autumn, you may let go of summer now

Autumn is officially here in technicality but not in weather. Yesterday the Los Angeles area set an all time record high (it was 112 degrees out here). I've started my walks again in the mornings but it's crazy that at 8 o' clock in the morning it's already in the '80's. Before I really begin to boil here in the house and set out to do some errands for dual purposes (1. to get some things done. 2. to find some relief in air conditioned places), I wanted to share a few things first:

This is not the greatest scan but just to share. Here is a piece that was commissioned to me by a old friend. It's a 'portrait' of her and her husband and it's in celebration of their recent anniversary. I really enjoyed doing this for her and doing it in just black india ink. I think I need to do some more work like this!

We went to one of my absolute oldest childhood friend's wedding a couple of weekends ago. It was such an amazing celebration. She is Ethiopian and being a witness to how they celebrate weddings is such a refreshing experience. This was actually my third Ethiopian wedding I attended but the first for Rick and Nat. He mentioned how this was the first wedding he has been to in a long time that didn't feel like a funeral. I was so happy to be there and to see a few other old time childhood friends. I didn't get to take photos because my camera's battery was low but I did manage a few shots of Natalie prancing down the steps of the church they got married in.

One of my favorite local places to visit is the Grand Californian Hotel in Downtown Disney. The architecture is in the Arts & Crafts style that Rick and I are completely drawn to. The place really is grand and I never get tired of being amazed when looking at the ceiling. I may find myself going there alone during the day for drawing, inspiration and respite. I really encourage looking up the link to really see how amazing this place is.

Other things to share (that are also on my pinterest):

• a tutorial on how to make paper maiche black birds from 'that artist woman'
• miniature rhino's post about a pen pal swap
• speaking of pen pals, adding a new one to my list, miss polly bland (letter is in the mail)!
• a cute animated vintage dancing duo blog badge up for free grabs by 'just something i made'
• this awesome vintage illustrated owl book mathyld shared with me from 'vintage kid's books my kid loves'

More later, but now time to move on....
:)