Jim's Blog

I’ll let you in on a secret: when I’m in my studio in the summer I’m not constantly focused on my work! Here’s why: my studio has floor­to­ceiling windows, which means I have a life­sized view of the beautiful garden outside. It can be very distracting! Our garden has been a labor of love. Over the years my family and I have planted, tended trimmed and pulled until it’s one of my favorite places on earth, a source of beauty and pride, a real inspiration for my art. That’s it! When I’m distracted I’m not just sitting and staring out the window. I’m getting inspired! Right now it’s in full bloom with all manner of classic southern plants and shrubs. The Azaleas bursting with bright pink color, the Honeysuckles thick with flowers that my grandkids love to pluck. The Rhododendrons and Magnolias have gotten so big so quick I feel like if I watch them long enough I could actually see them grow! And one of Jan’s favorites, the brilliant puff­ball Hydrangeas in hues of blues and purples right outside the front door.

There’s also quite a vegetable garden going, that’s my brother Will’s and my father­-in­-law Bill’s pride and joy. The tomatoes are at their peak, the squash and peppers ripening, and we are counting the days until the watermelons are ready. So you can see why it’s hard for me to concentrate when I’ve got so much beauty and bounty right outside my windows! It’s a good life here in the summer, and I’m grateful. I’d love to hear what’s growing in your garden this year. It’s always fun to hear about friend’s favorites from all over the world.

God bless,
Jim