I love more than anything to add, change or upgrade things in our home … and I firmly believe that moving furniture is one of life’s most exciting things! However, keeping things somewhat the same gives me an instant sense of comfort, nostalgia and authenticity.

So many of the words from this article have popped into my mind at the oddest times this week … instant interiors, fast fashion for the home, passing interior trends …each one of them brought me back to my childhood home (which you all know I adore) and my Nana’s home. Neither of them changed much in decor or style over several decades, and I think that is part of what made them feel so deeply like home.

Enjoy the following article … and I would love to hear your thoughts on where you stand with decorating, and what you do to keep your home uniquely you.

The Harmonious Home Approach

Instant Interiors Are Ruining Our Homes and Our Confidence

I started my design career in fashion, for Calvin Klein. I remember feeling how unfair it was that good design and beautiful fabrics were limited to the privileged and vowed to spend my career designing for the mainstream…

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21 days ago · 56 likes · 12 comments · Claire Franklin

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In my hands …

Black pen in my well loved sketchbook is my perfect way to start my day!

From home …

I had a moment with this tiny scene on my kitchen island the other day … the green linen towel, the veining in the island, and that cheerful, chartreuse egg tray. It’s the little things, y’all!

When I am open to noticing them … they surprise me all the time!

Noticing …

I’ve been thoroughly enjoying flipping through the pages of my English magazine.

It has opened my eyes to the most thoughtful homes—spaces decorated with the people you love in mind, buttery-yellow rooms I never realized I loved so much, and bookshelves filled with books that aren’t perfectly arranged, but instead look like they’re simply waiting for you to reach in and pull one off the shelf.

Oh, the simple pleasures of a magazine … I can throw it in my tote, make notes as I go, tuck away ideas, and easily return to favorite pages later. And there is something about the feel of magazine paper ~ slightly luxurious to me. I’m a fan.

In the studio …

Current art available! I am patiently waiting (or at least trying to be patiently waiting) for the gold frames to arrive. Once framed, these are easily paired together and can also stand alone with great confidence to fill an empty wall!

Message me to add this art to your collected home!

Xoxo, ellen

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I absolutely love to enter a home where there are books surrounding me. In the bookshelves, on the coffee table, open on a chair … I am not picky!

But to focus on the coffee table books … I seem to treat them with love when I have an over-abundance of time … which translates into never. Sure … I will flip through them every once in a while, but sitting down and actually reading them, and spending time with the stunning photos ~ not so much.

But this is changing this week. I will be diving into these books, and rest assured there will be a lot of hand written little notes tucked into the pages!

In my hands …

With only a few paint colors, and 12 of the most perfect pieces of handmade paper (with deckled edges, I must add) I have been working for weeks on a series of paintings.

I treated the paper like I was playing in my sketchbook … it was the best feeling painting these.

Kind of funny that with fewer paint options, my creativity came a bit easier.

From home …

Our home is enjoying a bit of a routine again … with our daughters back to school and college.

I miss not hearing their footsteps upstairs during the day, hearing the constant chatter of their voices, seeing their sleepy selves in the late morning, and having a constant in and out home, never quite having a grasp of where they are going, or when. Summer is electric, and exciting in our home and I am its biggest fan.

So now that structure, routine, deadlines, and due dates are the words swirling in my head … I’m going to savor these last little stretches of summer and welcome whatever the season ahead brings. But deep down I will be looking forward to the long and unhurried days of summer 2027!

Noticing …

A trip to my “not normal” grocery store and the added excitement of not knowing where anything was … landed me beautifully surrounded by home magazines. A lot of them. I kind of wanted them all.

I quickly chose one doused with wallpapered walls and gardens. Gardens that I could only dream of … because let’s be honest, I paint florals and petals because I can’t keep real live plants alive.

I am taking my time with my beloved magazine, and instead of reading fiction, I am treating myself to all the wonderful words from this gorgeous english magazine.

Hoping and praying that tonight will be filled with flipping through the magazine pages with a spritz in hand, and dreaming of just the right luscious wallpaper.

In the studio …

Back to school means a little more time in the studio … and I’m excited to start sharing first peeks of new artwork with my paid subscribers.

They’ll see new pieces — and have the opportunity to purchase them — before I share them anywhere else & on social media.

A little studio “something”, just for paid subscribers. 🤍

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Have a wonderful week! Xoxo, ellen

It got me thinking of luxury … what do we value and consider to be a luxury? Is it all in how we look at it, in the moment, with the right mindset?

