Create :: Love :: Laugh

Moving and Changing

2011-08-03T10:20:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone. It's been such a long time and I want to let you all know that I am so thankful you've stuck around. For the past half year, I have been focusing very hard on getting my new business, Blossom Design Studio, llc. up and running. Because I am focusing my efforts there, I am no longer going to be posting to this blog.

But don't worry! I've got a new blog and it's even better. This time, I will be focusing on landscape design, gardening, plants, graphic design, and other fun design inspiration. I'll be posting more regularly and will be having guest bloggers, interviews, giveaways, and more.

Please come join me over at The Blossom Blog. My latest post is about DIY Planters that are anything but Ordinary. Hope you come say hi!

Bliss

2011-06-09T10:14:00.000-07:00

~by me

What could be better?

2011-05-01T12:56:00.001-07:00

A day by the river, sun shining, doggies playing, and a new friend; it doesn't get a whole lot better than that. Diane from Dolli Photography brought her well-behaved and beautiful dogs, Turk Turk and Izzy, to play on Friday. Fun!

Twin Satori Photography - Newborn Photography {Sierra Vista, Arizona} - Beautiful Little A

2011-04-18T19:48:00.000-07:00

Spread Thin

2011-03-26T21:03:00.001-07:00

Hi folks. Well, I know one of my new years resolutions was to be better about posting on this blog, but I have had to come to terms with the fact that I am just spread too thin. I'm starting two new businesses (Twin Satori Photography and Blossom Design Studio), working part time, working on several design projects, managing my online shops, and trying to balance that with getting things done around the house and spending time with friends and family.

Yikes! I'm afraid it's just too much.

I love sharing ideas and creations here with you, but it seems that I just can't keep up lately. And it's really not fair to keep you all waiting around without any posting consistency on my part. So, with that in mind, I've decided to focus my efforts elsewhere for a while. If things slow down again or I have less on my plate, I'll come around again. For now, you can find me on twitter, facebook, and flickr social outlets that I have found work better for my current pace of life. I hope I see you there!!! Be well and stay in touch :)

A Few of My Favorite Blogs for Visual Inspiration Part I

2011-03-04T10:53:00.000-08:00

The Drifter and the Gypsy- The mood is amazing. You have to visit this one.

Aimee Sicuro- Her artwork is so inspirational and vibrant!

All the Beautiful Things- Lovely pastels, soft delicate things. I love it.

Bloom, Grow, Love- by Photographer Alicia Bock

Design is Mine: Isn't it Loevly?- Oh But of course!

Design Sponge- Can't live without this one either!

Etsy Delights: Dish Handbags

2011-02-27T09:30:00.000-08:00

Classy Bags for Classy Broads. Aren't they so cute?

Dish Handbags

Twin Satori Photography: Sierra Vista Lifestyle Photography: C&S Maternity Photographs

2011-02-27T08:49:00.000-08:00

We had a great time at Ramsey Canyon in Sierra Vista with C & S for their maternity shoot. The light was amazing that day and this lovely couple was up for just about anything. We are looking forward to congratulating them on the birth of their baby girl!

Twin Satori Photography

For the Love of Travel

2011-01-29T07:18:00.001-08:00

Loved
Originally uploaded by Kjers..

D and I are thinking about heading somewhere overseas this spring or summer. Probably to Greece. I keep thinking about how fun it is to travel and how many great photo opportunities there will be! Oh joy!

A Sure Sign of Spring

2011-01-28T06:21:00.000-08:00

Spring is, well....only a few months off. fPOE is getting a head start with it's recent alphabet post, P is for PAPAVERACEAE. If you like poppies as much as I do, head on over! I'm so happy to be featured too :)

Here's a sneak peak:

ISIS By Sixth and Main

Beautiful, ay?

Zen Morning

2011-01-10T06:44:00.000-08:00

A little inspiration to start your day...

Click the image to go to the treasury.

Help me with my looks

2011-01-07T07:18:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to figure out a new and improved look for my blog. I think this might be too busy. What do you think? Should I make the header less busy? Should I change the background? Or do you like this? I'd love your input!

Blog Appearance

2011-01-04T19:21:00.000-08:00

Yippe Skippie...I've been sighted at Joyfolie. Thank you for sharing my work on your beautiful blog, Jessica!

2011: Doing things better...

2011-01-03T07:34:00.000-08:00

I'm trying not to do this too hastily. Afterall, the new year is about doing things better, right? Well, there's no need for full out resolution surgeries here, but I know I'm in need of a little life nip and tuck. What better time to don my scalpel than during the start of a new year? Here's a list of some of the things I would like to improve upon during this upcoming year. I'm going to divide it into three sections: personal, work, relationships.

art by Marie-Chantale Turgeon

Personal

Be more gentle with myself and give myself more freedom for mistakes. Afterall, life is an exploration.

Be more bold.

Eat less sugar. I'm usually pretty good at this, but the holiday season really got to me. It's not that I eat that much sugar compared to most Americans, but I can feel it making my brain foggy and it's just not that good for me!

Drink more water.

Take more time for activities that bring presence and stability into my life.

Focus more on one thing at a time. I'm the queen of multi-tasking and it's starting to take a toll on my productivity in a negative way.

Become more postive and attract more of what I want in my life.

Appreciate everything more!

