Hi there ,

Everyone summers differently, and each year since having kids, I swear I will live it originally! This summer was a hodge podge of trips, pool time, gardening, hikes, baseball games, and studio moments. We sandwiched the summer with a long weekend outside of Asheville, dropping my oldest off at camp in the mountains of NC, and finished it with his first plane trip alone to his grandparent's where we met him for a long trip in August through the northeast to see family and friends. In between my sister and nephew visited us for the first time since we moved, and my youngest spent a week at farm camp and then at the Durham Bulls for baseball camp. 

In the midst of all of this, I've been spending much of my free time healing my body / mind. I've been struggling with various inflammatory issues for many years and it came to a head this spring. After finding an integrative practitioner and lots of tests, I've changed my diet - gluten and grain free - and am peeling away the layers of the onion to determine the root causes of my inflammation. It's been a long journey, lots of support from various practitioners and family, and with any healing path, it's not straight up. 

All the while, I'm embracing that I have time to return to the studio, now that the kids are in school again. Little by little, I'm adding opportunities that work for me: currently creating on two commissions during a virtual artist residency, and attending my first outdoor show since November. While my offerings may not be what they were two years ago - I'm actively creating and selling my work, albeit at a slower pace.

How did you summer this year? Feel free to let me know, and don't be a stranger! And, read on - there's a lot going on - including a chance to see me this weekend in Virginia, follow along my September residency, and a great opportunity to purchase a new yoga mat. 

Creatively,

Stop by the Hermitage Museum and Gardens, part of the Smithsonian Affiliations, that boasts a nationally recognized art collection and 12 acres of gardens and grounds. I'll be showing this Saturday, September 17th from 11 - 4pm, for their Hermitage Handmade Festival, and located in spot 63, on the end, in the second column from the right of vendors. 

Complimentary shuttle service is available at three satellite parking locations: WHRO (5200 Hampton Blvd), Larchmont Library (6525 Hampton Blvd), and Second Presbyterian Church (7305 Hampton Blvd). Shuttle stops at all three satellite parking locations during event and drops off at the Hermitage Museum front gate. Pick up and arrival times will vary based on rider volume and demand.

This show is 100% handmade, so I will be bringing an assortment of smaller Teascapes, Garden Watercolors, and larger Take a Seat pieces. Here's the process I use to mount my smaller watercolors to a panel. This way they are easier to display and don't require framing, though that's a nice add-on! 

If Virginia isn't in your destination this weekend, browse my site - feel free to make a remote purchase. Message me with any questions you might have. 

During the month of September, I'm participating in a Virtual Artist Residency through the Thrive Together Network. I get to decide what I'm working on, and what I want to accomplish, and how much I work. For the remainder of the month, I'm focusing on completing Finnigan, a commission of a Pomeranian Toy Poodle, and getting moving on another commission that's been in the works since earlier in the year. 

At this point in time, I will be opening up commission slots in October for mini dog portraits with holiday completion dates. More on that soon. In the meantime, you can keep watching my progress on Instagram, I've been playing with some Reels to give you an idea of my process. 

20% YOGA MAT CLEARANCE SALE 

Now through Sunday, 9/18, save 20% on all remaining Yoga Mat inventory. I ONLY have 7 mats on hand, and will be re-evaluating new orders for holiday gift giving once these are cleared out. 

“It's worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.”

― Queen Elizabeth II