There is just something so charming about window boxes, especially when they are found thriving in a concrete jungle, like Manhattan. Yesterday on my way to a business meeting in Tribeca, I happened upon the sweetest planters filled with an assortment of color and texture…featuring blue flowers, which just piece my heart with their tenderness.

Enjoy my little compositions of blues...

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One of the most inspiring locations we visited while in Costa Rica was a coffee plantation and inn called Finca Rosa Blanca, which is about a 20 minute drive from the San Jose airport. The owner, Glenn Jampol, is an artist whose paintings help adorn the main house. This impressive white building is a work of art itself, with undulating lines, lovely murals, and a view to die for.

We were so fortunate to discover this gem in the highlands surrounding the city of San Jose. The only problem is that we had a mere 2 and a half days to spend here. If there is a next time, (and I hope there is), I will want to stay for a solid week. I can envision myself using this charming spot as a creative getaway.

As I dream about this, I envision my ideal day…
I awake at dawn to the roosters crowing and take an early bird-watching walk or do a brisk work-out. Then I retreat to the balcony of my room (with a pot of fresh coffee that is grown in the hills before me) overlooking the gorgeous vista. During these quiet hours, I do my writing that’s inspired by the stillness and beauty before me.  At noon, it is time to enjoy a delectable alfresco lunch  (with the best iced tea ever – complete with bamboo straw)! The homemade chips made with yucca and other veggies are delicious when dipped in fresh guacamole and salsas. I’d probably sample a salad or sandwich…either way I can’t go wrong.

My afternoons would be filled with painting to my heart’s content, inspired by the lush local landscape and tropical flowers. (I just might take a break with a spa treatment or a dip in the languid pool).
On the charming veranda in San Jose’s perfect climate, I’d order fresh grilled fish or some Costa Rican specialty for dinner. The homemade coffee ice cream puts even Haagen-Dazs to shame.
Evening would find me either relaxing with a good book– or catching-up with emails or research. I’d end my day with a glass of wine while overlooking the mountains and the twinkling lights in the valley below…and in the sky above.    (How does that daydream sound???)

There are also many side trips available from FRB if you desire to visit volcanos, charming towns, butterfly farms and museums…but, honestly, the charms of Finca Rosa Blanca are absorbed by settling in and letting the surroundings overtake you. Complete detachment from the more hectic pace we are all so accustomed to is what FRB does best!

Indeed, I found joy at Finca Rosa Blanca. You may want to add it to your bucket list!

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In addition to providing a backdrop for a wonderful family vacation experience, Costa Rica was rich and lush with inspiring imagery. Our recent trip is becoming a distant memory. Luckily, we came back with close to 1000 photos! Here are some of my favorites featuring the rainforest in all of its splendor. Hope you enjoy…

(many of the photos are courtesy of my talented husband, Peter Walts)

(to see more, visit my Travel Gallery on our Flicker site)

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It has been a very busy couple of weeks since the Quilt Market in Houston!  But, better late than never, I wanted to share with you some photos from our visit.

We were thrilled with the response to our new Sweet Birdie fabric collection! Here are some of the adorable creations featuring Sweet Birdie.

Another highlight was the rain poncho we discovered in the Westminster Free Spirit booth that was made with our Happiness oilcloth fabric. (I had to try it on for size!)

Westminster’s booth was ablaze in color!

Lauren and Melissa were stylin’ with their Kathy Davis bags.

I was so happy to see many old and new friends at the show!

(Here I am with Jone Hallmark -  Marianne Vogel - Ty Pennington & Melissa Schulz of Kathy Davis Studios)

And, finally, I must share some of the exciting quilts from the Gallery. I particularly love the bold, bright modern versions, as you can tell…

For more photos, please visit my Flicker site by clicking here.

Hello and Happy September!

As sorry as I am to see the true summer months pass us by, September is a
time that makes me thing about fresh new beginnings.    The air is crisper,
the sky looks clearer, and the season begins its change.   Since I spent
many years in the classroom – as both student and teacher – I also feel
programmed to think about back to school and a switching of gears to new
schedules and priorities.   September means “change” to me.

I must admit, my recent two-week trip to South Africa has also made me think
a bit differently.   I do feel that this experience has changed me, but I
think I have yet to discover just how.   For one thing, it is rare for me to
completely detach from my work.   On most of my vacations or beach getaways,
I can’t resist packing some unfinished business.   Whether its writing,
painting, or business based communication, I usually feel best when I am
productive.   But on this trip, I resisted, instead letting the experience
take me over.  Sure, I brought back some ideas and inspiration, but for the
most part, I allowed my unique setting to overwhelm me… and it DID!

Another thing I realize is that this time off has taken some of my “edge”
away.   I return feeling less anxious and driven …recognizing that I want to
be a sailboat capturing the right wind currents, rather than a motorboat
plowing my way toward some unknown destination.  I guess this is what
vacations are supposed to do.   I am seeing the bigger picture – the
important things rather than the seemingly urgent things that nag at my
daily "to do" list.

As for how this African adventure may influence my artwork… I have yet to
discover.   One thing I can promise you though, is that you won’t be seeing
any Kathy Davis style animal prints coming out in my work (as some of you
have predicted!)…or at least I don’t think so.

I hope that each of you, too, had a chance to detach a bit this summer and
were able to take a fresh look at your life's priorities. This month is a
great time to adjust your outlook!

May you embrace all of the changes that September may have in store for you!

All My Best,