As we head into Easter weekend, the Barnicott family is caught up in holiday planning and activities. But even without the holiday, the entire family has a lot going on right now. So much is happening this week! My younger daughter (who as I’ve mentioned before is expecting twins!) and our beloved son-in-law Jon along with our little granddaughter Aria are closing on a house of their own next week. Meanwhile, Jon is looking for a new job, and my daughter Brittany just got one – she was promoted to Director of Marketing for St. Vincent de Paul. Tom, of…

What happened to spring? Tuesday was supposed to be the first day of spring, and we ended up getting buried under a blanket of snow. (That stupid groundhog lied AGAIN!) My brain and my body are so tired of winter… so what, I wondered, could I do to console myself while springtime is so elusive, and we still have a landscape covered in winter white? Well, I found just the thing… I pulled together some of the plein air landscapes I had painted during my travels. After being battered by the shock of yet another cold snap and close to…

The Home Show is one of those times each year when I feel most blessed… when I get to speak with so many people – favorite friends and customers and new friends alike – about my art, my family, and life in general. Even when it’s too busy to have an actual conversation, just a quick hug or a wave from a friend warms my heart.  I always walk away from the Home Show with deep gratitude for all the wonderful people in my life. Though I enjoy the people interactions and the energy and hard work of the show,…

The Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show is an extremely busy time for me – it’s 10 days of nonstop action.  Just being here for so many hours every day, meeting, greeting, talking and selling all day long takes a toll on my body (and especially on my voice)! Today with Zero Hour at hand – less than 24 hours to go! – I’ll be here into the wee hours of the morning, tweaking the displays and making sure all the finishing touches are in place when the doors open tomorrow. But really it’s the week before the show – where…