Believe it...or NOT.

Testing...1..2...Testing...1...2...

Is anyone out there?

LOL!

How are you? I hope you are doing well=0) I've been splashing around in my watercolors, but haven't had much time to write about it=0/

Sorry 'bout that!

I have been thinking...about summer. She's right around the corner. I've noticed that as I get older...time moves at such a rapid pace. I'M EXHAUSTED=0) How does this happen? It was just Winter and the eggnog was flowing around here. Oh well...

What have you been up to? I've been painting a lot and reading a lot. I've also been cleaning up after little fingers, but before you know it...BOOM. They'll be all grown up. Off to somewhere...that's what I hear from my friends with an empty nest. So...back to summer. I'm thinking we should go somewhere tropical and run around a bit. Dip our toes somewhere and chill for a bit. Eat a bunch of smores and have some more until we can't take it anymore.=0) My son thinks we should drive across the whole country in a zig zag formation. Stopping at every Six Flags in sight. He's a dreamer like me...so lets DREAM. I think we should go somewhere tropical. Just sit around! I'm getting old...need to rest my joints=0P I'll need a hip replacement before I know it! 

LOL! My daughter thinks we should go to Disney....something...anything! I've noticed that my ears are more like satellite dishes these day. How did everything get so...LOUD. I feel like the grandma in Sixteen Candles. Complaining the phone ringing too late at night. So, somewhere quiet is what I'm thinking. If we snorkle...now that's super quiet=0)

What plans do you have? Anything in Nantucket? Carribean? I'd love a suggestion!

Have a great day!

XOXO,

Carol

My other job....

X-Lets just drive all the way to New Jersey. There's a Six Flags there.

Me-We should fly to New York...then get a rental car.

X-Yeah...we will get our moneys worth for our season pass.

Me-True, but it's so humid there.

X-It's going to be fun!

Me-Yep, but I can't go on the roller coasters. Dad's your go-to person for that.

X-I think I almost have J's vote for the trip. Can I count on your vote.

Me-Uumm...not just yet. I'm still dreaming about what I want to do. 

X-Ugggg....

Me-It's going to be fun either way. Trust me=0)

X-Ugggg(eye rolls)

Sweets with your sweets

HOLA.

I hope that you are all having a great day.

It's April fools day, but I have no tricks up my sleeve today...darn.

Instead...I have a new watercolor that I've been working on. I was on Pinterest and I saw the cutest little bakery cart/car. I knew that I had to paint it. I mean...who doesn't like baked goods? I used Canson paper and Sennelier paints. The paper is cold pressed, so you can see it has a bumpy texture to it. I love this look, but some people do not. You can always pick something hot pressed, so it's smooth. I like to use all types, but it can make things challenging to control. Experiment=have fun with it. This watercolor took me a few days. I like to take breaks away from what ever I'm working on, so I can see it differently every time. Sometimes when you stare at it too long you miss the details. 

It also gives you time to have a lot of fun in your sketch book. I love to go back and forth. You can imagine how many flowers and butterflies are in my sketch book=0)

I CAN'T HELP IT.

I hope you go enjoy a croissant outside today.

They are ZERO calories today.

APRIL FOOL'S DAY=0P

xoxo,

Carol

My other job....

Me-It's Spring break. What do you want to do today?

X-Uhhhh....something fun. VIDEO GAMES.

Me- O  U  T  S  I  D  E

X-Don't make me go to Balboa Park again...PLEASE.

Me-Hahahaha...wanna just get in the car and see what we bump into?

X-That is just WAY too dangerous.

A little twinkle...

I have a little story to tell. It has a lot of things that girls like. Sparkle...accessories/jewelry...

and a butterfly=0) About twenty years ago I was walking around Nordstrom. I couldn't afford anything too fancy, but I loved just looking around. I worked in the mall, so it was super fun to listen to the piano player during my lunch hour. Yes...they had a piano player=0)

So one day I was looking around and a sparkle caught my eye. There were TONS of gorgeous butterfly hair clips/bobby pins on display. I thought I was going to die. The colors were just SOOO

beautiful and I had to have one. I wanted them all, but I could barely afford one. I ended up picking a gorgeous red butterfly clip by Tarina Tarantino and boy did I wear that hair clip. Even after all these years it still looks beautiful and I love to attach it to sweaters and sometimes in my hair. SO, the other day my daughter was looking at it and asking me where I got it and could she have it. I'm not so sure she wouldn't lose it in 2.5 seconds =0/ So, I thought I could just paint one for her room. And she seems to be happy with being able to look at it all the time. A little twinkle goes a long way around my house=0)

Have a great day,

Carol

My other job...

