A Latte A Day

The Four Dollar Photo

2009-06-14T14:28:00.009-05:00

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.

Trees and Parks

2009-06-14T00:45:00.015-05:00

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.

Pasta Love

2009-06-01T12:59:00.011-05:00

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.

Summer Smells

2009-05-30T11:17:00.016-05:00

Click here to view the new pattern from this illustration.

Don't you just love this weather? It's in the high 80's here today. Last night we sat on the deck and you could smell all the BBQ's in the neighborhood wafting our way. We discussed how great it would be to bottle that BBQ smell, perhaps mist it over the deck sporadically; yummy! With summer BBQ's I have cravings for things like pasta salad, corn on the cob, baked beans, brownies, and cherry crisp. Wow! My mouth is watering, is yours?

I remember as a young girl, our families had a yearly family reunion and everyone would bring their favorite dishes to pass. What a feast! Not to mention, catching up with loved ones, great stories and loads of laughter. My, but the stories were GRAND.

Here's an illustration inspired by summer, loved ones, and good food. The pasta salad was a yummy dish my talented SIL Nelda Jane made for us while we visited her and my brother Buck last year in Florida. K and I still rave over the fact that they were the most incredible host and hostess - Buck and Nelda, thanks for the good time, and for spoiling us-you rock! Wish we were there!

Today is my Mom's Birthday, and she and Dad are spending it with Buck and Nelda down south, WE LOVE YOU MOM and hope you have the best birthday ever! We can't wait to see you and Dad in a few days!

Feathers and Flowers

2009-05-28T14:25:00.003-05:00

Today I spotted the male cardinal at the bird feeder. We're glad he's still around, although he doesn't sing like he use to, so sad.

Here's a photo of his (and her) apartment, or at least it was until that fateful night. Hopefully, the male will find a new mate, and maybe they'll build their nest here again next year. As an update, we found another egg under the tree, that would bring the egg count to 7 total!

More from behind my lens: Iris power, yay! I love these irises, they're variegated and such a deep purple, they're almost blue. They are almost spent now, but I've taken lots of photos. More lovely colors to come.

Lifelong Friends

2009-05-20T15:48:00.006-05:00

Our irises are in full bloom right now and I am loving it, just wish the winds would die down so we could enjoy them more.

Just had a wonderful talk with life long friend Melody, and it it was so good catching up-after all these years! This one's for you Melody, sharing a bit of my garden with you. I have about 9 or 10 colors, I think. Do you have any irises in your gardens? Funny how when old friends reconnect they can pick up right where they left off. :)

Our Little Family

2009-05-16T21:58:00.004-05:00

What started out as absolutely elation has turned to sadness. Not long ago, a cardinal family nested in our grafted willow tree not far from our window. Daily we listened and watched as the female layed not 2, or 3, but unbeknownst to us until later - 6 eggs. The proud male flittted from the backyard to the front, calling to his mate and strutting his stuff, the proud papa. We couldn't have been happier. I have loved cardinals for so long and had often seen them in the neighbors trees but never have they stayed long in our yard, so you can imagine my surprise (actually glee) when I found out they had built a nest and set up house in our tree. We set up a bird feeder (that K's Dad built and hand painted-so cute) and filled it with seed so they would have plenty to eat.

This past early Thursday, here's what happened: I am so upset. I was awakened last night at 1:07am. A cat attacked our cardinal in it's nest and she flew off screeching. She may have been injured. This morning I found the nest on the ground and 6 eggs scatttered (yes 6 now!). 3 were broken and 3 were whole. I am just sick about it, we had so wanted to watch them all hatch. I put on gardening gloves and put the nest and remaining eggs back. It's highly unlikely she will return.

Thursday morning: Two of the broken eggs had embryo's that were close to being ready to hatch.The eggs were different sizes so it's apparent she just kept laying them. It's also apparent that our ornamental willow is just too low to the ground and too vulnerable of a place to hatch baby birds. You can see the claw marks on the tree bark. We now think the cat carried the female cardinal off and killed her. She has never returned. *Just sick about it.* Mother Nature, it's just not fair!

Friday: I dreamt of little red balls of feathers hatching and flitting about under her window last night...was so excited, called my husband to come look. So sad it was just a dream.

Prior to the attack we had been trying to take photos of them, however they can be quite elusive. I took these through our windows and screens so the quality isn't very sharp. The male was at quite a distant, the female just before she flew back to her nest one early morning. The only time I saw her during incubation time. Thankfully we at least have these photos. The male still comes by every day calling her. We hope he'll find another mate and try again, maybe in our little tree. If he does, K will build a cover to keep the cat from climbing again. That cat is best warned to never step foot in our yard again.

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T23:10:00.004-05:00

Listening to my new Nano, a gift from K. :) Love it and love him, he is such a sweetheart! I loaded my music collection on it, and I am listening to some of my most favorite songs- too many to name. Donna Lewis- that girl can sing like no other, can't she? Also The Unfeeling Kiss- by Garbriel Yared, off the City of Angels soundtrack. A few years ago, I have my vehicle broke into and all my favorite CD's were stolen-these two were among them - and I still want them back! Still miss them, but I am building my music collection up again. Music really brings back great memories where you relive moments in time. Amazing isn't it?

