Happy Old Year

As I closed out my books for the year, I started thinking:
What a Happy Old Year it was!
For so many reasons...

My varmints are flourishing.
We've been lucky, and I really appreciate that.

My business is doing better than ever.


I got to enjoy good food, good friends and family...
Including all the new friends and family I have
made through blogging and twitter.
(You know who you are.)

Walking almost every day has made me healthier.

I take some of my best pics during my walks.

And by my side, as always, supporting my work, my art,
my blogging, my tweeting... is THIS guy.
I couldn't do it without him.
Plus, look at those arms.

I wish you folks out there the happiest of New Years.
May this next year be filled with more joy than the last.
xoh

Graphic Design Advice in Tough Times

Every once in awhile, I like to post
about Graphic Design.
This blog is supposed to be about Graphic Design.

I realize that these are hard times for designers
(and anyone freelancing, writing, etc.)
Here's some advice.

If you are working on NOTHING, for no one,
work for FREE for SOMEONE.

Two summers ago, I had a slow work week,
and decided to host a "Win a FREE Logo Giveaway."
Katherine won.
This is how it came out.
Katherine took her logo and ran with it.
The work we did together, has now grown into
paid business for both of us.

Try it once, for someone worthy of your talent.
It's good karma.

Recent email from Katherine:

Hello Dear Heidi!
Happy Holidays!
I had a great time at the craft fair
and it was really exciting to get me and my stuff out there as an herbalist.
I NEVER would have done it without your
gorgeous graphics AND your inspirational generous support.
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you!

Even the products I sold were created
because you requested a price list
Editor's Note: (I couldn't help it... crows were following me everywhere.
When I shot them, I imagined them on a price list, so I designed one.)
so I had to make up what I would sell.
And now I made it and people seem to like it.
So fun!
I sent along a little package of stuff to you yesterday with no time for a note.
I hope you like the crow lady products you helped create!

The tinctures are tasty and fun to take.
They are safe for kids and the kids really seem to like them!
Hope they work some magic in your house.
The vanilla needs a few more weeks of soaking,
shake it up and it will be great for baking in the new year!
Blessings,
Katherine

Bathroom Reno: Dot Floor

The tub & the dot floor are in.

Shooting from The Hip: Pic Inside a Pic

Was so enamored of this funky bathroom wall,

that I didn't realize the perfect portrait I took of friend Vicki,
who is 7 months pregnant, and looking faboo.

The Problem with Being Me...

... is that I could be on my way up the stairs to get X,

and suddenly see something magical.

Like this reflection on the wall.

So I run to get my camera before the magic light fades...

and then I completely forget what I was going up the stairs for.
But I remember to blog about it.

Oh, The Indignity

Shooting from the Hip: 12/12/10....

Or: House of The Spirits, Revisited

We went back to my favorite house last night for a holiday party.
This time, I only had my phone camera to shoot with.

The slight blur caught even more spirit, I think.
(I spy Pinky in the ball!)


Here's Magpie's bro looking very JT at the piano.
He & his friend played an impromptu concert in the library.
You can tell the books are listening.


I imagine that these same decorations appear in their places,
year after year, decade after decade.



The house was bursting with friends, family and neighbors.
There were children racing up and down the staircase,
belly-laughing in the kitchen, cats hiding in closets,
cookies in the dining room,
and whispering in the corners.

Thanks for having us, Magpie Family!

Shooting From The Hip: 12/10/10

My friend/client Tim, at a local networking lunch.

The postcard on the table is the same color palette as his beer.

Out of Office Response

The Hubs sent me this pic yesterday, of a cubicle at his office.

The guy who sits here went on vacation,
and doesn't want anyone touching his stuff.
I worry what the sales guys will do, before he gets back...

Goodbye Old Pink

We're renovating the original bathroom that came with our house.

I'm nervous, but excited.
I'll keep everyone posted...

The only thing I'll miss about this bathroom is the secret drawer.
It came with 2 old bobby pins.

Alpha M.

Is this a tiny yoke for a butt ox?

Kinky séx toy?
Leave me your guesses in the comments section.