Art is based on perspective and perspective is based on each artistic mind that creates it. These are a few paintings I did that represented myself at a particular time in my life. I pulled in elements from different cultures I've experienced and created it into hand drawn stories. The paintings below that are done in gold and black carry another story when turned upside down. Which one do you like better?
                                                              

  

         I visited Cancun, Mexico  not too long ago and stayed at the beautiful new Riu Peninsula and also visited a few other hotels in the area. I loved this All Inclusive resort! It has heavenly ocean view rooms (from all rooms) and 24 hour room service. It hosts some amazing restaurants including Mexican, Asian, Steak House and a hospitable breakfast buffet (including a Bloody Mary and Mimosa bar). There is also a 24 hour Sports Bar along with a 4 bottle liquor dispenser in the room which they replace daily. The entertainment was truly entertaining and the staff was exceptionally friendly.

        It has been 20 years since my last time in Cancun and I must say it still is blessed with amazing beaches, people, food and culture. The great option about Cancun is that you have the beautiful beaches to relax and enjoy the day and then in the evening you can head across the street to the lively downtown entertainment. There is also plenty of shopping for those who are always looking for a great bargain. If want some adventure instead of laying on the beach all day you're in luck! There are plenty of day excursions you can do from Cancun. Snorkeling and Scuba trips, exploring the Mayan ruins and swimming with dolphins. There are also local Mexican cooking schools where you can sign up for various cooking classes. Learning about and tasting local recipes are always such a great way to get to know a country. Cancun really does offer something for anyone!

Moving on....

I love moving to a new place. Even though I have moved 9 times in the last 15 years it's like reinventing myself every time.I am constantly getting rid of unwanted possessions and gaining ones with meaning. I finally love my job again and love being able to walk to work. Who would have thought that moving 40 miles away would make such a difference in my life? I love being close to family and friends after such a long time gone. It's good therapy to move away and then back again giving me time to appreciate where I'm from.

Just listen...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOYuhLNwh3A&feature=related

Hey Mr. President!

                   I am happy to hear one of my favorite artists is running for president! Youssou N'Dour from Senegal has announced he will be taking a run for the presidency of Senegal. Not only is he one of my favorite singers but he has been an advocate for the people in Senegal and Africa alike. I only have limited knowledge of Mr. N'Dour's expectations for running for president but I believe he is running in hopes of helping his beautiful country exceed in their potential for creating a forward thinking country and using the gifts the country has to offer to become more productive in the world. I have visited Senegal twice so I hold this possibility close to my heart and know how the people of the country could benefit from such a positive and determined person taking charge. Senegal has remained a relatively stable country within Africa over the years but like most countries could really see their full potential with the right person leading the way. I will be watching this development throughout the election process and hope that a bright outcome comes to the people of such a bright country.
For a sample of his music check him out here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yH8koG6brAQ

DRIVING ME CRAZY...

                                 Me wishing I were a pedicab in Key West..                                  
                           I miss living in a place where I don't need to rely on a car to get around. When I lived in Portland, OR and Key West , FL I didn't have a car and loved it! In Key West you could get around the island on a bike or walking and in Portland I lived downtown so you could walk or take the Tri-Met anywhere you needed to get to. I miss not knowing the price of gas and the don't care for the unpredictable cost of car repairs that always seem to come at the worst time possible. Having to rely on a car is a burden on my conscious and my savings. So many cities are trying to become more bike friendly and offer bikers their own lanes to make their commute a quick ride. I commend those cities that are progressive in their quest to ease the pollution and congestion cars seems to cast over their towns.  Here are the 50 most bike friendly cities:http://www.bicycling.com/news/advocacy/america%E2%80%99s-top-50-bike-friendly-cities

READING BETWEEN THE LINES

                Palm reading, tarot cards and astrology are a few of my favorite things to learn about. Foretelling the future from the hands and interpreting the stars place in the sky is something I have always been curious about. I have read my share of palms and  have had my palms read many times. Although I never lived my life by the words of a palm reader, things she would tell me would seem to come true more often than not. Originating in India, palm reading took on a mystical life of it's own. From India the art grew to China, Tibet, Egypt, Persia and then unto Europe. Greece then created it's own way to read palms based on Greek mythology which is considered Classical palmistry and is what is widely taught and practiced throughout the world today. I'm also a sucker for reading my horoscope. It's just interesting to see if it reads true to what's really going on in my life. I like to see if the 'stars are aligned'  in my favor or not. This is the most accurate horoscope I have found:  http://astrologyzone.com

Do you have a New Years Resolution or Life List?

        The New Year is quickly approaching and everyone has started to make their list of what they hope to accomplish in the year to come with their New Years Resolution. Some people hope to lose weight, make more money or learn a new skill. All these hopes I  can relate to, I just don't like to make goals within a years worth of time. I kind of like the idea of having more of a Life List and then whenever the times comes and your able to accomplish it you can check it off your list. It's a list without so much pressure.   
    Although I do find it amusing when people refer to the things they want to do in life as a Bucket List, making note of all the things they want to do before they kick the bucket. I prefer the term Life List myself. It's interesting to hear what people don't want to die without doing. A few things on my Life List are: 

Live in a foreign country
Speak another language fluently
Get at least one of my novels or kids books published
Spend a month in India doing Yoga
Buy land and build a tree house with a view of the ocean
Learn the homemade Ravioli recipe from the Grimaldi's
Be able to make money off the purses and things I sew and my writing
Visit Hungary, where my grandfather lived and meet relatives still living there
Visit Italy and Ireland with my husbands family
Take my entire family on vacation!

 That doesn't seem to much to ask does it?