Ciao, I'm Carole West author and artist. I've been writing for years and my focus here is to encourage goodness. I believe if we have the willingness to see the good each day and recognize our gifts then we are headed in the right direction.
It wasn't that long ago when my writing success blossomed from my retired blog, Garden Up Green. I was published in several national magazines and published several books that helped people garden and homestead quail.
Public Speaking was another achievement where I taught workshops for Texas Home and Garden. Later I brought those classes closer to home by instructing wood craft workshops; it was a neat experience.
Then prior to 2020 I decided to step away from everything by taking some time for myself. That was a difficult decision because I was leaving a lot behind. But I will tell you, this desire to do other things was growing and when the time was right, I knew my return would be more focused.
.png "Carole West Sharing the Good")
Challenges and Gifts
The break has been interesting. We moved from NE Texas to East Texas where I discovered swamp country is my paradise. From there my husband and I contracted our own home and talk about a "challenge" of a lifetime. Thankfully we're nestled in the countryside to ease the overwhelm.
So, why did I return to blogging? Among other things, I enjoy writing; I also missed the simplicity of writing a post and sharing my heart. Today, I find myself in a unique place, where I recognize my weaknesses and see my gifts as a blessing.
My blog now is about real life and seeing the good. The good can be often missed and many times it's right in front of us.
A Broader Writing Path
As an author and artist, I am always creating which means a broader writing path was necessary. I'm also a doer and in the process of establishing our homestead. My lifestyle is the heart and inspiration behind this blog.
I selected four categories; beginning with good notions which is about faith. Good ideas will offer a variety of resources and projects. Of course, the garden will compliment good food recipes inspired by my Italian heritage.
I'm very excited about good art, a gift has been in hibernation for too long. My focus here is simple, impressionist watercolor painting inspired by nature. I recently opened my own art gallery that is currently promoting, "A Season to Bloom" original watercolor art.
I have realized that we all have gifts and a story that molds who we become. For me, the most important surfaces around staying home to raise our children. Those days were not easy and I didn't always get it right, but it was a good decision for our family; I say that with no regrets.
From being a wife, a homeschool mom, homesteading and establishing a writing career, I have learned to wear many hats. To say I have been blessed would be an understatement; I also came to realize these self-taught skills hold value.
I couldn't have accomplished any of this without my husband Robert. His love, support and belief in my abilities encourages me daily. It's my hope you recharge when reading and seek to implement the goodness I share.
See the Good,
Carole
2024 Goals: Painting weekly, establishing a new garden and completing the Garden Up Green book.