See You Soon for TAOLB2013 OPEN STUDIOS

REALLY....EVERYONE IS WELCOME ...if ya thought about coming, but have never made it....pop it on your calendar now, and come on by!
1960 Mandela pkwy, oakland 94607
KarinsArt Luvs you !
check out OTHER TAOLB 2013 venues too:
http://taolb.blogspot.com/

VOTED TODAY!

Put on red Lipstick &Leopard Stilettos and took hope, optimism, rhinestone jewelry,handmade art,and photos of my Parents into the booth to ♥♡♥.vote! 

2012 -My Front pages of this year's black sketchbook. This year I actually wrote a preface...(private...never to be published..cause hey' the internet is forevah! )

Anywhoo...

This is an image of renewal/ rebirth... which means exactly that...i'm already here... so i can continue on!!

her hair says:

"if you woke up today...YOU'VE BEEN REBORN...RENEWAL HAPPENED.......u-have ALREADY begun."

symbols in her hair:

• ! - being excited,finding passion in yourself-and Life!
• star - remember to never dim your Light...Someone is waiting to feel it's warmth & joy!
• 2figure icon - my way of honoring my african ancestry (starting with my parents) ...sigh..Black Love...(and support)♥
• the Mended Broken ♥ - with a chain- Amazing how sometimes what we believe will never mend does right? We are different,changed true, but whole again...

1st Watermelon says: I'm kinda glad 2011 is over...over..NEVER to be repeated.

2nd 2012 H2omelon

1st part says: Luscious Potential...mmm...mmmm... I can taste it Already...

2nd part says: mmm...mmmmm... Luscious is a Truth Lived Well..

Anywhoo - Welcome to 2012..It is yours for continuance & renewal... ♥karin

-- Feel FREE to share this 2012 blogpost & images on Facebook, & Like my KarinsArt.com page!

Lots of Art Exhibits Coming up... for Black History (FEB) and Women's Month (MAR) 2012.

TAOLB 2011 Art Exhibit...

OASIS gallery - inside the American Steel Bldg.

sat/sun noon til 6pm 26.27. feb & 5.6 mar 2011

1960 Mandela Pkwy,Oakland CA 94607

Plenty of free parking around this big ole building!! Just down the street from Brown Sugar Cafe, drive towards Emeryville past 19th st corner ,look to the right,

and turn right into the alley!

All Welcome....YOU are MOST WELCOME, and umm your Hugs are free

(of course).

♥karin

So...my birthday is here...Somebody (who shall remain a nameless nazi) told me i didnt have the 'right' to celebrate so long...(a month) and this year i almost believed it... but hey - that fog burned off pretty quickly - as soon as i thought about YOU!

YAy! ... a good reason for me to CELEBRATE... is YOU!

My life as a creative being would'nt be the same without YOU!

So, i'm celebrating by giving the gift of Art - TO- YOU! ...

If you're reading this lil note- I thankyou for being a patron, friend, & follower of my art. Thanks for reading my blog, and joining my email list.

25 free gifts...1 to a person. available in my store now.

Once you're there, just click on the birthday icons to 'purchase' for .21cents, and i will send you your gift & a quarter (.25cents) making your gift

absolutely free (of charge that is...) all i ask is that you enjoy your gift immensely- or pass it on to someone special who will!

25 gifts available in my KARINSART.etsy.com store just for clicking ,.

5 Extra Lovely gifts sent to the 1st five Lovelies who've commented on this bloggy blog posting.

I'd like to know your thoughts on birthdays-and celebrations! cheers...

Happy Birthday means I'm so happy YOU were Born.

♥karin

sat-06nov2010

Wow! my fav bday celebration was a hug filled ride to san fran with my ♥mjc -& this stylish retro helmet that went perfectly with my big ole - where's my yacht sunglasses! It was a perfectly sunny day for me to giggle on the back of a motorcycle (#1 on my list- "go for a motorcycle ride").a nice couple we saddled up along side to at a bar took this foto..did you know there is a bar on Haight street that actually serves ahem "victorian" punch? - REAL PUNCH - ladled out of a crystal punch bowl!! tee hee!

