sketching love

Since starting my class with Danielle I have been filling up pages and pages in my sketchbook. I used to draw all the time...but then kind of stopped along the way because I became too busy. But Danielle shows us how we can do very quick sketches (2,5 or 10 minute ones!!!) anywhere. The great thing about sketching is...it's so portable! And now I remember just how much I love sketching!! It's one of those activities where time seems to stand still and fly by all at once! Anyways...I wanted to share some of my fave. sketching tools with you...
* pencils!!! I swear by Derwent Graphic but there are so many great brands out there. I always get the full range (you can buy sets or in singles) that go all the way from H1-H9 and then B -B9.
* Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor in black medium. This pencil is just magic for dark dark blacks! It literally pops off the page! You can get the full set here...I just have a few blacks which I picked up from an art store.
* charcoal...there are tons of options out there from soft vine to hard pencils. I use a General's charcoal pencil in 4B soft that I picked up somewhere ages ago. There's this starter kit here too.
* a sharpener. I invest in a quality one because I don't want my pencil tips breaking!
* a tortillon or blending tool. They come in all different sizes and are super cheap. They produce amazing blends for softer areas.
* erasers. I use a general one for actually erasing and then a kneaded one as well as one of these for shaping and creating highlights.

* if I use a pen, I stick with an ultra fine point Sharpie (in permanent black)
* I sometimes add watercolors to my sketches. Whatever is available...I usually use Tara's watercolor box from Ikea!!!
* sketchbooks!! Oh my!!! there are so many wonderful ones out there in all different sizes and papers. I have so many of them. I think the best thing to do is go into an art store and see what's available, the types of papers out there, are you using only dry media or adding watercolors/collage etc. Another alternative is to make your own sketchbook filled with some of your fave. papers!!
Really, you don't need a whole bunch of stuff (although it's fun to try out different products).
Books I Have and Use: 
* Drawing on the Right Side...a classic! If I were to only use one book...this would be it! Full of exercises that facilitate really seeing what's in front of you.
* Drawing With an Open Mind: this book is a little intimidating because in 10,000 years I will never draw like him...but it's very informative. And his drawing are just a pleasure to look at
*Drawing A Contemporary Approach: lots of exercises and examples. I think this is actually a college textbook. Wow!!! I just took a look on Amazon and it's, like...$114!!!! I picked it up used somewhere for $10 or so!!
* How to Draw What You See: A super simple book that can propel you in the right direction.
Happy sketching!!!
P.S. there's still time to sign up for HerStory!!! It's an amazing opportunity.

It's been raining cats and dogs over here...so this weekend is going to be filled with staying at home, snuggling, reading, baking, sketching ...and maybe bundling up for a few photowalks! Happy weekend!

getting out of a (creative) rut: day #30

Ruts!!! How I hate them...but I accept it as part and parcel of the creative process...of life, really. Part of the ebb and flow...as necessary as breathing. Oftentimes, being in a rut has facilitated extraordinary aha moments and an abundance of work. Still...it can feel pretty frustrating being stuck, stuck, stuck!! I wanted to share a few ways I ease some flow through these periods.
* do something new every single day. It can be super simple like going on a  different walking route or it can be something much more daring ...like sign up for a samba class!! There are artist dates, online classes, reading  a book in a genre I would never normally do, taking an online class, wearing  a color I normally don't, trying out a new art product. ...the possibilities are endless here. i remember when I started my blog over 3 years ago...it felt like a huge leap into the unknown full of fear and trepidation...but now it all seems as natural as the sun + the moon. The whole point is to take myself out of my ordinary surroundings and expand the breadth of my life so I am exposed to something new and different. One step leads to another; each small action leads somewhere else...in this way we can create a whole new map of where we want to go...and new possibilities open  up to us.It doesn't have to be big, friends; it can be the smallest of acts!
* As much as newness counts..I also need routine and stability. It's the framework and foundation for trying out the new stuff. So...I pick a few things and commit to it (no matter what!). They can be ongoing (working out) or for a short duration (say... a blog challenge for  a month!). It can also be as simple as my morning coffee, writing in my journal everyday, taking 15 mins. completely to myself, going on a photowalk. Simple or complicated...I find it doesn't matter at all; it's the stability that counts. To me, routine is just as important as the excitement of trying out new things.

