For twenty years, I've owned my house, which is close to Downtown and is also next to the Napa River.  Yes, I've kayaked from my dock to downtown, pulled the kayak up on the public dock, and walked over to the Napa Coffee Roaster to sip some java and visit with other artist friends.  Lots of changes through this period from 1987 to 2007, one of which is the massive Flood control project.  Now, the wetlands preserve is within one block of my house, and at any given time, one can walk to the end of South Jefferson and see wild fowl such as egrets, great blue heron, ducks, geese and more.




The influence of living in the region has spilled over into my art, my life.  Since I lived alone in my house for many years, I created space for two studios, one upstairs and one in the garage.   The upstairs studio had North Light, and this view. 



The garage is completely finished, with a skylight, tool room and storage room — an absolute dream for any art maker.   Have you heard about the light in Napa?    It is softened, and in my house in particular, that may be a result of being next to the River.   For whatever reason, the light is amazing.

There have been many artists who stayed at my house, as well those who attended gatherings for parties, Network for Wearable Art functions, afternoon volunteer meetings, Arts Council of Napa Valley Open Studios — there were always reasons to get together, and my house was the spot!

The North facing deck downstairs is spacious with 550 square feet, and the upstairs deck with over 150 square feet.  The views are inspirational for an artist, and many afternoons, evenings and late nights have been spent sitting on those decks, sipping Napa Valley Roasted coffee or Wine made from this abundant region, while we talked softly or giggled and danced!  The house being next to the water, makes for a peaceful yet enlivening place to be.

It is now waiting for a new owner and I built out a small website to advertise its sale.  

In the interim, I'm enjoying the house and looking forward to the Napa Valley Yacht Boat Parade, Friday night, 1 December 2007.  The members of the Club decorate their vessels of all sizes, small boats to yachts.  It's very festive to be out on the deck watching these beautifully lighted and decorated boats motoring by on the Napa River!   There are Christmas Carols playing, lighted Santas, Reindeer, Trees, and boaters greeting us with "Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!"   The neighborhood lights up their back yards and docks, to make it easier for the boat navigation through the dark waters.   A Starry Night for sure, inspiring all of us with the goodness in life!  

Last year, my teenage granddaughter, was enthused and had a great time.  The small children were laughing, and their little faces were glowing with happiness at such a sight!  A good time was had by all!

This has kind of morphed into a Holiday events article, simply because I have to mention the Passport Weekend by the Rutherford Appellation Wineries.  My company, Go Traffic Interactive, built the min-site, integrated with Search Engine Optimization to help increase ticket sales.  This two day event is 1 and 2 December, and you can check out more information by looking at the site.


Dreamweaver's Theater is right around the corner from my house.  Please check out their holiday schedule as well.  Also, if you live in the area, they have put out a call for volunteers.

Oh, and for the recyclers and thrift shop enthusiasts who used to love to shop with me at Goodwill, also right around the corner from my house!  From what I was told a few years ago when they left, it was because rent was just too high.  Well, guess what?  Goodwill is returning to the same location!!!   
Rent wasn't the issue according to the Napa Register article, but rather declining sales. You can read more about it in this article.
 
This is a destination shopping spot if you are in Napa, along with Community Projects.

Happy Holidays!  Viktorya