November 2026

Behind the Scenes: Creating Under Pressure

There's something quite different about creating a piece of art because an image is calling to be expressed and creating twenty pieces because there's an artisan market coming up!

I'm preparing for a small neighborhood artisan market, which means my studio has temporarily become something of a production workshop. I'm making smaller pieces, working with familiar techniques, thinking about what people might enjoy purchasing, and keeping a watchful eye on the calendar.

It's a different creative rhythm. There are decisions about efficiency, repetition, materials, pricing, and how much time to invest in each piece. And there's the pressure of getting everything finished!

It has me thinking about an interesting question: What changes do we make when we create art for the purpose of selling rather than for the purpose of speaking?

When I'm creating a larger, deeply personal work, I'm listening for something that wants to come through me. The process is often uncertain, exploratory, and sometimes uncomfortable. But when I'm creating for a market, there's a destination already in mind.

Are these two approaches really at odds with one another?

Perhaps the invitation is to discover how they can coexist. Can I make something beautiful and accessible while still bringing my authentic creative voice into it? Can repetition become a form of exploration rather than simply production?

I'm discovering that the answer may lie less in what I'm making and more in how present I remain while making it.

Upcoming: An Artist Homecoming: A Gathering of Kindred Creative Spirits

If you've participated in one of my classes, workshops, or creative journeys, you should have received an invitation to our gatherings: either December 7 in person or for those unable to attend, or who would enjoy an additional opportunity to reconnect, we'll also gather via Zoom on Saturday, December 12, at 1:00 p.m. ET.

This is an opportunity to reconnect, reflect and continue the discovery.

If you didn’t receive, please let me know!

Costa Rica: Finding Presence Through Art & Nature Retreat: One room remaining

APRIL 6–13, 2027 • COSTA RICA

Our Finding Presence Through Art & Nature Retreat is nearly full, with just one room remaining. If you've been feeling the quiet pull toward this experience, perhaps this is your invitation.

​Finding Presence Through Art and Nature ​ ​

Coming in January: The Great Archetype Extravaganza! A Live Online Adventure

Discover the Hidden Patterns Shaping Your Life

What if you could better understand the invisible patterns of power and behavior that have shaped your life?

Join me in January for a lively, interactive exploration of archetypes using Caroline Myss's Sacred Contracts model. Together, we'll explore the nine archetypal families and begin identifying your 12 core archetypes—the four Survival Archetypes we all share and eight personal archetypes that reflect your unique journey.

Through engaging presentations, personal reflection, and small-group conversations, you'll begin recognizing the archetypal patterns that influence your relationships, choices, creativity, and sense of purpose.

Whether you've studied archetypes for years or are completely new to the subject, you're welcome here!

SAVE THE DATES — JANUARY 2027

Weekend One​
Saturday, January 9: 12:00–2:30 PM & 3:15–5:15 PM ET
Sunday, January 10: 12:00–2:30 PM ET

Optional Survival Archetypes Deep Dive​
Friday, January 15: 7:00–8:30 PM ET

Weekend Two​
Saturday, January 16: 12:00–2:30 PM & 3:15–5:15 PM ET
Sunday, January 17: 12:00–2:30 PM ET

Live on Zoom | Recordings Included | Just $47 for Both Weekends

Registration opens December 1. You'll receive a digital discovery booklet to begin exploring the archetypes before we gather.

Curious? Join the early notification list, and you'll be among the first to know when registration opens!

Art, Archetype & Ancient Wisdom: The Archetypes We Bring to the Holidays

The holidays have a wonderful way of bringing our archetypes out to play!

Perhaps it's the Creator, setting a beautiful table or preparing an elegant meal where every dish is a work of art. Or the Performer, orchestrating the family gathering and making sure everyone has a memorable experience. Maybe it's the Giver, finding joy in choosing just the right gifts or creating meaningful experiences for others.

And then there's the Bully, who might make an appearance through criticism, comparison, or the need to feel superior.

Or perhaps the Addict emerges, revealing where we relinquish our personal power to something outside ourselves. Whether through substances, food, endless scrolling, shopping, or even excessive cleaning, the Addict can take many forms, inviting us to recognize where something external has begun to exercise power over our choices and behavior.

But one archetype is almost certain to make an appearance during the holidays: your Child.

Will it be the Invisible Child, quietly retreating into the background? The Wounded Child, remembering old hurts? The Divine Child, radiating innocence and love? The Magical Child, delighting in wonder and possibility? Or the Nature Child, finding peace and connection in the natural world?

The holidays often return us to familiar people, places, and patterns, awakening parts of ourselves we may not encounter quite so readily during the rest of the year.

An invitation: During the holidays, it may be easy to recognize the archetypes showing up in others. Remember that all archetypes are neutral – neither good nor bad. The more interesting discovery, however, may be noticing which ones youare bringing to the party! Approach them with curiosity rather than judgment. You might be surprised by what you discover about yourself.

Follow Soul Stories: Soul Stories: Threads of Existence — Now in Print!

Available on Amazon for $24.95

If you are coming to the Houston International Quilt Festival November 12 – 15, stop by for our Gallery Talk on Saturday, Nov 14 at 2:00 to hear the incredible stories behind these quilts.

Until next time —

May you see the patterns, tend the light, and trust the work.

An