I just love painting street scenes especially during the fall season. Here are two of my latest street paintings.
I'm looking forward to creating a whole series of street scenes along Connecticut Rt. 44.

“Tea is not just for old ladies” I responded to my daughter Veronica’s reply, “Tea? Who drinks tea?Old ladies right?” Well it only took one sip and we were hooked. That was over a year ago. As we sampled each tea available we kept returning to the Pink Cherry Cider. I’m not sure if its the perfect blend of sweetness and and herbs that draw us in or the fact that we both love the same thing, but it’s never been difficult to convince either one that a trip to the Green Tea House was a necessary stop before we headed home after school.

If you’re a tea lover like me and  haven’t been to the Green Tea House it’s really worth the trip. I would suggest checking out their website first. The number of teas they have is numerous and the beautiful tea pots and cups and mugs are positively alluring.

My husband Dean and I made a quick stop at Bruegger’s Bagels this morning in the Avon Village shops, Avon CT. When it comes to fall favorites both my step daughter Hope and I enjoy the seasonal pumpkin flavored foods. She love pumpkin ice cream and  love the pumpkin cream cheese and bagel for Brueggers. If you have any other tasty pumpkin flavored foods you’d like to share just post a comment below and where it can be found. Thanks for sharing!

After a few days of cloudy weather, I notice the sun poking through the tree tops early this morning. What that means to me... 

it’s going to be a great day for hanging the clothes on the line. One of my favorite household chores... why you might be asking? First and foremost, hands down, the smell. I don’t care what new and improved laundry detergents company’s claim they can create scent of “fresh linen” in a bottle is a joke.... nope, I’m sorry but nothing can compare to the true authentic smell of clothes dried on the laundry line. 

Second, I definitely see a drop in our electric bill from the lack of running the dryer....and third, my artistic side some how kicks in and I don’t just hang the clothes any old way, they’re arrange by color, size and texture... a few months ago I even painted my laundry line.

As the sun was spilling in the window catching the pedals of the sunflowers in such a way they were glowing a golden yellow I had to stop between laundry loads to paint a still life with a few pleasing elements to convey the message of truth.

“Let praise cascade off my lips; after all, you’ve taught me the truth about life”.... (and laundry lines, my words)   Psalm 119:169-176 the message
Another one for the Laundry Line: 

My artwork and artist info were featured in this week’s edition of the Cheshire Citizen newspaper! Thanks Joy for the media attention. I appreciate it very much!

I've been so inspired this month to return to my pink ribbon series with the many events that have taken place here in Connecticut for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
On my quest for new items to paint or showcase in my still life paintings I found this delicate pink rose tea cup with gold trim at a local consignment shop.

Look for more pink ribbon paintings this month!

Last Saturday night, two of my girls, Veronica and Allison joined me as we attend the Grand Opening for an exciting new art establishment The Arts Desire in the heart of downtown Torrington, CT. On the corner of Main and ..... a band was playing in the front “living room” with colorful snacks for munching. The second room, the Gallery where the owners Jessica and Lisa carefully selected all the unique, handcrafted work and fine art thats on display and for sale.Several of my mini paintings and smaller still lifes are on display.  In the back of the store front is a section for art supplies. The Arts Desire shares space with
Artwell, Torrington’s premiere art organization. 

With so many wonderful, artistic one-of-a-kind works of art and crafts, I’m looking forward to shopping for holiday presents here.

Lisa and Jessica, you two did a fabulous job bringing this unique, creative endeavor idea to a tangible retail establishment... I wish you the best and lots of success!

Kicking off the month for Breast Cancer Awareness, Blue Back Square in West Hartford closed its streets down,, rolled out a pink carpet and cranked the Frank Sinatra songs!

Pink was all around us... pink balloon, pink shirts, pink pumps, cupcakes and even a 10 speed pink bike for raffle. What happens when one sees so much pink? Hint: It’s contageous. Smiling happy people, from the breast cancer survivors who were preparing for a fashion show, to the children nibbling on the pink strawberry cotton candy. To the very gracious volunteers handing out pink frosted cupcakes, Pinkberry samples and more! 




My daughter Veronica and I stood in line for a swag bag ( $20 donation) and were delighted to find so many treasures in the bag. From shampoo samples to gift certificates to chapstick and a pink ribbon cookie... worth far more than what we paid.

What a well organized event for a wonderful cause! Great job to all the town of West Hartford and all it’s supporters.

Wrong Direction?
How we ended up at Whiplewool Farms in Salisbury, CT was such a delightful surprise.. it really was a wrong turn that brought us to this charming dairy farm.

I scoped out a few spots to set up my easel as we rounded the bend and my son Ray humored me while I slowed the car down to 2 mph joined in with greeting each cow that acknowledged our presence. I became so tickle that these cows grazing so close to the wire fencing would stop in mid-chew look up and stare at us for a few seconds. At first Ray thought I was nuts for greeting each one individually... “ Hi Cow. Hello Cow. Hi there Cow...” and on it went. By the 12th cow greeting... my son joined in... he’s such a sweetie... I know he did it just for me... I think he likes to see me smile and laugh.(or at least that’s what this mom thinks and no one’s going to tell me any differently.)

As we traveled back from Ivoryton yesterday. We made a quick stop a the most picturesque Autumn farm. The rich jewel toned colors of autumn graced this farm, pumpkin patch and garden. The indigo blue lake behind the farm just sealed the picture. I snapped away. Every where I turned something more beautiful capture my attention. I made a half hearted attempt to coax Dean onto the tractor to pose for a picture but he just gave me that look and strolled past me. “One day, Dean, we’ll have a farm like this with lots of animals a tractor of your own.”... I know it’s wishful thinking but why not dream big and colorful!
But for now I get to paint our garden at home... and I'm thankful for that!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
For breast cancer awareness month, Six Summit Gallery, Ivoryton, CT put out a call for artist to enter their “In the Pink” Juried Show. Running for Oct 3, 2012 - No?

I'm in!
I submitted three of my pink ribbon series painting and one was accepted! I was thrilled to be apart of this show.

Taking a Ride
This morning Dean and I took a scenic ride along route 80 to Ivoryton,CT to drop off the Watermelon and Pink Ribbon Painting.

The sun was shining and a crisp clear sky hinted to the beginning of a colorful fall season ahead of us. I’ve always loved fall since I was a little girl. I can remember so anxiously wanting to help rake the leaves into a big pile, (a pile taller than me... but that wasn’t saying much because the neighborhood kids called me smidge) in the front yard and then running and jumping in them! I still can remember my dad patiently raking the pile back to it’s  original height and we’d get a running start and scream our way to the leave pile. I get the biggest kick out my own kids repeating my childhood... I guess it’s inevitable - kids and leaves piles.... a color- filled explosion of fun!