Let it snow~

When life offers you snow, the only thing you can do is complain... or make a snowman.
Winter lasts a little longer in Maine~ so I haven't had the pangs of spring quite yet.

I choose to embrace old man winter- make time to paint, cook, build another fire and get cozy.
This is still less snow than we had last winter~ and spring did arrive.


Today I plan a warm, cozy day at home to do the things I like best.
A day such as this can hold all kinds of promise~ I will make the most of it... and perhaps a little snowman later this afternoon.

What are your special plans for this day?

A work in progress~

With snow in the forecast for later this afternoon- I'll work on this little house painting. There is still lots of tweaking left. I think my lobster is "boiling mad" and I need to tone him down a little.

A perfect day for a pot of soup on the stove and a fire later.

Are you having a lazy, quiet Sunday? What are your plans?

Studio Space~

Studio space...

I have been longing for a space to call my own. I room where I can have my art books, files, supplies, portfolios, my computer- you get the picture.

Right now I have a corner! We do have some plans to improve on this situation, but time will tell.

During each trip to the south shore I walk by this little building. In eight years I have never seen anyone there. No one to wash her windows in the spring. No one to fill the little boat window box. No one to spruce her up and give her the love she deserves. Out of view, but over the door there is a sign that reads~ "Studio". Hmmm. I've never seen an artist there. Perhaps she comes to work when I'm not around. When I peek in the windows during my visits, nothing has been moved, no jelly jar filled with wildflowers, no remnants of a recent fire in the tiny wood stove. Nothing hangs on her walls, there are no scatter rugs on her worn floorboards.

Someone must have loved her at one time. Someone must have looked forward to a quick weekend get-away. Someone must be paying the taxes on her.

I have long dreamt of owning this little studio. I have fantasized about sleeping in a hammock, opening the windows to let in the sea breeze, to endless days of sketching.

But for now, I will be glad that I have my little corner~ you don't really need a special room or building to dream.

If I should ever see a 'For Sale' sign, I would have to inquire~ but fear the taxes alone would put an abrupt end to this daydream.

Do you have a special space where you can work quietly, read, write or just be alone with your thoughts and daydreams~ I would love to hear.

Home Sweet Home

First Home~Lifescapes

This is the first stage of an illustration for a young couple that recently purchased their first home. There will be a family tree added to the landscape along with a peek into their life together~ favorite places and activities, memorable vacations, their professions and special moments leading up to their wedding day and since. I will post bits and pieces of their Lifescapes when it is completed.

Working on this, started me thinking about my first home. The hopes, the changes in order to make it our own, the decorating, the gardens I would have. A first home or a new home bring on so many dreams for the future~the family you may raise, the pets you'll adopt, how you will decorate for the holidays. Do you remember your hopes for a first or a new home? I'd love to hear about your process of making it your own Home Sweet Home.

By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea...

Winter beach

I am off for a long weekend of rest and relaxation~ Early to bed and early to rise. The weather for the south shore sounds perfect for this time of year, so there will be long walks on a winter beach, plenty of reading and sketching.

What are your plans for this Valentine's weekend?

Happy weekend to you.

A gift and an announcement~

Beautifully packaged adornments and note cards from Two Dog Pond

Cupid arrived early at my house! The lovely Rachel at Two Dog Pond sent me this special delivery. I'll start at the beginning. Rachel and I have been collaborating for a while on a little side project. She designs funky, fabulous and whimsical jewelry, which is only one of her many talents. Many of Rachel's designs are inspired by old post cards.

After we met, I started poking around in local antique malls for quirky post cards to send. Rachel came up with the idea of using miniature Lifescapes and other illustrations I sent, incorporating them into some of her designs. I was wild about the idea, as I have been searching for another way to promote Lifescapes.

Pendants~ Two Dog Pond and Lifescapes

Two Dog Pond holds a "give-away" starting each Monday. Rachel posts an interesting post card and visitors try to come up with a phrase, word, very short story or a quote that is appropriate for the back of the image to be made into a pendant. The winning entry wins the pendant.

Lifescape illustrations~ Bracelet~ Two Dog Pond {excuse poor quality}

If you are interested in a pendant or a bracelet of custom illustration- we can work together to come up with your very own "one of a kind". Please contact me through email. For all other images seen on the Two Dog Pond website or Rachel's blog, please contact Rachel directly.

My limited photographic talent does not give credit that these pieces deserve.

Please stay tuned~ Rachel and I may have few more ideas up our sleeves!

Thanks Rachel~ You're a gift.

Unlocking creativity

Lifescape doors and window
“Our senses are indeed our doors and windows on this world, in a very real sense the key to the unlocking of meaning and the wellspring of creativity.”~Jean Houston