Rest Brings Magic

Sometimes all you need is a short getaway—a place where you can think, sleep, and dream. This week, I headed to the mountains. Much like my ancestors, I needed new terrain, fresh landscapes, and, most of all, space to step away from the piles of dust collecting in my life.
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Once I did, big magic happened. I set aside my books about the Dust Bowl and ink-making and picked up Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert—a book about inspiration and creativity. In it, Gilbert describes how ideas are out there, waiting for a willing collaborator to bring them to life. I love this concept—that inspiration isn’t something we own. My ideas are not mine alone; they are shaped by the people, experiences, and moments I’ve encountered along the way.

While reading, I also found the exact nudge I needed for my upcoming exhibition, Dust to Apples, which will be on view at the Adams County City and County Building and Taza Coffee from December through March. In my inbox was the work of artist Kelly Williams (https://www.kellywilliamsart.com), who incorporates elements from nature into her encaustic paintings—ashes, water, and sunlight. Inspired, I immediately began burning twigs and leaves from the farms and filled my spray bottle with rainwater.

Then the next day, I headed down to Lazy B Acres Alpaca Farm to visit Little Larry. He continues to delight and amuse me, bringing joy to my artist journey. His gentle curiosity and quirky charm were a reminder that magic often shows up in unexpected forms.
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I am catching the big magic that has been offered to me—just as Elizabeth Gilbert describes.