It’s funny how even when our children are grown and independent, we’re still sometimes called upon to be moms again.   My daughter Brittany had surgery this week. I hadn’t been that nervous for a very long time. I’m aware that emotional eating has always been my coping mechanism, so I made it a point to make a smart choice at the hospital cafeteria by ordering a veggie omelet. That worked out so well, that then I thought, “I think I need more fuel in this stressful situation, so maybe I’ll do what the hobbits do and have a second…

Hi, it’s Linda! It was 29 years ago that I called John DeSantis of the Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show to inquire about becoming a vendor for the upcoming year. To my surprise, he had actually heard of me, and from that moment on treated me as if I were one very special person! The year before, Tom and I were taking in the show on the old Convention Center second floor, where we came across a friend whose gallery had carried my art. He told us that I should set up at the show and ask to be on…

Happy Holidays! Because we work right up to Christmas Eve, Tom and I celebrate the 12 days of Christmas each year by doing something special together each day. In years past, we’ve gone to places like the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron, Ohio, Dickens Victorian Village in Cambridge, Ohio, and Steubenville Nutcracker Village, also in Ohio. This year so far we haven’t strayed too far from home, but we have already had a movie night out with “Song Sung Blue.” We’ve also watched some of our favorite holiday movies at home like George C. Scott in “A Christmas…

Only 7 days until Christmas! Hard to believe, isn’t it? It feels like just yesterday that we were setting up the Chalet! Tom and I have gotten into a good routine. He drops me off at the Benedum lot and helps get all my windows open and set up our counter. Then he drives to 15th St., which is about a 20-minute walk from where we are, and walks back. Some days he endures the cold, and sometimes like yesterday, he enjoys the sun and warmth. We have a wonderful little international community here in the Benedum lot. There is…

Yep, you heard me right! Last week’s free shipping promotion was such a success, I decided to extend my FREE SHIPPING offer on all orders over $50.00 for another weekend. My goal is to make your life as easy as possible this Holiday Season! So step up and take advantage of another weekend of free shipping – the offer ends at midnight Sunday, December 8th. I know not all of you can make it down to our beautiful, quaint Holiday Market. I hope this offer will give you a chance to shop with me without even venturing from your cozy sofa! It looks…

It’s time to light the lights, ring the bells, deck the halls, and get into the Holiday spirit! For 14 years, Tom and I have enjoyed celebrating the Holiday Season downtown at the People’s Gas Holiday Market. Due to Market Square renovations, we will be located (just for this year) in the Benedum Lot, right across from the theater. Tom and I have been downtown working hard for a week now to get everything in place for the season. I hope you can join us this season. My chalet will be well stocked with new pieces and new gift items, not to mention…

With Halloween so close at hand, it’s getting pretty spooky out there. So I thought, “Why not scare up some savings for my online customers this weekend?” Check out my website, get into the “spirit,” and take 15% off almost everything*  www.lindabarnicott.com The checkout code is Halloween (I know, very original!) The sale is good from now until midnight Sunday, so you can shop for art while digesting your Halloween candy! In the meantime, I’m still working on “Our Lady of Liberty,” and my deadline is November 1st!  As a matter of fact, I was so wrapped up in painting last week that I completely forgot to…

And not only is it Fall, but it’s just 90 days until Christmas! In the stores, Halloween props and costumes are already being pushed out by Holiday decorations. And Thanksgiving is only 62 days away, with football and feasting on the menu! Speaking of football…I am thrilled to announce the release of my brand new “Pittsburgh Loves the Black and Gold!” T-Shirts! We picked them up today, and  as you can see above, Tom was kind enough to model one for me! They will be available this weekend at the Mount Lebanon Artist Market (Saturday & Sunday 10AM-5PM)!  After weeks of…

Guess where I’m writing from this week? I’m on a train, coming home from visiting with my dearest and oldest friends, Kathy and Ron, in New Jersey. When I was a child, my family spent just about every weekend from April until September on our boats on Barnegat Bay. On our first outing on our boat, “The Gibson Girl,” we had engine trouble. My mom was very concerned while my dad was trying to fix the engine and asked him if she should call for help. My dad said no and that he had this. She immediately walked over to…

I’m exhibiting at a brand new show this Saturday! It’s a celebration of Pittsburgh called “412 Fest” (referring to our Pittsburgh 412 area code). The festival will be held at Bakery Square in East Liberty on Saturday, April 12 (4/12 – get it?). If you live nearby or happen to be in the East End that day, I would love to have you stop by and say hi. We’ll be there from noon until 4 pm, with lots of ideas for birthday or anniversary gifts (or maybe just to treat yourself!). We can’t wait to participate in what looks like a really fun event! As I come…