Well...here we are. The furbabies first Christmas.

Nibblefest time again...Yes, it's the 20th so I'm starting an auction for only .99, no reserve. This month, the theme is "The View from my Window" so I sat down at the dining room table and painted this original ACEO of the tree branches I could see from the window, "Yellow Leaves, Gray Sky":

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Starts at only $0.99, no reserve!

New pendants, all available on my website:

Oak Tree Meditation Necklace $26.50

Oak Tree Necklace $26.50

Last week, we went "snow chasing". Snow is becoming more common here--every year, the winter seems colder. But, I've only ever seen snow close up a few times in my life, and only on the hills in the last 10 years or so.

We had a big snowfall (18 inches) late one day. The next day, we went up to the area in the morning, the snow melting even as we drove up. We stopped at the Diablo Foothills to walk around (that's Mount Diablo State Park in the distance with the snow). Unfortunately, we couldn't walk much because of the mud. This stuff was like concrete! You couldn't shake it off.

Decided to reopen my eBay store. And, to kick it off, I put this original peace tree oil painting on auction:

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Starts at only $39, no reserve!

Starting some original 5" square paintings at only $24.99 on eBay:

Dragonfly Guest

Teapot with Iris Wallpaper

Angel in Gray Clouds

Since the other angel painting got a bid, here's another, Southwest Sunset Angel, starts at only $39, no reserve, with free US shipping.

New painting, "Dandelion Wishes and Pine Trees":

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The full moon illuminates a distant hill with three pine trees, and is reflected in the lake below. On a closer hill, a twisted pine tree stands over dandelion globes. Dandelion fairies dance in the night sky, which is in shades of blue. This visionary landscape is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" staple-free sides are finished off in black acrylic).

Size: 14" x 11". Offered at $500 and prints are available.

I painted this one on my birthday last week.

Orange tabby cat pendant (handmade from my painting):

Benefits the Silicon Valley Humane Society

New painting, "Peace Tree with Monarch Butterflies ":

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The rising sun illuminates Monarch butterflies and blossoming tree branches, covered in cherry blossoms. The tree branches have arc'd to form a peace sign in the lime green sky. Some of the petals are dancing in the sunrise. This hope-filled piece, part of the Zen Mandala modern art series (botanical visionary landscapes in a contemporary Asian style), is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" staple-free sides are finished off in purple acrylic).

Size: 14" x 11". Offered at $500 and prints are available.

The past week, Loki made a break for the front door a couple times (both my kitties are indoor). The second time, I realized he was trying to see the autumn leaves that had fallen on the porch, so I brought a few in for he and Lady Sky to play with.

We went to Santa Cruz on Sunday and caught sight of this orange tabby cat in the rocks on the bluff, watching the dogs play on the beach.

New pic of Lady Sky (the pretty Siamese cat) and Loki (the handsome creamsicle kitty).

As you see, they've been bonding :-).

New one of Lady Sky that shows a little of what a beautiful kitten she is.

She's finding all sorts of little spots to call her own, including this secluded end table.

Here are Lady Sky and Loki in my "studio" (the dining room table).

Lady Sky is doing very well for being here less than a week. She and Loki are still figuring out games that they both enjoy.

She's also enjoying the new varieties of food (she'd been on dry food before). She wasn't sure about canned food her first day but now she can see its plus side ;-). And she loves chicken.

Welcome our new addition, Sky.

We decided to adopt right away this time. Loki, our dear little kitten, is the sort who likes a playmate. We went back to the same shelter where we found him, safehavenanimalsanctuary.org.

I'd seen Sky on one of my trips to the pet store last week (the local petsmart always has some there for adoption). She was sleeping so peacefully then woke up, looked at me with those enchanting blue eyes, reached out a little paw, and fell back asleep. She looked about the same size as Loki. When we found out Salem had terminal cancer after all, and had to be put down, I thought of her. When we adopted Loki, the lady at the shelter had said that many healthy young animals were being put down for not having homes. safehaven is no kill but I figure that, if I take one of theirs, that frees up a spot for another one.

Sky didn't have a name. She'd been a stray and the people who found her decided not to keep her and contacted safehaven. I spent some time trying to come up with a name. I looked up various goddess names from different cultures but I kept coming back to "Sky" (on account of those beautiful blue eyes). When Diane, the safehaven person, asked me about her name and I told her "Sky", she said how that was her brother's name. That cinched it for me--a good omen.

Like many kitties getting used to their new surroundings, Sky spends some amount of time behind or under things. I wanted to get a pic or two to post ASAP, though. She looks like a fairly traditional Siamese, except a bit furrier and her tail has a little white tip.

