I'm a self-taught mixed media artist and have been creating art and a positive atmosphere in my life for as long as I can remember. I live in sunny South Florida, which serves as my inspiration for my use of bright fun colors with a whimsical flair.
My goal is to inspire and empower you to find your inner happiness through creativity, as I have in my life. This website includes different tips and techniques that will hopefully inspire your inner muse to create.
Welcome and join me on a wonderful journey in creating art!
Recently I’ve been working exclusively in 100% watercolor — no pens, no pencils, no mixed media — just paint, water, and experimentation. Limiting my tools in this way has been incredibly freeing. It removes distractions and brings my focus back to the natural movement of pigment, allowing watercolor to lead the conversation.
There’s a calm that comes from watching color bloom and settle. Working this simply reconnects me with why I love watercolor in the first place — the balance of intention and surrender.
Small Swatches, Big Discoveries
I started by creating lots of small watercolor swatches to test new color combinations, brushes, and techniques. These mini studies are where discovery happens. Each swatch becomes a low-pressure space to explore how pigments blend, separate, and create unexpected textures.
This playful experimentation feels both energizing and grounding. There’s no pressure for perfection — just curiosity. Some color pairings surprised me with their softness, while others produced bold, atmospheric effects that immediately sparked ideas for larger pieces.
From Testing to Finished Pieces
After choosing my favorite swatches, I moved into four 6×6 inch watercolor abstracts, carrying those discoveries forward. Even at this stage, the process stayed experimental. I adjusted water ratios, layered washes, and allowed organic edges to form naturally.
Each piece evolved from those early tests, maintaining a sense of freedom while gaining structure and intention. The result feels like a conversation between exploration and refinement — guided, but never forced.
Why This Process Matters
Working this way has been deeply refreshing for my creative mindset. Focusing on pure watercolor encourages patience, play, and emotional presence. It reminds me that experimentation isn’t separate from finished work — it is the foundation of it.
When I give myself permission to explore, my paintings feel more alive and expressive. That sense of freedom carries into the final pieces, creating art that reflects both process and feeling.
With Valentine’s Day arriving this Saturday, hearts, cards, and handwritten notes start taking center stage. While today we might exchange store-bought cards or digital messages, the tradition of sending sealed letters reminds us that love letters once carried a powerful sense of ceremony — and romance.
Long before instant communication, a sealed letter wasn’t just mail. It was an experience.
When Love Was Sealed by Hand
In ancient civilizations, sealing a letter with wax ensured privacy and authenticity. But beyond practicality, sealing a personal message created a moment of intention. Imagine the care involved — writing by hand, folding the paper, melting wax, and pressing a seal to close it.
For lovers, this ritual transformed a simple note into something intimate and meaningful. A sealed letter whispered, this is meant for you alone. It was romance you could hold in your hands.
Wax Seals and the Language of Emotion
By the Middle Ages, wax seals carried symbolism. Nobility used them for authority, but personal letters — including romantic ones — embraced the seal as part of the message. Even wax colors held emotional meaning. Red often symbolized passion and love, making it a fitting choice for Valentine correspondence.
A sealed letter didn’t just deliver words. It carried feeling, anticipation, and connection.
Love Letters as Keepsakes
Unlike modern texts that disappear into a scroll, sealed love letters were treasured objects. They were tucked into boxes, reread by candlelight, and saved for years. The physical act of opening a seal heightened the emotional experience — a small dramatic pause before reading heartfelt words.
It’s easy to see why Valentine traditions grew from this culture of handwritten affection.
The Romance of Letterlocking
Some messages were folded using intricate techniques known as letterlocking — turning paper into its own envelope. These clever folds protected secrets and added artistry to the exchange. For romantic letters, it created a sense of mystery and delight.
Opening one felt like unlocking someone’s heart.
A Tradition Worth Reviving
Even in our fast-paced digital world, Valentine’s Day offers a beautiful excuse to slow down. Writing a note, sealing an envelope, or adding a decorative wax stamp can transform a simple gesture into something memorable.
You don’t need medieval tools — just intention. A sealed letter reminds us that love isn’t only spoken — it’s crafted, shared, and preserved.
This Valentine’s Day, consider putting pen to paper. Your message might become a keepsake… a modern echo of a timeless tradition.
Romance has always lived in the details — in ink, in folded paper, and in the anticipation of opening a heartfelt message. Thanks for stopping by, and may your Valentine’s Day be filled with meaningful moments and a little old-fashioned magic.
