Publisher's Notes

The design below is called "Family Chalkboard."   I created this as an insert for a chalkboard (the chalkboard is the frame around the design).  It is a combination of things that I had on hand; a basket, candle and wreath.  However, I wanted limes in the painting, so I went and bought some limes to study while I painted.  I visualized them in the basket and drew them in.  I changed the flowers that were really in the wreath with sliced limes, not physically but visually when drawing them.   Sometimes you just have to get a little creative.

I hung this up and a fresh new look was added to my tired four walls.  The bright green gives the hope of spring coming soon and I can write messages and thoughts on the chalkboard as I walk by.  

Have a creative week......... Tracy

I'm happy to announce that I finished the design that I was working on for a publication and mailed it out.  Hooray!!    I'll let you know what happens as soon as I hear. 

A few months ago I was invited to speak at a once a month event called "Women's Journey" at Bethany Church in Rye New Hampshire.   This past Monday night  I went and set up my artwork and told the one hundred and fifty ladies in attendance about my life as a wife, mother and artist/writer.   I was overjoyed by the WARM welcome and the response that I received from these ladies!  They were so friendly and caring that I felt more at ease than I ever expected.  A HUGE thank you to the ladies of Bethany Church, I love you all! 

Yesterday was one of those days when I needed to just take off and go shopping.  I needed a day away to unwind and not think about anything important........a "clear your mind" kind of day.   I tried clothes on and looked at the pretty pink lipsticks.  I even put a quarter in a gumball machine and chewed a gumball!   I can't remember the last time I chewed a gumball.  I felt a little silly with this huge hard wad of gum in my mouth.  I blew a bubble too!    Here I was a grown woman walking around in the Mall all alone chewing gum and blowing bubbles.  A few speed walkers wizzed by me as I strolled along popping in and out of stores.   I went home with a few new pieces of clothes after dressing and undressing a hundred times.  I usually end up with the clothes that I tried on in the stores that have "skinny" mirrors.   I don't want to buy something after putting it on in a tiny room that has a mirror that makes you look wider.  Don't you hate those mirrors?   What is with those stores anyway?  It only makes sense that we like to look thinner in a fitting room, not wider.  After all these years of big marketing strageties, you would think it would be obvious to the business geniuses, make the women look thinner in the store and more merchandise goes home with them.   Anyway, it was a relaxing day and the sales were fantastic!  

The next event that I am getting ready for is the JB Wood Spring Festival of Decorative Arts.  It will take place on March 20th and I'm sure that it will be here quicker than I expect.    I'm teaching a free Make It-Take It.  The photo below is a close up of the insert.  The outside frame is shaped like a star. 

Have a happy Valentine's Day!  I hope you feel lots of LOVE.........Tracy

I'm a bit behind this week already.  Why is it that everything seems to be due at the same time?   I have at least three large commitment projects that I am preparing for and they all need to be completed by early next week.  But it is so much fun to watch it all come together.  Everything else in my life suffers a little, but once the deadlines have been met it's just great to look back and marvel at the way everything worked out.   I am almost finished with the magazine project that I mentioned last week and I have really enjoyed working on it.   I can't wait to tell you about it. 

I recently bought the newest colors (just released) by one of the paint companies and am looking forward to sitting down and playing with them.  Hopefully by the end of February I will be able to.  It's like being a child and getting a new toy, you can't wait to open it and start playing.   It will be a new look for me, they are not colors that I usually gravitate to, but are very pretty, so we'll see....

Sometimes a small break is all it takes to rejuvinate.  We had one nice day last week (one).  It had rained clearing away the snow in some areas and allowing frozen grass to be exposed in the yard.   The sun decided to come out and shine brightly providing us with a temperature somewhere in the high thirties.  In the late morning I went to the window and looked out into the back yard.  The exposed grass was covered with Robin's.  It was amazing to see so many Robin's working feverishly to find seed and other food while they could.   I would venture to say over a hundred birds were out there scanning the small area and others waited on wires and in trees for one to leave so they could swoop in and take it's place.  It was so good to see sun, grass and birds that I watched them for about fifteen minutes.  Then, break was over and it was time to get back to work. 

I'm hoping that you will find something in your week that lifts your spirits and gives you hope...........Tracy