My Midwest Life

09/18/2025

A final behind-the-scenes glimpse before Friday! Framing became its own art project. I knew I wanted jewel tones, but finding the right mix was like piecing together a puzzle. I took the portraits to the store, lined them up with spray paint cans, and started matching colors. After some test sprays, I even swapped who ended up in which frame. Each one got a pearl glaze for that extra shimmer. Hope to see you Friday night!!

***os

09/15/2025

Another behind the scenes peek into my La Catrina Portrait Series! One of my favorite parts of creating the portrait series has been the process of painting each person’s face. It was such a fun (and sometimes messy) part of the process! Here’s a handful of shots mid-paint, bringing these portraits to life one brushstroke at a time.

The finished portraits are up now at The Suzanne Haskew Arts Center, The SHAC in Milford, and I hope you’ll come see them in person! The Artist Reception is this Friday, Sept. 19 from 6-8pm. Come say hi, see the portraits, & eat delicious food from Wardell Manor Family Farm, LLC!

How long do you think it took to paint each face? Do you think you could sit still for this much face paint? Keep an eye out for more behind the scenes this week!

08/07/2025

I’m beyond excited to announce my debut solo gallery show: The La Catrina Portrait Series!

This project has been a true labor of love, blending photography, artistry, and the rich tradition of Día de los Mu***os. Over the past months, I’ve had the joy of painting faces, capturing portraits, and honoring life, love, and memory through each image.

I would be so honored if you’d join me at the reception to celebrate this milestone, view the portraits in person, and share in the vibrant spirit of this collection. Mark your calendar and come say hello. I can’t wait to see you there!

Artist Reception: Friday, September 19 | 6–8 PM
The Suzanne Haskew Arts Center, The SHAC, Milford, MI
Appetizers & desserts by Wardell Manor Family Farm, LLC

04/05/2025

Well tonight was awesome! About a month ago, three pieces of my art, accompanied by original poems (one written by my friend Jenaba & two written by me), were accepted into the juried Poetry Art Night Exhibit at The Suzanne Haskew Arts Center, The SHAC. I was so excited to see my art hanging in my very first gallery show! And tonight, at the reception, I was shocked to learn my poem, Edge of Forever, which I wrote for my photo of the sunset at the Grand Canyon, won second place!! Jenaba’s poem, Sunrise, won third place which inspired my mixed media piece, “Writers Block”.

The show runs through April 24 at the SHAC. Then my art & poems, along with the other winners pieces, will be moving to the Milford Public Library for six weeks. Make sure you stop by and check out all the amazing art!

Downtown Milford

11/11/2024

bank of ann arbor, I can’t bank with you because I cheer for that team down south but I can support, and appreciate, your fantastic marketing. 😊

If you haven’t seen Bank of Ann Arbor’s billboards yet in and around Ann Arbor, and up & down Route 23, I encourage you to keep an eye out for them. They are excellent and I guarantee they will put a smile on your face.

Destination Ann Arbor MLive.com

11/04/2024

What an incredible evening we had last night atThe Suzanne Haskew Arts Center, The SHAC's first murder mystery dinner party fundraiser! It was such an honor to help organize this event for this amazing non-profit. The volunteer cast was INCREDIBLE, the sponsors are top notch, and did you SEE those desserts?? So. Much. Fun. Hope to see you at the next one! 😉

Downtown Milford
Pure Michigan

11/03/2024

We had the most delicious chicken makhani at Base Camp in Ann Arbor today. If you haven’t been yet, go, go, go! Just be warned, you’ll want to travel to Bhutan after visiting. ✈️🇧🇹🗻

09/14/2024

Thank you Lionel Racing, Richard Childress Racing, Whelen Motorsports & the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation for this die-cast car! What a special way to honor the Fallen Firefighters & a great keepsake for the families!

In case you missed it, here’s why this car means so much to Doug:

https://mymidwestlife.online/last-minute-trip-to-daytona-ends-up-perfect/

NASCAR Xfinity Series® standout Jesse Love and longtime Richard Childress Racing team partner Whelen Engineering paid tribute to firefighters who have died in
the line of duty through a collaboration with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

The partnership between Whelen and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation was amplified through Love’s No. 2 Chevrolet Camaro in the August 23 race at DAYTONA
International Speedway®. To highlight Whelen’s dedication to the safety and recognition of first responders, as well as support NFFF’s mission to honor these heroes and their families, 226 fallen heroes’ names were included on Love’s Chevy for the Daytona race.

Lionel Racing – the Official Die-cast of NASCAR – is excited to offer race fans the die-cast replica of Love’s No. 2 Whelen / National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
Chevrolet Camaro. A portion of the sale of each die-cast will be given as a donation to NFFF.

bit.ly/AllDiecast

09/01/2024

Getting ready for Kalida Pioneer Days craft show next Saturday! If you’re in NW Ohio, come check out the festival! Craft show is 10-4, there is a car show, rides & lots of amazing food trucks! Come support the volunteer fire department & have some fun!

I’ll have photos, cards, framed photos, art, seasonal lanterns & wreaths for sale. Hope to see you there! 🍂🍁

08/26/2024

We took a last minute trip to Daytona this past Friday for a very special NASCAR race. It was so incredible, Doug wrote his very first guest post on the blog. Check it out below. P.S. grab your tissues!

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
Whelen Motorsports
Jesse Love
NASCAR
VISIT FLORIDA
Daytona International Speedway
Richard Childress Racing
Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.

We took a whirlwind trip to Daytona for a very special NASCAR race. Find out how we ended up watching the Wawa 250 from pit row!

08/10/2024

It’s a great day to shop local!! 💕 Milford Memories Pure Michigan