I love creating scrapbooks & crafting. It's a beautiful way to gift others as well as yourself. My sister calls it "soulful giving".
The Hula Hoop is a sweet reminder of childhood! This print by Anahata spurred me into the wee morning hours thinking of ways to incorporate it into a shabby chic journal. . .and to find Blogspot offering new designs for bloggers. Love this new look. 
Meet me poolside! Ice Coffee, 2% milk, 2 pumps of sugar & make it a Venti! Makes the summer busyness much easier.
As of this post, the Junior All Star team (14 & 15 year olds) are 2-1. In this District we have played a couple of good teams, nail biting games against Jurupa National and Eastvale. Last night we had our first lost against Norco.
Noah's team, the 11 & 10 year olds had their first game against Eastvale and won 5-3 at a new field that opened up, the El Cerritos Complex.
On May 2nd Luke turned 14! He is slated to attend Roosevelt where his Little League coach who coaches the freshman team has recruited him. This is Luke's first year on the regulation size field, he enjoyed the year with his improved batting percentage. It was exciting to watch Luke drive 110% on every play. Even the umpire who threw Luke out of a game for being too aggressive cited that Luke was still a pleasure to watch because he plays ball passionately. Luke at center was a commanding outfielder, always diving when necessary, earnestly giving up from inside to outside to make that play. And to watch him fly around the bases or get caught in pickles (and beat out the throw!) was an amazing exciting sight! I'm a proud mama. . .
Noah turned 12 on the 26th! Last night! What an excellent game to end his season! Imagine this (after coming in first for the season, soon to receive the mega trophy), in the playoffs for Tournament of Champions--Noah's team lost 2-1. . .and has taken 2nd. . .but the real story follows. Both of our starting pitchers were ineligible, and it left Noah who has not pitched much this year. The buzz around the field was that he was a strike pitcher and easy to hit off of. But Noah had his own plan. He had about 12 strikeouts, 2 unearned runs, using 55 pitchers. Battling against the opposing team's pitcher who was their #1! Noah's team backed him up as best as they could & it was just a night never to forget (and I won't as I was on pins & needles all day and night). It's Noah's breakout year--ending the season being the #5 hitter, having to take his hitting skill taught by Brian Rios (ex-MLB Tigers player) to his game. 
Excuse the poor quality of this shot.
Learning is to just do it. For my practice sessions I decided to sketch jewelry that I own. Easy exercises.
My somewhat daily sketch journal, a whole lot of random memories.
I often do sketches at the baseball field while waiting for a game, or an appointment.
I have to keep it simple as I haven't had a craft area for eight months now.
My Man! He loves me so much & is blessing me with custom cabinets for my new improved craftroom. Lorin is doing the install and designing the desk & cabinet surfaces. Our spring project. . .
Presently a storehouse of chaotic STUFF.
Suzy Q. She knows how to get to the heart of any person, place, situation under the sun. And I don't see her enough.
Chris, my gosh she finds humor where ever she is, and I cannot help but laugh out loud!
Oh Tracy on the left and Janet (awesome sister in Christ) in the middle, our kindergarteners glued us together, we know how to have a good time!
Karen, she lives next door. . .and she is a force to behold! We love sharing our lives with each other!
XOXO. Dearest sister Jeanne. She inspires me in Christ. . .family, arts & crafts.
This face is Kim's. She's my buddy & we love to kick it, and I giggle like a little girl around her.
Lacette Allen. Faithful. She has my back year after year--oh does she make me laugh!
Sarah, a mother now. And oh how loving and oh what a strong mom she is. She's going to teach me how to be a better mom.
My mom. Strong as an oak. She is loved by God. . .happy in her 80's. She showed me how to overcome the impossible. I believe my mother is about 21 here, and she represented the Filipino women on Maui from Puunene. 
Frank was bored one day about a week ago. . .so he decided to sketch. He chose Abraham Lincoln. What do you think?
Kawai is wearing these adorable booties. . .he needs my attention, but first. . .
I was able to play with Teesha Moore's lesson on drawing faces & I've taken off. On the creative front, all I can do is these small sketches to keep my love of sketching evolving. For some odd reason I have three, yes, THREE ongoing journal sketchbooks going. A daily 5x5 & 5x8, a weekly 5x8, so depending on which sketchbook is closest to me or in my handbag. . .uh, that's what I'm playing with! All I need is my Micron pen & book. I do use watercolor paint and prisma color pencils. Just do what you can and the future takes care of itself!
Learn from other artists, be influenced. Thank you Geninne.
This journey is like being on this endless "walkabout" of finding your way.
Remember paper dolls? So, I have this thing about dressing the self portrait with what I am wearing! Or would like to be wearing! LOL! Below, I have featured Kawai's favorite little Honu. He lights up whenever he sees Mr. Honu (turtle).
I sincerely know not what is in store for me, this 2010. I hope there's arts and crafts.
Tell my boys & Grandson to stop growing will ya? The women are outnumbered here by boys, boys!
This fabulous cross created by artist sis Ivy Jeanne. . .
Endearing Madonna & Child artwork on Christmas cards. Love them. 'For unto you a child is born. . .'
Another beauty from Maui, crafted by artist Carla Ganginni . Lorin's reaction was, oh--now you have crossed on over to strange. . .but believe me, it grows on you (if you are a shell lover) and it's lovely!
Top shell frame is crafted by my sis Ivy, the bottom is a friend of hers named Jory. Amazing!
I went to Jaws with my sister and brother-in-law for a morning jaunt to watch the large wave surfers surf. These waves were 30=40 ft. 
At a Christmas craft fair, SHELL TOPIARIES! I came home with a lovely white on white piece. 
Beautiful Mei Li and McKenna. McKenna walks on her tiptoes, it's a rare skill at age 1. Mei Li is the best Aunty ever!
And I found my dear mother well and in good spirits for which the trip was truly about. She is pictured with flowers from her sons.
