Jeff is usually the one who takes the boys on trips so they can have some father/son bonding time, but he had recently been on a couple of trips, and it would’ve been a stretch to miss more work. So, as we planned a trip to Minnesota for Calvin to visit his friends, it was clear I would be the one to take him. At first, it felt like a minor inconvenience, something I was doing just for him, but it turned into a treat for me as well. Since Calvin has plans for most of our short trip, I would have time to do whatever I wanted. I decided to turn that time into a mini-creative retreat. I would spend two days collecting inspiration, painting, reading, and resting.
I had planned to stay in a hotel, but when I reached out to schedule a meal with my friend, Cheri, she shared that she would be out of town and invited us to stay at her house instead. It was a bummer I wouldn’t get to see her, but staying in her house would be 1,000 times better than a hotel. It made me even more excited about the trip.
Cheri’s house is so beautiful that I photographed it for my book, Feels Like Home. (The book is only $15 on Amazon, by the way.) Without her touch, the house itself is a fairly boring split-level home, but she has made it something really special. It’s easy to make a charming home look charming, but it takes real talent and vision to transform a dated, awkward split-level into a character-filled and timeless home. (You can follow Cheri on her blog, This Cottage Life, and Instagram HERE.)
In a separate post, I’ll share a couple of ideas I spotted in Cheri’s house that I loved and plan to steal.
In addition to staying in her house, I would be dog-sitting. So, I had a little old man dog as company. Nike is deaf, so there was a lot of poking, hand gestures, and talking to myself. He wasn’t so sure about me, but we ended up getting along well, and I enjoyed caring for a dog again.
I spread out on the dining room table and spent most of my time working there when I wasn’t playing with Cheri’s stuff to set up and photograph still-life vignettes, or wandering around the garden.
While back in Rochester, I planned to get food from a few of my favorite restaurants, but I ended up only eating out three times in four days because Cheri left fresh eggs from their chickens, homemade sourdough bread, and a few other treats.
It’s hard to do better than fresh eggs and homemade sourdough toast.
I did get pizza and pasta from two of our old favorite places and met up with a friend for breakfast one morning, so I got the best of both worlds – eating out and eating in.
I spent most of my creative time painting. I packed my oils and made some lightweight wet panel carriers to test out bringing my paints on an airplane for my upcoming trip to the UK and Italy. I was able to borrow solvents and a tabletop easel from Cheri, so that was helpful.
I learned a few things I want to adjust for my next trip, but the set-up I packed was successful overall.
I ended up completing four 8×10 paintings on my trip, so I was pleased with that. It was such a gift to be able to paint as much as I wanted for as long as I wanted.
Now that I’ve seen they work well, I’m going to share a tutorial on making these wet panel carriers for those interested in traveling with oil paints.
The paintings I have completed will be included in my next original art sale, which is now scheduled. It will be Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 1:00 Eastern time. I’m going to be posting a full preview with available works, sizes, prices, and tips for shopping the sale later this week. If you’re not already subscribed to my blog, be sure to subscribe HERE so you don’t miss any updates.
25 Responses
Little Nike is so charming and distinguished! You should paint him with a bow tie….and possibly a pipe. He’s the kind of pup that belongs in a library. 🙂
Ha, yes! He it does seem like he needs a pipe and smoking jacket.
What a wonderful place to stay. Sounds so delightful and productive.
Oh, own chicken eggs and sourdough bread, such a gift. Dogsitting an old, deaf dog, painting all day. In the house of a friend, that is my kinda holiday, dear <3
It really was perfect.
Cheri is a gem of a friend, wow. How nice was that? You both won too b/c Nike was loved after.
I do hope you left one of your pieces with Cheri as a thank you for saving you hotel money, too. ♥
I love the blue and white ironstone coffee or chocolate pot painting. (Too tall to be a tea pot.) You just do the most beautiful work, Marian. Hope you enjoyed your fast trip – and truly hope your son did as well!
I had to think about it, but I think it is a teapot. I had a couple of coffee pots that were taller, as you said. Some of these gothic-style pieces are pretty large. Anyway, I actually thought about leaving a painting, but I still have to varnish them and two needed to be mounted (they were on thin board), but I do have a little thank you gift in mind.
Agree with you on second look – def a teapot. I take it back, sorry! It is absolutely positively gorgeous.
Well, I had to consider it for a minute, but the coffee pots are several inches taller! 🙂
Such a sweet photo of our Nike Boy! I’m so happy you were able to stay here and rest and create!
Yeah, we had some nice photoshoots together! 🙂 I think I grew tolerable for him.
I would love to see a painting of you friends eggs, how cool and even her chickens
Yes, I took some photos so I could paint those eggs (and the chickens, too.)
you had all the best, a special gift from a friend. A sweet old guy to love, and time to paint things you love. My goodness, what a blessing. What a beautiful home, and what a sweet boy. Your latest paintings are your best. I feel that anyone can (who paints) paint a landscape, but these take true talent. I love every single one of them.
Thank you so much!
What a lovely trip that turned out to be! I am so glad you were able to have unlimited creative time and the company of a handsome dog fellow. Just what the doctor ordered after losing a dear family member. What a dear friend Cheri is to offer such a gift of hospitality to you. Your paintings are so good. The best yet, I believe. You are such an inspiration to so many of us.
Yes, she is so generous!
Looks like the screen promoting your art sale says it’s Sept 9, but your blog says Sept 2. Which is it please. 😀
Nice catch, thank you! It’s September 2, and we made the correction.
What a nice, little escape for you and your son! Nike is adorable! What a cute dog! Being away for a few days in near solititude to do art sounds heavenl!
Yes, it was very nice!
We are headed back to Italy as well, twice, actually next year. That first trip to Barga was so memorable! What a live for Italy that ignited in my husband!
Hello! Its Lisa (MN). I still save and read your posts as entertainment while traveling! You are great.
Thank you!
How do I subscribe to the little cottage blog?? Thank you.