                                                   (playing with some of Tara's tempera paints!)
* Take a complete break!!! sometimes this seems counter intuitive to me. I have been stuck in awfully long + frustrating ruts where I try to force myself into my studio to work and ...nothing happens!! It just makes it that much worst! So...I have discovered that taking a complete break (a few days to an entire month or more) takes me to  a different space and gets me out of  a rut. last summer, I took a full month off painting and started reading instead...that led me to create an art journal inspired by the writings of Audre Lorde, which I then submitted to Somerset Art Journal...which led to being published. So, friends..while it may seem like it's a waste of time to take a break...so not true!!
* Have a creating schedule and stick to it!!! With Tara growing up and needing more of my time and attention, it's more important than ever for me to create a painting schedule. If I wait to inspiration to strike...I'll never get to work!!! So..I make up a schedule at the start of each week and stick to it as much as possible. Of course, I also use up 15 mins. here and there (they all add up too).

* Play!!!! Have fun, play, turn everything upside down and start from there!!! This one seems almost too good to be true but I find that once I start experimenting and letting go...of expectations, of what I want my painting to look like...of what I think my painting should look like, of trying to recreate what's in my head ...that's when I can get stuck! But just having fun..going with the flow, knowing that everything can be covered up (hello, gesso and collage!!!) leads me to my best work. Perfectionism, I have found, is the enemy of creating!!!
Well, friends...those are my tips for getting out of  creative rut...but really, it can be any kind of rut, I suppose. Do you have any tips to share, I would love to hear what they are.

link love: day #23

*love reading this blog...and the post The Photos We Need To Take really resonated with me. I felt so much of this when I was her age. Loving all the truthtelling, vulnerability and courage. And yes!! we never know what's ahead:)
*loving this!  50 powerful quotes about poetry (via Susannah)
*love this brilliant invention! just picked one up for myself and Tara!
*started reading this book over the weekend and totally loving it so far. The exercises and writing prompts are both simple and powerful.
*I swear by this company! I've been using their running shoes for years...made specifically for women...by women!! How cool is that??
*LOVE this photo shoot!!! So much heart, courage and sheer gorgeous-ness  ...it left me breathless. . Simply stunning!
*Loving this series of books to teach Tara about art
*lusting after these boots...in cherry red, no less!!!
*can't wait for this book to be released (mid August)...holy smokes!

*loving this tape...use it to pretty up my journal, stick love notes/inspirational cards on my studio wall...and course...Tara hearts it too!

*my art is on the cover of this e-zine Of Note!!! I did the interview many months ago and it was published at the time...but then I received an e-mail a few days ago saying that my art is on the current cover! Excited and happy!

*loved listening to this video by Maya Angelou...Still I Rise. Inspired!!!
And...of course...welcome to the world Royal Baby!

my blog challenge so far: day #10

It's day 10 of my blog challenge and here are a few things I've discovered so far:

*since the challenge, I have been carrying my camera with me everywhere! Not only that...but I am constantly looking at things with  a fresh eye..."can this be a great pic?", "can this image encapsulate my story?", "how can I capture this light?" ...

 * some days I sit down to write my post and I go..."what was I thinking...signing up for this blog challenge????" but the truth is...most days, I am completely up for the challenge + look forward to it! Even if I blank out for 5 mins. sitting here going..."what should I write about??"...it falls into place if I give it a chance. 

* I carry a little notebook with me wherever I go...and scribble down blog post ideas. Sometimes I fall back on them and sometimes I write about what's in my heart as I sit down in front of the computer. But it's nice to have them written down so I don't forget. 

* I am establishing a habit. I wake up and work out...grab my morning coffee and sit down to write.

