Back to California

I can't believe it's almost a year since last I blogged! It's been a period with prolonged ill-health and moving house to fill the intervening months.

Unfortunately, my lovely home and spacious garden became too much to manage, so I've moved to a delightful village in Coffs Harbour. Unfortunately, it doesn't have an art studio but there is a spare bedroom which I'm setting up for painting and making my youtube videos. And I have a sunny study where I can finish writing my latest novel while watching the birds enjoy the birdbath in my little courtyard.

The best part is the fact that all the outdoor maintenance is done for me and I can just close up my spacious unit and travel - as I am doing now.

I'm currently in Santa Barbara once again, visiting my friend, enjoying the early autumn weather and working on a big art commission for a collector of my work. Between times, we dine with friends, take road trips, and will shortly visit Lake Tahoe for a few days.

We discovered a pleasant walk around lagoon at the Andree Clark bird refuge in Montecito.

... after Swedish pancakes at the RH Firehouse restaurant with its charming courtyard

and amazing views of the mountains behind Montecito.

I have also been editing the first chapters of my current novel and hope to continue writing between lunches and painting. It's so nice to have a holiday with the leisure to focus on these activities.

Until next time (and hopefully sooner than this one has landed!)