And Just Like That We're Back

And just like that...our trip is over. Here are just a few of the photos I took...actually I didn't take that many. When you have older kids you learn to leave the camera behind and just enjoy the being together and the seeing and doing. Getting the photo moment becomes less important. Although I did insist on the above family photo. And had I thought about it I would have cut the lady on the right out. But I didn't. So you get us and random lady. HA.

On Saturday we did the total tourist thing. All. Day. Long. The kids were troopers as we drug them from one end of the city to the next. We started at the Ferry building market. Which is the most amazing experience. We ate our way through the market. It was awesome. Then for lunch Billy and I ate the best oysters of our life in Fisherman's Wharf. Although did you know they don't serve them with saltines? What? I asked the waiter for crackers and she literally brought me a tiny bag of "Oyster Crackers". We just giggled. But seriously the oysters were so amazing you didn't need a saltine under it. We kinda ate all day. Walked for miles and then crashed.

Of course I ran to the Ferry building everyday for this coffee. Best. Coffee. Ever. I mean really. The coffee shop was a mile from our hotel. But I remembered it from our last trip and literally dream of this drip coffee. It is perfect in every way. They also had the yummiest molasses/ginger bread I ate with the coffee. Everyday. (I may need to not weigh myself for a week or 2 after this trip and then Thanksgiving!!)

Sunday the kids and I rented a car. So of course I had to DRIVE down crooked street/Lombard. It was way cool. To me anyways.

 While we had the car we ventured to the Golden Gate Bridge, Muir Woods and Sausalito.

Muir Woods was magical. And cold. We were so not dressed right. If properly dressed with a day pack I could have stayed all day hiking this magical forest. Across the bay the weather was perfect the entire trip. Mid-60's the whole time. Stepping into here it dropped about 10'. Plus I have such city kids. I've raised them this way, I take the blame for their inability to desire spending a day hiking and enjoying nature. Which kinda makes me sad. As a child/teen I'd have wanted to do this all day. My kids just wanted to shop in the city.

And shop we did. We loved being in the city at night. San Fransisco already had all their Christmas lights up. The city was already magical...but with a little twinkle it was even more magical!

Of course I ran...I mean that's a given. Billy went with me each day but he's not a good running partner. At all. Funny. Running in a new city is a fabulous way to see the city. Along the water was SO FLAT...I think my shoes grew wings. Because I was faster than eva!

 Monday the kids and I visited Alcatraz. I think they really enjoyed this day. The @large exhibit by ai weiwei was up so I really enjoyed this tour of Alcatraz. It was an amazing exhibit. You should look it up. I don't want to talk politics here, but his statements were quite thought provoking and made for a conversation with my children I'd never thought to have.

So this city trip overall was quite the adventure. We've not taken our kids on a trip like this since they were tiny and we visited Williamsburg. Our vacations are always centered around the beach...relaxing and more relaxing.With vacation days so limited we never think to take trips like this honestly. And although we only got Billy on Saturday we enjoyed the adventure away from home. The city is magical. The smells as William commented, are constantly changing. From very yummy to holy crap what is that smell? The food is completely divine. I am amazed at how fresh everything we consumed tasted, down to the strawberries. The people I found to be quite friendly and proud of their city. I loved sharing every bit of this experience with the kids. I am hoping they'll look back on this little adventure with fondness....

The Ultimate Field Trip

 

So the kids and I are on what we are calling "The Ultimate Field Trip" right now. You see, our school district in order to save money, decided to take away field trips several years ago. Not because families couldn't afford them. But because the system didn't want to have to pay for their part. And taking that aspect of planning away I guess meant the someone in charge of field trips could do a different job for the county. Stupid. I mean really. As a child I couldn't wait for field trip days. We went to the zoo, performing art center, puppet shows, etc.... Not that we don't indulge our kiddos in this type of activity on our own, but taking these trips with your school is a whole other ball of wax. I personally think field trips are a great way to learn life lessons and see the world through their own eyes. Parents tend to taint experiences with the constant photo taking and "look at this Johnny." (You know I am right.)