And I thought I'd post a new one of Loki too. Sky growls a little but that could just be a "siamese thing." They were bred to be guard cats after all. But they play together. Sky is quickly overcoming her initial reticence. I woke up to find her on my chest meowing to be petted. I petted her for quite awhile and then she curled up and went to sleep. Sweet girl.

Farewell, dear Salem (circa 1999 - 2009).
"No one can take your place in existence or in absence."

The September newsletter is out: http://zenbreeze.com/newsletter/2009_09_news.html

Steam rises from the cast-iron Asian teapot. Brightly-colored teacups are filled with tea. Purple sweet pea flowers adorn the table. A Siamese cat drifts off to sleep. This landscape, inspired by the Japanese Tea Ceremony, is offered as a pendant, hand crafted by the artist from my original artwork. Made from polymer clay with the print fired onto it, then sealed for protection.

An 18 1/2" earthy tribal beaded necklace of copper, stone, wood and handmade polymer clay beads completes this unique piece. If you would prefer a different length, let me know at the time of the sale (no additional charge).

Listed on Bonanzle at only $59.

My first "zen dog" painting, "Oak Tree Meditation":

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After hiking to the top of a hill, a figure sits beneath an oak tree. A Yellow Labrador Retriever faithfully keeping watch. A luminous full moon rises over the California hills, washing everything in purple and lavender. This visionary landscape is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" staple-free sides are finished off in purple acrylic).

Size: 14" x 11". Prints are available.

Nibblefest Time Again on eBay...I have two new original ACEOs (miniature paintings the size of baseball trading cards). Both are California landscapes and bidding starts at only .99.

Redwood Stream:

Item 380151176973

Oak Tree by a Stream:

Item 380151209382

Nibblefest is a monthly themed art contest on eBay where all art starts at only .99.

To see more great entries, search for NFAC on eBay.

Golden Gate Bridge pendant, from my original oil painting:

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Rounding a twisted cypress tree, the Golden Gate Bridge comes into view. Sailboats flutter around San Francisco Bay. This California seascape, from the Land's End trail, is offered as a pendant, hand crafted by the artist from my original painting. Made from polymer clay with the print fired onto it, then sealed for protection.

Suitable for a man or woman, an adjustable knotted cord is included so the piece is ready to wear and will fit most sizes (these are adjusted by sliding the knots and don't have a metal clasp). If you would prefer a black cord, or a cord of a particular length with a clasp instead, let me know at the time of the sale (no additional charge).

Here is my latest painting, "Timeless Peace":

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The full moon illuminates two iguanas. The tree branches have arc'd to form a peace sign. The tree is Colvillea racemosa. This hope-filled piece, part of the Zen Mandala modern art series (visionary landscapes in a contemporary Asian style), is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" staple-free sides are finished off in black acrylic).

Size: 14" x 11". Prints are available.

20% off in my Bonanzle shop. Enter coupon code "august20": http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/ZenBreeze

Here is my latest painting, "Drawn to the Light":

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The full moon illuminates luna moths and blossoming tree branches, covered in cherry blossoms. The tree branches have arc'd to form a peace sign. Some of the petals are dancing in the sunrise, which is in shades of pink and purple. This hope-filled piece, part of the Zen Mandala modern art series (botanical visionary landscapes in a contemporary Asian style), is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" staple-free sides are finished off in purple acrylic) and can be hung with just a nail—no need to frame. It has been lightly varnished to protect the paint and preserve the lustrous colors. The copyright watermark does not appear on the actual painting.

Size: 11" x 14". Prints are available.

Radiant Peace tree painting on sale at etsy ($99 - regular price is $300):

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Tree branches arc to form a peace sign. Fiery orange leaves dance in the radiant sunset, which is in shades of yellow, alizarin crimson, burgundy, plum. This visionary landscape is an original oil painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" staple-free sides are finished off in black acrylic) and can be hung with just a nail—no need to frame. The copyright watermark does not appear on the actual painting.

A darling orange kitten with white paws sleeps in the window of a Japanese teahouse (my kitten, Loki, was the model). Steam rises from a purple ceramic teapot with a bamboo handle. Teacups rest invitingly on a tray. Outside, the rising sun illuminates bright green Spring bamboo. Inspired by the Japanese tea ceremony. This zen landscape is offered as a print on my website

Got my newsletter done: http://zenbreeze.com/newsletter/2009_07_news.html

Crow in Gingko Leaves Original Oil Painting up for auction on eBay

This is my last art auction for a couple weeks.