I’m excited to introduce my newest 8×8 abstract painting, “When Color Smiles,” a piece that celebrates the simple joy and energy that colorful abstract art can bring into a space.
From the very first layers, this painting felt bright and expressive. I worked intuitively, allowing vibrant colors to move freely across the canvas, blending softness with bold moments. The result is an original modern abstract painting that feels playful, uplifting, and full of life — like color itself is sharing a happy moment.
One of the things I love most about creating small abstract paintings is how much personality they can hold. Even at 8×8 inches, this piece carries movement and emotion. The layered colors create depth and visual interest, inviting you to pause and explore the details. Every angle reveals something a little different — a gentle transition, a pop of brightness, or a subtle rhythm in the brushwork.
Abstract art speaks in feeling rather than words, and “When Color Smiles” is all about warmth, optimism, and creative freedom. Whether displayed on a shelf, gallery wall, or cozy corner, this colorful abstract painting is meant to bring a lighthearted energy into its surroundings.
Creating this piece reminded me how powerful color can be — not just visually, but emotionally. Sometimes a painting doesn’t need a story or explanation. Sometimes it simply exists to lift the spirit.
Stop by my Etsy Shop if you’d like to see more details about this uplifting piece.
Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you have a wonderful day!
Some love stories are whispered. This one echoed through history.
Mark Antony, a powerful Roman general, and Cleopatra, the brilliant and magnetic queen of Egypt, met in 41 BCE—and sparks flew immediately. Cleopatra was celebrated for her intelligence and commanding presence, not just her beauty, and Antony was instantly captivated. Their bond was a mix of romance, ambition, and political power, making it as intoxicating as it was risky.
They shared years filled with passion, luxury, and bold dreams. Cleopatra famously arrived on a lavish golden barge, instantly cementing her legend, and together they imagined a future shaped by love as much as leadership. But Rome saw Cleopatra as a threat, and Antony’s loyalty was constantly questioned. Torn between duty and devotion, he chose love—and history took a tragic turn.
Defeated in battle and believing Cleopatra was gone, Antony took his own life. Cleopatra, refusing to live without him or be claimed by Rome, soon followed. Their ending was heartbreaking, but their story was far from forgotten.
Centuries later, their romance captured imaginations all over again when Elizabeth Taylor brought Cleopatra to life in the iconic 1963 film Cleopatra. Taylor’s portrayal—dramatic, glamorous, and unforgettable—helped reintroduce this legendary love story to a new generation and cemented Cleopatra as a symbol of power, beauty, and fearless passion.
Love stories like Mark Antony and Cleopatra’s endure because they are deeply human—bold, complicated, and impossible to ignore. They remind us that some connections are so powerful, they transcend time, history, and even tragedy.
Hope today’s history snippet brought a little inspiration your way. Thanks for stopping by!
The past few weeks have brought some seriously cold weather, with back-to-back winter storms rolling through the eastern U.S. My heart went out to everyone up north dealing with freezing temperatures and power outages—and even the South felt the chill! Northern Florida even saw snow, which is pretty wild. Thankfully, things are starting to warm up a little now. 💛
One upside for me was spending more time indoors, which meant extra studio time and the chance to work on this new 24×24 abstract. I wish I could show you the “before” photos (technical hiccups!), but I’m really loving where this piece is right now. There are lots of layers in this one, and I enjoy seeing little hints of those earlier layers quietly peeking through.
I’m still deciding whether to add more lines or shapes. For now, I’m letting it hang out on the easel while I work on other things in the studio. There’s something nice about giving a painting a little space and seeing how it feels over time. And honestly? I kind of love it just the way it is… so this may be where I stop. We’ll see. 😊
I hope this little peek into my studio brightened your day. What have you been creating or enjoying lately? I always love hearing what you’re up to.
Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a moment here with me.
We often wait for big moments to feel like we’re “doing something meaningful.” The promotion. The breakthrough. The grand decision that changes everything overnight. But most of life doesn’t move in headlines—it moves in whispers.
It moves in the small choices we make when no one is watching.
The choice to pause before reacting. The choice to listen instead of rushing to respond. The choice to rest without guilt. The choice to be kind when it would be easier to be sharp.
These moments don’t announce themselves as important. In fact, they’re easy to overlook because they feel ordinary. But over time, they quietly shape who we become.