Work

Get more business minded. Take care of all the business aspects that I hate dealing with. Time logs, licensing, accounting, taxes, marketing (although I like this).

Make business cards and fliers. Drop them off at local places.

Add more products to both my Etsy shops. I have some exciting ideas in mind!

Communicate more with other bloggers. I think this one is really important for two reasons. First, it's important that we support each other and I want to let others know how much I appreciate them. Second, I'd love to get my work more publicity and it would be great to be published on a well known blog someday.

Be more consistent with my blog posts and more deliberate about producing posts that get people inspired!

I'd like to submit some of my work to magazines in the hopes of being published. If anyone has suggestions for this I would love to hear them.

Become more involved in fPOE (Female Photographers of Etsy).

Talk to more people. Be more outgoing. This is huge for me because I am very shy around new people and I hate starting conversation. It's so hard but I know I need to push myself and create some real and meaningful relationships.

Get my work into a gallery, shop, or cafe.

Relationships

Get out from behind the computer and spend more time with friends, face to face.

Be more present in my relationships, expecially during conversations. I have wandering-mind-syndrome.

Be more focused on helping others. Give more. Love more.

Listen better.

Communicate better. Make less assumptions. Be more upfront.

Send more hand written notes to distant friends.

Inject more fun into my relationships.

I may just have to add more as I think of them, but for now these are the big ones. Do you have a list of your resolutions? I'd love to hear them. Feel free to post them in the comments or provide a link to them.

Thanks friends, for all your support!

2010 Recap: 12 Months of Mostly Good...

2011-01-03T07:31:00.000-08:00

2010

This year has been an amazing one! Full of ups and downs, but mostly ups. And while it hasn't been all roses, I'll take this moment to share the most important events which happily revolve around mostly positive moments. So here goes nothing:

January started out rather uneventful yet a little rough. I continued to work my engineering job, run my etsy shops, create, and rock-climb. I worked on mending my heart from a couple of past relationships.

In February I started talking with a wonderful man (let's call him D) who, little did I know, would become the love of my life.

March came around and I met D on Saint Patrick's Day for a little rock-climbing and food. After that our relationship began to blossom.

April begins a gorgeous spring in the desert. Rock-climbing and my first "Beanfest" at Cochise Stronghold in Southern Arizona. D was the "Beanmaster." For all of you who have never heard of it, it's a big party of rock-climbers who get together for great food (including lots of beans), tons of climbing, unfortunate amounts of tequila as well as the ritualistic beaning of each participant. Go to your tent with beans on your head or risk retribution! :)

May brought a trip to San Diego: cold dips in the Pacific, fish tacos, artsy towns, Balboa Park, old friends, and camping by the ocean. The best trip to San Diego ever.

In June we took a trip to New Orleans to visit D's family. I loved that city!

More climbing in July, along with a visit from my mom.

Big changes in August with a move to the rural parts of southern Arizona (although still working in Tucson part-time). Adjusting to living 30 minutes from everything has been a little hard, but a great experience. I love the amazing mountain views, incredible 360 degree sunsets, proximity to my favorite Arizona town - Bisbee, lots of land for gardening, the incredible stars, and the peace and quiet. We also took another trip in August to Michigan, where I took D to my most favorite place in the world, Leland.

September brings cooler weather and a little trip to Sedona.

In October my mom moved to Phoenix, yay! We also got a puppy from the pound.

Lazy days in November. More rock-climbing and another Beanfest. We also started a lifestyle photography business, Twin Satori Photography.

December came so quickly and is already over! We had a great holiday season with a trip from D's parents and a few lovely visits from my mom. D and I had our first Christmas together and a magical end to the year.

Happy 2011 everyone. May it be safe and full of good!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T17:20:00.000-08:00

I feel so blessed to have woken up to this view from my back window on New Year's Eve morning. Here's to a magical and beautiful 2011 to all of you!

When you want to take flight...

2010-12-29T15:11:00.000-08:00

January 1st is right around the bend and I suppose that means I’m supposed to reflect on what I’m going to do better at next year, right? I’m not much for following traditions, but it does seem like this moment is as good as any to reflect on what needs to change.

My life is a little hectic right now and I’ve got so many things going on. I feel a little like I’ve been twirling my arms around in giant circles trying to fly while only wearing myself out and not getting anywhere. While I’ve really been enjoying all of the different aspects of my creative life lately, I feel like I’m spread a little too thin so that I’m not really able to do anything whole-heartedly. I’ve got several residential landscape design projects I’m working on, a graphic design project, my work at the engineering firm up in Tucson two days a week (pays some bills), my two Etsy shops which I am trying to build and add more products, and a portrait photography business I would like to grow. I’ve also had a huge urge to paint or draw lately but really can’t find the time.

What does all that mean for my blog? I wrote down some resolutions a few weeks ago and one of them was to be more consistent in my postings here. But lately I’ve been thinking, can I really do that? And should I? I know I haven’t been very good to you readers who I do appreciate so much. There are so many things I would love to do here, like add guest posts, more themed posts, share your work and work of others that I find inspiring, add some DIY or tutorials, do some give-a-aways! Sounds great doesn’t it? Ah, but where would I find the time? Plus there’s this little nagging thing…I really don’t enjoy writing. I’m such a visual person that sometimes the thought of writing is a deterrent in itself.

