the alchemist...

“When someone makes a decision, he is really diving into a strong current that will carry him to places he had never dreamed of when he first made the decision. “ This is from one of my favorite books, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, about following your dreams.

A week ago I secured a studio/gallery space at Art on No, Pittsfield, Mass. for September 1st - a rare find that I am so excited about. After I've moved in, I will post a photo or two to share.

the dream just gets better and better...

golden moments...

Was thinking about my parents today and found this photo. (What ever did we do in the days before scanning?)  It was taken on such a happy day over 23 years ago. My parents were a) both alive b) looking great and c) appearing so happy. How I long for a moment like that again, but it's not to be. Dad passed on a long time ago. Mom hasn't been herself for many years and lives in a nursing home now, not recognizing any of us, but seems to be doing OK. I love this picture of my parents with my daughter, Kate, who was my sister's flower girl during her wedding. The one thing that still remains is the smile on Kate's face...could light up a room! 

This reminds me how important it is to take photos along life's journey because when memories fade, people leave us, and time marches on as it inevitably will, we still have those happy moments captured for all eternity. Cherish the golden moments...and record them. :)

friday, friday....

All day rain, soaking into the garden...begging me to take a trip to my favorite bookseller and settle in with a cup of tea and my back to the window. Want to join me?

...was thinking this might be a good time to exchange titles for fun summer reading. With all the non-fiction reading we do around here, I enjoy the change of pace that summer brings and dipping into something light-hearted and fun...real vacation material. What are you reading right now?

juried group show in Sheffield...

If you're in the area between now and August 8th, check out the annual Housatonic Valley Art League's juried show at Dewey Hall on Route 7 in Sheffield, Mass. An artists' reception is being held tomorrow (Friday, July 16th) from 4:30-6:30.

My painting entitled "Home" will be in the exhibit along with a variety of other paintings, more representational I dare say than this bold abstract. It's the mood I was in, what can I tell you? :)

cycles...

So many of my artist friends are very busy with summer shows, outdoor art festivals and all the last minute preparations that go hand in hand with that. This year I've opted for a quieter, more relaxed summer. Having had Kate's wedding to prepare for and my new part-time job to learn during the first half of this year, I found little time for painting in the past few months. As you've probably picked up on, the time I spent with my daughter, Kate, and her sister preparing for the wedding was priceless...lots of laughs, creativity, love and a few tears along the way, too.

Recently I dug this book out from my overburdened bookshelves and am sketching just for fun of it, without it being a step before painting. I used to spend time this way, but haven't for some time. It's pure fun and summertime is the perfect time to enjoy some of the simple pleasures that nourish our souls.

Summer is such a short, but glorious season here and I want to enjoy every moment of it. Oh, and I haven't given up on painting, not by a long shot, just taking it slow and enjoying the summer!

How are you spending your summer this year?

the rolling hills...

It's a beautiful summer's day here in the Berkshires. A perfect day to seek out waterfalls, go hiking, biking, or canoeing. Maybe you'd rather grab your favorite book, sit on the porch and sip lemonade. Whatever your pleasure, today just begs one to go outside to play or PAINT. That's where I'm headed!

a big shout out to Christine!

Just thought I'd take another moment to bask in the glow of being a proud mama. Daughter, Christine, shines as a local CREATIVE in this soon to be released design book featuring one of her lunch bag designs. Christine really is an amazing indie artisan and you can find more of her creations at Christine's Etsy Shop.

Well done, Christine!

the big event arrived...

Kate and Joe have been married for four days now. The wedding was truly lovely and the bride and groom's happiness was palpable. Surrounded by friends and family they said their vows and celebrated the night away. These are two of the most compatible, good hearted people you'd ever want to meet and I couldn't be happier for them!

This past week we made bouquets, centerpieces, boutonnieres, programs, place cards, favors and a lot of memories together in the process. There's always one little detail that provides a challenge and this wedding was no exception. A big thank you to everyone who helped make this event so special, especially her maid of honor and sister, Christine. Kate said she had the wedding of her dreams and couldn't imagine anything more perfect - it doesn't get better than that for a mom.

May they always be this much in love!

to be a mom...

kate, christine and i

If I had to choose just one thing I wanted most in the world to be, it would be the opportunity to be a mom. I have been blessed with two incredible daughters, Kate and Christine. They light up my life in ways both large and small. I love being their mom and have shared their growing up years with a number of incredible other moms including my former mother-in-law, Mary, my Aunt Mil, my sister, Molly and my sister-in-law, Elaine.

I know being a great mom was paramount to Elaine. She raised three wonderful children, Lily, Lucy and Noah. Elaine helped me to be the best mother I could be by sharing her love, wisdom and wicked sense of humor. "Aunt Nickles" the kids called her. The countless lazy days by the pool, great conversations, and home cooked dinners we shared together are the moments I think about today and will always treasure. Elaine died last week. I dedicate this post to her and to all the really great moms in the world.

Thank you!

food for thought...

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage."

 - anais nin