Wishing all Mom's a Happy Mother's Day! Today I happily talked to my sons, my Mom, my Mother 2 :), and friends, then a lovely dinner with K. The end to a perfect day...

A Girl's Gotta Do

2009-04-12T17:48:00.005-05:00

During these tough economic times and the recession, saving money is a must. A girl's gotta do, what a girl's gotta do-shop for sales! Click on the Save Money for an illustrated sales magazine cover.

Times Have Changed

2009-04-10T21:42:00.008-05:00

Times and medicine have changed since the 1800's. Small vials of medicine have been replaced with plastic tamper proof containers that come in all sizes-including jumbo size. Thankfully, our medicines and perscriptions now come with ingredients, directions on how much to take, and when to take it, and warnings of possible side effects, etc. I am SO thankful for modern medicine and the new age in which we live in!

Fridayness

2009-03-27T12:22:00.008-05:00

I was feeling inspired yesterday and created this fun illustration. My SIL has a collection of cobalt blue dishes and vases. My brother and SIL live in tropical weather and love to fish and also collect decor with a tropical feel to it. For a larger image visit here. The photos may take a moment to load, then just mouse over the top left thumbnail. Have an awesome Friday!

Bing & I ~ Celebrity Sighting

2009-03-26T03:16:00.002-05:00

Last month we visited the Union Pacific Railroad Museum where I ran into Bing and we had a nice chat. He was kind enough to pose for a photo with me.

The new Bob Kerry Footbridge.

Entrance to the museum.

Silver from President Abraham Lincoln's funeral car.

Another view of the Bob Kerry Footbridge.

Photos Copyright 2009 Maggie Summers. All Rights Reserved.
Do not download or copy without permission.

Spring Randomness

2009-03-13T09:09:00.008-05:00

I am so ready for spring and can hardly wait to start planting again. This illustration reminds me of the spring planting season.

As a young child, I remember pulling fresh vegetables out of my grandparents and great aunt's gardens, enjoying the fresh smell of the dirt the new sprouts were planted in. Often, I would eat strawberries and tomatoes without taking them home and washing them. When it came to picking stawberries, I ate more than I picked. Oh, and the peaches and pears, picked right off the trees, unbelievably juicy! Hurry Spring-Please!

Insomnia

2009-02-22T21:07:00.004-06:00

A week of illness, sinus headaches and insomnia. What's a girl to do? Trudge on! :)

Celebrate

2009-02-14T11:22:00.004-06:00

Valentine's Day is definitely a day to celebrate as it was on this day my oldest son was born! Today is a day filled with love, pride and joy!

Illustration for IF's "celebrate."

IF's ~ Pale

2009-01-22T13:24:00.007-06:00

Here the finished illustration. For a larger view, visiting my website. Thanks!

New Beginnings ~ NewNie!

2009-01-16T15:09:00.007-06:00

It has been with great excitement and continuous prayers and more prayers that this day has come and I, along with so many others, are rejoicing that Stephanie Nielson is once again blogging, sharing her life and her incredible journey of survival, along with that of her husband Christian, who were recovering from critical burns after their plane crashed August 16th, 2008. As a mother, I was overcome when I heard this story and felt deeply moved to pray for their survival, which I did on a daily basis.

Over these past 5 months many have shown their love and support and offered prayers and assistance to this young couple, the parents of 4 small children, and to their families who rallied around them and cared for them and for their children until they could grow strong enough to return home. That time came and all of our prayers have been truly answered.

Stephanie "Nie Nie" and Christian "Mr." Nielson, welcome home! I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Visit nieniedialogues for further information.

New, New New!

2009-01-06T14:06:00.010-06:00

I am currently working on a user-friendly viewing version in Firefox. Thanks Hanna for your feedback! Updated version coming soon so please check back later.

A NEW website, A NEW YEAR!

What a great way to start the new year. I know it has been a while since I last posted; I've been busy working on my new website and planning new work projects which will be posted here and on the website when completed. Let me know what you think, I appreciate the feed back.

Cindy Woods - Learning Daily

2008-11-26T23:11:00.009-06:00

Cindy Woods, an amazingly talented artist, died on Friday, the 21st of November 2008. "Cin" as she called herself in her blog called "Learning Daily," sketched her daily adventures and the lives of those around her.

Cindy and I never met in person-but through the internet, exchanging emails and comments about each other's art work. I was so inspired by the illustrations and drawings she created and by the unspoken word in her work, derived from the end of her pencil or pen. She left such an amazing gift, that of herself and of her talent, and I will truly miss her. May she rest in peace.

Blogger technical difficulties

2008-11-04T12:27:00.001-06:00

Blogger is on the fritz again. It has resized all my pictures so my right side bar is down below. Hopefully it will right itself soon...so annoying!

