I am thrilled every day to live in rural, upland Florida. It is interesting that it took so much of my life to truly treasure this heritage. I often think that I should have understood that many years ago. 

I look out the window of my design studio every morning while I paint and think of all that is so wonderful here. I can watch the cusp of seasonal change and know that Mother Nature is so much wiser than we humans, who stupidly think we are in charge. What a mess we have made of this fine planet. The land we are allowed to live on is our only real asset during our lives. My wise friend taught me twenty years ago that we are but good or bad stewards to land, not owners.

This country painter is grateful……

I’ve been juggling a few things in February. It is a very busy month. It is almost time for Lent. I am not Catholic but I participate in Lent each year. It is a time to give in my view. Each year I send out a small piece of art to 40 randomly selected people who support my career. I don’t attach a message, they just get a little drawing or watercolor unexpectedly. I enjoy it so much. Some I hear from, others not.  

I am soon away to my yearly art residency at Fair Oaks farm. It is the most important residency for me each year. I stay in adorable Mulberry cottage for the week, the guest cottage on the farm. I do whatever I want to for the week. I plan to rest a lot this year. It has been a very tiring year so far.  I will be part of the event for Fair Oaks Foundation on the last Saturday of that week. I hope all of you come to that event. It is so much fun!

Lastly, It is time for this country painter to start some decluttering and to start giving away things I never use……