In with 2011!

Happy New Year everyone! It seems like a lot of us are stuggling with finding the positive in 2010. Here in the States, it's been a rough year for a lot of people, including many of my close friends. The good thing is that most of us are positive thinkers and see good times ahead. I'm finally getting around to posting my big four resolutions for 2011. I hope to hear about some of yours, I bet they will inspire us all. Here are my big four.

1. Speak up about my artwork. I enjoy making art so much and I'm a bit on the quiet side, I have a hard time shouting out about my work. I took a big step last year by starting this blog, which has helped tremendously in encouraging me. Thanks to all of you for your support! I've also made some wonderful friends this way which I never would have imagined. This year I resolve to contact more galleries, enter more shows, and find other ways of connecting my work to others. And here's a little peek into my latest progress ...

Foreclosure Quilt #1, North Las Vegas, 2010. 4' x 6'

2. Renew my tiny vegetable garden! I spent last week visiting most of my family in Florida. I reconnected with my brother (the kids call him uncle Mac) and was amazed at how much we had in common including our love of gardening. We took a walk on his property and saw his incredible garden. I was blown away, it was stunning. My little vegetable patch is just outside my studio door and this year I promise myself I'll put it to good use. Here's just a corner of my brother's garden. Inspiring, no?

Uncle Mac's garden

3. Start yoga again. I was really enjoying yoga until summer vacation hit and I fell out of the pattern. When I do yoga, I feel healthy, never get sick and have lots of energy. This year I have no excuse! My dear friends have just opened a yoga studio in San Francisco. I'm so excited for them as they have really worked hard to make this happen. I love being part of someone's life that way, seeing them grow and be successful. If you happen to live near SF, pop in and take a class at their studio, Perusha Yoga Studio on Balboa. They also offer yoga classes in Golden Gate Park on the weekends. Here's a photo of the fun.

Perusha Yoga in the park.

4. Share my love of cooking with our friends. I really, really love to cook and have spent the last three years honing my skills. Last year we hosted more friends for dinner. I just discovered an amazing cookbook called "Sunday Suppers at Lucques" It includes numerous three course menus for every season for six people. It all looks delicious. Who's coming over first?

What are your resolutions for 2011? Happy New Year everyone! This year will be wonderful, thanks to all of you!