Jun 14Member-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 read
Apr 12Member-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 read
Jan 19Member-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 read
Published in Story-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 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 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 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 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 read
Jun 25, 2021Member-only2 Bedrooms to 2 SuitcasesDownsizing for my international move. I am preparing for my move from Canada to Europe. I will be vacating my apartment to temporary lodgings on January 1 until my flight out, which I anticipate will be in March. I am very excited about the adventure ahead. My plan is to…Downsizing5 min read
Jun 21, 2021Member-onlyHow to Support the Artists you Love(Or, click that “Like” button, we don’t just say it to annoy you) Choosing to be a professional artist has been a great joy to me. I work every day on my art, whether that means actual studio time (the best part), searching out and creating passive income streams so…Making Art4 min read