From a simple stand point, yes, a tomato plucked off the vine could easily qualify. A Louis Vuitton bag, clutch, evening bag, (or anything LV for that matter) could also be the epitome of luxury (and a dream come true…ha ha!)

So at this moment, here are a few luxuries that come to mind for me …

Sleeping in. Unhurried mornings with my husband … coffee in hand. Feet in the sand and eyes on the ocean. Manicures. Walks with my family. Paper, thread, linen and yarn. And of course, time … preferably with the ones I love the most.

In my hands …

From home …

My love affair with my French caned chair.

Noticing …

Wallpaper, and loving the fact that it is back in a big way. Trying to contain myself, because at the moment I am craving it in every room in our home! Thank you to my husband for keeping me in check!

In the studio …

Played with paint colors this week on a few paintings … off the wall they came, and some of the textures and colors changed. Some turned out beautifully, others not so much … but regardless it was a week of celebrating the magic of paint.

Before you go … I’m curious … What feels like luxury in this season of your life?

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“Clara” … available!

xoxo, ellen

What I don’t love is more time with my phone, so I started this notebook years ago …. a way for Pinterest/tumblr to be in my hands in a different way.

Flipping through the pages is the most delightful thing!

Here are a few peeks from my little notebook …

In my hands …

Only on page 18. If you’ve read it … tell me that I am going to love it!

From home …

Hazel napping on her favorite thing … a journal or paper of any sort! We are kindred spirits I guess!

Noticing …

Summer has always carried a little bit of what we used to call boredom—a word my sisters and I were never allowed to say growing up. Mom and dad ~ this was a brilliant move , and one that we have totally adopted in our home as well!

Even as an adult, I will pause when I hear someone say they are bored … like they are moments away from getting in trouble for saying those words.

I have come to realize that boredom is probably the reason that I love summer as much as I do. Our schedules soften, our summer hours are more casual, and we can choose to make them creatively unique, and entirely different from any other season.

I shared this note earlier in the week … a quote my sister shared with me a while back ~

Years ago, I attended a reading conference and was so lucky to hear many of my very favorite childrens’ authors speak. Norton Juster, author of The Phantom Tollbooth, cautioned us not to over schedule our children. He said that if he hadn’t had downtime as a child, he would have never become a writer … that idleness fosters creativity. ~ ALK

In the studio …

A lot of time in my art room this week … excess time, and this seems to be when surprise treasures happen to be created, and this one has me smiling. Not sure if it is the cotton paper, the colors, or the wonky leaves that I so love … (available.)

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What surprised me most wasn’t the travel, though.

It was what everyone brought home.

My daughters were out shopping in Italy, passed a paper store, and surprised me with the most gorgeous, textured, white handmade paper … and to top it off, it is covered with daisies … truly couldn’t be more perfectly thoughtful!

My son and daughter-in-law gifted me the most beautiful and unique set of three journals, french inspired, tied together with the most perfect, green velvet ribbon. Thoughtful, simple … and insanely touching to receive these!

In my hands …

In addition to a lot of paint, knitting, needlepoint, and journaling, I am currently reading the book Ordinary Grace ~ William Kent Krueger. I am enjoying the pace of a simple story that is beautifully written.

From home …

My beloved green, hand painted, metal tray from my mother’s kitchen … something I hold very dear that I choose to keep in our laundry room.

Noticing …

I am embracing the summer feel of our home. Yes, I love when everything is in it’s place, but I won’t lie that the mudroom with shoes scattered around, sunscreen left out ~ evidence of a day well spent at the pool, and the little snippets of thread from a needlepoint project reminds me that life moves a little more slowly during these months … probably the reason I have such a love affair with summer.

In the studio …

I save nearly every interesting piece of paper because you never know when you’ll need just the right texture, color, or imperfect torn edge.

Yes, I save tea bag paper, kraft bags with unique shapes, tissue paper with wonky edges, and the packing paper found in boxes.

Baskets hold these for me beautifully, and in my mind, immediately elevate the look of my paper hodge-podge.

Thank you, as always, for welcoming me into your inbox each week.

My hope is that these few quiet minutes feel like a small moment of calm from the day’s emails.

For additional artwork and studio glimpses, Visit me on instagram

xoxo, ellen

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But this week has been beautiful in its own way … seeing the excitement as our daughter takes her senior photos, and finding time for the six of us to gather around the table for dinner. My heart is full today. Watching them grow is a gift, and every season of it is enormously fun!

