Island Electronics

In 1992, my parents started a business on Guam called Island Family Photo. Over the years, most people switched from film cameras to digital, causing the photo developing and studio business to decline. This led them to change the family business into an electronics store which was renamed to Island Family Photo & Electronics. 

My brother Jim now runs the business and started using Island Family Electronics because he felt the name was too long. He also thought the current logo was horrible and wanted a new look. The image shown here is what's currently on the website.

I'm not a graphic artist, but I offered to design some logos. First, we shortened the name to Island Electronics; then I did some research on branding images and colours. My husband works in radio doing branding and also offered some good ideas. Jim suggested I change the first "I" to a latte stone (a pillar used by the ancient Chamorro people of Guam); I'm glad he did because I think it works well with the overall design. After a few design options and revisions, here is the final logo. What do you think?

Here is the version I did for the store sign:

*white boxes are not part of the logos.

Hôtel de Glace

February 14 was not just Valentine's Day this year, it was also the first day of the Chinese New Year for 2010; Year of the Tiger. And on this day, my husband and I shared some exciting new adventures. We went to the Ice Hotel in Quebec 3 years ago and loved it so much we decided to go again and went cross-country skiing for the first time ever! Even though I fell 3 times (once off the side of the trail into some trees), it was so much fun and a total workout as my body had a hard time moving the next morning. It was a good pain though and I now wish to cross-country ski more often. I ended up with a 2" round bruise on my left hip and a 1" one on my right hip...not from falling though, but from running into the bed posts in our hotel room every time I turned the corner! :P We also did archery for the first time ever and did surprisingly well. I hit the bullseye on my 3rd attempt which was very exciting! We had a 2 hour time slot, but after 1 1/2 hrs and 4 total bullseyes, I decided to stop playing to save my fingers from blistering.

This trip was sort of a last minute decision so I did not have time to make anything to photograph at the Ice Hotel. The only thing I had was a neck wrap I had knitted a year ago, which I've always meant to have Dan photograph me wearing...so here are some pics! :)

Photography by Dan and Leif Stark
(it seems the slide show reduced the quality of the pics...boooo!)

Snow Storm

We were let out early from work due to a snow storm; I got home in record time...30 minutes! And while the sun was still up, I decided to have some play time with the snow before I jumped into my pj's and cozied up indoors. ;) I grabbed a couple of jewelry pieces I had made in the past and went out into the "storm" to photograph.

All Kinds of Love

It's official! We're making February 1st and all the firsts Ptero Heart Day! The ptotem for February at Ptero Heart is the raccoon. I drew Ptera Coon holding a heart because "Every Ptero Wants Love". And with Valentine's Day fast approaching, all kinds of card making ideas came to mind. We all know love comes in various forms. Family love. Friend love. Lover's passionate love. Puppy love. Pet love. Animal love. Nature love. Love of life. etc.

One can't help what they love or who they love. Straight love. Gay love. Lesbian love...or other. Love is love and it can't be told that it is any less than what it is. Love is pure and beautiful. Love is grand. Love is kind and giving. Love doesn't see gender or race. Love is within. So I created this card combining my January Ptero of "Every Ptero Needs A Hug" with my February Ptero "Every Ptero Wants Love". Why? Because who doesn't want love? Pteros and raccoons can be friends. Why not? People bond with all kinds of animals. Animals bond with other animals.You hear stories about friendships formed between Elephant and Dog. Tiger and Pig. Deer and Cat. Cat and Crow. Lion, Tiger and Bear...oh my! So yes, what if a Ptero meets a Raccoon? Anything is possible. Why else? Because my favourite ptero Luna loves Valentine's Day and I ptero heart her! Because I enjoy making cards and envelopes. And sometimes you can't find the card you want at a store so you just have to make your own! :)

Happy Ptero Heart Day to everyone reading...sending all kinds of love to you ♥.