Czardas - Hungarian Dance

I took ballet for many years since childhood (Whether I succeeded in mastering ballet or not, is another whole story...). A part of our curriculum was to study dances from different parts of the world.  I have always loved watching the Hungarian Czardas.  From their colorful costumes, the well-choreographed dance steps, and their catchy music -- the Czardas is always fun to watch.

Bonus:  I found an old, black and white photo of my mother in her younger days when she was a ballet student - and she was performing the Czardas as well!

Here is my illustration to honor the beauty of the Hungarian culture/dance.

Merry Go Around

I was inspired by It's a Small World to draw this Merry Go Around.  I love drawing our international friends and their native pets!

Second Drama Queen...

Here is the second set of the Drama Queen series... the Queen of Diamonds.

Drama Queens! Presenting the first queen of the series...

A fun twist to the traditionally stoic (and somewhat boring) queen in the classic deck of cards. I wondered what it'd be like if I added a bit of drama into it... making them "Drama Queens" instead of just queens. Please stay tuned for the next queen (there are four of them, after all) in the series!

Eating alone in public? No problem!

Several people have shared with me that they never want to be seen eating alone in restaurants. I actually don’t mind eating alone in restaurants. Don’t get me wrong – I love company and always welcome company. But on some days when I am by myself – I am perfectly fine (and happy) with that, too!
I see it as a wonderful opportunity to bring my sketchbook or dive into a novel I’ve been wanting to read for a long time. Now, excuse me while I enjoy this cold glass of lemonade…

Taco Stand

One of our favorite things to do after playing chukkers is to head over to this taco stand. We'd go in our dirty polo clothes, all sweaty and thirsty and hungry. This place is such a gem - so charming and cozy! We'd enjoy a nice shaded spot under a canopy of palm fronds, chowing down yummy birria tacos.

Latin Kitchen

I married into a warm, beautiful and proud Latin family.  What I learned over the years is Latina women love to collaborate in their kitchen making meals for their family.  One member would be chopping green chiles, another would be making tamales, and one would be at the stove stirring the a hearty, delicious stew called Pozole.  The atmosphere tend to be festive, happy, and filled with lively conversations.

This drawing is a tribute to all my Latina sisters/friends everywhere. (The kitchen and its colors are inspired by my own sister-in-law's kitchen).