Mindfulness: Attained & Sustained
Mindfulness: Attained & Sustained
I hear this comment a lot, "You are so creative!"
I consider it a HUGE compliment because in part, it's not completely a natural talent of mine. Yes, I have elements of my "creative identity" that come fairly natural. My creativity behind the camera lens is, in some ways, natural. But the reality is, even our natural talents have to be practiced in order to sustain them. AND, we also have to discover them. What if nobody had ever given me a camera. I would have no idea that a creative eye for photography lives inside. The same is true for my mindfulness practice and the creative pages that fill my sketchbooks. This is definitely not a natural talent of mine by "traditional" means. I can't draw. Really, I can't. Sit me in front of a bowl of fruit and ask me to draw it and it won't end well. On the page or in my body. I'll be full of anxiety, doubt and judgement. Feelings I consistently work to remove from my life through mindfulness practices. After spending many years developing a mindful coloring practice, sit me in front of a sketchbook in a quiet, reflective environment and give me something to draw with and a whole different scenario plays out.My body relaxes and feels soothed.
I effortlessly let color and expression flow onto the page in creative ways.
I end with a feeling of accomplishment, wonder and peace.
Wedding Bliss On Martha’s Vineyard
I was honored to be in attendance and to take some photos at my dear friend Kristy's wedding on Martha's Vineyard last month. I met Kristy over 10 years ago when I was working at a Crisis Management service provider
Fan Favorites – Fall COLORS
Happy FRIDAY, let's explore some Fall COLORS!!!
I was on a FANTASTIC trip to the East Coast last week and didn't get my blog out. But, I'm back and it's time for some Fall COLORS fun and fan favorites from my Instagram feed!
I love the colors, light, textures and layers that Fall brings. I caught this leaf glowing in the sun's spotlight as it shined through a break in the trees above.
It reminds me of warm fires and cozy Fall days.
Fan Favorites – The Palouse Roadtrip
My Palouse Roadtrip recap is underway on my Instagram page. It's always fun to revisit a trip after I've returned and see the photos and remember the sights, sounds and feelings I experienced along the way. And, I love to indulge in my passion for storytelling with both words and photos that bring people along "with" me.
It's a long drive out to the Palouse, 6+ hours to be exact. That's a lot of radio time and focus at the wheel time! As I drove, not really sure what was between home and the "finish line", I waited for just the right place to slow down, take an exit and get out of the car for a few minutes to rest my mind and eyes. I sure found the perfect spot at Wanapum Reservoir (and I'm sure glad I was in the right lane to make a split second exit when I saw the scenery!).
Who wouldn't want to stop here in the middle of a long drive and take a stretch? I mean...EYE CANDY!
There were so many great colors and textures all around and I appreciated the wide open space and chance to "look out" instead of keeping my eyes focused on the road ahead. You know, we always need those moments in life when we can take a look beyond the right here, right now and shift our gaze wider and longer. Life lessons in a roadtrip photo...
Impressions On The Palouse
When I moved to the Pacific Northwest I read about a place called The Palouse. "What is The Palouse?" you might ask if you aren't from around here. Well, it's a 4,000 square mile region of rolling, asymmetrical hills covered in wheat. I was completely smitten by the idea of heading out with my camera to explore this divine-looking destination. It only took me 4 years, but hey, better late than never.
Let me show you my impressions on The Palouse!
I was amazed by the rolling fields of wheat, the colors, and the shapes and textures they created.