In my hands …

My first needlepoint belt! Oh how I love the feel and ease of needlepoint! Only the basic stitch for this one, which is fine with me … the perfect relaxing project for our summer, that has been quite busy.

From home …

As you may have remembered from last year … I no longer have a housekeeper. Our summer has been a whirlwind with travel & I am ready to have the time to tend to our home … trust me when I say that it needs it.

Here is a few words from last years post On cancelling our housekeeper …

And here is where it gets interesting … housekeeping and creativity have become intertwined. Doing the mundane tasks of cleaning has removed me from my art room and the endless list of to-dos; however, it has opened my eyes to deeper creative ideas. My hands are busy in a different way, and my mind is freer.

Much to my surprise, I love my “tidying time!” These are daily minutes set aside for me to think creatively, dream, pray, and simply follow where my brain takes me. I see things with a slightly different view while cleaning. Instead of seeing the room as a whole, I now see the small details. I may notice a leaf or a new shade of green outside while dusting the blinds, which in turn creates an idea for a floral that I would love to see on canvas! The mundane has allowed me to think of my art differently.

I have changed my mindset ~ I now romanticize the moment and enjoy moving slowly through my daily cleaning. The creativity is hitting hard, the holiday excitement feels genuine again, and our home, which I have always loved, is now even more charming to me! My love affair with our home is deepening with each room I vacuum and shelf that I dust.

Noticing …

Baskets … it’s an obsession of mine.

They amaze me in that they all seem to coordinate perfectly with one another. They don’t have to match, but yet it’s fine if they do.

They have the power to make the most mundane items turn into a luxury heirloom in seconds!

And contrary to what my husband may say, I never have any regrets in buying more baskets … never.

In the studio …

My latest piece … Clara. I am slightly sad to have her off of my art table. She has become a fixture in my studio and has gifted me days and weeks of adding more and more layers of paint! So many amazing shades of greens … one can never have enough green, right?

Big, enormous thank you’s for allowing me to show up in your inbox weekly!

For additional artwork and studio glimpses, Find me on Instagram

xoxo, ellen

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So this week’s writings are centered around our week, and how Italy took our breath away!

In my hands …

(Or should I say “in my Italy travel bag?”)

I brought my knitting … my bright, Clemson orange knitting. I am currently trying to replicate an oversized scarf that I love, in hopes that it will keep me warm during November football games. As usual, I need several more skeins!

From home …

The Italy homes ~ the doors ya’ll … they were amazing. So charming, larger than life, decorative beyond belief, and simply inspiring.

And I’ll end with my favorite ~ because it is perfectly green …

Noticing …

Italy is wonderfully different ~ full of little quirks that I don’t want to ever forget. My journal is filled with pages of small details and moments that made Italy so memorable.

Here are just a few … the sound of the police cars, caffe latte is served in a glass ~ very hot and next to impossible to hold onto … eating dinner at 9 o’clock is genius … i loved each and every cobblestone and every single alleyway … the water bottle caps don’t come off … everything is so, so old and has so much character!

In the studio …

I am thankful to be back in my little art room today. I was greeted with my big, almost finished artwork on my art table … full of greens with cheerful, white florals. It was fun to put paintbrush to canvas today … totally inspired thanks to Italy.

So … with aperol spritz in hand … cheers to a wonderful and art filled week!

xoxo, ellen

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We don’t do gifts in our home for Mother’s Day. Flowers and Reeces Peanut Butter cups are always welcomed, but no big, wrapped gifts please.

I worked very hard to become a Mama, and continued to work hard to grow our family, so my dream is simply to be with my tribe of six!

The biggest gift to me this year, were the sweetest notes, written by my husband, and each of my children. In their own words, they captured perfectly what I needed to hear … and I didn’t even know that I needed to hear it!

Words matter, notes are impactful, and I will cherish each one!

in my hands …

A book that I have been eyeing for so long, is finally in my hands!

It’s going to be a good one, so this weekend it’s paired with a glass of wine, nice weather, and this book on my lap … a slice of heaven!

from home …

Avocado toast anyone? My daughter’s sculpture … proof to me that art makes our home feel personal, and alive.

noticing …

The past few weeks have been insanely busy … end of the school year, study abroad, a lacrosse state championship, a birthday, Mother’s Day … and of course everyday surprises sprinkled in.

We are exhausted, the house isn’t as tidy as I would like, but the simple act of making our bed has been my priority.

I have enjoyed not rushing through the process, but slowing it down a bit and it has gifted me a new way of looking at this task … perspective, right?

in the studio …

Walking into my art room this morning to a messy art table, I realized I truly have a slight love affair with my drop cloth.

