Hello, Subscriber First Name,

How has your June been so far?

Over here life has been busy and full and I’m trying my best to take it all slow.

Last weekend we went hiking with our dogs at a nearby park we’d never visited before. It is beautiful with various habitats and types of terrain and a breathtaking overlook. (Photos don’t do it justice).

Descending into the valley from the overlook, the trail was steep, winding and rocky. I had to walk slowly and place my feet carefully. At one point I stopped to look around.

I thought about how when our paths are rough we can only focus on the path itself. It’s hard to see the big picture and we can easily miss all the beauty surrounding us.

Isn’t that true about life, too?

A creative prompt:

Have you created a summer (or winter if you’re on the other side of the planet from me) “bucket list”?

I don’t love the term, but I love the idea of making a point to savor the season and have fun in ways that are only possible at this time of year. On my old blog I shared a list of ideas, but it’s been a long time and I think I need to write a list for this summer.

Write yours in your sketchbook or journal or hang it up where you can see it like Kate of Little Boho Cottage.

Some inspiration:

• Here’s some beautiful advice for dealing with overwhelm — using our hands and soothing our minds.

• A few years ago I signed up for Jessica Swift’s 100 Uplifting Days and loved it. She’s offering it again and you can sign up here. (It’s free).

• I enjoy the Made on 23rd newsletter and loved seeing Deb’s recent garden tour on her blog.

• Bonnie Christine is such an inspiration. I enjoyed this overview of her creative journey.

• I love reading cookbooks and check many out from my library. Right now I’m enjoying Milk Street: The New Rules and Listen to Your Vegetables.

• I wish I had room for an outdoor bathtub in my garden. Doesn’t it sound dreamy? I remember reading a book about soap making many years ago that mentioned an outdoor tub and I’ve been dreaming about it ever since.

• My goal is to do some yoga every day. I don’t always get there. Last month I missed quite a few days and when I came back to it, this Yoga for Gardeners felt so good.

We’re in the midst of shuffling the rooms in our home. My studio is partially moved from upstairs to down and many of my materials and supplies are in boxes.

But I do have my watercolors and my paper. My table is set up and I’ve been painting. It, like everything else lately, is something I’m taking SLOW.

It feels good.

I hope you are finding time to do things that feel good.

Wishing you joy,

Know someone who'd like to receive my newsletter? Share the joy by forwarding this email to a friend.