There is obviously a LOT of love between me and my family. They have taught me so much about the importance of loving and appreciating my God-given talents...and espescially not taking myself too seriously! Being a Mommy is by far the most important and fun job on the planet...I feel very blessed! By now, you’ve noticed many hearts on our site. A few years ago, I would doodle the same quick heart next to my name or the kids’ names (on their sippy cups, etc) and then I started noticing very clear and meaningful heart-shaped objects at different times and different places at any given moment...definite signs from God. Even though I know that I am very loved and appreciate by God, it is His way of reminding me of His love and care over me. What encouragement! Again, I am very blessed!

I started painting for my calendars five years ago and have promised myself and customers to keep it up until my family just can’t share me anymore. Well, that time has come to pull away from the calendar and do what I've always wanted to do....illustrate children's books! I have to say that I miss painting and manufacturing the calendar, but I am LOVING these new projects and hope my loyal customers will love what comes from another year of hard work.

My newest project is "The Proper Use Project" that I have been working on for over a year with my dear friend Jennifer Johnson. She is a brilliant write and a wonderful Mom of two precious children. She also works for Covenant Methodist Church here in Greenville, NC. We have ventured into a wonderful friendship and partnership to put together a beautiful children's book titled The Proper Use of One's Shell. What a blessing to be doing what I've hoped and prayed to do for years and years now. You can keep up with this project by visiting Jennifer's web blog at www.properuseproject.com. I am so very thankful that God has put Jennifer and I together to self-publish this incredible children's book. It is the beginning of a series of wonderful teachings for parents and children. Our book should be available by this Christmas 2008.

I am also working on illustrating another book for author Moira Saltz out of Denver, Colorado. She has written other children's books, so I'm able to learn some things from her experiences as well. This book should be available this winter of 2008.

Lastly, my third project is Swell Mail, a large line of artsy photo cards that I have created with friend Autumn Mills, who owns Dulce Vita, a gorgeous wine shop in Greenville, NC. She carries a beautiful selection of wines and personalized giftware. She has been helping local artists and musicians by allowing them to showcase their talents during her weekly Thursday night wine tastings and has a beautiful selection of original paintings on the walls. Dulce Vita is located at 3110 Evans Street (in front of Best Buy and behind Rite Aid).

I still have alot going on, but my family continues to be so supportive of me. I also have many great friends and other family that totally encourage me and teach me that “it’s okay” to be so busy and help support my family. I must especially thank my talented brother, Allen, for ALL he’s done for me over the years! He keeps my website running and looking pretty. He’s an artistic genious and inspiration to me always. Everyone thanks their parents, but mine are especially precious to me...they are always there when I need them! I also want to thank Meridith for the daily enthusiasm for my work and our friendship! Lastly, a HUGE hug & kiss for my wonderful husband, Andrew. While juggling medical school and family, he continually supports me and never questions what I’m doing. He constantly tells me how proud he is of me and that means so much!

Oh! My children....God’s perfect gifts...Langley is now ten and is still selling her children’s notecards, but has found a large interest in comic book art. She doodles whenever she gets the chance. What a sweet girl she is ! My aDORable six year old son, Grey, is also enjoying watching Mommy paint and wants to be right in the middle of it all! He’s the silliest little character God ever made! He has been helping me on a new line of watercolor "cuttings" that I have created to make animals, flowers, whatever I'm inspired to create. Our hopes and dreams revolve around being able to spend most of our time together as a family while we support one another’s gifts and talents. My wonderful and handsome husband, Andrew, is in his third year of medical school, so you can imagine my determination to get my business going and work to help support our family. I appreciate your time and interest in our artwork and hope you can find the time and joy with your own family that we so cherish!

If you are interested in seeing a wide variety of my work, it is posted and available for sale on www.etsy.com. Please feel free to pass me an email marley@gogostudio.com with any suggestion or questions. Thank you for taking time to read about what God is doing in my life. I hope you feel as blessed as I do!