Nesting

I just love nests and everything about them. The whole idea of a shelter, a quiet spot, a refuge. A ragged row of robins' nests lines one studio window, a branch with a tiny wrens' nest hangs in our living room. And this wee little hummingbird nest was a gift from a new friend yesterday.

Lined with bits of moss and horsehair, this nest was carefully constructed bit by bit. My husband & I are building ours thoughtfully, too, and making it a gentle place that shelters people body and soul.

Maybe that's why I love my art so much. I get to design the things that line human nests. And I care that the images there send the message "you matter, you're important, you're loved."

Feeding My Eyes

Every day I try to make time to feed my eyes. Even if it's just a few minutes spent in the garden or admiring the little neighbor girl's adorable French braids, I make a point of feeding my eyes every day. It's what fuels my work, feeds me endless ideas and makes life pleasant.

Today it was bluebells by the river's edge and a profusion of flowers in the garden just beyond the studio window. After several hours hard at work, I stretched and went outdoors for a few moments of refreshment. I feasted my eyes on lilacs and bleeding heart and unfurling fronds of lush ferns.

I just love simply looking at the world.

My Happy Little Friend

There's nothing like a friend whose tail wags continually. Caesar is my running pal and constant studio companion, not to mention the inspiration for endless creative endeavors.

I try to disguise the doggie friends in my artwork so they don't all look like beagles but the truth is when Caesar digs up a bone, tail in the air and sniffer to the ground, he is likely to end up in a piece of artwork. When he rides in the wagon with the neighbor kid a patriotic parade slips from my scissors. Dashing along at my side on our daily run he makes me want to cut out frolicking puppies.

There's just nothing like a true-hearted little buddy with a wagging tail and a doggy smile.

The importance of saying "I love you!"

I spent the weekend cleaning out my parents' home. It was bittersweet sifting through the memories with my sisters, and I was reminded once again of the comfort of dear friends like my two wonderful sisters.

On Friday Barb met me at the airport. "It's wonderful to see you," she said. "I love you so much!"

A friend met me for breakfast."Love you," she whispered as we hugged goodbye. "I'm praying for you."

I ran by the jewelry store I used to own, a little shop downtown, tall clock on the sidewalk, sparkles decorating in the window. "Hi," grinned my former partner."Do you know how much we still miss you?"

When we drove up to the airport, my niece whizzed to the curb and I piled out with an odd assortment of mementoes. My sister Janny leaned from the window as I walked into the terminal. The last thing I heard as I turned to leave was her sweet voice. "Travel safe and remember, I love you!"

I'm home again and busier than the proverbial bee, but it doesn't take much time or effort to speak the love you feel & give a lift to someone's day, give them the strength to go on even when the day is full of stress or sadness, as mine was this weekend.

Wholehearted thanks to the dear ones who made my weekend sweet instead of bitter. I love you!

Time For a Fresh Look

Welcome to my newly redesigned website! More coming soon....