I HAVE NOT FALLEN OFF THE FACE OF THE PLANET, I'VE JUST SWITCHED UNIVERSES!

I'm now living, working, breathing in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

Last September, I embarked on a 3000 mile journey from the Cascade mountains of Washington State to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. I cheated a wee bit, and caught a plane from Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the last leg of the trip–while my husband and beloved dog drove the rest of the way. What an incredible cross-country journey, with stops in Las Vegas and Santa Fe!

After spending nearly 2-1/2 months here in San Miguel, I have to say I'm still enamored with this beautiful Spanish Colonial City in the "Corazon de Mexico"...the heart of Mexico. I was worried that, after an 18 month absence, I would find that everything has changed. Well, some things HAVE and others have NOT. Gone are some of the little cafes and "tiendas" that were already operating on a "knife's edge" of profit margin–which does make me sad. But, during my many walks around town here, I have noticed so many little start-ups (cafes, gift stores, organic markets, etc.) coming to life and adding to the amazing ambience of San Miguel. I have vowed to do everything in my power to support these small businesses! Since arriving here in San Miguel de Allende, I have had the privilege of visiting the old historical centers of Guanajuato City and Queretaro, both important centers Mexico's illustrious silver mining trade in Spanish Colonial times. I have also been able to connect with a few talented artists who now call San Miguel their "forever" home. Will I become one of them?

Art-wise, I have been working solely in oils and cold wax in the "abstract". Lynn Hanson, of Lynn Hanson Gallery/Seattle, visited me in October so that we could participate in an advanced painting workshop. This was taught by the amazing oil and cold wax gurus, Rebecca Crowell and Jerry McLaughlin. Six days of intensive learning was EXHAUSTING, but Lynn and I both felt that we made some progress, and met some amazing women from all over the planet! Once the Holidays have ended, I look forward to setting up my encaustic studio and warming up that gorgeous WARM wax once again!

In September I was honored to be included in the 8th Annual ICON Show, hosted by Lynn Hanson Gallery in Seattle, Washington. This is a highly-coveted annual juried show that now attracts entrants from all over the globe. "5 Seasons of the Lotus" is the title of my accepted painting (encaustic & mixed media on panel, 20x20"), and you may still view the entire show here. You may still view my two-woman show with the talented Lynn Hanson, of Lynn Hanson Gallery, here! Or just visit www.lynnhansongallery.com.

I am deeply missing teaching my in-person workshops and interactions with my students, and vow to find the best ways to start them once again here in San Miguel in 2022. Stay tuned!