Owl in Maple Leaves print from my original painting: http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/ZenBreeze/items/Owl_Tree_Branch_Yellow_Red_Maple_Leaves_Landscape_Art_Print

Have an etsy shop? Marketing professional Jessica Schope has written an excellent publication to learn the ins & outs of growing your etsy business. See http://jessicaschope.com/ for information on ordering a copy, and for free hints. Even long-time etsy sellers will benefit from having all this information in one place, and carefully laid out. And, for new sellers, this is an invaluable resource.

We went to Yosemite on Thursday. Due to one thing after another, I didn't get to see much of the park, but I did get to see the amazing "tunnel view" of el capitan, half dome and bridal veil falls off to the side.

Today, we went on the Land's End trail in San Francisco (California). This trail by the sea was said to offer beautiful views and it did not disappoint, providing much inspiration for me. We started the trail through a field of cypress trees and flowers (yellow lupines, California poppies and many others).

The Golden Gate Bridge soon came into view. The fog was just lifting. We wound around the trail to Eagle's Point.

From Eagle's Point, we passed briefly through a beautiful neighborhood on our way to China Beach.

Coming back, we took the road which led past the Legion of Honor Museum and a golf course.

A lovely visit--one I'm sure we'll do again.

New pendant, "Moon Glow, Lantern Glow":

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A Siamese cat sits on the roof of a teahouse watching the full moon. Beneath, a wrought iron lantern glows orange and yellow. Both illuminate the tree branches, covered in pink cherry blossoms. Some of the petals are dancing in the night sky, which is in shades of magenta and purple. This feng shui piece, part of the Zen Mandala modern art series (botanical visionary landscapes in a contemporary Asian style), is offered as a pendant, hand crafted by the artist from my original painting. Made from polymer clay with the print fired onto it, then sealed for protection.

An adjustable knotted cord is included so the piece is ready to wear and will fit most sizes (these are adjusted by sliding the knots and don't have a metal clasp). If you would prefer a cord of a particular length with a clasp instead, let me know at the time of the sale (no additional charge).

Loki in my "studio" (the dining room table). I was currently making pendants so the clay is out, with the brushes & palette on the side, blank canvases in the back.

Loki's been keeping me busy. Here are a couple new pics of him. One is of him & Salem playing and the other is more of a close up to show his fantastic markings.

We adopted a kitten yesterday :-). I had gone to the pet food store in search of catbox liners. There wasn't a sign out for adoptions so I didn't think there'd be any kitties there today. I made my way to the back of the store to find a bunch of kittens.

I'd always wanted an orange kitten with white paws but, for one reason or another, had ended up with other wonderful cats (we'd recently lost our cat, Megan, to cancer and Salem (my 10-year old cat) had been lonely).

	Salem took to the new kitten, whom we named Loki after the trickster god in Norse mythology, right away. They seemed immediately in sync. They played together...
Then had a nice meal together. Loki had fallen asleep in an inaccessible area under an easy chair but came out when we had dinner. I showed him the food dishes and he tucked right in, finishing Salem's dinner. Salem didn't mind at all.
	Loki adapted easily and I was surprised at how independent he is. In no time, he was fearlessly exploring. After several rounds of playing, eating and napping, he jumped up on the back of the couch and purred himself to sleep. An excellent first day.

"Nevermore in Denim Blue" pendant:

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Tree branches in silhouette frame a luminous full moon, a lone raven perched on a branch. In tones of denim blue, this haunting landscape was inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's poem. This monochrome silhouette, part of the Zen Mandala series, is offered as a fine art pendant, hand crafted by the artist. Made from polymer clay with the print fired onto it, then sealed for protection.

Suitable for a man or woman, an adjustable knotted cord is included so the piece is ready to wear and will fit most sizes (these are adjusted by sliding the knots and don't have a metal clasp). If you would prefer a cord of a particular length with a clasp instead, let me know at the time of the sale (no additional charge).

Panda in blue pendant, "Moonlit Snack":

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Carrying a bamboo shoot, a panda climbs into the arms of a Japanese maple tree to contemplate the luminous full moon. The night sky is in shades of blue. This visionary landscape, part of the Zen Mandala series, is offered as a pendant, handmade by the artist from my original painting. Made from polymer clay with the print fired onto it, then sealed for protection.

Suitable for a man or woman, an adjustable knotted cord is included so the piece is ready to wear and will fit most sizes (these are adjusted by sliding the knots and don't have a metal clasp). If you would prefer a cord of a particular length with a clasp instead, let me know at the time of the sale (no additional charge)

Here is my latest painting, "Moonlit Snack":

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Carrying a bamboo shoot, a panda climbs into the arms of a Japanese maple tree to contemplate the luminous full moon. The night sky is in shades of blue. This visionary landscape, part of the Zen Mandala series, is an original acrylic painting on a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas (the 3/4" staple-free sides are finished off in indigo acrylic).

Size: 10" x 8"