So quickly, before this sounds like I’m complaining (too late?), what I really wanted to ask from all of you is, how do you do it? I know there are many of you out there that are extremely busy and still manage to streamline your work to be consistent and high-quality. Can you share some secrets in the comments with me and the other readers out there? If you are still out there…

Thank you and thank you for sticking around.

It may be winter elsewhere...

2010-11-29T10:29:00.001-08:00

...but it is fall in Arizona. And who says we don't have seasons? :)

Black Friday through Cyber Monday Sale!

2010-11-26T07:35:00.001-08:00

Visit my shop for more photos and more details

Two New Photograhs in My Shop

2010-11-02T13:35:00.001-07:00

It's been a while, but I just added two new photographs to my shop! Hope you enjoy :)

The Way You Think....

2010-10-01T08:32:00.001-07:00

Loving this by Vol25.

Miss Match Diptych Project: Week 15 - Ambition

2010-07-13T13:42:00.001-07:00

Miss Match Diptych Project: Week 15 - Ambition

I had a great time working with my partner, Diane Miller, of the ShutterbugEye on last week's diptych project. Check of the fPOE Miss Match blog for more entries!

My First Maternity Photo Session

2010-07-08T12:40:00.000-07:00

I love taking pictures of people, but I don't get to do as much portraiture as I would like. It's probably because I'm a bit shy, so I don't always put myself out there as much as I'd like. But the more I take pictures of people, the more I want to, and the more comfortable I get with it. Recently, I had the opportunity to do a maternity session for my friend Heather. We are both happy with the results and I'd like to share some of my favorites here with you! I also have a growing love for black and white photography, especially for portraits.

See the whole set here.

By the way, Heather had her baby last week. Congratulations Heather and Matt and welcome to the world Henry!

So friends, I have a question. What is your biggest challenge in your craft? How do you work to overcome that challenge?

Lovely Links

2010-07-02T08:53:00.000-07:00

I'm catching up with some blog reading and I wanted to share a few inspiring posts with you:

I want to live here, almost more than any place I've ever seen. Although I'd like to live a lot of places. I'm a sucker for light and airy spaces like this!

This is one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever seen!

More amazing photography from Loreta at Allthebeautifulthings. Talk about using the light to your advantage...wow!

I'm loving this plywood wall and bright colored bed room via paperandsticth.

Have a great Independence Day everyone!

Fireflies

2010-07-01T09:55:00.000-07:00

It's 105 today here in Tucson and I'm dreaming about magical midwest summers nights filled with flittering, glowing fireflies.

1. Untitled, 2. Fireflies, 3. 245/365 firefly, 4. damselfly & fireflies

New Orleans

2010-06-15T11:43:00.000-07:00

Hi gang. My man is taking to New Orleans tomorrow! He moved here from New Orleans 5 years ago and still has a bunch of family there (whom I get to meet for the first time...wish luck)!.

I've never been before and am exited to experience the Cajun flavor (minus the seafood, unfortunately), walk the streets of the French Quarter, stroll down Bourbon and through the cemetaries, and of course take lots of pictures! I'm cleaning my memory card tonight and expect to relish in the aging buildings and vibrant colors of New Orleans.

In the meantime I've been thinking a lot about the oil spill/gush and the consequences to the ocean ecosystem as well as the culture and tourism of places like New Orleans. I'd like to do something to help out while I'm down there, but I'm also a little scared to see the damage. I think this trip will mostly be one focused on seeing friends and family more than anything, so I if we'll even have time to make it to where the clean-up efforts are taking place. Nonetheless, I've decided that when I return I'm going to donate some of my photographs to this wonderful effort taking place on Etsy.

Help The Gulf Coast is a collaboration of Etsy sellers donating 100% of their proceeds to clean up efforts. Great idea, isn't it? They've already had 270 sales in just over a week! Great work! (Click on the images to be taken to that item in the shop).

Father's Day Is Around the Bend

2010-06-07T09:39:00.000-07:00

Hi friends! Well, its been a long time since I last posted, again, but I hope that you are still with me here! I've missed saying hi on here and visiting everyone else's blogs too! Life just gets busy sometimes.

Father's Day is just around the bend, and photography or art can be a great gift for dad. With this in mind, I'm giving free shipping in my store, Create Love Laugh, until Father's Day, June 20th, this year!

Here are a few items from my shop that might suit your dad's fancy.

Shipwrecked, 8x10, $27

Classic, (2)4x6, $10

Out on a Cliff, 8x10, $27

And as always, I can do custom sizes for any of my prints, just e-mail me!

There's so much great art out there! Here's a few others from Etsy that would make a good gift for dad.

Acoustic Dreams, 5x5, $15

Vintage Dictionary Baseball Player Art Print, 8x10, $8

Great White Shark, 5x7, $10

Spring Cactus Blossoms

2010-05-04T15:11:00.000-07:00

The desert near my house is magnificently in bloom! The saguaros are starting to blossom, the prickly pear are full display, and the cholla are competing with their bright and abundant blooms.

The above photo is that of prickly pear blossoms. I think cactus flowers of some of the most beautiful in the world!

This photograph is for sale in my shop.

Things that make me happy.