Many of the paint marks, spills, and yes … clumps of paint with globs of glitter … bring back the most fabulous creative memories!

Artists from the ages of 18 months to 60 have made their marks on my drop cloth … makes me smile big!

A small note … I’m settling into a new way of writing … a simple opening, followed by a few corners: in my hands, from home, noticing, and in the studio. It keeps things feeling a bit more fresh, with the hope of adding wholesomeness to your Sunday evenings.

Available soon.

Quote from the book The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

… lovely, right?

in my hands …

Still enjoying stitch after stitch of my needlepoint. Perhaps I am overly optimistic, but may possibly be finishing it up this weekend! I am committed to using the threads that I already have, rather than purchasing more.

Digging through my basket full of threads has proven to be quite a decadent experience and unexpected colors that aren’t the perfect pairing are adding even more interest to my canvas.

from home …

This past weekend, we spruced up our home and hosted prom brunch and prom dinner for our daughter and her friends (we are still recuperating!) The sun came out just in time, the dresses were beautiful, the suits and tux’s so classic, the flowers just perfectly gorgeous, the food delicious, balloon towers that luckily came together easier than expected, but my favorite was the tablecloths that I layered on the three tables. Tablecloths from my Nana and my mother. Various sizes, different shades of whites and off whites, some with subtle embroidery, others beautifully plain. They were layered, and it was just perfect!

noticing …

This banner says it all …

You don’t need a studio. You don’t need a degree.

We are all already making something!

in the studio …

I would love to introduce you to my basket of “whatever” … filled with packing paper, tissue paper that feels slightly wonderful, and other, random papers that will one day be a part of my art.

The wonky-ness of this basket is what made me fall in love with it. It will forever sit so beautifully & imperfectly under my art table.

A small note … I’m settling into a new way of writing here … a simple opening, followed by a few corners: in my hands, from home, noticing, and in the studio. It keeps things feeling a bit more fresh and enjoyable, with the hopes of adding a small bit of joy to your inbox each week.

xoxo, ellen

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This week, I have thoroughly enjoyed gathering beautiful papers and quickly getting lost in the moment … so much joy being surrounded by so much paper!

If you’d like to join in, message me your address. I would be so happy to mail you a little bundle of cut paper to get you started … because every home deserves a paper chain at least once!

in my hands …

Needlepoint has been the “love of my week.” This week I have brought back to life an old canvas that has been neglected in my cabinet for years. I’m choosing colors as I go, so this could end up really well or just the opposite!

from home …

My obsession continues to grow with candlesticks. It all started with one … i fell in love … and i’m finding it difficult to stop.

Just one can steal the show and fill up a room.

I think it is in the simplicity of it … they remind me of the dining room table in my childhood home … i find them just so beautiful!

noticing …

I work at our local bookstore and there is something absolutely lovely about young readers. They seem to value books like no other. Cheers to the young readers out there!

in the studio …

It’s a little messy and disheveled in the studio at the moment, but this is the base layer of what I’ve been working on.

It’s full of play ~ unexpected shapes, colors that don’t quite make sense, and combinations that are ever-changing.

There is something about this stage that I love the most.

A small note … I’m settling into a new way of writing here … each week beginning with a simple opening, followed by a few corners: in my hands, from home, noticing, and in the studio. It helps keep things feeling a bit more fresh and familiar!

Xoxo, ellen

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I am proud of my 251 pages. My personality in black-and-white and of course pops of color every now and then! But today I get to start another one… It’s a big day for me… and even sweeter because it’s GREEN! Yes, it’s a big day for me.

I share a lot of my art journals here on Substack, but my personal journals are more for me… more private and I like it that way. But as I close up light pink and bring out bright green, I thought we could celebrate together and share a few ~ just a few journal page glimpses.

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Journals can be anything that you want them to be, but in all cases I believe that they are transformational! I love seeing someone sitting outside or in a coffee shop with a journal, and nothing else … such a simple pleasure!

I personally love the Leuchtturm journals as they are sturdy with wonderful paper and filled with so many pages. They will stay with you a while! I am in love!

Have an enormously happy week & please let me know what journals you enjoy … I would love to try them! After all, it’s always a good idea to stockpile stationery, paper and journals, right??

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Our youngest tore her ACL (knee tendon) playing lacrosse, and in the process has lost a lot of independence and mobility and comfort.

Surgery is behind us … and now physical therapy & ice are our best friends! We are busy, and moving slowly, and doing everything we can to provide comfort to our girl! Friends, teammates, neighbors, family and home have been the best medicine!

