inspiring me these days

* all things nature!! Since spring is in the air and we have been gardening over here...I am inspired by it all. Rocks, trees, flowers. vegetables, compost...and these amazing dried plants. The huge, luscious pods are all the way from India (!!!) and the yellow flower in the upper right is from South Africa!!! I came across them the other day and snatched them up for my nature table. I love their form...they look like miniature sculptures bursting with  life.
* summer skirts. Since I have been unpacking (yes...we are still not fully settled in over here!!)...I am coming across clothing I haven't seen in ages. It's great..kinda' like going shopping without any of the hassle or expense!!
* books, books and more books. I have stacks of books piled up that I can't wait to get to. Reading has always been such  a huge part of my life...but after becoming  a mom, I have really had to carve out time for it. I try to squeeze in some time whenever I can...15 mins. here and there all add up + I always carry a book in my purse.

* candles. I love them and have a gazillion all over the place. this one is from World Market. Isn't it gorgeous?? It reminds me of Indian or Moroccan designs. After a long day...I light one (or a few) and instantly relax. It reminds me of when I was in Rishikesh. Every evening we floated clay lamps down the Ganges and watched them carry our wishes downstream.
* journaling. I am working on my Outsider Journal and am so deeply in love with opening up my heart and soul and pouring it all down on my pages.  It's inspiring + healing + strengthening all at once.

* I picked up this mag. and am totally in love!!! I ordered some Creative Paperclay and, this summer, I am finally going to try making dolls. I have been wanting to do this forever and  Art Doll magazine has jump started my creative juices. There are the most innovative and amazing ideas in here...I mean...you just have to read it!!
* road trips!!! I know, I know...after the one we did last year we decided not to do it for awhile...but we have an amazing one planned and...I am sooooo looking forward to it. A few things it's going to involve...art, hiking, Chinatown, meeting a few princesses (!!!), ocean + mountains + desert + lots of photography, reading, writing and relaxing.
* relationships. marriage, motherhood, friendships..all of it. They really are our greatest teachers...these deep connections we have to each other. Inspiring, nurturing and replenishing.

our new fave place

 

(explorer girl Tara)

Last weekend when I attended the Inner Gardening Retreat, I discovered this absolute oasis (thanks Patty!!)

Well, Tara and I have been back there 3 times last week and ...we are officially in love with the place!! The philosophy of the park is to combine art + nature + people!!! How over the top fantastic is that?? 

I want to teach Tara the value of our connection with nature and the earth. I was so fortunate to have had two people in my early childhood years who introduced me to the magic and the mysteries of the natural world. It has sustained me through long hard times and has become a portal through which I experience the Universe and ...mySELF.

(Saturday morning art class out in nature) 

We attended a recycled art class on Saturday morning...children made musical instruments out of everyday household items you would generally recycle. They also offer classes on gardening, music, bread making...

There are rolling hills, lush tropical flowers and foliage, a waterfall, a Lily pond, huge fantastic sculptures, tons of walking trails, a musical garden that you just have to experience to believe.

(Tara playing the whale drum in the musical garden)

The Stein Musical Garden was created with the intention of fostering children to enjoy listening to and creating music. It works-Tara has a blast here!!

                                                            (how amazing is this?)
I think that most children, given the opportunity, are nature lovers. It just makes me so sad that there are millions of children around the world (and even right here in the U.S.) that don't even have access to safe playgrounds, trees, gardening etc.
* If any of you live in So Cal and are interested in attending these classes for children, you can get more info here.

our morning walks...

(Fall leaves)

Our morning walks are so special for me and Tara. They started when I was pregnant; I would walk for about an hour each day and talk to her. Then after she was born, I carried her in a Moby wrap and... walking we would go. After that came the stroller and now...she walks the trails! I love seeing her curiosity and wonder...it is magic. Virginia really is beautiful...especially this time of year; the trees are all ablaze, birds are still flying around and the morning air is crisp but not too much so.

                                         (the morning sun drizzling through the trees)

                                                (big girl Tara walking her own path)