It turns out that Tampa Tribune writer Dave Simanoff attended the "Brazen Careerist" book-signing at Inkwood Books as well, and he heard me speak. He called me this week and asked if he could come to my studio and interview me for a story. It's mainly because I used to be an attorney.

See now, I knew going to law school would be good for something at some point....

Oh how I hated law.

Back when I worked at a law firm, and had to make the daily 7:30 am trek to my car, I seemed to share identical work hours with a girl who lived nearby, and we often waved to each other in that morning routine.

On the way to work one day, this acquaintance told me she worked in adoption, and she named the office: a corporate-looking place, located only two blocks away, that I'd passed every single day, for months.

Adoption. I immediately thought of, what else, pet adoption. A complete contrast to my own un-cuddly job. I said, with total sincerity: "How nice it must be, to work with animals."

Her eyes popped, her brows lowered, her mouth pursed. She glared at me. "I work,' she said cuttingly, "with CHILDREN!"

She stormed off before I could explain. And then she moved away. I love children. I do, really. Oh well... This is why I have to drink coffee in the morning.

I Met Penelope Trunk! And she is the friendliest "antisocial" blogger-turned-book-author you'll ever meet.

Look her up here: http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/

I stumbled upon her blog about two weeks ago. Then, Monday, my friend Jenn pointed out that Penelope was visiting Tampa within a few hours for a book signing.

A number of people have complained about the fact that Penelope, who has ultimately achieved success by offering financial and career-related advice, has herself experienced plenty of difficulty in those very areas on her way up. I think her honesty is refreshing and inspiring, and I love her counter-intuitive (yet well-researched) advice. Just a few of my favorite items from Penelope Trunk:

You can put a number on happiness. It's a $40,000 annual salary.    (?!?!)

Perfectionism is completely at odds with achieving perfection.

Exercise boosts your IQ.

Also, she's funny. For more, you want to visit her website or blog, or buy her book! http://penelopetrunk.com/

What else can I tell you?


Well, I am really loving a new painting I've done in pastel.

This is a portrait of a house, rather than a person, but I feel like this house has all the personality of a human being.

I love how the trees' shadows work their way over everything. It unites every part of the picture.

And the composition pleases me, with its zigzagging lines drawing the eye all over the page. I can't wait to paint more homescapes!