Our home has been a gift … a wonderful place of peace and comfort! It is messy, there is cat hair on the floor, there are dishes in the sink, our laundry pile is extensive, but at the same time as I look around, I see couches that are set up for the utmost comfort, tables that are covered with bedazzling supplies, cards displayed from teammates and friends, encouraging our daughter, etc, etc.

In a nutshell, our house does not look the same, or operate as it usually does. We are a mess…we are tired…but at the same time we have been even closer and more connected and have had some really happy & close moments.

Our home has not disappointed!

So yes, this week‘s writings look very different. As many of you know, I’m deeply passionate about the creative side of our home. Even though I haven’t had the time lately to paint, knit, write, journal, stitch or dream in my sketchbook, our home has somehow surprised me with its own warmth, creativity and quiet gifts—appearing all on its own.

A few home peeks from the week… Because what is a substack post without photos?!?

Xoxo, Ellen

It is such a magical part of the day … rested, the shadows presenting themselves in the most obscure ways, the sky presenting a new scenery, the smell of coffee, the sight of the warmest and coziest bed that you just hopped out of, the whole day in front of you, so many unknowns, the mystery of a new day, so many plans and hopes and dreams of what the day can bring … and it all starts out with you and your morning.

I think this is why I love reading about how people choice to start their one and only new day … because I don’t want to miss an opportunity to change my routine for the better … I need confirmation that I am not missing anything!

Over several decades, I have fine tuned my mornings and absolutely adore when I wake up a few minutes early to get in some of my most favorite things … stage set for a great day!

We have a sitting room in our bedroom … coffee pot, and a fireplace perfectly placed. It has become one of my favorite places in our home. I keep a lot on the table, plenty to keep myself occupied.

A great day consists of a LONG time in this sitting room, favorite UGG slippers on, filled with my sketchbook, my current read (about to start the book The Correspondent), the Bible, journals, knitting, embroidery, and of course my favorite mug with hot coffee! On the weekend, my husband will often times join me and we can easily talk our way through a few hours.

Mornings hold a lot of value, and I believe they matter more than we think. Our mornings may be telling us something about ourselves, or possibly with a new simple routine change, mornings can quietly shape everything ~ possibly better, or simply bring us more calm and joy to the beginning of our day.

So tell me …

• What spurs you along? Excites you to actually get out of bed? What morning routine do you miss on those busy days that you can’t fit it in?

• Is there a special spot where you feel most at ease? A spot that you miss if you don’t take the time to visit it daily?

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I am feeling a bit scattered today, so I thought it would be fun to share with you a couple of happy things …

A big mess of the yummiest needlepoint thread … it caught my eye the other day & all I could think of was “ohhhh the possibilities!” Fun little tidbit for those of you that find the importance of a craft supply stash … every time I visit a big box craft store, I always pick a random color of embroidery floss. It is an inexpensive treat that brings me great joy and a nice collection of colors when I start a new embroidery project!

I know a lot of you are trapped in a constant snow-y winter wonderland, and possibly going a bit stir crazy … so I thought you may enjoy an easy process art project ~ great for kids and adults … enjoy!

I will leave you with this beautiful quote: “Be obsessively grateful.”

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One of my latest “glimmers” was simply opening my craft cabinet. Soon after we moved in, I quickly claimed this cabinet, and lucky for me no one has questioned it! I am the only one who faithfully digs through it, and occasionally our cat Hazel finds herself a nice warm spot inside the cabinet.

It is slightly messy, I will agree with you there, but in my eyes, it is absolutely stunning! It is a cabinet that never disappoints and is always happy to provide me with the most perfect crafting ideas and supplies. It makes me smile, and smile BIG!

My mother taught me early on the importance of the stash … an enormously valuable life lesson. When I see yarn, or thread, or material that I love, I don’t hesitate to purchase it and it immediately goes into my craft cabinet. I often have NO idea what it will become, but it delights me to add to my stash. Lifetimes of projects are tucked away in this little, brown cabinet and that right there is my peace (if you know … you know!)

I suppose we all need a hidden space. A little space that holds things that make us who we are. Well, here is mine …

On the top shelf are books, patterns, my favorite green knitting bag, a cigar box that holds embroidery thread, my mother’s small, vintage picnic basket filled to the brim with needlepoint yarns, jars with the most unique wool thread, and a bowl full of yarn that I can’t wait to knit up!

