swoosh!

Geeze! Where'd the weekend go? I spent mine working on digi orders and taking care of the husband. He has the FLU! Egads! I am swimming in hand sanitizer and spraying Lysol like a madwoman! Somehow we never got around to getting flu shots this year... DUMB!
After a shot AND an IV at the doc's office, a pile of prescriptions and a few days in bed the husband is slowly recovering. Poor thing!
It was gorgeous here this weekend... very warm, felt like SPRING!! Even the birds were sounding spring-ish. I know, I know... it's winter and as if I needed a reminder a cold front is roaring in like a run-away freight train as I write this. But, it's February and spring WILL be here soon. Joy!
And, finally... my washer sits idle as we wait for a new motor to arrive. It is amazing how much time I spend doing laundry. Sometimes I wish we had pelts. Glittery pelts. Maybe some nice pink polka dots for me. ;)
I'm off to dreamland where islands and conch shells wait for me...

good news!

Back in the day...

pre Ike

Anyone who's been to Galveston in, say, the last 90 some years knows Murdoch's. Built literally on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico, it has endured many storms, but last fall Hurricane Ike was too much for this landmark. Now, there is good news! Murdoch's plans to rebuild in the same spot, but a bit higher up, though it was wind, not water that brought her down. The Murdoch's website has the official word on the rebuild and many wonderful photos of this quirky and charming gift shop/bar/historic site. If all goes well Murdoch's will reopen in 2010, just in time to celebrate her 100 year anniversary! This is news to make a mermaid smile!
http://www.murdochspier.com/

post Ike

"snow" day

So our ice storm did arrive, much to the glee of our local weatherfolk. They are beside themselves with pride at actually getting this one right. The temp is now 31, but the sun is beaming and I am listening to slabs of ice slide off the roof and shatter.
The kids are having a SNOW (ha!) day and my gameroom is chock-full-o-children of various ages, united by the magic of Rock Band, pop corn and marshmallow cream. Yep, I'm that sort of mom... anything goes as long as minimal blood is shed and they clean up after themselves.

And best of all, warmer temps are on the way. It will be in the 60s by the weekend!

I love Texas!
But I love the Virgin Islands more!

in bleak midwinter

We've had a cold, wet, grey day here in the outskirts of Dallas. All day the temperature has hovered just above freezing. Now, as night falls the freeze begins. I would prefer a pretty blizzard with the distinctive quiet that only a blanket of snow brings.
The fire is flickering and dinner is in the oven. I have to say, it is rather cozy, but this will never be my season. I am starved for sunlight and green. Soon, soon...

meet Arthur Simo

You must check out the work of a very special artist, Arthur Simo.

Arthur is a young man who loves to express himself with his art.

He is very talented. I love the colors and the exuberance of his work.

Arthur has autism. He is blessed with a loving mother

who encourages him in his art.

You can find his work here...

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5796617

and here...

http://www.myspace.com/simoart

and read Arthur's story in the words of his mother, Adriana, here...

http://simoartcorner.blogspot.com/

coming soon!

coming soon!, originally uploaded by Sea Dream Studio.

I made some graphics for Paper Cowgirl. I am delighted to be a teacher again this year! Now, if I can just think of something to teach...

http://papercowgirl.blogspot.com/

vampire in suburbia

vampire in suburbia, originally uploaded by Sea Dream Studio.

Look what I spotted in my backyard! I tossed out some rare roast beef in an attempt to lure him inside, but no such luck! He disappeared right after I snapped this photo.
I am thinking of building a vampire trap, but I don't have any titanium or fresh blood.
My whole backyard smells like vanilla wafers...

Why you should check your kid's homework...

Dear Mrs. Jones,
I wish to clarify that I am not now, nor have I ever been, an exotic dancer. I work at Home Depot and I told my daughter how hectic it was last week before the blizzard hit. I told her we sold out every single shovel we had, and then I found one more in the back room, and that several people were fighting over who would get it. Her picture doesn't show me dancing around a pole. It's supposed to depict me selling the last snow shovel we had at Home Depot.From now on I will remember to check her homework more thoroughly before she turns it in.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Smith

might as well smile...

Ah, the demise of household appliances never comes at an opportune time. But, instead of bemoaning my piece-o-crap washer's current illness, I choose to celebrate my freedom from laundry duty (until the repairman arrives).

How's that for positive thinking?
I really am a glass half full type.
Even when the glass is cracked...
and leaking...
The economic woes of our nation become more real and personal every day. And my appliances are breaking. ugh...
But, I elect to see the spots of blue in the cloudy sky, to live with a grateful heart, to duct tape my cracked glass and drink a toast to better times to come.

