HEY STEVE!!!

It was great talking to you on the trip to L.A. Good luck to you on the road to Texas. Keep an eye out for that gravel....LOL!!!

Here are the pics of me and cousin Snoop Dogg.

Here are pics of Snoop and his two sons, plus his road dog, Bishop "Don Juan", Mr. Big Pimpin!!!

Me and Nick Cannon at the Kid's Choice Awards - 2005.Here's the little girl who is in one of Missy Elliot's videos.Me and Master P, and Master P's son - "Lil Romeo". We were kickin' it in the VIP lounge. :0)

Happy New Year dude!

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME...

The holiday season is upon us - the seasons are coming and going like I can't believe. I just returned from a short trip home to Northern Cali. for Thanksgiving and it was awesome! My sister hosted the dinner at she and her husband's home and family and friends were in full effect. Lots of good food, games, and conversation. Thanks again Fran & Jeff...another successful Thanksgiving was had by all! (I've been trying to download my pics....but you know how this system wants to act a fool!)

I love this highway sign in West Sacramento. The first time I saw it was on a visit home when I lived in Washington, DC back in 1994 or sometime around then. I don't know how long this sign has been up, but I think it's pretty unique that they would post the miles from Cali to Ocean City, Maryland - my old stomping ground.

I arrived home on Wed. morning Nov. 22. That afternoon, my sister and I took my 10 year old great niece to see "Happy Feet", the story of a dancing penquin, his family and friends. It features awesome music and unbelievable animation. It was hilarious! The penquins were voiced by the likes of Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Robin Williams, Paul Rodriguez, and Elijah Wood as "Mumbles". Alexis enjoyed herself, and we did too.

Ainie Christine and Great-Niece Alexis

No matter how how you try, you never get to see everyone while visiting home. However, I did manage to hang out with my friends from high school. The great thing about my friends is that they all come out to see me when I come to town. I can't tell you how "special" it feels to have everyone make the effort. Every year when I return we try and meet up. Sometimes it's the same people, and lately new people have joined in. No matter who comes, the good times get better and better.

I even had an opportunity to attend a football game at my alma mater, Grant Union High School. They are UNDEFEATED!! Yea...booooyyyy! Some things never change. When I was there, my class of 1974 was all that...as a matter of fact...from 1972 - 74, the athletic department at Grant was winning championships in all areas of sports...Basketball, Football, Volleyball...we had many great times defending our titles. For this game, Grant beat Del Oro 27 - 10!!!! Woohoo!

GRANT'S FOOTBALL TEAM - GO PACERS!

DEL ORO HIGH SCHOOL TEAM
CATCUS QUEENS OF CALIFORNIA (Sacramento that is...)

I was so happy to be able to visit with one of my family's dear friends, Marie. Marie has been collecting, growing, and showing prize winning cactus and succulents for several years now. I have "never" seen so many beautiful and unusual varieties of desert plants in my life. She's a member of a Cactus Society, and does very well with her show entries, as she had placed First a few times.

Marie shared her books, photos and stories on her beloved cacti. If you're going to do something (grow an abundance of cactus), then you must research that thing and know what it is you're dealing with. I was fascinated with the varieties of flowering cacti as well.

The best, best, best part of this visit was.....getting samples and potted plants that Marie and her neighbor Joyce didn't mind parting with. My sister and I came home with an abundance of beauties....and yes I carried those plants all the way back to L.A. I had packed them in carry on bags, which added to my already weighty luggage, but I was determined to take as many home as I could. I still have a few at my sister's but that's alright. I'll be home for Christmas and will make sure I bring my "big" travel bag. LOL - Thanks so much Marie and Joyce!!

Marie explaining the variety of cactus in her neighbor's yard.

One of Marie's Greenhouses

Now these are what I call Prick-lies.....:0)
Mini Greenhouse to accomodate the overflow....and what an overflow it is.

Marie's neighbor Joyce, in her yard It was like a tropical paradise.
Joyce's Sunburst varigated succulent. Just gorgeous!
Be fruitful and multiply....these five cacti in the pot are "pups" from one cacuts in the pot.


