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Showing posts with label seashellsbyseashore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label seashellsbyseashore. Show all posts

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Making Changes...a Life that's BETTER

Hello My Friends!
Last I wrote, I had given you an update about some 'experimental' meds I was trying.  Well, the steroids & antibiotics do work, but unfortunately wear off far too soon to be considered a 'cure' or predictable enough to stay on for an extended period of time.  So, what's that all equal out to- guess I'm back to Square One...
I've been spending quite a bit of time in prayer.  Searching for answers...I know God must have some bigger plan in mind than what I can see- I know I'm not supposed to understand everything.  I feel God has put adequate remedies here on this earth to combat the devil's evil ploys.  So- I am continuing my quest for a better lifestyle, and I know far too well I need to treat My Temple (my Body) better than I have been!  I wanted to share a conversation I received from a friend.  It is filled with some valuable info- and I feel it can effect life as we know it on a bigger and better scale.

I hope and pray you all are well- I will try to continue to update y'all on my progress!
Much love- Salty Kisses & Sandy Hugs-
The Shell Lady
Lynnette

Here is the email I received!

"Our society is blindly buying into products that are doing more harm than good, and unfortunately companies care more about revenue than to admit their cheap faults in production. That's greed and marketing for you. The bad side of it anyways. So, anyone I can tell my small natural journey to, I do, so they might have a chance to make small changes that help their own bodies in a big way. From my personal experiences, I believe there are 3 main areas everyone who is thinking about 'going natural' should focus on: beauty and hygiene, eating habits, and exercise routine.

I've been using all of the above products in my beauty and hygiene routine for over 2yrs now and I feel so much better about what I'm putting on my largest organ (aka my skin) :) It has thanked me too. My legs are no longer dry or get very many ingrowns, and my at times, painful cystic acne hasn't seen the light of day for at least 3 months now, and I can apply deodorant knowing my skin is breathing in beneficial ingredients. All positive changes from multiple edits in my beauty routine to going as natural as possible. My mother, who you might remember I mentioned has symptoms like those of MS, but she has essential tremor of the head, has seen a slower foldout of the benefits of going natural, but consistency is her issue. My homemade products have journeyed to Maryland recently and now my grandparents, cousins, sister, uncles and aunts are using them now and love them.

The next area to 'going natural' is eating habits. Last week my dad was told by his doctor he is borderline diabetic. What a wake-up call that was for him, and for the first time in seriously YEARS...he ate a salad I made for him and yogurt. He's the kind of guy that can eat a whole bag of chips or crackers while doing the bills or watching a movie on the couch, go pickup fast food for lunch every day, but will hardly eat any fruits or vegetables no matter how many times he is told he should...and slowly his stubbornness has caught up to him. What goes in, must come out. Your body won't tell you how it will all come out though. It is at those moments when we realize we are either having bad or good symptoms of what things we have been doing to our bodies. 
Two years ago when I started to eat more leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables at least twice a week to begin with, my body responded with some unpleasant reactions: a hurting stomach because of gas and the feeling I was still hungry even though I just ate 3 fruits and a big salad to get the needed calorie intake. I was questioning whether I was doing more harm than good by eating so healthy...and then my soon-to-be nurse sister informed me that bacteria farts. Yup, haha it's true! The bacteria that lives in your gut lets off nitrogen gas whenever they consume high-fiber and complex carb rich nutrients commonly found in healthier foods and even grains, which in turn gives us some bloating of gas. But this bacteria also lets off gas when foods or drinks that can't easily be digested are consumed. Bad and good gas that causes farting actually exists and is totally normal. So what I had to do is drink more water and take smaller consistent steps towards eating healthy instead of diving in all at once and eating as much healthy food as possible day to day. I had to give my intestines and the bacteria that lives there a chance to get used to being fed all the nutritional goodness I wanted it to have instead of shocking it. Now over a few months of easing in, it has learned how good healthier foods can be and bloating has disappeared! ...but, the catch here is that it has become smart enough to recognize what is 'junk' and what is 'healthy'. Can you believe that?? No joke. A healthy stomach will keep your desire for cookies, gum, ice cream, and all those other sweet treats in check!! I wish I could eat my favorite chocolate ice cream as much as I used to, but it has come down to maybe once a month that I consume it because having it consistently upsets my stomach. A good thing though I guess, my stomach is looking out for my body's best interests as I continue on my journey. I also make sure to eat relatively slow and not devour my food, which gives my stomach time to digest properly. 

