Stephanie's Studio

Many of you who visit this blog frequently know that I have had a long and winding road with my fiction and creative nonfiction. I'm working on a book now, set in the magical South Jersey Pine Barrens that started ten years ago as a memoir. I believe fiction allows me to spread my wings and take magical liberties so although it may be based on a true story, it is a work of fiction.                                                        Photo by Jon Tyson on Upsplash This book has a thick road behind it littered with rejection letters from agents and publishers. It has also gotten some very promising remarks from agents and some publishers have expressed serious interest in publishing it. It has had deals but they weren't right. As it's my baby, my story in so many different ways, I take the rejections to heart and on the other hand, I deeply appreciate those who "get" the novel.                                                       Photo by Dustin Lee o

I am honored to have been granted an Artist Residency at The Residency Project in Pasadena. There I will have the opportunity to paint en plein air, as well as in the studio. In late summer, I intend to explore the colors, forms, shapes and natural light, particular to Pasadena and the San Gabriels environment. Midway during the residency, you’re invited to come see first hand how the work is developing. I will speak about my writing and art, as well as sign copies of “Sticks, Stones, Roots and Bones,” and the newly released, “365 Days of Hoodoo,” and the volume to which I contributed “Llewellyn Spell-Day.” This will be a welcoming event that includes mandala-making, poetry reading and sharing conversation over herbal tea. See you there! Ashe

I'm afraid I've been remiss about working out, but alas, the promise of spring got me motivated. I started a cycling program last week and added Yoga for Weight-Loss this week. I don't like to start working out as a New Year's Resolution, on or around the first of January because it seems as though that time period doesn't work for most, me included. Yoga for Weight-Loss is always interesting. I think - it's yoga, I won't be taxed too heavily but then low and behold the sweating begins. I particularly like the program I found on Amazon Prime because her format reminds me of my books in a certain kind of way. She asks you to ask questions of yourself, and to do stuff. You are an active participant. So, a part of the 30 day challenge, the very first part, is to tell someone. I figured I'd tell you, gentle reader. I also ask you to join me or if you're already working out or planning to start, share about it here. Will check in again soon!