Obama swears the oath

Obama swears the oath, originally uploaded by Thoroughly Good.

History made, hope kindled on this, a day like no other!

Oh what a day!

Obama Inauguration reverse, originally uploaded by simonGman.

Cane Garden Bay on Tortola

I need a dose of this today.
I remember sitting right there in Myett's having an icy Caribe and looking at that amazing Caribbean Sea. Cane Garden Bay is a breathtaking beach. The palms sweep up to the remarkable clear sky with such magesty and the mountains rise behind them like massive emerald waves. I remember actually saying, "This is real! And I am here!"...
It is in the 80's there year-round.
sigh...

Thank you, Dr. King

Martin Luther King, Jr, originally uploaded by Sea Dream Studio.

tgif

bright bird blog, originally uploaded by Sea Dream Studio.

Ah, Friday... what a lovely vision that word stirs. Even for those of us who work at home, it conjures thoughts of idle hours curled on the sofa in a soft blanket, delicious novel in hand and a nice hot cup of coffee nearby. Not that reality is much like that. I will be curled up on the sofa with my blanket and coffee, but the novel will be this laptop and I will be working away on digital orders. I am not complaining, mind you! I adore what I do and feel very lucky to have plenty of work.
Hope your weekend is cozy and calm.
xo~dale

special

treasure hunting, originally uploaded by Sea Dream Studio.

I try to keep it light here in blogland. No burdensome posts about aches and pains, whiney stuff, personal woes. Nope! None of that!
But... this boy is my heart. W is 12 (how did THAT happen??) and my baby. He's wonderful, funny, sweet and... what's the word?... oh, yeah... special.
I am not alone in my world of acronyms... ARD, IEP, LRE and on and on. The parent of a child who receives "special services" via the public school system knows all of these and too many more. W was oxygen deprived at birth. Not a good thing. Speech, language, memory and all sorts of complex processes in the brain are not fond of doing without oxygen, not one little bit. Toss in a few seizures, just in case there wasn't enough damage done. W has had a developmental pediatrician since he was 3 days old. Talk about early intervention!
Here's the good part... W is a happy, social guy who is eager to learn, has piles of friends, is a talented young artist and posesses a very tender heart. He gets a lot of assistance in school, for which we are very grateful. If you met my boy you'd think he was younger than 12, but probably not notice anything else (except how darn cute he is!).
So, as not to bore you to death with 12 years worth of ups and downs, I will fast forward to Tuesday. ARD meeting day... a time to review previous goals, adaptations, test scores (ugh!), etc and plan for the next few months and the coming year.
The coming year... MIDDLE SCHOOL! Oh, my! W has been at his elementary school forever. He was in PPCD (an early intervention pre-school) and now he is finishing 6th grade. Oh, what a safe and loving cocoon! And soon, he'll be off to the huge middle school! He's a small guy. Will he be trampled? Lost? Stuck in the hallway fiddling with his locker??? Can I bribe the elementary school to keep him a few more years??
The meeting went well. The representative from the middle school was wonderful, reassuring. The IEP (individual education plan) looks good, thorough, thoughtful. They'll help him with his locker if need be.
Everything will be fine.
Of course.
Won't it?

Anyone who knows me at all, knows that I really hate winter. I find it bleak and depressing eventhough I live in Texas where are winters are mercifully short and mostly mild. But, we do have winter and I decided a few years ago to work on not despising it so. It seems silly to spend months moaning and pouting over something I cannot control.

So, I think I've done well. I am still cold all the time (really I am cold any time it is under 75) but my attitude is better. I have been, in fact, a bit proud of myself for nearly conquering this lifelong struggle to be at peace with old man winter. Today, however I realized that perhaps it is not so much my great personal growth and mastery of my emotions, but the fact that our "winter" has (so far) been quite sunny! We have not had the miserable, seemingly endless days of grey skies and dreary cold rain. Even on our coldest days, we've had a lot of sunshine. And we've had a nice amount of crazy warm days in the 70s and even a few in the 80s! So, I think I am not so much coping better, than I am having less to cope with. Works for me!

I am off to gaze at a beautiful, clear blue winter sky.

crappy economy

High Style, originally uploaded by wackystuff.

