This November, I was scheduled to participate in the Placer Artists Tour at the beautiful Hill Top Oaks Winery. It’s a very cool event, and I was genuinely looking forward to meeting folks and sharing new paintings.
But after much thought, I made the difficult decision to withdraw from this year’s tour.
If you’ve been following my journey, you know that life has changed quite a bit over the past few years. My role as Dwight’s full-time caregiver has become both my greatest privilege and my greatest responsibility. Caregiving isn’t just about appointments or helping with daily tasks—it’s also the countless little moments in between that require flexibility, patience, and energy.
Um, lots of energy 🙂
The Placer Artists Tour isn’t simply a two-weekend event. It’s months of preparation, studio organization, marketing, receptions, and countless behind-the-scenes details. As much as I wanted to do it all, I had to be honest with myself. I don’t have the bandwidth for it this year.
I’ve learned that saying “yes” to one thing often means saying “no” to something else. Right now, I need to say “yes” to being present for my family—and to protecting enough creative energy, so I can continue making meaningful work without feeling overwhelmed.
The good news is that stepping away from one opportunity has created space for others.
I’ve recently joined a local Shut Up & Write group at the Flower Farm Cafe in Loomis, and it has quickly become one of the highlights of my week. We gather for an hour and a half of uninterrupted writing, and I’m continually amazed at what can happen when you simply sit down and focus. Even more inspiring is being surrounded by other writers who are all quietly pursuing their own creative dreams. There’s something deeply encouraging about sharing that space.
That focused time has helped me move forward on Ish, my children’s book. I had reached a point where I felt stuck trying to develop my characters, so instead of forcing the words, I picked up a paintbrush and began sketching them in acrylic. Those little sketches revealed personalities, expressions, and relationships that immediately informed the story. Sometimes creativity asks us to change the tool, not the destination.
Back in my studio, another journey is unfolding. I’m working on a self-portrait that I started with the intention of releasing energy and “Painting Myself Free”. Huge grin, I’m still a work in progress, but I’ll share what’s transpired thus far.
I felt bad about backing out of the tour, but I finally accepted that stepping back isn’t giving up. Sometimes it’s simply making room for the work—and the life—that matters most.
Thank you for continuing to encourage my creative journey. Whether through a painting, a podcast conversation, a story, or a newsletter like this one, I’m grateful that we get to keep creating together.
With Much Love and Gratitude,
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