 * the community has been an amazing support! Words of encouragement and inspiration are everywhere and I am "meeting" the warmest, most amazing peeps. Folks who are creative + funny, who are going through difficult times but still showing up...who are so giving with their time + advice. Plus...I'm discovering blogs I never would have otherwise!!

*I am consciously seeking new ways to share my stories, to share what's in my heart. Not all of my posts are going to be great...but they don't have to be! It's about showing up, being seen + doing my best.

inspired!!

* I received this gorgeous postcard in the mail yesterday from Lis over at Dandelion Seeds and Dreams. It made my day and put a smile in my heart. Love the simple gesture of open hands; an offering of heart. I immediately put it up on my inspiration shelf! Thank you so much Lis...for brightening up our day:)
* I loved reading this heart-full post from Robyn...a homage to kitchen tables. I read it (twice) while sipping my morning coffee. Love the insights, the simple beauty, the delicious images.
* I have been spending waaaaay too much time on Pinterest lately. It's my go to for inspiration + relaxation these days. I have the best of intentions to only stay on there for 15 mins. or so...but before I know it...a whole hour has passed by!! Who can blame me??? But I gotta' stop!!

* I am actually having some fun (can you believe???) sketching hands. Just letting go and filling up pages and pages.Love my new sketchbook BTW...the pages are delicious, sturdy (can accept light washes) and small enough to take with me everywhere. At first, I didn't buy into the Moleskin hype...but now I am seriously hooked! Just try one out and see for yourself!
* Working my way through One Year to a Writing Life and just loving it more and more. The exercises are interesting, inspiring and totally doable (read...not overwhelming). Already I feel as if I can reach deep down into my heart and memory and write more clearly. I am learning the value of editing (make every word be the very best) and practice (as in develop a writing practice every single day!).

* I just discovered this article right here and am absolutely blown away and seriously humbled. I can't believe that someone actually wrote a paper on my art. It brought tears to my eyes and made me incredibly happy. What I was especially proud of was the strong feminist approach that comes through (Yes!!! I am a feminist) and I don't separate my art from my life; that comes through loud and clear in this paper...and that gives me courage to continue with my work. It's a reminder that I can be brave (+ you can too!!!)

for the weekend

It's cold over here...lots of snow and wind. Perfect for staying at home, resting, reading and snuggling. Here's some inspiration (+ other good stuff ) I wanted to share with you.
* I am in love with this space right here! Everything from the prints on the wall to the gorgeous fabric on the desk...to the light, colors and teacup!  Love, want, dreaming about...
*I came across this brilliant article by Dr. Estes. So many of us have difficulties setting boundaries, don't you think? As always she writes with truth, clarity, strength and heart.Thank you Dr. E!!! Just for being you!

*Tara feeding the winter ducks yesterday.
* Am reading this book  that I picked up from the library yesterday. Just started it and the first few pages are riveting, inspiring, heartbreaking and heartwarming!!!
*Thinking about attending this retreat. It's not even possible right now...but I can still dream, can't I?
*Just received the current O mag in the mail yesterday and am inspired to de-clutter, simplify and then...simplify some more!

* I recently picked up this Moleskin as well as this one. Perfect for slipping into my purse and...  sketching, writing, watercolors. Am in love!
* am reading poems...aloud. To mySELF. To Tara. to Tim. Try it! It has a whole other dimension to it.
“I want to think again of dangerous and noble things. I want to be light and frolicsome. I want to be improbable and beautiful and afraid of nothing as though I had wings.”
                                                                                                                    -Mary Oliver
Hoping you all have a wonderful weekend! xxx

hello sunny CA!!!!

We just got back from our short + sweet vacation. Our trip started off a bit rough...we missed our flight flying out there because we got caught in Denver traffic. Thankfully though...neither Tim or I stress out about things like that. I mean...in the grand scheme of things...so not a big deal:) We had an amazing dinner, went to bed early and flew out the next morning. Really, the whole trip was all about taking Tara to Disney for her birthday (coming up next week, I can't even believe). She had an absolute blast! We were at there from dawn to dusk! We had (mistakenly) thought that Tara would be tired at about 2-3 in the afternoon...but no way!!! She has balls of energy that just came out of nowhere and wanted to stay until late into the night. Tim and I meanwhile...were completely exhausted waaaaay before her:)

Actually...it was the perfect time of year to go to CA...not too many crowds, amazing weather and Tara got to meet tons of Disney characters without hours in line. Also, one of the very best parts for me, is that since she is older now...she can really enjoy the storytelling aspect of Disney. All of her fave. stories come to life in ways that spark her curiosity and creativity.