I can't remember ever seeing a purple cactus.
These ladies have an enormous love and dedication to gardening and I was so thrilled to see all of their wonderful plants. I too love growing flowers, but have always wanted to grow cacti. With their in depth knowledge and guidance...perhaps I'll join the ranks of being a Cactus Queen of California. Well done ladies!!!

I AM PUBLISHED!!!

Is this real or am I dreaming? It's really real...I am now a published designer/artist thanks to my submission to the magazine Altered Couture.

This past April, as I was browsing through my Haute Handbag magazine, there was an ad for a "Call for Altered clothing". I decided to enter and went about finishing a jean skirt I had been working on. I sent the skirt and an altered T-shirt into Stampington & Company, the parent company for these magazines. A couple of weeks ago, by total accident, I go online and see this magazine cover. So, me being the curious person that I am, clicked on the magazine to see what I could see. Lo and behold...there it was...a picture of my jean skirt in the "gallery" of skirts and dresses. I was at work when I saw it and I flipped out. Not more than a week later, I get my complimentary copy of the magazine in the mail. Now mind you, I had not heard one peep from these people about whether they were going to publish my items or anything. Talk about a complete shock! So then that weekend, I get my skirt in the mail and a congratulatory letter. I have been flying on high to say the least. I am so very thankful and give God the honor for making this dream come true. All my blessings come from God and this is my reward for stepping out on faith and just doin' the damn thang!!! :0) They kept my T-shirt, so I believe it will appear in either Belle Armoire, or in the 2007 edition of Altered Couture. Either way, this publication adds credibility to my work, and I am honored.
My skirt is on the top left.

I sent out an email blast to all my family and friends telling them of the news. The responses have been overwhelming and very supportive.

When I looked through the magazine I saw so many excellent ideas that I was a little intimidated by what I sent in. But I realized, these people received an overwhelming response of submissions, by their own admission, so it really made me feel exceptionally blessed to be chosen. Thank you Jesus! I will submit more of my designs and see whether they publish more, as you can't have enough published work.

Right now I'm working on completing 5 purses to send in to Haute Handbag. I decided to do an all Burlap material series of purses. They are very different in their shapes, sizes and category. I hope they like them.

GOOD NEWS, GOOD NEWS!

On Monday (Nov. 6), My sister found out that she is becoming a first time Grandmother!!! Whoohoo...yea baby! Her son and his fiance are expecting their first child in July 2007. I am so happy for Kevin and Cher.

RAY PARKER JR. at the Vault 350

Last night my cousin came through with a ticket for me to see Ray Parker, Jr. at the Vault 350. You know we got it like that...any artist, any time...we are up in there! I drove to work just in case I was able to attend and at first it didn't look like it was going to happen. Then the guy with the tickets came through at the last minute. Thanks so much Rodney!

The doors opened about 7:00pm. They had a row a chairs on the dance floor, so I found a front row seat. The show was very late starting. It was 2 hours before it began. But, once the show started it was alright. At first it was kind of slow, and the band took a break and left Ray on the stage as he rambled on about learning how to play the guitar and he even serenaded a woman from the audience. The band came back on and then it began to get a little more exciting. He sang his hits and played an instrumental cut from his new CD...I was shocked because I had taped this very song from the Smooth Jazz station and did not know who the artist was. He also sang a latin-themed song from the new CD which was nice..it also inspired a group of Lesbian women to take to the dance floor. They were getting their groove on with one another....it was interesting to say the least.

The really funny thing that happened was that there were a couple of old guys, old white guys dancing with some moves that did not match who they were. They were getting down!!!! This one guy was with a young sistah (twentysomething young) and they were all over each other. I was thinking, "Ok, ok we get it...he's you're Suga Daddy!" :0) The guy had on this red velvet jacket and his hair and beard were completely gray. Dude was smooth and just partying his azz off.

The last song Ray played was "Ghost Busters", and when it started, this white guy ran onto the empty dance floor and he started bustin' his moves.....I was in hysterics. He was doing all the latest HipHop moves and just having a great time. Then the crowd moved onto the floor and we were all up before too long. Man that was funny as heck!

