Monthly Muse
The Art of Making a House Feel Like Home
November 2026
There is something about this time of year that makes us appreciate the comforts of home a little more. The days are getting shorter, the temperatures are dropping, and those of us living in New England are reluctantly coming to terms with the fact that winter is once again knocking at the door.
For many, this is the season when outdoor activities begin giving way to evenings spent indoors, preferably somewhere warm, with a comfortable chair and perhaps a good book. And while we may not give it much thought, the things we choose to surround ourselves with can have a surprising influence on how comfortable and welcoming our homes feel.
A House Is a Structure. A Home Is Something Else Entirely.
Think about the homes you've visited over the years. Some are beautifully furnished, meticulously decorated, and look as though they belong in the pages of a magazine. Yet, occasionally, they seem to lack something. Others may be considerably more modest, but from the moment you walk through the door, you feel welcome.
What makes the difference?
I suspect much of it comes down to personality. A home should reflect the people who live there, their interests, their experiences, and the things that bring them pleasure.
And this is where art enters the picture.
A painting of a favorite landscape might remind someone of summers spent at the family cottage. A photograph of the ocean could transport another person back to childhood vacations along the Maine coast. Even a simple floral watercolor can bring a little warmth and color to an otherwise dreary November afternoon.
The artwork doesn't have to be expensive, famous, or even particularly valuable. It simply needs to mean something to the person looking at it.
Art Doesn't Have to Match the Sofa
One of the more interesting things I've observed over the years is how differently people approach selecting artwork.
Some begin with the room's color scheme, looking for something that complements the furniture, curtains, or carpeting. There's certainly nothing wrong with that approach, but I've always believed there's a more important consideration.
Do you actually like looking at it?
After all, the furniture may eventually be replaced, the walls repainted, and the curtains changed. But a piece of artwork that genuinely speaks to you can remain part of your life for decades.
At McQuade Fine Arts, Stephanie and I work in different mediums and often see the same subjects through entirely different creative eyes. Her paintings bring an artist's interpretation to a scene, while my photography generally begins with what nature has already provided. Neither approach is better than the other. They're simply different ways of sharing something we find beautiful or interesting.
And fortunately, beauty is a rather personal thing.
A Little Something to Think About
As we settle into the colder months and begin preparing our homes for the holidays, take a moment to look at the artwork hanging on your walls.
Does it make you smile? Bring back a pleasant memory? Remind you of a favorite place or person?
If so, it's probably doing exactly what good art should do.
Because when all is said and done, making a house feel like home has very little to do with how much we spend decorating it.
It's about surrounding ourselves with the things that make us happy.
And unlike that new sofa, a beautiful piece of art never needs its cushions fluffed.
Giving Thanks… Even When It Isn't Easy
Every November, as Thanksgiving approaches, we're reminded to count our blessings and be thankful for what we have. I've often wondered why we reserve November for that reminder. As I get older, I find myself giving thanks for something almost every day.
For example, during New Hampshire's colder months, my first expression of gratitude usually comes within seconds of getting out of bed. No, it's not necessarily gratitude for surviving another night. It's that wonderful moment when I leave our chilly bedroom and step into the warmth of the rest of the house. Thank you, furnace. You are greatly appreciated!
But I'll admit, finding reasons to be thankful has been a little more challenging these past eighteen months.
It all began in the spring of 2025 when we learned that a family member living in the South was facing eviction and some serious personal difficulties. Within hours of convincing her to return to New Hampshire, Stephanie and I were packed and heading south.
Our plan seemed simple enough. She would spend the summer in our RV, get back on her feet financially, and move into her own place by fall.
That was Plan A. Unfortunately, nobody told us there wouldn't be a Plan B.
Almost simultaneously, our youngest son lost his job to corporate downsizing and asked if he could move home while searching for new employment.
And just like that, our peaceful empty nest was full again. Stephanie and I each surrendered our 300-square-foot studios and squeezed our creative lives into spaces about the size of a generous walk-in closet.
Oh, and did I mention the dog and four cats that came with our Southern visitor? Apparently, we had inadvertently opened a bed-and-breakfast with pet accommodations.
What followed was considerably more complicated than we ever imagined.
Our family member was facing serious medical challenges, and we soon found ourselves navigating a maze of doctors, specialists, financial problems, legal matters, and the surprisingly difficult task of finding appropriate elder care in New Hampshire.
There were days when simply figuring out which problem to tackle first felt like a full-time job.