I'm wondering where I can find one of these? With the U.S. economy in the dumper, I'm thinking the mortgage on this snazzy number might be just the thing. Do yo think they'd throw in the picnic set?
I have to say I really like the jaunty color scheme and how hard could it be to keep clean? For real...
So, I spent way too long at the Apple store today. My iPhone had fallen ill and had an appointment (seriously, you have to make an appointment) with one of the Apple geniuses. Yes, they are called geniuses, not technicians and honestly, they are pretty smart and undeniably hip. In fact, I felt cooler myself just being there. One begins to feel they are in some clean, bright happy AppleWorld or at least a commercial. And, if you are blessed to own some Apple stock you must be smiling in your sleep. That shiny store was bustling!!
And my own genius, Justin, hooked me up with a new, healthy iPhone. I was a little sad to see my old one (ha! 6 months) go, but it was very sick.
Cold here. What's with that??? Oh, yeah... winter... ugh...

you can fly

winged lady roses avatar, originally uploaded by Sea Dream Studio.

“Heights by great men reached and kept were not obtained by sudden flight but, while their companions slept, they were toiling upward in the night.”
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

lazy day...

Nice Chair, originally uploaded by wackystuff.

Well, well... what a lazy day. I've done some laundry, a few other household duties, munched on bonbons and played with images on my laptop. sigh...
I think a need a nap.
LOL! As if!
Actually, I've been as busy as a hive!
Did all the above (except the bonbons because I'm fresh out of them!)
and some redecorating tasks that I've been meaning to do forever.
Now, if only i had a cook. I do so NOT love cooking.
It is the bane of my existance!
So, let me scamper off and get right on that!

I've been working on digi stuff and all day with "Planet Earth" as background. I've learned a LOT about wildebeests, lemurs,bears, all sorts of bugs, elks, ducks, etc. Our planet really is chock full of amazing critters.

I myself have a 16 year old dog... now THAT is amazing! What is that in dog years???

A MILLION???

We are beginning to suspect that he is a vampire.

Actually, I am thinking about starting to eat his food. Something is keeping him going!

He's a little bitty papillon and he still scampers around and thinks he's a puppy.

His kibble is looking pretty good to me...

blue dreamer

blue dreamer , originally uploaded by Sea Dream Studio.

I spent this cold (yes, our warm weather is gone!) Saturday working on digital projects. I am so mesmerized by this medium! The possibilities are really limitless! I feel like a magician when I am engrossed in this wonderful creative outlet! And I am this enthusiastic after a long day of pixels.
I am smitten!

faux spring

vintage sea avatar , originally uploaded by Sea Dream Studio.

Oh, it is so WARM here! In the 70s! JOY! GLEE!! I love winter (when it is unseasonably warm!)!!
I am off to McKinney today to work at Market Street and fluff my shop space. I am trying, no GOING to be more attentive to my shop space. It is easy to let weeks go by and not check on it. It really needs a visit about once a week, to restock and tidy up.
Hope your Friday is full of creativity and smiles!
xoxoxo~dale

vintage seaside avatar, originally uploaded by Sea Dream Studio.

hush

In this silence there are crescendos and flutters,
the constancy of pulse, distant wrens, a river
flowing beyond the cedars. I hear the shuffle of doubt.
How it pushes forward in this quietness. Longing
lisps across oak floors in tattered slippers.
Fear has no sound, but a coldness
that gathers in mute corners. It is here

in this hush, wreathed in stillness
that I hear my song. The thrum of wind
on water is in my breath. Spindrift
sighs and fades in lacey scallops.
In parchment whispers wings unfurl
to slice the silken sky. Seconds murmur
in the ebb tide, my declaration; I am here.

marie pink banner

marie pink banner, originally uploaded by Sea Dream Studio.

I have decided to make a few blog and shop banner sets. I get a lot of requests for these and have a bit of a waiting list, so for those of you who like instant gratification (and who doesn't?) these sets are ready to go. Look for them in my Etsy, Lollishop and website.

It is still dreary here, but the ice is gone. I am snuggled in with my fab new laptop, learning how to navigate the touch pad and thinking I need a little mouse for this thing. I love it so much it is ridiculous!
The keys make the sweetest little sound when you press them. Can you tell that I am infatuated??

iced palms in Dallas

iced palms in Dallas, originally uploaded by Sea Dream Studio.

What a dismal sight... my palm trees are coated in frozen rain. It is stupidly cold... enough for the rain to freeze, but no snow, which might actually be pretty.
Needless to say I have not left the house today. I am content to stay inside and keep warm and dry. Yesterday it was nearly 80 here! So wacky!!
I am plugging away on digital orders, trying to catch up so the waiting time is reasonable for my clients.
As usual, it is 85 in Tortola today...

lookie!!!

At long last I have a LAPTOP!! There's my daughter breaking it in for me by playing the "Wedding Planner" game. I can thank our horrid economy for driving the price down so low I could not resist! Now I can do my digi work ANYWHERE!! Yea!!

