This has been a quiet week and colder than usual for this area (Washington County, Maryland.)  I’ve spent a lot of time painting, writing, sketching, and other good cold-weather pursuits.  While it’s been in the single digits and teens much of the week, with a layer of crunchy snow on the ground, I’m already thinking about the garden waking up in a few weeks and what I want to tackle in the yard this year.  But, there are a few more weeks of reading, knitting, and indoor projects before we get there.  I’ll enjoy my hoodies, wool socks, and soup as long as I can. Here are my favorites from this winter week… what I’m reading I received an advance copy of Patina Homes & Gardens by the ever-talented Steve and Brooke Giannetti.  It comes out in just five days!  I have their other books, Patina Homes and Patina Farms, which

I’ve heard from several of my blog readers that they enjoy my Four Things series and it’s given them ideas for how to share on their own blogs or social media or even just in their personal records.  I’m so glad to hear that!  I always hope my blog posts will be a jumping-off point for the creative work (and hobbies) of those who read it. For those who have been waiting for my next original art sale, it will be happening next Friday, January 24, 2025.  I’ll post a preview with more details, available works, sizes, and prices on Monday. So, here are my four things… what I’m reading I’ve been researching the history of record keeping for the past few months and, believe it or not, it has been a fascinating subject that has led me down more rabbit holes and to more books.  I’ve been reading about

Here we are at the first four things of 2025!  I’ve enjoyed this little round-up of favorite things.  Even if you don’t share online, I would encourage you to keep a list of what you’re up to each week.  It can be informally as a list of what you’re reading, what you’re watching, what you’re loving, and what you’re working on.  I guarantee keeping a simple record will make you more observant, intentional, and aware.  It’s also fun to look back to see how you’re spending your time, what you’re taking in, and how you’re growing.  As I shared yesterday, it’s all practice for who you’re becoming. So, here are my four things… what I’m reading I’ve been listening to the audiobook Camille Pissarro: The Audacity of Impressionism while on walks or when I’m getting ready in the morning and it’s been such a fascinating read.  As the title suggests,

This will be my final Four Things of the year since I will take a few weeks off for Christmas break.  If you’ve been reading my blog, you might remember that I used to post every single day – Christmas Day, on vacation, after surgery, when I was sick.  It was a little crazy, but a big part of the daily posting was I enjoyed it so much.  I was always elated about time off when I worked in the corporate world, but I loved writing and sharing on my blog, so I didn’t feel like I needed a break from it.  After a few years of not taking any breaks, I felt understandably burnt out and finally took a week off for Christmas.  As you would imagine, I learned the value of seeing rest as an important part of work and now I take regular, healthy breaks and actual

One of my Instagram followers said it best, “You’ve been Mondaying hard this week.”  Based on the snippets I’ve shared on Stories, I can see why it would look that way.  Sunday afternoon I dropped my palette paint-side-down on the floor.  Less than an hour later, I put a hoodie in the wash (because I got paint on it) and thought it was heavy because the sleeves I had already cleaned were wet. I learned about 15 minutes later that it was heavy because my iPhone was in the pocket.  Miraculously, it still worked.  I put it in front of a fan for a few hours and it’s been fine.  So far, anyway. Then, Tuesday night, I kept waking up because my left foot hurt.  I couldn’t get it in a comfortable position and finally got out of bed around 5:00 to see if I could stretch it out. I

My weekly check-in with what I’m reading, watching, loving, and working on.  This week, I’m turning the tables on you, watching an old favorite, loving a song Marshall shared with me, and working on everything simultaneously.  We can be slightly overwhelmed and a little behind together. what I’m reading In a very rare season of life, I haven’t had time for my usual reading this week!  I listened to one of my audiobooks on a walk, but I haven’t had time to read and study like I normally do.  It’s just that busy season of life with concerts, special events, traveling, and trying to fit in decorating and gift shopping.  It’s only December 5 and I’m already feeling pressed for time.  So, instead of sharing what I’m reading, why don’t you tell me what you’re reading and what you like about it?   what I’m watching I’ve shared the BBC

Four things – Thanksgiving edition!  I hope you’re enjoying friends, family, good food, and a grateful heart today.  I decided to take a few minutes before we’re off-to-the-races on the festivities to share my weekly four things.  Revisiting watercolor, learning more about one of the great polymaths, a quote that makes you thankful for the people who have lighted the flame within you, and the most adorable knitted houses. what I’m reading In my usual way, I’m reading several books simultaneously, so I had to give some thought to which one I wanted to share today.  I’m partway through a couple of books, so I want to reserve sharing them until I’m further in.  So, today I’ll share a book I’ve had for years and I’m returning to.  I want to improve my skills and knowledge with watercolors since they are such a great medium for travel and sketchbooks, so