Throughout this adventure, well-meaning friends would occasionally tell us, "God will reward you for what you're doing."
My response was usually, "Thank you, but God knows what I'm thinking, and that may not help!"
Fortunately, a few things began turning around.
Our son found a new job within a couple of months and moved out, allowing Stephanie to reclaim her studio.
Then my large-format art printer became unusable due to changes in ink cartridge compatibility. For a business that produces much of its own fine art photography and reproductions, that was no small problem.
But good fortune intervened. My former employer generously offered us a newer large-format printer they no longer needed. Four men loaded it into my truck. At home, two men, two women, and a very cooperative force of gravity managed to unload it.
Gravity, I should mention, was the only participant who didn't complain.
And finally, after many months of searching and considerable assistance from extended family, we secured a place in a memory care assisted living facility for our family member. Knowing she is now receiving the care she needs has lifted an enormous weight from our shoulders.
Of course, we still had the animals to consider.
Our four-legged canine guest found a wonderful new home with a family who already had a similarly sized dog. We worried about how she would adjust after spending her entire life with her previous owner.
Apparently, we worried more than she did.
When her new family came to meet her at the gallery, she greeted them enthusiastically and, when it was time to leave, headed straight for their SUV as though she'd already packed her bags. It was a heartwarming moment and a tremendous relief.
The cats proved a little more challenging. After contacting numerous shelters, most of which were full or outside our service area, we finally connected with a small nonprofit rescue organization. All cats are now together in foster care, receiving attention and socialization while awaiting their forever homes.
Another reason to be thankful.
And now, at long last, we're beginning to reclaim a little normalcy.
This week, I'm moving my photography studio out of the dark, damp basement and back upstairs into a space with actual windows. Next week, professional movers will tackle the approximately 300-pound printer. I've decided that, at my age, gravity deserves some professional supervision.
We're also preparing for our only two art shows of 2026, and for the first time in quite a while, our conversations are beginning to revolve around artwork, photography, framing, and creative ideas rather than medical appointments and paperwork.
What a welcome change!
And That Brings Me Back to Thanksgiving…
Looking back, these eighteen months have reminded Stephanie and me that gratitude isn't always about the big, wonderful things in life. Sometimes it's about the small victories, unexpected kindnesses, people who step forward when you need them, and the simple pleasure of watching life gradually return to normal.
And that includes all of you.
Throughout this journey, our creative time has been limited, our show schedule greatly reduced, and our attention often pulled in directions we never anticipated. Yet so many of you have continued following our work, reading our newsletters, visiting us at the gallery, and purchasing our artwork.
Your friendship, encouragement, patience, and continued support have meant more to us than you can possibly imagine. We are sincerely grateful.
As we settle back into our empty-nester lifestyle (hopefully for good this time!), we're reorganizing our studios, clearing our minds, and looking forward to giving our creativity the attention it deserves.
Our artwork continues to be displayed at the Lakes Region Art Gallery in Tilton, New Hampshire, and we're excited about some significant changes and new opportunities coming in 2027, both for McQuade Fine Arts and the Lakes Region Art Association.
So please stay in touch. We have plenty of catching up to do!
In the meantime, Stephanie and I wish you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving, filled with warmth, good company, laughter, and reasons to be grateful.
And if you live in New Hampshire, don't forget to thank your furnace. Mine has certainly earned it!
With our sincere thanks,
Mike & Stephanie
McQuade Fine Arts
Stephanie's Art Classes —
Looking Ahead to 2027!
Stephanie's final art classes of 2026 began October 6th. Following a well-deserved break in November and December, she'll be back in early 2027 with more opportunities to explore your creativity, develop your skills, and enjoy the rewarding experience of making art.
Interested in joining the fun? Click the button below to visit Stephanie's Art Classes page. At the top, you'll find two options: one to explore her class offerings and another to join the notification list so you'll be among the first to know when her 2027 class schedule is announced.
Whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or looking to refine your technique, Stephanie looks forward to welcoming you to a class in the new year!
Another Sweater? Perhaps Something a Little More Memorable.
Well, here we are again. The holiday shopping season is upon us, and somewhere out there is a person staring at a Christmas list, wondering what on earth to buy for someone who apparently already owns everything.
We've all been there.
There's always that one individual who is particularly difficult to shop for. Ask what they would like for Christmas and you'll probably hear something along the lines of, "Oh, I don't need anything."
