There always seems to be something new taking shape around here.

I write a weekly newspaper column and blog called The Art of Island Life, where I share stories about art, creativity, community, food, and the little things that make Island life interesting.

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I recently completed a collection of personal essays filled with humor, heart, encouragement, and a little hard-earned wisdom—stories drawn from the ordinary, messy, funny, and sometimes difficult moments of life.

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The Meaning in the Margins

Stories of Grit, Grace, Glitter, and a Little Dog Drool

There are stories of raising four children, starting over, building businesses, surviving a brain tumor, choosing peace, losing those we love, making art, and learning when to hold on and when to let go. There are also dogs, glitter, a few recipes, and plenty of “Momisms”—because even the heavier parts of life deserve a little humor.

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At its heart, this book is about the small moments we might otherwise overlook: the people who show up, the plans that fall apart, the unexpected detours, and the seemingly insignificant things that somehow change everything.

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Sometimes the greatest meaning isn't found in the big moments. It's waiting quietly in the margins.

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I’ve also written a short encouragement series, 15 Days of Grace, Grit, and Getting Through It,  for those days when we could all use a little nudge. Through daily thoughts, reflections, and simple prompts, it explores creativity, grace, resilience, joy, starting over, and the power of taking one small step at a time.

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No grand life overhaul required. Sometimes getting through it starts with giving yourself permission to simply begin where you are.

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The full 15-day series is now available on my website under courses as a self-paced daily experience for $5.

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I also create courses and resources for artists and creatives—sharing some of what I’ve learned from both sides of the gallery wall.

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​​​I'm currently writing the final chapter of The Caterpillar Chronicles: Life According to Reginald.

What began with one very persistent Giant Leopard Moth caterpillar in my garden somehow became a children’s book.

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Reginald—and the cast of characters who eventually joined him—turned an unexpected little backyard encounter into a funny, tender story about kindness, curiosity, transformation, and making room for the creatures who wander into our lives.

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A couple of other children’s books are taking shape, too.

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All Because Bella Was Brave is a picture book inspired by one very small dog with a very big personality—and I’m currently working on the illustrations.

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Deck the Palms is a coastal Christmas picture book about a palm tree who looks longingly toward snowy Christmas trees and wonders if Christmas can possibly feel as magical by the sea. 

Apparently, writing one book at a time would be far too sensible.

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And because three businesses, a newspaper column and blog, painting, writing, and the occasional caterpillar are not quite enough to keep me occupied, there are always a few other ideas waiting in the margins.

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For the extra curious, I’ve included links below to a few other things I’m up to—depending on the day and time.

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