Picture Summer Day 11: Treat Yourself

It's hot outside! Cool down with a popsicle. My feet hurt from all this walking! Get a pedicure. I'm thirsty! Make a refreshing iced tea. We have too much fruit! Bake a pie. I'm stressed! Sit in the sun. I'm bored! Kick up your heels and read a book. I'm hungry! Snack on some juicy watermelon. Oh the possibilities are endless. Treat yourself to a little summertime joy today while it is still here.

Picture Summer Day 10: Making Memories

I grew up in a family of surfers. My Dad and brother tried to teach me when I was younger, but I was always more interested in swimming than surfing. However, I am actually am at the point where I would love to learn but I am held back by physical limitations. I do think I can get there at some point but in the meantime, I am perfectly content watching Brent and friends from the shore & of course documenting the fun!

Picture Summer Day 9: The Shape of Things

For life is but a dream whose shapes return, some frequently, some seldom, some by night and some by day.

-James Thomson

Picture Summer Day 8: Treasure Hunters

I love to search for heart rocks. Not only is it exciting to find a good one, but it also relaxes me and clears my mind. Sitting on the beach, watching the ocean, soaking in the sunshine, all while I methodically sort through rocks. You would be surprised as to how often they show up...give it a try!

Picture Summer Day 7: So Subtle

Summer has two personalities. The bright, vibrant, bustling side & the subtle side that is preparing to retreat into Autumn. The latter isn't as obvious but I like to switch into observation mode and seek it out.

Simple Pleasures Saturday #8

This weekend we are on a mini "fake-cation" - as we have dubbed it. Meaning, we took a little trip but just an hour and half north to Los Angeles. Here was our day: We drove up this morning and wandered the Santa Monica pier, Muscle Beach, 3rd street promenade and downtown, then drove 6 miles to Beverly Hills to check into our cute little treasure of a hotel. We explored the nearby neighborhoods, our jaws dropping in awe of the humongous houses, followed by dinner at a great Indian restaurant.

It was a great day and exactly the getaway I needed. And after living so close all my life I'm surprised I have never been to this part of L.A. The pier and Muscle Beach sure were a sight to see! I will post pictures from the trip when I'm back home but for now, (as I type on my phone from the hotel) here are the simple pleasures I enjoyed today:

-Eating a hot dog and churro for lunch
-Taking photos of everything, and having a boyfriend who patiently waits as I do so
-Being completely touristy
-Getting a major kick out of people watching
-Poking Brent every 10 minutes saying "isn't this so fun!....this is so fun!...aren't you having fun??" ha :)
-Making up pretend stories of the people living in the enormous Beverly Hills houses
-Seeing endless teeny tiny dogs
-Passing by "Chelsea Blvd"!!!
-Only driving 1.5 hours to be on a vacation
-Having complimentary cookies delivered to our hotel room
-Passing by "Chelsea Avenue"!!!!

Picture Summer Day 6: Wide Open Spaces

She needs wide open spaces

Room to make her big mistakes

She needs new faces

She knows the high stakes

-Dixie Chicks

Liberate Your Art!!

I recently participated in an incredible project called the Liberate your Art Postcard Swap organized by Kat Sloma. In exchange for 5 postcards that I created, I would receive 5 in return from participants all over the world! There were no rules for the postcards, it could be a collage, drawing, photograph...anything! You can read more about the actual sending process here.

When all was said and done, there were 175 participants, from 13 countries and 37 U.S. states - how cool is that? I had a very hard time choosing which photos to send & unfortunately I did not take a picture of which I sent. But I am hoping I will find out who received mine! They came one by one, and it was so exciting to check the mail everyday. Let me show you what I got:

::Postcard #1 - Marji in Seattle, Washington::

What a beauty, and it looks like something I might take doesn't it? She is going to school to study encaustic art & photography, and her Flickr name is RainCityGirl. Does this sound like someone I would be friends with or what? We even follow a lot of the same blogs so I am surprised we have never crossed paths. P.S. Marji - I LOVE Seattle, almost went to UW, love the rain and art & photography are kinda my passion. Yep! ♥ Thanks for the beautiful postcard I love it! Please visit her blog Sun Breaks in the Forecast and say hello, I know I will!

::Postcard #2 - Rosa in Scotland::

Isn't this postcard wonderful? Rosa grew up in Melbourne, Australia, and has also lived in Toronto, Canada, Hong Kong, & vacations in Scottland/UK. Wow! I think it is so amazing to connect through art to someone half-way around the world! On her postcard was written:

"Don't compromise yourself. You are all you've got." - Janis Joplin

What a powerful and inspiring quote, especially from one artist to another. And this is just how her website, Simple Mansion is...nothing but inspiration, encouragement, and positive thinking. Her one of a kind work of art is so unique and her creativity just shines through. Thank you for sharing your art with me Rosa!♥

::Postcard #3 - Ann in Kent, England::

Her blog, Poetic Mapping: Walking into Art combines her 4 passions of writing, art, walking and music. This beautiful postcard has a fascinating story behind it, you must read about it here! Not only is she an incredible artist but she is striving to save to the world. That is lofty & trite expression, yes, but visit her blog and see what I mean. This quote she posted says it all:

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single

moment before starting to improve the world.” – Anne Frank

Ann you are an inspiration and I am so happy have been introduced to you and your blog! Thank you for the postcard.♥

::Postcard #4 - Clara in Pennsylvania::

The 4th is a treasure from the opposite side of the country. Like me, her blog started as a place to document her life (she has 2 boys) to share with family, then it turned into a place to share her passion for photography. This photo is of the Statue of Chief Justice John Marhsall she took during a World Wide photo walk. That sounds amazing - sign me up! She said although it was 99 degrees, it was a blast. She included this powerful quote on the postcard:

"To listen well is as powerful a means of communication

and influence as to talk well." - John Marshall

Visit her blog: I Miei Due Bambini. Thanks Clara!♥

::Postcard #5 - Colorado Springs, Colorado::

Unfortunately, the location is all I know! She has a website but it says she has retired. Written on the back is "The Mysterious Series" - pretty fitting yes? I believe her name is Angela but I am not positive. Whoever you are, thank you for the beautiful postcard! ♥

::Postcard #6 - Bonus from Kat in Oregon

Look at that blue - so beautiful!! You can check out all her photos at her blog: The Kat Eye View of the World. Thanks for all the hard work Kat! ♥

This was such a joyous project to be a part of. I love to see how different everyone's style of art is, how every postcard was from a different part of the world, the different styles of handwriting, and what message they chose to impart. It was such a wonderful way to connect with other people who I otherwise would have never met! There will be a 2012 edition that I will most definitely not miss!

Picture Summer Day 5: Tall Drink of Water

Summer may be winding down but the temperatures sure aren't! It was 95 in the backyard yesterday, which I know is cooler than other parts of the country and beyond but for me, well, it was hot :)

Picture Summer Day 4: Summer Traditions

Last weekend we attended the Stone Brewing Co. 15th Anniversary Celebration. Brent & went for the first time last year & we were instantly hooked. You get a commemerative tasting glass & 10 beer tastings with the choice of over 100 beers from over 40 different breweries and it is held outside on the Cal State San Marcos campus. Sunshine, beer, free beer cheese & crackers...what could be better? My brother conveniently lives near the train station in Oceanside so we hop on the train there and back, easy-peasy! And of course we had an incredible feast to continue the festivities, and there was enough food to feed an army. I love Summer barbecues, get togethers, and this festival has become an annual tradition.