2010-03-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday! I'm constantly amazed by all of the wonderful ideas, great information, and creative people I come across online. Here's a few that are inspiring and enticing me today:

The Green Kitchen - Oh my, Oh my! I could spend hours searching their recipes and drooling at their pictures. Not to mention days and days making all the delicious food they share with us. For starters, doesn't this green kiwi drink sound delicious?

Kiwi Juice
Around 4 glasses

8 kiwi fruits
3 green apples (we used granny smith)
1/3 cucumber (about 4 inches)
1 piece of fresh ginger
fresh mint leaves

Serve with: ice cubes

Mix all the ingredients in a juice machine. Serve immediately with lots of ice.

Photo by Johanna Frenkel

ColourLovers - Have you been here yet? Get all the color, pattern, and palette inspiration you'll need.

SimplyBloom Photography - Yes, I'm in love. Their pictures are so dreamy!

It's picnic time!

1. It was in the summer that we met, 2. Ballad Of The Milkmaid, 3. Untitled, 4. Untitled, 5. ., 6. Her Best Friend Is a Bunny

Selfies

2010-03-22T09:08:00.001-07:00

I really enjoy taking pictures of other people, but sometimes that's not an option. I was feeling creative yesterday so I set up a little studio in my living room. Here are a few of the shots that came from my make-shift studio. Someday I would love to get a whole studio set-up. For those of you who are photographers, what is your favorite thing to shoot and do you have your own studio space?

Branches of Bokeh

2010-03-08T21:50:00.001-08:00

Branches of Bokeh
Originally uploaded by Neil1138

I just saw this on flickr and was mesmerized.
Unfortunately I can't get it any bigger here, so please click to be taken to the flickr page.

Loving.

2010-03-07T20:05:00.000-08:00

I want to share with you a few things I'm loving right now. Hoping you might find some love in them too.

This Mexican Chocolate recipe found via Mint. Not to mention the blog, Feminine Modern, that the recipe was posted at!

Pretty vintage inspired wedding photos at The Drifter and the Gypsy.

The delightful work of LaCanotRouge. Animals at their best.

Spring bulbs and Loreta's Photography. Amazing!

Rainbows in Tucson, by Leslie Hawles. I can't believe I missed it!

by Gina Sacomani

Only one hour left!

2010-03-05T19:00:00.001-08:00

Hi all! Unfortunately this is coming to your attention very late, but I just found out that my giveaway at the Embellished Life ends tonight at 12 pm Eastern time. I've fallen behind in my blog following this week, so unfortunately this is what happens...I miss the important stuff. But, you can still enter and read my interview with Jessica. Her blog is really wonderful and she has such a fabulous way of speaking about others art.

I hope you can stop by and enter.

Spring is a comin'

2010-03-05T11:40:00.000-08:00

Ah, green. You are the epitome of spring. You brighten our life; you soothe us with your calm.

O.k., without getting overly dramatic, fresh green grass does a lot to lift my spirits and I wanted to share that with you. So, click on the image above to be taken to my flickr page where you can download the full size version of this image. It makes a great desktop background!

Happy Pre-Spring!

Barrio Love

2010-03-04T20:53:00.000-08:00

I've listed a few new items in my shop tonight. I took these when I first got my camera, but have finally gotten around to listing them. They are a few of my all-time favorites.

Testing my layout

2010-02-28T09:54:00.001-08:00

Black and White

2010-02-27T18:49:00.001-08:00

I love black and white photography.

This treasury is stunning. Thanks to Photogrunt for including me in this wonderful curation!

Uh, oh.

2010-02-27T10:12:00.000-08:00

I'm having all sorts of problems with my blogger template. I tried to upload a new one and now I can't change my banner or get my fonts to work correctly. Please excuse the look until I can figure out how to get it fixed. Thanks!

Inspiration. In the light of day.

2010-02-26T12:04:00.000-08:00

1. al mio amore..., 2. Untitled, 3. all the wild horses, 4. Pink Blush, 5. Hello Weekend!, 6. paris, 7. family of five, 8. peace, 9. vintage items everywhere

Bringing you a bit of spring!

2010-02-22T08:56:00.000-08:00

It's Monday and that means its time to give you a bit of bliss with my bliss list. I thought I'd do it a bit differently this week and share with you some things that are uplifting to me. To start, I fell in love with Mirror Lake's photostream the minute I saw it. I think you will too. This photographer lives in Taiwan and primarily photographs birds, although his photostream contains the occasional monkey or butterfly (a great surprise). Here's a few of my favorites, but I encourage you to go to his photostream...I could spend hours there.

And a few more uplifting things to check out:

* It's never too soon to start taking control of your life. Turns out, attitude really is everything. Learn how to be your own placebo effect here.

* I've been really inspired to travel lately. This photograph is one reason. Anyone want to go to New Zealand with me?

* It's actually been raining here lately. Not common for my neck of the woods, but it brings a nice sense of calm to me. Do you feel the same way about rain?

* I've been blogged about on this very fashionable blog.

*Free art is always fun! Check out this free download from Nan Lawson at IndieFixx.

I'd always love to hear what inspires you or what brings you bliss. Feel free to leave comments or links!

Wondrous Lady Talent

2010-02-18T19:09:00.001-08:00

I've been featured today, along with many other talented female photographers, over at That Wondrous Time blog. There's some major eye candy here and I'm especially loving the train by ShannonBlue. I'm sure Jen would be thrilled if you stopped by and left a comment. While you are there, make sure to check out her incredible collection of photography!

