Mary's first Birthday - Her Party on the Farm

Her first birthday fell on a Saturday.  Her mother, Megan, planned and prepared the sweetest and most beautiful backyard party on the farm.  She is so talented and crafty and it could not have been a better afternoon of family members all gathered to celebrate the first year of life of our precious granddaughter, Mary Grace. 

 Here I am with Mary and 2 of her great-grandmothers!

Megan asked that I ink a little tree for family and friends to each stamp their finger print onto as a keepsake of her special day and to remember all who attended!  I loved this idea and I personalized her tree by writing special thoughts and scripture into the tiny branches.  After everyone stamped their love onto her tree, I cleaned up any smears so that it will be ready for her room!

Mac and Megan had pictures made to mark Mary's first birthday and every single one was precious.  We are so blessed.  My husband Al always says, "Shame on us if we don't say that we are blessed EVERYday" and this is so true.  We are truly blessed beyond measure!  God, thank you for Mary. 

400 pounds of Canned Tomatoes!

One of my studio girls, Mary Beth, and her family always can fresh tomatoes and tomato juice every summer.  It takes them all pitching in, and has become a great all day tradition.  This year it was 400 pounds!!  They make soups and stews all winter long!

My Sweet Mary - about to turn 1

I cannot believe it has been a whole year with this angel in our lives!!

Tuscany

Last month I went on the trip of a lifetime!! Al and I hopped on a plane with a few dear friends and headed to northern Italy. My dear friend and art agent Shannon has a sister, Sue, who lives and works with her family in Tuscany. We had talked about going to visit her villa for years... and we finally made it happen! Located halfway between Florence and Siena, Sue's villa - Fattoria Corzano e Paterno - is a beautiful farm rich in history, where her family cares for the land while producing wine, olive oil and sheep cheeses.

We were able to stay in one of their guest houses that they rent through "agriturismo." As lovers of the farm life and history, it was the perfect place for us! We learned about the land and buildings that surrounded us - the main house was built in 1900 as a fortress -  and about their grapes, olive tress, and sheep. Did I mention they also support artists? Currently they have a potter, a knife maker, and a furniture maker living and working on the farm. What a dream come true!

Beautiful views, good wine, delicious cheese, and fabulous friends... what could be better!? We also took some excursions into neighboring areas like Florence, and even travelled by hot air balloon!

I left Italy feeling so inspired. The views, the textures, and the deep ties to the land will certainly make an appearance in my paintings.

Thank you to our friend Shannon for planning this amazing trip. And to Sue and her family for being such wonderful hosts!!

Ciao!

New at Cracker Barrel - Sweet & Savory!

Whether you are looking for something sweet or something savory... our new summer collection of dinnerware and other goodies is for you! This program turned out so well - below are some photos taken this weekend... enjoy!

 the pie basket lid - 

For those who like to keep it sweet... apple pie!

...and for those who like it hot!! :)