 

Also...I got to meet up with my friend Patti...we spent  a couple of hours chatting over lunch (about everything from biz to art to creativity  to...). Here we are at Artbeat , it's this absolutely amazing co-op art gallery in the heart of Vista, CA. Patti has her work hanging here (so very proud of you Patti!!)...she showed me around  and introduced me to everyone else. So exciting!!! 

Absolute bliss...I had so much time laying in the sun, reading, dreaming, vegging out. I just couldn't believe the gorgeous weather out there (over here we are way deep in hats + scarves weather, thank you very much!) and tried to take full advantage of it. There was walking barefoot on the sand, ice cream and just taking it easy. So good!

I also met up with sweet + sassy Jane at the Lotus Cafe. We just caught up on everything...art, life and everything in between. She also gifted me with her beautiful art and this book (thank you Jane!) but most of all...her sweet spirit. It was so lovely sitting in the sun, sipping tea and chatting...knowing that nothing had to be explained, everything was accepted and understood. Time stood still + flew away from us all at the same time. 

Most of all...it was simply spending time with my family. Tim and I are really growing into our friendship and marriage. Tim is very left brained...all about schedules + practicalities. I am a rightie and...so when we go traipsing through the airport trying to get through security etc...here I am pulling out my camera and stopping to take a pic. Tee hee hee. It used to drive Tim nuts but now, I think he has just given up...ahem...I mean...adjusted:) And my sweet birdie right here amazes and delights me to infinity...she really is growing up right before my very eyes and I am trying to take it all in...keep all of these moments in my heart forever.

  Thank you beautiful CA...for giving me such sweet memories...friendship + art, beauty, sun, sea. Thank you for world class cuisine (Greek, Vietnamese and my fave...healthy vegan), outdoor cafes, year round blooming flowers, banana trees and green grass. Thank you for giving me time to sit and read and sip tea + chat with friends. xxx

love, inspiration + gratitude = grace

"Something opens our wings. Something makes boredom and hurt disappear. Someone fills the cup in front of us: We taste only sacredness."- (Rumi)

-I am stepping into 44 with all of my heart + soul! Looking back on my life, I am fully grateful to be here. My birthday was so sweet with Tim thoroughly pampering me and Tara making me 4 birthday cards and a play-doh cake:) Seriously, though, it's all about being healthy, present and doing my work. Gifts, all.

-I found  this book at the library by Anne Lamott and devoured it in 2 days!! It's  a collection of short stories that are, all at once, hilarious, profound, zen in their simplicity and, well...brilliant!!! She manages to talk about difficult issues which had me tearing up with sadness and joy!!!totally love!

-Becoming Van Gogh...this exhibition made me want to weep...in joy and sorrow and the sheer beauty of it all. Van Gogh is probably my favorite artist of all time...I mean, the man + his soul. I have always had a  soft spot for him...all of his tragedies and gifts. And to be in a room full of Van Gogh's????Inspiring  and breathtaking...and very emotional (for me). This exhibition encapsulates his entire journey and included tons of his earlier works (sketching and drawings too). I loved every bit of it...from his  sombre works to his larger than life colorful portraits. Serious gratitude, inspiration + love!!! 

-I have been meaning to write about this place forever...it's the Dushanbe Teahouse in Boulder. Tim discovered it a few months ago and it's our very fave. place. they have an extensive tea menu, very eclectic food and the best part??? The entire tea house was transported (piece by piece) from...Tajikistan!!!! Seriously! So there are hand painted ceilings, intricately carved wooden columns...and  get this...you can sit on a bed to eat your meal!!! Handmade textiles adorn the walls and ...it's so cosy + comfortable and beautiful. LOVE!!

