A Latte A Day

Proud and Tall - Mother's Gifts

noreply@blogger.com ("Maggie") — Sat, 10 May 2008 11:30:00 +0000

We recently returned from our trip to Canada and Michigan, where my family spent some very precious time together. It was perfect and I cherished every moment-can't you tell? Every time I look at my sons, a non-stop video plays in my head filled with moments from the time they were born to the present and I am SO proud of the young men they have become. Their wit and charm, love and compassion makes me all teary-eyed and leaves me smiling from ear to ear.

I am the shrimp now, they all tower over me and here I am wearing 2 1/2 inch heels!

Happy Mother's Day to Me- I am so blessed! Happy Mother's Day to you too!

Petals and Rays

noreply@blogger.com ("Maggie") — Sat, 10 May 2008 04:25:00 +0000

Signs of spring! Blossoms of flowering cherry, dogwood and many other varieties I cannot name but I can capture them in my lens. Beautiful aren't they? Oh, and how marvelous they smell!

Tomorrow I am off to shop for flowers for the garden. It is suppose to be cool and rain but I won't let that stop me, no, not with this type of encouragement egging me on.

The sunshine and rays streaming through the clouds; lovely aren't they? My husband said, "capture them please." "Oh yes" I say. God has touched the petals and the rays with his brush of magnificence.

Through My Lens

noreply@blogger.com ("Maggie") — Sat, 03 May 2008 16:06:00 +0000

My hubby recently surprised me with a new camera, the Nikon D40 and I couldn't be happier! He truly is my best friend and I am so blessed. I've completely fallen in love with this camera and on our most recent trip took 1300 photographs (I Know!). Thank you K, you are SO Awesome!

On the way back from our trip we stopped at a Starbucks in Chicago and noticed that they attached a print out of our order to our cups. I for one still prefer when they indicate my order by check marking the boxes on the side of the cup. I also prefer the original Starbucks logo in green. They've just recently started using this new brown design and it just throws me off a bit. I like the logo design, just not in all brown. Hopefully it is just a spring promo and they'll go back to the original design soon. Green works, so why mess with perfection?

I'll be posting more photos later as time permits.

Captured Memories

noreply@blogger.com ("Maggie") — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:21:00 +0000

I've been so busy lately I haven't had time to post and I apologize and hope to get back to posting regularly.

This past month I worked on illustration gifts for my sons. We just got back from a week's vacation with my them and my family in Michigan and Canada; it was so wonderful and was just what I needed. I will post fun photos later. Above are the illustrations which I created and had printed 16 x 20 and framed. They turned out great and the boys really liked them. I decided to create one background illustration and use it for both designs since both boys love music and enjoy playing the guitar, so it seemed appropriate. For the foreground illustration I worked from photos that I took of them a few years ago. My youngest son (bottom illustration above) has short hair now and my older son (top above) actually wears his hair a tad longer so this was a nice way to capture their younger years.

Above, a photo of the illustrations side by side right after my sons unwrapped their gifts.

Cover Completed

noreply@blogger.com ("Maggie") — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 16:58:00 +0000

Remember when I made reference to an illustration of a CD cover I was working on? I've finished it and I'm now happy with the results. I've left header room for the title.

I've had to place a copyright on the illustration which I've found I have to do more and more. Recently I found out that in China, someone using an online store (very similar to Ebay) illegally downloaded and posted my illustration and used it to help sell some Aerapostle jeans they had for sale. Everything on the website of course was in Chinese which didn't help and I had to log in and register to communicate with them. Easy enough if you could read their language. Now how does one go after someone who breaks US law internationally? They never asked nor had my permission to post my artwork and have clearly broken the laws of US copyright infringement. I'm disgusted to say the least. but let's not dampen the day. So please try to understand when you see that I've added copyright to my illustrations.

Moose Pancakes

noreply@blogger.com ("Maggie") — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 03:10:00 +0000

Moose Pancakes! That's what we had over the weekend. Or, technically, that's what we had last weekend. Since then Blogger's been a pain and I've not been able to upload a thing or you would have seen this post sooner.

I hope you have a great start to the week with a good night's sleep and we'll catch up later. Until then find out more about our experience with Moose Pancakes.

Garden

noreply@blogger.com ("Maggie") — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 15:32:00 +0000

For IF's "garden."

