meet ME in St. Louis

Do I look excited? I am! This terribly tidy studio belongs to a woman I have admired for years, Mary Englebreit. Mary inspires me because she has built a career and an international reputation while remaining true to her artistic vision. Many pooh-poohed Mary's self taught sentimental view but the self -proclaimed Queen of Cute persevered and built an empire with out leaving her home town of St. Louis. Her latest foray is hosting a conference about art & the business of art. After enduring an "express" flight (flying is not fun for those of us over 6 feet tall) I shared a cab with a fellow conference go-er Justine and checked in to the gorgeous Chase Park Plaza Hotel, unpacked, had lunch and scurried 2 blocks down for my tour of Mary's studio.

Everything about it was cute as can be (naturally!) and it was fascinating to see pencil sketches and lay outs of Mary's book in progress. We got a sneak peek at 2011's calendar pages and learned lots of "behind the scenes" stories from her trusty assistant. Then I headed up to the Stardust Ballroom (really!) and met all of the other terribly friendly, creative and charming women who are unabashed "Mary" fans. It's good to know you are not alone in your obsessions!

Happy Birthday to me!

Transitioning is hard. Transitioning form chore to chore, duty to duty. Parenting, home keeping, shopkeeping, artist, and paperwork, paperwork, ppaperwork!  When exactly is it I am supposed to whip up gourmet meals, exercise to lose this spare tire, make art, take my husband dancing, not neglect my friends, pursue my spiritual life and ugh, do more paperwork?  Seems like if I actually finish any one task it is always to the detriment of another.  Anybody out there have any advice about structuring one's work day?

One day that is never work is my BIRTHDAY!  Turned (gulp) 49 on Friday and my awesome neighbors and my usual suspects came over and had copious nibbles and raised a toast!  Thanks everyone for all of the birthday goodies and a wonderful time.  Here's a toast to my awesome sister Robin who attempts to keep me on track (and stands in for my left brain as I have none!).  Cheers!