Eat Drink and Live Happy!

Just returned from a restful week in Maui HI

American Gothic in Mesa, AZ

The American Gothic statue by sculptor J. Seward Johnson is on tour in downtown Mesa, AZ through July. I captured some great shots that I will turn into some cool altered photos for journaling.

Claudine Hellmuth Workshop

Sunday I had the pleasure of taking a Claudine Hellmuth class at Mystic Paper in downtown Mesa. It was a great turn out, with alot of happy ladies having a ball creating many background technics and finishing with various collage euphemera items.

Cracker Jax

We travel alot, so I thought I would share some of my favorite places with you. If you ever pass through Dekalb Illinois, you must stop at Cracker Jax! It is a delightful eclectic shop full of eye candy. I could walk around for "days in a daze" and still not see everything. It is a great place to pick gifts for all your friends or a treasure or two for yourself! The owners name is Lauren Woods, she is a creative delight. Their address is 118 North Third. http://crackerjaxshop.blogspot.com/

AllenDesigns Fan

I'm a fan of www.allendesigns.typepad.com if you haven't seen her product line check it out! I have a collection started of her cute little art blox and I just won one of her adorable banks! Thank you Michelle! Check out her awesome journal pages too, would love to take a journaling class with you at ArtUnraveled or Artfest someday!

This makes me smile...

"Art" by Andyradorfman

Vacation From My Vacation

I've been on vacation since April 17th. Visited relatives near Chicago. The highlight of that trip was camping with my son, daughter inlaw and granddaughter. They encouraged me to try rock climbing out in nature (not just the climbing gym) what an adventure! Makes me aware of just how much I am aging. It takes alot of flexibility that I just don't have anymore. I thank them for making me push my limits..."Do what you think you can't!" I also had a reunion with a special friend from my highschool days, it had been far too long. I realized in catching up with her that I had accomplished alot in 8 years. Each day seems to pass slowly, but looking back, the days just flash by. Live each day to the fullest! I flew back home to CA with my precious little 5 year old granddaughter Bailey. What a ball full of fun she is. We went to Disneyland for the 2nd year in a row. Last year it was fun to see her face the first time on things like rollercoasters and this year it was fun to see her excitement knowing what she was in for. Two inches taller and able to take in a few more frightening rides. She is a daredevil, she went on rollercoasters over and over again, however she was frightened of the Haunted House and Pirates of the Carribean. We were then joined by my parents from Illinois. We enjoyed the San Diego Zoo with them and wine country amoung other things. Many good meals and 10 lbs later everyone has gone home. It was a nice month that went by all to fast! I now need a vacation from my vacation...I am ready to make some art now, with lots of new inspiration and energy found.