But toward the middle of the program, the band took a break to go sign autographs and meet the people. When they returned to the stage, each band member began their solos and Ray gave their musical credits...the band was an awesome mix of producers, writers and performers. In particular there was the saxophonist, "Panther" and it dawned on me that I had met this guy 4 years ago at the Cultural Arts Center when the Los Angeles Women's Theatre Festival was going on. Panther was in the band for a musical "who dunnit?" play called "Black Legends in Blood."

There was also a guitarist who produced jazz legend Miles Davis' - "Man with the horn" album. This was the only album I bought of Miles'....great, great music. I was amazed to see it was this young dude who produced it.

Ray Parker and the band jammed, and jammed with songs the audience had forgotten about as well as didn't know he had written. It was such a great concert. The best part of Ray's performance is that he really loves to interact with the audience, so when he sang "A Woman Needs Love", he came down into the audience. He came over to me, grabbed my hand and sang to me for a minute, which I took a video clip of (I thought I was just taking a no flash shot). It pays to have a front row seat baby! How cool is that? He danced with the ladies, shook everyone's hand, and we all had a great time. I am so glad I went, it was well worth it. My oldest sister saw him perform in Catalina in Oct. and she couldn't say enough great things about him, so now I am in total agreeance with her. You go Ray Parker, Jr.!!!!!

I LOVE ANTIQUING

The weather outside is "delightful".....living in SoCal...90% of the time it is. I love to shop at antique stores, thrift shops and flea markets. So a couple of weeks ago I went to one of my favorite antique stores in Whittier, CA and found a most unusual item.

Some crafty person decided to make a Christmas tree, inside a frame, and the entire tree was made of antique charms, earrings, buttons and keepsakes. It even had tiny christmas lights on the branches.

When I saw this dusty old piece of artwork, I was drawn to it...even through the dust, you could see a hint of sparkling items. As I drew closer, I could see all of the littles "treasures" this woman (you know it had to be a woman who wanted to keep her jewels on display) decided to use.

There were Crowns, an Angel, Shamrocks, Fish and Birds....and then I began to notice matching sets of buttons and earrings and large brooch items. I looked at the price tag - $10 bucks was the asking price!!! Oh yea baby....my mind started clicking - "I can use this stuff on my handbags and cigar box purses, maybe even some clothing!" That's all it took. I bought it and took that baby home. Without even knowing what, when, or how... I began dismantling the piece. I started from the back and removed the pegboard lighting display.

And then, like someone possessed, I started ripping the velvet backdrop cloth from the edges of the frame....and as I continued to rip, pieces of treasure fell onto my lap. I had believed that this person would attach the items with some kind of glue adhesive, but to my delight - she had used a glue gun. So the items were relatively easy to yank off.

I checked to see if the lights would work, but they didn't. If that was the reason for discarding it...I lucked out. Perhaps it was part of some loved one's belongings and the family didn't want to keep it. However it landed at the store, I was very thankful to find it. It was like a kid in a candy store...my eyes lit up at all these "shiny jewels...." :0)

I took every single piece of these items off, washed them in jewelry cleaner, separated them by categories and bagged them for future use. Just recently I found a use for the strings of rhinestones outlining the tree.

OOOH...SHINY, SHINY JEWELS

The "gift" to me was not only finding this item (that nobody wanted), but that some of these items are rare. I found all kinds of unusual items too numerous to name...I got more than my $10 worth!

"BOYZ II MEN!!! ABC!!! BBD!!!

Isn't that the chant on one of Boyz II Men's songs? LOL Well, my dear cousin Dena came through again with comp tickets to the Vault 350 in Long Beach to see this trio (the young man who sang bass is ill and no longer performs).

Some months back I found a CD at the library and really liked the entire CD. So I jwanted to go and see them. Besides, I just knew I'd hear a few of the songs at the concert. I heard "1" doggone song from that CD!!! But they did do a lot of their other hits so it was alright (I guess). They even did a few cover songs (Stylistics, Bobby Caldwell), but I enjoyed their songs more. They didn't even have a band, just a soundtrack. I guess when you're not a group of musicians - today's groups opt for soundtracks. After they got started, it didn't even matter. Boyz II Men got down! The Vault was crowded to the max too! I had no idea it would be that crowded. We were in the VIP Lounges, so it wasn't an issue of seating, but I like to see the performers up close, so I wiggled my way through the crowd and took these pics.

