Beachin It!

Happy Friday! I was up late painting this... a lot of details!
I'm so happy with the way it turned out!

Happy Paint Party Friday Friends!

Wishing I was at the lake today... but nope... just on my lunch break at work! 

Here's my latest!

Hope you are enjoying summer outdoors!

 

 

Soon enough =) 

XOXOX
Nat

One Year!

One year ago, I married the man of my dreams under the towering pines of the Preachers

Grove in Itasca State Park. Last night we had the most amazing romantic dinner together to celebrate. Today I am remembering how far we come in this life together. Today life seems so big and special, and not long enough. I feel so blessed!

Love really does conquer all.

I had most amazing photographer in the WORLD! Spencer Combs 
He travels anywhere, and is truly passionate about what he does!
(Oh, and also got voted best photographer by MN Bride magazine!)

PPF: Heat Wave

A heat wave is happening over in Minnesota! It is a scorcher and I hate it. Yes, I said hate. It's the humidity that's so tough! When it's this hot I can't bring the lion for walks and he gives me the "I'm bored" look as he rolls his eyes and takes deep sighhhhs.

I think the heat subconsciously has inspired this though...

Happy Paint Party Friday! Thanks for stopping by!
Hope you are all staying cool!
<3
Nat

Big Dreams

I  d r e a m  of  living  in  Duluth.... never been? Say it isn't so! 

(Look it up! DULUTH, MINNESNOWTA!)

Big dreams people... big dreams!

 It moves my heart, it feels like home to me. I am captivated and at ease. I feel alive. This is where I was born to be.... with the water, and the trees. I am in love with the beautiful views, the air, the blue, the waves, the rocks. I take it all in savoring each and every second. I want it to be cherished forever, to be with me always. I want to hold on to it and never let it go. Capture it mind and in my soul. 

 It moves me to tears. It feels like home to me.

I dream of breaking the mold I was so sculpted to fit into... To live the artist’s dream. 

To be BRAVE. To take a RISK and fly.

F L Y

And

S O A R

Take a leap of faith...

Make art, take photos, open my own business....

I feel so much joy and happiness in Duluth. I have to say it, it would be a dream come true to live or have a lake home there. There is such a community of artists there... it is just so inspiring! It's so hard to come home. Because it feels like home there. Yes, winter would be tough, really tough! Since summer is really only probably 2 months (July and August) for them. Could I make the most of it? Really into winter sports? Photograph the blizzards? Buddy, he would pretty much be the happiest dog on the planet, because we would have such access to the parks and beauty and water. And he's a lion people, he hates the heat. But wait, I would miss my mom and dad, and my friends. My best friends! 

It would hard at times. Yes.

But... 

I would paint the sunsets, the stars, the water, the boats, the birds, trees and rocks. I would never grow tired of the beauty, I would never take it for granted... I swear! I see the artists' up there that just live for the beauty that the north brings them, the beauty that lake superior is, and I feel that same thing. It's our ocean here in Minnesnowta. It's a dream... I'll keep dreaming.

*Deep Sigh*

What's your biggest dream?

I won't tell anyone if you want me to keep it a secret! =) I'd love to hear...

<3 Nat

Maple Grove Days Art Fair & PPF!

Hi friends! Happy Paint Party Friday! This painting is an oldie but I am featuring it because I'm dreaming of and relaxing and escaping life... (reminds me of the beautiful Tetons Mountains) I thought I show you guys this one because it just kind of reflects how I feel today... the colors... and the mountains kind of look like they are glowing! And I feel like I'm glowing because I'm so freaking excited to be leaving soon for a girls weekend! 

This one along with a handful of others will be for sale at the Maple Grove Days Art Fair this weekend in the Maple Grove Art Center. The opening reception is tonight from 7pm-9pm! 

Stop buy and shop some local art!

Be sure to check out the other talent! I'll get to commenting after the weekend! Thanks for all the great feedback! Your words bring me so much joy!

Lots of Love,

Natalie

S'more Love

One of my FAVORITE things about summer is a campfire up north... under that big blue blanket of navy blue glittered with sparkling white stars. The ones in the city are okay but the ones 'up north' as we call it here in Minnesota are just so much better! They feel so big and beautiful and sacred and special. And what would a crackling fire be without s'mores? 

It wouldn't be the perfect campfire!

What is it about the hot toasted marshmallow squished between chocolate and grams that's so good? Maybe it's comforting to me because I've eaten them my entire life? 

Who ever thought of the s'more combination anyway? Let's ask mother google!

This was what I found...

No one knows for sure, but the first recorded recipe for 

"Some mores" appears in a 1927 Girl Scout guide. 

 

Ooh there's even a National S'more Day - August 10th!

Thought I would share this drawing I did the other night - I'm calling it S'more Love.

What's one of your favorite things about summer? I'd love to hear about it!

Hope your having a great week!

Nat