-I recently discovered this line of children puzzles and crafts and they are fantastic!!! So artistic, well made and lush with colors. Their line includes ages 4 all the way to 12-14 years old!! Tara adores them!

-bought some mint + lemon hand soap that i use after I paint...and loving how my paints wash off so easily (I think it's the lemon!). And the combination of lemony-minty goodness = heaven:)

-driving on snowy roads through Xmas lights. Tara just loves all the trees lit up...with stars and angels. And the best part for me...taking in the magical beauty of her happiness.

over the moon

A few things that are inspiring me, putting a smile on my face, opening up my heart and have me over the moon these days:
* this post right here! I love this poem (printing it and putting it up on my studio wall!) and agree with everything Dee says! If you are an artist/writer/seeker/creative being/lover of life...just read it! My fave part? How creating brings us closer to ourSELVES (truth/we are enough/see me true) and how consumerism takes us away from our true selves.
* President Obama routes the electoral map and wins re-election in a landslide!! Dear America: I am so proud of you...for going forward and voting a resounding NO!!! to exclusion politics. Not only that...but now there are a record number of Dem. female senators!!!
* getting back to writing. Wrapping myself up in words and rhymes. Using words to climb heights within mySELF, to open doors that have been locked, to sing songs of hope + heart + pain. It all matters!

* I bought this book off Amazon thinking it was more of a nuts and bolts guide to writing but...it turned out to be quite the opposite and...exactly what i need!!! I love it when that happens, don't you?? If you are looking to deepen your self + life and relationships...I totally recommend this book. It's so much more than a guide to journaling...it's prayer/meditation/inner wisdom via writing. Can't say enough about it!
* Loving the crisp bright days over here. Listening to the wind howling outside the windows, sunshine pouring through bare branched trees, going for walks all bundled up. We are on the cusp on winter over here...but the days are still fairly warm.
* with 2 (!!!) storms devastating the east coast...it has been heartwarming to see people helping out...raising money, donating to the Red Cross and volunteering their time. With so much focus on the country being divided...it's nice to see people coming together, reaching out and helping complete strangers.

* when we were in Canada I picked up a book of stunning Ganesha painting postcards; each one exquisite and delicious. Loving them and appreciating Indian art ; the grace + history and symbolism.
*loved reading this wise post here . How our personal hurricanes demolish + rebuild us, eliminate some relationships while birthing new ones...and how we rise from the ashes. Absolutely true!
* Tim and Tara eating popcorn and watching movies (Mulan is Tara's absolute fave. right now!). It warms my heart to hear them giggling and sharing secrets.
* reading this post put wings on my feet. The words + images sparked  a fire. "We must have the stubbornness to accept our gladness in the ruthless furnace of this world.... " - Jack Gilbert
Hope you all have a great (long) weekend! xxx

a story to warm your heart

(Faith in her Path, mixed media)

I just heard this story and I so wanted to share it with you all. It's heartwarming + inspirational and out of this world amazing. It's the late 60's in Detroit and a singer/songwriter (Rodriguez) makes a couple of albums that supposedly go nowhere. No money, no attention...no nothing. So he gives up on his dreams, becomes  a construction worker and raises his 3 daughters. All the while thinking that he has made no artistic contribution; that his work has not meant anything to anyone.
 Meanwhile... halfway across the world in South Africa, his music is more popular than Elvis!!! His work had inspired millions of South Africans trapped under the evil political system of apartheid. His artistic soul had lifted a nation ...and he had no idea!!! There was no Internet back then and, under apartheid, the S. Africa government  imposed  domestic censorship (the government controlled what you read, listened to etc). Rodriguez made absolutely no royalties off his music and struggled to support his family all these years. Now, at the age of 70, someone tracked him down and has made a documentary about him. He was flown to S. Africa and has played in front of adoring, sold out audiences...I cried when I watched his story unfold. He has risen like a phoenix from the ashes. And his story illustrates an important lesson (to me)...

