A Multitude of Curiosities

 Hello friends,

I'm spending my days at the cottage working on the illustration for my very first children's book The Tale of MerryMaid Scarlette Rose™. I also spent a few days doing much-needed research and was able to get my company products trademarked and copyrighted. I feel quite pleased and genuinely proud of myself for so many things I've been independently accomplishing.  

 I also paint for myself when I'm not painting for my book, so that I will continue to hone my craft.

"I believe in magick"

This painting is for sale $25 sand dollars.  

"Ask~Beleive~Receive"

 This painting is for sale $25

I made a little jute line and hung my fall art to display for a photo shoot. Oliver was a terrific model.

I spend hours writing and practicing my penmanship and calligraphy. I have since I was a child. 

 I made an herb, flower drying rack for the cottage. I add baskets and all sorts of particulars to create a European look.

"Light Carrier"

 This painting is for sale $25.

A day at my childhood pond.

 A commissioned piece for my friend Janice.

 I've had so many things on my mind as of late. I've been walking to one of the ponds that are located two blocks from the cottage. I have really enjoyed the solitude and thinking deeply about a few particulars. One of those particulars is that without the announcement, I quietly deleted most of my social media platforms {all except Youtube and this blog} from my smartphone. I am quite a social person, and have loved sharing, but have felt in the last year I began to have a negative visceral effect everytime I'd open an app. I didn't delete my accounts but have found it to be something that I think will allow me to get many more ventures accomplished and I will have more energy and focus to place deeper and more consistent content on my youtube and here on my blog.

 It hasn't been twenty~four hours and yet I find I have such an open stream of joy in my day. I woke up enthusiastic about really making a go of my blog. In some weird way, I think that when one is not so available and connected everywhere, it leaves an open door for my true friends, viewers, and readers to seek out my work and to become more authentically engaged.

 During the fall months one of my dearest friends Janice that I met through the Tasha Tudor Take Peace sent me lovely fall leaves. I made garlands by stringing them all with needle and thread. I hung them in the cottage windows. The candles were all aglow and they were spectacular to look at.

My leaf garland I created for fall at the cottage "Staffordshire".

 I made my Mermaid Magical Peanut butter cookies for my tea time. I was able to find a lovely recipe to add to my recipe box. When my previous marriage ended it's funny how after settling in and beginning my new life I realized all the little things that I no longer had possession of. I no longer had any of my old recipes. It took me my whole life to create such a terrific collection, but I have learned how to begin a new with everything in my life. In speaking about this in a post one day, my friend Janice sent me along with her collected leaves, she sent me some vintage recipe cards and a cookie recipe from her own collection. I cried tears of appreciation that she felt impressed to share. I am so blessed by the universe/God every day.

I am going to continue to use this blog to share with you the many glimpses and moments of my life by documenting my journey and beauty of all the wonders I'm relearning.

I believe highly in spirit guides and know that one of those guides is Beatrix Potter. I have studied her life for over half of my life.

 I had the time to stop off at the nearest thrift store and found this solid brass candlestick holder for .75 cents, needlepoint serving tray for 1.25, and the fall needlepoint for .75 cents. I added some dried flowers to the sides to cover up the webbing, but I think it turned out quite charming.

 I love old-fashioned clothing and have worn old clothing since my childhood. I was slowly conditioned out of wearing the clothes that I felt most comfortable in however, I am slowly re-establishing a whole new wardrobe. I found this historical pattern on Etsy. I'm still seeking out the most perfect fabric for this pattern, so until then I have it all cut out and ready to go.

I bought several of Susan Branch's books for my newly created library at the cottage. I have loved her for so long, and she was a terrific encouragement as I rediscovered my art career. She's such an inspiration.