An Artsy Chick Dares To Dream

A Walk In The Park

an artsy chick — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 22:48:30 +0000

I’m trying to get more exercise lately, it’s probably the best thing a Parkinson’s patient can do. I’m also trying to rev up my engine a bit, my weight loss is somewhat at a standstill. After losing 95 lbs., my body has decided it’s darn happy with my current weight. My goal is to hit 130 lbs. and I’ve been sitting at 140 for five weeks now. My gastric bypass surgery was on Feb. 3, 2011. It’s hard to believe an entire year has already gone by . The great news is I feel better than I have in a very long time, especially my PD symptoms. My cholesterol has gone from 240 to 165, and my damaged liver is functioning perfectly right now. The best part of all is I can now walk! I mean power walk, not just stroll. Terry has a hard time keeping up with me and looks surprised when I say “let’s keep going!”

We explored the Lodi Lake area yesterday and really enjoyed the gorgeous nature trail. I think you will too…

Filed under: Uncategorized

Talk To The Animals

an artsy chick — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 07:23:27 +0000

I adore all animals. I have had pets my entire life. I was lucky enough to have parents who loved animals as much as I do. I remember my folks coming home late one night, and insisting that we drive back downtown to see a tiny monkey in an office window. Don’t ask me what this little fella was doing in there, but the three of us stood with our faces smashed against a plate glass window smiling with glee. We oooh’d and aaah’d and wondered where we could find a tiny primate of our own. After a bit of research and the thought of monkey bites (not the fun kind), we opted to stick to the stuffed kind. Soon after that, I did talk Mom and Dad into buying me a duck at the county fair. Who knew “Donald” would grow up to be as big as a prize winning turkey. (we fed him well) I was the only kid in town who walked a ginormous white duck on a pink leash.

One summer evening I remember Dad agreed that I could take Donald on a walk to the local burger joint as long as I kept him on his leash. When we arrived at Val’s, I anxiously waited outside while Dad went in to get the banana splits. I’m not sure what came over me, but I took the leash off Donald. You can just imagine what happened next, yep, Donald decided to run laps in the parking lot! The restaurant had large windows that looked out to the parking lot. Everyone was in shock and awe, especially my Dad. When he eventually spotted Donald zipping between parked cars, I could suddenly read lips. Poor Dad ran out and chased the big “D” while everyone laughed. I wasn’t laughing. We eventually caught Donald, and that was his first and last trip to Val’s. Soon after that we decided Donald Duck needed a more appropriate home and we gifted him to a friendly farm.

The other day Terry and I strolled through a small zoo near our house and I snapped these shots. I’m not a huge zoo fan, I always wish the living spaces were larger.

He was doing awesome handstands...showing off to a girlie nearby.

Glad we had a piece of glass between us, he was rather prickly.

A Red-Billed Hose Nose Bird. Not really.

He missed his manners class. He gave us a radical razzberry!

His pal was a real swinger.

Getting to know eachother.

Didn't even wait for the third date.

This lovely reminded me of my tom cat Max...very focused.

The top guy had something in his throat, maybe one of his room mates.

A tunnel of bamboo love.

A bearded wooley cat. Not really.

She was kinda cold at first, but I think I grew on her.

Filed under: Uncategorized

Flea Market Treasure Hunt

an artsy chick — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 19:22:27 +0000

Last Saturday, Lauren and I decided to hit the Stockton flea market. I’ve spent my life “fleaing”. My parents were die-hard treasure hunters and I tagged along as soon as I could walk. Funny, because back then I would moan and groan every time we would stop at a garage sale, antique store, or auction. It’s a different story nowadays, I adore meandering thru places that might offer an inspirational treasure or two.

Here’s quite a few shots of the flea market. I wish I could attach the smells of carnitas, onions, and grilled corn! Have fun spying the unusual sights of the flea market…

I wanted to bring "Tweetie" home, but figured Terry would faint and Mikey might eat him!

A fresh coconut concoction.

Tons of fruit and veggies.

Diced cactus? I'll pass.

Mexican cocktails minus the booze.

