Earth Day is HERE!!!!!

It is Earth Day today, and I’m taking a moment to recommit my life and art journey to doing the right things to take care of the planet. Every little bit does make a difference! This year I am donating three bags of clothes to ThredUp. What is your Earth Day thing going to be?

This year I’m also reading two books. One is on reducing toxins in the home. It is called “A Healthier Home”. The book focuses chapters on different things you do in the home. With ideas for personal care, cooking, cleaning and more…I’m bound to get some ideas from this book on products to avoid and more Earth and people friendly habits to swap in.

The second book I’m reading is “Simply Living Well”. It features ways to go low waste and helps you get closer to zero waste. There are recipes for health, hearth and home. Plus the photos in the books are just gorgeous! It’s inspirational just flipping through the books. I cannot do natural medicine very much because I am on a lot of prescriptions, but it is encouraging to think there might be a few things I might be able to try.

I hope your Earth Day is fabulous! Extra points if you do something to make it matter to you!

Why I wrote "The Portals of Locke Meade"

There’s something really grounding about making your own clothes.
Just sitting with the fabric, taking your time, figuring things out as you go. It’s not fast, and it’s definitely not perfect—but that’s kind of the point. I think that’s why I’ve always loved it. It feels like stepping outside of everything else for a while. The pace is slower. You actually pay attention. And you end up with something that means a little more because you made it yourself.

But lately, I’ve been thinking about how different that is from the world we live in now. Clothing is made so quickly, in such huge quantities, and most of us never really see how or where it happens. It just shows up… and then disappears. And I started wondering—what would it look like if people pushed back against that in a bigger way? Not just quietly choosing to sew at home, but actually resisting it.

That question stuck with me more than I expected. I kept coming back to it—what would real resistance even look like in a world like this? And at some point, it stopped being just a question and started turning into a story.

I began imagining a group of people who didn’t just step outside the system, but decided to confront it. People who saw the environmental cost of mass production and couldn’t ignore it anymore. People who were willing to take risks to protect something they believed in.

That’s where this book came from.

It’s a mix of history, science fiction, and environmental themes—but at its core, it’s really about that same feeling so many of us have in quieter ways. Wanting to slow down. Wanting to live differently. Wanting to care about how things are made and what they cost beyond just money.

If you’ve ever felt that, even a little bit, I think this story might resonate with you.

The book is available on Amazon if you’d like to explore the story. And truly, thank you for being here and sharing this space with me.

#1 Teen European History New Release!!

We did it!! If you have been following me on Facebook the last couple of weeks, I asked people to help make my book #1 in Teen Historical Fiction. It did so today!! I’m beyond thrilled! What a way to spend the Easter holiday, basking in the glow of a book well done! I’m doing my happy dance over in my corner of the world. Get your copy of “The Portals of Locke Meade” today! Thank you beyond measure for helping making this book a success!

The Reluctant Farmer by Cathryn Wellner

I want to give a shout out to my friend from Australia! She is the author of many books, the one I love the most is “The Reluctant Farmer”! Cathryn Wellner and I met some years ago, because we both love to encourage other creatives online. She is a true storyteller! If you get a chance, check out her memoir and her Small Scale Stories! I am loving her memoir, “The Reluctant Farmer” so much. You can get a copy on Amazon.

It is raining out today, and I am just settling in for a quiet night of art and reading at my desk. I hope you all are doing well, and that you are having fun, no matter what continent you live on!

Here is an excerpt from my new book!

I wrote this book as a dedication to my friends. When I started the book, I had two friends who made a huge impact on me! Unfortunately, I had a falling out with one of them. But I remain friends with the other! Here is a small excerpt from the book, “The Portals of Locke Meade”! If you enjoy this excerpt, you might enjoy the book. 📕 📖 🤩💝

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She drifted to the grand hallway, and sure enough, the jesters were there.  They did a slight bow when they saw her and then set down their props.

            “Patrick, Aston…I am so happy to have discovered you here!  I am beside myself with sorrow.  The chateau is being sold, and I am to move to town tomorrow!”

            Aston shrugged, “Yes, we already know!  The entire staff has been expecting this news for some time.  Patrick and I will be nearly neighbors though, isn’t that something worth celebrating?”

