Soul nurturing moments...

Hello!

No big news from my end. You?

It's Friday night on the patio. Just me, my sketch journal, a nice cool breeze and some storm clouds forming up above.

We have had some rather unusual sky performances this Summer!

Isn't it fabulous? Like art in the sky!

I sit out here and watch. Study.

Doodle at times.

Hey! I guess I do have something fun to share!

My sweet husband and I recently celebrated our anniversary. He gifted me with this oh, so cute, "Instax" camera!

I will use these tiny 2" X 3" photos for my art journals.

We also purchased the mobile "Polaroid zip" mini printer and are very impressed! One can never have too many tiny pictures, right?

This guy.

He is so good to me and I wake up feeling blessed every single day.

He has now made his way out to the patio so I will close here, wishing you a wonderful weekend...

And, surprise hearts! (I found this gem on the patio).

I wish you colorful skies...

And soul nurturing moments.

XO

 

Beneath the big, open sky...

Hello!

I do hope that you had a nice Memorial Day weekend!

We have just returned from a little get-away so this morning I am returning to my routine...

beginning the day with my art journal and coffee, from the patio.

I just cannot get enough of this beautiful weather.

I reflect on our trip to Branson and West Plains, MO.

Nature.

 

An old school house from the past.

One of my favorite tv shows growing up, was "Little House on the Prairie".

Once entering the school house, I was taken back...

And thinking about Laura Ingalls Wilder. I am quite curious about Mansfield, Missouri, where the Ingalls family moved to in 1894 and established home, in which they called, "Rocky Ridge Farm". I must visit Mansfield soon!

To think...

That these desks were once occupied by students in knickers and handmade dresses and school bells rang manually from a one room school house with an out house located behind the building. At times, I believe that I belonged there myself... living a true prairie lifestyle!

There is simply something very grande and uplifting about being beneath a big, open sky with only nature and a few structures...or not.

I always return back home feeling so inspired and more balanced.

Wishing you a wonderful day!

Until next time...

XO

 

A new backpack...

Hello, hello!

It happens about this time each year.

My urge to be outdoors and to explore excites me beyond words!

And, because when we do take more road trips throughout the Summer and the journeys are always very unpredictable, I need to carry a lot of stuff...

On my back.

Yes, I prefer a backpack during these warm months, spent outside. Backpacks, I find, free up my arms so that I may snap photos or shop with ease. I can carry a jacket in my backpack, a bottle of water, a book, my camera, my art journal. They are a must for me and this year, I decided that it was time for a new one!

I chose a backpack from Sakroots, along with a matching crossbody cell phone bag with a removable strap. (These are great for keeping in a backpack and removing for quick trips into the convenience store or a restaurant).

Can you tell that I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of these purchases?

On this quiet Sunday night, I'm enjoying some bonding time with my watercolors and art journal.

It's been a very laid back weekend. I even started a new book!

I hope that your weekend has been peaceful.

I would love to hear all about it in the comments!

Enjoy!

XO

 

The feather...

I haven't a story to tell you today.

All that I have is a feather.

The passing of a dear friend's brother just last night was heavy on my mind all day.

I painted feathers on sympathy cards...

and this one in my art journal.

I let the watercolors run...

Which to me, represented tear drops.

He was only a couple of years ahead of me and was often in our teenage business, as big brothers are.

Back then, we were quite annoyed.

My heart aches for my friend and her other siblings.

Art always puts things into perspective for me.

Life is short and should be cherished every single day.

I ended today with the final chapter of a book...

On the patio.

Admiring the sky and the sound of the wind chimes.

Peace to all!

XO

 

Sunshine & Serenity...

April.

A month full of surprises.

One day it is raining and the skies are grey. We plan with great caution. Do we begin planting our garden or will there be yet another frost?

Some days we are blessed with bursting rays of sunshine and 70 degree temperatures.

In Kansas it may be a "perfect day"...

Until the wind kicks in and the desire to be outdoors is gone.

I just wait patiently and find my own sunshine and serenity!

I'm reading a new book, getting my exercise, spending quality time with my art journal...

playing with new watercolors.

This past weekend, hubby and I took the dogs over to our playground. The land that we purchased a couple of years ago.

There were traces of Fall and Winter left behind.

Yet colorful flower blooms to greet us and to remind us that Summer is near.

I have been off of my routine these last few months due to a shoulder injury and the launch of my LuLaRoe clothing business so the exercise was much needed. My bones hurt in the mornings lately...

another reminder that I need to stay active!

Back on the treadmill and adding yoga to my days.

Do you create your own tranquility?

Pause.

 

Savor the sunshine.

Love your life!

XO

 

Vintage inspiration...

Hello, hello!!!

How was your weekend?

Mine....

just perfect.

This tiny postcard has made me smile over and over again.

I picked it up at one of the many shops located in Kansas City, MO. A place called, "West Bottoms".

My friend, Gayla, was here visiting from Texas and we spent an entire day shopping all things vintage in historic "West Bottoms". Rows of brick buildings, converted into shops, boutiques, diners, and flea markets.

I returned back home feeling so inspired!

There's just a wonderful, warm feeling within that comes from old surroundings, old things, and architectural beauty.

I want to preserve it all on paper so naturally, I have been dabbling in my art journal.

I want to make fluffy paper balls!

I want to sit on this lovely chair and read a good book. But...

For now, I will just paint all of this lemony goodness!

We sipped coffee throughout the day, ate pulled pork nachos for the first time. (So much for clean eating on this day)!

It was such a fun time, indeed.

A memory that will forever be cherished!

Enjoy every moment of life, my friends!

Until next time...

XO