Five Galveston women and I bought this property (Cuvee) twenty years ago as a weekend getaway and hurricane refuge. At the time, we were all from the medical field, we all had dogs and we were all in Galveston. In addition to my day job at UTMB, I was busy starting up my art gallery and studio on PostOffice Street in Galveston. On top of our busy Galveston lives, we six friends embraced the work of sculpting Cuvee into the perfect getaway. It wasn't long before the hours-long drive up to Cuvee started to wear on us. As the months and years dragged on, one by one of the original owners bowed out, finding the commitment too much. In the end, I was the only one left standing.

I decided that, rather than leave Cuvee, I would sell my Galveston gallery and open a studio/gallery up here in the woods. That wasn't an easy decision. I love Galveston--the culture, the history, the marine atmosphere, the artist community and, of course, my friends. I'm sure I will never completely leave Galveston. On the other hand, ten years on, I am exquisitely happy living up here with my partner, Dee, and our furry creatures.

I'm telling you so much about the land because Cuvee's influence is a big part of what gives me the mental space to create and paint. Over the years, I've come to understand that I struggle creatively when I am tired or anxious about something. Meditation helps my head space, but a huge part of it is this beautiful gift of Cuvee. This land--gallery and home--wouldn't have come together without the love, attention and other gifts of one or another of the original six friends. And I want to thank Madeline, in particular. This is a special place, and I feel grateful to have built this part of my life around it.

--Susan