Join me in a creative goals workshop on January 6. In this 2-hour online session, we’ll sketch a roadmap for creative projects in 2026. You don’t have to be a creative to benefit--but you'll learn how to use creativity to reach your destination.
Your presence helps me in my journey, too. Let’s do this together!
I love to list out my favorite things. I actually keep them on my phone, on the off chance that someone will ask me what my three favorite movies are (Whale Rider, The Red Violin, and Magnolia).
This year, I decided to look beyond the usual lists to find those special moments that made the year unique. I’d love to hear about yours!
Favorite phrase: It came from a student in one of my oil painting workshops. She said, “Oh, I see. So, you’re not just learning to draw, you’re learning to see.” Exactly! I’ve used her line ever since (thanks Pat!).
Favorite moment in Nature: looking out over Yosemite Valley—my first time visiting the park. It was bittersweet because in that moment, we learned that a friend had just died of an overdose, so it was laced with sorrow, and also a sense of poignancy about how precious life is.
Favorite moment in water: Riding in a float with Phoebe on my lap, down my favorite “rapids” in the Yuba River. Heaven.
A painting of the part of the Yuba River where we camp every July. This is where the "rapids" empties out after that last whoosh through the rocks.
Favorite book:Is A River Alive? By Robert MacFarlane, a beautifully written book in which I learned about the Rights of Nature movement. A river in Ecuador now has legal rights embedded in the constitution that protect it from corporate mining interests. So, it is possible to create new systems that aren’t enslaved to the extractive capitalist economies fueling ecological degradation. That and the introduction to LiDar maps were my favorite gems from the book.
Favorite new guide: Ross O’Laughlin, a marketing/business coach who has taught me so much about being authentic, confident, focused, and profitable in my teaching business. He calls his approach "Creative Motherfuckery."
Favorite shopping victory: While visiting Mom in northern Michigan last month. It was only 9 degrees, so I needed warmer clothing. She took me to a huge, packed, eclectic vintage store, where I found a trunk full of almost-new brand name clothing at amazing prices. I found an Irish-made soft Merino wool cable-knit sweater and a Norwegian wool turtleneck sweater. Now I think of her every time I wear them (thanks Mom!).
Favorite creative moment: When Mom took me to her monthly drawing club at the local coffee house. While she drew shells, I drew her. I realized I’d never drawn my mother’s face before. It was a special moment for me, but she opted not to keep it, so I brought the drawing home with me.
Favorite art exhibit:Xicano Community Narratives at Petaluma Arts Center. Okay, I was a co-curator, so I’m a little biased, but I loved helping this community effort come alive.
Favorite star-struck moment: meeting Rosa B. Simpson at the De Young Museum in San Francisco after her talk about painting her low rider cars. I was a shameless adoring fan. I even got her autograph.
Favorite painting that I created: “Renaissance Rabbit.” The first time I’ve used my classical skills in a personal painting, not a commission. And someone I like and respect bought it, so that makes me happy (thanks, Peggie!).
"Renaissance Rabbit," oil on canvas, 2025
Favorite meal: A prime rib roast that Marylou and I made for Thanksgiving. Instead of searing it first then roasting, I cooked it on low for 6 hours then seared it in the end. It’s the best meat I ever tasted.
Favorite self-help trend: “Reality Transurfing” by Vadim Zeland (thanks Charissa!). It combines principles of energy and balance with a sort of Buddhist or AA technique for achieving your most important goals by letting go.
Favorite new scent: Karst by Aesop. I have a freakishly sensitive sense of smell. I normally wear only Jo Malone, because it’s not too strong, and I can layer different accents. But Karst stayed with me long after I tried it in the store.
Art Heals
This little illustration is from Sophie Blackall's If You Come To Earth. I love her sensitive and smart children's book illustrations. The whole of her work pulses with a unified voice that is gentle, celebratory, and tender. She also hosts retreats at her farm in the Catskills. A goal for me in 2026!
