I was so happy with how things turned out– loads of snacks (Strawberries! Champagne! Cookies from cutie bakestress Clara’s Cakes!), loads of glitter, and loads of love for our friends. We all hunkered down with glue, scissors, cut outs, fun paper, and anything else we could think of to make these Valentine’s. It was so much fun that we’ll definitely be doing this next year as well!

Here’s the gallery of Valentines! I love that as the afternoon progressed, the Valentines became progressively more weird and ominous!

Even though people usually associate February 14th with romantic love, our intention was to own Valentine’s Day– there ain’t nothing better than a little love for the people that make things easier and more brilliant in our lives.

Big thanks to Dyana, Ana, Cassie, and Jenn for coming out and celebrating with me. I’m still shaking glitter out of my hair! xoxo

P.S. Big ups to Jenn for taking these pictures. She’s so good!

On Saturday, Ben and I went to no less than 5 thrift stores. HEAVEN for me, but a rare event for the both of us to trek through! He’s the one who really scored: he found a suit that fit perfectly!

I clipped on the bow myself– it’s something like Coronal Saunders would have worn!

I’ve been wearing my Locketship necklaces like nobody’s business! I think this one might be the funniest in the collection. Who can resist floating outer space kitties?!

Don’t let my dour expression fool you. I absolutely love these tights! The neutral beige goes with everything!

Dress: Cooperative, via Out of The Closet in Atwater Village, $8.00

Tights: Forever 21, $6.99

Booties: Sam Edelman via Zappos, $199

Necklace: Locketship, gift

Bow: I can’t remember, it’s been so long!

Gomez: “The connection between Goth girls and Chola girls was very interesting to me.“

I met Ramiro Gomez a few months ago at an art show in downtown Los Angeles. Here is one thing I must tell you about shows in L.A.– it doesn’t matter if you are listening to music or looking at art, but people aren’t usually friendly. They’re nice, but they won’t typically come up to you, introduce themselves, smile, and then actually proceed to listen and converse about something.

Unless they’re a rare bird. Unless they’re Ramiro.

I remember him distinctly, because his candor was disarming. He smiled while he spoke, and leaned in to listen. He has a knack for making people feel like they’ve known him forever. After what was probably only a few minutes, I wanted to grab him by the arm and go get an ice cream. Instead, we talked about artists we liked. We exchanged information. And I mooned over his work. It’s clever, it’s funny, and it’s informed in such a specific, delicate way–truly irresistible.

When Ramiro phoned me a few days ago to invite me to his show, I knew I had to interview him for the blog. Here, now, is what we talked about.

How did you start working with Chola imagery? What drew you to it, and why do you stay with it?

You’ve said that you gravitate more toward composing Cholas than Cholos. When did you start picking up on that specific attraction, and what did you decide it was about?

What is your relationship with Cholas, and how has it grown and changed since starting your study with this particular content?

You put together this show specifically for Pherspace in Echo Park. What is it about this area that correlates with your content?

You’ve described yourself as an observer. Where do you go for inspiration in Los Angeles, and why those places?

Are there other artists in L.A. that inspire you? Who and why?

 You’re also really involved with music. Can you talk about how your day job relates to the content you put out with this collection of pieces?

What can we expect at this show?

Sometimes I need a little reminder of my roots, you know? Once upon a time, I was a really cool kid, doing stuff, making things, believing in my own power. Sometimes I forget that she’s still there, just as strong and amazing. I outta bring her out more!

xoxo

Classic: When January started, I signed up for a gym.

It’s not what you think though. Well, only kinda. The first week of the new year, I received an email notifying me that David Barton was opening up a gym in Los Angeles. DAVID. BARTON. It’s not so much the name as the image that this entity conjures up. I had done various Google image searches on the gym about a year ago because their design is so notorious (go ahead and do the same–I’ll be here!) and wondered why they hadn’t already planted in L.A. Picture low lights, dj’s while you use the treadmill, a plethora of classes, and…ART EVERYWHERE.