J-Ohhhhh....mama this is so pretty.

Me-Yes, it's beautiful.

J-Can I wear it in my hair?

Me-Not yet honey. Maybe when you are older. I don't think I'd be able to find another one.

J-awwww....okay=0(

Me-One day I promise to give it to you, so don't worry. How about I paint one for your room?

J-OH...oh...that's a good idea. 

Me-GREAT.

J-Please do it right now. Can I watch?

Me-I have too much stuff to do right now, but I'll start soon.

J-awwwww. Don't forget mama. Don't paint other fashion stuff. Do mine first.

Me-I will honey.

J-PINKY PROMISE....please.

Happy LOVEY DAY

"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better...~Dr. Seuss

Love GRANDE

Love is in the air.

I have been getting all my goodies in delivery position. All the glitter heart stickers have been added to large bars of chocolate=0)

 I LOVE VALENTINE'S DAY.

I love the flowers everywhere and the excuse to give everyone chocolate LOVE and you won't get the..."I can't".

OHHHH.... we can and we will this 14th.

Use up ALL those hearts. Throw them in the air...whatever=0P

XOXO,

Carol

My other job....

Me-I've got a lot of stuff planned for Valentine's Day.

X-Ummm....what day is that on exactly.

Me-The 14th is on a Friday.

X-That's pizza night.

Me-Pizza is cancelled. How about something like....KING crab legs, red potatoes AND chocolate fondue.

X-I guess that will be okay.

1...2..3...MOVE

Happy Friday=0)

Friends are a big part of my universe...if you haven't noticed. LOL.

You know all those inside jokes and just giving each other THE LOOK.

This week I was in bed and I woke up about four in the morning.

Boooo.

Anyways, this crazy memory popped into my head.

I burst out laughing!

My husband asked me if I was ok. LOL. I told him the crazy memory of one of my great friends that tickled a co-worker. Let me rewind a little. It was halloween and we were dressed up as hula girls. Our co-worker couldn't even look at us. He was not use to seeing girls with coconuts on. LOL.

SO....the funny part is that my friend tickled his sides and BOTH his knee caps crashed into the counter he was writing at. OMG...we all died laughing. He had to run outside because he couldn't control the laughter. So, that's what made me burst out laughing in the middle of the night. So crazy!

I then just started thinking about how many funny things we do at weddings...parties....etc.

This watercolor reminds me of all the crazy. LOL.

You can relate...right?

Have a great weekend,

Carol

My other job...

X-I don't feel so good.

Me-Oh no...you feel really hot. Lets go home and straight to bed.

X-This means I can't play minecraft today.

Me-Just relax in the car and we will see how you feel after you sleep a little.

X-OH MY GOSH...I'M GONNA DIE.

Me-What? No...you're just sick.

X-DO I HAVE CANCER MAMA?

Me-Okay...please just relax and lets not talk on the way home. Please don't think you are going to die. You just feel really yucky and your fever is really high.

X-This means J is going to get all your kisses today...WaaaaHHHHHH.

Me-I'll give you double as soon as you are better. Now p l e a s e  just relax quietly.

X-PLEASE just take me straight to the EMERGENCY ROOM.

Chill OUT

HOLA.

I'm hoping you had a great week. 

I just finished a new watercolor. I started doing yoga a few months ago... and you know what?

I feel as cool as a cucumber now=0)

Sometimes stress can get the best of us. YEP...me too!

Yoga has   r  e  a  l  l  y  helped me feel calmer.

I don't know what it is about it, but I know it just works.

LOL.

So...if you haven't tried it before...GET ON THE BUS.

