Spring to Summer, an ode

This page is an ode to the trees in my yard that have graced my life with their late blooms. The beautiful flowers have now begun to turn toward a caving in and the on rushing of summer.

It is quite warm here today. This is one of only two days so far where the temperatures have reached into the 80's. The winds are strong, which is typical for Kansas, and I am headed out to the garden to visit the world.

"While whispers ran among the boughs
Of promises and praise;
And playful, loving messages
Sped through the leaf-lit ways."

Spring to Summer, in the midst

I have a couple of new journal pages to share with you this week. This first one is reminiscent of a visit with a lovely Oriole.

We were both enjoying the sweetly aromatic scents of blooming trees wafting upon the breeze. "The air is in the midst, I think,
And scare knows which to be -
Whether all fragrance, clinging close,
Or bird-song, wild and free."

A Sneek Peek

It has been a busy week, as I continue full steam ahead with preparations for an upcoming trip to Art & Soul Virginia.

It's all very exciting! I have been creating all sorts of lovelies to bring with me for vendor night, as well as gathering materials for our workshops. And for GOOD measure, Marylin and I are tucking a few surprises into each participants packet.

Now, I thought you might like a sneek peek at some of the treasures that will be on my table.

Unfortunately, I will only be offering a few handpainted nature pendants. But, I hope to have a several more completed before I leave.


These are SUCH FUN pieces to adorn. I LOVE the idea of original, wearable art, and I get the biggest compliments when someone sees me with one of these around my neck.

I adore finding vintage jewelry with shapes that compliment the contours of each little painted songbird.

Here are several of the handpainted nature fabrics I will be bringing. These pieces look SUPER in a frame and are perfect for any room in the house.

Also, I recently found a large lot of vintage bird collector cards in two varying sizes. These are a wonderful pieces to use in a collage, assemblage, or on a journal page.

And, I will have some Limited Edition Fine Art Prints, along with copies of my little poetry book, bird stencils, a collection of VERY COOL! vintage paper packs, vintage album and ledger covers that are all PRICED TO SELL.

Be sure to stop by to say "Hello", and check out all these wonderful bits and baubles!

Sharing Gratitude

I am always inspired by my dearest friend, Liz. Her thoughtful words, often sharing her thankfulness in life, caused me to take a moment and wander outside to enjoy the sunshine, gentle wind, and partake in the beauty of flowers in full bloom, bursting forth from the trees in our yard.
Most of the landscape along the familiar paths I wander have already blossomed and begun to turn toward their early summer green foliage. But, our trees have always been late bloomers, and I dare say that we are all the richer for it... having a last chance, one more opportunity to enjoy the wonders of this season and be glad.
What are you grateful for today?

With Intent and Grace

What can I say, but Thank You Dear Friends for your well wishes!

I hope to have a response sent very soon to each and every one of you that left a comment. I like sending a personal note back to those that are kind enough to visit and leave a message.

I have been spending these last several days still reveling in the moments of my birthday, visiting several of my favorite restaurants, catching a movie... also immersing myself in thought and quiet reflection.

While unpacking from my latest trip, I was looking over the lovely trinkets and treasures I purchased, along with several thoughtful birthday gifts I received. Charming items that interestingly all had a common denominator revolving around words.

Artists are such visual creatures. Although I am quite drawn to images, I have noticed a growing trend in myself of gravitating towards words. But not just any words, specific ones.

Over the last several years, I have conscientious or unconscientiously been surrounding myself with them.... as art... as meaning... as reminder... as talisman, as direction for my everyday.

So why, you may ask? Why, this need for words?

Well, they define and explain. I find them encouraging, enlightening. There have been countless speeches, stories, poems, and plays written and orated by great persons that have changed history. There is nothing better than a beautiful conversation between friends, or lovers. Yet, nothing so quick to cut and hurt as deeply as words said in haste or in anger. I think you would agree this way of communicating is very powerful.

And what if we gathered only the most uplifting, wonderful, and empowering words and drenched our souls in them daily... would we... could we embody and live the very essence of these mere letters strung together.

This year, my very favorite birthday gift came in the form of a necklace. Jewelry is always welcome and very delightful, but this particular piece was more than just a glittery bauble to wear.

It is worn and word filled. There are several charms attached to the beaded chain. One, however, boasts a most poignant phrase that completely moves my soul.

