Painting outside I have no control over the light, the wind or the temperature. Mosquitoes come visit. My fingers freeze or my shoulders burn. 🌿 But that’s part of the adventure. I never know how things will go. But I do know that even if my painting is a struggle or doesn’t come out well, it’s worth it just to be outside - Listening, looking and quiet with myself and the paint. 🌿

When I am out in nature long enough to slow down and notice details, I feel whole and alive and I recognize that I come from Mother Nature. I think, how can I bring this peace with me when I go back to my busy and modern life? How do I remember where I am from? 🌿

When I feel insecure and pulled apart, I look at the palm of my hand. See the lines? They run together and apart like veins on a leaf, like creeks flowing into rivers, like branches on a tree. It’s a mirror that reminds me I am part of something bigger. I belong to the Earth. 🌿

I used to get anxious on beautiful days. I loved them so much it would be painful at the same time. I knew that the day would end, the weather would change. I would change, I would get older. The land would change, too. Painting was a way to soothe that anxiety. It was a way to go outside and keep the beauty. Stop time and make it last. I could keep the moment for myself. And you know what? It works. I can’t stop time, but I am not anxious on beautiful days anymore. 🌿