Jan 1Member-onlyHow a Walk on a Sunny Day in Munich Helped Me Find My FatherSometimes healing takes a really long, winding path There are many elements to the back-story that brought me to Munich, but suffice it to say, one never knows what-leads-to-what in the universe. Chance encounters and an open heart and mind, in my experience, allow for interesting solutions and opportunities. My…Christmas Memories5 min readChristmas Memories5 min read
Nov 23, 2022Member-only35 Years of Self Portraits — Growing, Learning, and Healing as an ArtistI have been creating images of myself for 35 years and I do not plan on stopping any time soon. But why do I do it? I believe it is inspired by the desire to find, understand and embrace my particular beauty; and to express my unique voice. In art…Self Portrait4 min readSelf Portrait4 min read
Jun 14, 2022Member-onlyChats, Chums, and Cherry Compote — Loving Life as an ExpatriateUpdates and tips on living as an expat in Albania About two months ago, I wrote an article about my experience and challenges as a new expatriate. The struggle definitely continues and evolves, but I can feel the progress of the time in-between. The response to that article has been…Expat Life7 min readExpat Life7 min read
Apr 12, 2022Member-onlyCulture Shock and Anxiety; Joy and Adventure — Why I Took a Bus, a Bath, and a BreakExperiences of a new expat in Albania I recently moved from Canada to Albania and applied for residency. I have learned many valuable things over the past 48 days, not the least of which is that it is easier to be a tourist than a newcomer. As a tourist, the…Culture Shock6 min readCulture Shock6 min read
Jan 19, 2022Member-onlyMove Over Minimalism and Marie Kondo — Surviving the Extreme Purge to 3 SuitcasesPerks, pitfalls, and a letter to Santa Here it is, just a few more weeks until my flight. I have managed to dispose of the contents of my apartment and now I am finishing with the final details while living at my mother’s place. …Marie Kondo4 min readMarie Kondo4 min read
Published inStory-Verse·Oct 12, 2021Member-onlyIt Might Look Like Trauma, But This is How I Heal — Vulnerability in ArtWhen you cannot find the words, find the shapes and colours. This may look like a painting about fear or trauma, but it is actually a painting about coping with those feelings. …Art4 min readArt4 min read
Aug 26, 2021Member-onlyEagerly Packing up Paints, Brushes, and one Tail-less Cat, Moving to Amazing AlbaniaSix months and counting… Eight months ago, I resolved to quit my day job and relocate to Europe. I have known for my entire adult life that travel was something I wished to do. …Expat Life6 min readExpat Life6 min read
Aug 23, 2021Member-onlyHow a Painting is Born — The Curious and Contagious Nature of InspirationCadenza - Chroma and Timbre — Inspired by a composer, inspired by a painting, inspired by a musician practicing on a beautiful September afternoon. I have a full-time day job, but that is not what I define as my work. I am an artist. Painting is not a hobby or…Mwc Work5 min readMwc Work5 min read
Aug 6, 2021Member-onlyHow I Found My Muse, Abandoned a Toxic Relationship, and Launched a Joyful AdventureIt all started with a new pair of glasses In late 2018, I re-launched myself as a professional artist. I also left my marriage. Both of these changes were long-overdue, and it was impossible to make the first without the second. As I approached the age of 50, I had…Mwc Reentry6 min readMwc Reentry6 min read
Jul 1, 2021Member-onlyPainting to Resolve TraumaTurning a trigger into a triumph In my 20+ years of painting, I have completed a few works that I consider pivotal. They either reveal a technical or stylistic evolution in my work; or they portray a defining moment or revelation. One such work is a self-portrait, The Mask is…Ptsd Recovery5 min readPtsd Recovery5 min read