There’s something powerful about realizing that growth isn’t always loud. Sometimes it looks like showing up consistently. Sometimes it looks like letting go of what drains you. Sometimes it looks like choosing patience—again—even when you’re tired of choosing it.
Thoughtful living doesn’t mean having everything figured out. It means being willing to notice. To reflect. To ask yourself, “Is this aligned with the person I want to be?” even in the smallest decisions.
And here’s the comforting part: small choices are manageable. You don’t have to reinvent your life today. You just have to decide what matters in this moment. One conversation. One boundary. One intentional pause.
Over time, those moments stack. They build trust with yourself. They create momentum. They turn into habits, and habits turn into character.
So this Thursday, instead of asking, “What big thing should I do next?” try asking: “What small, thoughtful choice can I make today?”
Because often, that’s where real change begins—quietly, steadily, and right where you are. Let one thoughtful choice today, shape a better tomorrow.
Thank you for stopping by. I hope the rest of your day brings you peace, purpose, and a few unexpected smiles.
While I’m busy making little tweaks and fine-tuning my new Etsy Photography Shop, I’ve also been happily experimenting in the studio and diving into abstract work. Lately, it’s all about trying new techniques, playing with different supplies, and seeing what happens when I push myself outside my usual comfort zone.
These pieces were created on 140 lb handmade watercolor paper—and I’ll be honest, it’s not my favorite. There are areas where the paint just refuses to soak in, no matter how much I layer it on. The paper also has a yellow-green tinge, which works beautifully with some color palettes… and not so much with others. Part of the process, right?
That said, I am absolutely loving this color palette. It has a cool, calming vibe that really speaks to me. In the first image, though, I wasn’t thrilled with how the paintings were coming together. I tried adding a touch of shimmering metallic paint to see if that would elevate them—but they still didn’t quite win me over.
The second image features more organic shapes, and this is where things started to click. I love the way the shapes seem to glow, and that soft energy makes the piece feel really fun and alive to me.
By the time I reached the last image, I pretty much threw everything in my creative arsenal at it—short of the kitchen sink 😉 That one I truly love, especially the way the gold paint catches the light and adds that extra glow.
Art is always an experiment, and not every piece needs to be a favorite to teach you something new—and that’s part of what keeps it exciting.
I also want to send warm wishes to everyone affected by Winter Storm Fern. I hope you’re staying safe, warm, and well.
Thanks so much for being here and sharing this creative journey with me. Have a wonderful day!
If you’ve been following along, you know I’ve already explored the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle and the Michigan Triangle. Each one carries its own legends, unanswered questions, and eerie fascination—and today’s post is a continuation of that intrigue as we head north to one of the most mysterious regions of all: the Alaskan Triangle.
Where Is the Alaskan Triangle?
The Alaskan Triangle is generally described as an area stretching between Anchorage, Juneau, and Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow). This vast and rugged region is known not only for its breathtaking beauty, but also for an unusual number of disappearances and unexplained events that have occurred over the years.
The Case That Defined the Mystery
One of the most well-known and enduring mysteries linked to the Alaskan Triangle occurred in 1972, when a small plane carrying U.S. Congressman Hale Boggs, Congressman Nick Begich, their aide, and the pilot vanished while flying from Anchorage to Juneau. Despite one of the largest search efforts ever conducted in the region, no wreckage, debris, or remains were ever found. The case remains unsolved and is often cited as the moment the Alaskan Triangle captured national attention.
Planes That Vanished Without a Trace
The Boggs–Begich disappearance was not an isolated incident. In 1950, a U.S. Air Force Douglas C-54 Skymaster carrying 44 people disappeared while flying from Alaska to the continental United States. Despite extensive military searches, no trace of the aircraft was ever recovered, and the fate of those on board remains unknown.
These aviation mysteries have fueled speculation for decades, especially given how suddenly these aircraft vanished and how little evidence was left behind.
Unexplained Disappearances on the Ground
The mystery of the Alaskan Triangle isn’t limited to the skies. There are also missing person cases that remain unresolved. In 1995, Leonard Lane, a 73-year-old man, vanished during a Fourth of July event in Fairbanks. Despite searches and public appeals, no clues were ever found.
In 2014, Jael Tiara Hamblen, a young woman, disappeared after going out one evening. Months later, her purse was discovered buried in snow, but she herself was never found. Cases like these continue to raise questions, especially when evidence is scarce or simply stops.
