I like things simple. The less complication, the better - for all aspects in my life - even with food. For me it doesn't get any easier than a fresh crunchy baguette, a bottle of wine and a smattering of great cheeses. Friday was the first night for what may easily become an often event with friends ... an excuse to sit back, relax, enjoy great conversation and sample a variety of cheese, antipasti and wine. Oddly enough I think we all had visited Whole Foods on the day of Wine and Cheese Night.

Where else would you go?

I love walking out into my little garden and discovering new things. Recently it was my double headed Clematis that offered me the best surprise gift. With the recent heat the other Clematis plants looking nothing more than a giant heap of wiry spent blooms I had forgotten all about this little gem tucked under the grafted Arctic blue willow tree.

So it was one of those days ... time to take stock, sort and clean out a few things. I woke up with a sense of clarity and with the help of caffeine my vision came quickly to light. You see, my side of the closet had indeed become quite frustrating. Things were unorganized, and frankly I had too much. "Where is that ... !" became frequently muttered, and readying for the day became more of hunting and gathering type nuisance. Pajamas worn late in the winter lay folded awaiting their return the the jammy drawer. Shoes worn recently and not so recently where stacking up. Lonely unmatched socks after months and lost hope of reuniting with their match, are now finding a new purpose as stain rags. Boxes of boots were placed higher on the shelves and the sandals FINALLY are low enough I can reach them with out assistance.


Things that haven't been worn in ages are to be donated and some things forgotten are new once again. The plethora of sweaters were organized (so please if you see me buying a sweater in a store, step in and help a girl out ... I need NO MORE! UNLESS AWFULLY CUTE - and NOT BLACK! Simply ask me to step back and walk away from the clothing rack). Coats were drug out and placed back into the actual coat closet.

With a clear mind comes a clean house. Room by room I have been cleansing and sorting. Taking stock of the things that I really need in my life and home. I look at this little accomplishment and feel pretty rewarded ... things feel lighter.

It is the perfect morning!

The windows are open and we are yet able to take in the cool breezes that are blowing in. The birds are happily chirping.The studio awaits me with a plethora of projects that I cannot wait to get started on. My view just outside my windows as I work today are bursting with color! I even have a fresh steaming cup of coffee next to me to help jumpstart my morning. What else could a girl ask for?

As much as I LOVE fall, I have to admit that mid to late May ranks right up there in my book! What else could you ask for? The weather is not too hot nor too humid ... lovely light rain showers with bits of rolling thunder. There is just enough sun to start getting a bit of color on ourselves (or in my case add to the freckles!) The bugs have yet to infest our back yards! Our gardens are bursting to life and the nurseries offer endless possibilities. And so far, watering all that we have placed into pots and into the earth yet seem like a chore.

And better still - do remember what this time of year felt like when you were a kid? That last day of school? Do you recall the excitement the vast potential of summer vacation? Nothing could have been better! And even though life's priorities and responsibilities have changed I cannot help but feel that way again as this time of year rolls around.

With the artists all finally healthy (Root canals (poor Kate, Sandy AND Randy!), flu, pneumonia, ruptured ear drums, sinus infections ... yes we were all an unlucky lot this spring!) we forged ahead with our annual Spring Show! The garage was packed with "Spring Cleaning" sale items and the house was filled with new great works! Customers flooded the garage and then the house to see what we had to offer them.

I love Jose Gonzalez's music and was fortunate enough to see him when he played in Omaha ... I ran across this YouTube video ... I cannot get enough of it ... I hope it brings a smile to your face too. :-)

Do something today ... something child like. Set the "rules" aside and do something that makes you giggle. I think I am going to go in search of some bouncy balls!!!