Micro-escape to Nature

There's a nature trail that runs behind the building in which I work most of the week. Only three weeks ago did I start taking advantage of it.

Inspired by a quest to lose weight and an effort to sustain the connection with nature I re-discovered during my trek to the East coast, I started going for 30-minute walks during my lunch hour. I target three walks a week, weather permitting.

After only three weeks it's become something I look forward to - a micro-escape that both energizes and calms.

Last week I brought along my trusty point & shoot to give you a glimpse into this world that I see for which I am grateful...

there's a fork in the trail that veers toward this barn,

a few years ago there were horses in a pen beside it that would come and greet you

a perfect August midday sky, don't you think?

wildflowers along the trail

this is my happy place, a pond that is teeming with life

it's where I saw a snake catch a frog, and a Belted Kingfisher circle the trees

this is a view of my happy place looking toward the other side of the trail,

someday I'd like to sit and meditate there

Permission to Simplify

 sunset blur

"When going back makes sense, you are going ahead." ~ Wendell Berry

It seems my blogging mantra so far this month has been "Keep it simple." A few creative projects, good books (the ones that make you smile, cry or break out the highlighter) and some long time coming soul searching are leaving the word well dry. So I am giving myself permission to simplify.

What could you simplify today? Think you could give yourself permission to do so?

Second Annual Squam Art Show: A Vision of Squam

The Second Annual Squam Art Show: A Vision of Squam opens today at the Sandwich Artisans Guild in Center Sandwich, New Hampshire. The exhibit includes work by over 20 artists and teachers from the Squam Art Workshops, including two abstract pieces by yours truly (bloom blue and flight).

Thanks to the vision of Liz Kalloch this show celebrates the creative growth, energy and community spurred by another woman's vision, Elizabeth (also known as Blue Poppy), founder and director of Squam Art Workshops.

Show logistics are below. If you're in the area I highly encourage you to stop by and check it out!

What: Second Annual Squam Art Show: A Vision of Squam

Where: inside Mocha Rizing, 25 Main Street, Center Sandwich, NH

When: August 8th to September 19th

Shop hours: during Sandwich Old Home Week, shop hours are 9am to 5pm daily; regular shop hours resume August 20th (Friday to Monday, 9am-5pm)

The Life You Crave

work in progress, 8x8 on canvas

"It takes more effort to create a life you don't want than to create the life you crave."

~ Tama Kieves

(Thank you to Barbara Winter for the quote. If you don't know Barbara and being your own boss is part of creating the life you want, I highly encourage you to visit her at Buon Viaggio and check out her book. It's one of the books that rocked my world.)

Scenes from a Computer-free Weekend - Day 1

Saturday morning I shut down my PC for two full days. Even as I type I am hesitant about my decision to turn it back on. Here are a few images captured on Day 1...

reading, beverage of choice: morning cuppa Costa Rican Cloudforest

strolling through a golden field of fresh air

a detour to the beach led me to his little guy sitting on a log by the

river, no doubt he was enjoying the view as much as I was

more reading, beverage of choice: pre-dinner Harvey Wallbanger

post-dinner serenade by what looks to be a purple or house finch