Maria Sanchez

I fell off of the 30 days of creativity wagon... but jumped back on today. I missed a couple days over the weekend. Here are day 13 and 14. Both are available in my Etsy shop.

Day 8, 30 Days of Creativity Challenge.  "Shadow"

Day 7, This is my entry for 30daysofcreativity challenge. You can see other entries at  #30DOC on Twitter.

A little Frida... from my sketchbook.

I am really missing my dad today so I decided on impulse to stop and take a walk through the Ruth Gamble Gardens in Palo Alto. This is one of the last places I brought him to when he was still well. I am dreading father's day knowing that I will not be able to give him a hug or kiss on the cheek ... it hurts like no other pain. It's hard to explain or make sense of unless you've experienced it. I felt like I needed to remember and walk where he walked to remind myself that it's okay to mourn, cry, be angry, be vulnerable. Mourning is a process, a journey... one we all go through in our own way. As I walked along the dirt path I could feel him smiling. I know he is with me in spirit. He loved this little garden. He loved life... he didn't want to die. Seeing these beautiful flowers I am reminded that our time here limited. Live life to the fullest, allow yourself to bloom... take it all in.  Remembering, mourning and allowing myself to feel again. I love you dad.

Growing out of my comfort zone. For most that know me ...you know I am an introvert and pretty shy. So for me to do anything that involves putting myself out there for any kind of criticism or judgement completely freaks me out. Nevertheless I do sometimes find my inner extrovert/performer/leo and get myself into some things that are outside my norm. This weekend I found myself dressing up like Frida Kahlo for a model call at DeYoung (Gaultier-inspired fashion event). They asked models to show up dressed in either traditional or modern Frida. I walked in wearing a traditional Frida-like outfit... and then quickly changed into a more modern Frida look (leather jacket, tube top made from a beautiful floral wrap, jeans and sky high heels!) Here are some pics of me and a link to LatinBayArea.com which covered the many faces Frida that came out for the call.  If I make the cut I'll be at DeYoung June 29th at 6:00pm as a part of their Friday night program. Fun times!   Viva Frida:

A new painting titled "Por Vida"  14x14 inches, acrylics on gallery wrapped canvas (SOLD) I will make prints available in my Zazzle and Etsy shop.

Just listed a new Frida painting in my Etsy shop. (painted for her the Gritty Jane Frida Challenge)   (4x4 inches acrylic on canvas panel) https://www.etsy.com/listing/101142813/frida-kahlo-4x4-inches-original-painting