(it's okay to) ask for what you need

Dear girl,

Please remember this: 
You are not a burden.
You are in the driver's seat of your own life, and your life needs you to take charge.
It's okay to ask for what you need.

<3
xo

along 101

we're living out of suitcases; driving the road that curves and winds along the ocean. 
this time of year there's traffic, but that's just fine with me- I love drinking in the view of the water and the lighthouse and the birds.
my soul knows this road well and I can feel the gratitude deep in my bones
that we're back here again.
different than coming home for summertime during college, or for a long weekend.
we're home.

last weekend was so gorgeous on the coast - it was almost hot, really. I had my windows rolled down, singing at the top of my lungs (probably to this song), when all of this emotion rose up that nearly stopped me in my tracks.

it was my heart.
feeling the full depth of joy, freedom, happiness.
I hadn't realized these things had been missing until this moment. 
and I'm sure if I had wings, I would have taken flight.

maybe there's more to life than always having a set plan laid out before you.
maybe it's alright when nothing seems to work out.

maybe this is what I've been missing all along.
so much possibility in the unknown. 
when before there was only fear. 

things are moving slowly, or not at all. our 'dream house' turned out to not really be our dream house at all. we have different priorities on what we want in a home.
but we're loving through the hard parts
and focusing on the good. 

xo

wild winds

on this particular day the ocean was moody

i walked along her edge
exhilarated
wild winds and sea spray
dark clouds and birds overhead

pockets full of seashells and wildflowers
heart full of joy

<3

mail something bright + happy

As I sat down yesterday to write out a few love-notes, I first set out to create some.
Most of the time there aren't enough hours in the day to make my own, but yesterday I was feeling ambitious;).

Once I started making them, I didn't want to stop!
You know what that means...

I'm so thrilled to share that a few greeting cards are now available in my etsy shop!

The artwork has been printed on a gorgeous luster fine art paper, and securely mounted to card-stock. I've got bright envelopes to go along with them so they are ready to send! happy mailing, friends! xo

love notes

There's a kitty sleeping on my lap, and outside this window
sunlight filters through trees and wildflowers dance with the wind.

When I start to feel impatient/frustrated/ready to give up, I like to come here and make a list of all I'm thankful for.

Yesterday was one of those difficult days.
I sat here awhile and wrote:

lunch outside on the deck
birdies chirping
cool breeze
the smell of lavender
bright flowers
quiet
ice cold lemonade
three free days
....
by this time my heart was feeling lighter, but I kept going.
There really is so much to be thankful for.



It just so happens, it gets even better!
Waiting in the mailbox was a bright + beautiful love note from a dear friend.
(Which quickly made it to the top of my thankful list for the day - thank you, Erica!).

I was reminded the power of a note in the mail, and how it can cheer, encourage, uplift, and inspire those we care about.

So today, I sit here in this space, writing love notes. 

I challenge you to send out a note to someone you've been thinking about this week!
Only good will come from it <3.
xo

(spread the love) blog tour

My gorgeous + amazingly talented friend Jodi invited me along on a 'spread the love' sort of blog tour. I am honored to answer a few questions this morning and share with you a couple of ladies who inspire me daily.

So here we go!

what are you currently working on? 
I've been working on mini dream-catchers lately - it's been on my heart + soul to combine my love for paint with other fun materials like ribbon, beads, and feathers. There's nothing like mixing it up a bit to stay inspired and keep things fresh!

how does your work differ from others of its genre? 
I love to combine vibrant, bright colors with inspirational words, (often scribbled) in my handwriting. My work is spontaneous, sometimes messy, and straight from the heart. Most often I create the things I most need to see, or be reminded of.

why do you write/create what you do?

My need to create runs deep - every part of me craves it. I especially notice this if I've spent too much time outside the studio. I'm more 'me' if I've gifted myself the time of moving my hands + getting them messy with paint.

 how does your writing/creating process work?

Well, at this moment, my husband and I are in a huge transitional period. We have moved from our home in the mountains and are currently searching for the next place to call home - somewhere along the (Oregon) coast. I have a little temporary studio set up at my parent's house. I'm so thankful for this space!
My creative space includes twinkle lights + candles, fun music + something delicious to sip on. With a paintbrush in hand I begin responding to whatever colors I'm being drawn to. I love this process so much because I never know what I'll end up with - I've always loved a good surprise:).

Now for the fun part- these ladies below are sure to inspire you. I'm excited to pass along this blog hop to them!

Ashlie Blake


Catina Jane


Beth Morey


(be sure to stay tuned for their posts next week!)
xo

brave one

dear brave one,
you are doing great.
(keep going)

mini dreamcatchers!

I'm so excited about these mini dream-catchers, friends!

My studio is currently a colorful explosion of ribbon, feathers, paint, beads...my favorite kind of inspirational mess<3.

These babies measure 3" in diameter/ approx. 12" hanging length. In the center is a piece of my original art. New + vintage ribbon/beads/feathers hang from the painted wooden hoop.

I've been obsessing over all of the wonderful places they could hang. They are tiny, so really they would look beautiful anywhere! I'm thinking of hanging one from the rear view mirror in my car:). That is, until my hubby gets fed up with the ribbons swaying all over the place;). 

Hope you're all enjoying this gorgeous sunshine!
xo

(ps: mini dream-catchers available here!)

today I will:

use my hands (+ get them messy)
walk barefoot through the dew-drenched grass
dip my toes in the ocean
count blessings

what about you, lovely?
xo

be true (to you)

The amazingly talented + adorable Jenipher Lyn of Nightly Doodles wrote and illustrated an encouraging book for teen girls - and today, I'm celebrating with her!



I'm thrilled to be a part of this celebration (thanks, Jen!) and to share with you the most recent page from my art journal. Inspired by the words I would tell my younger self, if given the chance:

Be true to you.
(Look within).

Whatever it is that holds you back from really, truly, being yourself- let it go.
(There is freedom there).

 
Learn more about Jenipher's book, How Being Stubborn, Depressed and Unpopular Saved My Life and pick up a copy HERE!

xo

okay with the mess.

out in the middle of nowhere
in my childhood home, again
the birdies outside sing all day long
and the river lulls me to sleep

we are
exhausted and thankful
saying YES to adventure
feeling the thrill of the unknown
making time for play
okay with the mess.

xo