            “Well, yes.  It will be delightful if you both would help me get acquainted with town life and keep the riff raff away.  You know I have always delighted in both of your company!  I’m fearful though, because I have never actually lived alone before.  I don’t know what to expect!  What does a young lady do who finally has freedom after living under her mother’s thumb her entire life?”

            Patrick did his cool laugh; the one where he only slightly opened his mouth and tilted his head.  “Well, there is fun to be had in town!  You have not yet had the privilege of the pub, nor have you spent much time by the river there.  Aston and I will call on you each day and see how you are faring, and we can all hang out!  We will help you set up your cottage too!”

            Amber smiled and did a little curtsey.  “Oh, that sounds grand!  Maybe it will be fun for a change!  It will be nice to be finished with studying.  And perhaps I will find a path of freedom and whimsy there!  Is there any chance of me finding a first job to pass the long hours of the day?  I have always wondered what it was like to earn a wage…you know…to be a part of the bigger picture.”

Some paintings inspired by "The Portals of Locke Meade"...

Here are a few paintings I did along the way as I was writing the book. They will give you something of an idea of what the book is about. I chose to keep the book as just text, because young YA are just getting into full length chapter books. So I wanted the book text to stand on it's own.

I worked for over three years off and on writing this book! It is my finest book to date, although I’m still really partial to my art book, “The Faeries of Octo Bay”. “The Portals of Locke Meade” is a full length book of YA sci fi fiction! Be a part of the adventure today!

"The Portals of Locke Meade" is on Amazon!!

“The Portals of Locke Meade” is now available!

Amber Gamboge is learning what life is like beyond the chateau doors. What do the Fashion Police want with a little aristocrat who has never been on her own? Join in the adventure! Grab a copy of “The Portals of Locke Meade” today!

"Rise" by John Pavlovitz: Book Review

Lent is arriving right on time for me! Honestly, even though I have been a Christian since I was in my teens, I have never celebrated Lent. I’m the kind of open minded Christian who studies the Bible on a personal level. The takeaways I get are my own interpretation of things. Some people might consider that unholy or wrong. Sure, many Christians go to church and get taught how to pray. I did the church thing when I was young, and it was not a good experience. To the girl who didn’t fit in anywhere, church was a great place to be the odd man out. Double the sense of not fitting in, my parents didn’t go to church. So church elders looked at me with grave suspicion. I didn’t let that stop me. I was ready to devote my life to Christ, regardless of whether they wanted to be a part of that journey or not.

Nowadays I’m a lot more laid back and open minded. But honestly, this year I could use a renewal of my faith! It has been such a hard few years of my life. Harder than ever it seems. I’ve been doing these mini prayers sprinkled throughout my day, just to be in God’s presence for a while. And today I started reading the book “Rise”, by John Pavlovitz. If you have not heard of John Pavlovitz, he is a former pastor turned writer and leader of a movement for change. He symbolizes the good side of Christianity, not the MAGA side. I’ve been soaking up his writing for the last year or so, mostly through his Substack posts. He fires me up to make a difference.

It isn’t too late to celebrate Lent! Grab a copy of “Rise” from John Pavlovitz’s website and get praying!

Book Club: Turtle Wisdom by Donna DeNomme

I have big news……..I’m pregnant! Hahahahaha! April Fool’s! Seriously though, life is good and bad. A mixture of all the things happening at once sometimes. That is where I find myself this week. I am getting better rapidly because I’m on some new medications. My cat is having surgery tomorrow, and he isn’t doing well. He might not make it. My husband and I are delicately traversing our journey at this time.

Most people don’t know this, but I used to have a turtle. One thing people don’t tell you about having a turtle is that they take a lot of upkeep. I struggled to care for it, so they live at my in-laws now. I always thought he was a male, but he laid an egg a year and a half ago! I used to spend endless hours, watching Eugene swim in their tank. Just that pure energy of bliss and peace as they swam back and forth around their tank.

I keep thinking about this book, “Turtle Wisdom” by Donna DeNomme. Every time I flip it open to read, I am deeply comforted, I feel roots begin to grow out of my feet deep into the Earth, and twigs and feathers collect in my hair. I am at once brought back to my connection to nature, peace, and my own inner nature. The book is so profound! She starts off saying that she lives in a trailer, and is content in her small abode. She has discovered a joy, sharing her wisdom. The book speaks of outrageous acts of courage and love, and how even simple acts of compassion and care make a difference.

