Pocket-Size Gladness

These days my studio is quite the
jumble, as I prepare to be away
for almost the entire month of
August.

Although it is hard to make sense
of anything with piles and stacks
that must be either packed or put
away, this morning I was reminded
that each moment, even when one is
trying to sort through the clutter of
life, can make us glad and that
inspirations come in all sizes.

It doesn't have to be big and bold to
move me. Sometimes the subtle
messages are the most powerful.
I have always been a fan of small
intimate works of art. Pieces that
can be held in the palm of my hand,
that draw me in for a much closer look.
These little artworks are a PERFECT
pick me up.

I simply ADORE such tiny affirmations.
They can bring a smile to my face, when
I catch a glimpse of them.
And as I carefully gather them up to
take with me, I feel a warm glow inside,
happy that I will have the chance to
share these pocket-size inspirations
with my students at Art Unraveled.

I thought I would share a
verse from one of my poems,
I have tucked into one of
these tiny treasures.

"how could We know
How could we have ever
understood the true depth
Of this life, this joy...
And how will I ever repay
you For inspiring me"

There's Just Something About HOME

Being from the Land of Oz, I believe,
does give one a bit of insight regarding
a place called Home.

Yet my favorite definition, compliments
of Webster's Dictionary is... "in harmony
with the surroundings", meaning you
could technically be Home anywhere you
choose to be, whether it is permanent or temporary.

I am so excited to tell you that I am part of the
latest issue of Somerset HOME magazine,
sharing some creative inspiration that this
word imparts to me.

I invite you will check out my project for
making your space or any space feel more
like Home.

Reveling in the Last Days of Summer

A new month is swift on the heels
of these July days, and I am busy
preparing for new adventures.

One of the places I will be enjoying
at the end of August is Valley Ridge.

If you can imagine a small slice of
heaven in the middle of rural western
Wisconsin, then you MUST be thinking
about Valley Ridge Art Studio. I am
excited to share that I will be teaching
Nature Inspired, a two-day workshop,
at Valley Ridge on August 29th - 30th.

This visit to Valley Ridge is particularly
poignant and exciting for me. I will be
celebrating the debut of my new book.
I am thrilled to come to rural Wisconsin
to be among friends, as well as being
completely enveloped by the beauty of
nature and the serenity of this place.
I will be hosting a wine and cheese party
on Saturday night and each person will
receive a FREE autographed copy of my
book, Nature Inspired

There is still space available. I hope you
will join me for these festivities!

Find out all the detail... here

Inspired Surroundings

When Karen Valentine of Desert Cottage blog
invited me to participate in a Studio Show
and Tell, I thought it might be fun to put a
twist on the idea by sharing my artist
surroundings.

I am so fortunate to have my studio tucked
inside my house. But the haven of my entire
home is truly my refuge, a beautiful retreat
of solace and peace. Here is a peek at the
place that constantly inspires me...

The walkway leading to my front door. A
path filled with an abundance of blooming
flowers that greet each visitor.


An incredible nature inspired plaque
hanging next to the front door.


My favorite summertime wreath hanging
on the doorway.


A few glimpses of my favorite room in the
house. Overflowing with gifts from Nature!





A large blackboard in the kitchen is
where I scribble poetry or leave little
love notes. It is so much fun playing
with the chalk, drawing pictures just
like a kid again.


See more inspired surroundings.. here.

More Sneak Peeks!

ONLY a month and a half to go before the release
of my new book, Nature Inspired!!!

Over the weekend, my publishing company, Quarry,
posted on their blog the SNEEK PEAK of a SUPER
project from my book, called a Gathering Journal.

It is very unique and INCREDIBLY useful, as it provides
nature collectors with a convenient, temporary storage
space to protect those gathered findings, like leaves
and flowers. Plus, it is an ideal size for bringing along
on any outing or trip, because you just never know when
you might discover such treasures.

Since Quarry was kind enough to provide this glimpse,
I thought I would post a BONUS SNEEK PEEK page that
corresponds PERFECTLY with the Gathering Journal.

(click on the image to enlarge)
And remember, I am currently taking pre-orders for
Nature Inspired with details on how to purchase
a copy located in the right side margin of this post.
Each book will be autographed and comes with a
Limited Edition print.

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

Chasing the Day

As the Summer continues marching onward towards
Fall, it imparts to us the sweet memories of fun, and
laughter, sunshine, and sudden downpours, discovering
new places, and remembering long ago.

This past weekend, I relived the forgotten pleasure
of taking a train ride, which is an experience I had
not had since I was a child.

My travel adventure took me all the way to Chicago
where I enjoyed a taste of the "Windy City".

It was a perfect couple of days to go exploring,
and I thought I would share some of the things
I saw along the way....

While waiting for a commuter train into downtown,
I shopped a nearby farmer's market. Table after
table was overflowing with an abundance of colorful
fruits, and vegetables, and beautiful flowers.






Strolling along the Navy Pier, I felt like a kid again, riding the
Carousel, watching friends take a spin on the Ferris
Wheel, and seeing the ships sailing on the water so blue.





I ended the day by walking the Magnificent Mile, peeking
in the Hershey's Store where I was immediately enveloped
in the heavenly scents of rich chocolate, and riding a boat
through the city canals to view some incredible architecture.

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..