Tag: life
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The Science of Art
I have exciting news! I was asked to write an article for State College Magazine and it was published this month (August 2026). Can you believe it? I can’t! To say 2026 has been a good year is an understatement, it has exceeded my wildest expectations. I had 9 floral paintings on display at the…
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The Scenic Route
I’ve been driving more miles this summer than making art. It seems I’m in a season of go, go, go: pack, laundry, re-pack, repeat. No complaints here, I’m enjoying my road trip opportunities to explore new sights and appreciate new experiences, and to savor the scenic route whenever possible. While my odometer is turning mindless…
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Two Roads
Stamp collectors from around the world travel to the American Philatelic Society in the small town of Bellefonte, PA, just east of my home in State College. One day, while browsing the society’s exhibits and small shop, I found a commemorative stamp set honoring the life and writing of Robert Frost. I’ve reflected on his famous poem,…
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Be Where My Feet Are
Note: The artwork featured above is 1 of 9 paintings of mine that will be on display at the Bellefonte Art Museum in March 2026. The show is titled, “The Flower Shop.” Please visit if you can! The museum is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12-4:30 and is housed in a glorious historic home…
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My Favorite Things
‘Tis the season for gazing at our tree’s twinkling white lights, sitting by our fire’s comforting warm flames, and baking (then eating!) our family’s favorite Christmas cookies. These are a few of my favorite things this time of year! To that I’ll add a new tradition, writing re-mixes, last year of the beloved holiday poem,…
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Unlearning
“Anything worth doing is worth doing right.” Hunter S. Thompson It’s back-to-school time, truly one of my favorite seasons of the year. At 60, I still yearn to purchase a new notebook, sharpen a #2 pencil, and sit in the front row of a classroom like a nerdy sponge, ready to absorb. We live in a…
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I Worried
“I Worried” by Mary Oliver I worried a lot. Will the garden grow, will the riversflow in the right direction, will the earth turnas it was taught, and if not how shall I correct it? Was I right, was I wrong, will I be forgiven,can I do better? Will I ever be able to sing, even…
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Coffee Shop Writer
Have you ever wandered into a coffee shop, placed your order and then, while the barista was brewing your beverage, looked around? Not a quick, cursory glance before your attention turns to your phone to solve the mystery of today’s Wordle; I mean an unhurried, inquisitive look around the café. I have, and I’ve noticed…
Melissa Stephens Art 