By Kerstin Rao I just returned from a trip to Spain, Sweden, and Norway, where I met family members that, until just a few months ago, I had never known existed. (I've included photos of us below...) The trip itself was inspired by letters. The twist? Those letters were written from 1911 to 1938. The envelope from a letter written in December of 1928 from Carl to Augusta. Note: the date added to the envelope is when Augusta replied - she was definitely organized! My great-grandmother Augusta...

by Kerstin Rao , artist and owner of Vivid Cottage ( subscribe for more stories !) How lucky was I to be the Guest Artist at the Gift...

A glimpse at the wonderful collection of Ludwig Bemelmans artwork at Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island.