My Grandfather

was the most amazing man I've ever known.

His father came over from Ireland, was poor beyond words, and despite being a genius of an inventor didn't know anything about business and therefore continued to live in poverty throughout the great depression.  

His mother died when he was very young. 

He made the dinners for his younger sibling to the point that he always joked that he loved the burnt cookies because that is how he was used to them.

He decided things would be different for him and his family. 

He worked three jobs while in school to get an education. 

He started off as a trash collector.

He never talked about his military service - or at least not to me.

But what he did talk about was the stunning nurse he met. 

How he couldn't wait to get back to her.

And so they were married. And our family began.

He worked his way up to being one of the head hanchos of a very large banking company.

He went to night school to get his MBA to continue to climb the corporate ladder.

And boy, did he ever.

My grandfather is the definition of the American Dream

He spun nothing into complete gold

And he gave it all to his family. 

All his grandchildren agree - none of us have had a better role model.

He was so remarkably patient. As my grandmother developed alzheimer's, he would sit there and repeat the same answer to the same question over and over without any hesitation.

He was remarkably supportive. All 14 of his grandchildren have come out as very uniquely their own person. And he supported each and everyone of us and encouraged us to get our education.

He was generous beyond words.  

He was modest. To him, he was always the guy that started as taking out the trash. 

And his famous words, through the highest number of heart attacks I've ever heard of, through amputations, through dialysis three times a week for years, have always been "never been better" 

This week I will be joining my family to celebrate this wonderful man.

8.17.1926 - 2.24.2012

Face 2 face

Feb. 13

Feb. 14

 Feb. 15

 Feb 16.

Feb. 17

Feb. 18

Feb. 19

Feb. 20

Feb. 21

13 through 17 are in progress
18-20 are super quick little pieces
21- is demented and wonderful

pencil portraits

these do not do the persons pictured justice.

however... they were done after taking in a lot of champagne. so theres that.

also, I really hate trying to portray specific individuals, because I know I'm not talented enough to really capture their true essence. but I try.

Ms. Kary. You are BEAUTIFUL. Don't ever doubt it.

Marzipan... Happy Anniversary to you and Philip.

Happy Friday: Somebody that I used to Know

Happy Friday!

(again, I almost missed it! but tonight I was busy with fun things more than work)

When I was in undergraduate school, there was a guy on campus, who every Friday for all four years he was there, would carry red balloons around with him and greet everyone he met with "Happy Friday." I got to know him and he was so inspiring. Before college he had been in a severely bad car accident that resulted in multiple physical and cognitive disabilities. Even though it took away his talents as an athlete and set him back drastically physically and mentally, he was just so positive about life. And part of that positivity was recognizing that every Friday is a celebration. He had made it one more week!

Although he and I have lost touch, and I don't even remember his name, every Friday I think of him. 

Every Friday his positive spirit still reminds me that no matter what is going on in life at the moment, it is still a celebration to have made it through one more week.

I think he has forever changed my life and my outlook.

^ There is more to this story about how I adopted my own version of Happy Friday. I need to share it soon. But tonight, I'm tired. So I'll save that for another Friday. 

This week's mental red balloons:

1. Tonight I hosted an art party. I love art parties! Sharing laughter over various materials and mediums is one of my absolute favorite things to do in the whole world. And each party I have met someone new and awesome! And each party people who came to the last return, so some wonderful friendships are forming.

2. Someone brought Champagne and chocolate to the art party... I love Champagne and chocolate.

3. The feeling of oil pastels sliding against paper

4. I'm loving my indoor edible garden.

 

5. When I was super sick two weeks ago... a friend came by with this for me:

A homemade bunny (my nickname is bunny). Whiskey - because that is my family's cure. Lemon Sorbet - what I crave when my throat hurts. Tea and cough drops - more obvious cures. 

When the same friend got sick a week later (not from me. different cold all together) I returned the basket with some homemade jewelry, art, chocolate ice cream (what she craves), tea, and tequila (her cure).

6. I'm the on-call therapist this week. Until today the on-call phone was silent! It seems like it will be a busy weekend, but at least it was quiet before today. And I get to pass it off at noon on Monday. 

7. I'm busy planning birthday surprises for some of my favorite friends and family. 

8. Valentines day is this week. I don't care if it is a hallmark holiday. I love celebrating for any reason! 

9. I'm really digging this song (and the video inspired the Today's face for 29 faces) 



A) its just a great song
B) I think we all have those somebodies that we used to know...
C) I like that their video is so cool and yet very simple and easy. And that they aren't abashed about the human form without going in the opposite direction of being skanky. As an artist in love with nudes, I super appreciate that.

10. I'm loving 29 faces. Here's what I've made yesterday and today. (also re-sharing two that I like)

 I'm loving how it turned out.

Not really a fan of this one. Modigliani inspired. 

 These two are repeat shares. But I'm liking them.

The magic in your soul

We are now past half way through the work week... thank goodness! Today was a long long day. Despite being exhausted after a nearly 14 hour work day, I needed to unwind before falling asleep. What better way then to make a face for the 29 faces challenge.

This page again started as a prepped page by An'Angelia.

I just played with shapes and colors while watching some trash tv and eliminating today's sessions from my thoughts so I can now fall asleep soundly and peacefully.

Planning under the full moon

Holidays I'll be celebrating: 

Feb. 7th - Full Moon.
Feb. 14th - Valentines Day. (PS. Love you lovies)
Feb. 20th - Prez. Day for USers
Feb. 18 - 21st - Carnival
Feb. 21st - Mardi Gras

Seasonally foods I'll be buying: 

• Potatoes
• I know you are thinking, potatoes are available all year. True. However this is the time they are harvested and "new" (vs. "old" potatoes that are kept in cold storage for up to a year) potatoes have thinner skin and a sweeter taste. Use them within three days for freshest effect. 
• Parsnips
• Arugula
• Fennel
• Leek
• Again, these are all fairly available year long. However... knowing they are in season locally adds a bit of glee in buying them. Or smugness. Either one :) 
• Kiwi
• Not local... but the grocery stores are overflowing with Kiwi during its peak season. YUM!
• Citrus
• Pretty awesome that fruit that is loaded with vitamin C is at its best during flu season. 

Weird little face sketch found in an old notebook from a masters class.

Seems fitting for the full moon.

But it makes me wonder why my brain/art is so weird sometimes.

Monday face

An'Angelia sent me a journal a way while back with pages she had prepped.

This one had "CREATE" written all over it.

For 29 Faces it became this: