cover of the Country Register

I was SUPER excited when I was contacted by The Country Register, a United States and Canadian network of independently owned and published specialty newspapers for consumers. I loved that the region that contacted me was based out of Arizona, kinda made me feel like I was reaching back to some of my Phoenix roots!

It was fun reading my bio and write-up in the paper. It is a wonderful feeling knowing that my art is beginning to touch the lives of more people....

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11x14 mixed media on canvas

She's a starfish

with strong arms

pulling her in different directions

she must choose 

or end up going nowhere

from the chaos her garden bloomed

finding the door was never closed

and a few close ups.....

sand in my toes

There is something special about the beach alright, and it's even more special when it holds lots of your own childhood memories and you get to share it with your own child. To watch Warren's new experiences with the sand and water was ever so memorable. Last year when we visited he was only 6 months old and I can distinctly remember the inner tube we had set up for him with a towel over the top. We placed him in the middle and it became the perfect little spot to keep him propped up and under the umbrella (and from putting sand in his mouth).

my attempt at a self-portrait

This year was completely different. He ran up and down the beach (his favorite activity was being chased by Dad), dug in the sand, climbed the dunes, splashed in the waves, rode the raft, and did a little light beach reading (Wheels on the Bus with Grandma). It was amazing to watch him fall in love with the beach this summer. Every morning he would squeal with delight when we asked, "Do you want to go to the beach?" There is nothing better for the spirit than to watch your child experience some of the best of what life has to offer, mother nature at her best!

It was yet another spectacular visit with my parents as well. We always have a great time listening to music, chatting as we dig into a pile of crabs, and mixing up the next batch of margaritas. What a comfortable and special place they have down there in North Carolina. The perfect spot for a relaxing family vacation. If you are looking for a REAL beach experience, I highly suggest you come visit the Outer Banks - you'd never forget it.

On another note, Brandon and I got to have some much needed date time together thanks to grandma and paw-paw. We went running together, went to some amazing island restaurants, took walks on the beach, and even went to the movies (twice) (I just LOVE going to the theater).  It filled my cup beyond measure. The more time I get to spend with my husband the more I'm reminded of how much I love him and how much I love the person that he is.

There's lots of new inspiration running through my head now. I'll be excited to see where it leads me....I'll be sure to share!!

Joining the local art scene

I'm thrilled to share that I was asked to present some of my work at a local store here in Three Bridges, NJ! Suey's Scents showcases lots of local artisans and I'm really thankful for being included! This was a great opportunity for me to think outside of my current on-line venue and branch out. This will be a great first step into presenting at other local art fairs and festivals as well as looking for other avenues to share my art. In my preparations, I was amazed at all the details I hadn't thought of before in regards to merchandising. 

What kind of set-up should I use?  

How should I display the custom birth announcements versus the originals, prints and cards?

What should I make prints of?

How many prints should I make of each?

What greeting cards should I print?

What originals should I showcase?

This weekend we went down to Princeton to walk through their Communiversity, Festival of the Arts, to get any last minute ideas for my set-up. I have to say that after finishing my display I have a new appreciation for the unseen work that goes into creating an art festival.

I'm anxious to see what interest might be generated from my work and see what my next step might be, but most of all I'm thankful for the opportunity to push myself forward in this artful journey! Thank you Sue!