Water Partners

Water Partners International is a nonprofit that works to provide safe drinking water and sanitation to people in developing countries. This wonderful organization has opened my eyes to the struggle of gathering clean water that families across the world are facing. Water Partners has helped thousands of people develop accessible, and, most importantly, sustainable community water sources. I will never turn on a faucet again without thinking of the countless mothers in our world that cannot provide clean water for their children to drink and bathe in. I also count my own blessings, as I will never take our water resources for granted again. Last February, I took the studio to a Water Partners presentation and feel strongly about spreading the word to everyone. There is something each of us can do to help. I encourage you all to visit the Water Partners website to find out about the problems faced by so many men, women and children every day and what you can do to make a difference in their lives.

A California Visit

Last week I took a trip to California to meet with a company called Teacher Created Resources. They are located outside of Los Angeles in Westminster, CA. What a beautiful part of the country! Teacher Created is an educational publishing company that has created many products including banners, bookmarks, bulletin board art, expandable pocket files, notepads and stickers with our school themed designs. As the new school year is now getting started, it was a perfect time to meet and brainstorm about new classroom products and new design ideas. Click here to visit our online store, featuring many of our Teacher Created products.While in California, we also took time to visit our ar

tist friend Lowell Herraro and his wife Janet. Lowell is an amazing artist and they have a beautiful home that connects to his studio. His paintings are large with gorgeous rich colors, often depicting scenes of the vineyards and olive grove (Lowell and Janet produce their own olive oil!) that surround their home. We had a wonderful visit with them and enjoyed the chance to tour his home and studio.
Lastly, we visited a few vineyards around Napa Valley before returning home. I am definitely inspired to paint for our Lang Wine Country calendar, now! The rolling hills and inviting roads of the vineyards are absolutely gorgeous. It was a great trip all around; I hope to visit California again soon!

Jim Shore’s New Furniture Line!

One of my friends and fellow artists, Jim Shore, recently had his grand opening for his new furniture and home décor line called At Home with Jim Shore. I had the privilege of attending his opening in Atlanta this summer for a sneak peak. The furniture is lovely with unique designs, clearly inspired by his quilt-like aesthetic. Even the cake at the party was shaped as a trunk with one of his distinctive Jim Shore designs! It was a wonderful opening, and I wish him much success as he enters the exciting world of furniture design!

Sewcial Stitchers

Yesterday a group of women from Sewcial Stitchers, a quilting group, came to visit the studio. It was nice to meet them all and to get feedback from them on our current fabric designs produced by Benartex. They brought with them a beautiful quilt they designed from our Gypsy Song fabric line. It is always amazing for all of us at the studio to see our designs woven into the intricate patterns of a quilt. To find online stores that carry our fabric, Click here.

Peaches!

All summer long we have enjoyed the most delicious peaches! Every couple of days, Mary Beth brings in a new basket full from the orchard she passes on her way to the studio. It has truly been a treat. Fresh peaches are one of the sweetest parts of the summer! We’ve enjoyed sharing them with our friends and families as well. It was great to take a sack of peaches to my aunt and uncle in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. After the wedding weekend, Jeannie sent her relatives home with some peaches, too. It’s always fun to share a “bite” of the North Carolina summer with everyone! Beckie has even made her superb peach cobbler for the studio to enjoy a couple of times. Here is her recipe:
Beckie’s Peach Cobbler:
1 deep baking dish (21/2 to 3 qt.)
31/2 c. sliced peaches, sweetened to taste
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 Cup sifted flour
1 Cup sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 beaten egg
6 Tbsp. melted butter

Place peaches in deep dish. Sprinkle with lemon juice. Sift dry ingredients together. Add beaten egg. Mix until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over peaches. Pour melted butter on top. Bake at 375 for 35 to 45 minutes. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and cinnamon. Enjoy!

Ana and Craig’s Wedding

Jeannie’s daughter Ana got married last week! Jeannie is one of my dearest friends and has painted with me at the studio for many years. I could not be happier for Ana and her new husband Craig. They were married on a very special day, 8/8/08, in a beautiful outdoor ceremony on Lake Montonia. Ana’s father built a wooden bridge overlooking the lake for them to stand on as they took their vows. The music was provided by acoustic guitarist Scoot Pittman. Jeannie painted this beautiful image of the bridge for her daughter. It was an intimate family ceremony on a beautiful summer day –with a surprise of fireworks across the lake after they were first announced as husband and wife. Best wishes in your new life together, Ana and Craig!

Back to School

As the end of August approaches, I wonder where this summer has gone! It has been a great summer, as I have enjoyed having all of my children at home. Thoughts now drift to schooldays as I have many friends and relatives preparing their classrooms for new students. Next week, our son Sam is returning to Appalachian State for his sophomore year. We will miss him dearly as he heads back to college but we are so proud of him and the man he has grown up to be. This year he is moving into an off-campus apartment with three friends. I pray that he will have another wonderful year, as he continues to grow and discover his place in the world.
Click Here to visit my updated family page on the website!