Category Archives: Inspiration

Blossoming Spring

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The force that through the green fuse drives the flower... 
first line of a poem by British Poet, Dylan Thomas

April showers turned naked, leafless branches into gorgeous blossoms and  flowering, fluorescent green trees that show off their glory. Even on the grey days, green shoots push through the soil (and bravely force their way through concrete) to announce the end of winter.  Fat, heavy rain drops sit on petals and cobwebs, hydrating the earth. I am grateful for the abundance of beauty in nature.

This month of May, as petals open and the weather warms, may you shed any remnants of winter, feel lighter and brighter, and experience Spring with the wonderment of a child.

Our son, Ramsay, will become a one-year-old in a couple of weeks, and this is his first Spring. Taking walks with him brings me endless joy, as he observes and studies every detail of life around him. His reaction to a thistle reminds us to find fun in the little things. Enjoy this quick video:

Sunshine for the Soul

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Almost to the beach!

Driving through a state park

Road trip to Virginia Beach for my first art retreat!  Had to put my toes in the water before checking into the hotel:

Sky and Sea
Writing in the Sand
Twigs and Shadows
Shore Finds
Surfing, anyone?
Stone and Pebble

As I was walking on the beach, I was reminded of an Old Irish Blessing-

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face…

It feels primal, beach combing. Like being an archeologist, searching for treasures on the shore among the scattered array of pebbles, pieces of shell, the occasional piece of sea glass, or feather.

A wet leaf with many tones of green and brown made it look like it was trying to experience all 4 seasons at once.  Twigs and branches were artfully arranged, casting long shadows. I kept turning around to head back, but was propelled further down the beach, drawn in by colors in a shell, or a wave bringing new patches of things to investigate.  The brilliance of the sun’s shimmering path on the water was mesmerizing.  My gaze studied the horizon line where sky melded into the sea, and I stood for a long while to soak up the calm. The ocean always feels like coming home. Can’t get this in the city!

Light and Shadows: Art in the Sun

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IMG_0323

The rewind button of my mind reeled backwards to childhood when I saw Sun Art Paper while browsing at Restoration Hardware recently. Have you ever seen this? I am a 70’s child, and I remember being about 8 and making all kinds of gleefully arranged pictures from nature bits and anything else within reach. What great memories!

Isn’t it such a great feeling to come across something you forgot you loved? So I bought a packet for my goddaughter (who just turned 6), and one for me (who just turned 40)!  And the weather cooperated a few days ago, so I reread the directions and had such a blast collecting leaves, twigs, and flowers to make fun shadows on the paper. You arrange the objects, let the paper fade for a few minutes in the sun, rinse it quickly, and voila!

I’d love to know if anyone else remembers doing this or other childhood art activities?