Scavenger Hunt Sunday: a day at the Denver Art Museum

1. Walking Empty Streets

2. Repeating Patterns

I couldn't decide by the gradient ceramic wall or inverted pictures of odd ceramic sculptures

 The inverted images come from these two sculptures by Annabeth Rosen made for the Overthrown exhibit that is part of the larger MudWorks experience currently happening at the DAM:

 

3. Floor

A ceramic sculpture by Nathan Craven you could walk on! This piece was made for the Overthrown exhibit of the MudWorks experience at the DAM.

4. Then and Now

An edited image of a painting by Monroe Hodder for the MudWorks exhibit. The actual painting shows less color variations between the yellows. I pulled the hues to make more contrast. 

5. Fingertips

from Kiki Smith as part of the permanent exhibit at the DAM. 

Want to know more about the artwork? 

Come back later this week for a fuller post on my most recent trip to the DAM!

Everyday Beauty: Keystone part 2

At Keystone there was a lot to be in awe of.

Like the family in the rental unit next door to ours:

 They made an appearance every night. Mom would go gather food and the babies would pop their adorable little heads, tails, and paws out as they impatiently waited for her return. 

Stairways that lead to wondrous places.

And plenty of pretty, relaxing places to stop and take a break.

Resting spots where it was easy to remember to breathe deep and seek peace. 

Amazing pops of color that were enjoyable surprises.

What has you in awe this weekend?

Happy Friday and Paint Party Friday: July 29

Happy Friday!

This Friday I am happy about:

1. Getting to hang out with one of my college roommates, who currently lives in Texas, during her long layover in Denver. A cup of coffee with a friend has never been so delightful! She was one of my bridesmaids and the last time we saw each other is when we were both bridesmaids for our other roommate last summer.

^my 21st birthday - Pirates and Rum party. 

I'm the one on the left, and she on the right.

below is during our senior year.

2. Renewing my commitment to pilots and yoga. Feeling sore in a refreshing invigorating way! And my pain levels from the chronic illnesses are remarkably manageable lately which means I don't have to modify nearly as much!

3. Exploring the new exhibits at the Denver Art Museum (which I will share more about and photos and all that at another time!)

To celebrate Paint Party Friday, I am continuing to work on the art journal pages I showed you last week.

What wonderful mess have you been getting into lately?

What is making this Friday a happy one for you?

Every Day Beauty: Keystone, Colorado

When my family came to visit, we stayed in Keystone, Colorado

Just 2 hours up the road from where I am. 

It was lovely. 

Something about mountain air is instantly calming.

The sound of the river, rushing with melting snow, was refreshing.

And the sunsets and clouds... over the still-snow-capped mountains... 

just stunning. 

There isn't a moment that I live in Colorado that I'm not grateful for the beauty that surrounds me.

Where do you live and what makes it beautiful?!

Everyday beauty: Garden of the Gods

So following yesterday's post about enjoying the beauty around you...

When my family came out to Colorado to visit, before we went up to the mountains we spent a day at the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. 

I thought I'd share some with you.

I didn't take photos of the different rock formations. 

Having already been to the garden once, it really isn't my thing.

As my hubby would say "we have rocks in the Rocky Mountains, imagine that"

But it is still important for me to look at things with a fresh perspective, to remember the history, to enjoy the everyday beauty. To remind myself that you don't have to go somewhere exotic to find peace, relaxation, beauty, or who you are. 

And the garden really does offer all of that. 

so what path have you taken recently?

Where have you explored?

A loving nudge.

I found a message in a bottle. 

Inside was a little love note from me to you.

 A gentle reminder.

That even if you are a local

and you could choose to be oblivious to the beauty of your area

 To stop

and just enjoy the beauty that is around you.

 For at least a few minutes each day.

Because all things are temporary.

And if you don't take the time to enjoy them now

the sun might just set before you get the chance.

(all photos taken at Rock Harbor in Eastham, Massachusetts on Cape Cod)

So tell me. What is it that you are taking time to enjoy today?

Scavenger Hunt Sunday: July 24 (with makeups too)

I've been taking pictures and just not getting them posted while my family was in town. So this weekend, now that I have time, I'm playing catch up.

So for this week:

1. Music to My Ears

2. Hat

I am a bit obsessed with vintage hats. I used to have even more. 

3. Clear

4. Out of this World 

 A great quotation from Kirkland on plaque at the Denver Art Museum in their temporary Kirkland exhibit. With an overlay of sky to make it a little more spacey. so much more interesting than just black words on a white background :)

5. Sprinkles

I have a pet peeve about how people eat.

But I just couldn't help myself with this prompt.

And so, as shameful as this may be, I'm showing you my mouth full of sprinkles!

For last week:

1. Black and White

Found this beautiful guy in my garden hiding under a pot. 

2. Reflections in Glass 

3. Headlights

 well, one headlight anyway...

4. Seeing Double

 (this one is from the archive)

5. Bare

 Shoes on the bench meant there my Aunt Pat was playing baseball bare footed (and tipsy from wine)

And finally, if you are still with me, the items from 2 weeks ago too.

1. Things that Look Like a Letter of the Alphabet

clearly that is an E in the sky.

2. Weather 

 so I debated between sharing something weathered and the rainy weather we've been having in the late afternoons. Why debate when you can just share both, right?

And finally, if you are still looking, photos from 2 weeks ago! 

3. Bling  

 My five year old niece and I had a girls date while she was in town. We painted her nails and eyes. Her makeup wiped off quickly from all that playing - but the bling of glitter remained.

4. Tangled

 My morning glories are growing and tangling around each other like crazy. 

5. Dark

Whew, finally.... the end! 

Happy hunting.