All you need is love...

2010-02-14T19:07:00.000-08:00

art by nyoin

Happy Valentine's Day to you all! Hope it was a day full of love.

2010-02-12T17:47:00.000-08:00

"I'm not interested in money, I just want to be wonderful."

- Marilyn Monroe

*tinadelarosa

Alexander Kuzmin

Amir K.

Just Dreaming

2010-02-10T19:51:00.000-08:00

I've been looking for months now for a couch. I've looked at garage sales, on craigslist, at thrift stores, at furniture stores, online. The problem is my budget is very low, my space is very tiny, and I'm very picky! I'd like something modern, mid-century modern, or somewhat retro. Yeah, and I want comfort too.

Well, I'm not having much luck yet. But meanwhile, I think I'll dream of what I'd like my living space to look like. Maybe if I visualize enough amazing spaces, my own will magically transform.

Here's a few favorites:

Blissful Monday

2010-02-08T09:57:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted a Blissful Monday Bliss List in quite some time. If you missed where this all began, the Bliss List was inspired by Jess Gonacha Swift. So, yes, it's been a while, but that sure doesn't mean I'm not grateful!

Here we go. I'm utterly thankful for:

-The amazing Arizona sun and being able to enjoy the outdoors in the winter. I was lucky to be able to go on a rock climbing trip with some friends the other day to this amazing place.
- Last week being over because boy was it a stressful one. Here's to a better week!

- Having so many friends and good people in my life. I've been feeling a little lonely lately, but it sure helps to know there are people there for me when I need them.

- Tiny little cacti. I bought a ton of little cacti at a great nursery the other day and they are now scattered around my apartment.

- A part-time job that helps me bring home the soy-bacon. O.k. So I don't really eat soy bacon, but I'm vegetarian so I thought it sounded funny.

Have a blissful week everyone!

2010-01-30T19:34:00.000-08:00

So what if I see the sunshine

In the pouring rain?
Some people think I'm crazy
But you say it's okay
You've seen my secret garden
Where all of my flowers grow
In my imagination
Anything goes...
Song by Michelle Branch

Photos by:

jessica florence
mistybliss
malentxu
valerie chiang
(click on photos to visit source)

Shades of Black

2010-01-29T13:32:00.000-08:00

Isn't this treasury wonderful? I'm so glad to be featured in it! Click the image to view.

Thanks Gemagenta for your great curation.

The Lovelies

2010-01-27T19:22:00.000-08:00

The beautiful Lovely Clusters blog just started The Lovelies awards and I'm thrilled to be a part of it. I've offered one of my prints for the giveaway and have also been nominated for the awards. So, stop by and check out all of the gorgeous shops and blogs. There is inspiration abound!

If you'd like to vote for me, my two shops are located here:
Create Love Laugh - photography shop
and
Grandma's Fridge - vintage shop

While you are there you can nominate any shop or blog, even your own. Have fun!

Is your Spirit Joyful?

2010-01-26T15:13:00.000-08:00

Heather's, from Joyful Spirit Photography, spirit is and it shows in her gorgeous and uplifting photography. Here are a few of my favorites from her shop.

You can purchase prints at her shop, Joyful Spirit Photography
and visit her blog here.

Birthday Sale

2010-01-21T16:03:00.000-08:00

In celebration of my birthday, I'm having a sale in my shop. Free shipping on any item until Sunday, Jan 24th. And if you mention my blog on my actual birthday (tomorrow, the 22nd) in the message to seller, I'll give you an extra 10% off your order (before shipping).

Hooray!

Images of Peace and Hope

2010-01-18T15:28:00.000-08:00

We must combine the toughness of the serpent and the softness of the dove, a tough mind and a tender heart.

Martin Luther King, Jr., Strength to Love, 1963.

(Click on the image to see the originals and artist credits)

Keeping Still

2010-01-16T17:54:00.000-08:00

Look at the trees, look at the birds, look at the clouds, look at the stars... and if you have eyes you will be able to see that the whole existence is joyful. Everything is simply happy. Trees are happy for no reason; they are not going to become prime ministers or presidents and they are not going to become rich and they will never have any bank balance. Look at the flowers - for no reason. It is simply unbelievable how happy flowers are. ~Osho

Caryn Drexel recently opened a new shop and I wanted to share it with you. Her work is mystical, soft, beautiful and dreamy. Don't you think?

Facebook Fan Page

2010-01-10T08:48:00.000-08:00

After much hesitation, I've finally given in and made a Facebook Fan page. I'd be thrilled to have you join :)

http://www.facebook.com/CreateLoveLaugh

Do you have one of your own? Feel free to post it in the comments so we can all see!

I'm loving Katie Hertzig

2010-01-09T12:19:00.000-08:00

http://www.katieherzig.com/

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-25T07:16:00.000-08:00

flickr favorites: holidays are here

2009-12-14T22:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays. I hope you are staying warm! Here are a few beautiful photographs to bring you holiday cheer. They are all works by either my contacts or Female Photographers of Etsy members on Flickr. To view them larger, click here.

I love friends. I love good thoughts.