48yrs and i'm still discovering...

so,

i eventually found my list, but well, living without it was even more fun!

letting go to let others bring me joy is a good thing. - it's been coming in all manners - a greeting from a stranger,facebook greetings, answers to my whacky questions, phone calls from loved ones, to a wonderfully wrapped box charged with adventures to be had. ♥karin

No explanations. Just move forward.

This Too Shall Pass ©2010

So it's gonna be my birthday...and as usual i made a list of all of the silly - cool-important- mini things i wanted to do in celebration of my existence.

well, i lost that good ole little list... i spent 3 days looking for it.. 2 days trying to remember what exactly was on it...and 1 day hoping that i'd already done the things i could'nt remember from the list...

so here i am back at zero... no good explanation as to why i lost something seemingly so important that i would spend 3 more days of my life obsessed with recovering it, and well, when it comes down to it - still no list.

so today i made another list...(a mental one) -with 1 rule: that i execute what i think of immediately or as soon as possible.

so...i wrote a long overdue thankyou letter to a fellow artist & spiritual leader who's inspired me as an artist & a creative spirit, another thankyou letter to my Very special someone -♥mjc whose i love you's are such special affirmations for me i covet them as material gifts.- i posted them both - today.

rather than (half heartedly) saying yes'- i let other capable people take the lead on group projects giving them an opportunity to shine&grow,rather than impressing my way into a leadership role-adding yet another task to my own plate.

i opened my door to an old friend, and was able to live my purpose by sharing my art & speaking with the earned wisdom of someone who has lived to see that everything passes. good and bad - presence and absence. updating this blog is part of my birthday celebration too. it allows me to think RIGHT NOW of the good that is - and has always existed - whether or not i have a list.

so, i'm not even going to try to explain why it's been so long since i've updated my karinsartblog.spot site, karinsart.com, or karinsart.etsy.com store.

i will express to each of you -a heartfelt thankyou. thankyou for checking my sites, sending emails. inquiring about my next shows and wanting more from me . i appreciate that you're here.

i'm just going to move forward. (now that my absence has passed).

with love♥ - karin

Celebrate Black History

So ummm... Working on new paintings... See you at the first of the Season's Exhibit receptions:
TAOLB juried selection: "The Vibrancy of Color" at the Sargent Johnson Gallery in the African American ART&CULTURE Complex. 762 Fulton,@ Webster, San Francisco,CA. THUR 04FEB2010 6PM-8PM. cheers...make your own history now... and celebrate it.

So Hey,
What have YOU done Lately to use your SUPER POWERS? No, not the ones that make you fly... i mean more like the ones that just show up when you really need em.
Yesterday, my telling off politely powers showed up...(see below)... ♥ (or my etsy forum posts)...
Alot of times they're not as dramatic though, like being able to check off a whole list of things to do - as finished, or finally making contact with a dear friend - and just chattin'. Sometimes they come in the form of just being able to listen to others - and actually hear what they're trying to communicate. Or just doing that one different thing - that changes the course of daily bad habits towards a better direction.
Sticking around for the better days is a super power too, you know.
SUPA DUPA... put your cape on and see which one shows up!
♥karin

This Miss Firecracker just had to do something...
here's my letter re: 09.09.09 Presidential Address

Dear Rep. Wilson,

I find myself moved to this immediate form of communication to voice the disappointment and embarrassment felt for you, fellow U.S. citizens , myself, and particularly YOUR constituents after your inappropriate outburst during President Obama's speech last night.

Obviously as exhibited by your conduct you feel the luxury and privilege of being a U.S. citizen and U.S. representative affords you the option of free speech - at anytime & manner. It made me wonder what would be next from you? Throwing your shoe?