It’s no joke– parts of the place are adorned with hand painted wallpaper. You’ll see themed lounge areas. The locker room is meant to magically whisk away body odor (maybes!). Their ads alone appeal to the aesthetically interesting–and not necessarily to the aesthetically perfect.

Did I mention that they were waiving their normally $200+ start up fee because their doing a fierce remodel? Ok, I’ll bite.

It’s been two weeks. I will tell you right here and right now, I am not a gym girl. It takes LOADS of motivation to get into my vehicle and drive there. But I’ll also be the first to tell you that I need to work out, otherwise I’d be lumpy in front of a table drawing Drew Barrymore. Actually, that’s where I started from two weeks ago.

Ahem. I’m no spring chicken anymore– who is, really?– but I’m still somehow springy enough to want to maintain and enhance the attributes I have. Last time I lost 50 pounds, it was all on Weight Watchers and I didn’t exercise a lick. This time, that half-assness ain’t gonna cut it. I knew I was gonna have to get gnarly with actual, real, live work outs. With, like, sweat.

For real, I’m seeing progress. Here’s the trick though, for a total gym newbie like me: I had to hire a trainer. Yeah, someone to sit by my thunderchunky ass and tell me not to give up, to track my progress on each exercise week to week, and to put together a vegan meal plan. I meet with her twice a week and she’s awesome: we actually laugh as we go through the workouts, when I’m not huffing and puffing, red faced and thinking I might just DIE.

*I won’t die. In fact, I have to be getting stronger, right?!

Two weeks, and I’ve totally lost weight. What in the what?! I’m also sleeping better and it’s easier for me to wake up early in the morning. It’s so great how working out can affect you for the better, and not just in how your clothes are fitting (not that I’m not down with that. I have things in my closet I totally want to slip into by summer, now that we live near the beach.).

I’ve put together a smattering of notes to track my new weight loss adventure in my Filofax: my weigh in on Monday mornings, women who inspire me and their attributes that attract me, grocery lists for all of the juicing I’ve started to do, activity dates that mask exercise (might I finally try hooping?!). I’d love to get to my goal weight by May, and there isn’t going to be a thing to stand in my way!

What keeps you on track?

Do you have a cereal bowl that works as a motivational talisman while you are eating? Did you create a similar goal for yourself at the start of the new year? What’s your favorite healthy recipe? I want to know it all! Let’s kick ass together!

P.S. If anyone knows who took these amazing photos of teenage Drew B., lemme know please, so I can credit properly! They are pretty much my favorite. <3

A few weeks ago, I received something in the mail that made me infinitely excited– a custom flower headband from dear LouLou!

I’ve mentioned Loulou on the blog before; she’s the gal who makes gorgeous underwear. And collars. And flowered headbands. Since Spring is coming soon (I adore Spring! Longer days, blooms, and more iced tea!), I opted to get a headband. I told Loulou to do whatever she wanted, and left her with my favorite colors. Needless to say, the anticipation of having something coming to me that was a surprise made overwhelmed with giddiness!

I couldn’t have been happier when it arrived! It’s totally gorgeous and it’ll go magically with, well, everything! I wouldn’t mind in the future purchasing some underwear to go with the headband.

Loulou just released a new design, and it’s up for purchase on the website. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, no?

I wanted to be sure to show you the adorable packaging it came in. So sweet!

xoxo

Holy moly! Can’t think of the last time I did an outfit post! Part of my goal list was to try to be more consistent on the blog, at least with the What I Wore topic. I mean, I wear clothes every day! Pull it together, Aurora!

In case it isn’t obvious, I absolutely ADORE this Cat Flag shirt! I am not a t-shirt person, but I can’t resist this cat/Black Flag (still a total Henry Rollins fangirl) print. I laugh pretty much every time I look at it. And even better, I got it on the Coco De Coeur website–that’s one of Audrey Kitching‘s companies, and you know how I like to support clever female entrepenaurs– on major sale. Redonk, right?

