Over the days leading into Thanksgiving, I watched the changing of colors from the bright autumnal golds and reds to the muted monochromatic of beige and browns. Beauty is less obvious in the fading, but it's there in subtlety. While the bold oranges of Halloween get our attention, the muted colors of waning flowers and … Continue reading Subtleties of the Season: Leaning into Hope
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Solo Journey: Walking Lavender Fields
When I was in my forties, I took my first classes in visual art. I never selected them as electives in high school because I thought only certain people can do art. Those people included my close friend, Donna who excelled in that area and was always chosen by the teachers to do the classroom … Continue reading Solo Journey: Walking Lavender Fields
Artist’s Residency: 14 Days in a Farmhouse
Nine years ago, in the summer before my retirement as a school nurse in March 2017, I decided my journey would be to an artist residency at Artcroft in Paris, Kentucky. I'd read about their community for artists of different genres. It was located about an hour east of Lexington on sixty-six acres of farmland. … Continue reading Artist’s Residency: 14 Days in a Farmhouse
HUGS FOR FREE: A Crazy Idea?
It was in June of 2023 -- not long after the pandemic lockdown. I was in Charlottesville, Virginia with a friend walking around the downtown area. It was a casual Saturday, people eating brunch at the sidewalk tables and browsing the crafted goods of artisans. Heading for a coffee shop, I almost ran into a … Continue reading HUGS FOR FREE: A Crazy Idea?
Faith, Hope, Luck, and Love of the Irish
Monday is St. Patrick's Day but the celebrating will start this weekend -- with parades and lots of pubs with live Irish music. Growing up in a Protestant church, I never knew about the Catholic saints. I now read that St. Patrick was a missionary who spread Christianity throughout Ireland during the 5th century. Photo … Continue reading Faith, Hope, Luck, and Love of the Irish
Bluebirds: Hope is the Thing with Feathers
This week the meteorologist on our local network announced that we're "halfway through winter." I found that both surprising and encouraging; winter has never been my favorite season and the sight outside my kitchen window is making me anxious for spring. Each morning when I got my cup of coffee, there was a male bluebird … Continue reading Bluebirds: Hope is the Thing with Feathers
The Nature of a Place: Northern Michigan
I've been in Michigan this week; not in person but while writing my sequel memoir. In 2014, I took my Solo Journey to the northernmost point of the Lower Peninsula--Mackinac Island. My trip was in July during the busy summer season. How I loved being away from the heat and humidity of my home in … Continue reading The Nature of a Place: Northern Michigan
Connie Rosser Riddle 