Spring is fast approaching and I can't wait to work in our gardens. Last weekend the temperature on Saturday was 65 degrees. I wanted to get my shovel and wellies out and start planting. Right now it is 11 degrees with a biting north wind. I think my planting days are still far off in the distance though one can dream and prepare. I think I'll pull out my seed pots and start there, maybe that will encourage spring to come sooner.

And another, older illustration that fits this theme well, "roots."

Book Browsing

noreply@blogger.com ("Maggie") — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 03:53:00 +0000

I headed to Parables for book browsing and grabbed one off the shelf to sketch. I haven't read it, but liked the cover so it became part of my prop along with my new handbag and leather pencil case which I carry with me at all times. I love to capture moments whenever I have the opportunity.

Today it rained and snowed simutaneously and was relatively warm (low 40's) and you needed and umbrella however by the time I left the office for home it had turned to freezing and I had to scrape the windows. I cranked up the heat and my feet have finally thawed. Not a good idea to stand in snow and ice while scraping your windows. I should have had boots on but who was to know?

Portrait

noreply@blogger.com ("Maggie") — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 04:16:00 +0000

Joining in the fun of the Self Portrait Party. Ok, so my chin is not that saggy but what do you expect from a half of a blind contour?

Theory

noreply@blogger.com ("Maggie") — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 21:01:00 +0000

While waiting in line to have my vehicle washed yesterday, I did a quick sketch in semi-blind contour of the car ahead of me going through the car wash. It occured to me that my illustration fit the theme for this week's Illustration Friday word "theory."

Here's the true fact and theory behind getting my car/vehicle washed. Every time I wash my vehicle it ultimately snows or rains right afterwards. It's the weather theory of "I-know you will, so I will". The weather and I don't have a great relationship when it comes to washing my vehicle. Today it is suppose to snow about 1 inch. The dark clouds are looming in the sky. That means I won't make it to work with a clean vehicle again tomorrow as the roads will be covered with sand and salt-it never fails!

For more blind contours view them here, here and here.

Happy Birthday My Sweet Valentine!

noreply@blogger.com ("Maggie") — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 00:16:00 +0000

My first son was born on Valentines Day and so this day is one of a kind and very special for me. He has his own home now so I called him to wish him a happy birthday much earlier than I normally would. I knew he was not awake and had every intention of leaving him a voicemail. I was quite silly in my message and I told him that prior to his birth he had kept me up all night and what time he was born, very early in the morning, so I thought I would call and wake him up to tell him how much I love him and I wasn't about to wait a minute longer. He said he really enjoyed my message and said he didn't know what time he was born at that time in the morning. In his baby album we even have a photo of the clock at that exact time. Funny, I guess I never told him. I think I will get the kids baby books out and share some other facts with them that they don't know surrounded the time of their births.

Illustration Friday ~ "choose"

noreply@blogger.com ("Maggie") — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 04:17:00 +0000

This was a good topic for me. I'm always in a dilemma when shoe shopping and can never make up my mind which pair(s) to purchase. I definitely have a shoe addiction. So what shoes do I choose? ALL OF THEM of course!

Almost Finished

noreply@blogger.com ("Maggie") — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 03:06:00 +0000

I'm currently working on a CD cover for a band. I've included a "slice" of the illustration. I thought I was finished but have decided to make some changes to the composition as the effect was not really what I was looking for. I'll post the final work when I've completed the changes. Most likely this slice will also change. I really enjoy creating CD covers. A while back I did a remake of Madonna's "Confessions on the Dance Floor" which you can see here.

Discussing Business

noreply@blogger.com ("Maggie") — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 06:47:00 +0000

A quick 4 minute sketch while at Starbucks. I like the heaviness and darkness of the line so I left the sketch as is. For a larger image click here.

Delicious Dinner

noreply@blogger.com ("Maggie") — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 03:45:00 +0000

Tonight I made Pad Thai for dinner. A few months ago my friend Sunaree who is Thai and her husband had my husband and I over for dinner and she cooked Pad Thai for us. I have to tell you it was the most amazing and delicious experience. I didn't take a photo of dinner as it was the first time we had dinner together and I thought it would be rude. The food was incredible and the presentation so colorful. Her husband loves her cooking too and is her perfect match.

Yesterday Sunaree brought me some rice noodles and I tried my first hand at it. I bought a sauce mix ( I know, not very original) however I am going to try making the sauce on my own when I have more time. I only have about an hour in the evening during the week so cooking quickly is often a must. My husband and I had seconds and we'll both have some left over for work tomorrow. Yum!