Lipstick is, of course, from my dear sweetie, Doe Deere at Lime Crime. 2011 was the year of buying informed: if it wasn’t from a thrift or reuse store, it was from someone who had their own business. It feels so good to tell people, “My friend made this lipstick!” Basically, my friends are badasses.

These shoes are still my jam!

This outfit is probably the closest I will ever get to “grunge”. In the early ’90′s, I was a mere 13 years old, and I shoulda been neck deep in flannel and beanies. Instead, I ganked all of my mother’s ’60′s mini’s and wore clean white tights. This skirt is nothing like flannel, nothing like a traditional wool, nothing like a kilt or a uniform. Surprise! It’s actually a too-big dress that I just hiked down to my hips. It’s lightweight and the colors are cool and fun.

Skirt/dress: Mossimo, via Goodwill in Visalia, $3

Shirt: Coco De Coeur, on sale!!! I think it was around $29

Shoes: Forever 21, gift

Earrings: Lightning bolt, $2. Rhinestone heart, $4.99. Both Forever 21

Lipstick: Centrifuscha from Lime Crime Makeup

Hair is courtesy of the magnificent Tanya Ramirez. Tanya’s off in Europe, blessing her skills on folks overseas. Lucky them!

I spent last night out in the desert–in tranquil Yucca Valley– two hours from our Los Angeles home. There were no cars flying by, no right-around-the-corner coffee.

There was no place I’d rather be for the new year.

New Years Eve is my favorite holiday. It’s something I get incredibly excited about–not the idea of starting over, but the chance to do better. For the past two weeks I’ve been writing out my goals for 2012 (I don’t do resolutions because like everyone else, I never get those done). Last night was the final culmination in cementing those goals.

I committed them to paper and popped them into the first half of my Filofax, so that they are the first things that greet me when I open it each day. I have two sets this year: Personal Goals and Professional Goals.

The house we stayed at is owned by old friends of Ben’s. They graciously invited some friends over and we had a big, lovely dinner. Our host threw on record after record and people danced, they blow horns, they laughed their asses off. I stayed near the fire in the backyard, watching the stars creep out over the mass of black sky. You just can’t see that in the city.

When midnight inched closer, Ben and I wrote down on tiny strips of paper what we wanted to leave behind in 2011, and what we wanted to manifest for 2012. We threw them into the fire, held hands, and watched each one crumble into itself and become ash.

This morning, I was surprised to wake up and feel incredibly clear headed. My brain was like crystal. I grabbed my Filofax and mapped out a plan of action for each of my goals: the whens and hows to getting each one to fruition. I put each action under a date. My friend Alex once said that her key to getting things done was to limit her daily tasks to three things, and so that’s what I’m abiding by.

I’ve spent most of the day recalling this past year. It’s been a doozy, to be honest: my first year of self-employment was incredibly eye opening and rewarding; the greatest professional learning curve of my life (another post to come?). I’ve made a friends with women who constantly inspire me with their cleverness and determination.  I ended up taking a job with a company (surprise!) that actually values my skills and experience. 2011 kinda blew my mind.

If this is what visualization, positive thinking, and manifestation can do, I am STOKED to see what will happen in 2012! I know that there will be curve balls sent my way, but I like knowing that I have power over my limiting beliefs– that there is a certain amount of my life that I have complete control and responsibility over, and that is so comforting. That’s why it brings me such pleasure to write things down, to put visual reminders everywhere (this year, I’m putting affirmations on my mirrors, in addition to my goals, action plans, and inspiration boards in our living room. P.S. Can we change “living room” to “loving room”? I mean, really.)

Here’s what I’ve been reading these past two weeks. These posts have given me countless ideas and inspiration. Maybe they’ll do the same for you.

*A Beautiful Mess: The Planning Process and Why I Love It

*Unicorns for Socialism: A Year’s Worth of Wisdom…From My Momma

*Marc and Angel Hack Life: 30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself

*Jessica Mullen: 12 Ways to Love Where You Are Right Now

*Gala Darling: 1o Fantastic Ways to Get Ready for 2012!

xo

My mom told me something when I was very young that stuck.

