While my parents were here visiting last week they parked their motor home in a local park. We took them for a tour around the park, then K and I climbed a tower where one could see for miles upon miles in every direction. We took a few photos and I found myself hugging this beautiful tree that had long limbs going out in every direction. It inspired me to do the illustration in (see my previous post of the little girl), one that tells it's own story.

The photo illustration was also inspired from the same thought- though with a twist. To see the above photo illustration and others in a sharper format, click here.

When we went to the park to drop my parents off on the last evening at their motor home, the person at the entrance to the park insisted we pay $4.00 (the fee for all day entry). You've got to be kidding me?! For just 10-15 minutes? My mother had just gotten out of the hospital after having complete knee replacement surgery, and the distance was too far to even walk from the main gate, so we paid the fee. They could have given us a 15-minute pass. As it was, it was almost 8pm, at which time (we found out on our way out) the booth closed and you could drive in and out without stopping or paying a fee. We all understood the park person had a job to do and rules to follow but he handled us in a very poor manner considering he knew it was almost 8pm and could have shared that tidbit of information. The money wasn't a big deal, but the principal of the matter was.

Needless to say, my parents left immediately, instead of staying the rest of the evening as planned (even though they had previously reserved and paid for that night). They wanted to get an early start heading home, so that just gave them an additional reason to leave, and up until then they had really enjoyed the park. People forget that great customer service keeps people returning and telling others how great a place is. Not going the extra mile once in a while can go a long way to destroying a business' reputation. The state park lost otherwise happy customers because they had the wrong person as their "director of first impressions."

Now you can see why I included the dollar bills in the photo illustration. :) Blogger seems to make these illustrations lossy or unclear.

The tree did not want to unfold its grasp around the little girl, they had formed a special bond. She came and sat every day under its branches and enjoyed the shade it provided and listened to hear the little bluebird sing.

Click on the thumbnail below to see a larger version of the above illustration and mouse over the corresponding thumbnail.

I just completed these pattern samples, inspired by my love for pasta!

Click on the thumbnail below to view an adapted larger version of this pattern.

I don't know about you, but in our family, we eat a lot of pasta. What you say? You, a fitness buff, EAT carbs? Yes, I most definitely do! Especially since Barilla came out with their Next Generation...Plus pastas. They're not just your typical pastas. They deliver protein, fiber and Omega 3's in every bite, and that's great news for those of us who want to be heart healthy! And, if you're bored with spaghetti noodles, Barilla offers a variety of pasta shapes.