I highly recommend this book! I lost sight of my values over the years when I faced some challenging times. Trying to “become something more” and “make something of myself” by consumeristic standards slowly degraded and chipped away at my self esteem. I am recovering, slowly, making things because they speak to my soul, painting, writing, and sewing whatever pulls at my heart and makes my belly fill with butterlies. The creative spark is on fire, and is a great comfort! I know life feels heavy right now, for so many of us! Find a book that speaks to your spirit, and get out your art and craft supplies to just play! It will help you reconnect with your spirit and renew your vision for a more natural rhythm.

Body Positive Coloring Book and Valentine's Greeting

Isn’t love great? I love to love! I love to be in love! I love to dream of love, and fall head over heals with the fantasy of love. Love has moved mountains in my life! God’s love, my husband’s love, friends and family love. Platonic, romantic, spiritual, soul stirring love!

It’s Valentine’s Day, and my cat Indy is still sick! So my husband and I are monitoring him moment to moment. Is he stress free? Is he eating and sleeping? Does he look anxious? Indy got stressed from vet visits and now he is developing other problems from the stress. We are trying as hard as we can for him!

Earlier this week I finally did something I’ve wanted to do for a while. I self published my Body Positive Coloring Pages on Amazon! It is priced at $7.99, and the pages are meant to make you smile, laugh and ponder. The book is great for women’s circles, friend circles and book clubs to spark conversations about the lengths women go to to look beautiful.

I hope you are having a wonderful Valentine’s Day. Focus on the people and animals you love! Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be “perfect”…just feel the love in your heart. That is enough!

"Soul Force" by Joseph Arnold

I have a little book club going. Honestly it is me and a woman I met on Instagram! And both of us keep fizzling on the book. Life has been hectic, and we both just dip into the book when we feel like it. I keep flipping open the book, because I’m trying to figure out a new way for my art! Yes! I want to write books! Yes! I want to create graphic novel adventures.

Beyond that though, why do I feel like selling art is the only way to make it worthwhile? It is like ingrained deep in my psyche, that art doesn’t matter unless you sell it. What the fuck is up with that? I mean, why does selling something give it worth? Since when was something more valuable if it had a price tag on it. I call bull shit on the lie that so many artists have taken in deep into their soul. It is a lie that is so destructive. I don’t know about other artists, but personally I have cried so many tears and felt so much shame because of trying to sell my art.

“Soul Force” is like an awakening! Art is for inspiration, healing, and connection! I mean…big breath! And a deep feeling of satisfaction comes over me when I digest that. It is like something I used to know along the way for many years when I was trying to make something of my life. I was making things, and made to feel like that wasn’t enough.

The outside world was putting so much pressure on me to make something of my life! Meanwhile, I was working on my art. I was showing up at my art table every single day, rain or shine. For about 16 years! Putting in the time. Trying to get better at what I did. Trying to heal myself along the way. Supporting other artists, taking classes, enJOYing the process. Stringing together a life of creative moments and memories.

I’ve done a lot of art I’m super proud of! And that is enough for me. I no longer sell my original watercolors and paintings. They mean too much to me. Way more than a dollar ever could!

"The Re:fashion Wardrobe" by Portia Lawrie

Alright…so I think I have been living under a rock for the past few years! Because I kept searching for upcycling books and not finding what I was looking for. Once I changed my search to “sew clothes”, it opened up a doorway to a bunch of incredible books!

This gem of a book, “The Re:fashion Wardrobe”, is a great book for women who want to take pieces in or who have lost weight. You know when you lose a bunch of weight and suddenly all your clothes are too big? or do you have a bunch of men’s oversized items to alter? If you have either of those quandries…this book is perfect for you!

There are lots of projects for working with oversized men’s button down shirts. And for altering jeans and pants. The projects in the book are polished and preppy! Think uber stylish woman who lives in a swanky loft downtown kind of swanky! Or for the woman who loves a streamlined capsule wardrobe with basic colors and finely crafted fitted pieces.

My favorite part of the entire book is the intro about the clothing waste cycle. The author puts a huge emphasis on the carbon footprint of clothes. Which are lessons we can all stand to really learn more about and take to heart.

