While I always keep various journals—including one specifically for this class—I decided to take things a step further. Right now, I’m working in an 11x14 mixed media journal, using it as a space for mark making and layered spreads. These are techniques I teach and continue to practice even when I’m not in the classroom.

I've spent the last couple of months tucked a way in my cozy art space…

Lately, I've been diving into a mix of books and magazines, and I thought it’d be fun to share a little roundup of what I’ve been reading…

Embracing the Rhythm of the Seasons

I've always felt deeply connected to the cycles of the seasons. This rhythm has become ingrained in me, shaped not only by the natural world but also by years spent in school—both as a student and later as a teacher.

The days are growing shorter, and the air carries a familiar chill—winter is approaching. This year, the winter solstice falls on Saturday, December 21st, marking the season's official arrival. Over the years, I’ve come to deeply appreciate this time of year. Winter offers a natural invitation to slow down, reflect, and embrace stillness. It’s also the perfect season for journaling—a discovery I made a few years ago.

Artist dates are something I’m making a conscious effort to include more often in my creative practice (read more about artist dates here). I recently realized it had been far too long since my last one, so I decided to change that with a visit to the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) - which offers art spanning everything from contemporary works to classical masterpieces and beyond.

This past August, I celebrated my 50th birthday—a milestone that inspired me to pause and reflect. Lately, I’ve been gradually editing and refining my vision for how I want to navigate the next few decades of life. One of the things I wanted to get back to was my own learning.

May and June have been a whirlwind of activity and I’m finally pausing to share a few things like, what I’ve been reading lately…