I suppose it is a good day to emerge from the winter solstice. I did a bit of hibernation from social media and blogging, but a few urged me to get back to it to announce my seasonal workshops and tell you a bit about my current body of work.

My summer was filled with Yin yang… the climate either being too dry, too wet, cool then hot, then dry again we did have a beautiful garden this season. Nature somehow figures out how to moderate the shifts, with some help from us on our plot of land. Veggies, flowers all thrived! 

Flowers everywhere and the heat has settled in, Summer is here. My gardens this year seem more prolific than the past several. Perennials are taking hold after being planted two years ago, we have spent time amending soils and tending to very old gardens at our historic property. Also, planting our new raised beds for vegetables that my husband created, both the plants and I love them!

As the end of March approaches, my once appreciation of the quiet calm of winter has begun to fade. Looking out the window seeing the monochromatic palette of grey with albeit a pop of evergreen, that I for so many months was mesmerized by, has me now longing for any sign of another color, but especially green.

I have reached a pretty cool milestone in sixty years of life. The last several years, in particular, have been a mix of challenges, accomplishments, transitions, and gifts that I, like most of you, could write a short story about. But one thing has remained consistent: the nature surrounding me, feeding my soul, rescuing me when I need a calm embrace, and inspiring my art practice.

Just before the holidays, a “Cyclone Storm” hit our area of the country. The winds were fierce, along with blowing snow, causing white-out conditions. When the winds slowed, I was shocked to see our beautiful, mature Blue Spruce had blown down! Heartbreaking is an understatement. After the storm passed, we made our way to the tree. We stayed with it for a bit, contemplating its significance, age, size, and beauty. I decided to respectfully take some branches and clippings to work with to preserve a bit of its legacy.