Know That In September....

Honestly, September was once one of my favorite months. 

I enjoy the feeling of change and the excitement of filling every last second with memories of summer. 

I created this design just before everything changed.

Now September is one of my most difficult months. 

It marks the start of the birthday and death anniversaries of my father, sister, nephew and mother. 

My father and sister had the same birthday of September the third. 

My dad loved german chocolate cake and my sister loved cheesecake. 

This date was always the last grand celebration of summer. 

Everything changed when my father died unexpectedly of Leukemia eight days after his 61st birthday. 

This event lead to an immediate domino effect of death and the loss of my biological family.

The quote above means more than ever before. As I now find my self actually wandering through the

 warm winds of summer wreckage, and learning to welcome the ghost like memories of a family lost.

Dinosaur National Park

With so many amazing National Parks in the United States it is hard to pick a favorite.

A recent visit to Dinosaur National Park, proved this park is a absolute slice of natural splendor.

This amazing desert landscape displays pieces of the past, that tell a story of time.

With so much diversity, one visit is just not enough time to explore all there is to offer.

Here are a few highlights! 

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Another trip is already in the works!

I hope these photos inspire you to go out and explore the wonder held in nature.

Visit a National Park near you and discover how amazing our natural treasures truly are. 

The Dog Days Of Summer

Here we are in the "Dog Days" of summer. 

Named for the sunrise viewing of Sirius, the dog star 
within the constellation Canis Major.  
These late summer days can be sweeter than heaven, and yet hotter than hell.

I have been invited by Parachute.com to compile my own list of summer sleeping essentials. 

 Here are my MUST HAVES for sweet dreams on hot summer nights.

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My favorite way to beat the heat is to have a soak in cool water.

  Take 2 cups epsom salt and 1 cup baking soda, add bergamot oil and chamomile flowers, 

or eucalyptus and rose petals for a refreshing way to end the day. 

Next, get the air moving! 

Open the windows and get an awesome fan. 

I prefer the look and power of a classic vintage fan. They just don't make them like this anymore! 

If you have kids or clumsy adults around, you can always paint a safer modern fan to look more "vintage". 

In my option, bronze and matte black are always a classic combination. 

We humans are about 75% water. 

Staying hydrated is key to staying cool and healthy during the summer months. 

Freezing fruit or herbs in ice trays is a great way to add flavor to water and stay refreshed. 

Top off you glass with H2O or coconut water, rather than soda or alcohol, in order to avoid dehydration.

 Still too warm to sleep? 

Try wetting a cotton top sheet and wring dry, so that it is damp but not dripping.

The moisture will help keep you cooler during long hot summer nights.

I hope these summer sleep essentials help you to find sweet dreams.

Summer Adventures

Summer is officially in full swing!

I have taken some time off from my over scheduled life, to hit the dusty road 
and explore a few new places. 
From live music to snow capped mountains, here are a few highlights 
from my adventures traveling around the USA.

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That is just a small sampling of the amazing road trip discoveries.

I hope these photos motivate you to head out and explore what your world has to offer.

 I can't wait to share more of my awesome summer adventures with you!

Home is a State of mind

Returning to Oregon is always a wonderful reminder 

of how lucky I am to call this amazing place home.

A walk through the forest, is more that just a walk in the woods.

Here, is a peek into one of my favorite places. 

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Natural Splendor at its best. 

You will find unspoiled beauty and adventure around every bend in the trail.

I hope these photos inspire you, to enjoy the natural world around you. 

Springtime in California

May? Already!? 

My...how times flies, when you're having fun!

Spring is in the air, making it especially easy to be distracted.

After my stay in Spain, 
I decided to ease back into the West Coast lifestyle.
Southern California, was the perfect place.

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Sun, Surf, Art and Frivolous Fun...This is the best way recharge my creative batteries.

With so much to discover, it is hard not to find a bit of inspiration.