I promise you will smile a lot more=0)

NAMASTE

Carol

My other job....

Me-Would you please go to bed already.

X-This is the only time I have to read.

Me-Come on...you were reading a lot after school.

X-Other stuff.

Me-I'll take that flash light...thank you.

X-I spent $20.00 on a book that my own mama won't let me read.

Me-Pick a better time. Your body needs to rest now.

X-UGH. TWENTY whole dollars.

Me-Tomorrow you can read to me 30 minutes before bed time.

X-REALLY?

Me-Yes.

X-I am such a problem solver.
Me-?

Ice cream break...HAPPY

HOLA...

I got inspired...again=0)

Music does this to me. I hear something and then quickly need to paint it on paper. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Sxv-sUYtM

The song Happy by Pharrell made me think about a special moment with one of my greatest friends.

We went to NYC and decided to stop for an ice cream break.

We were so happy. It was just the two of us...being silly.

We need to do that again=0)

Hope this makes you wanna call up one of your friends.

SO good for the soul.

Have a great weekend,

Carol

My other job...

Me-You are off for FOUR days...YES.

X-What are we gonna do?

Me-I have no idea.

X-Unbelievable.

What's cook IN'

Happy New YEAR.

It's 2014...HOLY MOLY. How did we get here? LOL.

I'm wishing you all much LOVE and good health this year. I'm just barely recovering from all the holiday festivities and cooking...cooking...cooking. Usually I have two little helpers BUT, THEY'RE ON TO ME. Nobody wants to stick around for that long. HAhahahaa.

We were all so into FROZEN this year. The soundtrack is SO GOOD. Olaf the snowman stole my heart. The movie is SO wonderful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFatVn1hP3o

Disney really did an excellent job and I can not wait until it comes out in dvd. We have already gone FOUR TIMES. There goes my Louis Vuitton wish jar. HA and WAHhhhhh.

I was inspired by all the singing and cooking in the kitchen.

Have a great day,

Carol

My other job....

X-Mama are you teaching art class tomorrow?

Me-YUP.

X-You sound just like Olaf.

Me-YUP;oP

X-What are we going to work on in class?

Me-It's a surprise.

X-Lets do faces.

Me-Ohhhh....well...that will probably happen towards the end of the year.

X-Why?

Me-It's more advanced and I need to get some of the kids more comfortable. Or at least not be as nervous to try it.

X-Like who?

Me-That's my personal private business=0)

X-I'm your assistant, so you can tell me AND I don't go around telling peoples personal private business.

Me-I appreciate that, but I'm going to keep it to myself. Now lets sing In summer by OLAF.

X-Jazz hands too.

Me-YUP.

The RUSH...

HOLA!

How is it that it's almost Christmas?

Okay...so we have plenty of holiday cheer...

cookies...

eggnog...

candies...

decorations...

BUT...I haven't gone shopping yet. I KNOW...I've been trying to catch up with everything around here and still no shopping. I did try for like....40 minutes yesterday=0) It's just so hard when things are flying off the shelves. OH BOY.

Anyways, *fingers crossed* that I get it done by tomorrow. The little ones will be home after that and that's a WHOLE other conversation=0) LOL.

I have finished up all the gifts for our wonderful teachers. THAT'S GOOD. Yay!

I do know a lot of people who are already done with everything and are just sippin' and waitin'

THAT'S ME NEXT YEAR;oP

I just wanted to wish you all HAPPY HOLIDAYS.

Hope it's stress;o) FREE and just full of JOY.

XOXO,

Carol

My other job....

X-Make sure my list stays safe.

Me-I put it right here with TONs of tape.

X-I honestly don't think I'll get number 1-5, but I had to put it on my list.

Me-Really...you think #11 may be under the tree?

X-Well yeah... and the ninja mask.

Me-Hmmm....It will be interesting to see. I'm sure it can't be wrapped. Well...it would be tough.

X-Mama...it's an electric guitar...double necked.

Me- exactly....

X-What?

Me-Oh nothing...HOPE YOU GET IT=0P

En plein air

HOLA.

