Holiday card design

Loved doing this little dog!

Busy Memorial Day!

A very busy day in the Newport Channel today! This is as close a I got. Just a beautiful day.

In the Stores!

It's been a while since I've signed in!  I've been busy trying to get Lulu's note cards and coasters out there.  They are now in a few stores in my area: 

A Fine Affair~Corona del Mar, CA
Shirley's Heart~Balboa Island, CA
Old Vintage Cottage~Seal Beach, CA

I'm so excited this has been with the help of my friend Rachele of Tresor Le Mer; http://www.tresorlemer.com/  and my new rep, Lydia Reza; http://vintagesusieandwings.blogspot.com/2011/06/vintage-marketplace-in-rainbow-ca.html

Cinco de Mayo

Happy Cinco de Mayo!  So far I'm just working on my website, photos, etc.  But it's finally a clear beautiful morning, love it!

Nesting Dove

This little dove has found its way into my patio, nesting in one of the vines. It is driving my little Jewel crazy but hopefully she will forget it's there!

New Coaster Designs

Okay, today was the nicest of the last few, just got out and it was way warmer than I even realized by the time I finally went out.  I didn't even need the sweatshirt.  I did however, come up with some new coaster designs.  Here are some samples, there are nineteen.  That makes about forty to choose from at this point!

Clear Day

Yesterday was still so windy but so clear. Took these pics while walking the dogs. The sailboat was booking down the channel. I saw some dolphins coming in. They aren't usually inside the channel. Maybe they wanted to get out of the rough water. I so wish I had a camera with a big lens! The house I took a photo of looks over the bay. It sits on its own triangular shaped block between my street and the next one over. I would love to have my own block!

Tonight

Pink clouds and wavy palms at my house tonight after the rain!

My job today

Today I went to work at my kids old elementary school, "Harbor View" such a beautiful day. The water looks so far away on the phone camera! There's also a really cute steeple in the foreground, the "Neighborhood Church", to the right of the pine branches, but also hard to see!

Okay, so kudos to getting my button on my blog, I have SBA from Blogging With Success to thank!

Ok,  I was trying so hard to create a button.  It totally messed up my blog!  Anyone who has any suggestions, let me know!

New Creations!

Wow! It's been a month since my last posting already!  I've been working on some new designs on burlap wall pieces as well as cork coasters.  Let me know what you think.  The coasters are available through me along with my note cards on Etsy:  www.etsy.com/shop/grdngirl.  Please email me for any jewelry you might see on my blog, none of the pieces are posted on Etsy at this time.

Jewelry display

Here is a delightful way to display my jewelry here at home. Any wood frame, take our backing and cover with burlap, them replace. Picture wire and small eye screws hold up the jewelry pieces. Make sure you check how much space you need between rows!

Great tropical display!

One bromeliad and two anthereum from your local greenhouse or market, one red clay pot, Spaniah moss! Love the pink, green and soft yellow of these flowers. Looks great in the house and out on my tropical patio (weather permitting!)

Wow!

Worked at Newport El today, one of only 2 on the sand in the nation (the other in Florida). Usually it's really great to be on the playground. Not today! Brrrr...

Jerome

I love pics of the puppies in a sitting up position, just cracks me up!

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Fun Plants

After taking courses in horticulture, Master Gardener's Program, working in nurseries and doing some landscape design, I have image files on many plants.  I am however getting a little rusty since I am not gardening as much (less land, money and time!)   Therefore I hope posting plants I find interesting will give me some motivation and maybe you too!


Botanical Name:Ligularia tussilaginea 'Gigantea'lig-yew-LAR-ee-ah sten-oh-SEF-ah-lah Common Name: Giant leopard plantSynonyms: Farfugium japonicum 'Giganteum'Genus:Ligularia

This evergreen foliage plant has large, rounded, leathery leaves and daisy-like yellow flowers. It looks great in the border or in containers.Noteworthy characteristics: This plant is similar to the species, except the leaves are larger. Parts of it are poisonous if ingested.Care: Provide partial shade and moist, well-drained, fertile soil.Propagation:
By division in spring or by seed.

Problems:
Slugs.

South Seas Plantation Style note cards-photo print from original oil

South Seas Plantation Style Note Cards

photo image of my art on 5 x 7 note cards

boxed set of 6 for $12.00

set of 12 for $20.00 plus $2.00 ship for either size

What's in a nose?

Today I pick my mom up from the plastic surgeon who is re-building my mom's nose.  This is the skin cancer that has now popped up on the opposite side. She has already been through numerous procedures on this nose of hers.  She never complains, just amazing to me.  This just reminds me to layer on the sunscreen and make-up.  This mom of mine probably was born with about the cutest nose ever.

 

A gorgeous spot looking over Big Corona

My Town

This is my town, Corona del Mar, California A town where I'm not sure I feel a part of any more.  Too much money for some, not enough to go around.  Changing scenes every day.  I drive by the coffee shops, boutiques and fine restaurants.  I barely ever see the inside of those places.  Instead I see the grocery store, the drug store, hardware store, the basics.  There was a time when I could go and have a meal, buy a cute outfit, go for a cup of coffee.  Not so much now.  My kids are flying the coop, I don't see the other parents, the kids friends, and fewer of my own friends.  I'm single, living in the rear place of my ex's home.  I make the best of it.  I've been fortunate.  But soon it is time to leave.  He's renting out the whole house when our son goes to college in the fall and going on an extended road trip.  I work, try to sell my art, but it never seems to be enough.  With the ex giving up, I will be looking for a new place and wondering where my son will stay when he visits.  If he visits...It is a new time in my life, but I'm not excited about it. I'm looking for motivation.

Background Image

Wow!  I really wanted to use one of my own photos for a background, but alas, none are the right size.  Too big or too small, my life story.   Anyway, I plan on sharing not only my beautiful scenic photos but my art as well, my illustrations and my jewelry, and maybe some other things thrown in for good measure!