Hello, Subscriber First Name,

I’m trying something different today. Emailing you on the first day of the month instead of my usual first Saturday of the month. Maybe this will become my new schedule?

I’ve been trying to shake things up these last few months. I’d been stuck in a rut for far too long.

And I’ll let you in on a secret. I’m shaking things up in a big way right now. It’s not just email and blogging schedules or art experiments — we’re moving!

After almost 3 years of (obsessive) searching and nearly 15 years after we started the journey, we’ve finally found our place in the country (I’ll be sharing more in the coming months — and years — as I create a new studio space and new gardens). It’s been exciting and overwhelming and exhausting and it barely seems real.

We moved our bed (and a few essentials) on Friday, but we’ll be taking our time with the rest of the move as we work on projects, here and there. I know things will be messy and unsettled for a while. I’m embracing going with the flow (something that is very hard for me).

On top of our move, next weekend is the Winding Roads Art Tour (did you catch my episode of the tour podcast?). If you’re local, I hope you’ll come out and visit some studios, chat with artists and be inspired by art and the beauty of this part of the Driftless Area.

Events like this are the perfect way to shake things up. Look for art tours, open studios and festivals in your area if you’re not from around here.

There are so many ways to shake things up if you’ve been feeling stuck. They don’t need to be big changes, either. Sometimes a little spark of inspiration is all you need.

No matter where in the world you live, The Sketchbook Revival Binge Fest may be just the thing.

This free event goes through June 9th. As soon as you sign up, you’ll be able to access 130+ workshops from 100 artists shared during the first 5 years of the summit — my session from 2019 is one of them. Watch as few or as many as you’d like. And if you need more time, there’s the option to upgrade to a VIP pass for unlimited access. You don’t even need to leave the house.

Whew! That’s a lot going on over here.

How about you? How are you feeling? What’s going on in your corner of the world?Are you stuck in a rut? Are you shaking things up? Are you in the messy middle? Are you going with the flow?

Life is a lot these days. We’re all feeling it. Take good care of yourself.

A creative prompt:

Take a moment

No matter what’s going on in your world, remember to take a moment. Go outside. Breathe the air. Is it spring-almost-summer air? Or is it autumn-almost-winter? What does it smell like? How does it feel on your skin? Engage all of your senses. Watch the bees at the flowers. Listen to birdsong. Taste a ripe strawberry.

Soak it up, even if just for a moment.

Some inspiration:

• I always enjoy getting peeks into homes and hearing stories about creating home. Now, with moving on the mind, I especially enjoyed hearing more about Sandi’s move (and seeing her homes!).

• And although I’m not changing my mind about moving, reading about Kelly Rae’s moving change of heart is a great reminder that it’s ok to change your mind.

• How fun is this project? Those tiny hinges?!? Those shingles?!?

• Beautiful thoughts about being present.

• Inspiration and encouragement for us to keep following our paths.

• Do you ever lack the energy or motivation to be creative? Stop beating yourself up about it.

• Wonderful creative encouragement from Ohn Mar Win: “You don’t get good by waiting. You get good by doing.”

• Ever dreamed of making a quilt? Maybe you’ll want to join this sew-along.

• This story of a town moving their library (yes, the building itself!) was so hopeful and encouraging.

That’s all for today.

My to-do list is long. But I’m also exhausted and need to spend some time outside. I hope you will, too.

Take good care (whatever you’re doing today). And hold onto your dreams. They are worth dreaming. You never know what’s going to happen next.

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