The last area is exercise. Probably the hardest area for me to tackle, but the most important for my type of lifestyle. My 'real' job outside of ArtSea Chic is in a corporate environment sitting at a desk for 8hrs+ 5 days a week under pressure to meet deadlines, at times difficult co-workers, managing programs and a never ending to-do list. That's a lot of stress, pressure, and sitting that's hurting my body with not a lot of extra time to put towards exercising. If all that doesn't get released though, it's building up into a huge ball of anxiety and actually hurting my well being both mentally and physically. I have actually noticed whenever it gets bad, I tend to shed hair more than usual, I'm restless, my joints are sore, and it's actually very uncomfortable to sit more than an hour in the car driving home. That's my body's way of tell me that something's not right, and to do something about it. Isn't it smart? :) 
I'm in a constant battle for time, always. There's never enough time in the day to do everything I need to do. But, I know basic yoga and zumba fitness works like a charm. I'd add vacation to that, but I can't do that every day.haha When I can make a class, yoga and zumba twice a week have helped me relax and release all the pressure that's built up inside, which leaves me with more energy and better blood circulation that has eased the pain of having to sit for hours each day. It's a constant battle to find time to exercise, but it helps so much. You may recall me having mentioned my mom and I were doing zumba classes together twice a week. Well, fast-forward to today and she has lost approx. 20 pounds while doing her best to exercise consistently, eat better, and be thoughtful of what she uses during her beauty and hygiene routines. How awesome right? Very proud of her for accepting change, and now she is able to see benefits from it.

I absolutely 100% agree with you in that you cannot wait for a doctor's cure (sometimes they aren't even right), but they will always be there to help you. It all starts with you. You know your body better than any doctor ever will. It will take some extra work, a longer time than it would take to ingest a pill, and careful listening to your body talking to you to get to know it even better, but it is possible, and the outcome will be better than anything a pill could fix. You might not cure all your symptoms, but you will feel better overall about the quality of your life. 
Everyones DNA is different, complicated too. Some good triggers for one person might be the bad triggers for someone else. It's a puzzle that each person has to figure out themselves and with the help from a doctor sometimes, and work towards completing. The great thing about 'going natural' is the pace at which you move forward is as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. There's no worrying about drastic side-effects, symptoms, or reactions from medications...because you're just doing things your body is naturally accustomed to by nature. Life is better that way! "


Here's to Life being Better!

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Beach Photography Framed Print

Long time, I know...I have been totally consumed with creating and processing orders, it's been a long time for me to post an update.
I have a lot to share, but for now I just wanted to give everyone a heads up to go and visit our Facebook page TODAY.  Sunday, 1/27, is the last day for our current promotion and giveaway.
I hope to see you all there, and all entering for a chance to win!  Its easy, easy to enter-- Just visit our website-- www.LovingCoastalLiving.com and browse our selections for your favorite item, and post to our timeline on facebook.
The winner will be drawn tomorrow- and this lovely Beach Print could be yours!
Visit our facebook page and leave us a comment! http://www.facebook.com/SeaShellsbySeaShore.LovingCoastalLiving

Friday, January 13, 2012

Finding it hard to give something away!

