We Came Here to Live

I did these on a Saturday morning when I was really “feeling it”. You know, that creative storm that rides in on a wave and if you don’t catch it then you’re out of luck and have to wait for the next one. I painted on the dining room table all morning, with Scott helping with the kids. It’s not my ideal way to work but it was good to be around the family and lend a hand. Scott got a two hour nap in the middle, so it was a win for all.

This is a line from the song, “Can’t Hold Us”, by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. I think it might be my favorite. It reminds me of the fair at sunset, and being young and alive.

we came here to live thl

This has always been one of my favorite quotes and it reminds me to live bravely. Handpainting this one took hours. ships are safe in harbor thl
Here’s a peek at that process:

2013_05_18-134053a thlThen I took an hour learning and practicing before I could generate a chalkboard effect:chalkboard ships are safe in harbor thl

And then the very simple colored print, which I could change to anything: mint ships are safe in harbor thl

I love how sweet this one turned out. It’s a line from the Mumford and Sons’ song, “I Will Wait” and I just thought it was beautiful. Cheers to songs with inspiring lyrics!

paint my spirit gold thlI just went searching through the lyrics of my favorite songs and authors, looking for words that moved me. Then I looked around for fonts to inspire me and things just took off.

I hope you love them! You can find them in the Etsy shop for purchase now.

Also, if you haven’t, be sure to like my Facebook Page for post notifications, Instagram favorites and general updates.

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Washington! Holla Atcha Girl

2013_05_07-125451c thlI spent the night at my sister’s place, after a fun dinner out with she and her boyfriend, and then we woke up at 4am to catch our flight out of Santa Barbara. Somehow I forgot my DSLR. I am so. sorry. But on with it.2013_05_09-062034 thl

We ended up in Seattle at around 10am and after picking up our rental car, headed to Pike Place and stumbled upon a pub called Kells. LOVE. Their sandwiches were awesome. Pike Place Seattle thl

After a great lunch and some time driving around, we headed across the state via the Cascades. Wowza. We are used to tree lined horizons, but those snowy peaks were monstrous, and every beautiful thing went on for days. And the SMELL. That dry, hot, pine tree air, I felt like I was having a drink with every lungful. Yay nature. 2013_05_09-142811 thl 2013_05_09-142905 thl

Thanks to our aunt and uncle, we stopped at Cascadian Organic Farm for ice cream. It reminded me a bit of Avila Barn. This cute girl at the register had an engagement ring and when I complimented it she blushed. Steph asked how long she’d had it and she said two months. We teased her about being able to watch the road while she drove with that rock on the steering wheel, it was all lots of fun. We were giddy and excited to be out roaming around a new place, making friends.Cascadian Organic Farm B thl Cascadian Organic Farm A thl Cascadian Organic Farm thl Cascadian Organic Farm C thlAll throughout the mountain pass, we kept the windows rolled down and drove slowly through the warm air. Almost every hundred yards there was a waterfall or wet rocks or a trickle of water dripping down to the river. That beautiful sound, with the warm tree breeze, followed us along our peaceful drive for what seemed like an eternity.

2013_05_09-154956 thl 2013_05_09-155043 thl 2013_05_09-155227 thl 2013_05_09-160947 thlWe stopped at lookouts and vistas whenever we could. I kept deleting photos to take more. 2013_05_09-161124 thl

We have been wanting to visit our aunt and uncle for a long time. They have lived in the Methow Valley for thirty years, but we have gone from being babies (or not born) to broke college kids, to young broke professionals, to spending money on weddings to being pregnant and breastfeeding small babies. FINALLY there was a chance and we jumped on it. Steph is still broke but she was offered financial assistance.

This trip was five days including travel, just Steph and I. No kids, no boys, just quality family time. It was the most relaxing, wonderful vacation I could have asked for. Similar to my honeymoon it was a lot of relaxing in a beautiful place with delicious food. My idea of a good time. Every morning my aunt made me a white mocha. Heaven. They also had this bird feeder that was literally swarming with hummingbirds. I have never seen so many hummingbirds in my life, ever. It was such entertainment.2013_05_10-075115 thl

We dug out these old medicine bottles that my uncle got from someone in town. I had to take a photo because I love the labels. That one on the right is my favorite.2013_05_10-205508 thl

They have a wonderful Westie named Ric. He is adorable and trotted along on adventures. I wanted to remember these comfy chairs facing out to the beautiful view. Such a cozy home, treasures galore, and I took a nap every day. Luxurious.2013_05_12-160834 thl 2013_05_12-161125 thl 2013_05_12-161252 thl 2013_05_12-161309 thlThis is their beautiful little western town, Winthrop. The food was amazing, the clothing boutique had armfuls of beautiful things, and the signage was all pure artwork. They even had a parade! We drank lots of wine celebrating my aunt and uncle’s anniversary, with beautiful views every night.

Steph rode around on my uncle’s motorcycle and declared herself obsessed.  2013_05_12-181642 thl

We ate next to the rushing river, quiet beauty all around. 2013_05_12-182323 thl 2013_05_12-182323c thl

Then, one very early morning, it was back to reality. We drove back through the beautiful views, at sunrise rather than sunset this time, marveling at the golden glow of the rocks in the morning light. When we reached Seattle it started to rain, and Steph was instantly depressed. But we found ourselves at Serious Pie thanks to a recommendation and it delivered.   2013_05_12-182323e thlPesto and mozzarella and bacon. A dream on a crust light as a cloud. 2013_05_13-112205 thlOn our flight back there were lots of moms with their babies. One had kids similar ages to mine and I had eyes like saucers watching her handle a squirming baby with calm grace while answering all the questions from her adorable toddler about where we were, how the plane was constructed, everything. When she squealed with glee at take off, I laughed right along with her. I tried to give her encouraging looks and told the kids they were perfect passengers. We moms need a pat on the shoulder from our community when we have to take on missions like this one. I have so far avoided it but that can’t be forever. I hope I get sympathetic looks and an offer from help when my number is up. 2013_05_13-151620 thl

So that was our wonderful trip. My inlaws stayed with Scott for the long weekend and helped with the kids. He was able to golf and take a nap and do the things he usually does. We had our superior sitter come on Monday after they left while I was in the air coming home. So we are both rested and I even had a short week! I highly recommend that break to anyone who can find the way. My kids were so excited about Grandma and Grandpa they hardly noticed I was gone. I did talk to them on the phone and got lots of hugs when I returned but they seemed totally unphased. I love you, Washington! Can’t wait to come back!

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