On April 16^th, 2026 I went with Hubby Dave and my grandson CJ to see the orchid show at the New York Botanical Garden. As a member and a graduate of their famous Botanical Illustration program, I feel a special connection to their gardens and conservatory. I’ve personally had no success keeping the Paphiopedilum Orchids alive, so it is always a treat to see these miracles up close. Having just signed my latest painting, the Cosmic Magnolia, I decided to challenge myself with a completely different color palette. I also wanted to paint something that felt lighter and less dense. As with all my paintings, I never repeat myself. I try new colors, different brushes, aspect ratio and size changes, lighting considerations, flatness or depth perception, new medium recipes, and more. It may seem to some who don’t understand what I am doing is that all I do is paint flowers. But instead, with each painting, I push myself to try something new for me. Otherwise, it gets too boring, and I hate being bored.

I began this daily journal in February, 2026 as I prepared for my solo exhibition, “Portraits From My Garden” at Locust Grove in Poughkeepsie, NY, from June 5 – September 15, 2026, my work for the group show, “Hearing Women’s Voices” at the Ceres Gallery in from June 23. to July 18, 2026, and my upcoming November 2026, solo exhibition titled, “Centering in the Midst of Chaos” in Chelsea, New York City