aug '24 favorites
Small things that made my August just a little bit better.
exploring
Lately I have been incorporating more fabric into my art which is the great thing about mixed media. Anything goes. Watch here to see what I mean.
reading
It seems like every month I’ve been sharing a book that I am currently re-reading. This month is no exception as I have just about finished The Artisan Soul by Erwin Raphael McManus. This book is a beautiful reminder that we are all inherently creative in the various spheres of our life whether it be teaching, baking, or getting dressed each morning. God has given each of us an essence of creativity.
In many cases what you hope to learn by reading books or listening to podcasts can only be learned by attempting what you fear. Some knowledge is only revealed through action.
—James Clear
inspiring
Read about dancer Ingrid Silva as she talks about the difficulty in straddling strength and vulnerability in her professional role as a dancer. I believe her thoughts can apply to all of us.
eating
We have an outrageous amount of tomatoes, and this Ina Garten Tomato & Whipped Feta crostini recipe is a delicious way to eat them. The last time I made it I opted for a deconstructed version which allowed everyone to build their own.
You live but once; you might as well be amusing.
—Coco Chanel
following
YouTube: Liz Ackerley is a mixed media artist in England who shares helpful art videos about her process and techniques.
Pinterest: Rita Leydon has so many beautiful home decor, garden, and vintage boards filled with visual interest.
Instagram: Mystele Kirkeeng creates in a loose, folk art style that is filled with deep expression and plenty of color. I have followed her for years and find her art quite inspiring.
interesting
This list got me thinking about my own life-changing trips. My first international trip was to India in 1989; to say it expanded my worldview is an understatement. Subsequent trips to places like Uganda, Cambodia, Guatemala, and Vietnam have profoundly changed how I view other cultures. In this photo, a 2021 trip to Greece I could barely wrap my mind around the ancient Parthenon. What not-to-miss trips would you recommend?
Keep trusting in the process. Keep trusting that even though you do not know what lies ahead, that does not mean you have to feel directionless. You are allowed to be uncertain while also trusting that even in the uncertainty, light is pouring in, illuminating the path beneath your feet.
—Morgan Harper Nichols
growing
We have an espaliered apple tree along our front fence that we planted about 7 years ago. To our surprise, it is currently loaded with apples to the degree we have never seen before. I’m not sure what to attribute this abundant harvest to as we are fairly neglectful in our overall care of this tree. If you would like to try your hand at espalier here is a video to get you started….probably one we should’ve watched years ago.
wine tasting
This month our wine group sampled Nero d’Avola, a Sicilian red wine. It is an affordable wine but seemed to be lacking in panache (in other words we liked it okay). If you want to give it a try the winning bottle was by Villa Tonino.
We didn’t realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun.
—A.A. Milne
watching
Although the Paris Olympics already seem to be in the distant past I can’t help but stand in awe of the strength, tenacity, and perseverance of the athletes such as Katie Ledecky, Noah Lyles, Sha’Carrie Richardson, and so many, many others. But there were a few standout moments that made me smile some of which had nothing to do with competition…..for example, remember pommel horse guy? Bob the Cap Catcher? Flyer Surfer? The Muffin Man? Raygun the Break Dancer? Simone Biles? and indulge me as I include Snoop Dogg & Martha Stewart in this list.
I’m curious, what’s on your list of favorites?
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