“If you’re feeling down about yourself, it can help to do something kind for someone else.”

As cliche as it might be, that statement stops me in my tracks every time. It’s a total game-changer, forcing you to get out of your head and do something actionable. Think about the power in that! It puts you back in control when you feel desperately out of it. All of the sudden, you’re moving and thinking and being fierce!

I am not trying to trivialize the malaise that generally creeps up upon us during the holidays. December is always stressful–particularly the gift-giving aspect, if you’re that sort. And most of us are. After all, who doesn’t like to look forward to receiving things?

What I’d like to propose is an alternative to the typical way of thinking about the holidays, as inspired by my late mother. Not many of you met her, but those who did I’m sure instantly got a sense of her sincere nature. She was the sort who took notes on conversations (no joke–she kept them in her purse!). If you said you had forgotten to purchase basil at the store, there would be a bag of it on your desk in the morning. She would give my friends rides to the bus stop, just cuz. She’d bring a surprise cake to you or hold your hand while you were hurting. My mom always had a smile for you because you needed it–not necessarily because she was happy.

This post is not meant to wax about my dead mother. I just want you to see that these types of selfless people totally exist, and we can learn so, so much from them! What really gets me down is factual crap, stuff that nobody would argue just plain flat out fucking sucks. What I’ve learned to do is spin it around, in order to just get through my day. Only by making things positive do I give myself a chance to regain control.

For instance: It fucking sucks that my mother died young.

Turning it around: I’m so blessed that I got to spend 26 years with the most inspiring woman, and get to call her my mom.

These turnarounds have been key to my thinking, especially while trying to compose this post about gift giving. There are plenty of things that blow–like, really, REALLY blow. I want everyone to harness, caress, and really KNOW the power they have in shitty situations. Turn it around!

Which brings me to my mother’s lesson. Lately I’ve been honored to have some friends confide in me that they are going through some dark times. I would never tell anyone, “oh, it’ll pass” or “it’s not so bad”… because sometimes, it really is so bad.

What follows is a lovingly composed essay about what I do to survive the holidays. I hope it can somehow help you cope, too. I would be happy to have any feedback regarding these ideas.

Do not give gifts out of obligation. It’s wasteful–wasteful of your money, and yours and the recipients time. If you must, a card will suffice, perhaps with an offer to grab coffee sometime so that you can get to know the person better.

Give consciously– in as many regards as possible, to those on your gifting list. Your gift selection has the opportunity to be powerful. You do not and should not necessarily give a gift that is on the recipients wishlist– a Nintendo thingybob might make a 15 year old girl happy, but how stoked would she be in the long run if you gifted her with a genius, older, wiser, cuter, older sister type? Think sweetly. Think carefully. If you care enough to have this person on your list, you probably know them fairly well. Make something for them. Purchase carefully from a friend or acquaintance that makes handcrafted items (if you must, use Etsy, but so many people have businesses that you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding them within your circle).

Give of yourself, without expectation. This is so simple, and often my go-to when I am feeling down. So often, people expect to have to give money when they hear “donate” during the holidays. Don’t get scared! Not everyone wants your dinero, and you totally have the chance to offer up on your own terms!

Here are some examples and ideas from my own little life:

When my brothers and I were young, our family was poor. We regularly didn’t have a Christmas tree, or presents (we did have stockings, which my mother festively filled with oranges, apples, nuts, and one candy cane each– she was very concerned about the health of our teeth!). One year, the evening after classes had let out, we were all driving past the school and saw one of the pine trees from one of the classrooms sticking out of the dumpster! GOLD! We pulled over, yanked the tree out, and set that sucker up at home. We didn’t give a fig about not having presents under it– instead, we pulled out all of our construction paper, magazines, markers, and got busy adorning the tree, making garlands by gluing together peices of colored paper and putting a Barbie doll on top, as an angel. We were SO HAPPY! Finally, a tree! What I am trying to tell you is that there are opportunities all around! HOW FLIPPING RAD would it be if you did some research on your co-workers, or church members, or classmates, and picked up an extra tree for someone who wanted it for their family? HOW FLIPPING RAD would it be if you came over and set it up for them, and then set up a decorating party? That would be amazing! YOU WOULD BE AMAZING.

