Laughter to Cheer You

May you always have walls for the wind, a roof for the rain, and tea beside the fire; laughter to cheer you, those you love near you, and all that your heart may desire. - Irish Proverb

When you think about that special person in your life, what do you wish for them? A roof? A cup of tea? A warm fire? Someone who makes them laugh? Loved ones close by? Their heart’s content?

This Irish proverb is one of my favorites, because it gently reaches out, sends loving wish, and defines some of our most basic needs and comforts.

Besides, that extraordinary word — LAUGHTER — is so much fun to write! Find someone who makes you laugh. :)

If you need a special gift for a housewarming, a graduation, or a wedding — or just because — consider this matted print.

The Joy of Abstract Backgrounds

Several years ago, I created this abstract background with every intent of lettering something profound in the smooth space in the center. But days and weeks and months and years went by, and I ultimately found that I liked it unadorned.

What do you think? Is this canvas screaming for a message, or can it stand on its own?

This week, I have been working nonstop on my submission for the Washington Calligraphers Guild 50th Anniversary exhibit. After intuitively painting a lovely backdrop in glorious colors to highlight meaning of the text by John Muir, I hand lettered the quote in white. The end result is a satisfying combination of happy accidents, a few little journeys outside of my comfort zone, a heartfelt tribute to my very special mentor, and finished piece that is exactly the vibe I wanted to contribute to this very important occasion. Here’s a tiny glimpse of the background. Stay tuned!

BREAD AND BUTTER

Last week, a very kind fellow artist reminded me of something I already knew, but had temporarily overlooked: There are two sides to our little slice of creative passion. The authentic work that we intuitively dream up, dream about, pour our souls into, and eventually share with the world, is only one side of our story. Equally important is the other side — the “bread and butter” projects. These are the projects that allow us to continue doing what we love.

This month, I am focusing on the bread and butter projects, as I transition toward a new way of looking at my daily creative life. Commissions are invaluable, and they are almost always a wonderful journey into something new. They keep me going and keep me happy. I’m always seeking new customers and new custom projects, especially when I can ultimately manage to touch another soul and make someone else happy too.

And yet sometimes, it’s also nice to take a few hours off to simply make some bread. After all, stretching and folding sessions are a perfect time to relax, reflect, and look ahead - and most importantly, to start dreaming about my next few creations!

Our Deepest Thanks

“Sometimes our light goes out but is blown again into flame by an encounter with another human being. Each of us owes our deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this inner light.” (Albert Schweitzer)

These 3.5 inch accordion style (concertina) books are among my favorite tiny treasures to create. I hand letter them individually with gold gouache on a lovely cream artist quality paper. For the covers and embellishments, I use various decorated papers from my stash, many of which I have painted myself. I tuck them into a sheer matching gift bag to provide another element of surprise and to add a special touch. Each book is one of a kind, and they make wonderful gifts!

Ocean's Edge and Cool Change

“My life is like a stroll along the beach, as near the ocean’s edge as I can go.” (Henry David Thoreau)

I have lettered these words many times over the years, and find them to be profound and insightful, but also somewhat amusing. After all, “I was born in the sign of water, and it's there that I feel my best…” (Little River Band) You get the idea.

But back to our friend Thoreau. You may find it interesting to learn that “the stroll along the beach” passage above represents just the first two lines of Thoreau’s much longer poem entitled “The Fisher’s Boy,” featured in Thoreau's collection, Poems of Nature (1895). Enjoy!

"My life is like a stroll upon the beach, ⁠As near the ocean's edge as I can go; My tardy steps its waves sometimes o'erreach, ⁠Sometimes I stay to let them overflow.

My sole employment 'tis, and scrupulous care, ⁠To place my gains beyond the reach of tides, Each smoother pebble, and each shell more rare, ⁠Which Ocean kindly to my hand confides.

I have but few companions on the shore: ⁠They scorn the strand who sail upon the sea; Yet oft I think the ocean they've sailed o'er ⁠Is deeper known upon the strand to me.

The middle sea contains no crimson dulse, ⁠Its deeper waves cast up no pearls to view; Along the shore my hand is on its pulse, ⁠And I converse with many a shipwrecked crew."

A recent

“stroll

upon the

beach”

Early morning, June 2026

What lies within us

What lies behind us? What lies before us? More importantly, what lies within us? (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

A few years ago, I found myself walking — or “ambling” — along the lush New England path that Thoreau and Emerson traversed between Emerson’s house and Walden Pond. I treasure the memory of that day, happily living in the moment and taking some time to think about my own resilience and inner strength.

