As I sit here waiting for a new snowstorm to come our way while listening to Kathy's sewing machine chug out Christmas presents, I can't help but reflect on my feelings of our business for the past 30 years.

Kathy and I are the consummate do-it-yourselfers. We've approached everything in our lives that way and it's the way we've approached our business.  You can be assured that everything that comes from our studio has been touched by one of us at some point. Whether it's creating an original painting, tweaking the XML code on our website, building a display for a dealer, designing packaging for a print, or building a frame for a painting. There's something very gratifying about doing it all yourself. We are so blessed and thankful to be able to do what we do and take great pride in our creations because we love what we do.

In our travels we've flirted with the idea of setting up shop in another part of the country. But quite simply Michigan is home. We are so inspired by the great beauty that surrounds us, and if you see our Great Lakes you'll know why. We started our business creating paintings of places we spent time at with family and friends. Over the years collectors have shared their stories of memories inspired by one of Kathy's paintings. Nothing could be more gratifying. As we close out 2008, I want to thank all our collectors who have been touched by what we do. Cherishing those fond memories of family and friends can bring us peace and happiness when times get stressful.

Kathy and I wish all of you and your loved ones a peaceful Christmas and a happy and healthy new year!


John Fritz