Some things are made to last for decades. I don't believe a mattress is one of them.

I've been sleeping on the same one for the past 20 years, more or less. It's time has come, and gone. I noticed on the last laundry day that it actually had a sag in the middle. No wonder my back hasn't been so happy. That's the old one in the picture.

So what? Is this really blog worthy? It is to me, when I think of the changes it has seen and weathered with me during the past 20 years. I won't bore you with the details. Not right now. The mattress served me well. Fulfilled its purpose. Took care of me when I needed it.


Today, the new mattress ordered online arrived. And tonight, my head resonates with the phrase "you've made your bed, now lie in it."  But rather than a negative tone, it is kinda exciting.

Because this afternoon, at almost the same time the mattress arrived, I uploaded the files for my next publication.  Titled "The 10 Things - an invitation to dive in." It's about as opposite from my novel as can be. It's nonfiction. Faith based.

If all goes well, I will have copies in hand and ready for distribution on March 16.  Possibly sooner. So figuratively, I made a new bed today, speaking out on behalf of God. The book is testimony to my faith journey of the past several years.And that's all I will say for now.

Tonight, literally, I make and sleep in a new bed.  Fresh.  No memories - good, bad, or otherwise. Just... peace. And rest.

Wishing blessings and love to each and every one of you. Much more to come in the weeks ahead...

​Mimi

Every now and then we are caught by surprise by something so lovely that it moves us to tears.

I just had one such moment.

Who would think it could come from a few random moments on Facebook?

Finished lunch, ready to move on to the next part of my work day, and took a moment to look at my FB feed.  Saw an article posted by my daughter, about her work.  A blogger interviewing her.  

I thought likely a simple PR piece, but I'm procrastinating other tasks on my to-do list right now, so why not.

Then I read the second question to her, the one asking about her background.  First she mentioned her momma was a painter.  Ok, that's cool.  It was what followed that moved me to tears.  I had no idea that my attempts to making a living as an artist during her younger years - while not necessarily as financially lucrative as I might have hoped for at the time - had such an influence on her.

We know our life work isn't just about money, though of course it is always good to be responsible and do what we must to pay the bills.  But this hits at a particularly poignant time in my life, as I am seeking to embrace more fully my 'jobs' of artist, and author.  

More on that topic another time.  For now, I simply want to share this... show the world how proud I am of my beautiful, amazing daughter, Anna.  She is seizing life for all that it offers to her, and putting together the pieces in her own graceful, lovely, engaging way. 

Hope you enjoy reading her blog interview (Blog post here) about her and her market in Brooklyn.  
Artists and Fleas.

Love you to the moon and back again, Anna.
​
xo
Mimi

In Chapter 50 of my novel (Painting Lily), Lily is invited to participate in an art auction that will require her to write accompanying descriptions of the paintings.  Her friend Sarah, responsible for her participation in the show, tells her, "They want to include a couple of paragraphs with each piece, you know, words from the artist about why you painted what you did.  What's your meaning behind the painting?  That sort of thing."

Lily balks at first.  Her response is "You mean the thing I've always said I hate?"

To which Sarah responds, "C'mon, Lily, hate's a strong word.  Just tell a little bit about how the painting moves you, why it called you to create it."

I'm the one who wrote those words.  Like Lily (I created her - so yes, we share some thoughts about life and art) it has always been my preference to hear what others think my paintings have to say.  But lately, I've been reconsidering that idea (been reconsidering a lot of what I used to think.)

So, I'm going to give this thing a shot.  Over the next several days and weeks I will be writing longer narratives to accompany my paintings on my website.  I invite you to check in periodically, and take a look.  Please feel free to comment on what you read!  First two posted here - with "The Quilt" and "Laundry Day."

I'm doing it just for fun.  Let's see where it goes!

Oh - and yes - the blog is coming back, too.  Lots of new thoughts and writing to share.  Including an inspirational book to be published within the next several weeks - a target date of March 16 to debut it, at the DRIVEN conference for women, where I will be presenting a workshop titled "Driven by the Muse - Creating with Purpose."  

A LOT going on!!! FUN!!!!!!!!

It's good to be back.  Thank you for reading.

xo and blessings to all.
Mimi