ABOUT

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, we are headed in the right direction.

My writing success began from my retired blog, Garden Up Green. I have also been published in several national magazines in reference to gardening & homesteading. I must admit though, my heart shines when I publish a new book. That can be a little scary, but it also feels great!

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. 

Prior to 2020 I stepped away from all that to take some time for myself.  That was a difficult decision, but a rest was necessary. I just had this feeling I was being led to do other things.

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 is focused on 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 resources and all kinds of homestead projects and good food recipes are 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 where I am currently promoting, "A Season to Bloom" original watercolor art. 

I find we all have talent and a story that molds who we become. For me, the most important surfaces around staying home to raise our children.  It wasn't easy but it was the right decision for our family. 

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. 

If being honest, 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.