I'm short and couldn't get to the front of the stage....look at the sea of people in that joint!!

The Boyz have really changed to Men and some are a little heavier to boot (Wanya...put that ham hock down!!!). But they were getting their "grown & sexy" on anyway. Sean, the tall one, is still thin but he was looking quite "manly", sexy and stuff. This girl turned around and said that to me...I thought it was cute. She was like, "is it me, or is Sean getting his sexy on?" I had to agree. Sean, note to self...don't wear black baby. Dark on Dark = DARKER!! I love ya anyway.

We had a great time. I didn't take any pictures of us that night...too much going on...was tired of taking pics and not enjoying the show. I wasn't in the right mood I guess.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Since Halloween fell on a Tues., most people had their Halloween parties on Oct. 28th. Dena told me about a party she was going to and invited me to attend. The mother of Dr. Dre the rapper, was throwing a shindig out at her home in Calabassas. Well, I had one other invitation and that fell thru, so I decided to go with her and her friend Michelle.

The problem was what would I go as? OK, I've been saying that I have been out of control on the eating thing (under control now), and EVERYTHING was too tight. The one thing that I could pull off was an Indian girl costume. Since I had most of the stuff, and all I had to do was apply makeup and a headband...I was good to go! I found my Native American jewelry / beaded necklace, African cowrie shell belt (who knew the difference) and some jewelry I purchased in Las Vegas that was brass, and had a cowboy theme. Cool! I gave myself pigtails, added a piece of trim for my headband, painted my face with some war paint, put my "faux" suede fringed skirt with matching jacket and a fringed blouse. I wore a pair of camel ankle boots...and it was on!

The drive to Calabassas was about an hour. It's just past Woodland Hills in the San Fernando Valley. So we find the house and everything is set up very nicely. The decorations are great, and there's plenty of food and drinks.

We meet Verna Griffin, the host, and she takes us on a tour of her home. She lives in a gated community in a 5 bedroom house with pool, the works! The house was beautiful, and Verna decorated it herself. I did everything I could "not" to take pictures of her bedrooms and guest rooms. Awesome, awesome furnishings. She had this one piece that was the bomb...a bass cello styled dresser. And Verna even stained the wood to match the bed. This was a house I could retire in alright?

The party was mixed with young kids, teenagers, young adults and adults. It was nice though. Everyone danced and had a good time. We ate the traditional foods and danced, and mingled until around 12:00. That night was also Daylight Savings...so we actually left at 11:00. Since Dena had to drive to Long Beach and then drop Michelle off, we called it a night. Fun times! Check it out.

CHRISTINE AND VERNA DENA, CHRISTINE, MICHELLE

I FOUND ANOTHER "INJUN GIRL

"...AND THE PIRATE OUTFIT WAS WAAAY CUTE!

A MINI MUSKATEER WAS THERE....HE'S SO CUTE!

GET YA PARTY ON Y'ALL!!!

Art & Soul Festival - "Paris In My Soul"

The weekend of Oct. 4-9th, the annual Art & Soul Festival kicked off in Portland, Oregon. My sister and I were going to drive up there, but at the last minute she cancelled. I was determined to go, so I boarded the Greyhound and made the trek from L.A. to Portland. Yes, we're talking some 23 hours on that bus, but the schedule I chose was one where I knew I would be sleeping a good portion of the time...and I sort of did.

I left work on Thurs. afternoon and arrived in Portland the next day at 4:45pm. I cannot begin to tell you all of the craziness that went on the bus (people were thrown off, accosted by the police), and some were being general nuisances. But other than that...I survived it.

Greyhound drivers do not play with unruly passengers, and they are "dead" serious about smokers who don't obey the rules of smoking in designated areas outside the bus. We arrived just a little late at the terminal downtown Portland. And since I didn't know where I was going I called the hotel before we arrived to find out what the best mode of travel was for getting to the host hotel. I also had to pick up my registration and then head to another hotel where my only class was being taught.
Here is a really cool picture of how the clouds hover above the town as we were heading toward Medford, OR. I think we were at an elevation of 4,301 Ft. at this point.

I could not believe what I was seeing so I had to get some pics. I wonder if you can actually "touch" the clouds?

