ALLISON & THE FROG An Alriginal at CafePress

My sister-in-law asked me some years ago if I could illustrate a story a friend had written for her daughter. The result were some really fun fairy tale pics that helped to bring her wonderful story to life.  I am working on illustrating two more stories for friends...I am so eager to get them done,  Sometimes there just don't seem to be enough hours in the day to be creative!  I could sure use 25!

YELLOW BABY KITTY An Alriginal at CafePress

I just found out that one of the nicest couples I know is going to have a baby.  You know, that kid is really going to have a great time growing up.  Congratulations!  I am so happy for you.

NAUPAKA An Alriginal at CafePress

The Naupaka flower has a beautiful Hawaiian legend tied to it.  The Goddess Pele fell in love with a youth who only had eyes for his one-true-love.  Out of anger, she separated the lovers, sending the youth to the ocean and the young woman to the mountain, turning them into flowers. The two flowers bloom in only a semi-circle, but when brought together, become a full blossom.  An enchanting story for a unique flower.

CONE OF LOVE An Alriginal at CafePress

It's the end of summer and nothing celebrates the warmth of September better than an ice cream cone.  Whether you like swirls and chips or plain vanilla (which I love) ice cream takes each of us back to that time in childhood when summer is slipping away and the anticipation of the new school year is right around the corner.  A bit melancholy mixed with a bit of excitement equals a big ice cream cone.  That's the kind of math problem I like.  Yum.

DOG GONE GREAT BIRTHDAY An Alriginal at CafePress

Two Schnauzers and a Shih Tzu bearing birthday gifts.  What could be nicer?  I designed this for one of my brothers in celebration of his birthday.  Take a wild guess... he has two Schnauzers and a Shih Tzu.  And it is always a party when visiting.  Enough love and dogs for everyone.  And dog toys.  Can't forget about that part.

LOVE IN PARADISE An Alriginal at CafePress

The name says it all.  Bird of paradise and a happy couple.  What more do you need?  A Mai Tai,
Blue Hawaiian, or Lava Flow, maybe?  For me, the sand and sun and ocean will do it.  Especially if there is a six-man outrigger around.

VALENGATOR An Alriginal at CafePress

A Valengator is love.  In fact, it is a great way to tell someone how much you love them.  Let's you sink your teeth right into the sentiment. For reals.

HIBISCUS An Alriginal at CafePress

A beautiful flower can make anyone smile.  This particular design is inspired by the hibiscus, a flower most often associated with the Hawaiian Islands.  Growing up we had a hibiscus bush outside our back door.  Thinking about the back porch, our driveway, those flowers start to bring forward lots of wonderful memories.  Interesting, isn't it, what one flower will do?

BABY SEEDLING An Alriginal at CafePress

I created this design for my friend's daughter, Madison, for her baby shower.  What I didn't know was that they had done her nursery in greens and yellows with frogs...it was a perfect fit.  She still has it framed in her room, some five years ago.  I think of her every time I see this and it makes me smile.

HANDS An Alriginal @ CafePress

Thinking about all the people in the world who had made my life a better one.  From Germany to India to Taiwan and everywhere in between, I thank all of those who have given me so much.  Each and every day I am grateful.

LEI ON THE WATER An Alriginal at CafePress

I was reminded today of how very precious life is.  At any moment in time everything can change. Remember, every day is a gift. That is why it is called the present.

TURTLE WITH CUPCAKE An Alriginal at CafePress

This little guy has places to go...like someone's birthday party.  I really like birthday parties.  And birthday cake.  And chocolate.  And turtles.  Seems like the perfect combination to me.  It's hard to tell, but the turtle has a cute hat on, too.

PEANUT BUTTER CAKE at An Alriginal

PEANUT BUTTER CAKE An Alriginal at CafePress

I am not sure how it started, but somewhere I started making cakes.  Birthday cakes.  Lots and lots of birthday cakes.  For years now it has become the way I want to celebrate friends-to let them know they are special and they do make a difference.  Cake is a little way to share that sentiment.  And it is something everyone can enjoy together.  Maybe it is silly.  Maybe not everyone wants their birthday celebrated.  But I enjoy it, whether 2D or 3D, either way, I think it is a D-licious way to say "Happy Birthday," and "I'm glad you're here."

LITTLE ANGEL

LITTLE ANGEL An Alriginal at CafePress

This little angel is watching over all of us.  Life your spirits.  Lift your heart.  Have a good and positive day.  The angels are there...and so are the flying horses.

Adrea's ANIMAL ALPHABET

ANNIE ALLIGATOR An Alriginal at CafrePress

Annie Alligator ate apples is the first illustration of my ebook Adrea's ANIMAL ALPHABET available on Amazon.com Lots of fun to put on your Kindle to entertainment the little ones.  You can find it at Adrea's ANIMAL ALPHABET at Amazon.com

HAPPY HEART at An Alriginal

HAPPY HEART An Alriginal at CafePress

Even when days are tough, it is important to remember that in keeping your heart open you can welcome joy.  I wish everyone joy today.

SPACE BOY at An Alriginal

SPACEBOY An Alriginal at Cafe Press

I made SPACE BOY for my eldest nephew, Mitchell, when he was a little squirt and absolutely fascinated with all things outer space.  And with the excitement about CURIOSITY on Mars, it made me think of this illustration.  Not sure if it is a premonition or not, but really, who knows?

SURPRISE

SURPRISE An Alriginal at CafePress

Every day brings with it something special.  It may be a small thing. It may be a big thing.  It could as easily be as expected or unexpected, but if you really pay attention you will find yourself with a little gift of surprise.  Someone may say or do something nice for you.  The sun may shine on my face and warm your spirit.  Your cup of coffee may be at the perfect temperature with the perfect amount of cream and sugar.  You may get a phone call from a friend from days past. Whether large or small, every day brings a little surprise.  Enjoy it.

An Alriginal: BRACES

An Alriginal: BRACES: BRACES An Alriginal at CafePress I saw the most adorable picture on a friend's page on Facebook and it reminded me of this design I had...

BRACES

BRACES An Alriginal at CafePress

I saw the most adorable picture on a friend's page on Facebook and it reminded me of this design I had done for my niece when she got braces.  She was, and still is, beautiful, braces and all.  Here's a shout out to all the kids out there who are surviving orthodonture. SMILE.

BUBBLES at An Alriginal at CafePress

It's still summer, although so many kids are back in school.  I remember when summer was summer.  It meant swim club and going to the beach.  Having to sit on the penalty bench when we got in trouble (which, of course, I never did...uh, right), slushies, family camping trips, ice cream sandwiches out of a machine, fireworks and fireflies.  And remembering hanging onto the final days of August before Labor Day showed up, the last free day of vacation.  I may be older, but the memories feel like yesterday.  I can sit in my hammock chair, look out over the green and blue of the afternoon, and feel like a kid again.

An Alriginal at CafePress

Who doesn't love cheesecake?  I created this for a friend who can never get enough of it so it made the perfect design.  Say "cheese," please.

Al Alriginal at CafePress

 

 

 

 

I created this for my eldest niece several years ago. My way of telling her she is always a shining star.  Pink tennis shoes and all.

Sending out birthday wishes to Kapa.  I hope you have a wonderful day.

Welcome to my new blog for An Alriginal.  I will be posting lots of fun stuff as I continue to add more illustrations and more products. I hope you will check it out.  I'll be sharing some of the stories behind my designs which you can check out at An Alriginal at CafePress.  Chat with you soon!