Anyone who's taken a basic U.S. civics class or watches CSPAN knows that you are entitled to take the podium and speak ON record about any subject, so why did you seemingly choose to shout a rather anonymous single word heckle? Did you forget cameras are everywhere these days?
It makes me wonder about your character, and what you are capable of doing when there are NO cameras, when our country is simply trusting you to do the right thing...
We are watching Mr. Wilson,
so, I ask you out of respect for those of us who ARE citizens of the U.S., aspire to be citizens of this great country, to exhibit the pride and respect towards our country's president and the institution of the office of the U.S. President. Observing this basic level of decorum during public addresses is not only due, but expected of you while your hold the seat as one of our country’s elected officials.
I am looking forward to your redemption in our country’s eyes, not from your apologetic statement issued, but from your future exhibitions of self control.
Sincerely,
Karin D. Turner
United States Citizen

Thank You to Everyone who stopped by my Booth at the 2009 Essence Marketplace in New Orleans, LA.

Thank You to all of my Art Angels who popped in and helped me recieve my Blessings:
Ms. Geanie & Ms. Jonna, Ms. Ayana, Gil & Gregory.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

sketchbook peepshow:

Chinese Fan Doodle

*note to self* : post this on the blog, so you know where to find it.

OOPS! i'd forgotten... when i'm feeling 'off center'...

i need to remember that my centering remedy is to simply not allow my brain to be taxed with any harder decisions than which color to choose next.

Doodling, drawing, and executing a simple brief idea allows me to be in the moment, rather than worrying about things or people that i cant change, and burdens which are no longer mine. it also keeps me from 'imagining' disastrous events that havent happened like not getting paid $$ for services due, or toes that i'll step on while out chicago step dancing. being in the moment gives me clearer vision to see what is.

(and yeah, also how dramatic i can be if i really dont curtail the 'in-house" drama!)

This little colorful doodle on my dancing fan was a quick way to get back to my center this weekend... its colors and joy were influenced from seeing the fabulous rainbow in Kathy Munillo's Diary of a Crafty Chica Blog... and reading her blog daily. i thank her for sending out the positive vibe to all of us that had the 'friday' blahs... She's a crafty (chica) gal writer who's enterprising as well, check out her line of sparkly craft supplies at you local Michael's!

well, after completing my doodle painting,i realized (say that with a southern drawl please) nothing (in real life) had changed, except my outlook on things...

even today, the cuckoos are still cuckoo, the things that i cant change (death & taxes) still exist and will continue to coincide with my life.

and the truth is, i will always need to make an effort (albeit a tiny ones at times) at truly living my life with authenticity , fullness, and the strength of not having to know every answer to my life's queries, but where to find to find the answers...

whew...

my wish for you:

hey you darling, find your center, make a note where it is, just incase you need to come back to it.

What an exciting - moving week this has been for our country huh? It's not even November yet! - anywhoo... if ya went to the parties,bought a bumper sticker, wearing the caps & tshirts - but cant vote.... GET REGISTERED so you can! I'm not asking you to vote for anyone in particular... I'm just asking that YOU excercise your right/honor to vote... - Still moved by all the red ,white, blue, & brown! - karin

Long time, no post.... been busy being Happy and aware of my Blessings. Visited Cancun,Mexico... (i really was this Happy)... actually, i'm still this Happy, just even more aware of my blessings now. -karin

tee hee... a moving picture of me... i absolutely love the idea of yOUtube!...this is my first attempt ever at creating a custom player, and uploading a video!!
for now - a recent picture of me...mar 2008. at my open studio in oakland... i've just purchased a new digi-camera, so i hope to be uploading many more mini- views of life. excitable!

Sketchbook Peepshow:

Happy Spring Luscious Renewal!


Digital Sketch: Happy Spring Luscious Renewal. This is an unfinished painting, that i absolutely am in Love with as it is...right now... realizing this means it must be finished, as I've stopped apologizing with my own sanctioned 'guilt' to folks who see it, by saying, "it's not finished yet"... I guess it is... (in the canvas form) Digitally, it will 'Blossom' into many other images and movements....LIKE JANET JACKSON'S REMIXES! tee hee

anywhoo....So it's officially 'spring'... Time to do 'Springy' things... Happy Spring! .... Think Luscious Renewal - Proof that there is a tomorrow - that it's worth waiting for, but not at "today's" expense...Think... YOUR Joyous Moment is NOW...

