Floral Muse

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I always love a Lisa Bardot tutorial. Her latest one, Inspired by the Masters- Brush Play with Monet is a new favorite. While I love learning via step by step tutorials, I like the encouragement to experiment and play around with an open ended outcome.

Thank you Lisa (not that she reads this blog lol) for another great class!

left: Monet, right: my experiment

Keeping with the floral, spring mood- this weeks flower bouquet was very purple-y

which inspired me to make this flower print inspired by Yifat Fishman Floral watercolor class

I’ve also been obsessed with my pocket flower press from Studio Wald for some time. Perfect for walks, trips. I pressed one of the tulips from a previous bouquet. Found some other petals from the past, (not quite sure what is going on with the pink one lol.)

Additionally turned my valentines day roses into potpourri (not the prettiest I know) but I love keeping them around the house.

One can really never get enough of flowers. I saw these cherry blossoms at the farmers market. So beautiful!

Happy Spring!

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Spring arrives quietly

sleepy tulips from the farmers market

Earlier this month, work sent me to SoCal for a conferences so I tried to make the most of being back in California

Hollywood!

Dipsea Steps in Mill Valley

XC at Lake Tahoe

Wishing you a lovely spring! 😊

Field Notes: Hollyhock House

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What a gem- this beautiful home in Los Angeles was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1921. Named after the hollyhock flower (which appears in motifs around the home- can you spot them?) it was a favorite flower of Aline Barnsdall, whom this home was built for.

Imagining daily life here, connected to the natural surroundings with a view of the Hollywood Hills is inspiring. It’s no surprise UNESCO recognized this as a World Heritage site in 2019. Considering my obsession with the Francis W. Little House at the Met, I realize I’m long overdue to visit more of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work. Wisconsin here I come? 😜

Visit the Hollyhock House

Home in NYC

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It’s been a cold NYC winter—embracing the snowy days while looking forward to spring. So grateful for the food and friends to make this season a little more bearable :)

(The last three photos are from Le Bernardin, a restaurant that has been on my bucket list (!!))

Doodles and drawing

Having fun with Japan doodles, and a quick little polaroid of Gromit for Making Art Every Day. Gromit was a quick jot, the lines are a bit wonky, but I just tried to capture his overall cuteness. We’ve been really into Wallace & Gromit in our household lately :)

February flew by, didn’t it? I wouldn’t say I started the year at full speed, but I don’t mind—things unfold in their own time, and there’s no need to rush the process.

Here’s to March—a fresh, new month ahead. Wishing you a beautiful bloom into spring!!

What I've Been Up To- Back Home in SF

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Every time we return, our little tradition is to walk up Bernal Hill and greet the bay. These pictures were taken at sunrise, right before the new year. I still say it—San Francisco is the most beautiful city.

In general, everything feels a little topsy-turvy, and it’s hard not to feel helpless at times.

I really appreciate the Americans of Conscious Checklist. Their vision: a kind and thriving nation.

They offer clear, well-researched actions—this week, it’s donating to Norcal Resist and emailing senators about various concerns. You don’t have to tackle everything, but the tasks are simple and straightforward. I’ve already checked off a few myself.

And at the bottom of their page, they always share some good news, which is a welcome break from doom scrolling.

Hard to believe we’re already more than halfway through February—spring is just around the corner. :)

Field Notes/Travel Log: Maui

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I had the chance to visit Maui for a friend’s wedding. It was a truly special time and was held at the Four Seasons, a stunning setting (where White Lotus was filmed!!) The wedding was beautiful, and I feel so grateful to have been part of such a special celebration.

Maui Jinsha Shinto Shrine

We also stopped by this Shinto shrine in Wailuku, Maui. The shrine was originally established by Japanese immigrants and has stood as a pillar of the local Japanese community for over a century.

I’ve learned that the shrine is at risk due to the aging caretakers and the structural damage to the building. I really hope that we can save it for future generations to come.

Like so many others, I have a deep love for Hawai‘i—its beauty, its culture, and the warmth of its people.

While Maui’s beauty remains undeniable, many Native Hawaiians and local families are still rebuilding post fire and fighting to protect their land and culture. (This John Oliver segment on Hawaii from August 2024 is a worthwhile watch.)

I looked around for ways to help and support. I’d love to know about any other organizations or businesses to support if you, dear reader, have suggestions.

Hawaiian organizations:

Local Hawaiian Businesses:

All in all, I love Hawaii. It’s truly the most special place, and I’m hopeful we can all work together to ensure this sacred land is protected for Hawaiians and future generations

This poster below was at the OGG airport and I thought it was worth saving :)