Life on the Coast

Early evening fog, back lit by the western sun, Morro Bay Harbor.

From the Bookshelf

Autumn Journal by Louis MacNeice, a remarkable novella of a poem published in 1939.  A tribute to a time, fast disappearing, just before Europe burst into flames.  It is poignant, it is provocative, it is prophetic and it is achingly beautiful.  The following excerpt is one of my favourite pieces of writing.  If you are unfamiliar with the piece, I urge you to find a copy and set aside some time to enjoy it to the full. I expect you won't be disappointed.


September has come, it is hers
Whose vitality leaps in the autumn,
Whose nature prefers
Trees without leaves and a fire in the fireplace.
So I give her this month and the next
Though the whole of my year should be hers who has rendered already
So many of its days intolerable or perplexed
But so many more so happy.
Who has left a scent on my life, and left my walls
Dancing over and over with her shadow
Whose hair is twined in all my waterfalls
And all of London littered with remembered kisses.” 
― Louis MacNeice, Autumn Journal

Favourite Time of Year

Autumn has always spoken to me,

School beginning, holidays coming,

splashes of vivid colour, cool evenings, sunny afternoons.

And blue, blue skies.

And a Good Time was had by All!

Second annual Art Girlz in Autumn Studio Show -

 beautiful weather,

 wonderful customers,

grand variety of incredible art,

many, many sales,

new friends made,

another delightful successful show!

Art Girlz in Autumn Today!

It's today!  10-5 at my Altered by the Sea Studio here in Morro Bay. Destiny, Margot and I have been creating up a storm all summer to bring you an amazing collection of mixed media art, pet portraits, beautiful wearable art handbags, handcrafted journals and designer pendants.  And a fantastic collection of vintage ephemera from my personal stash will also be available for purchase!

From the Bookshelf

This delightful little book (6.5x7") is full of fun, interesting and outrageous ideas that will transform your living space. A different paint colour,  wall paper on the ceiling, leather covered doors, and dozens of ways to decorate with books are just the start.  Tips from well-known design gurus and gorgeous photos.  I always find something immensely satisfying in  volumes of this size - fun to hold, easy to carry around.  For all of us who love to shake up our home decoration on a regular basis - this is a must have!

Almost Here!

 Getting closer!

 Starting to set up

for the Art Girlz in Autumn Studio Show

this Sunday September 22 10-5

here at Altered by the Sea Studio in Morro Bay.

Come join the fun!

Christmas in September

 Yes it's over  three months away.

But I've been busy creating these great chunky journals

with a Christmas theme!

Perfect for a holiday journal

or photo album for those December snaps.

Available at Art Girlz in Autumn this coming Sunday.

Day Off!

 I'm taking the day off and spending it in Campbell.

 While Margot and our friend Leanne are attending a wearable

 art workshop, I'll be journaling away

right here at Orchard Valley Coffee - great scones!

When M and L are done we'll all have lunch

 together at Aqui's - great Mexican 

food with a nice healthy twist.

And if we're feeling frisky - follow it up with 

frozen custard from Willow Glen

 (one of the few frozen custard places not in the Midwest.)

Do I know how to spend a great day off or what!

Good Mail Day

 Look what I got in the mail the other day!

 A small package from my daughter Bronwyn in Missouri,

 Full of vintage-y goodness!

Does she get me or what?!

Getting Ready!

 Getting ready,

compiling supplies and containers,

thinking up displays,

for the second annual Art Girlz in Autumn Studio show,

Sunday Sept. 22 10-5 here at 

Altered by the Sea Studio in Morro Bay.

Come join us!

Life on the Coast

A fog-free morning in Baywood Park,
 ready for a walk by the shore.

From the Bookshelf

One of my three favourite authors is Rosamunde Pilcher.  I've read and re-read (and listened and re-listened) to everything she's every written.  She's a master of setting and character and tells a fine story.  This lovely book is a bit memoir, a bit photo album and a lot of fun.  Mrs. Pilcher talks about many of the settings of her famous novels and about places she's lived that have shown up in her books as well.  There are even some recipes!  If you've ever enjoyed The Shell Seekers, Coming Home, September or any of the others, you're sure to love this. Brew a nice pot of Earl Grey, grab a scone or two and settle down for a brilliant treat.

Ephemera - Yeah, We Got That!

 Dictionary and arithmetic pages from days gone by

Spent a day digging through boxes and bins

Scoop up vintage game pieces

 of ephemera, old books and rusty bits.

Pick a card, any card

Hunting and gathering for the up-coming

7 Gypsies Bracelet kits 

 Art Girlz in Autumn Show, September 22.

Retro kitchen utensils 

Finding things I'd forgotten I had,

Rusty old tools and hardware

and others that I'm ready to let go to a new home.

Vintage postcards, pamphlets and mags

There will be an entire section of the show devoted to 

45 Easy Pieces Ephemera Paks

wonderful vintage-y ephemeraticly retro

 mixed media art supplies!!