So I'm Enjoying the evolving Blossoms popping up on the 'weeds' , trees, and myself. Madame Nature got it right, you cant have apples before you have a blossom, but did you ever notice- before the blossoms , there are fuzzy little 'pre-blossoms' on the branches?

Each stage is beautiful right now... we look forward tomorrow, but our most Joyous Moment can and should only be found in the Present.

Daily I work towards re-vamping - 'renewing' my website products with a goal of a newly completed line to offer my patrons, while taking on the Greater Flowering promise to myself of making sure that I 'blossom' by trying something new each week/month... Keeps me busy, cause ya know i likes my naps too...

I'm Learning Chicago Step Dancing with JustSteppin.com- and I love it!... oh,I'm not good at it (yet?), but then again, I'm not good at singing either, but I've kept that up Joyously for my whole Life! Ha! Excitable!

I've also decided to try to make a great effort to be in the present moment, and enjoy it,live it, and appreciate it's offerings. This effort i've found creates a peace and calm that allows me to be more grateful for what 'is'. Whatever 'it' is. 'Cause- "it is what it is"...(According to M.V.W.,ever evolving free-thinker, & Eckhart Tolle, author of "A New Earth". -Oprah BookClub selection btw)

This Luscious Abandon to Joyous Moments, allows this Wallflower to Blossom.
It's not too late to notice the garden that already is, or to start your own.
Happy - Renewal - Luscious - Spring.

What a privilege! What a Choice!

Take it from an African American Female - Yesterday was such a special day... While excercising my right to vote in the u.s. primary, I not only had the option of choosing a woman, but an African American Male as my democratic candidate for the upcoming 2008 us presidential election. What a thrill... such a thrill i took a picture of my big ole wonka ballot !! Amazing what you can get away with while voting in a church!! There were cookies and tea too. Sweeeeeeet.

Jokes aside, i couldnt help but feel a sense of honor at this task of choosing. I was so aware that it wasnt 'given' as a gift, it was earned by the strife of others who came before me... To my distaste in casual conversation - Alot of folks mention they dont /wont vote because it doesnt make a difference...-to that - I say I know more than one person (still alive) who suffered the discriminations and denial of rights as a way of life. Because that battle was bought and paid for ,i sit where i want on a bus, have my silly fancy car named Cher's door opened by the valet when parking, can refuse to use a public/private restroom because it's dirty, and ultimately have the option of choosing a leader for this country that represents the possibility of changes needed. This legacy privilege was such an honor to carry out. The voting rights act was passed in 1965/... i was born in 1962... To those whom much is afforded, much is expected. Looking forward to November 2008!!

sketchbook peepshow: Oh What a Magical Night!

i'm currently participating in a tribute group exhibit titled: CULTURAL CONNECTIONS, a juried satellite show of The Art of Living Black 2008. At the Craft & Cultural Arts Arts Gallery, STate of California office building -Atrium 1515 Clay st.,Oakland 94612

--

14Jan-29Feb2008 * this exhibit honors both Rae Louise Hayward & Chauncey Bailey.

My paintings on exhibit , "The Gift" & "Free Fishing and Gardening Lessons" are hung amongst both Karen Carraway-Senefru,Malik Senefru, Leroy Wheeler Walker, Nanette Harris, Jason Austin, & Latisha Baker.

All TAOLB artists made for a fab evening reception with music by UPsurge! jazz poetry ensemble! *Ending reception thur 21feb 5-8pm.. More Live music and conversations with the artists... :)

Hot Couture fashion show at the Crucible and wowwwwweeeeeeeeeee!! What a fashion show FULL OF FIYYYAAAAAH!!... iNSPiRiNg full of creativity in me... Loved the fashion, and the propane jets, and the Oakland Fire fighters too. All that hullaballoo got me to thinking about making something that involves HEAT, metal? or glass blowing.. hmmmm

sketchbook Peepshow:

A Seating at Loss'es Table Once More.

