Artwork & Play

Missing the Weekend on Manic Monday

I rarely have those stereotypical Monday mornings everyone gripes about.

For the most part, Mondays are fun. I get to start work developing ideas I had over the weekend, or just enjoy some quiet time catching up in the studio.

Today wasn't one of them.

I overslept a bit, which means that by the time I had coffee and a couple of hours sucked away at the computer taking care of overnight urgent emails (totally my fault for even opening them before I had worked out)

my morning run was entirely too hot to handle.

By the time I was on my way back, the Florida sun was on full blast, and I couldn't keep my headphones in my ears because the sweat was just too much for the iPhone earbuds that are too big for my freakishly small ears. Oh, yeah- my favorite earbuds finally died.

The small ones that actually fit right.

So, there's that.

I returned to my loving dog. I was panting much more than she ever does.

She greeted me with her usual insanity, and as I struggled to peel off wet work out clothes and start Monday laundry while making to-do lists in my head, I spotted the spots...

Guess I'm not the only one in a weird mood today.

I'm washing the bedroom throw rugs, too.

So, this week is going to be a crazy one.

I won't get to start new ideas, because I have so many errands to run and things to take care of.

I'm just going to share a few pics of my hike at Lyonia Preserve from yesterday.

Well, the ones I have on hand. Somehow most of the files were in RAW format and I can't see them on the computer just now. I have to remind myself to fix that before I take anymore photos.

Anywho-

Lyonia is one of my happy places.

The Florida scrub is so silent mid-morning, except for the birds, especially the federally threatened Florida scrub jays.

Florida scrub is a very unique ecosystem.

The plants that grow there make it through harsh sun, sandy soil conditions, sometimes even fire, and they have to ward off would be predators with pungent and sometimes poisonous oils to preserve themselves.

I'm keeping that place in my mind as I plod through my week-

and extra laundry.

What do you do when your week starts off like this-

but all you really want is this?

Spicebush Swallowtail

I hope your Monday is mellow,

Scarlet Macaw

It's been a rough week here in Central Florida, and even though my mind and heart is constantly cycling through sadness, rage, hope, depression, repeat;

LGBTQ rights have been an issue that is near to me for decades now.

The atrocity wasn't just close to home in that sense, it actually happened at home.

I'm not really sure I'll be writing about the Pulse tragedy in detail anytime too soon.

I was horror stricken that Sunday morning, and spent all day giving blood.

After that reality set in and the cycle of emotions was too much unless I was actively doing something.

The entire Orlando area- from politicians to artists- are focusing on Love, and how we can help.

I've shared, cried, and ranted on social media even though it's a weird, nasty place lately.

(I've hit the unfriend button a few times. I have no place in my life for hate & bigots.)

But social media is how the community is staying in touch for vigils and events, fundraisers and counter-protests, so it's an essential technology. Orlando came together in peaceful droves and even staved off the hate of Westboro Baptist Church.

That is effin' amazing.

Blogging hasn't really been a priority.

People are.

Self-care is.

Making art is.

Nature is.

I may post more about at a later time.

Here's one image from my reference photo trip on Monday.

Nature always heals, and colorful birds are an extra boost.

The rainbow colors seem extra appropriate.

Stay tuned to social media like facebook & Instagram

for more charity art events & fundraiser info.
There are seriously TONS of amazing artists and galleries that are planning shows to benefit Pulse victims & families.
Earlier this week I spoke to a representative from Bidding for Good, and they even offered to send someone down to one of the events should the curator choose to use their platform.
The first event will be an art auction at Gods & Monsters on July 2.
I will be donating an original painting to that auction, as well.
More benefit shows will be happening this fall with Pride in October.
Like I said, stay tuned...

Lots of love to you,

XOXO

Full Circle of Gratitude

It's so funny how things come full circle...

Who would get your thank you note?

On the left is one of my daily gratitude journals, and a super cute teensy cactus planter made by the awesome Julie Harbers, who also happened to be my neighbor at the Orlando visual Fringe Art market. On the right are notecards of my watercolor painting Dragonfly Druzy, which was painted during an extended gratitude in nature exercise. These boxes of cards are being sent out to an awesome lady, who will then send them as thank you cards to Patrons of the Orlando Fringe organization.

I feel super honored and thankful to be a part of that. Gratitude is everything. Every breath, every kiss, every tear.✨ It's all effin' magical. ✨

We can't forget that. We have to hold each other up. 💙

What are you thankful for today?

Who would you get a thank you note from you?