It's been too long=0/

Hope you have been well. I had the opportunity to do something different...YES different. Painting en plein air. What does that mean? It means I bought oil paints and painted outside. HA. It was pretty amazing. I never thought I could paint standing up, but it's very nice. How did this all happen?

Well...I was talking with a wonderful watercolor artist Cate Parr. I just LOVE her work. She mentioned an amazing artist named Eric Merrell. He was going to be having a three day workshop in Los Angeles and she told me I HAD TO GO. If she says I have to go...I HAVE TO GO. So, I packed up my stuff and she was kind enough to let me borrow her artist box and umbrella for the three days. YES...THREE DAYS. Just me and my art supplies=0) Lets just say it was AMAZING. I really enjoyed this master class and I met some really nice artists too. Here are a few photos of my trip.

Eric's studio.

Cobb Estate.

Watching him paint is inspiring.

I found a beautiful spot for day two. I was here for EIGHT hours.

On the last day he was helping me set up my sketch just right. He really is a great teacher. I'm always just so excited to start a new painting and this really taught me to SLOW DOWN.

If you are interested in taking one of his workshops or buying some of his art... you can check him out

www.ericmerrell.com

On another note...

I made a new locket for my shop

Dia de los Muertos locket.

The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died.

Hope you have a wonderful week.

Carol

My other job....

X-Mama please don't go.

Me-Come on...I'm super excited about this class. It's always a good idea to keep learning.

X-You already paint great.

Me-Thank you, but I want to learn more. I really love it.

X-THREE DAYS is too much.

Me-It's a wonderful opportunity for me. This artist is really AMAZING. 

X-You are already AMAZING. Seriously mama...stay here with me.

Me-It will be a great time for you and J to spend THREE days ALONE with dad. It's going to be FUN.

X-I still think you should stay.

Me-I know...I know...but I'm gonna go and I WILL BE BACK. I'll have some new cool paintings to show you when I get back.

X-Fine. I sure hope they are good.

Sensei

One who teaches based on wisdom from age and experience.

I had a great time working on this watercolor. Using mostly gray and blue...for dramatic effect=0) 

Our PERCEPTIONS create

our BELIEFS...

Our BELIEFS formulate

our ATTITUDE...

Our ATTITUDE determines

 our BEHAVIOR...

Our BEHAVIOR describes

our ACTIONS...

Our ACTIONS result

in REACTIONS...

The REACTIONS of our ACTIONS

construct the PERCEPTIONS of our REALITY...

Have a wonderful day,

Carol

My other job...

X-We have to find that jalapeno outfit for you.

Me-Lets just worry about finding yours and it's no big deal if I don't dress up.

X-I really want you to be a jalapeno.

Me-Hahahahahaa. Seriously, I'll find something.

X-I guess we could look online.

Me-Exactly.

X-BUT WHAT IF WE DON'T.

Me-It's no biggie.

X-UGH...you should be worried about this. Halloween is only 40 days away.

Powder your nose

HOLA!

Are you all ready for Fall?

I know right...how did this happen?

Summer is almost a wonderful memory and now we are getting ready to cool down.

I just finished my new compacts and they are available in my shop.

This year I kept seeing gorgeous sunflowers EVERYWHERE.

They are so beautiful and larger than life. Every time I see one it's like a ray of sun. They remind me to look at the bright side...always. I can't help but smile and buy more to give away to friends.

So, I thought these compacts would make great gifts. They are like little rays of light in your handbag. Hahahaa! I carefully placed each watercolor painting into each compact and sealed them with a glass like finish. Hope you like them as much as I do!

HOPE YOU HAVE A SUNNY DAY,

Carol

My other job....

X-Is the Spirit Store open yet.

Me-Hmmm...looks like they are still setting up, but almost.

X-Are you going to be too scared to go in again?

Me-Look...those scary evil babies were too much for me last time. EWWW.

X-How about if you just close your eyes and I'll tell you as soon as we pass them and then we can look around at all the other stuff.

Me-I know that you will take me right to those scary babies and laugh so hard when I freak out.

X-I promise mama. Trust me.

Me-Hmmmm...I'll think about it.

X-They're fake mama.

Me-They're still gross and evil.

X-UGHhhhh...I can tell that dad is going to have to take me.

