a proper March Snow

Just as a good book and a hot cup of tea blend perfectly, so too does early March and snow. It’s winter’s last hold, last stand and last “Hurrah!” and together make a wondrous beauty to behold. It’s the kind of snow that’s sticky; the heavy, wet kind that builds itself up high on everything it touches. It’s also the kind of snow that melts quickly, so I was up early and ready to head outdoors to breathe it all in. It’s good to appreciate the cold, stomp around in the snow with a red nose and frozen fingers while snapping images to share. When spring breaks free, we’ll be that much more appreciative of the budding trees, flowers and birdsong to come.

Wishing you joy in your day and sunshine on your shoulders.

Spring is around the bend… (:

once upon a february morning

We’ve had a couple of snow days, cancelling school, over the past few weeks now. Pretty par for course, I realize, however, I’m truly hoping the winter weather will begin to melt into spring, sooner rather than later. I do love living in an area of the country where we fully experience all four seasons. I wouldn’t know how to act otherwise!

The girls had a 2 hour delayed start to school this morning - I sincerely love those late starts, don’t you? For all the extra time it seems to give us it’s inevitable that we somehow still manage to rush about in a wild tizzy, hopping to get boots and coats and book bags on before rushing out the door! I followed Emilia out to the bus so that I could clean my car off and get it warmed up for a head shot appointment with business clients and immediately was distracted by all the frozen beauty around us!

”Wait! I gotta go back in and grab my camera, Em!”

The sun was just coming up over the trees in the back yard and the light was bouncing, sparkling, turning everything into a winter wonderland of icy contrasts. Plus, it was beginning to melt quickly - so my time was shortened even more so! The ice was sliding off the trees and branches were loudly shaking off the cold. It was wonderful!

As lovely and magical as it was, I’ll be happy to convert our back deck from the current wood stacked, sled stacked, snow shovels stacked into our summer lounging area… once again.

Enjoy your day, friends! Just 25 days until the spring equinox for us! Stay warm!! Thanks for keeping me inspired to grab my ol’ trusty friend to share with you. :) Be well. xo

january's nest

The weeks following the holidays and December’s festivities leading into a brand new 12 months, new chapters awaiting to be discovered leave me feeling like a nestling in my warm home, making preparations to soar into the new year! It’s a time of renewal and cleansing, as I organize closets, drawers, filing cabinets and make my dream lists of what the year ahead may transpire - some are in my control, while others I leave up to the Universe to take hold, guide and make manifest. It’s possibly one of my most favorite times of the year. I’m great at dreaming up new schemes - just ask Kurt!! (;

I’ve been on a Facebook cleanse, as a friend of mine calls it. I tiptoed my way back in after taking a full 2 months of “deactivation” and reactivated my personal account a week ago, but I must tell you, I’m not really “there.” I apologize if I’ve missed the latest news that my friend connections have posted within the site, however, I’ve found that my mental health and creative life was suffering — actually, I only realized it after taking the break. It was much needed. I do love Instagram though! Please connect with me there if you haven’t already! So… please, fill me in, friends. Let me know how things are going with you!! You all know how much I love your comments!

I’ve put my girls on a cleanse also. The minecrafting, youtube watching, pinterest pinning, and anything unrelated to homework has been put on pause. I noticed Alanna writing again; Emilia is creating up a storm (quite literally a STORM - and I go in to her new art studio space to scraps of paper, glitter, pens, markers, colored pencils galore!! - insert my scary face!!)! Alanna has always been a book worm, but she’s been more so while on the internet fast. They are making their plans for when the break is over as they prepare to make videos for their youtube channel, including stop animation. But, in the meantime, I think they’ve gained a new appreciation for their creative selves.

The girls and I took an afternoon and made our way to a local favorite, The Mill Property Antiques. January is a great time to find good deals while treasure hunting within their brick and mortar walls. I love to find unique gifts to give while rediscovering the past nostalgia of collectibles that are a plethora here!! Although, there are new, antique inspired goodies here that are equally rare finds! Plus, it’s just plain fun to browse the booths!

I added some vintage finds, and not-so-vintage items to a happy house-warming package I sent to my Chelsea and her partner, Sara, as they settle into their new home in Craig, Colorado. I’m so dang proud of the two of them!! Talk about brave girls - they surely are! We’re counting down the days until we visit them!

I’ve been dreaming (there I go again!) of painting an entire wall with chalkboard paint for YEARS! Well, we did it!! We’re calling it our “Welcome Wall.” It just happens to be the wall you first see when you enter our home. Perfect! We’ve been having so much fun with it.

I’m in the process of developing plans to expand on my summer program for girls ages 7 and older, to include year round art activities in our studio space! We’re set to launch this new idea into life this February with a Pizza & Paint Night on Saturday, Feb 16, just in time for Valentine’s Day! The girls will be making their own personal size pizzas (rolling out the dough and all!) then we’ll paint a Valentine’s inspired design on 11x14” stretched canvasses! This is bound to be a memorable night together with my hive of Busy Bee girls!

There will be more art nights and days coming up this year to keep our girls buzzing along together in a safe, creative space where they can grow their beautiful minds, and keep their hands busy making art. A calendar of the spring events will be coming up via my newsletter. Have you signed on yet? If not, click here to subscribe. Special discounts apply for our alumnae of girls.

Alanna outlined Emilia (:

Emilia outlined Alanna

The Busy Bees Summer Camp calendar will be announced on Friday, February 1. I’m loving all the positive responses to the ART studio and for your warm encouragement and friendship. It’s going to be loads of fun and Busy!!! (: Check out the new page I added to my website for a preview of what’s to come: Busy Bee Girls

Please let me know how you’re settling into the new year. What’s one thing you’re dreaming of? What’s on your agenda to create? I’d love to hear from you! xo Wishing you ease and joy in your day.