On the bottom is a basket filled with finished needlepoints that I have been too lazy to finish, completed knitting projects that I need to tuck my ends in, my yarn winder that makes me feel like I am living in an episode of Little House on the Prairie, more yarn, and of course knitting needles & crochet hooks ~ some so old that the wood is beautifully aged, and worn smooth by years of stitches.

Lastly, you may notice a framed wedding picture on the top shelf. These are my parents. They were God given, lifelong makers. I can’t think of a better way to honor them by placing them in my hidden space … surrounded by my creativity & what lights me up. I am forever thankful that their sewing room and workshop were always available to me and served me so beautifully as a little girl.

So as I finish this up, I am so curious … any “glimmers” inside of any of your cabinets?

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• For the surprisingly, slower days with less appointments filling our calendars

• For sneaking in a beautiful day of snow flurries … you really pushed it to the very last day, and it was totally worth the wait!

• For the huge ball of white yarn, tucked away in an unexpected drawer, that has brought me hours of knitting enjoyment, and ultimately will end in a fun “make it up as i go” shawl.

• For my daughter-in-law discovering and loving cross stitch … I am already planning craft nights & she isn’t even aware of this yet! … be still my heart!

• For the “just one more episode” of Gossip Girl … ya’ll, I am late to this party … but totally obsessed!

• For the fires that popped up in our fireplaces ~ and the warmth and simple feeling that it gave all of us.

• For the hot tea that I am still trying to perfect, but in total honesty, the true star of the show being my new M. Child’s tea kettle … another big obsession this season … ohhh, the green!

• For one on one time with my people, mainly in comfy chairs, slippers and pajamas a must!

• For my coffee table books that I have taken the time to flip through and enjoy fully.

• For my little, messy, basement art room, that I have made good and very bad art in this month … forever grateful!

• For the phone calls with my sisters and nieces & nephews, that I was able to lengthen.

• For the slow mornings on our bedroom couch, talking, laughing and dreaming with my husband.

• For the extra few minutes taken to enjoy our morning view ~ empty, twig like trees, with the most beautiful sky as a backdrop!

January has been a surprise this year … instead of a month that I focus on “getting through … oh, it’s too cold … please no more layers of clothes … when is it getting warmer??”, it was a month of tiny astonishments and snippets of time that I was incredibly grateful for! My cold, surprise gift!

And now onto February … I wonder what surprises you will bring! A few meaningful things that are making me smile this week …

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🤍 Available art 🤍

Enjoy your week … until next Sunday!

So instead of quickly pulling together my writings for this week, knowing that they would fall short based on how our week has played out (life, right?) … I instead, decided to share with ya’ll the one thing that makes our Valentines Day special, but not exhausting.

We have changed things up over the years and each Valentine’s Day looks a bit different, but the one constant thread throughout the years has been the importance of keeping it simple. There is tremendous magic found in the simple things … and I would even go so far as to say that they outshine most of the sparkly, wow-like gifts.

A few years ago I left a sticky note on each of my children’s doors from February 1-14. Fourteen little sticky notes, for each of our children ~ just a few words, short and sweet, but richly filled with heart and meaning. All fourteen are still on my youngest’s door and the other night, she requested another fourteen for this year! My heart was full. Simplicity won out. Once again, there was proof of the power of a little note.

Not to spoil anything for my kiddos (they all read my writings & are my biggest fans) … but hopefully the wish will come true, and hopefully they each will get fourteen little notes … (stay tuned e, b, m, and lj🤍)

So here is my little tip … or should I say life-changing suggestion … the easiest way to teach the love of a simple little note is to have Valentine supplies out and easily accessible for the whole family! Now is the perfect time to start collecting them! You can go as crazy as you would like with this, or you can take it easy on yourself and embrace the white school paper and red & pink colored pencils … you are in the driver seat!

Because I dream of washi tape, paper, pens, stamps, glitter, paper punches, stickers, and glue … I tend to have a lot of offerings … tee hee. So here is my Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Board from a few years ago …

I will take this a step further … this would be an amazing idea for children to make their own valentines for their classmates. Each one would be so unique, and the creativity … well, that alone would make my day!

When it’s time, pack all of the unused Valentine supplies up and use them the following year, (of course adding little things each year to make things interesting!)

In addition to striving to make February a calm and simple month … I have to be honest … I am absolutely obsessed with my luxurious Valentine Pinterest board (a girl can dream, right?), and I do always pray for a Reeces Peanut Butter Heart, and so far, my prayers are answered every year! I am a lucky girl!!!

