OH Virginia!

How do I adequately express all of the incredible moments of being with like minds and hearts?

How do I convey to you, dear reader... my deep, deep feelings of gratitude and appreciation when I experience the joy of smiling faces, special words exchanged, thoughtful gestures, meeting new friends, and having opportunities to spend time in the company of old friends. These tender emotions truly stir my soul toward a greater understanding of myself and my purpose here... of how to use this artistic gift, that I am so humbled by, as a way of reaching out to others.

Every retreat is different, and Art & Soul, Virginia was an entity all unto itself. Rarely is it the physical location of such an event, but the people and their stories that culminate the true spirit of such precious days spent together. You can feel the air charged with positive creative energy. It rejuvenates me, for so much of the time I am tucked away in my studio. It feels good to emerge from self-imposed isolation to be renewed.

Marylin and I are always so grateful to those individuals that choose to spend the day with us. We try to make each class special, and love spoiling our students with surprises. Each of us may start as strangers, but by the end of the day, everyone is laughing and talking as if we have all known each other for quite sometime.

Here are just a few pictures of some of the BEAUTIFUL Fabrics and Journals from our workshops. I won't post all of the images for Marylin will also be sharing her own cherished moments from our visit.

a quiet, rainy day

Storms are nothing new here in Kansas. But today, the sky is thick with big gray clouds, and the rain is steady, yet gentle.

It is the perfect weather for brewing a hot cup of tea, and spending a quiet day catching up on a looming to-do list.

I returned home yesterday from another INCREDIBLE teaching experience. I feel like the luckiest instructor having such beautiful, soulful, and creative individuals in class. There are lovely images and details to share from my Art & Soul, Virginia visit. Hopefully, I will have it all organized within the next several days, so I can make a proper post.

The air at vendor night was charged with electricity, such yummy treasures to feast your eyes on and purchase. It was a wonderful evening!

And Many, MANY THANKS to the overwhelming number of individuals that visited my table and shared their stories of how my art and poetry have touched them, as well as others in their lives. I was deeply moved by such kind and endearing compliments.

I am happy to report that I sold out of many items, so there will only be a few new pieces in my little shop tomorrow. I invite you to come take a peek.

Spring to Summer, celebrating May Day

I will be away visiting Virginia over the next several days. When I return, I have some Very VERY EXCITING NEWS to share with you!!!

In the meantime, I will leave you with my May Day journal page.
Tradition says that May Day marks the end of the harsh winter months and welcomes the beginning of Summer. Indeed, it would not be a proper celebration of this glorious new month, and a soon forthcoming Summer Season without a cup of tea and a very fine visitor.

"Advancing Spring profusely spreads abroad
Flowers of all hues, with sweetest fragrance stored;
Where'er she treads Love gladdens over plain,
Delight on tiptoe bears her lucid train;
Sweet Hope with conscious brow before her flies,
Anticipating wealth from Summer skies;"

- author unknown

Spring to Summer, an ode

This page is an ode to the trees in my yard that have graced my life with their late blooms. The beautiful flowers have now begun to turn toward a caving in and the on rushing of summer.

It is quite warm here today. This is one of only two days so far where the temperatures have reached into the 80's. The winds are strong, which is typical for Kansas, and I am headed out to the garden to visit the world.

"While whispers ran among the boughs
Of promises and praise;
And playful, loving messages
Sped through the leaf-lit ways."

Spring to Summer, in the midst

I have a couple of new journal pages to share with you this week. This first one is reminiscent of a visit with a lovely Oriole.

We were both enjoying the sweetly aromatic scents of blooming trees wafting upon the breeze. "The air is in the midst, I think,
And scare knows which to be -
Whether all fragrance, clinging close,
Or bird-song, wild and free."

A Sneek Peek

It has been a busy week, as I continue full steam ahead with preparations for an upcoming trip to Art & Soul Virginia.

It's all very exciting! I have been creating all sorts of lovelies to bring with me for vendor night, as well as gathering materials for our workshops. And for GOOD measure, Marylin and I are tucking a few surprises into each participants packet.

Now, I thought you might like a sneek peek at some of the treasures that will be on my table.

Unfortunately, I will only be offering a few handpainted nature pendants. But, I hope to have a several more completed before I leave.


These are SUCH FUN pieces to adorn. I LOVE the idea of original, wearable art, and I get the biggest compliments when someone sees me with one of these around my neck.

I adore finding vintage jewelry with shapes that compliment the contours of each little painted songbird.

Here are several of the handpainted nature fabrics I will be bringing. These pieces look SUPER in a frame and are perfect for any room in the house.

Also, I recently found a large lot of vintage bird collector cards in two varying sizes. These are a wonderful pieces to use in a collage, assemblage, or on a journal page.

And, I will have some Limited Edition Fine Art Prints, along with copies of my little poetry book, bird stencils, a collection of VERY COOL! vintage paper packs, vintage album and ledger covers that are all PRICED TO SELL.

Be sure to stop by to say "Hello", and check out all these wonderful bits and baubles!

Sharing Gratitude

I am always inspired by my dearest friend, Liz. Her thoughtful words, often sharing her thankfulness in life, caused me to take a moment and wander outside to enjoy the sunshine, gentle wind, and partake in the beauty of flowers in full bloom, bursting forth from the trees in our yard.
Most of the landscape along the familiar paths I wander have already blossomed and begun to turn toward their early summer green foliage. But, our trees have always been late bloomers, and I dare say that we are all the richer for it... having a last chance, one more opportunity to enjoy the wonders of this season and be glad.
What are you grateful for today?