 When we bring love + heart + soul into our work (painting, writing, singing, gardening, raising  a child, tending to our marriage, loving another person, blogging..)...that is our success!! A lot of times we measure our worth (+ success) in monetary value as if that determines the importance of our work. While I  certainly don't believe in the starving artist archetype ...Rodriguez makes an important point. He says that he has no regrets about his life, the way things turned out or the decisions he has made. 
How can we put  a value on how our work may inspire others?? When we have faith in our path...we have to let go of what we think should happen and trust that everything is as it should be.
Now...how inspiring is this story??? With that...I want to wish you a happy weekend...we are heading out of town for some summer R&R. xxx

tit bits + pics from this week

This week has been so surreal, amazing and full of ups and downs...I don't even know where to begin!My computer is acting all wonky again and I have been simmering in a hormonal soup (tears + elation all at once...what does this mean, I wonder??).  So...I just thought I would share some pics + snippets. This is my new biz card...I love the way it turned out!!! I designed it myself and ordered it from Vistaprint. Love love love their stuff and the colors always turn out amazing. Plus...I love their variety of products plus their prices. Tell me what you think.

And here's my new mousepad with my art on it!!!! Smitten!! (Also from Vistaprint)

Okay...right before I became pregnant with Tara, I had to have knee surgery. But it's been giving me problems ever since. So now I am sporting this crazy sexy:) knee brace until I can see the ortho doc. It's to support and stabilize my knee when I'm up and about. Oh!!!Getting older huh??? It's funny how all my life I have pretty much taken my good health for granted and then...one day I wake up and there are aches and pains and things not working right. It's humbling and scary all at once but here's my thoughts. If we are lucky...we get to age; it's a privilege so many people don't have. And we can choose our attitudes about it. Now losing my health (in small or large pieces) scares the crap out of me!!! Especially after becoming a mom (what??I can't get sick!! How am I going to take care of Tara???) But ...it also teaches me how to walk into my fears, how to listen to my body and slooooooow down and (most importantly to me) ...how to be in the moment with full gratitude for all I have. Also...now that I am wearing my knee brace, I am forced to wear pretty summer skirts instead of my all time fave. everyday wear; jeans!! Sigh...it's still a pain though:)

A message from the Universe earlier on this week...a double rainbow:) Can you see it? Put hope in my heart.

Tara and I  have a special lunch date every week. Oh!! We so look forward to it!!! We go to different places or have little picnics...it's all about sharing food + comfort and laughs and special secret talks:)  I learn something new about my girl every single time for instance...even though Tim and I both love international (+ spicy!!) cuisine...Thai, Indian, Japanese, Ethiopian...Tara loves bland foods and wants the same thing every single time!!! Right here I am eating a spicy Thai salad (peanut sauce, cashews, cilantro)...and Tara is having broccoli and cheddar soup.

And then...the absolute most amazing + exciting act of fate and providence found me at a huge huge huge Obama rally this week. It was an all day affair standing in the blazing heat (totally worth it, I might add)

And I was so close to him...about 10 feet away!!! OMG!!! It was so inspiring + heartwarming to hear him speak...he is as brilliant, down to earth, handsome and charismatic as I imagined. One of the things that struck me was how he has retained his ease and sense of humor amidst this vitriolic political climate. He makes sense to me...he just does. Oh!! but I have to put my mom hat on and say that he is just too thin!! Dear Mr. President...You need to eat, okay:) 