Before and After Kitchen Updates

2008-11-01T16:58:00.009-05:00

Before here and here... The kitchen and dining area before had white walls and blue and burgundy accents with linoleum flooring.

Now the walls are a warm maple cream with deep berry brick curtains and black and cream accents.

The project hasn't been without it's problems, namely the finishing of the hardwood floors. We had problems applying the polyurethane with the applicator the manufacturer recommended and had to strip the two coats we applied. Husband K did all the work including all the sanding between coats. Tips for applying polyurethane: lightly sand floor before applying 2-3 coats by hand with a brush. Allow to dry more than 16-24 hours. Sand and reapply additional coats.

The light fixture we wanted for over the island didn't come in black so I sanded it and sprayed it black to match the new black chandelier.

All the hardware was gold and we replaced it with a burnished brass. The chandelier is black with gold brushwork.

It's hard to capture the color of the walls however they are a beautiful warm maple cream and we couldn't be happier with the way they turned out. K also upgraded all the baseboards and added new corner pieces throughout the main floor.

We just love the new hardware! We'll replace the faucet with a new black one as soon as we can find the one we want.

The flooring continues down the full length of the hall to the upper bedrooms and is just beautiful. We plan to change the countertops to granite or granite like in the new year and we'll replace all the appliances with stainless steel or possibly black, still undecided yet.

New blinds for the windows (for under the drapery) will be ordered and I'll swap out the china in the cabinet for the cranberry Wedgewood "Bramble" from one of the other rooms.

We found the table cloth but I am still not sure if I like it, the pattern is quite large, but it has black it in. My husband says one can never have too many table cloths so live with it, see if it grows on you and purchase new ones as you find them. (What woman wouldn't love to hear her husband say this! :) I may even have one custom made if I can find a fabric I like. We've been searching for two oil paintings for each side of the china cabinet but still haven't found the ones we want.

Encouraging News ~ Answered Prayers!

2008-10-27T20:11:00.006-05:00

Today I was so encourage to hear the news that Stephanie grows stronger every day and is slowly coming out of her medically induced coma. God has answered prayers and carried Stephanie and Christian in his arms every day since their plane went down on August 16, 2008 in St. John's Arizona, where they were both badly burned, Stephanie over 83 percent of her body, and Christian over 35 percent of his body. The pilot, Doug Kinneard was also badly burned over 90 percent of his body and died the next day. Please pray for the family he leaves behind, they continue to need our prayers too.

As we wait and pray and anxiously await news of their progress, we are encourage by articles of news about the couple posted here and here in the Arizona Republic. For more about Stephanie and Christian and their beautiful children, visit Stephanie's blog, Nie Nie Dialogues.

October Days and Halloween Nights

2008-10-20T21:57:00.010-05:00

Is this cat waiting for a huge spider?

Mums, lots and lots of beautiful mums!

The colors of this front porch are just delicious, don't you agree?

This home is a favorite for both my husband and I. Unfortunately I didn't get the photo I wanted but will try again when the lighting is better.

Some ghoulish twists...freakish!

More posts later on in the week, feel free to check back...

Enjoy more fun Fall Drive By's at Melissa's The Inspired Room.

Strings

2008-10-12T23:00:00.005-05:00

Illustration Friday~ Strings

"Air Your Laundry"

2008-10-07T19:34:00.000-05:00

Last Friday night I attended the Big 'O AIGA "Air Your Laundry Judges Reception" and had the opportunity to hear Elizabeth Resnick, Associate Professor, Communication Design at Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston, MA, Ann Willoughby, Creative Director of Willoughby Design Group, and Von Glitschka, Illustrative Designer, Glitschka Studios, share their respective experiences and knowledge in the design industry. I really enjoyed Von Glitschka's presentation and met and talked with him afterwards. He's a very down to earth guy willing to share the good and the bad of an illustrative designer's profession. Von spoke about where his design inspiration comes from, producing images from his earliest childhood (he stated his mother saved everything) when at a very young age, he created a fake ID card so he could drive his Dad's car. Thankfully, it was an illustrative version of one and he was way too young to ever possibly use it!

I found Ann Willoughby's presentation so intriguing. She showed us photos of her journals and what objects and elements inspired her creatively. She stated she always wanted to build a barn and finally found one and had it built (moved, rebuilt and renovated) which is now used as a creative refuge and for client entertainment. Ann presented photos of an amazing complete brand development, identity and visuals, built from scratch of a shop called Feng-simply gorgeous!

Elizabeth Resnick is best known for the 3 major exhibitions she organized in the 1990's. Russell Mills Within/Without, Dutch Graphic Design and Makoto Saito: The Art of the Poster. I didn't connect with her presentation as much as I would have liked to as it was more about the life she lead up to her current position of Associate Professor. I would have enjoyed it more if she had shown more of her work. But that's not surprising as what I might be drawn to as an artist might not appeal to another.

Von, Ann, and Elizabeth judged the "Air Your Laundry " competition and the entrant's work will be on show at Hot Shops on Friday, November 7, 2008.