Just some accidental pictures taken along the way (how I do it... who knows, but sometimes they turn out & who am I to complain?)

listening to this with her not too long ago.

In the end, there is no ideal condition for creativity. What works for one person is useless for another. The only criterion is this: Make it easy on yourself. Find a working environment where the prospect of wrestling with your muse doesn't scare you, doesn't shut you down. It should make you want to be there, and once you find it, stick with it. To get the creative habit, you need a working environment that's habit-forming. All preferred working states, no matter how eccentric, have one thing in common: When you enter into them, they compel you to get started.”  

&

“Reading, conversation, environment, culture, heroes, mentors, nature – all are lottery tickets for creativity. Scratch away at them and you’ll find out how big a prize you’ve won.”

Both are from Twyla Tharp in The Creative Habit. I suggest you pick it up soon. 

(Backstory: We got to walk on our creek that runs through our land. I was more than excited about it, which then led me to another even more exciting idea.)

One winter when frozen solid, we will place tiki torches and candles the length of the creek. The family (and friends, if you're lucky) will then get to ice skate through our woods in the middle of the night (preferably on a full moon). Maybe we'll get to see deer and coyotes and foxes. Maybe we'll get to hear owls. But without a doubt it will be a magical experience.

I grew up in the country. And during these growing years, I had very little appreciation for what was surrounding me. I didn't see the small things that ultimately made the big things and how that was all so beautiful. Now, when I go home, I ask to go for walks on our land with my dad. I learn from him about the trees and how they grow differently, what grasses the deer prefer, what bird is flying in horizon. We get to walk the paths the animals walk. And sometimes I imagine that one day I will love the land as much as he does.

I love when I feel inspired, which something that is bound to happen when I'm around my dear friend, Jess. 

(and all of her plants)

I went on a wonderful visit to the Midwest (I got to see snow, my one great wish for the trip). Now, I'm back in Portland making lists, plans, goals. It's so rewarding to look at what I've done in the past, and dream about what I'm going to do. Welcome (belatedly) the soon-to-be grand 2013!