Hey Reader,

Can you believe it is September already? Here in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania the weather has shifted and we are in the midst of those golden sunny days with mild temperatures, gentle breezes and puffy white clouds in the sky.

I’ve been spending as much time outside as I can, soaking in the last days of summer.

This September feels like a new beginning of sorts. The departure of one of my regular marketing clients has me rethinking the services I offer and I’m EXCITED about my work for the first time in years.

I spent the day slicing and dicing long videos into short clips and loving every minute of it. The sample pieces I’m creating will go into my growing portfolio and set the stage for new services I’ll be launching this fall.

The new direction in my marketing business has breathed new life into my creative work, too.

I just started an in-depth Photoshop class that will close a gap in my work I’ve had for years - how to convert my sketchy, inky lines into truly finished artwork.

Up to this point, I’ve been trying to simplify my work in order to create patterns and illustrations in Adobe Illustrator. But when I do that, I feel that my work lacks the depth and “soul” that makes it feel like ME. I can’t wait to learn techniques that actually work well with my style.

I find that I’m buzzing with creative energy, leaning into my art practice and working on subjects that fascinate me.

For the first time in a long time, I’m finally listening to what I truly WANT. Not what other people are telling me I “should” do.

I’ve realized that I’ve spent most of my career being the “Yes, I can do that" girl. In short I’m good at a whole lot of things I don’t like to do and it's time to make some changes.

But there are things like making art or editing videos that really do light me up. I’ve decided it’s time to follow that path and see where it leads. 😄

How about you, Reader? Are you feeling the shift in energy from summer to fall?

How will you savor the delights of summer?
What are you looking forward to in the season ahead?

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Until next week,

Inside My Sketchbook:

For the last 2 weeks, I've been painting again and embracing my messy, sketchy line work. My watercolor skills are a bit rusty, but I'm sure I'll get back into the groove soon enough.

Pictures of the Week:

It's finally cool enough during the day to open the dining room door and the kitties are loving it! The other picture is a scene from our yard Rob took on Labor Day. Such beautiful weather!