july '25 favorites
Small things that made my July just a little bit better.
creating
I’m the first one to admit that I am not good at drawing. Like, really not good. But I’m also the first one to tell you that drawing is a skill that can be developed. It really is. Practice. Practice. Practice. You can see where this is going, right? I have found myself downright lazy when it comes to acquiring this skill. Or maybe I get bored easily. Either way, if you want to improve, you have to train; there’s just no way around it. My workaround is loose sketching with charcoal. You can get the gist of what I’m trying to draw without all the rigor. This might seem like a copout, but I think making art should be about creating in your own style, not necessarily painstaking accuracy. Watch this video to see what I mean.
eating
Buried beneath tomatoes, radishes, and cucumbers in this Crab Louie salad is abundant crab. A delectable, maybe even extravagant treat. When you are gifted crab that is a mere 8 hours old, it puts farm-to-table restaurants to shame. I’m just saying. Thank you, Tom, for kayaking out into Puget Sound, pulling up your crab pots the day before leaving on vacation, and sharing the bounty with us.
This photo was taken pre-dressing, but rest assured, the dressing recipe is the perfect companion to this salad. Please do not use bottled. We are also minus the asparagus, which was cause for regret, but sometimes you just need to use what you have.
I am still learning.
—Michelangelo
reading
Creative Authenticity by Ian Roberts was recommended to me a few years back, and it sat idly on my “to read” list until recently. I’ll admit I chuckled when the book abruptly started with something like, “This is a book for those doing creative work. This is not a book for those who WANT to do create work, but aren’t.” From there, he proceeds in his straightforward but insightful manner. And although I don’t agree with everything he writes, it was worthwhile and challenged me to take a deeper look at the art I am making.
inspiring (artist)
This month’s search for new-to-me artists led to the discovery of Bridget Riley, an abstract artist from England. She is known for making art with geometric shapes, bold colors, and even incorporating optical illusions. At 94, she continues to exhibit her art and is active in the British art community.
If it looks like I chose her easiest painting to copy, you would not be wrong. (Time runs short some months!). This is my version of her 1961 painting titled “Kiss” painted upside down because I liked it better that way.
We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are.
—Max Depree
following
YouTube: Along For It All is a channel developed by my son, Blake and his wife, Melanie. It showcases home plastering techniques and a variety of other topics.
Pinterest: Nicola Young has many interesting and well-curated boards full of inspiring images.
Instagram: Jenny Grant is an artist whom I have followed for years. She has a grungy, loose style that is imaginative and accessible.
helping
A friend from church recently completed the recovery program at Hope Place (a program within Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission). The graduation was uplifting and joyful, but sprinkled with moments of sadness and grief. The women graduating were all a testament to the power of change and God’s ability to restore shattered lives. To celebrate our friend, a small group of us provided and prepared the food for the graduation reception. It was an honor to serve in such a small way for her huge accomplishment.
The more grateful I am the more beauty I see.
—Mary Davis
celebrating
How can this little missy only be turning two? Our Adelaide, full of life, joy, and laughter, as this photo aptly captures. Grandkids are just the best. I savor this photo as I experienced her birthday party through shared memories only. One state away, I was attending two back-to-back memorial services celebrating lives well-lived. The circle of life never more evident.
blooming
Our yard is filled with hydrangeas. White, pink, blue, purple. Bigleaf, Oakleaf, Lace Cap, Climbing. Glancing out the window, I see multiple hydrangeas drowsy in the sun. It might seem like overkill to plant so many, but they grow easily, bloom prolifically, and are long-lasting. In other words, they are easy to take for granted. Plant a few and see for yourself.
This is a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before.
—Maya Angelou
wine tasting
The wine brings this group together, but the friendship keeps us coming back. We just commemorated 25 gatherings, tasting a different varietal each time. Although I don’t remember specifics, I’m assuming those first few meetings were spent getting to know each other more than dissecting the wine. That is probably still true today, except for those in the group with sommelier aspirations. The rest of us fall back on nebulous terms like complex, smooth, or dry. More fun than hoity-toity.
This time, we broke with tradition and each couple brought their favorite (supposedly!) red wine. Through our blind tasting, the Salvation Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon won gold.
persisting
One year ago, I took up running again (read more here). I would be kidding if I told you that each month it has gotten easier. It has not. I would be lying if I said I experienced a runner’s high. I definitely do not. But for some strange reason, I press on. I’m not running further or faster, but I have noticed a vague self-competitive side of me rising (lain dormant since the days when I shot free throws for Thanksgiving turkeys at halftime of the Sonics basketball games). I entered this 5K reluctantly, but as in most things, was ultimately glad I did. I guess my point is do hard things even when they are hard, especially when they are hard. It does not necessarily need to be physical, like my friend who is hiking Mont Blanc. Maybe it is learning to sketch, mastering chess, or volunteering. I know it’s easier not to, but life can be greatly enriched if you do.
Your life unfolds in proportion to your courage.
—Daniele LaPorte
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.