A Moment to Breathe
Every so often, I need a reset.
This time we took off for the serene landscape of Northern Michigan; the crunch of the dunes, the smell of deep cedar forests (yes, just like in California*) and that glorious chilled morning air that always seems to snap my thoughts back into focus.
We may not live in a time of fairy god mothers and magical rejuvenation spells, but the feeling of a warm, full coffee mug in my barely-awakened hands as I step out into the brisk morning air is close enough for me.
The mornings were spent sketching, the days spent hiking and the nights spent eating and intermittently falling asleep on the couch. It was brilliant.
Towards the end of our time in the pinky-finger portion of the state I took up residence by the cafe on the beach. It was off-season, so I had the whole lovely sun-warmed patio to myself. Well, myself and the yellow-jackets... they were rather persistent.
I started this painting before leaving Miami, but was stuck as to how to complete it. Sitting here, swatting the wasps away I saw the palette I'd use to finish it up.
The week spent in Glen Arbor MI was just beautiful, affording me a chance to renew and reenergize my thoughts about my work.
...And to eat enough whitefish pate to drown a man.
And now that I'm fully unpacked, photos are backed up and sketches are preserved I'm ready to start work on all the new ideas I had whilst holding that scalding coffee mug.
Michigan, you are all right in my book.
Michigan
A few pictures from a week spent in Michigan.
I love it when they look like marshmellows...
This tree is by the door to my childhood home. I can't get enough of the smell and the *inches* of petals that lie around the base.
One of the many family farms that grace the country side of the state.
Though I haven't lived in the state for nearly 9 years, I always treasure the moments I have when I'm back. The air always smells 'green', people are always so, so caring (even to perfect strangers) and the countryside is really quite beautiful.
I'd like to think someday I'll end up back there :)