and so, a toast

And as the old is going, the new rides in on its tail. A time for reflection and I am not ready. Already missing the cafe days of summer where I could sit and stare while sipping a coffee. Standing still, head turning to my left, then to my right, waiting to see which fork in the road stabs me in the foot and gets my attention to walk forward, never backward. These are my twirling thoughts, my meanderings.

sample parisian magazine ad

les chaises rouges en solde- ils sont tres chic (another personal photo design)

homepage of three potato four

another example of fun shopping and designing. I like the simple numerical labels. It reminds me of an advent calendar-tres mignon!

ooh, inspiring indeed

yummy little store with a lot of right ideas. So much eye candy and so much for for designing in Costa Rica. Ticos- take notes :)

slideshow

sample pages for urban poppy online magazine

if the turkey doesn't work, there's always take-out

magazine advertisement

an early christmas present

missing niko and anouck...

red light, blue light

yummy birthday

cozy christmas card

thank you card number two

thank you card

holiday card

paris photo ideas

wedding card illustration

thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgving!! A little early, indeed, but one ought to be thankful year-round. (Illustration Anissa Designs)

earthday card

Here is another sample from Anissa Designs.

les chaises ensembles

"Who sat in these chairs?" I wondered. How many evening conversations were had, television programs watched, dinners eaten... and were they truly experienced, together? Were these chairs, likened to a little French couple in a cozy home, now safely tucked against this old brick wall, inseparable?

a good friend's wedding

Hello again. The above image is another sample of "Anissa Designs" - my work for a wedding reception announcement. Simple, clean and modern with an ecclectic palette is the look achieved here.

holiday invitation design

Well, here it is- my first graphic design piece in, shall we say, a little while. I am certain this will be a memorable event. Afterall, you have to be hip to be a part of "nubarter" -that's for you Gary ;)

peace on a saturday

This photo is of a French dog on a random Saturday at a Paris flea market. His (or her?) face brings me to today. Another sweet Saturday was mine to rest, draw, paint, read and meditate. There's this other dog by my feet, Delphi, looking at me with the same forlorn expression- three treats are not too many, n'est-ce pas? I enjoy this slice of peace. The choice to *not* rush off to a film or busy myself with friends and activity is actually quite luxurious. My mind seems to have settled after hours of much needed creating.

sitting at gallery espresso

So, the above is not a photo of Gallery but the feeling is the same. I have just enjoyed a toasty everything bagel and am waiting for my Finnish, soon to be Spanish, student's arrival. It is good to be home knowing full-well, that I may only have a few months here.

The theme of my stay is indeed that of a sojourner. I enjoy the novelty of a woman singing, a guy next to me knitting, a man, walking his cat in a stroller greets a woman "walking" her dog in an even larger stroller. This is my odd-beautiful-eccentric home, Savannah.

I just received news that I have been accepted to the language program in Rome. There is a date and it is set and I need to live accordingly, never squandering the joy of friends and family near, soon to be far. An essay and Italian words call. Ci vediamo molto presto.

loosening the cork of writer's block

So open the dam, let the words flow. I am back in Savannah, my quiet city-nest of inspiration where the people I love live. Off shortly to my good friend Kaori's art opening at Gallery Espresso. Last night, at a party for my return, I was encouraged by my good artist friends. When casting my doubts about creating art in the midst of such a fecund creative community, they opened their arms to whatever I might try. It's kind of like being at the pool and watching all of the other kids swim and feeling like you're faking it by wading in the 3ft section. I guess it's time to just jump in. I'll start by kicking and holding my nose.

transformation in transition

This is not my bike. Everywhere in Paris there are velos and I am walking. I love this photo of three dimensions retsing on two. I am no longer living in the 13eme arrondisement, but in Dallas. Everyday since I have been back, I have ridden my baby blue old-school bike. "The chicks love it." I ride in the rain, in the dark darkness of predawn. I want everyone to be on their bikes and scooters, wearing suits and watching as the breeze of their buzzing past the other more tame pedestrians whips their hair, their ties and ripples their crisp business suits.

I am on a bike, I am in transition. Tonight there is a soiree at my place- a ba-bye, au revoir party. I am in transition. I am leaving for Savannah but my bike is staying here, a soon-to-be gift for my friend and coworker at the cafe, who will put it to good use. It's not the pink one with skulls that she hoped to get for her birthday, but she adores the blue one and will "wear it well."

My frog-belly green trek awaits my return in Savannah. What wheels are waiting for me in Rome?