Black dress
This spring, death has felt close. Today, my aunt was buried in Ontario. Rest in peace, Aunt Frances. I found this receipt from 1957 for a black dress, and I wondered about the story behind it. I knew my Great … Continued
Inspired by…old postcards
This winter I’ve been increasingly interested in researching my family tree…I so much enjoy looking at old things, I sometimes shuffle through my old photos and postcards to OCD proportions. I revisited a couple paintings I had left off in … Continued
Finishing touches
I added some of my finishing touches now – such as scribbling on the surface with oil pastels to add more texture, distress, and highlights. And the finishing coat of acrylic varnish. Also added more detail to the trees and … Continued
Waterfall painting
I started this painting two years ago, soon after we moved to our new home, so that the kids would have something uplifting to look at as they climbed the stairs to bed each night. Our family enjoys hiking, so … Continued
Birdsong in April
I’m starting to see signs of spring. Birds hopping everywhere, buds welling up on spindly branches, light-filled leaves. I wanted to write something on this art journal page, but all my words have already been penned by Wendell Berry! Every … Continued
Gaff Linkum
I am so excited to have found a copy of this book online: Gaff Linkum. As I often do when I’m between books, I was browsing “As the Story is Told: a History of Morpeth and Community,” a local history … Continued
Spring hike
The sun came out, and so did we. I love the luscious greens, layer upon layer of verdant mosses and sword ferns and lichen. One of the first things that struck me about west coast forests, when I hiked at … Continued
Lemon pistachio biscotti
I’ve been craving these lovely lemon pistachio biscotti since I picked up a package of pistachios recently. The recipe is straight from the Better Homes & Gardens cookbook, so I take no credit for it. But don’t they look elegant … Continued