Me-We'll see.

X-YOU CAN DO IT MAMA.

YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE

Thinking of all the wonderful people in my life today.

So grateful.

My other job....

X-Why did you take so long at tea yesterday?

Me-It's so much fun meeting my girlfriends for some tea and laughs.

X-You already do that with me.

Me-True...but you see your friends every day at school. Don't you love hanging around with them and cracking up about funny stuff?

X-You got me again.

Me-It's good for me=0)

X-Okay, but can you just go like...once a year or something like that?

He loves me...he loves me not.

HAPPY FRIDAY.

This week I received roses from my husband. 

OH.... HOW I LOVE FLOWERS.

I had a moment and then there was a SONG.

Flowers+Song=inspiration for me.

Let me know if you think I captured the moment=0)

Click here to listen.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend,

Carol

My other job...

J-Why did you get married with Dad?

Me-OHHHH....well, he's very funny and handsome. I really enjoyed spending time with him.

J-You fell in love?

Me-YES.

J-I don't ever want to get married...it's so gross.

Me-Hahahahaaaa...why?

J-ALL THAT KISSING...EWWWWW.

HOLA...it's me

HOLA.

I hope you all had a fun weekend.

On Friday I thought it would be fun to start a new watercolor of myself.

YES...ME.

I had A LOT of fun putting the red parts in my hair=0)

YES...I'm a color lover if you haven't noticed yet.

Hahahahaa.

I'm just about done, but I'm still thinking about adding a background color.

I may just leave it white...or not;oP

I have been reading a great book from the library.

Keys to Painting Faces & Figures

by Rachel Rubin Wolf

It's really helpful and I just love books that have a lot of pictures.

Check it out and let me know what you think.

Have a great week,

Carol

My other job...

X-I don't want to go to the beach.

Me-Why not?

X-I just want to do something alone with you.

Me-Okay, but I can't do anything that will hurt my neck even more.

X-I know...so I'm thinking we could play chess.

Me-Sounds good.

X-Can we go to Barnes & Noble too?

Me-Sure.

X-How about getting some frozen yogurt too.

Me-Maybe.

X-WHAT?

Me-Did you have a jelly donut this morning or did you have a jelly donut this morning.

X-UGH...you got me.

The Hills Are ALIVE

HOLA.

I'm finally back=0)

Do I have SOOO much to tell you.

First of all, I hope you all had a wonderful summer(if it's summer time for you=0P)

We had a great time and now the little ones are BOTH in school.

SAY WHA'????

Yes, I'm free...a little bit...LOL.

So, we had such a wonderful break together. We traveled and swam a ton and if you follow me on instagram you know we went on a Disney cruise through Alaska.

OMG...OMG....OMG...

We had 23 family members together for seven days.

IT WAS SOOOO MUCH FUN.

The kids had a blast and so did the adults. There was just so much to do and see and we had a FANTASTIC time. Check out my instagram account if you want to check it out.

I now have a little bad news=0(

I finally realized I'm not Hercules. I was rearranging my creative space and hurt my neck.

OY.

I'm slowly getting better, so hopefully I'll be able to start painting more.

I'll do what I can for now=0)

I've finished a painting of Alaska. I could swear we saw a mermaid.

IT WAS SO MAGICAL THERE.

Have a great week,

Carol

My other job....

X-I can't believe we are leaving our home on the boat.

Me-This was such a great trip...right?

X-We need to come back again next year.

Me-I don't know...we will see. Don't you wanna go to France?

X-Oh yeah, but this is WAY better.

Me-It was pretty fun, BUT the CROISSANTS.

X-OK, we both need to think about it.

5 minutes later......

X-Lets just stay on the boat for the next cruise and do it all over again.

Me-Sorry, you start school on Thursday.

X-UGH....could we really just stay on?

Me-NOPE.

X-This is so depressing.

Smell the roses

Don't forget to smell the roses...

This summer is flying and I can't believe how quickly June left.

Seems like everyday we have been running around swimming the days away.

I'm not complaining...just shocked by it all. LOL.

Pretty soon BOTH...yes BOTH kids will be in school.

GULP. 