Gotta sweet tooth?

Yes, I rubbed his belly.

Not sure if this looks good, but folks were munching away on it...roasted corn.

Jackets, jeggings, and junk every where!

Colorful pinatas blowing in the breeze.

I felt bad for these little fellas all crammed into one cage together.

This little man was scoping out dvd's.

Teenagers being teenagers.

Plenty of tp everywhere.

Tricked out wheels.

Wanna look stupid? Here ya go!

"Fruity" dolls. Grape or blueberry head?

Looks yummy, but I'm scared to eat at food stands. Sorta weirds me out.

A serious griller. Look out Bobby Flay.

She/he must have burned his/her bra.

Still thinking about "Tweetie".

I took this shot super fast...from behind.

Young treasure hunters.

Beautiful birdie.

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: birds, flea market, fruits, junk, stockton, treasure hunting, veggies

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

an artsy chick — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:02:40 +0000

When I was pregnant seventeen years ago, I secretly prayed I would have a girl. Folks would ask me what I was hoping for, and of course I would say it didn’t matter as long as the baby was healthy. When the tech giving me a sonagram said, “I’m pretty sure it’s a girl”, my insides did an over the top happy dance. Dreams do come true, because on September 17, 1994 I gave birth to Emma Rose.

Life with a teenager can be challenging at times, but on most days life with Emma is pure joy. She gets me and I get her. She marches to her own beat, is strong willed, secretly cries during tender movies, hates to clean her room, laughs with her eyes as well as her belly, is an accomplished horse woman, speaks some Croatian, loves to travel, has an instinctive sense of style, is a bit hard on herself, loves a back rub, and fills my heart like no one else. She is an angel sent by God, and I can’t imagine life without Emma Rose.

This kid makes me laugh harder than anyone on the planet and she’s my favorite peep to hang with. She has a tight circle of sweet friends, and every now and then I get to peek inside their teenage world. What do three gals do at Target? Try on hats and sunglasses of course! These silly fotos were taken during the summer with my girl and her lovely buddy Savannah, otherwise known as Savi.

Emma is the shark? on the left, and Savi is the mouse? on the right!Mama DeLuz and Emma Rose workin' it.

iphones are great for spur of the moment fashion shoots!

Pretty as a picture!

My "baby" is much taller than me!

A fun day

Filed under: Uncategorized

Japanese Garden

an artsy chick — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:48:17 +0000

While strolling through Micke Grove Park the other day, we spotted this little gem…the Japanese Garden. I love bonsai trees, bridges, and sushi! Unfortunately no sushi here…but plenty of other pretties to make the soul smile. Squirrels were jetting from tree to tree while blue jays swooped down to remind us we were on their turf. Large colorful Koi fish languished in the shallow pond, occasionally popping their heads up as if to say, “Where’s the chow?” Once again we had the entire place to ourselves, and I quickly pretended it was our private backyard. My fantasies don’t include weeding, raking leaves, or feeding giant fish. I stick to visions of tea parties for two, three hour hammock naps, and reading novels under huge oak trees. As you can see this is a great place to let your dreams manifest..Enjoy!

Filed under: Uncategorized

A Ride From The Past

an artsy chick — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:50:39 +0000

This morning Terry and I ventured out on a morning excursion and decided to explore a near-by park/zoo called Micke Grove. Weekdays are perfect for this sort of outing, we were the only ones in the park! We strolled through the zoo first and enjoyed watching the spider monkeys chase each other. (photos coming soon)

As we walked through the exit gates we noticed a near-by mini midway! So cute! It was a total throw back from the fifties and it made me smile from the inside out. Of course the rides were closed because the kidlets were in school, but it was still fun to shoot some pics. I want to go back on a Saturday when I can see “Fun Town” in full swing.

This charming place is where memories are made that your kids will mention when they’re thirty!