The kids and I are far...far....away. I have so many "field trips" planned I can hardly stand it. Pretty sure I've made Billy nuts with my "let's see this and let's see that". HA. But really, except for the beach we've not taken our kids anywhere. This is a whole different type of away from home experience for them. Thus why I've decided to dub it the Ultimate Field Trip. Oh, and Billy's here too. But he's working. Thus why the field trip is affordable. It's called stow-away in some circles. He doesn't seem to mind.

When we get back I am sure I'll have stories to tell. I'm renting a car and driving.....laugh those that know me. I'm not blonde anymore so hoping that helps. Plus I've got Mailey and William to help navigate.  See ya at the end of the week!!

E-course Registration has BEGUN!!!

As you are thinking about giving this season might I make a suggestion?  How about giving the gift of art making! Yes. My Paint Something e-course has been such an amazing journey. For both the students and myself. For 4 weeks we gather in the coziness of our own homes and make art together. If you've never taken an e-course before the beauty of this type of class is that all the material is given to you via your computer. You are then held accountable for what you do with the information and how much time you take to absorb the information. Only you. We use Flickr as a platform to share our work with the many new friends we make from around the globe. That's right....around the globe! The past 2 courses I've had students from Ireland, Australia, UK and more! So exciting. Still unsure? Or ready to sign up? Then head on over to the website for ALL the details. And the registration tab. Oh...and it's just $99 plus whatever supplies you choose to purchase from my suggested supply list. Woohooo....let's make some ART!  Here's the link: Paint Something: An E-course

Etsy Shop Re-Opened

Recently I've listed a few new goals for my artsy business. Updating my etsy shop was totally at the top of the list. Folks it was bad how neglected this sweet little shop had been. Posted here is just a small sampling of the goodies in the shop. Beaded bracelets are the perfect stack-able arm candy this season. And yours having a little piece of art on it will make it even more a statement piece. Everyone will wanna know where you got it! And since they are all one-of-a-kind rest assured you will remain unique even after sharing the buying source. wink...wink... Which is right here.

The other items I've listed are prints. I have both 8x10 and 5x5 prints in the shop. Although the 5x5 prints have been mounted onto white 8x10 card stock for easy framing see:

All my prints have been printed on gorgeous satin paper. The colors are so yummy and well printed they look like the real McCoy!

So stop in and take a look. All these goodies would make perfect Christmas gifts for friends, family, teachers, pastors, or a little something to make your home special over the holidays! If you are interested in an original I'll be listing those next week. Be sure to follow instagram: artsyorange for updates. Later guys.

A Lovely Custom Painting

This weekend I set aside a little time for painting in the studio. My good friend Jill asked me to paint something for her front living area. I love painting custom paintings first of all, and second even more for someone I know I'll be able to see it hanging in the living area for years to come.

Since I am trying out the little paints I was able to finally use these wooden Coke crates my framer Phillip grabbed me. Although by the time I was finished painting for the day the paint was still all over my desk. Kind defeats the point of having them stored neatly, but I tried! I think Katie Daisy has her paints stored like this. I know I saw this idea on someone's art desk. :) I am liking the thinner paints so I can layer easier and not have such goopiness on the base layers. If you've taken a class from me you might be gasping or giggling at this sight.....I know. I am eating my words right now. Part of the beauty of being an artist is trying new supplies out. A few years back I fell in love with the Soy Paints in tubes like these. But the company didn't really develop the line and honestly I haven't seen any recently. But seeing all the yummy colors one day at Michael's

I thought, "What the heck...let me try these out."

This is my studio assistant Ellie. She loves the vintage pink couch for napping while I paint. Pretty much if I'm down here, so is she.

 

I delivered the painting last night. It fit perfectly in the space and complimented her other Jenni original. I need to go back and photo the room. It's a lovely space.  So...if you'd love a custom piece for your home feel free to email me! Have a lovely Tuesday friends.