My daughter Emma has a big love for animals. At our house we call her the animal whisperer. She has a knack for knowing what our puppy Olive is thinking. Emma has a particular love for horses. When she was a toddler. she would call every horse she passed “Buttercup,” as she exclaimed, “I want Buttercup!”
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As I write this it’s Monday morning. We are all grappling with the surge in Covid cases. Here in Michigan, as in many parts of the country, new restrictions have been imposed and the schools in our community are being shut down for a few weeks to try to reduce the spread. The downside of these circumstances is that we’re forced to juggle more. But the upside, at least for me, is the realization that I’m getting better at taking things in stride; at letting things go that I can’t control – which is pretty much everything except my thoughts and my actions.
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This weekend our family went out to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park to take in the beautiful weather. We hiked one of my favorite hikes in Port Oneida, called Bay View, the trail leads you up a large hill, through an elevated and enchanting forest path that comes to a beautiful overlook of the dunes and Lake Michigan.
Every time we hike this trail I breath a little deeper and can feel myself slowing down and relaxing a little more. This time was no different. And the warm summer like air made the hike even better. As I took in the incredible views, I noticed my seven year old daughter doing the same. For a moment time seemed to stand still. She had stopped horsing around with her sisters to gaze out at the brilliant blue water. It was one of those sweet simple little moments, where you realize how fast time is going by, one that you just want to capture and bottle up forever. Despite all the hardships this pandemic has brought I’m grateful for the simple moments together to slow down. Because I know before long they will be gone.
The painting above is from the view looking out at Lake Michigan in Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. It is titled “A Moment in Time.”
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Last weekend, Jay and I were able to get away to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for the first time without kids since last October. We stayed at a quaint house overlooking Lake Superior in Marquette. I’ve only been to Marquette once before but it is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to visit for its serene setting and natural beauty.
While there, we hiked through Presque Isle Park, a peninsula close to downtown Marquette that juts out into the beautiful waters of Lake Superior. We made our way to the northern tip of the park to take in the rocky landscape at one of the park’s signature spots called Black Rocks. As the name suggests, the ancient rocks are black with pops of other colors. The view from the rocks is amazing.
As I stood there taking in the moment, I couldn’t help but think of the strong rocks beneath my feet and the crashing waves in front of me. It felt symbolic of the time we are in, and I was reminded that waves will come and they will go but it is how you weather the storm that counts.
The painting above is of the view looking out from Black Rocks. It is titled “Standing Strong.” I hope you enjoy it!
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Since I’ve started painting the beauty in the small mundane details of life has seemed to jump out at me more. I’ve noticed myself taking the time to bend down and look at things more closely, where I normally would of just passed by in the hectic nature of the day. The colors in the things have also become more vivid or perhaps I’m just more aware of them. Recently, we went to one of our favorite places where they have a beautiful garden and I couldn’t help but notice the lovely produce and cabbage they were growing. Perhaps it was partly because I have so often tried my hand at gardening without much luck (although the critters do seem to enjoy it) that I was drawn to its beauty and shape. The way the leaves opened and unfolded seemed symbolic of life and it’s many layers and the need to stay centered and true.
The painting above is one that I finished a few weeks ago titled “At the Center of It All.” I hope it brings a little joy to your day and that you find yourself noticing the color in the small details of life!
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