Friday prompted with the word "Unbalanced," the concept was clear in my mind. However, the following Thursday evening was as early as my visual interpretation was going to be.

Keeping everything under control is a daily struggle, knowing that eventually, the bones will want to come out to play!

Blur, Illustration Friday

2009-11-11T22:46:00.001-08:00

“The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play.” ~ Arnold Toynbee

From Illustration Friday, this week's word embodied by this quote inspired some play time. No deadlines, no insane or evil bosses, just a pad of bristol board, some gouache, a little Hawaiian music and a sketch I stashed in my "to do" book sent me off to this zone.

Explaining to people that I draw pictures for a living has often been like an admission of guilt. I used to wonder when I'd find a real job.

For the moment, I have no worries.

Skinny, Illustration Friday

2009-11-04T22:13:00.000-08:00

Now that Halloween is past us, our good consciences start to remind (nag) us about healthier choices. Every year, the holiday arrives like a test of willpower, to see how prepared we'll be to handle the barrage of treats heading down the pike. Adding insult to injury, Illustration Friday beat 'em to it with this week's word, "Skinny."

Three more weeks until the next big test. C'mon, a skinny little french fry wouldn't hurt, would it?

Welcome, Illustration Friday

2009-09-17T07:48:00.000-07:00

Welcome to this week's posting for Illustration Friday!
Like little lambs that stray from the flock, a wayward person can generally return home to friends and family, knowing that he or she will be welcomed with open arms.
This little boy thought he could escape his troubles by trying a new life as a bird, but discovered the place he truly belonged!

Strong, Illustration Friday

2009-09-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

Only the strong survive. Sometimes people can be like old classic cars, a little worn on the outside, perhaps not functioning with all original parts, and made of stuff the newer models can only dream of. They didn't get to this point in time by coasting along and they certainly aren't ready to surrender easily, either.
To meet this week's challenge for Illustration Friday, an image of a matronly woman as a symbol of strength came to mind. She's been around for awhile, she's dealt with a fair amount of hardship and she's seriously going to meet her challenges head on!

Magnify, Illustration Friday

2009-09-03T17:16:00.001-07:00

Sad events, such as watching our loved ones leave us, can magnify the sensation of loneliness.

Caution, Illustration Friday

2009-08-24T18:33:00.001-07:00

Here in Southern California, the lifestyle is a little more casual than in some places. The warm climate calls upon us to participate in outdoor activities which require comfortable clothing. Among some beach goers, it's evident that quite a few live by the philosophy, "If the bikini fits, wear it."
A more modest approach might be taken by those who exercise caution in their fashion choices, but sometimes the probability of an extended beach season and the temptation of a late summer sale are too much to bear.

Impatience, Illustration Friday

2009-08-13T15:46:00.000-07:00

Good things come to those who wait. Patience is a virtue. How many other lessons in patience are we taught, to be satisfied with our deferred rewards for exercising restraint?
Then there are those who abide by the rules of impatience. First come, first served, the early bird gets the worm, or in this case, the fastest pup gets the pizza! While the rest of us obediently wait for our slice of the pie, we may ponder, what else of lasting value remains for the impatient when there's nothing left to grab?

Modify, Illustration Friday

2009-07-31T16:45:00.001-07:00

It would be necessary to modify one's sleeping arrangements to take up residence among the birds.
This illustration is a sample from "Bird Boy," a children's picture book written by P.J. Young, about a boy who dreamed of being a bird. It came to mind as Illustration Friday posted this week's word.
How often do we modify our appearances, aspirations and behavior, accommodating others' expectations to the detriment of our own internal compasses?