Can you say ranunculus....

Well, it really doesn't matter if you can't say ranunculus what's most important is to SEE them (you can always point and say "pretty" - that works too). I've just finished three watercolor paintings and placed them to sell on ETSY.

They are truly a splendid flower -like lots of pristine layered tulle under a skirt. They have to be planted in the fall to come out in the spring in most parts of the country. I just buy them because I'm nearly sick if they don't come - such flaky flowers. They're like person on your party guest list that you really,really want to come. However you know that they probably will flake on you and not show, but you still love 'em.

Rainy days and cool aprons

The weekend started off with rain - not that I minded. So Cal gets so little rain. It's a nice change AND I got to wear my lime green rain boots. I went to my friend WoW - whose parents were in town visiting from South Dakota. The highlight of the evening was watching their family videos - mostly birthday celebrations at a place called Pizza Ranch, babies swimming and walking, junior high basketball games and people avoiding the camcorder. I loved it and these people aren't even my family. It's intriguing - extraordinary in the ordinary. Life happening. How I wish I could watch a video of my brothers and I at play.

Then Saturday I finally finished the Amy Butler apron I had started last Saturday. Woo Hoo! I feel so cooly domestic. I've sewn curtains and pillows and a quilt here and there, but never anything of the wearable sort. This apron is awesome and I just love the material - who knew there were so many hip fabrics. Since my discovery of Amy Butler, I've learned of Heather Bailey and Anna Maria Horner. So, what will my next project be....

Yes, yes, I'm still working on "GerAmyUm" the picture book. Unfortunately, when I hit a difficult place in the creative process, it's my tendency to do something that comes easier - knitting, sewing, cleaning the litter box... you get the idea. I like things to flow easily - but who doesn't. And, ironically, the book is about when life gets rough ... I kept out these sketch/idea pages for the book on my art table as a reminder, that this just isn't going to go away. The next morning the sun peaks through the blinds as a reminder - get to work. The proof...

Why??

The killing at Virginia Tech leaves us all with questions. The biggest one being, "Why?" But even that requires some sense. We can't come at this with sensible, rational thinking. None of that occurred when that troubled boy killed. Sadly, I don't think there will be an answer that will satisfy any of us. I went to college in Virginia at George Mason University, many moons ago, so I'm familiar with the area, the people and several of my friends are Tech alums. Very close to home - even though home is on the other coast. My heart goes out to all the people who lost loved ones. I cannot begin to understand their pain, THEIR questions. My prayer is that those who must bury their loved ones won't let the questions, the anger and the pain destroy their lives too.

TAA DHAAA

I just opened a shop on ETSY- a way cool website for selling art and handmade items. There are so many beautiful and amazing things to look at and buy on that site. My shop is under GerAMYum, of course. I'm selling these blank note cards.

Red Geraniums

Musical Geraniums

Pink Geraniums

Sumi Geranium

I spent most of Saturday packaging these note cards together and laying them out for these photos. I had fun, even though I'm still not that great at using my digital camera yet, but I'm working on it. I need to get some tips on lighting. The Grand Prix took place this weekend here in Long Beach and all day I heard the sound of the cars speeding in circles - it sounded like big bees buzzing.

After my note card photo shoot, I was part of the inagural ride of the "Cute Girls Bike Club". My sassy friend SB the founder and tattooed leader led us to a local biker bar downtown called House of Hayden. We were not bikers of the Harley sort but of the pedal sort with matching baskets and little bells. I had to race home alone leaving the CGBC and Van Halen music(to my dismay) but I was off to great food. CP was making dinner and there was NO-WAY I was going to miss it. ONE AMAZING grill master - the tri-tip and mushroom sauce was mouth watering aMAZing!!!

GerAmyUm Picture Book - Part II

Baby Kitty supervising a new knitting project.

Ah, yes the picture book, GerAmyUm - the first one I'm taking a stab at illustrating. The writer in me is re-writing, re-writing and re-writing. I have about 4 picture layouts in my head and I think I'll let the words go for awhile and work on the pictures. Oh, the pressure I feel in making this book amazing. I think it's because the story means so much to me. I mean, it is the name of my blog, my website, my cards.... When a story means alot it is both good and bad. Good in that you are passionate, excited and interested -- Bad (mostly bad) because you are TOO excited, interested and passionate. For me that means it's really difficult for me to keep it simple. And the beauty about children's picture books is that you have to tell a story simply and rather quickly thanks to the parameters of the book itself.

In August, The SCBWI will be hosting a week longer conference. My plan is to attend and really push my work. I have five completed children's picture books I hope to pitch. However, the big one for me is to pitch myself as an illustrator too. I've not done that before. The insecure 14 year old inside me sees all that I'm not - mostly that I've had no formal art training. But clearly that doesn't matter. Look at Susan Branch - her story is amazing, or even Beatrix Potter. Ultimately, the work will speak for itself and hopefully speak LOUDLY to an editor at the conference.