I'll be able to do my art FULL TIME.

YES, so contact me because I'm ready for all the work to just start flying in.

LOL.

Right now I'm starting to design my new compacts. I have been working on some new sketches. Nothing is really flowing right now, but I did like one=0)

Hope you have a wonderful week and don't forget to stop and smell the roses.

xoxo,

Carol

My other job...

X-Mama, I can't believe we only have 20 days of summer vacation left.

Me-I know it. I'm pretty shocked.

X-We have to plan the rest out. Tio is coming to visit soon and then our big trip.

Me-So EXCITING. 

X-This is the best summer EVER. LIKE EVER. Are you listening?

Me-Yes.

X-EVERRRRRR.

Bring the fun

Tomorrow is the 4th of July here in the states. 

Always a fun day to enjoy street fairs and I love all the spirit around town.

Flags EVERYWHERE...corn on the cob EVERYWHERE.

Fireworks are my favorite, so hopefully I won't be too sleepy by 9:00p.m.

LOL.

Any super fun plans going on for you? 

Hope you all enjoy your day celebrating=0)

NOW-Sunday enjoy 30% off my shop! Coupon code BOOMPOW

My other job...

X-I can't wait to see the fireworks with dad again.

Me-I was thinking we could all go together this year. J is old enough to enjoy now.

X-Oh no....I don't think so. She won't like all the noise.

Me-We could at least try and see how it goes.

X-That's okay. Me and dad are fine going alone.

Me-I get the feeling you don't want us to go.

X-I just know it will be too loud.

Me-You were the same age the first time we took you.

X-Mama...everyone knows that boys just understand things WAY before girls.

Me-Say WHAT?

X-SERIOUSLY.

JOY

As you know, I just returned from vacation. We were up in Northern California for a wonderful week visiting family and friends. I was lucky enough to meet up with several great friends. All of them I truly love and feel SO lucky to be a part of their lifes. I’ve known them all for over twenty five plus years. WOW….when I put it that way=0) I saw them each on different days, so that I could have the FULL dose of each one. LOL. As I enjoyed my time with them I kept thinking about different parts of my life that I’ve enjoyed with them. From the drama, parties, basketball games, cheerleading camp and proms. Who could forget the one shoulder bridesmaid dresses and THE COCKTAILS. So much time has passed…yet I still feel 21;oP The wonderful thing is we still crack each other up. It seriously doesn’t matter what we are talking about or if we’re crying…we are laughing. Laughter is the best medicine…RIGHT? Yes, there are moments where we all have had our ugly cry faces on, but we can ALWAYS count on each other.  So, when I did see them each we mostly laughed. Yes, we all should have been comedians. We always get the laugh and there are never ANY crickets in the room. I wish we could have been this way in  grade school, junior high and high school. Yes, I’ve known them all a very long time. LOL. Boy could they tell you stories about me. And boy could I tell you stories about them, BUT they are in the vault…sorry. Meeting with them made me think about what makes someone SO beautiful? Really…what?  Their face…body…hair?  When I spent time with each of them, they were just so beautiful to me. What was it exactly? Their smiles…laughter…joy. THAT’S IT. I’ve finally cracked the code. It makes me only want to paint about laughter all day. Who would not want to? Seeing other peoples joy makes me happy. Adding color and lots of it makes me feel like I’m showing all the happiness…the power of the glow=0)  So, the last couple of days I’ve been splashing around in watercolor. Trying to get it just right. Trying to show all the beauty that laughter brings to the people you share it with. Who wants to be around a grump? Sometimes…it happens and I’m just so blessed to have the greatest friends to lift me up. Hope my painting shows all the joy that laughter makes me feel.

Hope you have a great weekend,

Carol

My other job....

X-Do you think they have banana cream pie in heaven?

Me-Of course they do!

X-Do you think Mema is okay.

Me-Yes, I'm sure she is doing just fine.

X-I'm just wondering if she found her husband. Heaven must be a BIG place.

Me-He must of been there as soon as she arrived. 

X-Who else?

Me-Hopefully everyone she loved that got there before her.

X-I think the first thing I'll do is eat the endless supply of banana cream pie!