Hello, everyone! Thank you for so many nice comments about my first newsletter that was sent to you in November.

OUTINGS

My November presentation to the Mackinaw Woman’s Club was a success. The 30 ladies were quite curious about how I began my career as an artist/author and asked many questions at the book signing. It’s fun to speak with people who may be looking for a new challenge in their own lives. If your church or civic group is looking for a speaker, please give me a call.

During a gathering of authors last summer I met Mary Ellen Jones, one of the 20 authors of WOMEN ON FIRE, a collection of stories of amazing women who have made great things happen in their lives. The national Women on Fire organization holds gatherings around the country where women connect and are uplifted by one another. I attended one of their tea parties in October and was motivated by the stories I heard from other women like me who are on fire about something in their lives. To learn more go to www.BeAWomanOnFire.com or contact Mary Ellen through her website, www.mejones.org.

WHAT’S NEW?

My Leelanau Series is coming along nicely. I have five paintings ready to be presented next spring to a shop owner in the form of cards and matted prints. See the WHAT’S NEW? page on my website.

My 2009 Christmas card design is back from the printer and I’m in the process of cutting the sheets of prints and making them into my own cards to send out this year. They won’t be up on my website for sale until after Christmas, but cards from previous years are on the GALLERIES/HOLIDAYS page.

I will begin another commissioned house portrait in January. Each family I work with has a story to tell and I try to make each painting reflect the special way they feel about their home. I’d be glad to speak with you about creating a unique painting of your home or garden.

Along with everyone else I know, I’m facing the challenge of trying to do too much. I find myself backing away from making new personal commitments in order to keep up with current projects. When my dear husband asked, “When are you going to start on your next book?” I replied, “Only when I can have a full-time cook and housekeeper!”

GIFTS

We’re into the whirl of holiday fun: programs, concerts, parties and gift exchanges. If you’re looking for a special gift, take a look at my website for cards and matted prints made from my original watercolor paintings.

Check out MACKINAC ISLAND MEDITATIONS on the PUBLICATIONS page of my website. Its 32 pages are illustrated with my paintings of island scenes. Each page has a painting, Bible verse, meditation, and prayer.

SPECIAL SALE IN DECEMBER:

BUY FIVE BOOKS AT THE REGULAR PRICE OF $14.95 (PLUS 6% SALES TAX FOR MICHIGAN RESIDENTS), AND GET A SIXTH BOOK FREE! FREE SHIPPING ON BOOKS AND ARTWORK! Ordering information is on my website.

FEEDING MY SOUL

In THE ARTIST’S WAY, author Julia Cameron suggests taking an artist date every week (I call this a Feed the Soul Day) to nurture your creativity. I try to make time for this, even if it’s just to visit a shop I have never been to before. If it’s a yarn shop, so much the better! The rich colors and luxurious textures speak to me just like paintings in an art gallery. Even though I’m busier than ever with my artwork, I try to take some time every evening to sit with whatever project is on my knitting needles. The rhythmic motions and the feel of yarn slipping through my fingers is a soothing way to end a busy day—another way of feeding my soul.

BLESSINGS

As I settle down in front of my TV for yet another viewing of my favorite Christmas special, “It’s a Wonderful Life”, I’ll remember how blessed I am to have my own wonderful life. I hope you feel the same.