This is the closest photo to what Sunaree served us for dinner that night (an exceptional photo of Pad Thai I might add!). Pim used a few different ingredients than Sunaree did and I used a packet of sauce picked up at the store which my husband and I both found quite good. I also substituted the shrimp for chicken and left out the egg as we are watching our cholesterol which is a good thing but fresh shrimp with this meal is incredible. I'll save the times to have it with shrimp when Sunaree is doing the cooking. Visually, hers looks so much more vibrant.

I can't say enough about Sunaree, she is an amazing cook and so sweet too, I can't wait until she cooks for us again. After all, why have a copy when you can have the real thing! :)

SFG ~ Hats

noreply@blogger.com ("Maggie") — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 03:47:00 +0000

I wear so many hats in my profession and found this a fun illustration to create.

Creative Meeting

noreply@blogger.com ("Maggie") — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 03:27:00 +0000

While in a business meeting offsite I noticed the decorating style of the room I was in and fell in love with the wall lighting fixtures and thought they would be perfect in one of the new rooms in our home so I quickly did a sketch on the hotel's signature paper they supplied for the meeting. Don't you just love it? And I have the perfect spot for it.

Ok, so your thinking I should have been paying more attention in the meeting? I was! I actually have created some of my best illustrations while watching a movie or listening to a program or music. It's part of my multi-tasking personality. And, the CEO was watching me sketch and seemed to like the sketch too when I showed it to him.

IF's ~ "Stitch"

noreply@blogger.com ("Maggie") — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 04:34:00 +0000

Dance with me at the "Stitch In Time Valentines Day Ball."

For Illustration Friday's "stitch" word of the week. I'm not sure if I will be able to finish it by Friday so I am posting the work in progress.

A Special Day of Celebration

noreply@blogger.com ("Maggie") — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Happy Birthday!

19 years of so much joy and happiness have filled our lives
since the day you were born; we are truly blessed.
We love you so very much!

Traditions

noreply@blogger.com ("Maggie") — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 04:38:00 +0000

We still have all our Christmas decorations up; as it's another tradition I hold fast to. My youngest son's birthday is in January and we customarily keep the decorations up until after his birthday. It's so hard to put everything away and go back to being what feels like bare though it's far from it. That and the fact that due to the "project" I can't get to my Christmas boxes yet. Yippee, I can put it off until next weekend!

A New Year

noreply@blogger.com ("Maggie") — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 04:24:00 +0000

I've been so blessed today, the first day of the year. I've been touch by sweet friend Debby's words of encouragement and support. I liked what she said about Ali Edwards choosing a word for the year and I've decided to do the same because I felt I really need to in the most sincere way. The word I've chosen is conviction. The definition for the word is:

noun
1. a fixed or firm belief.

Synonyms 1. See belief.
Antonyms 5. doubt, uncertainty.

Moving through the end of 2007, I've been filled with the antonyms of doubt and uncertainty. Even though I've believed in God all my life I feel the need for a stronger conviction in Him and His direction for my life. When life threatens to overwhelm you one is so quickly and brutally reminded of how weak you can become. Coincidentally both Debby and I shared in our own way how Beth Moore has touched our lives.

On that note expect to see more postings of illustrations, something I have been short on these past few months. I'm thankful if you'll just hang in there and be patient with me, my plate has been full and overflowing.

To All, A Happy New Year

noreply@blogger.com ("Maggie") — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 02:04:00 +0000

I'm starting off the new year right with this lovely calendar book personally signed by Delsie Chambon that I picked it up while at Silver Bella in November. It's so beautiful inside and has large areas in which to write in. I think I will use the areas to write at least 3 different things I am thankful for each day (with none being the same) for the entire year. This will really help me to focus on the positive this year. If you are struggling in life and cannot see the good in your day, try this process, it really works! Did you know that a person thinks an average of 79% negative thoughts and only 21% positive thoughts in a single day? That alone gives me reason to continually look on the positive side of things!

Unfortunately, the bug in my computer is not a positive thing. I am still struggling with this unknown bug even though my husband reformatted my entire computer right before Christmas. We think it came in an email so I spent the better part of 3 hours today deleting all emails and sent files in my Outlook today. Tonight I am still getting error messages. Because my computer is partitioned into so many sections reformatting is a huge process not to mention loading all the programs again. If I am away for a while again, you'll know why. If you are sending emails, please send them to my hotmail account; that will keep them from invading my home email again.