How many ways can you be simple and  thoughtful? Can you get out of your comfort zone, and not think about what others might think? Can your only expectation be sheer joy–their joy…not yours?

It’s been done to death, but what about volunteering around the holidays? Try not to do the day of–typically, those days are the most filled with volunteers. If you have the chance, pick a more random day to come in and help out some place that needs it. the beauty of this is that you can really play to your talents. There’s always the soup kitchen–since I love to cook, I’ll be there when I’m visiting family in Orlando. Invite friends or family to come with you–but still go, if they decide not to take you up on your activity. Love to act? Offer to read books with kids or seniors! Are you a whip-smart seamstress? I’ll bet there’s someplace somewhere that needs some mending. Think about what you love. Think about who needs it. Then call somewhere and tell them you wanna help. Go through Google and type in your city, and homeless shelters, senior centers, daycares, or Big Brother/Big Sister. Use your badassery!

What do you have that you don’t need? What do you have that can help someone else out? I cleaned out my closet last night, and a lot of items I was just totally over…even though they are still in great condition and cute. Really cute. So cute that friends had mentioned that they were cute. Hmmm. I put up a little note on Facebook this morning saying that I was cleaning and would any ladies size 8-12 like some holiday surprises in their mailboxes? I asked them to send over their dress size and their address, and off these items will be shipped, to women that mean something to me and will appreciate them.

I know that some people think it’s gauche to gift things that have been used, but I think it’s even more gauche to buy new things because of a feeling of obligation! If the present is perfect, and it happens to be used, isn’t the recipient still going to cry tears of perfect joy?

This year, I had a little extra money in my account from commissions, so I asked my friends on Facebook if they had a bad ass teenage girl around them that would be a good recipient for a gift. Of course, my friends had a few, and I selected one that was the perfect fit for the gift I had in mind. I feel REALLY good knowing that I’m in the position to do this for someone I don’t know– someone smart and full of potential who’s gonna just soak it up!

I urge you to, if you are feeling down, please be actionable. I cannot promise quick changes in mood. I cannot promise a thank you from someone else. I can only promise that decisive action will get you out of your head while you are busy. It might give you a rush. It might infuse you with power. Fudge. Isn’t that enough?

And one more thing: please remember that gifts are kind– no matter what it is, a gift is a benevolent gesture that says something about the RELATIONSHIP between two people–really, that one person cares for the other. That’s all, pure and simple. And I’m not talking about the gift being indicator of how well the person knows you–really, who cares about that trite shit? A gift is a sweet offering. It is always, always the right thing to do to accept a gift gracefully and with sincere appreciation. If you don’t like it, tough cookies! Seriously. Re-gift, exchange it, or keep your mouth shut. I can’t see many situations (maybe there’s a few? Like three?) where it would be ok to say a particular gift doesn’t cut it.

Here are some fantastic ideas for original gifts. I either know these people, or they inspire me, and so I feel 100 percent confident using their products as gifts. I love them dearly, and I hope you will too:

Agent Lover- Your sassy aunt totally needs a Cake Hat. Pink, please.

Tanya Ramirez- Your teenage cousin is finally allowed to dye her hair purple. Tanya is the lady to make it happen!

Lime Crime- Choose one for the office (Glamour 101) and one for the evening (Airborn Unicorn). Trade with your best friend.

Kim Burly- Your nephews and nieces are coooold! And they love food. Commission a fruit or veggie hat (remember my dear pumpkin one?) and watch them nerd out.

Jenn Emerling- Your best friend is getting married, and you want her to remember the day in magical views forever. I cannot think of a better wedding gift.

