We Dug Trenches

Two hours and forty-five minutes of sleep is how I started Saturday morning. Eric wasn't faring much better. We tag teamed it over the night as Cordelia awoke thinking maybe she was sick, she wasn't really sick. Elise was up and down as a result of the wake-up wails of Cordelia and it was all over before 5am. It was one of those days that Eric and I looked at each other, bleary eyed, across the breakfast table and wondered how many hours it would be until bed time. We had a long day ahead of us, with some really fun activities planned so we just did our best to pull ourselves together and soon enough, thanks to the power of parenthood, we were functioning in a mostly normal manner.

We got the girls dressed and ready, took the dogs to my parents' home and then headed back into town for a symphony for kids. Our good friend is the director of the symphony and we love to support her work and even more so when it gives us the opportunity to share music with the girls! We settled into our seats and enjoyed the show. There was great music, lots of laughs for the kids. Although Elise was annoyed when the music stopped for skits, at one point she shouted, "STOP TALKING." Then when the music resumed she leaned back on me, transfixed. Cordelia enjoyed the whole thing!

After the symphony we rushed home and had a quick lunch before hitting the road. We drove to Buffalo for the opening of Eric's show, a selection of works from his series We Dug Trenches, a photographic study of our life in the West. He showed his photography at The Crazy Woman Fine Art Gallery in Buffalo. If you haven't been to Buffalo, Wyoming then let me tell you it is a mighty small town with a lot of charm and character. The community is very art friendly, but we didn't really know if anyone would show for the opening. Thankfully we were pleasantly surprised as locals as well as friends from our community showed up to see his work. The event was really a lot of fun. The girls were on their best behavior and everything went smoothly.

You can see the full We Dug Trenches show here. Purchase prints here.



Elise walked around charming everyone






Cordelia was working it for Eric, telling everyone that her dad had taken all of the photos


Eric and gallery owner/artist Jenny Wuerker





After the reception we decided to return home ahead of a storm that had the potential to keep us from returning the next day. Initially we had planned to stay at The Historic Occidental Hotel, but we will have to save that for another time. We made it home in the early evening, talking along the drive to keep weariness at bay. We fed our children...not quality food I will admit...and we were all sound asleep before it was even totally dark outside.

Opening Night

Friday was much anticipated for two reasons, the first you already know about---the show of my new work opened. The second, more important reason, was that Eric had finally returned from his artist residency. He'd been away for two loooong weeks (the two weeks that the girls and I were sick). I will tell you more about that in the coming days.

Anyway, I woke up on Friday morning and immediately started texting Eric. Have you left? Then I took sad face pictures of the girls and sent them to him to urge him on his journey. Then we started prepping for the day. I took care of a few last minute details for the show. I ran some errands. Then at lunch time Eric was back!!!!

Over the course of the afternoon Eric prepared an awesome playlist for the show which featured only bands that had animals or royalty in their names of song titles. He did this because my show, called Kingdom, featured a bunch of animals in crowns. I also made cookies for the show, because that's how I roll.

We got ourselves ready. Cordelia spent the greatest amount of time preparing herself (dress, fancy hat, scarves, purse, makeup--chapstick). We hustled out the door and piled into the car. While we pulled out of the garage I noticed the first flakes starting to fall and I thought to myself, "Well...we'll see if anyone comes out into the snow for the opening."

When we arrived we walked into the gallery and people were already starting to show up. The place filled up with friends, family, strangers, and the big surprise was my aunt and uncle came in from out of town! I was totally floored by the turn out. I received such kind words and generous gestures...I really felt undeserving of such an outpouring. I mean, if only I could hold up a reflector and shoot that goodness back out at the world...ugh, I know, I am totally a cheese-ball (a vegan cheese-ball, ah-thank-you-ah-very-much). I went home after the opening and, even though my voice was fading and I was totally wiped out, I was filled with joyful gratitude. How wonderful to be surrounded by such amazing people!

The show was quite a success. Honestly, I couldn't be happier. I sold well. I made some great connections. I had a great time. The kids had fun---they were there for about an hour before my parents took them home and put them to bed.  Now I am ready to get back to painting!

While the show sold really well there are a few pieces left. I you are interested in a price list of available works just email me. Otherwise, I will have giclee prints available for online sale in the coming weeks!


The show, empty and full


My bestie






Artist statement






Eric at the show. Photographers love to have their photos taken. Trust me...


My friend, artist and gallery owner, Zachary Pullen

Art Opening

A few weeks ago Eric was asked to be a juror for an art show. We have always been on the other side, so it was a nice change for him to try something new.


Not sure what is up with the gargantuan wine bottle there...

Saturday night the show opened. We had free tickets and my parents were willing to hang out with Cordelia for a couple of hours so we could make our appearance.


Can you find me?

The show was great, located at a little bistro by the river. The artists ran the gamut from seasoned pros to first timers. Eric and I particularly loved the guy who came in 2nd place, his first art show. He had no idea how the art world is, just came in jeans and a t-shirt with his family and had his photo taken in front of his work. He seemed so genuinely excited by the positive response his work got.

We enjoyed a glass of wine. Chatted with some friends and before you knew it we were heading home. Short and sweet. Just the way we like it.




My husband


C'est moi

How was your weekend? Do anything awesome?