New Taxi Driver

 

A guy in a taxi wanted to speak to the driver so he leaned forward and tapped him on the shoulder. The driver screamed, jumped up in the air and yanked the wheel over. The car mounted the curb, demolished a lamppost and came to a stop, inches from a shop window.

 

The startled passenger said "I didn't mean to frighten you, I just wanted to ask you something."

The taxi driver says "It's not your fault sir. It's my first day as a cab driver...I've been driving a hearse for the past 25 years."

 Photo by CoffinCartel

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Come On Now, In the Middle of the Road

Much catching up to do.  So I believe I will accomplish that in a swoop of photos.

First up, new tattoo of an adorable, little, vibrant owl who many think looks like the Tootsie Pop owl, but was actually  from the gorgeous artwork archives of Becky, a New Zealand based artist, whose work I just love! You can find oodles of her incredible pieces at owlfactory.

I adore her work and when I first saw this piece, knew that I wanted it on me.  Nate McManus, my good friend and longtime tattoo artist, inked it for me.

In hair news: I decided to call a truce between my longing for the ease of "shaved headedness" and my desire to grow hair again ... and so, half of it came off and half remains; as did the pink.

My daughter Brynn has a keen eye when it comes to photography and she shot these photos of me on a street near our house. For some reason, memories of  The Pretenders where conjured up when I first saw them. =)

Steve and I ventured off to Claremont on Sunday and grabbed lunch at Le Pain Quotidien, a divine little cafe with vegan options (including dessert).  Incredibly yummy and suffice to say that we will be going back SOON!

 

Our entrees:

One of our favorite aspects about Claremont Village is the unique art displayed throughout the complex.  How amazing is this multi-pieced sculpture, complete with evolution references and all, by Tom Otterness?

 

And this gorgeous tile mosaic mural is just a ZAP of sunshine and positivity.

And now I am off to catch up on work, before the kids get home from school.  Brynn's band is playing at talent show tryouts at her high school tonight and I'll be there with video camera in hand, and a proud mom expression on my face.

Over and Out,

j-boo

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Today

Hooray for Monday! Here's to a positive and productive week ahead.

Winx, Jinxi

"Fear less, hope more; Eat less, chew more; Whine less, breathe more; Talk less, say more; Love more, and all good things will be yours." Read more!

An Explosion of Inspiration

My daughter introduced me this amazing artist today and I was so mesmerized by his gorgeous work and unique style that I just had to share.

Behold the brilliant work of Leonid Afremov; a Belarus born, Israeli modern painter who opts for a palette knife as his tool of the trade, instead of a paint brush. His oil paintings truly captivated me and after nearly an hour of ogling his online gallery, I left so inspired. That's the test of an incredible artist, don't you think?  When you can view their creations and feel not only moved, but as though you understand the stories they are telling, without reading or hearing one word?

Amazing!

I hope you enjoy his fanciful world as much as I did.

Over and Out, j-boo

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Mindful

"Never forget that which you overcame, for it helped to shape you into becoming who you are." - j-boo

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Paint The Year Positive

I love it when I feel inspired, and challenged, and ready to take on the world.

2008 was a year of changes for our family. Changes in our patterns, routines, job responsibilities and jobs in-general. They were ultimately good changes, but definitely took some adjustment periods. Since Mr. Steve worked his booty off making his new career a success, a lot of the online business chores fell on my shoulders; and even with the slow economy, this holiday season was extremely busy for me and the biz. I stayed focused, sold up a storm and ultimately had a successful season.

As hectic as the last month was for me work-wise, I felt most accomplished by the amount of reflection I was able to sneak in. Many hopes and ideas that have long been stewing in the back of my head really made their way to the surface recently and instead of scooting them back to the corner like I have for a long time, I decided that it was really time to act upon it all. After all, we faced the all-intimidating concept of "change" about this time last year and lo & behold, everything actually turned out ok. Not only ok, but good ... great. Taking these steps in the right direction and learning from the modifications made, proved to be an excellent lesson for me.

And so I decided, this principle could also work for my own personal goals. Lists are made, preparations in place, work to do. I am excited and happy. For the first time in awhile, the world looks different to me and not so routine. I have stayed content in my comfort-zone for a long time and I'm ready to step outside of that to make new changes. It also didn't hurt that I was approached by an incredibly talented person who is onboard to make some of these dreams come true (thanks, J).

Positive transformations are on the horizon. Watch out 2009! There's a determined cupcake lover in the house.

Stay tuned, j-boo

"The road leading to a goal does not separate you from the destination; it is essentially a part of it."  ~Charles DeLint

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