I recently saw the video below on a fellow artist’s blog, and after watching it I instantly felt compelled to post it. It’s so well done, so powerfully poignant, and so very important. After I viewed it, I was swept away with thoughts of Laura.

Laura is the friend I never met. She was a dear friend of one of my most cherished soul sisters…Lauren. Lauren is a 28 year old amazing woman who has the spirit of a sage. She has deeply touched my life in an unexplainable unique way that has magically filled the tiny corners of my heart.

Laura was an important part of Lauren’s life…..which is why I feel a kindred connection to her also. I wish I could have met Laura, however she died October 24, 2010 from malignant melanoma, she was only 36 years old. Here are a few photos of Laura taken a few months before she passed away. These beautiful photos were taken by Lauren who truly captured her dear friend’s essence with a lens. To see more photos and read about their friendship go to Lauren’s blog.

We tend to think bad things happen to other people…….unfortunately this isn’t true. Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease was my wake up call. Seeing a beautiful woman like Laura leave the planet way too early is an enormous reminder that life is a priceless and precious journey that should be cherished and valued.

When I look into Laura’s dancing eyes I’m reminded not to sleepwalk thru my own life. I’m reminded to tell others I’m glad they were born, that they make a difference in my life. I’m reminded to hold a hug a few seconds longer, to feel the cool breeze on my face, to watch the sun go down till it disappears. In an unexpected upside-down way Laura’s death has made me feel more alive, more plugged in. I think Laura would like knowing she’s had this impact on my life, that she unknowingly has taught me about the meaning of grace. Laura is my friend…the friend I never met.

I’m crazy in love with camper…especially vintage ones. Since it’s pretty unlikely that I’ll ever own my own trailer, I decided to transform my art studio into a pretend camper! It’s still a work in progress, which will eventually include a bedside window with a lake view, and a driver’s window (where my desk sits) that faces a winding road, complete with windshield wipers and a rear view mirror.

Here are a few shots of “The Camper” art studio~

Here's the kitchen, complete with Mike and a microwave!

My art table is located in the pretend "bathroom" area. See the bathroom sink near the "real" window?

I jazzed up the kitchen cabi with hearts.

A Scrabble board under plexiglass for break-time fun.

Silliness on the wall

1950's jewelry box is perfect for storing art supplies.

Mason jars, clay pots, and an old wooden box adds fun to the art table.

Sentimental Sundries.

Popcorn anyone?

Yahoo, a trailer banner!

A smart rolling pin.

The kitchen window looks out to pine trees and the "Starlite Classic Campground" sign.

Cozy bed for mid-day naps and overnight campers.

You have probably heard me say this before, the best part of being an artist is meeting awesome people. One of my favorite peeps is a wonderful woman named Shery. I met Shery over a year ago when she contacted me with questions regarding commissioned artwork. I ended up painting an acrylic “princess” piece of her two adorable granddaughters.

When Shery and I first chatted on the phone, I instantly knew she was a cool chickie. I feel blessed to have a friendship with such a kind-hearted woman, a dear soul who walks the planet with grace and light.

Today Shery and I had lunch at a wonderful Greek eatery in Stockton call Papapavlo’s. We both got talking so much, I totally forgot to take a few shots of our yummy lunch. Shery had stuffed grape leaves, otherwise known as domas, and I had a delicious Greek salad topped with grilled Mahi Mahi…totally yummy! Here are a few pics of our fun lunch together~

Develop a spirit that can spy hope in the midst of darkness.

Me and my sympatico art-addicted friend Lauren, held up in my art studio for two days straight. We stayed up way too late, ate multi-colored popsicles, grooved to Adele tunes, and made some very cool artsy things! We did stop periodically for Skinny Lattes, grilled cheese sammies, dog wrestling, fresh air breaks on the swinging lounger, and of course pit stops to the potty.

OMG! I fell in love with this piece! Lauren’s magic photos placed on a large wood canvas, and then glazed with beeswax. Created a dreamy piece of soulful art. sigh…

You can see more of Lauren's work at theurbanhippie.wordpress.com. She will soon have an online store where you can purchase her magic photo canvas' as well as photo jewelry. Happy, colorful, make you feel good treasures!!

Look how cute it looks in my studio!! Love it! She wanted to leave it on my wall, but I told her we would make a second one for me!

We also worked with resin…a bit frustrating because it seems to have a mind of its own. Check out some of Lauren’s fun pics of our crafty 48 hour art marathon!

Mikey likes hangin' with the girls.

Best seat in the house.

Michael J. Fox...Mikey for short.