Strange Sightings and Aerial Encounters
The Alaskan Triangle has also been associated with unexplained sightings in the sky. In 1986, the crew of Japan Airlines Flight 1628 reported seeing large unidentified objects pacing their aircraft over Alaska. The objects were described as brightly lit and capable of sudden, unusual movements. Despite radar data and official documentation, the incident has never been conclusively explained.
Another frequently mentioned location is Mount Hayes, where pilots and hikers have reported strange lights and unidentified objects appearing and disappearing in the sky. These reports have persisted for decades, adding to the region’s reputation.
Legends That Predate Modern Records
Long before modern aviation and recorded disappearances, Indigenous stories warned of the Kushtaka, a shape-shifting entity said to lure people away by mimicking familiar voices. While rooted in folklore, many find it unsettling how closely these stories echo modern accounts of people hearing voices or sounds before vanishing.
Nature, Mystery, and Unanswered Questions
There’s no denying that Alaska’s extreme weather and vast wilderness can explain many tragedies. Sudden storms, difficult terrain, and limited access can make survival—and recovery—nearly impossible. Still, what keeps the Alaskan Triangle so compelling is that some cases simply don’t have clear answers.
The lack of evidence, the repeated patterns, and the sheer number of unresolved incidents leave room for speculation and curiosity.
A Continuing Intrigue
Together with the Bermuda Triangle and the Michigan Triangle, the Alaskan Triangle forms a trio of modern mysteries that continue to fascinate. Whether you lean toward logic, folklore, or something in between, these stories remind us how much of our world remains unexplained.
For some, the Alaskan Triangle reflects the raw power of nature. For others, it remains one of the most intriguing mysteries of our time. Either way, it continues to invite questions—and wonder.
I hope you enjoyed exploring this mystery with me—thanks so much for stopping by!
I’m so excited to finally share that my new Etsy shop, Flowing Waters Photo, is officially open! 🎉 After lots of time, planning, and behind-the-scenes work, I’ve finished transferring all of my photographs to this new space, and it feels wonderful to see it all come together.
To give you a little history, my love for photography began when I was about 10 years old. My father helped me craft a simple camera out of cardstock that actually worked, and that little creation sparked a fascination that’s stayed with me ever since. A few years later, he gifted me my first real camera as a birthday present—one I’ll always treasure. It opened my eyes to a whole new way of seeing the world and capturing the beauty around me.
Today, I use my Nikon Z50 to photograph everyday moments that catch my eye, transforming them into images that feel meaningful and timeless. This shop is a reflection of that journey and my love for noticing the small details that often go unnoticed.
All orders in the shop include FREE Shipping, so you can enjoy browsing without worrying about any extra costs. I can’t wait to continue sharing more art and photography with you.
Thanks for coming along with me on this creative journey. Wishing you a wonderful day!
Lillian Vernon was a pioneer of the mail-order catalog industry and a trailblazer for women in business. She founded her company in 1951 with just $2,000 and a simple idea: sell personalized products through the mail. At a time when few women ran national businesses—and even fewer did so from their kitchen tables—Vernon built a brand that became a household name, mailing millions of catalogs and redefining direct-to-consumer retail long before e-commerce existed.
What made Lillian Vernon remarkable wasn’t just her business success, but her visibility. She put her own name—and face—on the company, signaling confidence, accountability, and ambition. She proved that a woman could scale a business nationally, balance creativity with operations, and lead with both warmth and discipline.
As a child, I admired her deeply. I remember flipping through mail-order catalogs and imagining what it must be like to create something that could travel into people’s homes and spark a moment of delight. Lillian Vernon made that dream feel real and attainable. She planted the idea that I, too, could build my own mail-order business—an idea rooted in independence, creativity, and the belief that big things can start small. Today, that early inspiration has come full circle as I work toward creating my own online art business, carrying forward the same spirit of entrepreneurship and possibility that Lillian Vernon embodied.
Lillian Vernon’s legacy lives on not just in the business she built, but in the generations she inspired to imagine bigger futures. Her story reminds me that entrepreneurship begins with curiosity and courage—and that the dreams we form early can quietly shape the work we’re meant to do.
Thank you so much for stopping by—I hope your day is filled with creativity and inspiration.
Share the Happy❤️
For more information about Lillian Vernon, or to take a peek at her iconic mail-order catalog, visit:
Flowing Waters Art 