of lajes goodness: part III

On Sunday, March 30, my husband and I arrived at the Lajes Field airport just as they opened.  We are both neurotically punctual and wanted to give ourselves plenty of time to get checked in--especially when traveling with three pets.  After we checked in, we returned to what had been out beautiful home for the...

of lajes goodness- part II

My husband and I arrived on the island of Terceira on the evening of March 31, 2011.  Outside, it was already dark and the wind was fierce (we later heard it had blown over a shipment delivery truck in the Base Exchange parking lot).  We had been delayed leaving London, and thus, barely caught our Lisbon...

of lajes goodness–part I

People who haven’t been stationed at Lajes Field in the Azores, probably haven’t heard the common phrase Lajes Goodness. After having been stationed here for three years, I am leaving Lajes a happier, healthier and emotionally stronger person than I was when we arrived—much of that can be contributed to Lajes Goodness. To explain why...

artist’s way II: introduction

I have decided to work through Julie Cameron’s The Artist Way for a second time.  A couple of years ago, I tried The Artist’s Way on a whim.  At first, I wasn’t sure if I was doing it right.  However, over the weeks, I noticed a subtle positive shift in my perspective and I began...

art with girl scouts

I have some experience working with children, since I have been a substitute teacher, taught community education classes and private art lessons.  However, since I don't have children of my own, and grew up in a family with few siblings and cousins, I am always slightly self-conscious when working with a new group of small...

ancient gods and contemporary circumstances (II)

Last night was the opening for my Ancient Gods and Contemporary Circumstances exhibition.  I had previously displayed this body of work earlier this year at the Academia de Juventude, shortly after its completion.  I am very proud of this recent series, and I have received a generally positive response.  I think many people share my fascination...

my love of a quiet island life…

Local village festivals are a beautifully quaint and genuine part of summer life on Terceira.  I've seen flags, branches, flowers, and quilts decorate roadside, fences, streets, balconies, and windowsills of the houses.  Along the main roads of each village during their festival week, each home comes alive with vibrant color. Decorations light up the main street...

guest post: week one in the azores

Azores Day 1: I am in the Azores and all there is to do is sleep. Well Blog, I made it to Terceira. I haven’t done much but sleep, eat a hamburger, paint a painting, and sleep more.Before all of that hullaballoo happened, I waited in line to check my bag, then I waited in line to...

exhibition: sonhos melancolia (melancholy dreams)

Last week was the opening for my Sonhos Melancholia photography exhibition at the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art in Great Falls, Montana.  I was so excited to have an opening back in my home state of Montana, that my parents and friends would be able to attend.  This is the first opening where I...