2020 in Review

What a year it has been! In spite of the difficulty of living through a world pandemic, there have been a few highlights. I am so grateful for my family's health, though I do miss them terribly, and I know that I need to focus on the positives right now...so here goes:

• Thank you to everyone who has purchased my mini eCourses online via Etsy...you would not believe how much this means to me and how much of a difference these little things make in my life.
• Also, I want to thank each and every one of you who have supported me by purchasing paintings and order commissions. It is such a privilege to be honoured with your trust in my work.
• I'm also very grateful for all of the exhibit opportunities I've received this year, both online and in person - ASA Gallery, Bluerock Gallery, Mural Mosaic, Loft 112, the Allied Arts Council in Alberta and the Federation Gallery (5 exhibits!) in Vancouver.
• I was pleasantly surprised and grateful for the opportunities for publication this year: Art Journalling magazine, In Her Studio magazine, AirdrieLife magazine, the Echo and the CityView. 
• A huge highlight was the ability to model in my studio for Hero Images this summer (with all safety precautions in place). What a wonderful experience that was!
• On a personal note, I finally got to stay in the 1920s cabins in the Rocky Mountains. I have dreamt of that for many, many years. It was quiet and refreshing to spend time surrounded by the majestic mountains in Banff National Park.
• Also, after many years of treatment for adhesive capsulitis in both my shoulders, I was finally able to knit again...such a huge treat! It's been so long.
• And through the support of my work, I was able to contribute to the Airdrie Food Bank, Airdrie Pride, Airdrie P.O.W.E.R.
• I was able to celebrate both my daughters' successes in education (the eldest was accepted in the Master's Program in Neuroscience & Brain Development in Education and my youngest has excelled in the History Program at her university) plus my eldest and her partner were able to purchase their first home.
• The greatest gift of this year was the opportunity to work on 'The Grandmothers' project. Thank you to everyone who has shared their beautiful grandmothers with me.