The words of both Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson often seem to resonate with me. This month, these hand embellished calligraphy prints with Emerson’s quote are available in my shop!

The mountains are calling and I must go!

Have you visited my online Etsy shop? Here’s a sneak peak at a recent addition: custom calligraphy on 8x10 mats, to help you celebrate your visit to one of our glorious National Parks. I hand letter these in gold ink on white or black mats, with or without your photo!

National Parks

Custom

calligraphy

on 8x10 mats

(This photo was taken during a trip to Denver with my daughter in the summer of 2025. Our vantage point was breathtaking, pun intended!)

To see various options, follow this link. Then, start packing your bags!

A Studio Update

If you received my May 2026 newsletter, you may be a former client or a fellow artist. Perhaps you are a family member, a work colleague, or a long-time friend. You might even be a brand new friend or colleague! You may live close by or far away. No matter how we came to know each other, I have some exciting news to share. Beginning this month, I am devoting significantly more time to my creative pursuits, which means I’m once again available to happily focus on meaningful calligraphy commissions, exhibit my work, and create a wide variety of art to sell online.

If you have not yet received the newsletter but would like to be added to the mailing list, please sign up using the NEWSLETTER tab at the top of the home page.

My artistic style offers uplifting, colorful, and nature inspired themes. Literary quotes often find their way into my work as well. Playing with words brings me joy!

Spring is in the Air

Seasons come and seasons go, sometimes taking us by surprise with their unexpected twists and turns, even when we know that change is in the air. Although change is usually welcome and always inevitable, what remains constant? What strengths do you have that run like a thread through the woven fabric of your life? For me, words like Resilience, Authenticity, and Optimism come to mind. Think about your own words and hold them close.

In the coming weeks I plan to work on some exciting new commissions, prepare for shows, create personalized gifts, bind hand-lettered books, and reach out to many of my creative colleagues. Spring is a time of renewal, growth, and connection. I hope that some of you will think about “your words” and share them with me. What inner qualities nurture you on your journey? Click on Contact to share. You never know when your words might inspire some new works of art!

Stop by my Etsy shop this season to find out!

Making Time to Create

Do you give yourself some grace while navigating life’s twists and turns? Artists occasionally tend to wander away from our “creative homes” — sometimes quite intentionally, sometimes because we are drawn elsewhere temporarily, and sometimes just because we need a little break. But we always come back, mostly because we cannot imagine giving up the pursuits we love. One of my favorite quotes comes to mind:

“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect, but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity. The creative mind plays with the objects it loves.” - Carl Jung

Whether playing with letterforms on the page, or playing with yarn and weaving something new, or even concocting something delicious in my kitchen, I only truly feel like myself when I make time to create.

Where are you on this journey? Are you taking a little break, or joyfully returning to your creative spirit? No matter the current path you’re on, be gentle with yourself and enjoy the much needed respite, the thoughtful planning, the studio preparation, or the creative frenzy! As for me, it’s almost spring — a time for renewed energy and and a fresh start. You’ll see me around a little more often during the next few years; I think it’s safe to say I’m BACK, pen in hand!

WCG 50th Anniversary

This year, the Washington Calligraphers Guild celebrates 50 years! As noted on the guild website, “the Washington Calligraphers Guild promotes the study and practice of calligraphy while fostering a wider appreciation and deeper understanding of artistic hand lettering and related disciplines. A non-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization, the Guild was founded in 1976 by acclaimed calligrapher Sheila Waters with her colleagues and students.”

As excitement builds and sparks of gratitude seep into our collective memories, I am reminded of my own calligraphic journey — and the mentors who inspired me — including the years when I was fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time to study with Sheila. I miss her incredible expertise, her thoughtful guidance and encouragement, her candid critiques, and especially her twinkling eyes and mischievous grin.

January joy

Somewhere along the way — about 15 years ago — my calligraphic journey paused just long enough for me to pursue another ancient art form when I purchased my 45” floor loom!

Weaving is another methodical, meditative activity that allows my creative heart to play with design and color.

Here’s a sneak peak of my most recent project, in two shades of green. This one was a labor of love, with a new-to-me fiber (cottolin) and my first attempt at the shadow weave technique.

Life long learning is a path to pure joy!