Dyana Valentine- Your coworker goes on and on about what she’d love to be doing with her time, but she just can’t make it happen. Gift her a package with Dyana, and watch her world change! Dyana is the great motivator that shaped my commission business. She. Will. Blow. Your. Mind.

Taryn Hipp- Your punk rock little brother needs zines. Stat. Otherwise he’s gonna re-read the “emo” article on Wikipedia.

Miss Tayva- HANDMADE GLITTER BANGLES! Who wouldn’t love these?! Order different colors for different people. Retro, classy, and so so fun.

Mr. Ryan- Mr. Ryan’s Recycled Music is kind of genius. Music classes for your children using recycled “instruments”. LOVE IT.

Lou Lou- Collars, for your mother!  Underwear, for your hot girlfriend!

Alexandra Franzen- Your uncle just quit his job and is grasping at the words to say what he needs to and get his vision out into the world. Alex has those words–and the gentle nudging to get him moving. Alex has been a major force in this past year of my life. She will be a major force in your uncle’s too. BOOK NOW.

Gala Darling- Love and Sequins should have been around when I was 15. Instead, it’ll be great for every teen and 20-something woman on your list. Inspiring. Lovely. And just enough of a challenge.

Clara’s Cakes- Some people just need food. Sweet food. Order some from Clara. All of her treats are vegan, and she doesn’t mess around. Chocolate peanut butter gobs! Neopolitan cupcakes! And Clara’s only 15! I LOVE TEENAGE BADASSES!

Plant Food For People- Grandma wants tamales. Have you ever made tamales? Such a task! Order some from PFFP instead, and bask in the deliciousness. These tamales come in a few different varieties, and are vegan, but you’ll never be able to tell because they taste melt-in-your-mouth amazing.

Molly Crabapple- Keep hope alive with any friend who’s involved with change. Molly does beautiful portraits and illustrations. Grab one of her prints and watch your friend frame and hang it proudly.

When in doubt, buy gently used books from users on Amazon. Books are amazing. Books will never do you wrong. xoxo

We didn’t take too many pictures–you can check out some goodies at LA Weekly. I was so impressed by all the work that Maria and her team put into the event, because it was epic! Little booths for each Locketship collection, pop-up shops galore (my faves were my dearies at Lime Crime and Tokyolux) and singing mermaid sensation, Traci Hines. Not much that is cuter than this stuff!

Aw! Totally loved seeing Traci, and meeting up with Cassie and Doe. Candy colored hair wasn’t a requirement, but if you have that sort of hair, you would’ve fit in perfectly!

There were some awesome pieces at the show– and they’re all for sale at the Locketship site! I had an absolute blast meeting people and scoping out what everyone else had made… so many fantastic ideas and products! xoxo

When I found out that my dear, darling Jonathan Richman was going to be playing the Cellar Door in Visalia, I couldn’t contain my excitement! It’s one thing for Mr. Richman to play in L.A.– he does that frequently enough. But Visalia. VISALIA! It’s certainly a testament to Sound N Vision Foundation that they’re booking a friggin’ legend! I love, love, love that Aaron is such a determined visionary. In the valley, things like this are very much a labor of love, and he makes it happen, over and over again.

For the past two days, I’ve been pretty much on cloud nine, tucked away in my corner with paints and papers, creating this flier for the show. I’ve been doing posters with Sound N Vision for a looong time, and it’s been an amazing experience. From the beginning, I’ve made lists of the people I’d wanna do a poster for. Pie in the sky dreams, right?  But here I am, posting a flier for Jonathan RICHMAN, on my little ol’ blog. It’s enough to make a lady nerd out. Just try smacking the smile off my face!

I’m not gonna post the rest of my list (lest I jinx myself!), but I wanna tell you not to give up and not to stop dreaming big. They do come true, friends. xoxo

*I’m wearing Lime Crime’s Glamour 101 on my lips, from their Lip Noir collection. I used to carry their saturated orange with me all the time, but with the season changing, it’s been replaced by this deep raisin red. I can’t get enough! It reminds me of Courtney Love and all the best things about junior high–which was really only hanging out with my bff, Crystal, and planning the band we would someday form. Anyhow, check them out. Lime Crime makes me very happy.

