Eventually the moment of truth came when it was time for the live auction… and I sat down wishing I could be invisible. Funny the thoughts that came to mind then.

What does “Lady Driven” mean?… Growing up I thought it meant only what Chrysler Ontario’s website says: “A few decades ago, when women were less likely to drive their own vehicles, it was meant to imply that the car had been driven ever so gently.” … But guess what! I actually fit within the obsolete stereotype to a degree.

Each year an undeniable sign that summer has commenced is the profuse deluge of mulberries that fall from our front tree, staining our front walk and driveway; attracting birds for a feeding frenzy; and even tempting our pup to snack – we just discovered.

I hope you are able, and willing, to join me in creeping out of social hibernation to thaw and be re-energized with some wonderful human interaction this Spring. If I can do it, you can too!

As I was working away on these portraits of powerhouse women, some thoughts came to mind based on their attire. I’ll plainly confess, I don’t know much of significance (if anything) about the worlds from which these two hail. Consequently my following mental musings may lack some critical background information…

Until recently I had only a superficial appreciation about them; however, as with most things, the more one focuses on it, the more one’s interest or awareness of it grows.

I was invigorated when I pulled through a gruelling training session. I liked to think I was developing “grit”. Angela L. Duckworth says “Grit entails working strenuously toward challenges, maintaining effort and interest over years, despite failure, adversity, and plateaus in progress.”

I simply love to admire, assess, and purchase picture frames.

Broken down into bite-sized pieces, walking 1000 kilometers in a year equates to a very manageable 4 km approximately 5 times per week, all year.

Was this a perfect DIY? Not at all, and I can show anyone the trouble spots if asked. Let’s be honest though, who is going to notice the minutiae on a chair when sitting down at a table to eat? The food is the focus! Imperfections aside, it was neat to see my own process improve…

I have wanted to write about squirrels for quite some time. . . . Despite their frustrating opportunistic behaviours, I have a great deal of respect (mingled with awe) as I see the way these animals live.

It occurred to me recently while I was out in the woods on a snowy walk, how uncommon it is to experience profound silence.

It’s the time of year for brave resolutions, fresh starts, and “new year, new you” schemes. So I just cancelled my gym membership. And I feel pretty good about it.

On my brisk ride that November day, I wasn’t looking particularly stunning, (not that the wildlife would care what I wore unless it was something appetizing like a bacon or peanut butter suit), but I was dressed for success on the trails!

“…as a person familiar with the feel, motion and activity of painting, I had a lot less to worry about or focus on than my classmates who hadn’t done much (if any) painting.”

Dr. Howard Thurman’s quote resonates with me: “Do not ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”