Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to drive down to the quaint town in Northern Virginia’s horse country for a book signing.  I spent a beautiful late-summer afternoon at Federal & Black in historic Middleburg.

First of all, everyone who came out to support me, the book, the shop, and Middleburg small businesses was awesome!  I brought along my easel and some paints in case it was quiet.  Working on a painting live would give me something to do and perhaps draw in people passing by.  Well, I was so busy with conversations that I never even opened up my painting bag or set up my tripod.

When there were a few quiet moments, I browsed around the shop and admired Rebecca’s knack for curating.  She stocks antiques, home decor, gifts, accessories, books, and a few specialty lines like teas, cookies, lotions, and candles.  She also carries some of my fine art prints, and it was so thrilling to see them mixed in with other beautiul wares.

I set up a couple of original paintings, color charts, and prints in the window, which was perfect.

Before things got busy, I took some photos around the shop.  It really is so beautiful.  Rebecca’s style is classic, clean, and sophisticated.  I loved how she mixed books on design, gardening, and cooking with the home decor.  Many of the books are ones I already own or ones that are on my wish list.   It makes sense since we have similar interests and taste!

Of course, I was drooling over all of the stunning furniture pieces.  The freshly-upholstered settee and European pine bench were particularly lovely.

One of my favorite shop moments is the duck “flying” over the wallpapered bump-out between two bookshelves.  What might be an awkward architectural bit is now a feature.

Oh, and the shop smells amazing!  The combination of the candles and tester bottles of lotion mingles to make a light, inviting scent that smells clean and homey.

It’s the kind of shop where you can find some special pieces for your home, your next inspirational read, or a unique gift for a friend.  In short, it’s right up my alley.  It was no hardship to spend an afternoon there meeting people.

Until last weekend, I hadn’t been to Middleburg in over 20 years!  Now, I’m determined to go back there for a day trip to check out more of the shops and have Jeff drive so I can snap pictures of the countryside.  It reminded me a bit of the Cotswolds, minus the narrow roads and signature stone.

I’ve shared before that my work can be lonely at times.  There are no co-workers, no water cooler to gather around to discuss the latest trending show.  Most of the time, it’s just me in my studio.  I’m painting, writing, reading, and doing other solitary activities, with little feedback or input beyond comments I receive here on this blog or on social media.  Even though I’m comfortable in my little bubble, and I certainly have enough to keep me occupied and interested, it’s good for my creative soul when I get to meet and collaborate with others in person.  Events require energy, but they also give energy.  I get to hear and see firsthand how my work impacts others.

I came home buzzing, excited to see where my writing and art take me next…