Still Life

I sometimes struggle with still life work. When I work with objects rather than living subjects, I remove elements of unpredictability and exercise greater control. I can’t truly say that I am attempting to convey any deep philosophical statement. And, often a single picture seems incomplete—like one half of a conversation. But, place those pictures side-by-side and there is a dialogue. Two ordinary objects carrying the weight of meaning, whatever that meaning is to the viewer. In any case, I worry that these are just pictures of things and not about things. Until I step back, and see myself in the frames, and let go of the notion that any of it needs to mean anything at all. A ripe heirloom tomato in a thrifted bowl. Tiny red begonias in a wall pocket. Pictures of moments of stillness, where things are simple for a second.

The Six-Second Hug

Six-second hug, May 2026

I cannot remember exactly where I read about the value of a six-second hug. I only remember that it was during the heart of the pandemic, and I was struggling.

Once I shared this finding with my husband, he was completely on board. He really tried to get in those six-second hugs with me.

Six-seconds feels like an eternity for me.

And while I’d be the first to admit that I want to be loved, I also recognize that one of my negative core beliefs about myself is that I am unworthy of such love. There is a push and pull between wanting those deep connections and not allowing myself to have them.

Somewhere deep inside, I have convinced myself that it is not okay for me to have needs. Not okay to express negative emotions. Not okay to show up as myself.

There is great vulnerability in acknowledging these beliefs, and it is incredibly sad.

But there is also great healing in learning to use my observations to change my thoughts, feelings and behaviors.

The work continues.

Peony Presence — Spring Bouquet #6

Our house is in a disrupted state. We’re long over due for interior painting. Everything is off the walls. Furniture is pushed to the center of rooms and drop cloths are everywhere. Workers play their favorite music as they spackle, sand, roll and brush. Greek Villa, by Sherwin Williams, coats the walls and ceilings and trim. The place looks new and fresh.

While I wait for the paint to dry, I take more pictures of the peonies from Westwind Flowers Farm & Studio Bouquet #6. This is the stage in the peony lifespan I love the most . . . when the petals begin to fall and the flower opens wide.

Peonies don’t perform for you. They invite you, entice you, and host you to a celebration of the senses. Fragrance, texture, color, curves, movement, abundance.