Art = Happiness!

"Success is not the key to happiness.
Happiness is the key to success.
If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." 
-- Herman Cain

This is the first page of my new art journal, more like an art testing ground. I had created this background over time from leftover paint on my palette but there it sat, I just didn't know where to go with it after that. While doing the laundry recently I saw the T-shirt below of my daughters that I absolutely love and thought I would copy it onto the background I had already created. Genius right? Well, I love, love, love it. I love that it's not perfect. I love how the black negative space forces you to notice the colors and patterns in positive images. I love that it's bold and graphic. I just LOVE it...can you tell? There will definately be more art of this type in the future. Thanks for stoppin' by and have an awesome day!

Comfort Zone Expanded...

Cooking Club on location at Glen Ivy Hot Springs in Corona, California for a day of relaxation and fun...only I wasn't sure how fun it would be without Lori, the experienced spa goer and planner of this get-a-way. Lori had to cancel at the last minute due to a sick child and I very much wanted to back out being that I was reluctant to go in the first place. None of us have been here before and not knowing what to expect or what to do when we got here, I let my fear of the unknown take over, trying to talk me out of going. I'm happy I didn't let my apprehension stop me because we had an amazing day.

We relaxed by one of the many pools in the morning and some of us took a yoga class. Then it was out to the parking lot for our Cooking Club picnic lunch. We shared delicious food with wonderful ladies and enjoyed the cool shade for a while.

After lunch we went to Club Mud for our mud treatment and some fun people watching.

The lounging pool below, which I didn't really want to visit since it was so crowded, turned out to be my favorite spot. Lying on the rafts, in the shade, looking up at the palm trees and chatting with friends, was so peaceful and relaxing. After lounging, we walked around checking out all the great little hidden spots to hang out, took a dip in the Hot Pool and then the Cold Plunge, and ended our day in the smelly Mineral Bath.

And here we are, clean and refreshed after our wet steam room, Roman bath and shower (we had to try EVERYTHING, just to say we did). I'm so, so, so glad we made the trip. Thanks Ladies, it was a wonderful day and I'd love to make it a yearly Cooking Club event.

A Visual Diary of my Week

This week I thought it would be fun to document my life with photos. No easy task I might add and now that I've gotten this post finished, it will probably be my last weekly visual diary. Yikes...it took me forever to get these photos to cooperate for some reason and I've pulled out most of my hair already! Anyhow, it's hard to remember to take photos of routine stuff you do and I didn't always remember to bring my camera. In those cases, the trusty phone was my savior. Below is a brief and not-so-complete recap of the week.

Monday, July 2

Workout video and doggie walk everyday.

Trip to the high dive pool for some jumpin' fun.

Creamy Pork Tenderloin with Black Bean and Corn Rice for dinner.

Tuesday, July 3

Long awaited desk organization.

A few journal page backgrounds.

Visit the doctor for swimmers ear....poor Scott!

Yogurt while waiting for the prescription to be filled.

A few rounds of doodle art while watching TV.

Wednesday, July 4

Lunch at Carl's Jr.

A short break by the pool.

BBQ with a few "corny" family members and good friends below.

Fourth of July Girls in Red.

Safety before fireworks.

Spectacular Fireworks in Woodbridge, as usual.

Thursday, July 5

Got Son #1 registered for his first semester of Community College.

Recooperating from the 4th and relaxing at swim practice.

Friday, July 6

Cleaning this bathroom is no easy feat...I broke it up over several days.
So glad I finally got it done. FYI, my side is the clutter free area.

Baked Surprise Cookies with Paige.

Lunch at Del Taco...Steak Taco del Carbon. I LOVE these things.

Dark Shadows at the $2 Theater.
(Don't know why I can't rotate this photo...ARGH!)

Saturday, July 7

Watching my little swimmer swim on the Courtside Stingrays Swim Team.

I out did myself on this dinner. So delicioso!
Meatloaf + dill carrots + Corn Cilantro Salad

Girls night sleepover complete with tent.

Sunday, July 8

A day of rest, sorta.

Happy Sweet 16 Kayla

"Beautiful You" 16x20"
Acrylic on Canvas
June 2012

Still trying to embrace the intuitive painting process with this latest painting "Beautiful You." I painted this as a Sweet 16 gift for Kayla. I hope she likes it...I do. A few close-ups below.