GFAF Expo in NJ

Today I am heading to the GFAF Expo in Secaucus... and I couldn't be more excited!
Think, Christmas morning excited!

I have that pre-trade show rush - and I am not even exhibiting.

Just looking forward to meeting lots of GF cyber space friends, and being surrounded by a plethora of gluten free and allergen free abundance.  I am bringing my little girl with me so she can experience the abundance first hand.  We are all about focusing on the positive side of allergen free living... and all the good that it brings!

Hope to see you there!

Monday Inspiration - Black Eye Susan's in the Sunshine

"Just living is not enough... one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower."
Hans Christian Andersen 

Granny's Summer House memories

"Granny's Cottage Door", acrylic on canvas, copyright Erin Rogers Pickering

When I was a child both of my Grandmother's had cottages in beach communities. I absolutely loved visiting them. I adored the freedom of the indoor and outdoor blending together... Evenings on the porch or in the yard, kids free to roam, wooden screen door banging as we ran in and out, and most especially the sunrise walks with my Grandmother through the neighborhood. Before anyone else woke, just me and her, in our pajamas (so exciting to go out and about in pajamas!). Together we enjoyed the quiet, peacefulness of those early mornings, strolling and holding hands. 

I was inspired by those memories to create this painting, and enjoyed the thoughts of my grandmother as I painted, and relived those special moments.

Happy Hour Painting - Next class Thursday June 27th

A relaxing and fun environment to tap into your creative side! 

It's a BYOB painting party with step-by-step instruction and demonstration as we go, and everyone will be able to complete a finished 14x18 painting during the 2 hour class.

Bring your favorite bottle of wine or beverage of choice - and we supply all the necessary painting supplies, step-by-step instruction, and encouraging guidance.
All levels are welcome.

No experience necessary!

The next class is Thursday June 27th.

We encourage everyone to arrive by 7:15 so we can start right at 7:30.

We ask that you reserve a spot in advance at Geralyn's Art Studio or by calling Geralyn's Art Studio at 973-275-1966.   Class size is small, a maximum of 10, so everyone gets personal assistance.  
And everyone leaves with a finished canvas!

Geralyn's Art Studio in Maplewood, 103 Baker Street.

Hope to see you there!

Gluten in the Air

I have learned to avoid the traditional bread aisle especially in large grocery stores.
And if I have to get coffee, tea, honey, or syrup which sometimes share the bread aisle I will actually hold my breath, quickly enter and exit.  No dawdling, no label reading. In and out.

Surely there are people that think I am crazy for this but I have found that when I breath by all that gluten bread my lungs feel like they can't get enough oxygen. A weird cough starts... like my lungs are forcing something out. It's an odd and kinda scary feeling.  Feels a bit like suffocation.

I thought it was just me. (though I have learned there are always others - no matter how seemingly odd the symptom)

Then I read about airborne gluten in bakeries and farms (from the animal feed). Where flour particles can stay in the air for up to 24 hours.  24 hours!  So if there is baking going on nearby, everyone is breathing it.   Could there be that much in a long narrow bread aisle, so much outside of the packages, that came from gluten factories, that I can feel it?

I first noticed it after about 2 years gluten-free. Now it happens every time, in any store with a concentration of gluten bread. 

I don't mind if people think I am crazy, I would guess others have had that experience in the grocery store. Besides I have had practice with people thinking I am a bit odd... all those years of a laundry list of medical complaints & illnesses, a rolodex filled with specialists, migraines and auras at every turn. 

And it was simply that I was was being poisoned by gluten day in and day out.

Custom House Portraits in Watercolor

Nothing quite like the feeling of home - your home!  And a house you have been in for years, and created memories in, becomes part of the family and your history.

Custom house portraits make a very special gift for an anniversary, moving, new home, birthday.

Let me know if I can capture a piece of your history - and a create a painting that can be handed down in the family.

Zebra - Looking for a Good Home

"Zebra in Lavender", 24"x24", acrylic on canvas, copyright Erin Rogers Pickering

Wanted: A good home for a peaceful Zebra
She's quiet.
Clean.
Majestic. 
Respectful if shown respect.
And will bring a peaceful feeling to any room she is in.

At 24"x24" she is large enough to make a statement, but small enough to fill the perfect wall.

Is there room in your life for some wildlife?