Finding VALUE

"All changes, even the most longed for,
Have their melancholy;
For what we leave behind us
is part of ourselves;
We must die to one life
Before we can enter into another!"

-Anatole France


Here I am nigh upon the beginnings of another
adventure. During these last hours, and minutes
of preparation, I am thrust into an almost frenzied
mode, moving quickly about gathering this or that,
trying desperately to remember all of the little bits
that must not be forgotten, forever hoping to find
yet another small space for one last something in
the already bursting-at-the-seams luggage.

My life is, and has been for the last three years, cast
between two worlds. There is the day to day where I
swaddle myself as artist, author, and poet within
the creative nest of my studio and home, living an
almost hermit-like existence.

Then, there is the traveler, the goer, the doer, the
teacher, artist, and author that gallivants across hill
and dell, mountain and ocean to share my over-
whelming adoration for art and nature with others.

I love my life, but am often torn between these two
worlds, especially when I have been lingering on one
side of the precipice and am about to leap to the other.

Although joyful and excited over the possibilities and
all good things to come, I also feel a sad reverie of
longings, for what was and what I leave behind.

Yet such is life, for the one true constant is the ever
changing, always moving moments that play out right
before our eyes.

The true heart of the matter is the value gleaned from
every experience, and how it propels you onward, often
times setting in motion the next chains of events.

And so it is that I am off, going and doing, for nearly
all of October. Eager to be amidst the rattle and hum of
the new, reminiscing with the familiar, and being with
friends all the while. I am bringing with me a small laptop
on my trips and hope to share my journey along the way.


I look forward to returning to my humble studio where I
have begun a new creative endeavor of paintings and other
artworks inspired by my trip to the Royal Gardens of
Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, and the country side
of England.

Finally, a BIG CONGRATULATIONS goes to
Wanda H. as the winner of the Craftside Blog/
Nature Inspired Giveaway!

There will also be one more chance to win a copy of my new
book in October. Friend, Kelly Rae Roberts is helping
me celebrate the book's release with a giveaway on her blog,
so be sure to watch for details.

And if you are attending Art & Soul, Portland, I invite you
come by the book signing on Thursday night where I will be
autographing copies of Nature Inspired. My publisher, Quarry
Books, is also giving away other prizes to attendees. I will
be vending on Saturday night with a number of original
artworks for sale, along with other new and delightful treasures
to purchase.

I hope to see you there!