aug '25 favorites
Small things that made my August just a little bit better.
creating
Lately, I’ve been painting what I like to call “Sister Portraits”. The premise is simple. Use one reference photo while painting two portraits at the same time. The variable is that I start each in a slightly different way. I generally set a timer so I don’t overwork it. If you like to paint portraits, you should give it a try. Watch the process here.
drinking
Light and refreshing, this Cucumber Mint Gin & Tonic is perfect on a warm summer night. I won’t pretend that I actually mix, muddle, and stir this drink, as my only task is sipping and savoring. My husband, the mixologist, claims that cucumbers and mint straight from the garden entitle this drink to qualify as farm-to-table. Fine by me. Although he couldn’t provide an actual recipe (as of this writing), he said this one comes close. His only suggestion is to substitute Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic Water for the Indian Water, which adds a lovely aromatic herbiness.
Mistakes are the portals of discovery.
—James Joyce
reading
I checked this book out from the library and then realized that one of my favorite artists, Jeanne Oliver, was hosting a virtual book club discussing it. Serendipity. I love engaging and hearing others’ thoughts in this way. How Painting Happens (and why it matters) by Martin Gayford is a hefty book richly filled with all facets of the art process. It includes many quotes and conversations with artists and 176 photos of art. I’ll be purchasing my own copy of this book soon.
inspiring (artist)
When I saw this 1934 plaster cast sculpture by Augusta Savage at the Seattle Art Museum, I was taken in by the fact that it was cast plaster and not bronze. Augusta, born in 1892, did not have family support or financial resources for being an artist. As a result, most of her sculptures have not survived, as she could not afford to cast in bronze. Despite all the obstacles Augusta faced, she was a bold and influential artist, even launching an art school in Harlem in 1931.
I made this quick painting in my art journal of Augusta’s sculpture, trying to capture the essence of the form, not an exact replica.
I have created nothing really beautiful, really lasting, but if I can inspire one of these youngsters to develop the talent I know they possess, then my monument will be in their work.
—Augusta Savage
following
YouTube: Helen Wells art is bright, colorful, and full of life. Her personality seems to be the same.
Pinterest: Roben-Marie Smith has pins galore on a variety of art topics. You will be inspired.
Instagram: Gillian Lee Smith’s art is moody, distressed, and feels meaningful. I love everything about it.
arranging
I have found that one creative venture leads to another. Start knitting, and you might decide to watercolor or make jewelry, or take a pottery class. Being creative in one way gives you confidence to be creative in other ways. Simply choosing what you like to wear, how you decorate your house, and the plant in your front yard are all avenues to your authentic creativity. So be mindful of what you choose. Which brings me to this bouquet. While at Trader Joe’s, I simply chose a variety of flowers and greens in varying shapes, sizes, and colors. I’m no florist, but by choosing what I love, I can feel like one.
Here’s a guide to help you get started.
Everyday courage has few witnesses. But yours is no less noble because no drum beats for you and no crowds shout your name.
—Robert Louis Stevenson
capturing
Inspired by artist Renee Mueller, I have decided to challenge myself to intentionally capture more photos in my daily life. Renee has an expert eye and seems to effortlessly capture beauty. In reality, I know it’s not effortless; she is a student of light, form, and composition, always learning. I admire her for that and am encouraged to try it for myself. My goal is to keep alert for interesting snapshots in the common. This photo is our potting bench in its raw form, nothing rearranged. Unpretentious and ordinary, a moment in time.
growing
In light of the fact that I mentioned cucumbers earlier, I felt I’d be remiss in not showing our summer bounty. My husband, City Farmer Rick, trellised his cucumber patch this year with unexpectedly good results. It seemed to me like a gold medal harvest. The reward? A cucumber a day for almost 2 months.
Grow your own with these seeds.
Set wide the window. Let me drink the day.
—Edith Wharton
learning
A few weeks ago, I took the Red Cross CPR & First Aid training. After finishing, I realized that this is good, basic information for anyone. I suppose that should go without saying. I had taken the required course 30 years ago as a Social Worker, but it hadn’t crossed my mind to ever take a refresher. Lest you think I’m being a good citizen, I’ll admit that I took the class specifically so I could help with a medically fragile baby. My kid’s friends are fostering this baby, and I want to pitch in and help where I can. Although I still feel relatively ill-equipped, I am glad to have a few basics under my belt in case of an emergency. Might I suggest you take a refresher course yourself?
celebrating
Although this photo was taken two years ago (note to self….take a photo together at least once per year!) Rick & I recently celebrated our 36th anniversary. If you do the math, that makes us older than 36, which, quite frankly, is as much a surprise to you as it is to me. But crazier than that is how quickly all those years have passed and how unexpectedly life turns out. Despite the roller coaster ride, I am grateful for every twist, turn, and loop de loop with the guy in the seat next to me.
PS… Thank you, Ally & Nick, for getting married so that two years later I would have this photo. Which means it’s your anniversary month too—cheers!
Only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have.
—Jim Rohn
smiling
I don’t include this photo to gross you out, but rather it elicits a sweet reminder to me that kids are in the house. For years, our home was maxed out. Kids. Toys. Papers. Sports Equipment. Backpacks. More Kids. Over the past ten years, our house has quieted down and cleaned up. And I confess I do enjoy moments of solitude and silence. But when I move a throw pillow and a rotting banana is revealed, I smile, knowing that joy has returned to my house. My grandkids are on the move, and I couldn’t be happier. Immediately, I am transported back to noxious scents from days gone by: decomposing lunch sacks, putrid chicken cloaked as a 4th-grade science project, and the stench of sweaty socks. Joy unspeakable. Bring it on.
I like people to have a little nonsense about them.
—L.M. Montgomery
I’m curious, what’s on your list of favorites?
Please note that products may contain affiliate links.
When you buy using one of the links, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases which adds no extra cost to you.