Tim and Tara ...building memories, relationship, love, family, smiles. Hope you all had a fantastic week too:)

b. inspired

I have to admit that, most times, I hate watching the news. With all the murders, violence and mayhem...it's pretty depressing. And the sad thing is...there are plenty of amazing, wonderful, inspiring stories and people out there...so why don't we hear about them??. Everyday people like you and I ...and then some pretty extraordinary, one in 100 million type of people that are now getting the spotlight because of the Olympics. My top 3 totally inspiring people right now???
Michael Phelps. Okay...he's only, like...somewhere in his twenties (??) and he's won a gazillion gold medals. The most decorated athlete at the Olympics...ever!!! Ever!!!! Totally inspired and in awe.
Then there's Oscar  "Blade Runner" Pistorius from S. Africa who is competing with able bodied people and he has two iron legs (first time ever this has happened). Now how can you watch this and not be totally + breathlessly inspired??? He has shown us what so called dis-abled people can accomplish and exemplifies the spirit of the Olympian. Here is a double amputee whose stumps are a bloody mess after he runs...but...he still does it!!! Oscar..you have won, you have won...you have won!!! And some people are saying that his legs give him an unfair advantage??? Oh!!! Please!!! I have so much admiration + regard for him as an athlete + a human being.

But the #1 person Tara + I are inspired by? None other than 16 year old gymnast extraordinaire...Gabby Douglas. I enrolled Tara in gymnastics a month ago...so when we watched Gabby win last week, Tara looked up at me and said "Mommy, I want to be like Gabby. I want to be in the lympics. But I can't do it myself...I need your help." My heart just melted right there. When I saw Gabby's routine with her flying through the air in perfect symmetry, grace and power...I can't explain the feelings of pride + admiration I had. There are so many stories out there that are bear witness to the power of the human spirit. Everyday heroes + she-roes. What inspires you? Who makes you feel that you can be brave and fly too?
************************************************************

Tara and I at a summer party on Saturday. xxx

New Mexico magic

                                                    (somewhere in New Mexico)
Tara and I have been on the road these past 4 days...driving  to meet up with Tim. Tara has been such an amazing little traveller. Of course I have had to keep her busy busy in the backseat. Lots of rest stops, parks, books, movies, coloring books and singing. We drove through Sante Fe and stopped off for the afternoon. I just love love love Sante Fe ...everything is art in this charming town...even the bus stops!!! No kidding!! I went crazy taking pictures...every glimpse and corner is a photograph just begging to be captured.

This was an amazing artist from Burkina Faso (West Africa) who was painting right there in the church grounds. I stopped and we talked  for a good half hour about art, spirit, making his own pigments, symbolism and abstraction, politics, his country, Mother Africa...on and on. All the while Tara was listening intently, looking at his amazing art and wanting to get her hands in the paint, of course!!

Here's an old church ...I love the juxtaposition of the modern steel (moving!!) sculptures with the old stone + architecture. To me...it speaks of the passage of time and how we can honor and preserve the old (even in ourSELVES + our lives) while still accomodating the new. Growth demands it!!

I stumbled upon this gorgeous little store tucked away in an alley that has the most fantastic textiles. The store is called Passementrie and is located at 115 Old Sante Fe Trail. It's totally worth checking out. These quilts right here are handmade in India...I love the patterns + colors...don't you?

More quilts...I just couldn't resist. They also have all sorts of clothes, knitwear and accessories.

Old brass and copper pots from Mumbai that had me swooning. This was at India Palace where we had lunch. If you like Indian food...this is the place to go. They've been in biz here for over 20 years and are recommended by Fodors, Lonely Planet and...just about everyone in town!! The owner was an interesting + congenial man...and he treated Tara like a princess!! Oh!! and the food...I've been dreaming about it ever since!!

Every little alley and wall has an amazing piece of architecture. Here was this jewel of a piece just sitting there in between two stores. I would love to have it in my studio:)

Gorgeous (Spanish??) tile. I love the blue and white combo...very Dutch...very summery. Like I said...art everywhere!!!

Fat spools of Italian yarn...they were all stacked up on tables...hundreds of them it seemed. Makes me want to sew.

Metal art...I love the turquoise and copper combination. Tara and I stopped off at a little bakery/cafe and right across the way..I spotted this lizard.

Adobe architecture reminds me of O' Keefe. The humility, earthiness, simplicity and elegance are mirrored in her paintings (I feel).  I adore the strong lines and connection to the earth...how it seamlessly blends into the desert landscape . These are found all over New Mexico...every one slightly different. In my dreams...I live here.