This trip was definitely a "fly by the seat of your pants" trip....I didn't have a hotel room, I took a bus, I stayed only 2 days, and I went alone. It really was a fun adventure after all was said and done. I can't say I recommend not getting a hotel in advance, but all the other stuff I endured was just par for the course.

Oregon Visitor Bureau signs along the way.

I was sure I was going to miss a good part of the class because the bus arrived late, so instead of taking the MAX metro train (which I was unfamiliar with) I took a cab.

I arrived at the Embassy Suites hotel (huffing and puffing), trying to get my registration materials (gift bag etc.) so that I could head over to my class at the Holiday Inn up the street. Well there was a large group of women sitting in the lobby, and I asked if they were all waiting to go over to the hotel...sure enough they were. We were to be shuttled over there. And the best part about it...my class instructor, Traci Bautista, was one of the women waiting.

So I go to class and I'm carrying all these bags and I can't get to freshen up or anything because the class was slated to begin at 6:00pm. Later on I was like - "little did I know that I would arrive in plenty of time." When you've paid for a class, you want to get your money's worth, so I was stressing out.....but everything worked out.

Here's a picture of Traci Bautista and me in her class on Creative Bliss. I am looking quite "rough" I know, but what can I say...time was of the essence. Perhaps I should have kept my beret on, but when I left the ladies room, I thought my head looked alright...NOT!! LOL

Here's some of Traci's work.

I had no idea who Traci Bautista was, but from the description of her class, I knew I wanted to take it. Besides, hers was was the least expensive and for the time I would be there, I didn't need to spend hundreds of dollars more. I was very happy that I chose her class, and believe it was destiny. She's a very inspirational person and artist. I have seen her work but did not remember that it was hers.

When I left her class I was completely motivated to go out and fulfill my dream of being an artist She taught us some awesome techniques. Traci is also one of the featured artists speaking on the DVD that was given to each attendee in our gift bag. Again, her words are very inspiring on how to go out and become the person you want to be.

PARIS FLEA MARKET

The great thing about attending this festival was being able to meet and buy art from some of my favorite artists who's websites/blogs I visit regularly.

I had no idea that some of these artists would be there, as I really registered and looked through the schedule kind of blindly. The only thing I knew was that I wanted to attend; I'd find out about everything else when I got there.

Here's the Paris Flea Market and all the shoppers.

This place was packed. If you've ever been in a room full of women trying to meet and buy stuff from their favorite artists, then you know how chaotic it can be. Some tables were so thick with people I couldn't even see what or who's table it was.

Every artist that I met was so friendly and was just enjoyable to talk to. To see their work first hand was a thrill I will not soon forget. Even though I loved the market, the initial description led me to believe that there would be more Paris-themed items other than just artwork from the artists. It was cool though. The only drawback was that I couldn't take my time and shop.

This booth belonged to a Black woman. I looked at her card and said, "oh you live in Connecticut". To that she exclaimed - "Yes I live in CT, but I spend most of my time in Paris shopping for this stuff so I can sell to ya'll at events like this." She was sounding a little "hoity-toity" to me, so I answered her...."Oh! La-di-da! Well good for you!" I just smiled and walked off. One item that I wanted to get was this vintage postcard with embroidered French lettering..$12 bucks! I was like...not today.

I had gone downtown to shop because I had all of Sat. afternoon to do whatever. Wouldn't you know that when I was ready to head back to the hotel, the MAX Red Line was very late (over an hour) and I didn't get back until 7:00pm. Then I had to run over to my hotel, get my bags and then get to the airport to take the MAX back downtown to catch my 10:00pm bus back to L.A.

When I tell you I was one "hustling & bustling" sistah...I mean to tell you..I was getting things done and God was guiding me through it all. How else would I have managed to get to and from these places without ever having been there? People were helpful, but when you're walking, and you don't know how long transporation will actually take from point A to point B, you're stuck - unless God makes miracles happen, and he did. I had no idea where the MAX train stops were, but going downtown, I realized that one stop was just behind the host hotel. So when I checked out of my hotel, I left my bags with the bellman in the valet area, that way I could go shopping, and go to the flea market without that extra luggage, and it worked out just fine.

