
It’s the pretty in pink season and I’m in! I naturally veer to a pink and green palette but when the season celebrates it, I joyfully ride the red, pink, magenta, ballet slipper wave.
I’m just back from a brief getaway to a gift trade show, both for work and fun, inspiration and connection. Mission accomplished on all fronts. It was a wonderful reminder of two things: stay in your lane and do what you do AND…it’s always good to see what’s evolving in the marketplace! It’s a fine balance, one that has taken a mere decade to finesse but here we are. What’s happening “out there” in the gift industry, you wonder? Mushrooms. Cranes. Rabbits. Bees. Lots of flip “hey girl” type phrases, a surprising amount of enneagram jokes on mugs and painterly florals everywhere. (Phew! Wheelhouse!)
I’ve been in the gift and stationery industry for so long that trade shows are a homecoming of sorts. Familiar faces, booths, the feeling of summer camp, the friends that are so close for a season. I’m grateful to have seen it, have some wonderful dinners and experiences….and come home again.
Whenever I travel, even for a short visit, I experience “reentry” joy! The joy of walking through the door, your own bed, pet reunion, your coffee that tastes perfect, all of it. The reentry this week was joyful and translated onto the canvas. I felt light, happy, optimistic. May the rest of this short sweet pretty in pink month of February follow suit. XOXO
“Love Bird” 11×14″