Taking My Time, Enjoying My Time

I'm working on some larger artworks so in the meantime I am posting some things that bring me happiness.
I have seen lists by others of things that make them happy so I have compiled one of my own:
1. quiet and peacefulness
2. seeing my children laugh and smile
3. yoga
4. hiking
5. taking time to be present
6. finding ways to recycle more and having a positive effect on the earth
7. exploring words and writing
8. touch
9. discovering beautiful places in the world that cost nothing to appreciate other than just being there
10. creating beautiful and thoughtful things
11. learning ways in which to improve the existence of things
12. decluttering and becoming more minimal
13. enjoying delicious food with friends and family
14. meditation
15. a really good book
16. enjoying a vegetarian meal with a friend while "catching up" on life
17. creating art purely for the sake of creating something from the soul without concern for the opinions of others
18. energizing conversations over a glass of red wine

Winter's Water Garden

5x5 inches pastel on paper
This is Nature's version of the perfect water garden. I saw several of these little spots at Lost Maples Park in Vanderpool, TX . (Of course,  I would love it down there!) I always love going elsewhere for inspiration but then I am so grateful to come home again, my favorite place of all.
"It may be that the satisfaction I need depends on my going away, so that when I've gone and come back, I'll find it at home. " -Rumi

Hill Country View

"If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced." -Vincent Van Gogh
Well, sometimes that voice is silenced! Sometimes, one just has to keep pushing through and keep painting. Usually that voice is eventually silenced. It sometimes helps to visit an inspiring place. There was so much inspiration in the Hill Country! This is a little spot off of Hwy 39 where the river crosses the road. We stopped for a little break to take in the beauty and a few photos. I knew I wanted to put this scene on paper as soon as I got back to my studio.
pastel on paper approx  7x7 inches
$110.00 unframed + tax and shipping