Just a little update on a life change.

While it has always been a dream to run my own business (one which I have realized in the past year), it has markedly been a challenge.

Full disclosure: when I finished up college with my fine arts degree in 2004 in Fresno, I figured I’d be sentenced to a life of office jobs, since artists “don’t make money”. After years of sitting at a computer, entering mindless information and letting my 15 minute breaks be my salvation, I was holding in general “fuck yous” that should have been aimed at myself.

The truth was that I had sentenced myself to an office fate, by not having confidence and seeking opportunities to do what I really wanted– run my own portrait and illustration business.  I made excuses– I didn’t have the capital to get started, I didn’t have clientele, I didn’t know how to do my taxes– but the truth is, I didn’t want to fail at what I really wanted to do.

Needless to say, this past year has been an amazing. Once I gave myself the chance to really immerse myself in my work– and by that, I mean fully committing to do whatever I needed to do in order to feel successful (and nailing down what exactly it meant to be “successful” in my world)– things started to come together. I started to see networking as more than selling myself. I started to realize how humbling and honorable it is to be selected to draw someone’s vision. I started to see that there was opportunity in everything I dealt with. And in those realizations, I began to understand that I was, in fact, finally living my dream. There isn’t much better feeling than earning money doing something you love.

So after all of the heart ache, all of the labor, all of the lovin’, I’m changing it up after a year of exclusively dating my work. I’ll now be dating the big time– someone new who can use my painting and glitterblasting skills to their full extent. Needless to say, I’m excited. You see, despite my exclusivity, I told myself I’d be open to whatever might come my way if it was art minded– and not in an office. Check, and check.

So what does this mean to you, dear ones? My priorities will be on this new relationship–if you’ve put in orders with me before this post, they will, of course, lovingly be honored. But, at least for awhile, portrait commissions will be granted on a very limited basis. I’ll be doing some major housekeeping here as well, in the form of limited Etsy listings. I anticipate less posting, at least while I adjust to my new love (you know, figuring out who sleeps on which side of the bed; weather it’s ok to share toothbrushes when you are in a hurry in the morning).

Bottom line, I am majorly, enormously excited about this change in career and life! “Stoked” is not enough of a word to describe how I feel. If this last year has taught me anything, it’s that doing something you infinitely believe in will open your world in ways you never thought possible–the trick is to not deny their existence and not be afraid to embrace the story you don’t yet know!

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress. ” — Frederick Douglass

I thank you, once, twice, a million times for the love and support you have shown me in the past year. And thank you for being patient in advance, while I settle into this new, beautiful relationship.

I anticipate and embrace only glorious, fantastic challenges and opportunities. I hope you do, too.

I couldn’t have been happier to receive this commission from my good friend Kim. She wanted a portrait for her mother’s birthday this month, and I was thrilled to oblige. Kim’s entire family is near and dear to me. During the time I lived in Fresno, they were an endless fountain of support and love, and I feel like I got to know them pretty well. They even hosted an engagement party for Ben and I, and I’m Kim’s son’s godmother. We’re all so grown up now!

Kim wanted the portrait to focus on the relationship between her mother and her children, Cary and Mollie. She told me this adorable story:

“My mom sends Cary and Mollie greeting cards every month just to say she loves them and they hold onto them for weeks and pretend they’re books.  They even sleep with them in their hands.  I have no clue if that’s helpful, but it’s my favorite thing about how my mom interacts with them.  It’s such a simple gesture and only costs a postage stamp and they go nuts over it. “

I had too much fun drawing those kidlets and that screech owl (usually, when it comes to animals, I draw a ton of cats and rats. This was a new animal to add to my arsenal!).

Happy birthday, Carol! Love, love, love to you! xoxo