New Project

Once I get my show on it's way I hope return to work on a new project with the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation. Here are some shots from my first visit to the foundation. I must say, it was a pretty amazing experience. I met many wonderful, inspiring volunteers that dedicated their lives to helping others. Mr. Leroy is one of them that I hope to spotlight in a coffee table book or some other venue in the near future.

Sneak Peek!

Here is a preview of my upcoming show, Southern Breeze, at the 440 Gallery...you'll have to come to the show May 15 - June 21 to see the rest!

Flamenco!

things...

Fairies

More portraits

Portraits

Merry X-Mas!

Hope everyone has a great holiday season!

Nightfall in Montreal

Montreal was quite the surprise! I knew it would be a fun city that felt European but it was really so much friendlier than any French city I've been to before! The people were so nice and didn't make me feel bad because I don't speak French, in fact, they appreciated my lame attempts at merci and bon soir. Needless to say, I really don't need Paris anymore. Rome, I'll keep but Paris can go!

And lest we forget just how beautiful winter can be, here are a few shots from our one night out.

my matty

Hey Matty he's so fine, he's so fine he blows my mind! Hey Matty! Hey Matty! Here are some sweet shots from the early days of our relationship. The one with the lights behind his head is from our 2nd date.... wow! yes, I brought my camera on our dates. What a cheese! I had to send these out today for a show in Rome, so I thought I would add them to my collection on muse photos.

I must say, things are going much better these days. I'm enjoying working from home, I've finally found a rhythm that works and is productive. Yes, there are many hours in the day where I can be found wandering aimlessly but mostly I'm getting things done on all fronts and that feels good!

We are off to Montreal this weekend to show Mr. Lucas some schools and to see the beautiful city itself. I have never been to Montreal, so am excited to see something new. Shockingly, it's only 6 hours to Montreal and 9 hours to Buffalo! If I had to choose a place for Lucas, I'd go with Canada-eh.

Beach Weather

It's getting cold outside! This is when I wish it was still summer and I could walk around in my shorts and a t-shirt all day and night; nary a shiver coursing through my body. Usually, I'm excited by the cold but this year is different. Why? Because I remember last year, shovelling through 10 feet of snow in front of my house. Avalanches falling off the roof and blocking me in... my driveway needing to be plowed two or three times a day... and still getting stuck! All this is why we decided to close the house down for the winter, which makes me sad to think we won't be going up for three months. Our house is my retreat from this crazy city and what will I do without it? Sounds like we'll finally visit our friends in LA this winter! Yay!

Lollipop, Lollipop

Boy, last night I was on the verge of a major meltdown. I was asked to coordinate 20 volunteers to work a silent auction for a non-profit org that I belong to. Everything was swimming along beautifully until the end when things got a bit out of control and disorganized. I hate being "in charge", especially when things start going in the wrong direction. I just shut down emotionally and lose my ability to direct people. Luckily, we got back on track and everything worked out fine but I've been really stressed and hard on myself about the melt-down. I know everything is fine but I'm still blaming myself for the failure of part of the process because I didn't have a clear picture of how things should go and not being able to communicate effectively. I mean, what was all that therapy for if I still can't tell people what I need in a moment of stress?!

Anyway, this lollipop, this sweet childhood fantasy is what I long for... days of no responsibility, lot's of "do-overs" and more importantly just having fun. Why all the stress? Oy!

Do you think this sends the wrong message?

I'm thinking about using this image as a Christmas Card. It's this or a plastic hotdog...

California Dreamin'

Clarity is on the horizon. It's good to have friends that continue to give support and ideas about how to tap into my creative skills. I am working on a few ideas, of which I will discuss when they are more concrete and yeild results (i.e. money). For now, I'll continue posting vagaries on my mental state!

Leaf Me Alone!

Funky Fish

I love these photos. They are so magical, sometimes I can't believe I was able to capture this on film.

Into the Woods

Circles of Confusion

My brain is still in this state... does anyone have any ideas for a job that I would enjoy that can be part-time? If anyone has any insight into my great creative qualities that I am overlooking, please let me know. I am desperately seeking satisfaction and financial stability. Surely this can be achieved.

xmas cards

Every year I want to use this collage for Christmas cards but never get it together to send out from my family to yours. Now, in the digital age, I will post it for all to see and admire our creepy and kooky family! Notice how Matt resembles Uncle Fester a little too closely....


Yes, I can save trees, stamps and the postman's back by posting my cards online. Let's consider this a catch-up for 3 years ago. I'll post another next month then I should be just about there as far as I can figure.

Anyhoo, much work to do. I have to promote myself shamelessly now by posting photos online and write a grant application for Matt. Somehow, the money will start coming in. All I have to do is believe a little more.

glove full of thistle

I'm going upstate this weekend to visit the house. Who knows what I'll find since we haven't been up in a while. The mice and other critters tend to take over; they really own the place, we just visit from time to time! My first winter was the most challenging, those darn mice ate just about everything from the dry pasta to the olive oil. I guess they like Italian food just as much as I do.

Enjoy this beautiful fall weather that has finally arrived here in the city. I'm sure there is 12 feet of snow already on my doorstep upstate! eek!

Swirling minds want to know

This is how my head feels as of late. I am in the midst of searching for a new job, one that I will enjoy, has flexible hours and will pay me enough to feel good about getting that paycheck every week. Sound impossible? It's starting to feel impossible but I know there's something out there! I attempted to leave the artworld, thinking that would be the right thing for me... turns out that is a frightening proposition! The corporate world is very scary in a way I can't quite explain but I think it has something to do with a loss of freedom or one's identity.

My new approach is looking into not-for-profit arts organizations. I want to do something that makes me feel good and will help others. And I like the idea of helping artists, myself included. Am also grappling with the idea of starting my own company, working with artists on fun projects. I dont' want to go into too much detail but it's definitely appealling but also a little bit daunting. I am working on getting over my fear and just diving into being self-employed. If anyone out there would like to donate money to this cause, please feel free to contact me directly.

Don't Drink the Water!

It's true what they say about the water in foreign countries...don't drink it! Don't even drink the water on an airplane unless it comes in a bottle. Don't brush your teeth with tap water and don't, god forbid, take a pill with tap water. What was I thinking? I obviously wasn't. Now, I know the reality of having bacteria in my intestines and it ain't pretty. Finally, I went to the doctor and am now on a round of antibiotics to kill off those little buggers.

Nightime in Belgrade

Sweet Dreams in Costa Rica