2009-12-13T14:38:00.000-08:00

My most favorite friend in the whole wide world, Katie, sent me the most thoughtful and beautiful message the other day. I just had to share it with you because I think she has incredible vision. Here's what katie said:

"Today, I suddenly became aware of the following, which no doubt will resonate deeply with you: EVERYONE in the U.S. today is feeling an emptiness. We see our parents working away their entire lives only to be allowed to come back to life once they retire. Then we're taught to get good grades, go to college, and get a job so we can do the same. Our parents don't like it; we don't like it; nobody likes it! A life like that is no life at all, and deep down, everyone senses that. But people are scared because "that's just how life is." How can it possibly change?

Well there was a time when "that's just how life is" meant that blacks and whites were segregated in every way imaginable. How could something rooted in HUNDREDS of years of history possibly change? And yet Martin Luther King Jr. dared to dream. Moreover, he dared to dream publically and peacefully. He brought to light what sat hidden behind fear in millions of hearts. He couldn't accept a future that reflected the world in front of him, and I believe that you and I (and no doubt countless others) are the same way. We can accept the quality of life as it exists in this moment, but we cannot accept it as our future.

Therefore, I have a dream that love and joy take precedence over work and money. People no longer seek salvation in things but recognize that their true worth lies in who they are. There is no such thing as rush hour or a nine-hour work day. Companies no longer feel the need to compete for power and dominance; they recognize that their livelihood does not depend on it. There is no longer an onslaught of advertisements. People take pride in sharing what they have and enjoying each other. Material expansion is exchanged for beauty and a slower, simpler, more earth-friendly way of life. Food, homes, and health care are readily available to all because people are happy to share and help. People recognize that it's truly the little things in life that matter. School, education, and information take a backseat to compassion, peace, and humanity. Children are encouraged to pursue only what resonates with them. People’s “physical attractiveness” as we know it is completely irrelevant. Money is plentiful in the absence of greed, vanity, workforce servitude, and mindless extravagance masquerading as “technology” and “convenience.” Retiring existing thought patterns opens the gates for joy and abundance to flow to all.

It starts with the little things, since all life really is is little things: taking our time and choosing peace and kindness over fear.

This is the only future I can stand to look at. Do you feel the same way?"

...and winter begins

2009-11-28T11:29:00.000-08:00

I snagged a treasury in honor of winter. It's a bit blustery here today, for Tucson weather anyway. Well, I'm dreaming of white snow and the scent of pine. Hope you'll visit and click.

Thank you

2009-11-26T10:18:00.000-08:00

Photograph by TraciM

So, the holiday season is upon us again. For me the holidays are about family and friends, warm comforting food, cuddling inside, and remembering to be thankful for everything I have in my life. Being thankful is something I try to remember year-round, but there's something about this time of year that brings it all into light. So without further ado, I'd like to share a few things that I am grateful for each and everyday, be it cliché or not:

* A loving and supportive family.
* Kind and caring friends.
* A roof over my head and food to eat.
* Some of the daily comforts I may take for granted like clean running water, electricity, and heat.
* The gift of and desire for creativity.
* Some of the luxuries of living in this day and age like the internet, a powerful computer, a car that gets me places, air travel to visit my family, and a digital camera to capture the world around me.
* All of you out there who inspire me with your work, leave me comments and encouragement, and spread the love.

Photograph by me

Also, I'm having a sale in my photography shop from Black Friday (11/27) to Cyber Monday (11/30). Free Shipping on any 8x10 or smaller print! See my shop announcement for details.

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone!

A great day!

2009-11-20T20:57:00.000-08:00

Lots of great happenings today!

First off, I'm so excited to be the featured shop on Papernstitch today. Brittni is a fabulous curator and her site has a hefty readership. I'm completely flattered to have my work on her site. If you haven't seen it yet, I'd love for you to pop over to Papernstitch to check it out.

Secondly, I made my second sale! And it was from someone who saw me on Papernstitch.

And last but not least, I've been featured in this gorgeous treasury by unflappableproducts over at Etsy.

Blissful Monday - A Day Late

2009-11-17T11:12:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how time flies. I missed Blissful Monday last week and yesterday. Yesterday was the first day at my new job as a highway engineer (the last thing I though I would be doing right now)...wish me luck! So here's my belated bliss list:

*Cuddling up with someone I love

*Chocolate Peanut Butter Haagen Dazs Ice Cream

*Fall hikes in the desert

*A part-time job to bring in a little bit of money

*Finding goodies at garage sales

What's on your bliss list??

2009-11-05T08:31:00.000-08:00

"The most I can do for my friend is simply to be his friend. I have no wealth to bestow on him. If he knows that I am happy in loving him, he will want no other reward. Is not friendship divine in this?" - Henry David Thoreau

Blissful Monday

2009-11-02T12:25:00.000-08:00

Last week Jess Gonacha Swift started a Blissful Mondays series at her blog, Treasuring, and I decided to play along. I love the idea of starting out each week with a list of things I'm thankful for. Here's my Bliss List for this week:

* Home-made soup with lentils and green peppers.

* Sleeping in late on a Monday.

* 80 degree weather in October.

* Winning these beautiful earrings in Ting Low's giveaway. Her jewelry is so beautiful and feminine. Here is some more of her work.

