Friday, February 20, 2009

Spinning Forward

It's really been a hectic time. But all good. I came across this image today as I was working through some images and really like it. It was someone's Spirit Essence Portrait that I did last season in Maine but I didn't note the person's name. I do so many of these so it becomes a blur unless there is something particularly memorable.

In any case it illustrates the way I feel today, moving forward and excited about projects I am working on. Sure I have the same worries and issues as the rest of us here in the good old USA but am fortunate to have some of the good stuff too.

I'm looking forward to going to Florida next week and once again leaving this climate behind.
Would love it if the snow were gone by the time I get back but that is not likely.

Have a great weekend, Melissa

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Memories of Mexico versus Reality


Well, it's been a few days here. The reality of my life between trips when I am in the season of traveling for the Spirit Portraits is intense. I work so hard when I am here. And on the road as well, but there at least are the "empty" spaces of the travel time and in some cases some empty days, but I always fill them with work, either projects or remote portraits or readings that I have brought along.

The top image is my friends Win and Elizabeth that I visited there and whom I miss. They are so great to spend time with. We laughed about how at times we would all be sitting around our laptops in the living room in our different "stations" and sometimes too lazy to get so so we would email each other something. Such is the life of our times. The photo was taken in one of Win's fav restaurants that serves these incredible shrimp tacos for a dollar. Yum, just thinking about them.

The bottom one is a watercolor I did near there in Tulum Mexico- but a long time ago in 1997. It's such a beautiful area and the location of this landscape is near the ancient ruiins in Tulum.

I have spent the last 2 days sizing images for use on_________ ( a surprise to comes that I will share later since the contract is not signed yet!). Today I am sizing images for use on some new product items (chimes and bookmarks and jewelry) that a new vendor is creating and they are gorgeous.

Till then- I have to get to work. Melissa

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Final Day in Paradaise

Greetings. This is my last day in Paradaise. i just can't believe it. I don't want to leave. It's so gorgeous here in every way. I started the day with a visit to the spa that is RIGHT NEXT DOOR! and had a workout. the spa is built like an ancient Mayan ruin and there is no one in there. Forgive me if I already wrote about this but it really feels decadent. and the facility is large and beautiful with fountains of running water everywhere and containers of ice water with lime for your convenience. There is a steam room, a sauna, the latest workout equipment, day beds, and all amidst gorgeous tile work. I was able to go as a guest all week! I'll try and remember to take a photo of the building.

Yesterday I did something that I am a specialist in which is wandering around foreign countries alone and getting lost. Eventually I found my way but it was annoying with an aching foot to lose ground and time. When I get home I will have to spend time and money back in physical therapy to deal with the blessed foot.

I went to the beach (a given) then wandered around the shopping area. Fortunately I didn't find much that I HAD TO HAVE. I like collecting gifts and saving them for occasions if I see something that is just right for a friend.

I took a taxi back to find that my pals had returned from their overnight and we enjoyed another night of talking and laughing and visiting friends of theirs in this condo area for margaritas. I didn't know there is a whole subculture of Norweigan jokes that folks make who live in Minnesota. Funny.


I said I was going to do readings yesterday morning and didn't so now I AM. The pic today is the painting I did of my friends here Win and Elizabeth.

Adios for now. Melissa

Friday, February 13, 2009

Papayas and mangos and plaintains OH MY !

Here I am at my friends home in Playa del Carmen. This is their patio and there is a pool right behind. I am in bliss. It's hard not to feel a wee bit guilty. Every moment of this short vaca has been a complete pleasure. I love these two new friends. I don't know how to do a hyper-link but Elizabeth's website is www.sealedwithlove.com and she is a sweetie as is her husband Win who is a life coach at Omega, a major center for growth and study near me in the Hudson Valley.

They went away overnight to a beautiful hotel on the beach to celebrate his 65th birthday. Before they left yesterday I did a portrait of them as a gift. I don't have a photo available yet but I will post it soon. I hope they have a great getaway. We have shared some good laughs together. I didn't really know either of them before I came but both of us (Elizabeth and I) being psychics "knew" that it would be fine. and it has been more than fine.

The beach is a mile or two away and it is so beautiful. The water is that aqua-blue and just the right temperature. The only problem is that my foot problem (plantar faschitis) has returned because I have been walking on cobblestone constantly with shoes other than my Merrils. Must I resign myself to life in ugly shoes? I guess so. So my left foot is bothering me awful today and I will have to take a taxi to the beach for I WILL NOT MISS A BEACH DAY in the short time that I am here. I did get a few odd looks as I wandered around in my bathing suit on the beach yesterday with my winter Merrils that I had worn on the plane. Oh well...

I have a couple of psychic readings to do now before I get going.

Till then, Melissa

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Close to Mexico









this is as close as I can get to giving you a photo from where I am today. I am in Mexico visiting a friend which is such an amazing gift. It was a last minute decision and I am so grateful to have this opportunity to warm up and relax. I've been working very very hard at home. I had hoped to finish a large painting I was working on and took a photo to post but forgot to bring my cable ONCE AGAIN so I will show you some photos when I return.


I am listening to my friends tell me about how a retired army brigadeer general here earlier in the week along with 2 others. There is a lot of drug activity here lately. Trouble all over the world......


anyhow this is a painting I did in Hawaii a couple of years ago. Which is of course, not close to mexico......


I have my paints with me but haven't done anything yet except eat fruit and hang out. We went to the beach today which was so beautiful. I will most likely do a few Spirit Portraits while I am here.


In any case,I'm tired but wanted to check in.
Aloha, Adios, Auvoir.......M

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Even Tho it's Sunny.....


It's still COLD. I realized one night recently when I was going from the studio into the house that I wasn't holding my breath, that I was actually breathing. When it's cold like it has been I tend not to breathe which is not a good thing!

I'd like at some point to do a batch of snow paintings. I started one last March but didn't finish it so I'll need to get to that soon while I have the actual stuff around me. This painting is one I did in Olivebridge about 14 years ago. It was how I was feeling. I'm glad the tortured artist is an identity I have left behind.

Later, Melissa

Monday, February 2, 2009

Award winning Day

Wow. I got an award from someone today for my blog. It was from Kathleen Coy - who I would put a link to but I can't figure it out. You can find her on the "followers" of my blog. I love her images of animals.

So, in getting this award I am supposed to list seven things that I love and then pass the award on. These are not in order of importance.

1. I love life - and all it holds.
2. I love travel. And I am not really all that picky about where I go though I much prefer going out of the country and the more exotic the better
3. I love painting
4. I love food. I love eating it, cooking it and growing it.
5. I love the smells of nature.
6. I love to swim, anywhere but I have really grown to love lake swimming.
7. I love so many people in my life.

I could go on and on.......

Until tomorrow, Melissa