I got back just before 7:00pm and walked to the hotel and then left after an hour, 15 mins. of shopping. That is not enough time to see over 60 vendors!!! But I was happy just for the experience. I was so nervous when I got back downtown because then I had to find a bus to take me over to the Greyhound. It was going on 9:40pm and my bus left at 10:00pm. I don't know why I was panicking 'cause the busses don't start boarding right until that designated time, but you just never know. Sure enough, I found the right bus, but 5 different busses passed me by before mine came. You know how it is - you're in panic mode waiting for "your" bus and it never seems to come when you want it to.

Here's some random picks of stuff I liked in the Pearl District in Oregon on my Saturday shopping trip.

Love my "Ram" icons....Aries baby!

I was headed up to the Pioneer Place mall downtown and saw a cool sign - "Magpie". It was a vintage clothing store. This was a cigar box purse. I was taking pictures on the downlow, so I didn't get a pic of the top. It had a very nice black leather piece attached to accomodate the handle. But I loved the design. Very nice.

This torso was in a home furnishings store. It was made out of some kind of "kernel" or "nut". I love it!

The Pearl District has so many unusual stores, and I just loved the area of old wharehouse storefronts. This other place I loved was called "Cargo". They had some amazing items, and I wish I could have gotten something there. It's like a "Cost Plus"store, but they had rare items from each country. I saw these little Mao Tse Tung notebooks and manuals, chinese license plates, two huge beaded chairs from Nigeria, and lots of other cool stuff.

MEETING THE MASTERS

I am a big fan of Leslie Riley and told her how I was reading her book "Quilted Memories" and had wanted to copy the page and get her to autograph it (I ran out of time and didn't do it). So she signed one of her business cards. Such a sweetheart! I bought a couple of little items from her, but I intend on buying some of her work from her site.

I love these artist's work, but man the art is expensive. Some of the pieces run $30 to $1,200 and I just didn't have the money to buy that kind of stuff. So I do what I always do. I buy the little trinkets and keepsakes to show I was there. I'm just a working girl, and I know my budget.

Here are some pics of the Artists and their work in the flea market.

Michael De Meng

Michael De Meng's work

Susan Kazner-Lenart

Here's "Miss Wild Woman"....she's so much fun! Could I ever go out in public wearing a vintage girdle and tutu? I had to get a picture.

Her work is incredible.

Since I was in a rush I didn't get to take everyone's pictures, but I also met Tracy Roos, Claudine Helmuth, Misty Mawn and Daniel Essig. Very nice people with great talent. It was truly a pleasure to see the faces behind these works. (I had so many other pictures I wanted to add but I just can't download them for some reason. I guess I'll try it again in a few months. This is really frustrating to me, but you have to deal with it.)

PARIS IN MY SOUL...."Parisienne Beret Contest"

There was also a contest to design a beret with the "Paris in my Soul" theme (which I hadn't seen in the literature), and here are some of the entries. Very, very ingenious stuff to say the least.

I didn't even vote, because I could not decide which one I really, really loved best. Plus the last day when I could have, I ran out of time.

Seeing this work inspired me to go home and just let go...! I realize that I play it too safe when I create my work. I have got to go with what I like, and not think about whether it "fits" into the genre of other work I've seen.

















I am learning that I have to let it flow each and every time. That's why I admire what Leslie Riley put in her book. She laid out the guidelines and techniques for letting yourself create in that way. I told her that I appreciated her writing that book...it too has changed me.














I was responding to another of my artist friends online, Ms. Becky Christian, and when I saw her address in Beaverton, OR, I told her that I was at the festival and wondered if she attended. Well she was there, and we believe we may have crossed paths and never knew it. I didn't realize (or remember) that she was in Oregon, or I certainly would have made plans to meet her. I told her there's always next year! It's truly a small world.

Here are some items that I want to create.

I am still "on high" after this festival. I am going to make sure I plan early for next year's. I would also love to attend the Fiber Fest in Washington, but the cost is pretty high and the accomodations appear to be less than to my liking....it's at an old army base, not much in the way of heat, lighting and toilet facilities. I guess if you want to "rough" it, it's cool. There are also, if you can afford it, B&B accomodations. Oh well, that'll just have to be another goal to reach.

For now, I am feeling like I walked among giants. Very cool indeed.