I'm about to wrap up my week but first, I've been dying to share a visit that I had with Jennifer Davis and Amy Rice with you! When I was in Minnesota last month and I simply had to visit the opening night party for Jennifer and Amy's art exhibit because hello, I had too... I mean, I have about 7 of Jennifer's paintings (I'm a massive fan) and so when I heard she'd be showing her work the same week that I was going to be in St. Paul for my book tour, I made it an absolute priority to meet her. After five years of following her work, it was due time to meet the lady who has so much of her work in my home!

From her color palettes (love her shots of black and neon pink!) to her quirky characters who display a range of emotions from melancholy to fear, timidness to hopeful, I find her work touching, engaging, meaningful and altogether mesmerizing. Amy Rice is another amazing talent, also based in MN, so to have a chance to meet them both in one evening was a total moment for me. Here they are, such a lovely duo.

Amy Rice (L) and Jennifer Davis (R)

I was in la la land surrounded by these gorgeous paintings. There were many more that I didn't have time to photograph, but at least you can see a few of my personal favorite groupings. I'm more motivated than ever to purchase another piece for my collection so I may contact Jennifer to see what's available from the show. I wanted so badly to buy something in person but I was in a rush to my book signing cocktail party at The Creative Connection so I was in and out in a flash. I wish I had spent more time chatting with lovely Jennifer and Amy - I really do.

And in case you wonder... Amy and Jennifer were both even nicer than I imagined. Jennifer made me feel so welcome, she's very warm and sweet, and now that I met her the work on my walls means so much more to me. I often wondered if I met her if I'd feel the same, better or worse? Do you know what I mean? Sometimes we have this perception of what someone is like that we've only met online and then you meet them and it's slightly different. To own a lot of someone's original paintings is nothing you do everyday, you really have to love and connect with the work, and I have formed quite a bond with all of Jennifer's pieces that make me smile whenever I pass by them. That's why it felt a bit scary to meet her in person - had she been completely different, rude even (hey, it happens!), I would never look at the work the same and I'd have to live with those paintings, and that sour memory, for years. Meeting Jennifer made me HAPPY. I want to buy more of her paintings now that I have connected with her warmth, graciousness, kindness and sincerity. The paintings in my home are suddenly very much alive and more meaningful than ever because Jennifer has a heart of gold.

Jennifer, I know I've made you blush but really, from my heart -- thank you for being so awesome!!!

Perhaps we shall meet again... I'd love to curate an art show and invite these two very special ladies to be part of it, so perhaps someday very soon.

(images: holly becker)