Summer Sublime

"Let us be fixed and focused on
finding and sustaining meaning
in the everyday, mindful of the
wonder that brings grace,
discovering the joys that lie
in what is beneath the most
mundane things"

- Alexandra Stoddard



"Know the true value of time;
snatch, seize, and enjoy every
moment of it."

- Lord Chesterfield
"How we use time defines us..."

Goodness Abounds

I am a believer of the phrase, "When It Rains, It Pours",
as that is how life seems to go much of the time.

Luckily, this downpour encompasses all good things,
starting last week when a delivery driver appeared
at my door with a package.

And waiting inside the surprise parcel was this...


An Advanced Copy of my NEW BOOK, Nature Inspired!

Between the laughter and the tears, I carefully
browsed the pages. It was an UNBELIEVABLE
feeling to hold something I had poured my
heart and soul into over the last year. All of
the planning and preparation was now a reality.

The book is BEAUTIFUL...
and I am so proud of it!!!!!!!!!!!

I can hardly wait to share it with you.
I just KNOW you going to LOVE IT!!!

I am currently taking pre-orders for Nature
Inspired. The details on how to purchase a
copy are located on the right side margin of
this post. Each book will be autographed and
comes with a Limited Edition print.

Now, I mentioned at the beginning that it was
not only raining, but pouring with wonderful
happenings. Last week the post also brought
the latest edition of Somerset Studio.


Inside, starting on page 18 is a feature article
showcasing several of my new works of art. I
also discuss my love for nature, and how I
discovered this unending source of inspiration.

I invite you to check it out. It is an INCREDIBLE
issue, and I am so honored to be a part of this
publication.


And finally, as an additional Thank You for
pre-ordering my new book, Nature Inspired,
you will be eligible to win 1 of 2 original
artworks shown in the current Somerset
Studio's article. So don't wait to be including
in this give-away, winners will be chosen on
the book release date of September 1st..

Italia Ispirato!

Dearest Adventurers,

What a fabulous surprise to see the regal Orvieto recently
featured in the on-line magazine, Italian Notebook.

I just had to share the amazing article...

"Orvieto is a town perched on top of a 600-foot plateau of
volcanic rock. It’s fun to park below and take the funicular
to the top, imagining what’s in store. Once in the main
square, you’ll face the brilliant signature of the town, the
astounding golden façade of its cathedral, soaring seven
stories high. This cathedral is a work of art in itself, the
horizontal stripes inside and out are similar to those in
Sienna, but here its powerful buttresses dominate the
vertical structure, as if the stripes wrap a marvelous gift.
The Gothic façade of the Orvieto Cathedral is one of the
great masterpieces of the Late Middle Ages. At the time
it was built, the cathedral of Orvieto was an old dilapidated
basilica. It took the Popes sixty years to convince the
townspeople to sponsor the construction of a new one.
When the cornerstone was laid in 1290, the old building
began to acquire a new appearance, blending Byzantine
and northern elements into a prime example of Italian
Gothic style. The town’s famous gray and white basalt and
travertine Cathedral, with an exposed timber roof, dominates
the surrounding countryside. From the hill toward Montefiascone
and Bolsena, it’s possible to take a spectacular photo, especially
during the afternoon, when sun shines on its golden façade."

It seems this was written just for us - to add to the already enormous
excitement of all our planning to be right there visiting this breath-
taking vision of the Duomo, taking in her exquisite beauty.

And I, along with my friend and adorable mother-in-law, Marylin
Huskamp, would like to extend a personal invitation to you,
dearest adventures, to come with us.

Our trip is planned for September 2010. Check out all the
FABULOUS details of our upcoming adventure... HERE!

Souvenirs

One of the great things about traveling is having
the chance to collect or bring home souvenirs from
my experiences. These trinkets, tokens... and
wondrous treasures remind me of incredible
occasions that very often took my breath away.

Inevitably, when I am reminiscing about a trip, my
souvenirs help recreate the details of an adventure
that might otherwise be lost. Such mementoes, that
I can see, feel, or hear, evoke warm feelings of that
special time and place. And, they always make me smile.

I have, over the years of teaching and attending art
retreats, had the good fortune of purchasing some
beautiful and unique, even one-of-a-kind items from
fellow artists, or friends. These are my favorite kind of
souvenirs, as they carry a small piece of the creator's
radiant light with them.

However, my most cherished souvenirs are gifts bestowed
into my keeping from nature, and opportunities to capture
inspired moments with my own hand. These gems, that find
their way to me or come pouring forth from the imagination,
serve as a bit of serendipity revealed in that one sparkling,
magical instant.

Pictured here are just a few of the incredible souvenirs, I
will always hold dear from my recent time at Squam Art Retreats.

Over Yonder

"Over Yonder"... such a quaint title for
the cabin where I taught during
the Squam Art Workshops Retreat.

This place, this haven will be forever a
part of me, the memories of light-filled
rooms with every window facing the lake.
Where the imagination could dance and
shimmer, and cast rainbows across the water.

These two words, "Over Yonder"...
now warms the deepest recesses of my
heart with a burning glow of remembered
love, laughter, smiles, friendship, art-making,
and beauty. Students eager to learn and express
themselves in the creating of poetic Prayer Flags
that possessed collaged and painted images and
words uttered from their souls.

Oh, how I wish, I could bottle the radiant glow
from these moments, my incredible students,
these days.



I invite you to see more Inspirational
Prayer Flag Banner artworks, here.


I had never, ever visited the fine state of
New Hampshire before this trip, but I
will tell you that I am counting the days,
the hours, the minutes until I return to this
piece of heaven that is S.A.W.

All my worries simply melted away the moment
I arrived and stepped into the registration cabin,
greeted by Elizabeth MacCrellish, the coordinator
Extraordinaire!

She gave me the biggest hug, wearing the brightest
smile on her face. And from there... WELL..
the moments ONLY GOT BETTER!

Finding Heaven

Journal Entry, Wednesday, June 3rd:

"I Arrive.

Enveloped by a quiet and stillness
that is vastly different than the everyday.

Settling in, I rest in a worn green rocker,
nestled among other sun-faded furniture
on the large screened porch which
spills out over the water's edge.

Waves lap against the side boards, speaking to
me in reverent voices and hushed whispers.

Birds sing a chorus of joyful refrains,
the forest is alive!

Squirrels and chipmunks scamper about,
bats fly...
the lady slippers come to greet me,
invited by the prickle berries,
leaves rustle sounding like rain,
as wind swept breezes caress
sparkling pools of summer dreams.

Hear the haunting calls of a faraway loon
that gently rock me to sleep.

I find heaven, or a bit of eden lost
here, in the moments on Squam Lake."


I have Much, MUCH more to share with you about
my Squam Art Workshop experience,
so while I am pulling together
my 100+ photos, check out this...
INCREDIBLE Video by Marlene White

The Alchemist's Life

Creating collage art and working with all sorts
of mixed media objects has allowed me to
nurture another love of mine, which is collecting.

Of course in pursuit of my artistic endeavors,
over the years, I have rummaged and scoured
through many a flea market, and antique store,
dollar bin and sales rack hoping to uncover
those unique treasures that make my heart
sing.

Items, I envision, to be part of an artwork
that might be exhibited or perhaps lucky
enough to be published. At the very least,
a piece to be displayed and cherished.

Making something from all these random
bits, seems a bit magical, leaving me to
wondering if I, the artist, am some sort
of cross between mad-scientist, and alchemist.
My studio is my laboratory, of sorts, as I
keep all of my important what-not collections
prominently displayed, and within arms length,
ready for me to include in my work should
my creation require it.


How do you display your treasures?