I love to paint, but I hate the preparation and clean up. When a friend suggested I join her for a Sip and Paint, I warned her that I’m the kind of person who draws outside the lines and likes edgier art, but was up for trying it.  

I learned that it was all about letting go of apprehension, it was about adjusting my pace to keep up with the group or deciding to linger and let them pass me.  It was about accepting what I’ve created and balancing paint brush, wine glass and appetizers. It...

I was at a charity fundraiser and part of the fun was s silent auction. On a lark, I bid on something that was a step out of the comfort zone. I remember beginning to read the fine details of the prize, but stopped once I learned it was a group rowing lesson. I didn’t want to risk finding reasons to pass it up.

As I was leaving a friend called out, “Nina, I think you won something. Yes,you won a rowing class for you and 10 friends! I laughed, I smiled and then immediately began inviting...