The Secret Spot

Summer has kicked into high gear and I’m on the hunt for special, unheard of, least visited places. Even though the internet has blown up just about every cool natural wonder, there are still a few hidden gems. And there is always one very close to where you live. Do you have such a place you go to? We have found a couple of them over the years and I’m not telling!

The 4th is coming up, so whether you are staying in or traveling, go spend some time in your secret spot. I made this art piece as an ode to such places.

Happy Wednesday & Happy Summer ❤

Summertime

It’s now three days into the Summer Solstice. We experienced our longest day of the year. We’ve been seeing some warmer temperatures and it’s felt like summer has already been here well before June 20th. I’m excited for weekend camp trips, more hikes, swimming and a lot more bike riding. Summer is a time of rebirth, light, abundance and also work – tending to your garden to harvest in fall, summer house projects as well as vacations, play and rest. I love summer, it’s my favorite time of year. I made this piece about summer camping in a cabin. It’s called “While We Slept”.

Happy Wednesday ❤

Do What You Want

I listened to a really good talk yesterday that opened up the conversation of the meaning of life. Lots of us want to know and the best answer I heard was – the meaning of life is to experience the thrill of life. It’s as simple as that. Lots of people hold back on things they really want to do for various reasons. It’s our natural state to be happy and people often don’t believe this is true. Life is life – you’ve got to decide that you are in control of how you feel and make sure to do what you want – no matter how weird or kooky or unconventional it is. So I made this unusual flower pattern with that thought in mind!

Don’t give a fig what anyone else says. Do something you want to do today – don’t make excuses. It’s very hard to hold back and very easy to allow – you just have to give yourself permission to allow. Remember it’s good to feel good. Life is supposed to be fun.

Happy Wednesday ❤

Wanderlust

Summer is approaching fast and I'm already seeing lots of travel photos from friends and family. We all have a little wanderlust inside of us. Dreaming of a vacation can sometimes create a little bit of a longing feeling. That feeling of seeing something new, smelling new smells, getting out of autopilot to find new pathways is what we're all craving. A lot of Americans have trouble finding time to get away because of limited vacation days and funds - but there are so many ways to sneak in a mini getaway. Even if you can't leave town, take a new route home or spend time in a part of town or a neighboring town you don't know very well. I recently spent time in a new part of the town and it felt like I was in a new city! I heard someone say once "let's get a drink and pretend we're on vacation". I thought it was brilliant - because no matter where you are, vacationing is a state of mind.

If you do plan to get away, send me a really pretty postcard of where you are - I might just paint or draw it!

Happy Wednesday and Bon Voyage! ❤

Taking Some Time

It's the first of June and we have 20 more days until we enter the Summer Solstice. The garden's are planted, the flowers have bloomed and the trees are full and rustling in the breeze. It's now berry season - particularly strawberry, blueberry and raspberry season. I went strawberry picking with some friends recently. It had been such a long time since I last went. We drove out to a U-Pick farm and meditatively picked the berries to fill up our bins. I was thinking about how busy things have been and often pass on things like this because of the feeling of not enough time. But I ducked out on some work and went to get my fingertips red and fill my tummy up with delicious berries. I am so glad I went because it was worth it! Not only do I have yummy food to eat for the next few days but taking just a few hours for myself left me feeling rejuvenated and inspired to finish working the rest of the day. The work will always be there and the universe has it's own way of figuring out how to get it done. So, make sure you get out and pick some berries this season - you won't be sorry. If you can't get to a place to do that - just get out in nature, no matter what the weather is and just move around in it.

Happy Wednesday ❤