Want something a little sweet, a little herbalicious, and very refreshing?! Try this tasty combo. As the days warm up I’m constantly on the hunt for new ways to wake up my taste buds and zap my thirst…it’s dry here in Colorado and you really have to stay hydrated. This is the perfect fix for both! I love these to herbs together, but you can mix it up a bit, using other herbs like mint (like a virgin mojito), or basil. Get creative with it, and enjoy!
{Free People shorts, Loft t-shirt, vintage scarf, Target sunglasses, Gee WaaWaa platforms, I purchased the purse at a small boutique in Seattle, & my Aunt made my beaded bracelets}
We have been on our bikes a lot lately, and it’s quite wonderful. We rode to Old Town yesterday for a mid day coffee and pie date, stopping along the way to take pictures and enjoy the sunshine. These shorts I got a while back from Free People, make hopping on a bike a cinch, I really don’t like having to worry about adjusting what I’m wearing while I’m riding. I love pairing them with a bright colored tank or T, the combo is super comfortable, and easy to mix up. Oh how I adore summer styling, and getting around on my bike. 
Currently I’ve been focused on practicing being more present. We can only live one day at a time, and I have to constantly remind myself of that. This can be a challenge when so many things I am working towards require thinking about, and making plans for, the future. But, for the first time since starting college, I find myself moving in a direction in which I am confident and motivated, with specific career goals in mind. I have a passion for creating and imagining, and have found a space where my talents can best be put to use. I am excited to continue working hard and educating myself, knowing it will lead me towards a purposeful and fulfilling career…it only took a decade of exploration, many mistakes, lots of lessons learned, and loving support to find myself here. For me this means more than reaching for financial security or success. Finding this direction has made me feel assured in who I want to be as I continue to grow, and is forcing me to ask myself what I truly have to offer others and myself. The challenge I face now is learning to concentrate on the goals I set for myself, and moving forward with them. Which is exciting and a little nerve racking for someone who spends too much time thinking about…EVERYTHING. This is where being more present comes in really handy for me, because I tend to be more focused and productive when I stay in the moment. Otherwise, my thoughts, my worries, my creativity, and my objectives, all pull me in too many directions. Right now, as I begin this practice, I am setting daily intentions that ultimately work towards my big picture goals. I believe in balance in every aspect of life, and this is another place in my life, and in my mind, where I must learn to find a balance. With our lives in constant flux, we must reassess the areas in our life that need re-balancing, and adjust accordingly. You know what they say: “Life is a balancing act”.
It feels like summer is trying to push its way onto the front range! (what!? it was snowing two weeks ago!) The past three days have been wonderfully sunny and warm. The perfect kind of days for taking advantage by dusting off the ol’ bike and stretchin’ her legs, we are gonna spend a lot of time together this summer. Summer months on the Front Range are pretty awesome, and if you find your self bored here, after the sun comes out to stay, it’s never for a lack of entertainment or adventure. Soon every weekend will host a new festival, or a new concert series. Kayaks, Paddle Boards, Fishing poles, tents, longboards, slack lines, etc, all are taken from their winter hibernation and put into daily action. Patios will become the hotspot for any happy hour, and table spots in the sun will become coveted. Steetmosphere also kicks off in Old Town this Friday, so art will be back on the streets downtown once again. Many students leave for vacation, but the rest of us stay and relish everything our city offers us by getting outside. I love when the color comes back into this town, when it’s vibrancy really gets kicked up a notch. It simply allows you to find happiness all around. Hope you enjoy this little illustration that I made to bring a little more color into everyones day.
Our neighborhood is very lively (meaning loud) tonight. We live right next to campus, so this time of year, as classes end, and graduation/summer celebrations begin, the streets get a bit noisy as the sun goes down. Last night on my bike ride home I passed stumbling groups of drunk college students scattering from a house party. Several of the guys were down to there boxer briefs…I was wearing a hoodie, a jacket, and a knit cap for my ride. The summer itch gets students extra rowdy. I’m happy to be held up in the coziness off our newly rearranged room, and grateful that tonight we can sleep with the window open and enjoy the breeze. Tonight I am channeling good dreams. Good-night all.
Just a little reminder today, that whatever doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. I really like the imagery in this Elizabeth Edwards quote. Hang in there, and make changes in your life where they are needed.
The snow in Colorado has finally started to melt, and the earth is beginning to turn green. So, today I share May flowers and words of wisdom from two inspiring people. When things get rough I need as many encouraging words as possible. This week has left me exhausted, and feeling upside down. Our mantra around the house has become “one day at a time”. While I was in Tacoma this past week I was taken by all the beautiful flowers in bloom, and since the weather there was surprisingly sunny I was able to snap away any chance I got. Since being back, it has made me feel more calm and appreciative to spend time working with positive quotes and colorful images. Using the photos I took on my trip, I created a few little reminders to slow down and smell the flowers.
Life has gotten stressful lately. I felt a little distant from this space last month for a multitude of reasons. One being that I have been spending most of my computer time focusing on practicing in Illustrator and Photoshop. I am excited by what I have been learning, and I feel inspired as I see my work being transformed and polished through these new programs. The past month I have realized whole new possibilities in design and creativity. So while life has been more on the hectic side (this year has just been full of new challenges) I relish in having passion for art and creativity. I am grateful for new ways to explore design. Today will be spent trying to relax, photo editing, and making tacos at home. Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Last Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday about two feet of snow accumulated on the Front Range, leaving us with much needed moister, and in a slight state of seasonal confusion. It was by far the biggest storm of the year, not letting up much during the three days. It was the storm we were waiting for all winter, it just graced us with it’s presents a little later than expected. Though some springs at this same time year might be spent playing sand volleyball and wearing sandals, we had to settle for tubing and snowball fights this past week. But I’ll take it! It really was beautiful, and with the days still being longer than during most winter storms, we got to enjoy the sled hills longer. We took advantage of while it lasted, because in true Colorado fashion, most of the snow melted over the weekend, and Bill was golfing on Sunday afternoon…and of course today, as I type, it’s beginning to snow a bit again. This year my flip flops and my boots find them selves sitting next to each other by the front door waiting to see what the next day might bring. Crazy spring weather sure does keep you on your toes!
I took my first Illustrator class this week and I have discovered that I love it! I just needed to know what all the tools did! Oh Pen tool how initially perplexing you are, but how useful you have become. We got 20 inches of snow the past three days, which meant lots of time to spend working on getting familiar with the program. Here are some of the designs I came up with. Lots more to come later!
