The Meaning of Life

This was shared today by a dear artist friend here on the island
Such a beautiful reminder! Enjoy

Thoughts on Creativity

I am trying to do something creative every day. Some days it goes well and other days, not so much. It has been a struggle this summer. I have come to realize that creativity is not just about getting in the studio and making jewelry, putting paint on canvas, or throwing a pot. Creativity is about how you live your life. Do you give thought to everything you do as you go thru you day? Do you arrange your home in a beautiful way? Do you drink coffee out of your most beautiful mug? Do you take the time to do the things that nurture you? Do you try something new just because it makes you happy? Do you send a friend a beautiful card just because? Do you take the time to just breathe and write in your journal? Do you dance while you make dinner? Do you light a candle and say a prayer?



I think we as women are all creative beings that practice creativity in all forms. We create homes and raise children. We feed and nurture and encourage. We make art and dinner and Halloween costumes. We gather together to play and celebrate and hold each other up when needed.

I will continue to try to do something creative everyday and to remember along the way to celebrate my own talents and gifts in whatever form they show up in.



what are your thought about creativity? I'd love to hear!

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This and That...

I had today marked on my calender and a note above my computer. Registration for An Artful Journey in February opened today! I am so excited to be going back. Cindy put together an amazing lineup of teachers and I would have loved to take any of them. After a long struggle trying to decide I did listen to my gut feeling and signed up to take Stephanie Lee's plaster class. I am looking forward to trying something new and seeing some returning friends.

If you have not stopped by Danielle's blog today you should stop by. Her studio tour is awesome! She did a beautiful job. I am so inspired I am thinking of redoing mine!

Images I have been enjoying

The biggest lilies I have ever seen!

A little gift at the edge of my sidewalk

Part of the coastline of our little island

I have been busy in my frame shop, an online class that started yesterday, and odds and ends of projects that never seem to end and more that I can never seem to find the time to start. You know...this and that. Summer is flying by!

Did you sign up for An Artful Journey?

Drawing From The Right Side of The Brain

I spent 5 days last week with my sister in St. Andrews, New Brunswick taking the most amazing drawing class. It was taught by Gerald Cloud and based on the classic book Drawing from the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards. The week was another one of those life changing events that completely changed the way I think about my abilities and my art and what the possibilities are. I have known of this book for years and even owned it at one point. I will admit I am not good at reading thru instruction manuals or books. For me, just give me the highlights and let me jump in and I will figure it out. Our instructor made a few group comments and we jumped in. With a few suggestions along the way the most amazing things happened and I walked away feeling overwhelmed by what I had accomplished in 5 short days.

self portrait before class

self portrait at the end of 5 days

Lissa working on her drawing

Next up for me is Homesteader's Metalsmithing online with Stephanie Lee and then Squam in September.

what are you up to?

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?