I announced a few days ago the opening of my new website Shop.Lovingcoastalliving.com, and in doing so,  I also announced a coupon code for $10 off. It was limited to the first five people, and shoo far only one person has placed an order and took advantage of the deal. Take it for what it its folks.  A free shopping pass for something smaller or a great discount for something a little bigger. So I offering the last 4 codes up tonight.  Browse and shop!  Use WELCOME  at checkout top receive the discount.

Friday, November 11, 2011

GIVEAWAY Time!

Please go to: NauticalCottageBlog.com to ENTER!

{Coastal Giveaway} Win $150 Seashell Frame & Custom Beach Photo

Happy Friday, friends.  We are thrilled to share a very special giveaway with you this week from the lovely, Lynette, of Sea Shells by Sea Shore.  Lynnette is offering one lucky winner a custom made Sea Shell Frame PLUS a personalized 8″x10″ Writing in the Sand print  which fits in the frame.  The total value is nearly $150!!
The winner will select  their choice of color for a painted frame with seashell accents OR they can select a frame which is fully covered with seashells.  You also get to select what you’d like written in the sand.  This would be a fabulous Coastal Christmas Gift for yourself, friend or loved one.
Sea Shells by the Sea Shore Frames
If you can’t wait to WIN the giveaway then pop over to Sea Shells by Sea Shore and save 20% on your entire purchase with coupon code HOHOHO.  They even offer Layaway!!!

Sea Shells by Sea Shore Frame & Writing in Sand
Lynnette, lives on beautiful North Padre Island along the coast of Texas. “I love spending countless hours on the beach year round- like the post man, you’ll find me out there in all kinds of elements- rain, wind, cold, and heat.  I feel a little closer to heaven on the beach and near the sea. The island life is therapeutic to my spirit, mind, and body.”
Sea Shells by the Seashore Personalized Writing on the Beach

5 ways to enter the $150 Seashell Frame/Custom Photo Giveaway:

  1. Become an email subscriber of  Sea Shells by Sea blog: Loving Coastal Style
  2. Visit Sea Shells by Sea Shore store and come back to leave a comment as to your favorite item.
  3. Become a follower of Sea Shells by Sea Shore on Facebook
  4. Become a follower of Sea Shells by Sea Shore on Twitter
  5. Gain one extra entry by becoming a Google friend/Email Subscriber to Sally Lee by the Sea

Giveaway Details: Open to U.S. citizens over 18 years old. Giveaway ends November 17, 2011 at Noon PST.  One winner will be selected randomly. Winners have 48 hours to respond to our email announcement of winning or another winner will be selected. Winner will be selected by random.org

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Taking a break

Hi friends.
Just a quick note to inform you all that I will be taking a blogging break. With so much info info inspiration from my latest show last weekend, I can't seem to drag myself to spend time online, when I can be creating.
I won't take too long, but I have to pour myself into my art and some of my refinishing on some fabulous vintage pieces I have found lately.

Do keep your eyes peaked for a terrific giveaway prize from my shop beginning Friday on Sallyleebysea's NauticalCottageBlog.com. The prize value us approx. a $150 value, & it'll be created and shipped before Christmas. You won't want to forget to enter!

So for now, I'll end with- See you all soon!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Wow, what a week!

Hello, my friends.  I am so glad to be able to write!  After a weekend full of computer crashes and total system re-installment, and I so happy to be able to get online.  Funny how much people like myself feel just a little lost when the schedule is compromised.

Enough about that, I'm happy to say that thanks to all my friends, and fans/ followers, we have officially decided to close BeachBumBeauties, and combine all our vintage, jewelry, and other handmade goodies into the one shop.  SeaShellsbySeaShore will now be our one and only, mega store.  We won't hold anything back.  Whether you're looking for Custom Beach Prints, Sea Inspired Home Decor, Loose Shells, Mermaid Hair/ Jewelry Items, Handmade Paper goods, Vintage- it'll all be in one place- easier for you, easier for me!
Thank you all that added comments to facebook, twitter, and personally by email.

