Hello March.

Magnolia Buds 12x24 Acrylic on Canvas
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So here we are, its Monday and the first day of March. I'm thinking spring. Longer warmer days, flowers breaking through the last traces of snow. The promise of spring so beautiful. It's just around the corner. Really.

And it can't come soon enough for me. January and February were tough months this year. There were personal issues to deal with and work through and the long quiet hours I spend in my studio (which I usually revel in) left me feeling alone and isolated. We also experienced a death in the family with the passing of my husband's mother. Zina was a kind and caring woman and as far as mother in laws go, she was the absolute best.

So this first day of March is a new beginning of sorts and I'm jumping right in with optimism. Carpe Diem. I've got some serious studio time scheduled as it's time to get new work into my galleries. I also have a couple of exciting meetings planned and of course my weekly coffee date with my sister.

My good friend artist Lynn Kelly is exhibiting at the Artist Project this week and I'll be helping her with some booth sitting this Friday. You may remember a post I wrote about her art installation here. There are wonderful artists doing this show so if you're in Toronto you should really check it out.

Lunch with Gabriela Delworth

Early Morning Mist 36x48

available at Canvas Gallery

Today was a day out of the studio. A networking day. I met my friend Gabriela for a quick lunch and a brainstorming session. She is blogger/craft instructor extraordinaire. See her blog here. I recently saw her on an episode of HGTV's The Decorating Adventures of Ambrose Price. She was showing her fine art of gift wrapping and I was truely impressed. Like Ambrose, I didn't know you could wrap a round box and make it look as wonderful as Gabriela did. I must admit when it comes to gift wrapping I prefer gift bags and some tissue. Easy peasy! Today we talked about many things. The state of the economy, how the media is affecting and has been affected by this recession. Some of our favorite magazines have stopped publishing. How some are changing and adapting to stay afloat, while others are seizing the opportunity to start a new business endevour or expanding on what they have already. We both agree that it's important to shop indie and support your local artists and craftspeople. Buy handmade!! Thanks for a nice lunch Gabriela, I always get a big burst of inspiration after one of our meetings.

Now it's back to work for the rest of the afternoon. I've been working on some paintings that I'll be submitting to my publisher. I'll post more about that soon. Tomorrow I'll be checking out The Artist Project Toronto as artist friend Lynn Kelly is exhibiting.