Jun 14Chats, 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 12Culture 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 19Move 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, 2021It 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, 2021Eagerly 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, 2021How 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, 2021How 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, 2021Painting 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, 20212 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, 2021How 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