With the Holidays right around the corner- we are busy!  We have our first Fall Art Event here locally
this Sunday, Nov. 6th. If you're in the area- I would LOVE to meet you.  I'll be out at Billish (as locals call- Gypsey) Park, near the Padre Island Home Owners Association from 11-4pm.  I have been wanting to participate in this event for a year now- it's super casual, and the kids can play on the playground while the adults shop!  From there, you can take a trip down to the National SeaShore, and enjoy the true natural beauty at it's best!
My second event this year will fall on Sat, Dec. 3rd from 11-4pm located again, on the island at SeaShore Middle Academy on SPID.  I participated in this event last year, and had a fabulous time.  It was actually my very first show, which was held a little earlier in the year last year.  I believe the school is pumping up this year's activities with musical and theatrical events, as well as food vendors- and more art and small business booths.  This is one of the schools bigger Fund Raiser, and a portion of sales go directly to this amazing school.  I have two children still attending the small island charter school.  All the children at this school have amazing opportunities to excel.  Both my daughter's have earned numerous academic awards in state and National Events like the National Science Bowl because of the dedication of the staff, and parents.  I hope if you're nearby, you'll stop by the event to support this school.  Charter Schools receive 33% of funding that a regular Public School does, although the standards and level of commitment shown by many of these types of schools is astonishing.

Heads up also with some special discounts in the shops I am offering too!
www.BeachBumBeauties.etsy.com is liquidating well, but we still have some great gift ideas and lovely products avail- so to push it along, I'm offering a 25% off discount already SLASHED Prices!  Use CLOSE in the coupon code box at checkout.  It'll be a steal!
www.SeaShellsbySeaShore.etsy.com, is having a a pre-Holiday Sale until our event on Sun, Nov. 6th for 20% off anything is the shop (no min. purchase required).  Use HOHOHO in coupon section of checkout!  I have just added many goodies, so squeeze in some quick savings and get a great start on early shopping for the Holidays!

Thank you all for being my friends and supporters, I appreciate each and every one of you!  Comments always make my day!  So please leave one below,
Lynnette

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Please add my NEW Page!

Hello all my lovely friends!  I will NO LONGER be updating this site.  I am in process of getting it's address forwarded to the new site, but just in case- please hop over to the NEW and IMPROVED site on Wordpress.  I have more content and have a lot in store for the site.  Y'all don't forget to sign up as NEW Followers on that site too!


So travel the internet WAVES to LovingCoastalLiving.com and see all the changes!

Friday, September 2, 2011

Raffle Giveaway on Etsy today!

Hello Friends!  Today ONLY- Raffle Giveaway on Etsy today.  Visit my friends on the Aloha Team BNS Treasury today and make a small purchase to enter the raffle for one FREE Custom Beach Writing in Sand from SeaShellsbySeaShore!  Here's an example of what you will get- of course, with the words of your choice! (this customer had requested the footprints, normally there would not be any)

Please click the title of post, or go here! Aloha BNS Treasury




Monday, August 22, 2011

Help me Welcome Kristin from Inspired by Oceans


Tell us a little about yourself, shop or selling venues.

My name is Kristin Magnus and I currently live in Sparta, WI. I have recently relocated here from a small island community in Maine. So, my inspirations for making nautical jewelry comes from my creativity and love for blue and green hues! I enjoy making pieces of jewelry while sitting at home with my dog Linekin! I started selling on Etsy in June of 2011 and have not ventured from there, but would love to!
Kristin on New Years Eve 1920 Gala with Jim

What are some things that bring you joy or inspire you?

I am truly inspired by the ocean!  Whether I am sitting in a chair by the beach, looking at old photographs of my family in Maine, or relaxing with my love Jim, I am always inspired by the objects around me!
Jim-My Love-Canoeing the Kickapoo River in Wisconsin

Do you work outside the home, or are you self employed?