The one side reads"Live Each Moment", something I struggle with on a daily basis... to live in the moment, rejoicing in everything those few precious seconds hold.

On the opposite side, the charm reads,"With Intent And Grace."... most profound...and something each of us must face. How to go about living with more purpose, fervor, elegance, thankfulness... how indeed?

I am reminded of a paragraph from a favorite book, "Gracious Living In A New World" by Alexander Stoddard.

"To live with grace today, despite the strain of modern life often causing us to act against our own nature, requires a steady vision. To hold fast to the basic things, the enduring simple pleasures, is the surest way I know to sustain that vision. Following the rhythms of our hearts, believing in and using our own power, rediscovering the wonder of nature and the sensory world around us, finding satisfaction in our labor, sustaining closeness and connection to family and friends while also taking time for solitude to feed our inner well, and remembering always to celebrate.

Though we my never perfectly realize these ideals, by keeping our gaze fixed in this direction we will never lose our way for long."

You Say It's Your Birthday?

Well, it's my Birthday TOO!

Yes, that's right... today is my Birthday!

I was reminiscing last night about the days since my last birthday. The ups and downs of this previous year, the glorious moments filled with incredible wonder, excitement, abundant joy, and the moments when I struggled with severe doubts, overwhelming fears, uncertainty.

What will the new year bring... well, only time will tell. But I am forever hopeful about the future.

So to start this new year off right, I decided I would sleep late.

Enjoy a yummy piece of cake that my adorable husband baked for me.

Stop and smell the flowers.

Laugh louder and longer than I already do, making sure to smile a lot.and CELEBRATE this one wild and precious life!

The Sea's Siren Call

Why... why does the sea have such power over me?

It captures my hearts and holds me mesmerized.

I am a willing prisoner to its siren call.

When I am near the ocean, I feel at peace. And when I am away, I dream of the moments I spent at the threshold of its magnificent beauty.

My husband and I just returned from visiting the Pacific Northwest. He has never seen this part of the country, which made the trip extra special for me because I had the opportunity to share my love for this region with him. The weather was incredible during our stay. I loved gazing out onto the water to see the sun peeking up over the horizon every morning.
"I will remember each moment with you as a precious gem, a pearl,
washed upon the beach of my memories for all eternity."

Spring to Summer, shower of blossoms

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is happening right now in Washington D.C. This spectacular springtime event is something I have always wanted to attend, just so I could experience the beautiful scenery.

I imagine myself walking along a winding path under a majestic canopy of limbs, basking in a shower of blossoms raining down.

I love the thought of a sweet little goldfinch sitting atop the branches, creating such a wonderful contrast of warm yellows among the soft pinks hues of the cherry blossom flowers.

Spring to Summer, sudden bursts of yellow

Everywhere I look there is green. Sprouts peeking up through the ground and the unfolding of bright green leaves on the trees, except for the daffodils. They are in FULL bloom!

Such beautiful bursts of sunny yellow dot the surrounding landscapes of my neighborhood. I can not help but smile when I look at them.
"For oft, when on my couch I lie,
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils."

-William Wordsworth

Spring to Summer, Robins a plenty

My pace has hastened over these many weeks. As of late, there is so much preparation to do for upcoming trips away from home. These days will not end for sometime, so I am resigned to making only quick visits outside. Yet, I miss the long lingering moments.

Everytime I gaze out the windows, I see Robins. I have not been able to keep count of the number of them that have been visiting my yard. When I see one there is always two or three more close. Several are quite large, and I wonder if they are females carrying eggs. I do hope at least one will decide to nest in our trees.

I have allowed myself a few moments in the studio to dream among the pages of Spring's Season Journal, and capture my red-breasted friends..
I dreamt of you, dear Robin,
sweet visions in the night
filled with songs and sunshine,
Building a nest from words
scattered to the wind.

And I ask of you, dear Robin,
do not let these moments end,
nor spread your wings to fly away,
please linger amidst this longing
if only for one more day.

April Fools

BUT WAIT... This is NO JOKE!

The NEW Cloth, Paper, Scissors: STUDIOS Special Issue hits newsstands TODAY!

And, I am very honored to be among the pages of this publication. These studio spaces and re-dos will definitely get those creative juices flowing and inspire you to find or spruce up a little corner for yourself.

Be sure to check it out!