So, yeah, I recommend this book! The projects look very achievable and you will come away with a whole new skillset on custom tailoring your clothes!

Book Review: Sketch Your Style

There has never been a better time to sew your own clothes! With the price of clothing absolutely through the roof right now, why not start sewing clothes that truly express the real you?!

If you do sew clothes, I have discovered an incredible book for planning your dream wardrobe! This book would also be great to plan a line of clothing to sell! I discovered this book while browsing on Amazon, and I had to have it!

The book goes through a run down of body shapes to help you figure out style that enhance your shape. I typically don’t worry about that so much anymore though…because I just love the freedom to dress how I want! Then the book goes through fashion eras and iconic fashion designers, and shows you what those eras and designers were most known for. There are pages to try drawing similar styles for each section.

Finally, the section I’m most looking forward to…designing your dream wardrobe! Truthfully, I can rarely if ever find clothes that suit my sensibilities. I’m plus size and I love totally unique exotic looks…things you can’t find in stores. I feel like this book is great because it gives ideas which can be applied to upcycle clothes as well as tips for designing unique looks. I can see lots of ideas I could apply to existing patterns in my collection to give them that edgy, expensive designer look.

I highly recommend this book, both for people interested in drawing figurative art and those designing and upcycling clothing. I can’t wait to dive in and dabble and play!

Meet the Faeries of Octo Bay!

Sit for a spell as I introduce you to the main characters in “The Faeries of Octo Bay”!

The faeries of Octo Bay are slightly different than your run of the mill faerie clan. My faeries represent the best of human nature! My joyous faeries love God, and know their place in the Great Web of Life. They have existed since the Earth was created! And yet they are humble enough to know that they need to rely on each other and nature to thrive.

The Lil’ Daisies met in Botany School as young fae! Evie is their ringleader! She is empowered, strong and resilient. Her friends Jessay, Indigo, and Trixie stick together as a trio! They tend to the trees together and keep the woods pristine! Airy and Zooey tend to the birds and animals in the forest. Airy loves to fly high with the hawks, to get a greater perspective.

The Dreamers Crew in “The Faeries of Octo Bay”

Wachym is the leader of the Dreamers Crew! His entire job is just to dream a vision for Octo Bay. Wouldn’t that be an amazing job! Wachym has a pet dog named Spirit Dog. He goes everywhere with Wachym. Jackson is an Irish fae. He flew all the way from Ireland to help the faeries on Octo Bay! Patchett and Splashes are good at planning. Splashes also tends to the rivers and streams, to make sure the water is safe for all the creatures and humans too! Dansforth is the deep thinker of the Dreamers. He can come up with solutions where no solution can be found.

If you’re curious to read the tale of these adorable faeries, check out the book! It’s a fun read, with incredible art!

"The Faeries of Octo Bay" is now available on Amazon!

My book is now live on Amazon!! Here’s a link so you can grab a copy! After you read the book, please leave a review. Reviews really help bring visibility to books and authors!

“The Faeries of Octo Bay” tells the story of a group of lovable faeries who are restoring an island and tending to the environment. Humans had to leave the island because it became uninhabitable for them. A sorceress and her daughter stayed on the island when the rest of the humans left, and she is out to stop the faeries! Will the faeries restore the island in time for humans return? Pick up a copy of the book to follow the story and to read the incredible conclusion! The ending might surprise you!

I painted over 80 watercolor illustrations for the book! The art has been called “classical fairy style art” and “similar to Dr. Seuss”. I used Angora Opaque paints for the entire book, along with some alcohol marker and paint pens. It was so much fun to make this book, and another book is already in the works!

Grab a copy of “The Faeries of Octo Bay” and see what the fuss is about!

A Book of Illustrated Scripture by Jen Alward

Jen Alward of Hope and Healing at Home is a missionary with a big heart! She has put together a book for outreach to a group of kids in Thailand! My art is just one of the beautiful pieces in the book, which features 50 Bible Verses, and art by 18 artists! Grab a copy of the book to see my painting and read the beautiful Bible verses which go with the art! The book has space for journaling, and it written in English, Laos and Thai!

Proceeds for the book go to support Jen’s work. I am always praying that my works will make an impact in some way, and it feels great to be a part of projects that are doing good in this world! “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6)

Here’s the link to the book! Click here!