For the past six years, I have taught Kindergarten and PreK in Maine. I am looking forward to teaching in another state. During the summers, I did a lot of work on Maine cottages and the caretaking of them. I have met many clients, some only accessible by boat and the natural landscape and cottage designs inspired a lot of my work!
Hendricks Head Lighthouse -Inspiration for Work -Southport Island

How long have you been creating, and why did you begin?

Over the past 15 years, I have experimented with many types of art. I enjoy painting, crafts, scrapbooking, and metalwork. I recently started making jewelry because I enjoy wearing earrings everyday!

What are some of your favorites (websites, materials, foods, books, other people’s work, etc.)

My favorite materials are crystal and glass. I also love silver and nautical items. I enjoy eating sushi and Thai with my love Jim and when I am not eating, I’m usually surfing the web, enjoying others’ work. I love looking at nautical-inspired designs including fabric, pottery, and wood creations!  There are so many talented artists on Etsy, that I find myself looking for hours J
My Best Doggie Friend -Named after Linekin Bay, Maine

Where do you live, and do you hope to live elsewhere?
I currently live in Wisconsin, but spent the last 12 years in Maine. I love to travel and have always dreamed of teaching overseas, so maybe one day I will get that opportunity. One of the most beautiful places that I would love to visit or even live is Thailand!

What are some of your short term and long term goals overall.

Overall, I would like to continue to make jewelry and other items including sewn pieces. In the long term, I hope that others can enjoy my work as much as I enjoy making it!

What is your most treasured possession, and why?

My most treasured possession is a beautiful white gold and sapphire ring that my sweetheart purchased for me in the Bahamas. I look at the deep blue and think of our amazing times walking in the white sand and sailing through the ocean! And of course, it’s my birthstone, so that makes it very special!

Do you have a religious or spiritual background?
I would not consider myself religious, but definitely spiritual. I believe that things happen for a reason … when one door closes, another door opens. I see that in life, there is some higher power, but what that is, I’m unsure. I wake up thankful and hope to get the most out of life; spending time with the ones I truly love! 

Thank you Kristin for sharing!  Visit her shop on Etsy at www.inspiredbyoceans.etsy.com
Her beautiful jewelry is so reasonably priced, and I'm sure you'll love browsing her vast selection!
Thanks again, 
Lynnette
www.seashellsbyseashore.etsy.com
www.beachbumbeauties.etsy.com

Monday, August 15, 2011

Latest Featured Artist Interview- Rae Studios


Tell us a little about yourself, shop or selling venues.
I am an artist, wife, mother, step-mother, vegetarian, yogini, environmentalist, social activist, lover of food, books, music, wine and dancing. I guess I can be summed up this way: Silly momma looking for time to create and meditate!

My shop is called, Rae Studios, after my middle name. I designed the logo ages ago so I guess I’ve always had it in the back of my mind that this is what I would be doing with my career. Rae Studios is a comprehensive art studio specializing in interiors and fine art. I am a trained fine artist with an MFA from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. While studying there, I met my husband, who is an architect. We have been looking for ways to collaborate so I began studying Feng Shui from the American Feng Shui Institute. Rae Studios is a place that fuses my study of Feng Shui with my love for creating objects. I hand knit and sew accessories for the home and family as well as create fine works of art. Sometimes I design some jewelry just to keep things interesting.

What are some things that bring you joy or inspire you?
I love nature. It fuels my soul and jump starts my creativity. I love sitting outside with my cup of coffee in the morning watching the coconut trees rustling in the breeze. When I decided to move to Brooklyn to attend art school, a friend of mine said, “Are you sure you will be able to survive there? I don’t know anyone who needs trees as much as you do!” Well, I did survive and trees really do grow in Brooklyn, but I’m really thriving now that I am surrounded by gorgeous green mountains and the blue, blue sea.

Do you work outside the home, or are you self employed?
Rae Studios is a full time job for me along with raising my two children and two step-children. Part of the mission of Rae Studios is to educate through arts based learning. So I teach private art classes, run a Waldorf inspired homeschool cooperative as well as teach workshops in various art making techniques.

