Helena

From Overwhelming to Overflowing

Apparently Valentine’s Day was first observed in Paris on February 14, 1400. The tales of its origin is checkered but no matter it has evolved into an uber-commercialized event meant to express our love. Here are some fun facts: For me it is not about flowers or dinners or chocolate or gifts but rather itContinue reading “From Overwhelming to Overflowing”

Gnome Sweet Gnome

I have not been particularly attracted to Gnomes but stumbled upon images that inspired me to explore them as a subject for a greeting card. After some research, I have become intrigued by these magical, mythical creatures of good will, mischief and above all nocturnal protectors of gardens. I was smitten by: “nocturnal protectors.” MyContinue reading “Gnome Sweet Gnome”

Hang It Up!

I know! It has been quite a while since I posted anything. I have a litany of excuses. But mostly I just got “hung up.” On what, you might ask? Well, whatever it is, I am moving on and now getting back into my studio, taking it slowly with a bit of doodling. Maybe itContinue reading “Hang It Up!”

Just Breathe

How many times has your “breath been taken away?” For how long can you hold your breath? Sometimes I feel like these past 2 years have been breathless and yet, I breathe. Breath is a miracle. When we don’t think about it, we just breathe. When we do think about it, it can slow downContinue reading “Just Breathe”

Bowl Not Included

Did you know that Mother’s Day originated in Philadelphia? On May 12, 1907, Anna Jarvis held a memorial service to celebrate her late mother who was an organizer of women’s groups to promote friendship and health. Within five years virtually every state was observing the day, and in 1914 U.S. President Woodrow Wilson made itContinue reading “Bowl Not Included”

Spring Rights Winter’s Wrongs

How long was winter for you? It’s not so much that the weather was bad or cold; it was just dark. And then one day, one of my house plants reminded me that Spring was on its way and regardless of my neglect, there is hope in new growth. Heading into my studio to playContinue reading “Spring Rights Winter’s Wrongs”

What Color is Happiness?

Can you define happiness? As I started the new year, I decided to participate in an artistic challenge, #happyyouin22. I followed word prompts for the month of January that were listed and posted on Instagram. At the same time that I as creating, I was taking a course on positive psychology. (I am a positiveContinue reading “What Color is Happiness?”

History is an angel….

…being blown backwards into the future. This line from Laurie Anderson’s The Dream Before haunted me as I considered a year-end reflection and a new-year preparation. When we make resolutions, there is some implication that we want to do better, do more, do different and lose sight of what has gone well, what we haveContinue reading “History is an angel….”

A Pause

I’ve been away, enjoying the proximity to my son and daughter and celebrating milestone events with them. This has been a time to recalibrate, to reflect, to refresh. Though I have put away my brush and paints, I’ve been collecting visual memories to recreate in watercolor. As I prepared food and activities for Thanksgiving, IContinue reading “A Pause”

Reflecting the Light

It has been delightful to watch the dragonflies dancing in my garden, their iridescent wings reflecting the sunlight. When a friend suggested I watercolor dragonflies, I started the adventure as I always do, seeking inspiration, finding different styles and techniques, and understanding the subject. Along the way, I discovered things about the dragonfly that IContinue reading “Reflecting the Light”