“Treasure is uncovered by the force of the flowing water, and it is buried by the same currents”

This artwork is a blatant attempt
at trying to paint like Picasso
Woman Ironing 1904
Gifted to someone who kindly said they liked it.


A new year.

I try not to define my days and devotions by time, dates or other
forced celebrations. I do my best to applaud a moment, a second,
a space in which I am present in.

Lately I just stumble around, tripping over myself, happy.
SO happy that I truly, genuinely FEEL happiness.

This next bit is for my current and future Talula's.

Specifically for Brandi and Mark Melchi and in hopes that positive energy
rubs off of positive energy.

1. You must know your laughter is contagious. In this please
laugh often as it arouses such un-assumed joy.

2. In your laughter find the reasons for it. Put these in your pockets;
use them when the other end of the laughter sneaks in...the loss of it.

As artists, as creative spirits, as seekers of color, light and love; we often let
the lack of these things emanate in fear. Fear is the turning point of either forward motion or backward in art. It is also the force of it all.

“Treasure is uncovered by the force of the flowing water, and it is buried by the same currents”

Life lessons. They always come to me in book form. What I learned from Rilke was that 1. I needed to ask myself a SERIOUS FUCKING QUESTION at some point in my life and 2. That what we believe we are searching for is already inside of us.

I didn't realize that the second had happened in my life until I read Letters to A Young Poet the second time; on a train to NY and it was a "wow" moment to say the least.

I know its not easy to know this in our lives. Not everyone is given this information. My purpose in this is to make sure you have it. My goal.

One should think me terribly gifted. I have this artist in me who gets to actually create beautiful artwork...but inside of the artist is this anti-ego driven messenger who believes that art can (and will) mend this broken world. (at least the world that I am in and that I allow and accept as my surrounding energy)

So...I'm going to be diligent in this purpose. I am going to extend opportunities that will allow you to get to that next level. All of this is driven by creative energy. You can not be selfish in your participation. You must understand that the mass appeal is in its positive distribution.

I am going to try to explain this without sounding all new age and like I'm into crystals. Because I'm not...however they too are made up of components that exude the same ideas. You have a purpose beyond this societal bullshit. You have a purpose in your core that tells your story. Your story is the basis of your journey. Why else would we be involved in this. If you give yourself the gift of allowing this core purpose to define you...you will be successful in it. You will attract your life pursuits...I know it doesn't feel like it would be simple,
but it really is.
The only thing that makes it hard is fear.
Fear of failing at it.
I want you to know that you won't.
You can't. As long as you understand that once you give your heart and soul
up to it....
you redefine who you thought you were by becoming who you really are.

Read Rilke's Letters to a Young Poet
Read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Take some time to enjoy something you love. Share it with me. Please
understand that my purpose in this is to inspire, and enjoy creative energy
with friends.

I am so lucky to know you all. You are treasures in my life and I am so grateful for you. Happy New Year!!!

Brandi - you are a new and exciting project in the Talula world. I'm thinking that you are going to decorate your own soul this year and I hope our collaborations are huge and filled with laughter. So excited about your new journey and I love your creative energy!!!

Jamie D...you are Taluls's Music. We are about to blow some speakers out. So excited. So inspired by you all the time, every day.
Kate...you are Talula's Eyes. YOU need to see this though. Take photos. Then take more. Tell your story. Tell me your story. Stop being so vague. I need more of your greatness.
Laura..I know your heart is huge and you are spread thin between your career and your creativity. You are the crown jeweler Talula!! You must create!!! I'm proud of you though. You do wonderful things in your life and you treat the earth and people in kindness...I admire you.
Jaime Keenan - Sweet thing...can we make sure you are making your own art in between you marathons and desire to spread good will??? I would like that a lot. I am going to be sending you boxes of inspiration and we will start there.
Dawn - You are such a magical textile. You are the woven wand! You are the fabric of Talula's Soul!!! Never stop creating no matter what direction your life takes you. You are at a tipping point. You can have it if you want it you just have to believe in it all.

Ryan Simmons - you are the stop motion creative icon that Talula wants to be. I have a hard time saying you are Talula..because you are so successful as Ryan. But..we're gonna do this anyway. We are a great team!!!

Christine - Talula Red. You are so talented. You have depth and emotion in your soul and your work. I AM SO EXCITED TO CREATE WITH YOU!!! Talula is going to be better because of you. I know it.
Ricky - You tattoo my life better. You are the dark side of Talula and this needs to be explored. We are going to make amazing art together!!!
Mark - who are you and where did you come from??? Are you ready? BC you have a big challenge here...letting go of the loot and the chain of it to pursue happiness? Really...how brave of you. You have so much already working for you...why not just pick back up where you left off and see what it adds to your already successful life. Can you imagine finding balance in it all? And then taking both...I'm thinking you are the one who will create the spaces where Talula shows. Just sayin'. Think about it.

Ryan L. I don't feel like you and Talula are very connected anymore. I hope you make an effort to change that because she loves you and believes in you.




And to you..the crashing wave of my soul; I give you all of this and all the rest
and then more. Thank you!!!

Talula 2012
Hello Asheville.