How long have you been creating, and why did you begin?
I can’t remember a time I haven’t been creating! As a child, I would draw my own coloring books, write my own newspaper, make my own puppets (and write the dialogue for the puppet show of course!), make clothes for my Barbies, costumes and sets for our family backyard skits...Art was always important to me.

What are some of your favorites (websites, materials, foods, books, other people’s work, etc.)
My favorite artist is the American painter, Cy Twombly. I love natural materials: wool, cotton, papyrus, hemp, wood, stone, clay. I could eat tomatoes and avocados each and every day and never get tired of them! There are 4 books that I absolutely love and read over and over. They are: One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende, The Bone People by Keri Hulme and The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. My favorite song is “Get Together” by the Youngbloods which my mom had on a 45 vinyl record that I used to play on my little record player when I was a kid.

Where do you live, and do you hope to live elsewhere?
I live in Kingston, Jamaica in the West Indies. My husband and I moved our family here a year ago from Brooklyn, New York in search of a better quality of life. We love it here! Kingston is set on a crescent shaped harbor and is surrounded by the foothills of the Blue Mountains. It is gorgeous! The children can play outside and we have access to fresh foods year round. There is also a vibrant art community here.

We are keeping the door open to other international opportunities. We enjoy the idea of being an international family and hope to divide our time between Jamaica, the U.S. and Europe or South America.

What are some of your short term and long term goals overall.
In the short term, I want to finish my study of Feng Shui and begin doing consultations; find local stores to carry the Rae Studios brand; have a solo exhibition of my fine art in a gallery here in Kingston and get studio space that is outside of my apartment! In the long term, I would like for the homeschool co-op to become a full fledged school...The Blue Green Studio School for Social and Environmental Justice; to have Rae Studios acknowledged on an international level; travel to Italy and to build an eco friendly house in the Blue Mountains.

What is your most treasured possession, and why?
An original painting that was given to us as a wedding gift by a very dear friend. Her studio was next door to mine at Pratt and we quickly became friends. After my son was born,  I had to return to work as a teaching artist and she became his caregiver. She is one of the most lovely people I have ever met and the way she inspired, taught and cared for my son amazed me. Plus, it is a gorgeous work of art!

Do you have a religious or spiritual background?
I believe that we all have Divine energy flowing through us that connects us to each other, to nature and to the Spiritual world. I pray daily and meditate. I teach our children the Golden Rule and that we are all part of the Divine so all life is to be respected. I teach them to have an open mind and to embrace this life with their very core.

Visit Corey Here: 
http://www.raestudios.net
www.raestudios.etsy.com

Thank you for sharing your story with us!  We wish you all the success and joy from selling your beautiful knitwear and jewelry online.
~Lynnette

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Sharing some of my latest artwork/ jewelry from our Etsy Shops

Just wanted to pop in and share some of our latest additions!










Thanks for looking!  You can visit both shops here:
Have a wonderful weekend.
~Lynnette

Focusing on the things I am Loving...

With an overwhelming amount of things going on in my personal life right now, I've decided to focus on the Things that I am Loving, instead of dwelling on the craziness that surrounds me. My stress level is to its max, so this post with hopefully bring inspiration to others possibly in similar situations.  So, here's some things I'm loving today...

I love trees that don't grow straight.  It may sound silly, but I just love looking at their twisted and crooked branches.  A natural beauty.
I love linen skirts, white cozy pants, or other bottoms!  
Subtle touches of pink, aqua, and lavender.


I love the way the sun touches through the clouds, and how the moon illuminates the dark, night sky.
I love warm sand between my toes, and being on the beach with my family.
A lovely Asian, veggie stir fry.
I love the Sunset over the Laguna.
I love working in my pj's.
I love fishing with my son...
I also love Lush, Tropical Plants.