WE ARE AT A LOSS...
We are at a loss contrasted by the many ways that Rae Louise Hayward was such a Blessing to all of us.
Personally, I considered Rae Louise my Art Angel, mentor, patron, cheerleader, and sister in kind.
but i suspect my name could be substituted for any one that Rae's Aura encountered .

Rae Louise not only a PATRON OF THE ARTS, BUT created and moved her own colorful ART throughout the world.

SHE WAS TANGIBLE PROOF to Myself and others as MENTOR , that it was possible not only be a creative person, but part of a larger community.

RAE LOUISE WAS an ADVOCATE for other artists to generate their own presence, to find their authentic voice through creative expression, and share their art with the world.
As a VISIONARY, &CO-FOUNDER of the Art of Living Black she continued this legacy, and successfully held TAOLB together enabling it to flourish and to ultimately become one of our country's major exhibitions of African American Art. She welcomed the diversity of emerging, mid-career, and well established artists.

She had a vision of completion that often required more effort on her part than those who stood to benefit from it.
She not only made the first and second phone calls to wrangle and promote, but also the 3rd& 4th calls necessary.
(Rae Louise was the only person i knew who mastered pac bell's phone tree message center!)

By enlisting us as volunteers and participants, she not only gave us a sense of community for our common cause, but also provided us with resources, encouragement, and the positive spirit necessary to evolve into the best we can be as creative community.

Yes, we feel we are at a great loss,
But our Art Angel gave us all the tools we needed while she was physically here on earth with us to thrive.

Rae Louise,
We Love you and are forever grateful and appreciative of our Blessing in you.

Sketchbook Peepshow: Make the Best of Your Mistakes...

Choices... we all have to make em... Sometimes we're on Auto Pilot relying upon our successful histories of great choices & great results...

Sometimes we just have to live with the choices we've made if we already tossed the reciept...

I recently was on Auto Pilot (or high from the Art Store's creative fumes), and purchased the WRONG BRAND of sketchbook... UGH!!

Heavy handed with pen, i noticed the difference AFTER i'd torn off the brand label & inaugarated it's pages with it's first fantastical sketch.

So there i was, with a pretty good 1st fantastical sketch... an unexchangeable purchase...defiled with my personal Graffiti - and no reciept anyway...

Faced with making another choice based upon my recent periodical data... I decided to make the best of my 1st mistake in 2008...

so, i recorded this reminder sketch for myself to refer to prior to my 2009 sketchbook purchase..

I'm keeping this book and moving forward...papa dont preach... Ahmmm keepin my book.... keepin my book.... keepin my book....

2008 sketchbook peepshow: To Do - To Live List..

2008 here you are.. I'm in my 45th year... this year's resolution list's theme is more than just things to do... they're things to Live... Each year i start a new Blank sketchbook to record my sketches, fantastical thoughts (I've been told i live in fantasy), along with narratives from my daily life, and sometimes, preliminaries for formal paintings... My goal for my sketchbook this year is to have it crammed with so many drawings, mini paintings, & things i tend to glue onto the pages, that it needs a rubberband to hold it closed. (so it can behave on the shelf in 2009) ... Optimistic aint i? Most things listed are positive,playful,Smart Aleck'ish', optimistic if accomplished, not necessary to most folks... (Except "COLLECT MONEY FROM PEOPLE WHO OWE YOU $$ -NOT BECAUSE YOU NEED YOU NEED THE CASH, BUT BECAUSE IT'S YOURS, AND IT'S TIME...")

This double first page is actually the illustrated image of the same XXXL black & white list i carry around with me. (at 45yrs.- i still prefer books with pictures... so there ya go) CLICK on the pic to enlarge...-karin

DECEMBER CHRISTMAS 2007-

Pre-Christmas Party at Taro's

Taro's Yummy Fried fish, luscious raspberry vinaigrette salad, chocolate chip cookies, gingerbread cocktails, & the retro 70's dvd - 5 on the blackhand side!

This foto was taken by Ms. Talia Taro's daughter (the cookie baker!)

