When I feel, and I mean really feel so much about something, I find it helpful to write it all down. So, in hopes of reaching the right people who need a nudge, or a reminder, I’ve decided not only to write, but share my thoughts about stepping out of comfort, embracing magical moments, and being proud of your own growth (in whatever area of life).

Saturday, I had my first ever in-person vendor event at a local bakery and coffee spot, Mountainside. This venue, which is in partnership with MA DCR, sits nestled into the literal side of Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, MA, and has been a comfortable and inspiring place for my children and me to visit in all seasons for a few years now. It’s been a source of inspiration for much longer though, as I actually remember driving by it as a teenager, thinking about how the historic building, even in its abandoned and decrepit state, had so much potential. I genuinely prayed someone would save this house and restore it to its original grandeur… I was so drawn to its stone foundation, gambrel rooflines, and shake siding (Side Note: I LOVE houses and timeless, New England style architecture and this house was probably one of my earliest memories of “house inspo”!).

*This is what I remember seeing years ago when driving on Mountain Rd. - I could appreciate its beauty even then! Click the image above to read about the house’s history.*

The inside of this 1903 building is cozy, with its field stone fireplace, original woodwork, and soft ambient music (I always love when the playlist includes James Taylor and the like). On its walls hang historic photographs of the building, as well as beautiful pastoral paintings in antique gold frames, many by New England landscape artist, a local, Gamaliel Waldo Beaman. On their built-in shelves sit vintage books and other curated decor, and its all female staff feel quite like family at this point. The outside is a nature lover’s paradise with a wide open sloping yard. My children enjoy running around and rolling down it (while blowing bubbles and looking at stickers given to them by Renee!), giant trees which drop bountiful treasures for my boys to find in late summer and autumn, and plenty of picnic tables and Adirondack chairs to sit and enjoy the view, a latte, and conversation (or solitude, if you wish). It was, quite literally, the perfect place to have my first in-person event, as I already love the space and its atmosphere so much.

A year ago, in December of 2024, I felt a strong pull to paint on a large canvas and started “Old Salt”… A painting I was so immersed in that I felt like something else was moving through me. A year later, as I sat with “Old Salt” as the backdrop to a variety of Sea & Linen original artwork, I discussed this phenomenon I had experienced with my “vendor neighbor”. She replied simply, “you are a channel”, and I think she was right. This entire day was a full-circle moment and a true representation of what has transpired for me over the last sixteen months. What you see in the photos below, on my website, and on my Instagram, are the physical results of accumulated minutes and hours of nap-times, moments of inspiration, of quiet stillness, of channeling something far greater than myself.

Driving to Mountainside on December 6th, the world was a snow-globe, and it remained a swirling sky of snow and a blanket of white for most of the morning. It was the perfect juxtaposition for my coastal paintings. The natural beauty and inspiration of New England never ceases to amaze me. Its textures and colors take up residence in my head… The muted, but deep colors of a stormy sea, the vibrant jewel green of a curling wave when the sunlight strikes it, the soft greenish-blue of sparkling waves in the morning light, warm pink skies that melt into shades of muted blues and milky whites. I’m so grateful I live in this region, I’m so grateful I have this gift, and I’m truly so honored I can share it all with you.

As uncomfortable as it was for me to step out of my comfort zone and be in-person with my artwork, while learning how to use new technology for transactions on the fly (see third photo below!), it was the most meaningful experience with my art to date. Seeing the familiar faces of family and friends who came to show their support helped me to shift into confidence and ease (if you’re reading - thank you!). There’s a lot from this day that I will cherish, but the most amazing thing was being an onlooker as individuals made connections with my art, even from across the room. I felt honored to not only be the reason for these moments, but to witness them happening in front of me was so special and certainly not something I could ever experience selling artwork solely online.

I now step into 2026 with a little more experience and more inspiration than ever. I can’t wait to find my pockets of creative time and see what channels through me with each passing New England season. If you’re local, come see my table next December - I hope there will be something there you can connect with (and I hope I can witness that precious moment). In the meantime, follow along on Instagram and seaandlinen.com and be sure to head on over to Mountainside for coffee and a treat… You just might see me there! :)

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years!

Rachel

PS There are three special items I brought to Mountainside that have now been added to the website (click on the image below to be brought directly to them!). And a reminder, if thinking about purchasing Sea & Linen artwork for a gift, please place orders by Sunday, 12/14 so I can package and ship on Monday. If you are local, reach out and we can set up an in-person delivery anytime before Christmas! Thank you!

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