On The Art Table in August

A favorite birthday tradition and sun protection must haves

The Peak of Summer

The gardens are popping with tomatoes and the lakes have hit perfect swimming temperature. Our legs are now strong from biking to run all our errands, and we no longer have to stop and catch our breath as we climb the stairs from the beach. You know those stairs - the ones you wish they would fix so they weren’t so dangerous, but also don’t want them to because then maybe word would get out and everyone would know about the secret beach entrance? Then again, maybe you don’t know those stairs… The sunflowers are hitting their peak height, and at the same time, so is summer.

Today, August 1st, is Lughnasadh or Lammas, an ancient holiday of harvest that marks the halfway point of the Summer Solstice and Fall Equinox. It feels like a perfect time to reflect on summer thus far, and to reset our intentions for the second half of this season.

I write this on the last day of July, day 2 of 32 years old, 4 days after an amazing art show, 4 days before my son turns 1. At the risk of gushing, I’ll reserve most of my reflecting for my journal, but I’m feeling extremely grateful for all this season, year and life has brought my way. While eating birthday cupcakes this Saturday, my sister asked me to share with the table my 32 favorite moments of life thus far (a favorite birthday game of hers if you would like to replicate at your next celebration!) Of course there are the obvious ones (our wedding day, the birth days of my children) but then the smaller moments too (she used my header goal against our arch rivals in high school as an example, and also the *multiple* times she and I almost died in Hawaii, near death experiences are alway so fun aren’t they?) Then she asked everyone at the table to go around and share their favorite memory of me. It initially felt self indulgent, but quickly became a fantastic conversation starter and we were all laughing recalling the stories. I went to bed feeling so thankful. I highly recommend.

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Beach Portraits Now Available

I’m thrilled so many of you have connected with these paintings! There are only six remaining, including many of my favorites.

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Art Leelanau

If you find yourself in Leland this week, don’t miss the Art Leelanau exhibit at the Old Art Building. I have two 24x30 ‘Beach Portraits’ hanging alongside some beautiful local artists’ work. The show is up through this Sunday, open daily from 10:00-4:00.

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Scribbles + Notes

• I’ll be in and out of the studio this month, but I’ve had some requests for studio visits, so if you’re in town and want to stop by just shoot me an email and we can set up an appointment!

• I just got this pair of sandals in the mail and haven’t taken them off. Word on the street is Mary-Kate Olsen has the same pair, which usually wouldn’t warrant an impulse purchase from me (you know her taste is $$$) but when I saw they were under $45 I couldn’t order them fast enough.

• The pink and green beach throws you’ve seen in my photos for this collection are from Heather Taylor Home. One look at her linens and you’re going to immediately want to find an excuse to throw a party. Somehow she even makes tissue boxes cute, who knew?!

• The coolest antique and home decor shop up north, August, is having its eponymous birthday party on the 10th if you find yourself in or near Petoskey, Michigan.

• My birthday present this year was this hat. After accidentally letting my back get sunburned this weekend, I think investing in *stylish* sun protection is a worthwhile one. The founder was also just interviewed in one of my favorite newsletters.

• Speaking of sun damage, I’m finally going to purchase this holy grail vitamin C serum that my best friends are constantly raving about (a stranger literally just came up to her asking for her skin care regimen). Apparently the bottle lasts forever, which is the goal for my skin too. Hey, it’s the sunniest month of the year here in Michigan! Stay safe (and youthful) out there friends. I did just turn 32 after all.