I'd like to thank all of you who have been so supportive of me in your positive notes, emails and comments on my blog, it really has meant so much to me and has inspired me to continue to grow creatively. I've also been able to get to know some of you on a personal basis as well which has been very special. To all of you, I wish you a very Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Home For Christmas

noreply@blogger.com ("Maggie") — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 07:38:00 +0000

Watching their planes take off never gets any easier...

We're so thankful and blessed that two of our four children, Alex and Brandon, were able to be home with us for Christmas this year. The both flew in last Saturday and left just a day apart this week. We had such a fun time, but the time flew by way too quickly. It seems so hard to get all 4 of our children here at the same time. Last year our son Adam and daughter Niki made it home, though they missed each other by one day due to the fact that they weren't able to match up their schedules. We love and miss you two so much and wish you could have been here too!

K's parents and sister and her husband also came and we had such a great time. We watched quite a few movies in the evening and several shows of the Survivor and Dog Whisperer. I now feel confident I can collect rain water should I be lost on a deserted island and tame all the wild animals with my "Ceasar- Shhsh!"

We celebrated Alex's birthday early (his birthday is in the first week of January) and presented him with a cake and candles to blow out and little did anyone know; they were "trick" candles. We laughed and laughed when the candles kept relighting themselves and Alex had to continually blow them out. He replied that his wish wasn't going to come true because he had to keep blowing them out. It caught us all off gaurd and I am so glad we have it all recorded on video. I had grabbed the candles while at the grocery store and did not pay attention to the fine print!

On a side note, the "project" was and is still underway but became "livable" last Sunday morning just in time for the boys arrival. Talk about timing it right down to the 11th hour! There is still so much to be done and is yet to be ready for entertaining.

Challenges

noreply@blogger.com ("Maggie") — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 02:02:00 +0000

Are you challenged? Oh, I am really challenged at this moment.

My awesome computer has contracted a terrible virus and is down for the count. For a girl like me, who has way too long of a list of things to accomplish before next week, this really hurts. I am on my man's computer and it doesn't have all the programs or access to my illustration files so I am a bit sunk. This means I cannot finish my Christmas cards and get them off to the printer. This plus the "project" is in a full scale assault as we speak and is expected to be for the next few days. MM has had no sleep and we are not on top of things as far as Christmas shopping goes.

I can't even get to the photos from the camera or my hard drive even though the are linked. The computer is nada, zip, zippo! My sweet MM will have to back everything up and reformat my entire computer again when he as time which is precious little these days. I have so many programs on it that he doesn't have on his so I am literally in limbo.

I plead for cheery emails to get me through this time of need, my computer is my lifeline to my illustration work. In the mean time, I am off to eat some yummy cookies from the party to cure my woes! Jessi, please pass the chocolate peppermint concoction you made! Oh, but I did find this 2005 photo for all you bella girls at Jessi's, believe it or not! :)

Friendships

noreply@blogger.com ("Maggie") — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 01:16:00 +0000

Today's post will be a short one but I wanted to let all those who attended the Ornament & Cookie Exchange know just how much I enjoyed and appreciated taking part in the get-together. A warm thanks to sweet Teresa for extending the invitation and to the lovely and gracious hostess Jessi for inviting us into her home for the exchange. Everything was perfect, especially all the warm and friendly ladies who attended. Elizabeth (who must start a blog-you can do it Elizabeth, I know you can!), Jill, Mary Beth, Teresa, Jessi and myself. Cari and Amanda were unable to attend, so sorry you couldn't be there, we missed you!

Above, my first ornament, the first one that is where I wasn't participating in a class and had to create it all from my own noggin'! For me the exchange was a continuation from Silver Bella and the chance to spend more time with the women I met there and begin building lasting friendships which are key to feeling that sense of community when you move to a new city. This was the "key" to my ornament design. I didn't use a kit or pattern and so far it is one of a kind, and the exchange was a first for me. I was very happy with the way the ornament turned out but I can honestly say I was in a fret over it for just a few days :)

To my new friends, thank you for such a wonderful time, you definitely bring a smile to my face and heart when I think of you and I love my ornaments and all the goodies you baked, YUMMY! More photos posted later but back to work on the "project."