Having vs Using

Having vs Using

A group of artists and crafters were having an online discussion about their fear of using up the beautiful art supplies they had collected. I have also felt myself falling into that self-defeating mentality, so I wrote these words of encouragement to myself. […]


Found Poems in Altered Books

Found Poems in Altered Books

In Found Poems, I talk about one of my favorite things to do in an altered book- write poetry. Anyone can become a poet by using existing text from inside the book. Join the fun and start adding poetry to your art. […]


Somebody’s Family

Somebody’s Family

Ever wonder whose behind those wonderful vintage wedding photos we adore? Like me, you probably wonder about who the people were, and how their photos managed to end up for sale in a thrift shop. Read about what happened when I tracked down the owners of a fifty-three year old photo album that I found in an antique store. […]


Just Like Leonardo Da Vinci

Just Like Leonardo Da Vinci

What could an average person possibly have in common with the genius Leonardo da Vinci, you ask? Quite a bit, as a matter of fact. Maybe you also have some qualities similar to those of this Renaissance man. In this brief essay, I discuss some things we can learn from this great artist and inventor. […]


Meeting Daniel Merriam

Meeting Daniel Merriam

Have you ever had the chance to meet and talk to an artist whose work you really admire? What if your love for the work somehow becomes infatuation with the artist? Read about my crush on Daniel Merriam and the time that I got to meet him. […]


Art By the Book

Art By the Book

In the article “Her Art Isn’t “By the Book”– It is the Book” by Dana Enfinger, I’m interviewed for our local paper, the Benicia Herald, and get to talk a little bit about my love for creating altered books. […]


Anne Lamott ~ Tender Words

Anne Lamott ~ Tender Words

One of my favorite books about writing and the art of being a writer, is Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. So when I read that she was going to be speaking locally, I knew I had to go hear her. It was a dark, wet night, but Anne Lamott warmed us all with her loving spirit. […]


When a Neighbor Moves Away

When a Neighbor Moves Away

In this essay I write about a kind lady who lived across the street from me. We barely knew each other, so I was surprised by my reaction when she moved away. […]


Zinsser on Writing

Zinsser on Writing

I love to read about writers and the craft of writing. I find that many of the ideas expressed transfer easily to the visual arts as well. To me, the best books on writing are infused with the real life stories of the writers themselves. William Zinsser’s latest book does exactly that. Read a short review and some of my favorite quotes from the book. […]


Meeting Artist Daniel Merriam, Again

Meeting Artist Daniel Merriam, Again

The first time I met the artist Daniel Merriam, I acted goofy, nervous, and flustered. The second time I met Mr. Merriam I acted . . . sad to say . . . goofy, nervous, and flustered. Will that ever change? Read about my second meeting with Daniel Merriam. […]