Happy New Year! Its takes me about a week (right on schedule here at January 7th….) to fully own and embrace the new year. A couple of days chocolate/carb/Christmas decoration hangover, a few days of nutrition/exercise/green juice guilt, a day of false starts in back to work mode and eventually a cheerful mosey into my […]
The New Normal
Remember when a bubble bath was a luxury because you’d been out all day or super busy and needed to destress? Yeah, me neither. Pretty sure we’re on week forever and a day of quarantine and for us here in the United States, we’re looking at least least another month. Exhale. How’s everyone holding up? […]
Sunday…Monday? Day.
Hello. I’d ask what you’re up to this Sunday but pretty sure it’s the same as me….under stay at home orders or quarantine or shelter in place. Yup. It’s a new world. What are you doing to stay sane? Or hopeful? I’m painting, walking Bella, staying in touch with people, organizing the towel cupboard, […]
Peace be with you
What can I say that you haven’t read, seen, experienced or felt already? Not much. So I’m just here to say hi, send a hug from a far and staying connected in the way I know how. I’m exercising a bit. Walking outside. Puttering. Starting projects I can’t finish. Emailing, calling and texting to stay […]
Top 10 Designers to Watch in 2020!
Hello from that equally slow motion and uber revved up time warp between trade shows. It’s a time where coffee in the morning is extra luxurious and slow but orders also need to be filled pronto and the day is planned strategically. I’m between Atlanta AmericasMart and Las Vegas Gift Show and appreciating every minute. […]
XO Stationery Stash
It might be less than two weeks into the new year but in the retail world…guess what is virtually tomorrow??? That’s right, Valentine’s Day! Just in case you’re the stash-that-perfect-card-away-for-the-right-occasion variety (you’re in good company), let me introduce you to a few new designs in the XO category. I’m headed off into the season of […]
Shipping in time for Christmas!
Hello and happy holidays from the studio! Are you painting? Holiday cookie baking? Shopping? Making your own Christmas decorations? Yes to all of it. I’m a big fan of things or experiences made by hand or small businesses and love the personal details that often accompany it. I have a small and sweet collection of […]
Nautical Parlour
“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” Emerson I love this quote, this sentiment and this reminder to be present and appreciate life’s lovely moments as well as it’s ebb and flow. Especially this week. Thanksgiving week, a week by definition, a time to be even more […]
Paris in April: An Artist Life Workshop
I’m not sure what is more exciting, painting in Paris, sitting in a café in Paris, roaming the gorgeous streets with no other purpose than experiencing beauty and architecture, sitting in a park absorbing life and culture, visiting world renowned galleries, shops and museums or….visually documenting all this in the beauty and comfort of a […]
Bonjour (and April in Paris)
What is it about Paris? Other than everything…for most everybody…? For me it represents history, architecture, culture, the arts, the dedication to a life lived in the small beautiful details. The people watching. The air, the color, the river, the romance, the food, the coffee, the fashion, the freedom. I’m not alone. It’s been many […]
Oil v. Acrylic Part II
Hello from Atlanta, GA! I’m in the swing of trade show season but wanted to follow up on my painting experiment. First and most satisfying result: I finished the 30 paintings! No small feat when life happens, days turn into a few days into a weekend into…oh shoot, it’s Christmas! But I stuck with it, […]
Pretty in Pink
This post if proof that role of artist-business-blogger-marketer-shipper-packer-traveler-sales is one role too many. If I had remembered and was organized enough, I would have posted this BEFORE the Pretty in Pink Art Reception…not a day and a half AFTER. Ooops. (Event on Friday night was lovely, it was pink, there was cake, wine, lots of […]
Asking for Help: Part 1 Our Pack
Hey, guess what took me 40+ years to learn? It’s ok to ask for help. Help comes in all varieties, the serious kind, life transitions, relationships, family, career and health. Those are the biggins and somehow it seems easier or more acceptable to reach out during those times. For me, it’s the not so dire […]
Bateau Parisien
It is October and I’m painting Christmas. It is Oregon and I am painting France. To be more specific, it is Ashland and I am painting Paris. I’m here and there, living in a quaint small town, dreaming of the beauty and bustle of the city of lights but honestly, very grateful to be right […]
Easy Power
Easy power. I heard these two words during my tennis lesson on Saturday and they stopped me mid-swing. Easy power. What we’re looking for is easy power, Gail, tennis instructor said. I asked her to clarify. She went on to explain that the racquet does the work if your body and mind are lined […]
Peaks & Valleys
I like to break out of my painting habits. Occasionally. It’s true, I like what I like, have a wheelhouse of subject matter, like most artists do, but there is a secret silly joy in tackling an unknown genre. For me, it’s landscape. It’s a few other things too but I’ll save that for another […]
