As an adult, I've developed a tweensy quirk. My new year doesn't start until I've handed over my tax preparation file to my CPA, Jeff Neher. That one event signals a new year to me. On Friday I dropped off my papers, finally embracing 2010, so let the confetti fly!

This weekend I've been contemplating my "resolutions" - artistically speaking. Every year Resolution #1 is paint more. Looking over at the calender above my desk, a break in Resolution #1 is dangerously near. Like any American consumer, I may have bought myself a solution. It arrives next week.

For the past few months, I've been following the blog of California artist Ann Rea. An extremely talented oil painter and sharp business woman, Ann has built a successful niche painting the vineyards of California's wine country. Most of her work is done plein air, right alongside the rows of grapes. Those photos of her creating, in the day, surrounded by inspiring landscapes reminded me how much I enjoy that type of painting excursion. My outdoor painting setup is not the most convenient, so I finally ordered a Eric Michaels Pro Watercolor Easel. Having a sturdy setup outdoors is half the battle and this could be the ticket.

Looking forward to some wonderful days with the new set up and the possibility of keeping at least one resolution this year! Now, on to Resolution #2 - clean out the studio. I don't think I can buy my way out of this one.

You can hear the Red Wing Blackbirds in the brush along the river edged field. Soon we'll all be able to abandon the fleece and down jackets, but for now, just a nice stretch of the legs along Big Valley's melting trail signals springtime.

The only remaining patches of snow are around the north side of the studio. Not exactly your typical NE Washington winter, as we here in Winthrop seem to be bypassing the traditional "mud" season and going right into dust. Some folks have threatened to wash their cars and I think one of my neighbor's started a lawn mower. Now that's March Madness!