Just in case you need more Valentine ideas … here is a writing from a couple of years ago with a really fun and easy little project … enjoy!🩷

My husband shared with me this morning that the NBC evening news shared a piece focused on knitting and how it is taking off with the younger generation. It seems that knitting is becoming popular again (was it ever not popular? No one told me!) Apparently, it falls in the category of Grandma hobbies and 20~something’s are replacing their doom scrolling with knitting needles and yarns. This is exciting ya’ll! If you are on Tik Tok (bless you!), check out WIP Wednesdays … this is where a lot of new young knitters are posting and inspiring others.

I was thrilled and little did I know that a few hours later I would be sitting at my charming, little writing desk (I need to share photos of her … I am obsessed!), frantically writing all of my knitting thoughts on paper before they escaped me.

Pages and thoughts quickly filled my notebook, making it even more evident how much knitting deeply means to me. It has gifted me so much over the years (decades, really.) Not only beautiful cozy blankets, sweaters, scarfs, etc., but more deeply, it has molded my personality and who I am. Here is just a snippet of what knitting has taught me:

• Enjoy the process because the process is often times very slow, filled with unexpected turns.

• Great accomplishments don’t come easily and are well worth the time and frustration ~ patterns with a hidden error, dropped stitches, gauges gone wild and not enough time for “just one more row.” It is all worth it.

• Knitting and patience go hand in hand. Pausing and working each knit, purl and cable can be tedious, but also an amazing opportunity to sit with yourself, your hands and your yarn … it never fails to calm me down, process my thoughts, dream and relax.

• To be thankful for the most basic of things. To celebrate the beauty that can be made with these simple little tools. It doesn’t take much to experience true joy and contentment.

Enjoying the process, accomplishing goals and finishing projects, being joyfully patient, finding peace with being with yourself and your thoughts, and pushing aside the fluff to be thankful for the simple things in life … thank you knitting,for graciously teaching me these life lessons!

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I will close today with a favorite knitting memory …

Picture this … a family of five in the 70’s and 80’s, Sunday afternoon, my Dad in his favorite lazy boy chair, my Mom, sisters and me sprinkled around the room ~ comfortably lounging on couches, a blazing fire in our gigantic fireplace, Redskin football playing on the television with the volume up way too loud, all of us intently cheering on our team while us girls worked on our knitting projects. We were all together in the same room, watching the same screen, no cell phones … just the five of us. This is and will be my forever snapshot of my childhood. 🤍

Have a wonderful Sunday … take time to make something beautiful … and a big thank you for allowing my words to land in your inbox weekly!

The perfect pen really does put a big smile on my face … an honest, and genuine hearty smile! Tell me I am not alone in this!!!

The pencil that is sharpened to a wickedly, sharp point is an art form in and of itself … most definitely worth celebrating! I have many decades of life behind me and the memory of sharpening my pencil with the crank pencil sharpener, mounted on the wall, is a very fond and vivid one! The feeling of pride was really something as I could stand up from my school desk, walk proudly to the front of the classroom and crank and crank the manual pencil sharpener until I held in my hand the most perfectly sculpted pencil. This was a sign that I had done the work … worn down my pencil to a mere nub … a true sign of effort that all of my classmates could see and admire (or so I thought!) And the prize … a weapon sharp pencil that immediately was the beginning of new writings, marks and art!

I will have you know that thanks to substack and this writing practice, I am now in search of the perfect vintage, Boston brand pencil sharpener! Seriously … would this not be the perfect addition to my art room?!? Stay tuned!

Now onto my paper obsession … in short … I loved, and still love it all! The nostalgic blue lined school paper that we all know so well. The feeling of finally being old when we graduated to the college ruled paper. Tell me you felt the same! The beautiful handmade cotton paper that is perfectly imperfect. The crazy, smooth papers that seem unreal to the touch and ones that your pen effortlessly glides across. The construction paper that was most likely the first paper that we truly fell in love with. Just seeing construction paper takes me back to Kindergarten days. Yup … I loved and still love it all!

So, no, I wasn’t drawn to sitting and reading as a child or young adult, but I always had an enormous respect for books … a collection of papers wrapped so beautifully in a binding and enchanting-like covers. I’m grateful that life has brought me full circle, and through my love of paper,pen and pencil, I’ve grown into a reader.

My favorite book (and first book) that I read as an adult is South Of Broad, by Pat Conroy. It is so beautifully written … let me know if you give it a read!

