Muriel often writes about unexpected gifts that bring her joy and often spark an idea in her art and writing. In this blog, she shares about such an occasion.

Muriel has a tradition of creating handmade Christmas Cards made of construction paper artwork and incorporating family photos. She shares why she continues this tradition and what it means to keep this connection with friends and family.

Muriel describes her experience at a book signing event sponsored by Floral City Heritage Days. Her new book, Song of Jaybird, is a historical fiction about Black Labor in Debt Peonage at Etna turpentine camp, which is significant to African American history.

Now that Song of Jaybird is published, Muriel shares her marketing helps and consistency in keeping a schedule for managing her business Art and Books Studio.

Muriel ask the question, Do you have one of those days when you experience the grown-up version of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie? She shares her day of urgent request preceding another.

Muriel read another book about the French model and artist Victorine Meurent written by Drema Drudge. Her blog describes a few meaningful points about Victorine.

Muriel shares the process of Song of Jaybird, the emotions of getting her new book to print, and what comes next. Are you a reader of historical fiction?

Muriel receives a fantastic birthday gift from Creativeworksofheart, a miniature version of her studio in 1:12 scale.

Muriel shares an excerpt from her new book, Song of Jaybird, featuring the harvest of heart of palm when Delia encourages the woodsmen to live off the land instead of buying from the company store.

Muriel writes about the impact of color on artists and scientists, which has influenced the perception of how a few selected artists illustrate the use of color in their paintings.

Muriel has researched bonded labor for her book Song of Jaybird and writes of the further practice of peonage in modern times.

Muriel writes about her garden harvest which did not make it this year due to other commitments.

Muriel writes about an older artwork, “Queen Bee” and the subject matter of bees, which has been rekindled this summer for future grid series.

Muriel blogs about what she learned when visiting Monet’s garden recently.

Muriel shares her editing process writing her historical fiction novel, Song of Jaybird, over the past three and half years. The contributions she has gained from others, has been encouraged to accept her imperfections.

Muriel describes her response to Victorine Meruent’s point of view in Maureen Gibbons novel Paris Red. Victorine was a professional model for Manet’s painting Olympia.

Muriel recommends a new book, The Vanishing Half, by author Brit Bennett and shares how she discovered this book.