Behind the name: I grew up in the water, not somewhere warm and tropical but in the midwest state of Michigan. With over 11,000 lakes, naturally my favorite memories growing up were camping and swimming. My first jobs were teaching swim lessons and life-guarding. I spend long days in the summer outdoors, but in the reverse see few days of sunshine in the winter. Somewhere during high-school or college I used to joke that I was solarpowered, when the sun went down in the winter I was left with very little motivation and energy. While this is still somewhat true today I would like to believe that I am more powered by the SON than the sun, it is my constant source of life, motivation and gratitude.
In the past I have struggled with writing a blog, mostly because I am not good at journaling and I don’t want to over-expose my family and friends on the web. Yet, I have felt the urge to do two things lately, to be more transparent and to share my testimony (life story) freely. Secondly, I wanted to share my artwork and creative process. I live in a small community so I am always looking for a good critique and feedback. I figure this is my space to share the best moments in my day – the kind you know would be a crime to keep to yourself. I write like I talk, not too fancy but from the heart.
I am a wife, mother, friend, artist, swimmer, traveler, cook, adventurer and follower of Christ. I studied art in college and have French and art education degrees. I love both and both areas have deep threads in my life. Recently I have begun making art again after collecting ideas for many years, it is amazing how the simplicity of doing what you are made or called to do can be so life giving and rewarding. My husband went to seminary at Asbury, but at the time my pride kept me from auditing classes. I figured that Jesus needed lay people in the Church too. I don’t know if I would pass that resource up again if given the chance, but take confidence in knowing that my current studies and daily walk are undoubtedly spirit lead. I humbly share both here in this space.
So I hope you enjoy. Leave me a comment, I’d love to hear your thoughts or part of your journey.
* Also as a note, I take all my own photographs using a Nikon camera. I am happy to share pictures but please drop me an email if you intend to post them on another site. Thanks.
Articles featuring my work:
October 2011 Design*Sponge
September 2011 Food & Pottery blog
August 2011 Studio Potter Archive Blog
June 2011 The Daily Post
March 2011 WordPress Freshly pressed
March 10th, 2011 at 8:45 pm
just dropped by after seeing your “freshly pressed” journals.
i dabble with clay and love to write (and collect blank books)
so found your adventure with “new hard covers” fascinating.
i see you lived in africa. zululand is my home.
thanks for the inspiration!
grace and peace!
March 10th, 2011 at 11:53 pm
Hello!
same with loreen above, i too just dropped by after seeing your journal at freshly pressed.
im so happy to see another follower of Christ in wordpress. hope to read and see more of your adventures in your walk with the Son. i believe it will encourage a lot of Christians anywhere in the world. that includes me. :) Press on! God bless your day.
April 1st, 2011 at 2:58 pm
What a beautiful blog–I think you’re doing just fine with journaling! I love the metaphor of you being “solar powered”. I’m so happy that you were freshly pressed–I love the energy your blog has, and probably wouldn’t have found it otherwise. Nice to see a fellow art educator that is spiritually-inclined :).
June 10th, 2011 at 4:23 pm
your blog is amazing! i enjoy it emmensly. i love food with art. that is cool.
June 11th, 2011 at 8:44 am
thank you. I think I am going to love yours as well. That cake looks awesome and I think the “amazing rub” is sweet!
July 29th, 2011 at 7:04 pm
hello, there! I’m tickled pink to find a fellow Christian who is so determined to share her testimony and honor the Son in what she writes. I have a feeling that I am going to enjoy your blog very, very much!
August 17th, 2011 at 10:57 am
I would love to carry your buttons in my store. Could you email me please.
August 28th, 2012 at 8:25 am
Hi Kate
My future daughter in law saw your autumn leaf bouquet and fell in love with it! Can’t wait to make it next year for her wedding, but we were wondering how long they last? Hoping not to have to make them last minute. Any advice?
September 5th, 2012 at 9:09 pm
Hi Maryann,
I am sure there is some way to preserve the flowers but I think they look their best fresh. I don’t have a ton of experience with different methods. They are pretty quick to make once you get the hang of it! Good luck & Congrats to the bride & groom!
December 15th, 2012 at 10:50 pm
hey, I nominated you for a couple blogging awards. :) stop by my blog to pick them up!