Check out her shop: Ting Low on Etsy
And her blog: Stellar Features

Papernstitch

2009-10-27T11:42:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends. I'm so excited because today is the first day of the papernstitch Exhibition that my photography shop, Create, Love, Laugh is in! It's the first time I've done anything like this and I'm hoping it gets my work more visibility. There are some really amazing shops over there, so I hope you'll go check it out. Brittni curates around 60 shops for each exhibit, from art and photography to clothing to home goods to supplies. It's a great place to do some Christmas shopping! The papernstitch blog is also great, so check it out. And, there are some really awesome give-aways going on there!

Hooray for Blissful Monday

2009-10-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

Jess Gonacha Swift started this wonderful project at her Treasuring blog called Blissful Monday. I thought it would be a great opportunity to try to do a regular post here and to remind myself of all the wonderful, simple things I am thankful for.

In her words:

"Blissful Monday is a place for us to make our own rules. It's a place to talk about what makes us really truly happy. To ruminate on what we want our bliss-filled lives to look like, in all its dreaminess. To reflect on the past week and what we've loved. Memories. Aha moments. Insights. Touching compliments. A gorgeous breakfast. A smile. Gratitude."

What a great way to start the week, huh? If you want to join in, pop on over to her log and leave a comment.

So here's my BLISS LIST:

* Spending this Saturday with my friend's kids and we played in the park. We were running around doing cartwheels in the grass, playing with a hacky-sac, and goofing off. The sun was shining, the weather was perfect, and I felt like I was 8 all over again.

* Making my first sale in my Apples and Aardvark shop.

* Baking chocolate chip cookies from scratch and sharing them with friends.

* Hiking in the desert and feeling the cool October breeze.

* Singing out of tune with one of my closest friends and crying when the music becomes so moving and reminds you what life is about.

* Beat-boxing terribly and finding it incredibly hilarious.

Happy Sunday

2009-10-25T12:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday! I hope you are all having a fabulous weekend. It's been relaxing for me. I went on a much needed hike in the Tucson mountains yesterday...it's so renewing to get outside. Then I played at the park with my friend's kids...sometimes I just pretend that I am a kid too and forget about all of the grown-up stuff going on in my head and life. Do you ever do that? It's nice to escape adulthood every now and then :)

So here's a new one for my shop this morning. A little brightness to add to your Sunday.

And I'll leave you with this thought:

"In the hopes of reaching the moon men fail to see the flowers that blossom at their feet." ~Albert Schweitzer

Stressful thoughts be gone!

2009-10-24T00:14:00.001-07:00

stressful thoughts
Created by Jess at pecannoot
Thanks for the awesome inspiration!

Front Page!

2009-10-19T11:51:00.000-07:00

One of the items from my Apples and the Aardvark shop made it to the front page today thanks to Sumicoshop! Yipee! And to top it off I got my first sale. It's time for a tiny little celebration :)

Patience is beautiful.

2009-10-17T17:59:00.000-07:00

I loved this story found via http://shareworldlove.blogspot.com/
Have a wonderful Saturday!

Print from home fun!

2009-10-15T19:47:00.000-07:00

I've been working on my new shop, Apples and the Aardvark, for a long time now and it's finally up an running. This means I now have three shops on Etsy, whew!

Apples and the Aardvark features stationary sets that are designed to print from home. These whimsical and fun designs are inexpensive, convenient, and can be reused time and again. If you are in a time crunch or need an inexpensive gift, these PDF templates are perfect.

If you have any suggestions or ideas for designs you would like to see, I'd love to hear your comments!

2009-10-14T16:26:00.000-07:00

“There are two kinds of light - the glow that illuminates, and the glare that obscures.”
-James Thurber

Reminiscing

2009-10-12T12:53:00.000-07:00

Today I'm thinking about summers in Northern Michigan, the beautiful countryside,
old barns, soft sunlight. Sigh...
Prints are available in my shop .

2009-10-08T13:54:00.001-07:00

Summer mornings

2009-09-01T11:55:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, summer. Isn't it the best feeling waking up on a late summer morning with a cool breeze and soft light coming through the window? I love it.

Well, holy cow, it's been a long time.

2009-08-26T14:55:00.000-07:00

But I wanted to say hi again.

Hope you are having a great summer!

Ah, summer.

2009-08-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

Feature at Pecannoot

2009-07-14T20:21:00.000-07:00

Oh, boy...I'm having such a hard time getting things done lately. I meant to post this last night...I started writing it, my internet stopped working and then I fell asleep. And wouldn't you know today it completely slipped my mind until right now. In the back of my mind I thought I had finished it, but that was not the case. Does anyone ever have this problem?

Well, here's what I wanted to tell you. Pecannoot, a wonderful blog I have mentioned on here at least once before, featured my art yesterday. Lucky me! It's always a good day when you are given a chance like that. Thanks Jess! It is such an inspiring blog to visit, so I hope you have been by and are maybe even a regular follower by now. If you haven't had the joy of visiting yet, you must...you can thank me later ;)

Hope you are all having a wonderful and restful night out there. Sweet dreams.

Cornflower Blue Studio: Felicity Shop

2009-07-12T16:19:00.000-07:00

Hi all. I'm back from a long and much needed vacation. Thank you for being patient with me :) Today I'm so excited to share with you the work of Rachel Hunnicutt of Cornflower Blue Studio. Before I saw her work, I never knew that embroidering, knitting, and crocheting could be so expressive and fun. I was lucky enough to see some of her work in person at an art show in Tucson, and since then I have been hooked. Take a look:

If you'd like to be a proud owner of her art, you can find these three pieces and more in her Felicity Shop on Etsy.

