I know I’ve been cryptic about “things I’m working on” and “new projects” for the past few months.  Those vague phrases are actually referring to several irons in the fire.  You know about some them like the fabric designs I’m working on for Spoonflower and the oil painting course for beginners, but there are a few other projects that are still in the development stage.  I’m excited about all of them, though, and I can’t wait until they are ready to be sent out into the world. Today, though, I am excited to finally launch a project I’ve been working on diligently for a couple of months but has been on my heart for years.  With the shift away from online and market retail that happened with my move to Minnesota, I have found space for new ideas and the time to finally bring this one to life. I am

Well, I made it back from Florida!  The trip there was a little eventful (lots of delays, maintenance issues with planes, etc.), but I got there and only lost a few hours in the process.  This is the second creative retreat I’ve done that wasn’t going to a planned/scheduled conference.  Of course, attending a conference has a lot of value, but I usually end up coming home tired, overstimulated and overwhelmed.  I come home from these personal retreats feeling like I’ve had the quiet thinking time I need and walking through the surf certainly helps me unwind. This one was spent at Panama City, FL, where Shaunna’s parents own a condo right on the beach.  It was a beautiful setting and the perfect place for us to spend a long weekend together. This retreat did have a purpose beyond just relaxing girl-time, though.  As I’ve shared on the creative business

Last March, I went on a three-day creative retreat to Florida with a friend.  She needed a break from her routine and so did I.  So, we traveled together, split the cost of a hotel room, and then went our separate ways each day to get what we needed. That time was so valuable!  I came back with decisions made on several things I had been struggling through.  I was filled with new ideas, plans, and a fresh enthusiasm for my work.  I also gained clarity on my goals and core values. And now, I’m heading back to Florida to meet up with my dear friend, Shaunna, for another creative retreat.  We’re going to do a lot of thinking and planning together while we walk in the surf and sit by the pool.  (Going to a relaxing and beautiful destination is the best way to do creative retreats if you

As I shared last week, some birds (I’ve since learned they are house finches) have built a nest on my front door, tucked behind my Christmas wreath.  I have been watching the eggs with excitement and wonder.  As someone who has never been much of a birdwatcher, I’m getting sucked into that fascinating world. A few nights ago, I peek into the nest (using the camera on my phone, because it’s too high for me to see) and there was one egg that looked different from the rest.  I figured it was the bird equivalent of the black sheep.  For some reason, that egg was just a little larger and had more speckles than the rest.  What also gave me that impression was there were still five eggs. I shared the picture on Instagram and came to learn about cowbirds.  They are considered parasitic birds who will lay their eggs