Happy May, all! I know, I am pretty late for that as we are finishing out the last week or so of May now, aren't we? But happy May, anyway.
It has been a busy few weeks here lately. What about you? I didn't even get my blog posted last week. UGH!!! But my boys and I did get the video done. If you are interested in seeing that, I will link it below.
Not sure what it is about this time of year. All the wrapping things up as the school year is coming to an end is great, but it does come with a price, for sure. Lately that price seems to be coming in the form of stress for me. And I really do not like stress. Not at all. When I was younger, I actually used to think that stress was just an excuse for people not to get things done...you know, because they were "stressed"? Sadly, I have been learning lately that stress is real. And it really stinks.
The good news with learning about stress and how it seems to be affecting me is learning to take better care of myself. Doing things that will help me relax. Making sure to make the time to do the healthy stuff. So...I have switched up my diet. I am learning to take pauses during the day just to breathe and be "in the moment". And I say the Serenity Prayer. Like a lot! I have also been sneaking out for walks again after I get my older pooch back from her walk (aka her "stop and sniff").
For starters, I can tell you with all sincerity that it is starting to get HOT here in central Florida. Whew! But, 'tis the season! I have been making sure to get out early on my walks before it gets too beastly out there. I have seen some of the coolest things out first thing in the morning, lately. So many planets are visible just before or just as the sun is rising. There have been lots of slugs out, and I even caught a snail trying to cross the road, too. The birds have been out in full force, singing away, first thing in the morning. I even see some mama birdies out feeling their very large babies in the morning and during the day. They are doing a great job.
It was those morning birds that were my inspiration for this piece. That, and the amazing colors that are out and about right now between the sunrises, the flowers...and the beautiful birds. I see them in the trees, the telephone posts and the wires, chirping away as I am strolling by. They are so cute - the cardinals, blue jays, mockingbirds, woodpeckers...so fun to see them out on my walk. Such a fun reminder to take one day at a time. After all, I don't see them stressing out. :)
For this piece I chose to use watercolors...again. I'm loving playing with the watercolors, but you are welcome to use whatever medium you would like to use. And you are welcome to use any subject. So much amazing going on in May as we are moving through the season of spring, inching our way closer to summer. Find what inspires you and make something magical.
For this piece, I used watercolors, watercolor paper, watercolor brushes, washi tape, pencil, pencil sharpener, eraser and ink pens. You are welcome to check out the video below for more info. I hope you enjoy something inspiring that you enjoy about May. I hope you and yours take some timeout to enjoy the moments. And to breathe. "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop to enjoy it once in a while, you could miss it."
Happy arting, all!
PS - last week's video is here too: