The Southern Man and I recently visited New Orleans…it was wonderful to spend time with family members that we don’t get to see often enough. The pace of New Orleans is unhurried…probably because the temperature and the humidity causes one to take their time…you don’t want to work up a sweat unnecessarily!

I had plenty of opportunity to sit…reflect…take in the world around me…and think about what’s next. The image of the vintage pink metal chair that I captured on a leisurely walk through the neighborhood where we were staying epitomizes this feeling of just sitting…observing…not moving too quickly. After all the hub-bub of the last year, its a pleasure to have time to myself.

I’ve been working on some new ideas…smaller collages…local workshops…different directions. To help me think, I needed to clear out the clutter - both figuratively and in actuality.

I’m having a Christmas in July sale in my Etsy shop - a smoking deal on last year’s holiday cards. Also, I’ve just listed quite a few Quick Note cards…I uncovered a box of cardstock and postcards that have my old address…rather than toss it all, I married the two together and created small cards that are perfect for a quick note.

I also took a leap of faith and entered a local art exhibit with some very different collage work for me…I’ll keep you posted on the details if I’m accepted. And don’t forget that my mixed media collages are part of a gallery show at FOLD Gallery located in downtown Los Angeles. If you can’t see the show in person, you can still see the show online until August 12th - and purchase online too! See it all here.

With the turn of the calendar to July, there’s hope that summer will start here in the Pacific NW…it’s no joke that we hardly have temps above 65 degrees before the 4th of July. Wherever you are, I hope you take time to sit, reflect and have a moment of peace.