Tea Talk (and a Free Printable)

It’s been awhile since I last popped in with a little life update (like here and here). The spring semester always seems to fly by for me, but this year I was battling sickness and the incessant winter so much that it’s seemed spring would never come. But the sun’s shining now, we’re counting down the last couple weeks of school, and a breeze is drifting in through the open windows, so I think that signals the light at the end of the tunnel. So pour yourself a cup of tea and let’s dive in!

Around the beginning of the year, I hosted an art party at our apartment for some the ladies from our church. We enjoyed good fellowship and the chance to express our creativity. I love being able to share my love for art and beauty with others and I’m blessed to know these ladies.

Right at the time I was about to give up on ever seeing spring again, I discovered this sweet little shop, Olive and Pearl. It was like stepping off the snowy street and into an adult’s version of Narnia (you know, after the white witch has been defeated): beautiful products, tasteful displays, charming bouquets, and lovely smells. I just found my new splurge store.

I’ve started to find my groove sharing my art locally. I had a display at a coffee shop, the library, and the Art League in town. There’s something so much more personal (and sometimes scary) about sharing my work in local places. I love that we live in a town that appreciates art and beauty, and that supports artists. For better or worse, I’ve also signed myself up to sell at the farmer’s market, and I have some art fairs at the beginning and end of summer. There’s been a lull in the internet side of the business while I gear up for all of this. Here goes!

I would be remiss if I didn’t talk a little bit about my other job – teaching. To end out our study of The Twenty-One Balloons, we had a balloon party. The kids brought in food from various countries to go with the theme of the book, and they created their own hot air balloons. It a unique experience to get caught up in a book and be able to share the adventure with others. I love that I get to do that with this group of kids.

Over the Easter holiday, Owen and I got away for a little time together in the wilderness. What started as a two day backpacking trip turned into a stay at a historical hotel and a visit to the hot springs. We began with a hike to a secluded campsite in a canyon next to a little stream. We hiked the area and watched the sunset, then hiked out in the morning and headed to the Thermopolis hot springs. It was a wonderful time of reconnecting and enjoying God’s creation.

If you haven’t figured it out from some of my posts (or haven’t seen all the books I own), I’m an avid reader. So I thought it was high time I created some bookmarks for you to use in your own reading life. Click on the image below and print from your browser.