Lovely Lichen

Lichen is Mother Nature's sculpture:  organic shapes in an array of colors yielding depth and interest to the forest floor. Spring green is captured in many ways, but it's always present in the varied hues of lichen. When you're looking at the view, don't forget to take in the sculpture forming near your feet - lichen is lovely.

Spring Green Lichen

Shaker Simplicity

Two hundred years later Shaker furniture looks contemporary.  The clean lines of the utilitarian pieces remain as relevant today as they did when the pieces were constructed two centuries ago. Maple and cherry woods were commonly used for Shaker furniture, and the patina of those pieces has warmed to a soft glow. Although many companies try to replicate Shaker pieces, it's the wood and the attention to scale, proportion, and line of the originals that makes them so special. For simplicity, seek Shaker.

Shaker cabinet in the Smithsonian Institution collection 

Ethereal

Land, sea, or sky? It's impossible to tell in this photo. Actually, it appears to be a slight mountain range looming over the ocean with blue sky above. However, the reality is that it's all sky: those are layers of clouds. Sometimes we revert to that which is hard and definite and sleek in design; however, there are places and spaces in which ethereal is better. It's when things float; when they're light; peaceful, restful.  For all of the hard days and hard edges in life, sometimes ethereal is refreshing.

Ethereal cloud layers 

Glorious Glacier Bay

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is one of America's greatest natural wonders. Staggering scenery is as abundant as the wildlife teeming in the ocean and along the shores. Humpback whales, sea otters, and seals sail by while massive glaciers carve the landscapes. Sadly, too many of those glaciers are calving due to global warming, so it's best to go now to see this amazing landscape. Tour Glacier Bay by boat for the best experience, and a stay in bucolic Gustavus for a peaceful retreat.

Glorious Glacier Bay taken by Suzanna Hamilton

An Extraordinary Imagination and Phenomenal Talent

It is one thing to create art; it is all together a different thing to tell a story visually through a sequence of pieces. To do that while engaging young, curious minds who's attention spans might not be so lengthy is an amazing feat. To engage both children and adults in both story and illustration is nothing short of remarkable. Therefore, it is not surprising that illustrator David Weisner has won the Caldecott Medal three times, and the Quill Award. Weisner was educated at the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design, but it is his innate talent and extraordinary imagination that combine for truly incredible images. If you did not see his exhibit at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, make sure to catch his upcoming exhibitions. You really will believe that pigs can fly after seeing his pieces. https://www.sbma.net/exhibitions/wiesner

By David Weisner

Color Me Healthy!

Summer is here, and with it are a plethora of beautiful fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The colors are as stunning as are the various types of produce. The bright fruits and vegetables are equally brilliant for your health, so in this warm summer, enjoy the abundance of colorful fresh foods!

Fresh Organic Summer Carrots in Brilliant Colors 

Travel Tuesday: St. Helena

Charming is the first word that comes to mind when stepping onto Main Street in St. Helena, California. Cafes, wineries, and shops are interspersed around the St. Helena schools, post office, and original bungalow  homes. However, upon closer inspection, St. Helena is a very sophisticated town. The clothing shops stock cutting edge European and Asian designers; the home shops feature an eclectic array of unusual and fabulously designed wares. Small, but beautiful architectural and garden details stand out. Of course, the food throughout the town is outstanding. There's much more than wine in St. Helena - just take the time to explore this Napa-area gem.