P.S. It is so nice to be back. Our family had quite an extended Christmas break! The weather was warm, everything in the house seemed to break, slippers and flip flops for weeks, chat gpt was our meal plan lifesaver, I had a love affair with our bows in and around the house, embroidery and needlepoint happened ~ not at all sad about that, Christmas cards sent out at the eleventh hour, and a lot of time for nonsense, and lounging! It was wonderful! And now I am excited to get back to my art room, writing in my journal and sending out weekly writings to you. 2026 is going to be great!

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Well … I am pleased to say that it has worked! Fast forward to mid-December and our house is cleaner than when we had the housekeepers! I didn’t realize how much I really do like the mindless work of cleaning (other than cleaning showers!) I didn’t expect housework to give me the gift of a slower pace. I especially didn’t expect it to make me a better artist!

And here is where it gets interesting … housekeeping and creativity have become intertwined. Doing the mundane tasks of cleaning has removed me from my art room and the endless list of to-dos; however, it has opened my eyes to deeper creative ideas. My hands are busy in a different way, and my mind is freer.

Much to my surprise, I love my “tidying time!” These are daily minutes set aside for me to think creatively, dream, pray, and simply follow where my brain takes me. I see things with a slightly different view while cleaning. Instead of seeing the room as a whole, I now see the small details. I may notice a leaf or a new shade of green outside while dusting the blinds, which in turn creates an idea for a floral that I would love to see on canvas! The mundane has allowed me to think of my art differently.

I have changed my mindset ~ I now romanticize the moment and enjoy moving slowly through my daily cleaning. The creativity is hitting hard, the holiday excitement feels genuine again, and our home, which I have always loved, is now even more charming to me! My love affair with our home is deepening with each room I vacuum and shelf that I dust.

Happy Holidays and Merry Cleaning to all of you!!

And here is a peak of few of my favorite (and available) art pieces …

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So today, I am sharing a few little ideas I am excited about. Ideas that won’t break the bank, but will make your home a little more festive!

1. Clip unexpected branches from outside and place in your prettiest vase. Even simple twigs placed just right can be a beautiful addition.

2. Keep water out at all times … and add a few berries, lemons, limes or oranges to take it to the next level!

3. How about treating yourself to some personalized cocktail napkins? A little something that feels incredibly decadent!

4. Pull out a few games to keep handy on a side table, a puzzle on a table, and definitely a coloring book with my favorite Flair pens handy ~ because everyone loves coloring!!!

5. Pull out your cloth napkins, maybe some ironing time, and enjoy … even if they are mismatched (that is my favorite way to use them!)

6. Although we don’t fully decorate for Christmas until after Thanksgiving, I do enjoy putting up some lights around the house, and even pull out a few small Christmas trees so we can enjoy the sparkle!

7. This year, it seems as though the bows are taking over the decor, and I am SO good with this! How easy it is to tie bows onto candles, wreaths, baskets, etc! You may want to pace yourself, though ~ it’s addicting!

8. To make Thanksgiving a little more intimate and thoughtful, place a few pieces of paper, a few pens, and a pretty bowl on a side table and invite your guests to write a thought, a memory, or what they are thankful for. These can be randomly passed out at the dinner table and read by everyone.

9. I have saved my favorite for last! Remember that your home is an extension of you and those who live under the same roof. Let your family’s personality show. We live in homes, not museums. We all have our own hobbies, likes, and interests … celebrate that and let your guests enjoy this as well! Life is messy so embrace it all … the mud room with shoes and bags on the floor, the dishes in the sink, the family rooms that look cozy and lived in … it is all your unique artsy home! How lucky your guests will be to see how you do life!

As I wrote a few weeks ago … Art is everywhere, we all just need to create our spaces so that we can easily see it! It may be hanging on a wall, or may be in the form of napkins and teacups, coloring books, or simple handwriting. Celebrate it all, make it yourself, and surround yourself with it for a meaningful Thanksgiving!

Art:

a peak of my art room wall … these seem to be the only florals that I can keep alive!!

Fiber:

My Slight obsession in making this crochet ribbon … it’s dainty and I want to tie it on everything in the house!!!

Paper:

It’s been pretty busy in our home with fall in general, all of the leaves falling in the pool, and traveling for lacrosse … so time in my art journal is very precious!

Exciting news that everyone can take part in … for the week of Thanksgiving, I will be posting a daily journal prompt. It is tailored for the tween/teen ages … but with a little bit of imagination, it can easily span all ages as well! You can find the prompts daily on the substack app in my notes section. I hope you will follow along and enjoy a bit of a break with pen in hand!

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Wishing you all some calm and creativity as we enter into the exciting time of year!