July 11, 2011 In art, creativity, design, drawing, illustration, imagination, inspiration By Patricia Saxton

A Plethora of P's / #29: Precious

proactively punctuating life with the plausible, powerful possibilities of positive thought presented through a plethora of “P’s”.

– ♥ –

This week’s inspiration came from a friend in Tennessee who saw a cool “P”, took a picture and sent it to me. I love the image, and imagine the inhabitants settling in, holding court and squawking defensively at the parking lot below.

And the thought it provoked is this: that life… wherever it calls home, wherever it thrives, feeds, flies, laughs, cries, loves … is precious. Yours, mine, the new baby’s, the old man’s, the birds in flight, the rivers and trees and fairies and whales and clouds and rocks and deserts and mountains and suns and moons.

It reminded me that life is a gift, a tapestry of twists and turns, of madness, hopes and dreams, offering a nest of precious treasures in sometimes unexpected places.

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July 10, 2011 In appreciation, art, inspiration By Patricia Saxton

Mango Sundae

“Seize the moment.  Remember all those women on the Titanic who waved off the dessert cart.”  ~ Erma Bombeck

These are some huge and seriously fantastic mangos. Fresh from the garden of an old friend in Florida ~ and trust me, you never tasted a mango so good.

Even so, I found a way to make them even better. Consider it a form of high art (if not just plain delicious).

/ Week #53 / © Patricia Saxton”]

And should this inspire you to indulge, I recommend savoring every spoonful.

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July 7, 2011 In animation, art, children's books, creativity, design, illustration, imagination, presentation, skill By Patricia Saxton

"The Lost Thing": Awesome Children's Book ~ Fabulous Film

I love this! It’s just superb, and completely delightful, from the great artist/author Shaun Tan.

With good reason, The Lost Thing won Best Animated Short Film at this year’s 83rd Academy Awards. And there’s an extra bonus ~ because the behind-the-scenes telling of how the film’s sounds are created is a fascinating treat of its own. In the video below, supervising Sound Editor/Sound Designer John Kassab shares his experience working on this animated treasure.

Very cool stuff all around. Enjoy!

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July 6, 2011 In advertising, art, branding, business, communication, creativity, design, illustration, social media By Patricia Saxton

What's The Big Deal About Branding (part 3)

Since it’s National Ice Cream Month, I thought I’d use a famous ice cream company for Part 3 of my branding chatter … after all, “it’s only fair…”

What’s so good about this is that the video not only shows the integrity and consistency of Ben & Jerry’s folksy branding in action, it’s also a great example of authenticity.

Just to clarify, authenticity means that the message (the visual voice) rings true. And there’s very little that can replace, go above or beyond being genuine.

In this particular case, the element of authenticity underscores a product that’s been proven worthy and continues to breed the important ingredient of trust, therefore keeping ~ and gaining ~ a loyal following.

I really like how Ben & Jerry’s found a way to keep their classically down-home look, feel and messaging steady, vital and relevant in a technological environment. From the start they’ve been about extra good ice cream with an organic bent and a social conscience, and they haven’t skipped a beat.

(Makes you want a quart or two …!)

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July 4, 2011 In art, creativity, design, imagination, inspiration By Patricia Saxton

A Plethora of P's / #28: Patriotism

proactively punctuating life with the plausible, powerful possibilities of positive thought presented through a plethora of “P’s”.

– ♥ –

Patriotism is like a giant batch of team spirit… loyalty to your own, devotion to shared values, an overriding love of country, flaws and all. It’s a heartfelt high-five for freedom and a star-bangled banner ever waving o’er the land of the free and home of the brave.  ~ Happy 4th of July, America! ~

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June 30, 2011 In art, fine art, imagination, inspiration, painting By Patricia Saxton

Suspended in Time

I’ve been a little lax in my postings this week. Not for lack of things to say or share … honestly, I’ve just been pushing pretty hard, lots of irons in the fire. And in some ways I’ve been feeling a bit like this painting.

When I painted this piece several years ago, I didn’t have an “intent”. I simply liked the visual that came to mind, and have always liked drawing and painting fruits… which, if I thought about it, is probably because they’re shapely, rich, innocently sensuous; somehow mysterious, cloaking nature’s passion.

Once the painting was complete, I stood back and quickly understood what had been a subconscious expression ~ and it’s been a favorite of mine ever since. It holds promise and vitality; it breathes and ripens ~ yet floats, in suspended anticipation, like a dream awaiting fruition.

You can almost reach out and pluck it from the air … just not quite yet. But soon.

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June 27, 2011 In art, creativity, design, drawing, illustration, imagination, inspiration By Patricia Saxton

A Plethora of P's / #27: Peas

proactively punctuating life with the plausible, powerful possibilities of positive thought presented through a plethora of “P’s”.

– ♥ –

Peas may be petite, but they sure pack a big positive punch.

Did you know that peas have twice the protein of most vegetables? They also help lower cholesterol, strengthen the immune system, maintain level glucose levels in the blood to keep energy levels consistent, promote healthy bones and boost cardiovascular health. Not to mention their high vitamin C content is a great natural antioxidant that protects the body from cell damage. Plus, they happen to be yummy, especially fresh from a garden.

So, do like Mom said, and eat your peas!


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June 20, 2011 In art, creativity, design, illustration, imagination, inspiration By Patricia Saxton

A Plethora of P's / #26: Pools

proactively punctuating life with the plausible, powerful possibilities of positive thought presented through a plethora of “P’s”.

– ♥ –

Pools are like self-contained mini-vacations. A clear, sparkling invitation to wash away worries, soak aching muscles, rejuvenate tired thoughts.
Water is movement, the flow of emotion, harmony and balance. Refreshing, cleansing, invigorating, weightless, necessary. … So plunge in and feel the tension ease. Splash and play. Float and do somersaults. Blow underwater bubbles. Or, if you’re like me, find a lane and swim and swim and swim. Your body will thank you, your heart will thank you, your mind will thank you. And you will thank the water.
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