Gift exchange: HA! Re-gifts and Jokes perfect!
-
I am so grateful for my extended families, I also got to enjoy Dr.Shawn & her mom, - & more gingerbread cookie cocktails... (okay, so i forgot some of the ingredients... but it was still all good! )
-
Christmas day was sweet and large, spent at extended family Joe&Doris Brown's lovely Oakland cottage... I sat at the dessert table :)... yummmmmm.... and got to model my new custom made bathrobe by Doris too!
Nichelle & I enjoyed everyone at Janet&Derek Norris' Pretty da--ned fun Pre-New Year's Eve Party at their Lovingly welcoming home.... I must say...Everything from the shrimp&grits to Son Sean's exquisite Saxophone playing, to the genius that figured out what to do with that bottle of Alizee' i brought was FABULOUS...
Taking the 'commercial' part of the Holiday Season off bode well for me... I'm grateful for having the option, and even more thankful that i was able to enjoy it with my lovely lovely extended familia. grazie...

NOVEMBER - BIRTHDAY!!!
My 45th birthday month was filled with love, celebratory activities, and friends who are family!

sketchbook peepshow: Night and Day
We need some motivational posters that dont have kite flying, or rock climbing as the subject matter...
Lately - Everyone one I know is overloaded, & whelmed with not only the tasks of daily life, but well aware of the 'Oprah-ized' issues of "living your best life"... whew... with all of that blah blah, i say, if we are actually accomplishing most of whatever is on our list... - Isnt that ALOT to take credit for? 3 Cheers for all of us! - karin

PeepShow Sketchbook: Sometimes, dont cha just want what you want, when you want it..Exactly the way you want it?

i don't really like cake (without frosting) - unless it tastes like Something Else... Like Brownies, or Banana Nut Bread, ... or Key Lime Pie. Thanks Faerie - I'm sewing pockets in all of my clothing to keep you handy... *Poof!*

Geez, about time a sketch from the sketchbook huh?.... Scanner Schmanner...More to come...i've been strongly 'inspired' by Illustration Friday! There's something to all of that Legitimate Doodling, .... Exactly what i want... when i want it...

Go Ahead...Click directly on the image to view it larger & see the missing frosting .tee hee .... karin

KarinsArt.com booth at Art and Soul Festival. Labor Day Weekend 2007. Downtown Oakland CA

More Luscious Art Enthusiasts!

Gallerists Tim & Sandra Hamp of Gotta Have It Artworks! Stopped by for smiles, laughs , and more ideas on how to move my art throughout the world! http://gottahavitart.com/ karin & Traci,ie,ey,y ! Can you believe she has a son old enough to take a photo this well?!! Congrats on the recent arrival of her daughter! We're standing in front of my latest original painting "the gift"... What a delight to know we have another daughter in our world!

Thank You Thank You Thank You to Everyone who popped by my booth to see my latest creations at this year's Oakland's Art and Soul Festival 2007. Also a ton of thanks to the special folks who offered support behind the scenes as well!! I could'nt have done it with out you!

Two years later after the Katrina tragedy.... Why dont we have 'monument's that are 'calls for action'? (that dont look like tombstones btw) ...

What has happened in your life that challenges you to make a decision to stay or go? Rebuild & hold on, or cut your losses and start all over? Wish for the good ole days - or face a new day with new - but remarkedly different dreams & aspirations.

That's life isnt it? Our best bang for the buck is to effect change for the positive, and 'weather' the affects of changes closest to our heart. karin

Dont Live Your Life On Mute...

This painting started out as a journaling 'sketch' I did while painting a covered teacup during this past Holiday Season. At the bottom of the painting is pieced collaged reminder letter written to myself that makes promises of living authentically and lusciously.

What a waste to allow ourselves to hold our tongues to such an extreme, that we lose our voice, and become uncomfortable with our own greatness.

I had laryngitis I believe from holding my tongue too much, and trying to be less than who I was , so another would'nt feel 'eclipsed' ... Hmmm I even tried to have alot 'less -going on'...but it didnt work....

(The teacup background was painted a 'low volume' light blue - and the final painting is a deafening scarlet red!)

On Exhibit at Foothill College 01-28feb2007.

hmmmm

There she goes again.... all Happy and Colorful and Luscious!

