New! Homemade books from the Heart of the Home. This little book, handwritten and watercolored, is bound with a grosgrain ribbon, celebrating all the simple things that make life sweet. They're the perfect way to make someone's day! This delightful little book is filled with color charm and inspiration. Each book comes with its own specially designed and gusseted envelope.
About the Author
I got an “A” in 7th grade art, but I thought everybody did; didn’t think anything of it and never took another class. Then, at 30, I painted my 1st picture! It was a geranium that was sitting on my kitchen table and the shock was that my painting actually looked like a geranium! That was 1977, but by 1982 a new reality had begun for me and I was picking up the shattered pieces of my life far, far away...
Sitting at my dining room table I watercolored and handwrote my first book, with little borders and all the things around me, my cats, baskets, dishes, flowers, straw hats, teapots and hearts. I wrote all about my big family and the traditions we celebrated. I had collected quotes for a few years, so I let the world’s sages be the brains of the operation and say all the things I believed but was too afraid to say myself. And my favorite tried and true recipes. My mantra was: “simple, easy, elegant and delicious.” I wanted to make a special book to go out to all the wonderful moms like my mom to help them feel more appreciated for all their hard work. And all of a sudden one day it was done! I knew no one in publishing; but Martha’s Vineyard is very well connected so I took my pages downtown to the girls who work in the shops on Main Street. I went door to door, showed my work, and asked if anybody knew anyone who could help me. And someone did. I was offered a contract! My book was going to be published!
It was the beginning of a whole new world for me. Heart of the Home came out for Christmas 1986; my first fan letter came a few months after that and I sat in the parking lot at the P.O. and cried.
Eighteen years later, I’m still painting and I’m still on the island!
