nov '24 favorites

Small things that made my November just a little bit better.

 

painting

Typically I don’t paint botanicals but I have found that painting a simple shape like this can be a great way to warm up. It’s fluid, free, and forgiving. I also like to paint expansively across both pages in an art journal when I can. You can watch the process here.


enjoying

After 4 years of construction, the Seattle Aquarium opened an impressive new addition, the Ocean Pavillion. I recently had a chance to visit with my grandkids and it is definitely more enchanting experiencing it through their eyes. I’ll admit we have been fans of the aquarium for years and as my kids were growing up we spent many an hour peering into tide pools, enjoying the sea otters playfulness, and watching the tiny seahorses dance about.

 

Blessed are the curious for they shall have adventures.

—Lovelle Drachman

 

gathering

I am grateful to gather with people I love year after year. I try not to take this for granted even as I probably do. There was lighthearted banter, general catching up, and many meaningful conversations. I appreciate how everyone indulged my annual, “What are you thankful for?” as we circled around the table.

Side Note: Do you have a love-hate relationship with turkey? I did for years until I made a big change and tried this recipe. Game changer! I follow the recipe exactly as written (except I cook 3 at a time) and have never looked back. My people thank me profusely.


surprising

“Never say never” is an expression that I need to embrace. After several bad experiences, I swore I would never again sell at an Art Fair or anything similar. And yet, here I am laughing it up with customers at the Holiday Art Market. This one-day event restored my faith in the benefit of getting myself out there, sharing, and, yes selling my art in person. Don’t hold me to it but I might actually consider doing one again. In the meantime, I’m adding never to my list of words to stop using.

 

It was her habit to build laughter out of inadequate materials.

—John Steinbeck (The Grapes of Wrath)

 

following

YouTube: Mrs. Bertimus’ vlog style art videos are interesting to watch. I like her color palette and style along with her quirkiness.

Pinterest: Half Baked Harvest has more recipes and drink ideas than you would need in a lifetime. I find it’s a great place to start.

Instagram: Kara Bullock creates beautiful art and is an inspiring teacher. She has an online network that offers classes by a variety of artists.


endearing

In honor of National Adoption Day and given I have 3 adopted kids of my own I thought it was fitting to share this sweet adoption video. (This 2002 photo was taken in Red Square, Moscow, Russia just days before flying home.)

 

Giving frees us from the familiar territory of our own needs by opening our mind to the unexplained worlds occupied by the needs of others.

—Barbara Bush

 

traveling

Sometimes you learn about amazing, awe-inspiring structures in the world and dream of seeing them in person. The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona was one of those places for me. Inside and outside it is an architectural wonder. The magnitude is hard to fathom especially considering construction began in 1882 and is still ongoing to this day. Gaudi’s imagination and engineering genius is evident not only in the basilica but Park Guell, La Pedrera (Casa Mila), Casa Batllo, and many more structures.


wine tasting

We hosted our wine group a few weeks ago and chose Nebbiolo as the varietal to taste. The winning wine was Dante Barolo. The Nebbiolo grape is used to produce not only Nebbiolo wine but Barolo and Barbaresco wines as well. If you are as confused as I am this video helps explain it better than I ever could.

 

If adventures do not befall a lady in her own village, she must seek them abroad.

—Jane Austen

 

I’m curious, what’s on your list of favorites?


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oct '24 favorites