Filed under: Uncategorized

Oooo La La

an artsy chick — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:06:52 +0000

Do you love trinkets and treasures as much as I do!? Yes, I’m one of those chickies that brake for garage sales, yard sales, church bazaars, thrift stores, and antique shops. I even confess to salvaging tossed pieces from dumpsters! I like to think I’m helping the environment by saving forgotten whatchamajigs. Hubby hasn’t bought into my “going green” mentality….he’s convinced I’m part hoarder, rat pack, and junk junkie. The garage is home and resting place for my yet to be worked on treasures. Needless to say I’m never short on projects.

Yesterday me and a partner in crime scouted a great warehouse sale called The Paris Flea Market. Once a month a group of consigners jam pack this joint with goodies that will blow your mind! Wheeee…what fun we had ooohing and aaahing over blingy baubles, sparkly Eiffel towers, racks of vintage duds, and homemade fudge! The prices are very good, the displays are adorable, and the friendly help all sport a huge smile. If you live in the area I recommend you check it out! It’s a total blast!

Filed under: Uncategorized

Parkinson’s T-Shirt Contest

an artsy chick — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:45:26 +0000

Hi Gang…T.G.I.F.! Hope everyone is starting their weekend a bit early and is gearing up for a Super Bowl celebration. I’m still pouting a bit, wishing our SF 49er’s were playing this weekend…oh well we always have next year.

One of my favorite organizations is the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation. Not only do these folks work tirelessly to improve the lives of people suffering with PD, they are compassionate and caring. I’ve been extremely honored to have had two of my pieces of artwork chosen for their gorgeous yearly calendar. I was also over the moon when they asked me to create a special piece for an amazing man named Bob Benjamin. Bob has raised a ton of dough for Parkinson’s research while battling PD himself. Check out Light of Day Foundation to read more about Bob and his extremely cool efforts!

I decided to enter their t-shirt contest this year and my design was one of five chosen to be voted on! If you’re so inclined, please vote for me here…my work is #3! Thanks for your help on this!

Robin Elliott, PDF Executive Director presenting Bob with the piece I created titled, "Bob's Town".

"Poetry Of The Senses" was selected for their calander a couple of years ago.

"Jazzy Jar" was selected the following year.

Filed under: Uncategorized

Down By The Sea

an artsy chick — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:06:21 +0000

Last weekend Terry and I went on a lovely getaway to beautiful Monterey. The ocean was just what we needed to clear our heads…and my sinuses. I’m finally past the bronchitis, just feeling a bit run down still. We couldn’t of asked for better weather, and we were really surprised at how warm it was. A light sweater was all we needed as we strolled along Cannery Row. I adore people watching…..especially dogs. (they’re “people” aren’t they?) The streets were bustling with hand-holding lovers, elderly women with giant hand bags, and an array of colorful strollers zipping around corners. The air was filled with yummy smells of garlic, ocean air, and an occasional waft of homemade waffle cones. We sat outside overlooking the ocean while eating scampi and fresh sourdough bread. Large gulls conversed with us from a nearby railing begging for french fries.

Our room boasted a bed to die for…complete with down comforter and a mile high feather mattress. A huge screen featuring the latest flicks hung over a large stone fireplace which we kept burning throughout the night. We drank spice tea and ate biscottis in bed while watching Animal Planet. Yes, my man and I are a wild couple.

It was a wonderful getaway and a great way to bring in my 52nd year on the planet.

Not sure who this dapper dude was...but love his face.

Filed under: Uncategorized

Studio Musings

an artsy chick — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 22:43:06 +0000

I’ve been under the weather this past week and have been living like a mole in pj’s. I finally got in to see my doc and was given an Rx for a heavy-duty antibiotic. I’m now in the process of kicking this respiratory infection’s butt!

Between naps, episodes of Judge Judy, and reading zines, I’ve been playing with art supplies. Here’s a peek at some recent doodlings:

I have houses on the brain from spending so much time indoors!

Wish I could grow a tree like that.

Made with Copic Markers...love those things!

I've been dreaming of the beach lately.

Napkin and paper plate designs...Circus Fun Collection.

More Circus Fun Designs.

I'm crazy in love with Snow Cones!

Robot Pals Collection...more plates and napkins!

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: circus fun, copic markers, fun collection, fun designs, robot pals, snow cones