Hello to all and hope everyone is getting into the Holiday spirit!

My "Boston to Bainbridge Island" show at the Bainbridge Library is coming up in January and preparation is in full swing.

It seems like I have been preparing all year (which is true) completing paintings and putting together plans for the exhibit.  However, now with only a few weeks left it seems like there is still so much to do!  And it is also the Holiday season so the cottage needs to say "I'm ready for the season's great gifts like family, baking, and treats"......when guests arrive.  It will seem strange to be here at home with so many paintings away at the exhibit.  They are like good friends - life is comfortable and good with them around.  Some of the paintings will be for sale, others will be available in print form so that they can be enjoyed by more people.  I have always believed that art should be able to be appreciated by everyone, especially the ones not fortunate enough to own an original work.   Hurray for museums!  That is why I am a fan of prints and good reproductions - it allows more people to experience joy and/or beauty in their everyday life - a meaningful piece of art on the wall, as a notecard, whatever continues the message of the painting is important.   But I must admit, even with those strong beliefs, it is hard to let an original painting go to a new home - a feeling many artists wrestle with and for good reason.  It is a part of our being and sharing can be very personal - but if the new owner of a painting finds beauty, peace, a smile, or is encouraged to stretch the imagination when viewing a picture, it is a great gift to both viewer and painter.   I will keep everyone updated on the progress of the preparations and share photos of the exhibit for those who can't be here in person but will be here in spirit.  

Fall is here and who can believe it!?!?!?!  I love this season, as so many people do.

My focus is on paintings that represent the season, resurrecting recipes that taste and smell like autumn, and decorating the cottage with a cosy fall vibe.  All these things seem essential to celebrating this time of year and keeping an environment that is stimulating and calming at the same time.  It all helps keep me focused and pleasantly engaged.  We can't change a lot of things in life (wish we could!) but we can create an atmosphere where we can thrive, and one that is not affected by the world outside to a certain degree.  Some things remain outside the door in order to stay sane on the inside.  

Painting is continuing, and it's that time to order paints and canvasses so the collection of works can continue to be prepared for the show in January. This event is well supported by the community and people look forward to "First Fridays" when all the studios are hosting events.  The show with my work will run the month of January and I am hoping to provide a body of work that brings color and thoughtfulness and peace to an otherwise dull and possibly very charged (think politics) time of the year.  It's right after the glorious fall and holiday seasons, and its usually a time of year when things are grey.   Paintings can bring your focus to another time, a pleasant memory, or enhance your living space with a feel of something special.  That's a big gift....and I hope people will enjoy a different spectrum of work in January when they see the show and maybe find something to put on their wall to remind them each day of something to smile about.   I'll keep you posted.

I read my initial blog and can't believe how much time has passed since I repeated the sage words  "no time like the present".  

Someday is definitely here and I am busy painting again.  This past year has included some life changing events, and retiring from many years as a manager in luxury retail is one of them.  Before retiring, an unplanned open heart surgery took time away from everything, but through the genius of surgeons, I was able to return to work and continue with my painting.  I am truly blessed with another chance to make the best use of time and follow the advice of my physician - "make sure to do things that bring you joy".  Well, that's all I needed to hear!!!  I do keep in mind that doesn't include anything illegal, immoral or fattening. 

I am very fortunate to have a studio that opens onto a patio and garden in the cottage where I live on the Island.  I love the garden and when I'm not painting, that's where I can be found.  Music always in the background.  This Zen lifestyle suits me and enables the creative process to work without angst.  If painting gets frustrating because it's not working in the way intended (happens often), a few steps into the garden, pulling some weeds or finding a new flower has a therapeutic effect.  Finding a vegetable growing under my tutelage - amazing.

I mention this as someone who has painted all her life, juggling work, family, home upkeep, and general life things with trying to get a painting done.  Possible, but not ideal.  It involved carving time out of a hectic schedule to make sure the art didn't get lost in the shuffle of life as that is akin to losing oneself.   I'm glad I kept things going as much as possible, but for years of fitting things in, the opportunity to have a lifestyle that is built around a passion is priceless.  So if you are an artist or creator who is thinking of retiring, it can be a beautiful thing; if you are still in the workforce and/or raising a family, be sure to make time for your own creativity - it's important.   Keeping that inner joy or positive spiritual connection going also makes us better on the outside - and the world needs more of that in all of us.  

Hello and welcome to the new website with FASO!

I have been anticipating a time when I can devote most of my days to painting, music, cooking and enjoying taking in all the beauty that is around us including family and friends.  I always figured someday I will do that and I realized that "someday" is here!  Someday is everyday and it should be enjoyed and productive. 

As mentioned in "About" the artist, I am a new member of the beautiful Bainbridge Island community having come here from Boston, MA.

The island is filled with beauty - in the people, in the many artisans, in the food, and the community spirit.  The area is rich with Salish heritage and I hope to be a responsive addition to the culture.  Next week I will post a photo of the newest painting that represents a view of the Sound at morning complete with morning mist just before dawn.  

This painting is on view now at the "Mudroom" with works of some of the best potters in the area.  If you are on the Island, please stop by and enjoy the talent on display there - its next to the Courthouse in Rolling Bay.

Thank you for visiting this site and I hope to keep the blog current and interesting - because that someday to do it is now.