When I was a young girl in elementary school, I had created an abstract, watercolor painting that was eventually recognized and hung in the school district’s administrative building. I felt so proud for that honor! After its tenure, it lived on the mantle of my childhood home for years. I can still envision the abstract design and detail to this day. It was, and continues to be, my motivator as I begin to live out my dream of a career in creative arts. I think that doing what you love and what comes naturally is within reach for so many, it’s a matter of simply believing in what’s possible.

Well, that girl inside totally jumped for joy when I saw my own bicycle picture hanging at the front door of the Funky Lady boutique here in Rehoboth Beach. I inadvertently discovered it after meandering around a twisted parking lot trying to exit to go about my day.

I finally got out of that maze, then checked myself and made a U-turn immediately. To make sure I wasn’t seeing things, I found myself parked directly in front of the store.

I quickly popped in and reintroduced myself to Madge at the counter, who happens to be my neighbor.

Madge, who owns the store, bought my art at my one and only yard sale when we first moved to the area. As much as I loved this piece, I could never find the right place for it in my own home.

She loved it so much that I gave it to her for a steal and didn’t give it an afterthought. I was simply thrilled someone loved my art as much as I poured loved into capturing it and making it unique.

Besides her being such a cool lady with probably some great stories to share, she has so many neat, eclectic pieces to sell! Not to mention, her walls are adorned with creativity and cheeky fun that my little piece of the world fits perfectly with the feel of her store. She said she refuses to sell my art because she enjoys it so much! She said customers are pawing at it daily and wants to know where to find one.

Michelle and daughter Caroline - Annapolis, MD, 2015 with two featured pieces at local exhibition.

A few years ago, the same piece was displayed as a piece in an exhibition at The Annapolis Maritime Museum. I took my mother-in-law and infant at the time on a hot summer day to see it along with the other creative pieces curated by other extremely talented artists.

If you know me, you know I’m not saying all this to gloat.

I’m absolutely tickled pink that one of my favorite photographs is grabbing people’s hearts too.

So, if you are in the area, check out her store, the Funky Lady Boutique and be sure to pick up one of my prints!

Or, you can visit my online shop to purchase the ‘Petals on Pedals’ print, which by the way was captured in Annapolis one delightful spring morning at the infamous ‘Ego Alley.’

There are also other captured moments from when we lived in Annapolis, that I’ll always cherish and soon will be putting a shore thing twist to sell as well! Here are a couple of pictures that I love.

Oh how glad I was to be aware of my surroundings that day, enough to stop and smell the petals (catch the pun?), otherwise I could have totally missed out on a fun and exciting opportunity that I’m so excited to now share with the world!

Petals on Pedals

This Father's Day

Furry Friends from the Delaware Humane Association