Whirlwind

that’s the word that came to me in thinking about my life lately.  it’s all good though.  it’s a happy whirlwind!  i have lots of thoughts and things to share, but i want to start with a little overview of the last few days.

 veeery early on thursday i flew up to portland, rented a car and drove out to the coast to a cute little beach cottage i had rented (vrbo, of course!) totally retro and right on the estuary (and just a wee bit chilly inside!) 

 friday was the beginning of the you, me and the sea retreat with the amazing alisa burke.  it was held in her fabulously colorful studio and there were 14 other eager women ready to create and connect.  happy times! 

the creative focus was mainly sketching and watercolor – totally not my thing, but i wanted to stretch myself… and sketch and stretch i did!   i was also looking for some new ideas for teaching the girls in my inside-out journal class – bingo!!  we spent a whole afternoon sketching on the beach – so totally relaxing and fun.

some of my little creations

 the watercolor techniques were absolutely a blast!  i found that i love doing this – so easy and fun!!  the other women were incredible artists (a few years ago this would have totally intimidated me, but i have learned a lot and was instead inspired by their work!) 

 

the other Patty and her new blue nails

 we also did some beach-combing, made some cool crafty beachy stuff and ended up with a bucket full of goodies – both art supplies and beachy souvenirs. 

 after our sad good-byes (and promises to keep in touch) i hit the road, but ended my trip on a happy note with a visit and hike with my sweet friend elizabeth halt and the opportunity to finally meet her faithful companion, atlas!

 ok, i think that’s enough for today….. all in good time.  thanks for visiting!!