-

Will have new ceramics for my open studio , The Art of Living Black Open studio...

Life is Luscious!

hOLidaY sEaSon photos.... Alot of Love came through for me this Holiday Season... Everyone who came through my door this hoLidAy SeaSon blessed me with their love and support in their own special way.. Thank You to all of my Art Angels! Adding more photos later...k

Hey's Been A While... But Who CARES? Cause da Birthday Month is here!!
44years of Luscious Endurance and Triumph entitles ME to a WHOLE Month of da Celebratin'!

My month long celebration isnt just about the usual self indulgent random partying, cash spending nap taking acts that folks generally cram into 1 day...
*Heck no! There's Nothing Random here...I MEANT TO DO IT ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL.....
-OAKY DOAKY, I do randomly choose to play the birthday 'card'...
I mean i think it's just Great being to answer conventional questions with the
best Selfish Answer EVER : "Because it's my Birthday!"
(Not that I would know,) but to me it ranks right up there with the "I'm engaged , expecting, just graduated, just bought my first home so I really need a price break , or just got that promotion" card that i'm always forking over my own well wishes and gifts for! Yeah... and it's an annual event too! Sweet.... Say dat again... Sweet...Oh Hell - I'll say it next year!

So far I've said it 'quietly' as if it's the most sane answer possible. While I'm grinning - well aware that it will entitle me to the 'exception' of what ever 'rule - gauntlet' has just been thrown down.. even Randomly, but not too loudly so as not to muffle the returning Random well wishes echos too...

Yeah November is a gooood month...
Each year, with little effort on my own, i find myself aware of how fortunate I am to have the life i live just by plain ole paying extra attention to the 'good' "LITTLE" things in life we often dismiss as unremarkable because they dont cost money,bring us money, or require manipulation to be 'good'....
Sounds silly, but just remembering that the sun shining - in November is a gift...Ask the New Yorkers! I got to sit in my lawn chair sunbathing while AAA repaired my flat tire in my driveway last week... Something little - but what a gift to get a flat at home, and kick it in the sun! (I didnt even have to use up my talk time on my cell phone to call for help!)

Decided that November can be the dog's birthday too...So Pharoah - the wonderful everlasting AlphaBetaDisco Doggie is now celebrating like a glutton with extra doggie snacks for any or no trick performed, and being let off easy when he gets into the kitchen garbage..
Oh yeah.... he actually got a real bone to chomp on...from my Morton's Steakhouse doggie bag! Dat dinner was pretty good too!
What can I say, - we both dont get food like that at home! What a treat...

I've also been blessed with extra time to come out to support and see artist James GAYLES fabulous watercolor paintings while on exhibit at the Oh so charming Cock-A-Doodle Cafe, downtown Oakland. (Brunch there is definitely on the Happy Birthday schedule) * this place's cheeri-ness is only matched by it's proprietor's happy smile!
Birthday wishes...
Many Loved ones rang me on the phone to extend their greetings, or popped personally to give a hug and a kiss. It was so nice to hear each and everyone of their voices. "being worthy of anytime minutes is really something" - Just ask me - I'll tell ya!

Along with eating cake- i've been treated to some fabulous "my mom cooked it" food from Ms. Gwen & Ms. Tessie at da day job! -- yummmmm... between the greens and Philipina food - i havent had to scrap for lunch yet! - I really thank them, and it's nice to send a hug via another daughter to a 'MoM in lieu'.
I thank them, and give them the same hug i would have given my own mom.
--

Do something for 30 days it becomes a habit right?
Happy Birthday to Me,Pharoah, and to YOU....
My purposeful 'well wish' for you...
"I just Hope you dont wait til you're 40yrs to start a new habit."
My party continues until the end of November2006.

i drove over 100 miles today. i was lost for about 55 of em. hoped i'd see where they grow salt here in the bay... no luck, but wonder of all wonders, i still arrived ontime - to start living my dream come true. -it was all that. alive.hopeful.inspiring.real.mine.
ask yourself - "why live a nightmare, when you can live a dream come true?"
karin

1000 words