Photography: Mochi

Photography: The view from here

Sunsets like these are a regular occurrence in Pismo Beach.  No wonder everyone slams their breaks on the freeway while driving past!

Free shipping!!!!

Black Friday through Cyber Monday I will be offering free shipping on all paintings in my etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/AdventurousRabbit

Want a deal now?  Free shipping is currently being offered on all in-stock prints!

Featured Artist: LISSY ELLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your art, and your creative process. 

I’m Lissy; I currently live in Orangeville, Ontario. Although I generally don’t like fantasy in books, movies, or video games, I am obsessed with it in photography and art. I like the draw of things that don’t exist, but really, really, should. That’s exactly what I think about when I create something. What doesn’t exist, but should?

What inspires you? 

The process of growing up, the dream of travelling the world, carnivals, children dressed as Alice, and Tim Burton.

What’s in your stereo right now? 

Deer by Manchester Orchestra. You’re lucky I actually listen to music while writing interviews.

Do you have a photograph of yours that’s a favorite? 

I really don’t.  Generally, my favourite picture is the most recent one I’ve taken.

What movie makes you laugh? 

New Moon. It was so bad.

Where can we find you on the web? 

www.lissyelle.com

Be sure to check out more photos by Lissy on Flickr and on her website. 

How to have a blackout party

When the lights go out you can either sit around in candlelight waiting for them to come back on or you can do what we did, make the best of the situation and have a blackout party.

Here's what you'll need:

• Mood lighting such as candles and battery operated paper lanterns.
• Fully charged laptop or battery operated radio/ipod dock; basically something to play music on which could include an acoustic guitar or other instruments for the musically inclined.
• BBQ with fuel/charcoal.
• Food that you have to eat so it doesn't go bad (our neighbors bought a bunch of meat minutes before the power went out).
• Flashlights or headlamp to actually see what you're doing.
• Neighbors or friends that are always down to party.
• Cash to buy any needed supplies from the local liquor store (ice, beer, batteries, etc.).  By the way, you need to do this ASAP before places close up shop for the night or they sell out of what you need.  
• Chairs to bring outdoors since now you can actually see the stars without the normal light pollution.
• Some form of entertainment.  For us this included a light-up frisbee and exercise ball.
• Sharing, cooperation, and a positive outlook (worrying about what will happen isn't any fun).

- Avoid driving if possible, many people were stuck in traffic for hours.

- Don't go to Target.  The only place with generators and open for people during the night  is not somewhere you want to be since that's where everyone else in the city will be.  

- Having a radio or a smartphone that connects to the internet can be important for getting those essential updates (a car charger for your phone can also come in handy).  

- Being prepared for any situation will leave you in a much better position than not and you'll be able to stay calm and maybe have some fun. 

- Ironically the massive southwest power outage occurred during National Preparedness Month and SDGE emailed out the electric bills that morning.

Newest painting

I finished this oil painting a few weeks ago and just got around to taking pictures.

Hot Finds: A new look for the printed word

With e-books and Kindle taking over the market place, what will we do with all our printed books? I personally will be leaving mine on the bookshelf, but others have transformed them into art.  Here are a number of Etsy artists who have used either the entire book itself or pages from it.

Kenjio

anca gray

thee paper girl

carambatack

GatheredTogether

brownpaperbagart

Paperfaerie

blenda studio

I've been featured!

My Etsy shop has had its first blog feature on Live Love Bloom Craft.  Check it out! http://loveinbloomboutique.blogspot.com/2011/08/featured-artisan-adventurous-rabbit.html
Also, find a 20% off coupon code there!

Live to Eat: Yum!

This open-faced bagel sandwich is yummy and so simple to make.

What you need:

- Bagel (I prefer Sprouted Wheat Sesame Bagels from Trader Joe's)

- Cheese such as cheddar or colby jack

- Basil, fresh from the garden (or pot in my case) is best

- Tomato

- Lemon pepper

- Microgreens (optional)

What to do:

- toast bagel

- put slice of cheese on each half and warm in oven on low till cheese starts to melt

- place basil and sliced tomato on top of cheese

- generously sprinkle lemon pepper over tomatoes, add a small amount of microgreens, and enjoy!

DIY: Spruce up that cubicle!

I have to admit, I'm really excited to have my own desk at my new internship even if it is in a blah cubicle.  One way I've added some much needed color is with this hummingbird garland.  All you need is patterned or colored paper (check the scrapbooking section of Michael's), a stencil which can be easily made with cardstock, and thread/string.  At a past job, I also made turtles, snowflakes, lilies, Eiffel towers and bats for co-workers which were hung from the shelves on the cubicles.