Not So Much Fun...

I have been sick for the past five days. I am not sure if it is just a summer cold or severe allergies but whatever it is I am so not having fun! I can't remember the last time I was sick to the point that all I could do was lay on the couch. I am not a pretty sight these days! I have had time to to a lot of blog visiting and saw this post today on Beth's blog. I became more interested in photography when I started my blog. What I was really wanting was to take good pictures to post. Jen has such a beautiful way of looking at the art of the camera and really inspired me to look at taking pictures in a different way. Such a beautiful video.

Been A Little Busy

crow painting by Gerald Cloud

A few weeks before we returned to California last fall I decided to buy and reopen a custom art framing business on the island. I moved the business to my house, had some training with the prior owner and jumped in. That seems to be how I do new things. A little instruction and a lot of practice. I recently opened for the summer and spent a few days wondering if anyone would show up. They did and that is where I have been the past two weeks! From nothing to 13 pieces in a day. After a frustrating few days doing battle with my saw and finally solving the problem thanks to a very helpful brother in law, I am starting to feel like I know what I am doing and things are getting done. I have to say there is something very empowering about using power tools!






I did take a little time to work on the paintings I started a couple of weeks ago. I am hoping to finish them this tomorrow. They are beginning to get past that stage that I want to just toss them. But I am having fun getting messy!


The other very exciting happening is that I finally after really over thinking it, decided to go to Squam in the fall. I really love Flora Bowley's work and could not pass up the opportunity to take a class with her. I am also taking a classes with Judy Wise and Sarah Ahearn. I am picking Lorrie up at the airport on my way. I met Lorrie at An Artful Journey in February and I am so excited she will be at Squam!


Anybody else looking forward to Squam?

Just Start

Sometimes it is just that simple

The act of getting out the paints
Or the beads
Or the camera
And just starting
Start something

Don't think about it too much

Just start

in progress

It has been many weeks without one piece of jewelry. Not one painting. Nothing. I woke up very early a few mornings ago hearing very clearly Just Start! StartSomething! I listened to that not so quiet whisper and the paint brushes came out. And I started. For me, sometimes that is all it takes to find my center again.

Just Start

what are you starting?

Self Portrait Friday

It is a perfect day on the island. Sunny and beautiful. I am wandering around doing a little of this and a little of that. Nothing is capturing my attention for long. I decided to let the be ok. I feel the need to wander and just be for a bit.
To observe and feel the sun. To listen to my own whispers.


The lupine are in full glory right now. So beautiful!




Gardens are in full bloom and beautiful. I am so inspired by the flowers and the colors. Nature always provides the perfect color palette.

My only goal for this beautiful weekend is to let all of the "shoulds" just sit and be for a couple of days and spend some time creating. Always a challenge for me!

what are you doing with your beautiful weekend?

Pure Joy

What could be more fun than playing in mud puddles with your best friend?

Or running thru the field of wild flowers?

Seriously! Does it get any better than that?


I love watching the absolute bliss of the dogs out for a run. Completely in the moment and pure joy of what is right in front of them. The absolute delight of each other. It is something I strive towards. Do they know the secret?


Where do you find your joy?

He Has A Deer

My son has a daily visitor at his new little house. She arrives in the morning very quietly, just to hang out. have a snack of grass and observe the world. Sometimes she will have a little nap. How awesome! There is something so sweet and touching about a deer. The understanding in their face and calm being. I start to move quietly and whisper so she is not disturbed. Amazing


Tucker Bob watches from the window. Looks like a good playmate to him!

I am heading off this afternoon to Portland for a long weekend with my sister. We are furniture shopping. (for her, not me) We always have tons of fun. A little shopping, lots of good food, some good coffee (scarce on the island!) and staying in a hotel. And of course lots and lots of conversation. Not a bad way to spend a weekend.


What are you doing this weekend?

Self Portrait Friday & Feeling The Calm

I have been reaching for the moon and the stars and not quite getting there. But with all times of chaos and loosing our way for a bit, there is calm. I am feeling it return and settle in. Very gently breathing life back into my spirit.

I spent some time shuffling and rearranging rooms to accommodate all that needs to happen in this house. I once again have a place to be and nurture my creative dreams.
A small corner to sit and breathe and dream and hear my own thoughts.

A corner to paint and make jewelry. To be inspired. To dream.
I am taking Kelly Rae's online class Taking Flight. We are only on week one but I already feel inspired and excited. I can't wait to see what the next few weeks bring. My mind if full of ideas and possibilities and faith in my dreams. I feel excited again to be on this journey.

What are you excited about?


have the courage to stand in the light of your own spirit