And I also got an external hard drive that is 1TB (terabyte? tyranasaurus byte?)... INSANELY HUGE! That's what it is!

Oh, I am in techie heaven!!!! I just can't help it... I'm a GADGET GAL!

ballerina fantasyland avatar

ballerina fantasyland avatar, originally uploaded by Sea Dream Studio.

As you can see, I am still thinking spring. Christmas is all packed away in the attic and the temps are still in the 70s here. This makes a mermaid smile.
I am working away on my digital orders and enjoying having my family home. Next week it is back to real life. I'll be lonely...

farewell 2008!

We are headed to J & G's for some New Year's Eve festivities!

They live just behind us and a few doors down so no worries

about being on the road tonight.

Hope your evening is safe and fun.

Happy New Year!

xo~dale

ready for spring!

FantasyLand ava, originally uploaded by Sea Dream Studio.

Well, Christmas is over and I am ready for tulips and bunnies! And guess what?? It FEELS like spring here in the Dallas suburbs... nearly 70 and sunny! ~~smiles~~
I am still in the holiday* (*lazy) mood and am s l o w l y getting to work on some digital orders and packing away Christmas decorations.
I send my sympathies to all of you folks who are shivering in the (bad word) snow! Egads! Well, perhaps you like it. I hope so!
It is 85 degrees today in Tortola... sigh...

twilight jewelry

twilight jewelry , originally uploaded by Sea Dream Studio.

Whew! Well, we survived Christmas! It was actually very nice.

Now, I am ready to get busy on digital orders and a few other goodies like the "Twilight" bracelet above (in my Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=23439 ). I have also listed some new "Twilight" pendants.

I hope your holiday was filled with love and joy!
xo~dale

Happy Holidays!

Christmas Eve has dawned clear and much warmer! I do believe we are ready for Christmas. The kids and I have a mountain of cookies to frost, but everything else is finished. Whew!
Last night sis, K,W,C, J and I went to see Twilight (yes, my 2nd time) and it was great fun to watch those pretty vampires. I have always has a fondness for vampire movies... The Lost Boys (original version), Interview With a Vampire. Brad Pitt was so charming in those lacy shirts...

Ah, well, back to reality.
Hope your Christmas is merry and bright

and filled with delightful surprises!! xoxoxo~dale

I'm dreaming of a Caribbean Christmas...

Just imagine, a snow white beach, palms with sparkling lights, a hammock full of gifts for loved ones, the gentle carol of the Caribbean surf... Yes, I am dreaming of islands while the temperature plummets here in the suburbs of Dallas.

I have no doubt that Santa would find my stocking

hanging on a palm at Cane Garden Bay.

Afterall, he's no stranger to the island lifestyle...

In fact he and I have the same favorite cocktail...

a frosty PainKiller from a thatched roof bar

on the leeward side of beautiful Tortola.

If I could...

I would most joyfully spend Christmas with my beloved ones aboard a ship, all sunshine and blue water!! Oh, yes...
but I am here and neary ready for THE DAY! Presents are wrapped, cards sent, house presentable and now we have to bake cookies to share with friends.
Our lovely balmy weather is gone and it is very cold, but if I'm not on a ship in the Caribbean, it might as well feel like Christmas, right?

getting ready....

I'm almost ready... a few more gifts to buy, cookies to make, some wrapping.

It was in the 70s here today! I LOVE IT!

Sometimes Texas is a wonderful place.

I made a dash out to restock my shop space in McKinnney with "Twilight" pendants

before the weekend. The Square was busy with lots of shoppers on this spring-like afternooon.

Hope your holidays preparations are going well.

xo~dale

a treasury!

One of my banner images was selected for a treasury on Etsy! How nice!!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=36380

Divinity Reach

Divinity Reach, originally uploaded by bldgblog. Image by Daniel Dociu.

A dreary day here in Texas... misty and cold, very grey.
My daughter and I Christmas shopped and had fun hanging out together. She's a cool kid.
I am to busy with real life for much art right now and that always seems to make me a bit grouchy. I keep telling myself that in a few days Chrismas will be past and I can return to creative pursuits.
My inner voice reminds me to be in THIS moment, so I enjoyed shopping and laughing with my daughter and tried to dismiss all thoughts of waiting digi orders and such.
I love the artwork above, snagged from Flickr and apparently from an on-line game called "Guild Wars". I think it is a lovely and magical image. Those red flags are spectacular! I do admit I have a fondness for strings of flags. Perhaps it reminds me of past lives as a gypsy or a circus performer. ;)