Front Portch Living

2009-06-09T21:37:00.000-07:00

Hello from California! I took this shot in Santa Cruz the other day. There were two rabbits just hanging out on the front porch of this home...along with a bathtub full of flowers. I decided it was my kind of place.

Spread Love

2009-06-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

Photo by Rakeem Cunningham

Hatred does not cease through hatred at any time. Hatred ceases through love. This is an unalterable law.
~Bhuddha

Gentle Light

2009-05-29T23:44:00.000-07:00

The Plumbago in my yard is blooming and I just love the periwinkle color.

CitrusHearts

2009-05-26T20:37:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across CitrusHearts work on Flickr and immediately fell in love with her work. I think you will too. And don't forget to take a look at her wonderful blog too.

Have you got your abundance today?

2009-05-21T17:43:00.000-07:00

Looking for a dose of abundance or maybe you have some you want to share? Stop on by and visit Jess Gonacha's Pecannoot blog for a good dose of daily inspiration. And if you are the creative type, Jess is looking for art that radiates abundance to post on her blog. So send her something that represents abundance for you and share it with the world.

Deceptive

2009-05-19T18:44:00.000-07:00

Old Timer

2009-05-14T22:55:00.000-07:00

I am having way too much fun with my new camera! Prints of this one are now for sale at http://kimmus122.imagekind.com. Or, you can click on the picture to go to my flickr account.

2009-05-13T17:16:00.000-07:00

Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.

~Frank Lloyd Wright

Sweet Spring Blossoms

2009-05-12T12:55:00.000-07:00

by D Sharon Pruitt, Pink Sherbert Photography
She offers a beautiful array of vibrant and colorful photography, many with a creative commons license.

Sun catchers

2009-05-11T11:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T08:38:00.000-07:00

Drawing for a cure

2009-05-08T09:57:00.000-07:00

Nancy, from Pretty Little Thieves, is DRAWING FOR A CURE to help raise money to benefit the memory of her friend’s father, lost to Acute Moncytic Leukemia. I've been admiring Nancy's work for some time now, so I'm happy to be able to share this with you. Isn't her work just wonderful? If you'd like to support this cause, you can go to her shop to buy an original drawing. And at $15, they are very affordable too.

Don't you wish you could...

2009-05-07T20:50:00.000-07:00

...fly through the air with a bunch of balloons?I've added a print of this to my shop.

Asleep in the Poppies

2009-05-06T09:35:00.000-07:00

Oil on Canvas
24" by 36"
Created in 2006
Prints are available at http://kimmus122.imagekind.com

Hope {springs eternal}

2009-04-19T17:49:00.000-07:00

My current treasury on Etsy.

love of nature

2009-04-07T20:52:00.000-07:00

by glisglis

spring is here

2009-04-07T15:51:00.001-07:00

1. Pink Dress series, 2. flowers....., 3. Translucide, 4. Drop on Peony, 5. After the guests leave, 6. ureka! : gratitude 107.365, 7. little helper: gratitude 106.365, 8. Pretty Pink Spring! , 9. Tatum1

Create :: Love :: Laugh

Moving and Changing

Bliss

What could be better?

Twin Satori Photography - Newborn Photography {Sierra Vista, Arizona} - Beautiful Little A

Spread Thin

A Few of My Favorite Blogs for Visual Inspiration Part I

Etsy Delights: Dish Handbags

Twin Satori Photography: Sierra Vista Lifestyle Photography: C&S Maternity Photographs

For the Love of Travel

A Sure Sign of Spring

Zen Morning

Help me with my looks

Blog Appearance

2011: Doing things better...

2010 Recap: 12 Months of Mostly Good...

Happy New Year!

When you want to take flight...

It may be winter elsewhere...

Black Friday through Cyber Monday Sale!

Two New Photograhs in My Shop

The Way You Think....

Miss Match Diptych Project: Week 15 - Ambition

My First Maternity Photo Session

More Lovely Links

Lovely Links

Fireflies

New Orleans

Father's Day Is Around the Bend

Spring Cactus Blossoms

Things that make me happy.

Selfies

Branches of Bokeh

Loving.

Only one hour left!

Spring is a comin'

Barrio Love

Testing my layout

Black and White

Uh, oh.

Inspiration. In the light of day.

Bringing you a bit of spring!

Wondrous Lady Talent

All you need is love...

Just Dreaming

Blissful Monday

Shades of Black

The Lovelies

Is your Spirit Joyful?

Birthday Sale

Images of Peace and Hope

Keeping Still

Facebook Fan Page

I'm loving Katie Hertzig

Happy Holidays!

flickr favorites: holidays are here

I love friends. I love good thoughts.

...and winter begins

Thank you

A great day!

Blissful Monday - A Day Late

Blissful Monday

Papernstitch

Hooray for Blissful Monday

Happy Sunday

Stressful thoughts be gone!

Front Page!

Patience is beautiful.

Print from home fun!

Reminiscing

Summer mornings

Well, holy cow, it's been a long time.

Ah, summer.

Feature at Pecannoot

Cornflower Blue Studio: Felicity Shop

Front Portch Living

Spread Love

Gentle Light

CitrusHearts

Have you got your abundance today?