Todd and Amy were married in May of 2000 in Quepos, Costa Rica. Since that time, we've had a lot of adventures that have led us to where we are today. The most significant twist in our professional lives came March 1, 2006 when we purchased Hummingbird Lane Art Gallery in Dahlonega, Georgia. The purchase in and of itself was against our better judgement, totally opposite of both of our characters, and completely outside of our professional scopes. If we'd had to interview for the jobs we were taking on, we wouldn't have been hired.

But we did acquire the gallery, and we embarked on one of the greatest adventures of our lives: one that would last until July 31, 2010 when the gallery was forced to succumb to the economy and close its doors. We have spent the remaining months of 2010 trying to figure out what our new life will look like. Our motto for 2011 is out with the old and in with the new. As of today, Hummingbirdlaneartgallery.com will reflect only Todd and I and the work we're doing in the arts. Weird, because we've always been proud to represent many, many Southern artists!

Amy is, as of today, a full time potter. I've completed a bio, ordered business cards, and even joined the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce. I'll be starting classes in January 2011, have my work in several locations on a retail level, and also sell on line on my facebook page. I don't think that I'll ever forget the years at Hummingbird Lane as they in essence began my entire career in the arts, but I've stopped crying, have found a few words as evidenced in this new website, and am truly excited about what the future has to offer. I have been lucky enough to reconnect with family and friends because of the closing and my work in clay has certainly improved. I don't know if we'll open this space and figure out how to support other artists (one of my greatest passions), but I'm happy that today I'm choosing to give it everything I have to support Todd and myself.True to our entire lives together, we'll continue to keep it interesting!!

 As for Todd, he's had a harder time, but also an easier one. He felt nearly all of the financial stress that led to closing the gallery, and when we turned in our keys to 100 N. Public Square, a huge weight lifted from his shoulders. It was a little difficult for me to watch his relief and instant gratification. I'll be the first to admit that I abandoned him with all of the financial worry and concentrated solely on how to keep customers coming in the doors. I thougth we were perfectly balanced, but as he developed more and more stress related physical maladies, I had to face the fact that the gallery, while giving me so much joy, was worrying my husband to death. I chose my husband's health and happiness, and that was what propelled me through the hardest days of the closing. My loss was his gain, and we've had to adjust accordingly. I can't say that 2010 was the greatest year of our relationship, but I will say that in the tough times, we were able to pull together and accomplish something even bigger than buying the gallery: taking care of ourselves.

The adjustment has been a strange one. I through myself into a bucket of mud, stocked up the wonderful shops and galleries who were willing to take in my pottery, and worked hard to improve my work and offer a better product. It's gone really, really well, especially considering that 5 years ago, I couldn't tell you the first thing about clay. As for Todd, he hasn't touched a canvas since the closing of the gallery. For Christmas, I did a make-over on one of the rooms in our house and he now has a new studio, all of his own. He finished his first painting since we closed yesterday, and is working on another one today. I suspect he had to take some time off to grieve in his own way: by turning his back on creativity. But he's back and creating, and I'm just lucky enough to have a front row seat to see it all happen.

So I don't know what's coming up. I don't have a lot of ads, coupons or blaring sirens to tell you what is to come. But I do know that I want to share the future with the folks who encouraged us for the past 5 years, and share with you what's going on in our world. We appreciate everyone's support and kindness this year. I've never felt such warmth in the face of grief, nor have I ever been so touched by an entire community. So, to 2010: Goodbye and good riddance. I will never forget you, and to 2011:

Welcome and CHEERS!!! We have high hopes for you!