Of course, that doesn't help much when you're standing in a store trying to decide between yet another sweater, a scented candle, or some clever little gadget that will probably end up in a kitchen drawer by New Year's Day.
Perhaps it's time to consider something a little different.
The Gifts We Remember
Think back over the gifts you've received through the years. Chances are, the ones you remember most fondly aren't necessarily the most expensive.
Perhaps it was something handmade by a child, a photograph of a special occasion, or a small gift that showed someone had really been paying attention to your interests.
The common denominator is thoughtfulness.
And that's one of the reasons I believe artwork can make such a meaningful gift. A painting or photograph can capture a place, a feeling, or a memory in a way that very few other things can.
For someone who loves the ocean, perhaps it's a photograph of a quiet Maine harbor. For the gardener in your family, a colorful floral painting might provide a welcome reminder that spring will eventually return. And for someone who treasures New England's countryside, a landscape could bring a familiar view into their home every day of the year.
The possibilities are nearly endless.
Fine Art Doesn't Necessarily Mean a Fine-Art Price Tag
There is a common misconception that buying art is something reserved for people with large homes, impressive collections, and equally impressive bank accounts.
Fortunately, that's simply not the case.
Original artwork comes in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges. So do professionally produced photographic and fine-art prints.
At McQuade Fine Arts, Stephanie and I offer everything from original paintings and framed photography to smaller prints and greeting cards featuring our artwork.
The beauty of these choices is that they allow someone to give a genuinely personal gift without having to refinance the house.
And while a greeting card may seem like a small gesture, a beautifully illustrated card containing a handwritten message can sometimes mean more than the gift accompanying it.
A Gift That Doesn't Come With an Expiration Date
One of the wonderful things about artwork is its staying power.
Flowers eventually fade. Chocolates disappear, sometimes with remarkable speed. And that electronic gadget everyone wanted last Christmas may already have been replaced by a newer model.
But a painting or photograph can remain on someone's wall for years, perhaps even generations.
Each time they look at it, they may remember not only the scene itself but also the person who gave it to them.
That's a pretty impressive accomplishment for something that doesn't require batteries, software updates, or an instruction manual.
This Holiday Season, Think Personal
As you work your way through this year's holiday shopping list, consider the people you're buying for and the places, hobbies, and experiences that mean the most to them.
You may discover that the perfect gift isn't something they need.
It's something they'll enjoy.
And should you still decide that a sweater is the answer, that's perfectly fine, too.
Just remember to include the gift receipt.
Two Great Shows to Wrap Up 2026!
Holiday Shopping, Original Art, and a Chance to Say Hello!
Our art show schedule has been unusually quiet in 2026, but we're making up for lost time by finishing the year with two of our favorite annual events!
Both shows offer wonderful opportunities to discover unique, handcrafted gifts, support talented local artists and artisans, and get a head start on your holiday shopping. And, of course, we'd love to see you!
November 7 & 8 — Goffstown Lions Club Annual Fall Craft Fair
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Both Days
Mountain View Middle School
41 Lauren Lane, Goffstown, NH
This outstanding annual event is one of the area's popular craft fairs, featuring an impressive variety of artists, artisans, and handcrafted treasures. Best of all, the fair supports the Goffstown Lions Club and its valuable community service efforts.
A nominal admission fee gets you into a terrific show that's well worth the visit. If you're looking for distinctive holiday gifts you won't find in the big-box stores, this is a wonderful place to start!
December 6 — Gilford High School
Annual Arts & Crafts Fair
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Gilford High School & Middle School
Gilford, NH
If you enjoy a great craft fair, this one is a holiday shopping adventure!
Featuring more than 100 exhibitors, this enormous annual event transforms the Gilford school complex into a shopper's paradise. Displays fill the high school gymnasium, hallways, and cafeteria, then continue into the middle school gymnasium and cafeteria. We will be in the back corner of the Middle School gymnasium. Don't tucker out before stopping by to see us!
Wear comfortable shoes, bring your holiday shopping list, and prepare to get your steps in! With so many talented exhibitors gathered under one roof (well, technically two!), there's something for nearly everyone on your gift list.
Come See Us!
We'll be bringing a selection of our photography, original artwork, fine art prints, and greeting cards. Whether you're shopping for someone special, treating yourself, or simply enjoying the creativity on display, we hope you'll stop by our booth and say hello.
Great art, thoughtful gifts, and a chance to support local creativity. What better way to celebrate the season?
We look forward to seeing you in Goffstown or Gilford!
