This is me - Amy

This idea came to me while I was in my gym's sauna room: do a figure drawing of myself (or thereabouts!) and use text to denote the line of the figure. I had just worked up a good sweat while doing the Group Grove class and was I attempting to get myself grounded in the steam room. My mind, however, had its own ideas. My brain was flooded with random thoughts despite my best efforts to shut it off. So, I just listened. These are some truths about me.

I am mostly at peace with my inner dialogue - there are times when it is too judgmental of myself and others. I know that I am often out of step with the community around me. I am not drawn to popular things. There is both joy and consequence for this.

61995 Steps in the Right Direction~ Lori

My Omron Pedometer is by far the best $30.00 I have ever spent in my life! Marching into my 6th week of walking and feeling proud of the progress, that I have made thus far, surpassing my own expectations by 10 fold. Pat, Pat.. on my on back. This photo was taken this week on my highest daily steps recorded on my new journey. I have not been this active in years and feel my little Pedometer friend is just the push I needed to keep me on track and help remind me how far I've gone and how much further I need to go. This week I am up 7 miles from last. I clocked 27.38 miles. Even better I stepped into the gym three weeks ago and have been going ever since. Those that know some of my limitations realize this is no small feat for me and I pray I never look back. Yea Me! While I don't want to toot my horn, I do want to celebrate my success and each day I have greater health.

(Actually I got up and took a few extra steps totaling 62061 this week...every step counts!)

Pimpin! - Lyn~

This was taken when Dan took me into town. We were driving down this street and I saw this tailor shop and couldn't believe my eyes, I laughed so hard. My little phone cam didn't pick up the whole name but it did catch the Vogue and the mannequin in the corner dressed all in red literally from his hat to his wing tip shoes. As I told my friend, " That dude be PIMPIN!!!" lol

Blossoms - Rachel

I was struck by these abundant and delicate blossoms, lit by the afternoon sun. With only my little point and shoot I knew I would have to "do" something with the photo to get what I wanted; this came pretty close. Crosshatch filter added and saturation increased in PS.

Sketch 1 - Amy

This morning, I woke up and I wanted to paint a cupcake or Emma and Lilly. This is the sketch that I am starting from. I attempted to draw an open smile, which is more common for Emma. Drawing teeth is freaking hard! I bought some modeling paste and I might take a stab at using this to create an effect.

Hug a Tree - Rachel

My daughter is a self-proclaimed tree hugger, so it's nice to see that trees can express their love back. I'm making my daughter's valentine from this image, a tree found on the Ocean View trail at Muir Woods.

Valentines Date to Nowhere~ The Art of finding a good hole in the wall to dine. -Lori

A Valentines Fortune Cookie- Luck helps those who help themselves and Love lights up the world...very timely!

Getting to know you. Getting to know all about you. Sometimes you have to take dates to nowhere. This is our third date to nowhere. A stroll through Livermore's Art Crawl and a visit to see a fellow art colleagues work that I have long admired her use and knowledge of color. Then we had a short drive and some great Chicken Pho and Garlic noodles in Spring town of all places. Sai-s in the sunny town of Spring Town... land were time forgot. Sai-s in a shopping strip, directly behind seedy looking hotel. The total bill for Pho, Garlic noodles, tea, soda, and Vietnamese coffee a whopping $14.84 after the 10% off coupon from the to-go menu posted right out the door of Sai-s. We felt pleasantly full and the food was good and cheap. A hole in the wall with value, a true find and art indeed. My dad owed many holes in the wall and I find it a great joy to discover these small family owned businesses that provide value and comfort food for a great price. Thanks Joy for the suggestion, p.s. I won't even ask how you found it...:)

Cell Phone Photography