I love birds at play on the beach.
And finally, probably my favorite of all...my children laughing.

Monday, August 8, 2011

New Featured Artist- Yana from One Closet Cat



Tell us a little about yourself, shop or selling venues.
My name is Yana Hamlett, I currently live near Dallas, TX with my husband and our cat
Aoife (pronounces /I:fa/). My store on Etsy is called OneClosetCat because of Aoife:
when we first brought her home from the shelter, she was hiding from everyone and
everything in the world in the closet. (What a great place to shut the doors and put
borders between you and everything that bothers you!)
Aoife is very strange cat, she's got only one eye and interesting character - she is really
talkative. In fact, she'd talk to you even if you don't want it.
I like thinking that she brings me luck. She'd lay on every canvas and sniff every brush
before I start painting.
The rule I developed over the years is to never paint in bad mood. I believe that whoever
looks at my works can feel what I felt while painting and that this energy remains
somewhere between the layers of paint for years. When I work it's always joy and
pleasure.

What are some things that bring you joy or inspire you?
I used to live by the sea somewhere between Europe and Asia for years. It just seemed so
natural to have it ten minutes away. Without us realizing it, the sea used to be in every
part of our lives.
When I moved to Texas, I felt like a huge part of my soul was missing. It took a while to
understand why. Sometimes when I drive around, at the back of my mind I have this
feeling that behind the next hill I will see the shoreline.
“Everything coastal” is my biggest inspiration. Water, gulls, shells, sand, you name it. I
love painting children by the water, probably because they remind me of myself being
there at that age.

Do you work outside the home, or are you self employed?

After I moved to the US, I couldn't return back to Air Traffic Control where I used to
work for eight years, so yes, I am self employed now.

How long have you been creating, and why did you begin?
I have always been painting but after high school it felt logical to turn to my second
biggest passion, aviation. Once I got into it, I never had time to paint anymore. There has
been a gap of ten years before I picked up a brush again.
My art literally saved me. After the first three or four months in the US I started feeling
that I was loosing the ground under my feet without my job, family, friends... and the sea
around the corner.
It took several months to get back on track and find the right kind of media to paint with.
Ironically, when I was young it was impossible to buy oil paints anywhere around. Now it
feels like I finally found what I was missing for years.

What are some of your favorites (websites, materials, foods, books, other people’s work,
etc.)
I absolutelylove children's books! Can spend hours in a store just browsing throw them.
To my mind, artists who draw for children have this unique charisma and good-humored
attitude most of which you can only see as an adult.
“Alice in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll has been my favorite since the age of five.
Feel-good movies like French “Amelie” is something that brightens my life. I try to never
watch anything negative. No horror movies in this house! Although art is supposed to
show all sides of life, I prefer the positive side of it and surround myself with beautiful
things.

Where do you live, and do you hope to live elsewhere?
My husband and I are natural travelers and need a little to take to every trip. We'd go
anywhere anytime when we have a chance. In fact, we are planning on living on a
sailboat for a few years sailing around the globe. I hope it means more ocean paintings
for me!

I love Europe, particularly the UK. Once I visited it for the first time, I left my heart there
and I keep coming back “to recharge my batteries” when it calls for me. Old Britain has
this very unique spirit, you know, that makes me feel... well, at home.
From each new country we go to we bring a little toy bear with us. Our first bear is called
Collin and he comes from Prague, the Czech Republic, where my husband and I first met.
What are some of your short term and long term goals overall.
My short term goal is to finally get things together and print a set of postcards after my
“Memories of Florida” series of paintings.

The long term goal is to write and illustrate a book for children. I know what it's going to
be about, I know how it should look, yet I am waiting for this Mr Right Moment, a spark
which will make things going.
What is your most treasured possession, and why?
My old diaries and notes, I believe. I have several notepads saved from when I was a kid
together with some later ones. They keep me connected to the happiest moments in my
past, my family and my childhood.