It’s coming, there is no denying. The air is crisp and the trees are just beginning to change.

But before the big drop, there is still some activity. Flowers are in their last dance.

Like these fall crocus scattered along the parking strip.

They’ve spread out all along the street.

I absolutely love them! So pretty.

Dahlias are still at it. This one caught my breath.

Every year I walk by this beautiful row of fuchsias. This is the first time I thought to take a picture.

Gorgeous! Those colors!

I so relate to these clipped shrubs in the picture below. Not that I am actually out in my yard with my shears. It’s the intensity that was behind the making of this, someone working so very hard keeping everything exactly right.

It’s the same impulse that keeps me adding one more bead, one more appliqué strip or those times when I absolutely have to rip out the one piece that is the wrong color and replace it with another.

I’ve been loving the home made ‘vote’ banner on the side of this house. A timely reminder. I have, have you?

Do you see the orange shape just peaking out on the right side of the porch?

It’s the great pumpkin, lurking behind the hedge.

The real thing, escaping from its garden bed.

I am sending you wishes for the Happiest of Halloweens! Happy fall! Happy sewing! Happy shrub clipping! Walking, cooking, book reading, dancing, movie watching,

Happy, Happy, Happy whatever your passion may be!

The Smithsonian’s first ever virtual craft show is off and running! The ‘soft’ opening is happening now. The official opening will be October 13th. All of the artists shops will be open from now through the 25th. Check it out!

I am so excited to be part of this event! To see my work go to my shop page here.

This show is for a very good cause. 25% of every sale will go to the Smithsonian’s Women’s Committee who fund many of the Smithsonian’s projects, including education, acquisitions and exhibitions.

Every one of the 20-plus Smithsonian museums are free and except for Christmas or, the occasional hurricane [they closed for a few days when Hurricane Sandy blew through,] they are open to everyone who wants to visit.

I am a museum nerd, I can spend days in them. Take it from me, the Smithsonian museums are some of the very best. From Dorothy’s ruby slippers at the American History Museum, to Kehinde Wiley’s official portrait of Barack Obama at the National Portrait Gallery, from the Museum of Natural history’s mineral collection to the deeply moving Museum of African American History and Culture, the Air and Space Museum, American Art, the National Zoo, and so many more, each and every one of their museums is worth more than a stop, they are worth a journey.

So be sure and check out the craft show! See the gorgeous work from many of the country’s best artists, find a treasure and help the Smithsonian. It is a win for all!

The corona virus hasn’t only put a damper on artists and crafts people, it’s also hurt the organizations that depend on craft shows to fund their institutions. Since 1983, the Smithsonian Women’s Committee’s annual shows have supported the Smithsonian with grants that fund education, conservation, acquisition and exhibitions.

With no in-person shows scheduled for this year, the women’s committee has organized a virtual show on the fine art and auction website, Bidsquare.

You can preview the Smithsonian Virtual Craft Show here.

I am so excited to be part of this show! There will be over 100 artists exhibiting and selling their work.

And for such a good cause! This show is a fundraiser, 25% of all sales will go to the Smithsonian.

My store is set up and ready to be previewed now. Check it out here.

Though the official show starts on the 13th, my store will be open for purchases on the 10th.

In order to buy you’ll need to register first. It’s Bidsquare’s system to make sure everything will flow smoothly. When you go to my store page, click the green button that says ‘Register Now.’ It’s easy and quick, I’ve already registered in a few of my favorite artist’s stores so I’ll be set up and ready to buy from them when the show opens.

I’ve added lots of pieces to my store, to see all of the items, scroll to the bottom and click on ‘View Catalog.’ I’ll continue to add more, so be sure and come back to see what’s new.

This will be a good one, and for such a good cause!

Can’t wait!