My Texas Vacation & Filling the Well

"Every child is an artist.  The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." –Pablo Picasso

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I was lucky enough to spend a few extra days vacationing before the Lucky Star retreat.

I felt like a princess, spending my days lounging by the pool and reading on the balcony with hillside views.

I seriously filled the well. And now I am trying to find more ways to take time for this in my every day.

Because I can't even say how much this little vacation filled me up. It made my creativity bubble up and over. It made me remember the importance of taking down time to allow space for new ideas, spontaneity and serendipity. And it reminded me of the happiness I feel when I am creative. 

I started journaling with doodles and writing picture book stories. I got lost in the woods. I saw a jack rabbit, deer and another fox!

Here are a few Texas vacation photos...I hope they bring you a little of the happiness and peace they bring me.

xoxo,

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ps. My newest class SERENDIPITY just started. If you're interested in painting lots of different characters the entire year, find details and register here.

11 Things That Are Making Me Smile

Yarn bombs,

autumn flowering gardens,

buying myself bouquets of sweet smelling flowers,

spring rolls with peanut sauce,

morning rituals (journaling and sipping warm water with lemon and cayenne),

big bowls of granola for breakfast,

sunsets (photo by my brother Josh Crane),

sweets,

fresh juiced juice (beet, apple, carrot and lemon),

making a mess,

and Rufus (my brother and his girlfriend's adorable puppy).

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ps. My newest online course SERENDIPITY - A Year In Mixed Media is going on. If you're interested in painting lots of different characters together for the entire year, find details and register here.

10 Things I Love & Our Wedding Anniversary

I thought I'd share a few of the things I love most today as it's our 8 year wedding anniversary. 

And we're celebrating with a little bit of all of these things today (well, maybe not the plane ride)....

Brunch,

chocolate peanut butter cup ice cream,

sketching robots and monsters (these were done with my super talented nephews),

chasing butterflies in the garden,

sipping hibiscus tea and taking naps in the grass,

flowers,

hiking through the prairie,

watching the sun set (photo by my brother josh crane),

perfect picnic spots,

and painting outside.

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I can hardly believe it's been 8 years since this day we were married in the woods of Door County... 

Where 100 of our friends and family climbed down a gigantic stone staircase to celebrate our ceremony overlooking the lake.

Then joined us for dinner and dancing at a little restaurant we love.

I must say, one of the most fun things about keeping up a blog is looking back on everything, especially the celebrations...

Like the anniversary year I flew a plane,

and we spent a glamorous getaway in milwaukee at our favorite hotel, the iron horse.

And remembering our wedding and how we "met" story. 

We really always were, meant to be.

xoxo,

Summertime & A New Website

I've been busy working with my lovely husband Brian of Humanity on my new website. Get a sneak peek here.

I've settled on a color palette, my artwork is all set in a beautiful gallery and Brian created this lovely border for some of the photos. 

It's so amazing to see it all coming together and I can't wait to share it all with you soon! 

While we put on the finishing touches, I thought I'd share a few snapshots from some of our every days reading, making smoothies, enjoying bonfires in the backyard, going out for brunch and listening to music...

What have you been up to this summer?

Wherever you are in the world, I wish you much joy and inspiration!

ps. My next online course SERENDIPITY - A Year In Mixed Media opens for registration this Friday!

We'll be painting all sorts of characters and trying out lots of new art supplies throughout the year.

Sign up for my newsletter to get in on the EARLY EARLY BIRD SALE this weekend.

pps. Currently I'm loving tropical smoothies. This recipe is positively beachy:

1 cup almond milk

1/2 frozen banana

1/2 cup of frozen mango (add more to get a consistency you like)

splash of coconut milk

Blend, pour and enjoy!

Find more recipes here.