International Travel Through France

By laura / February 15, 2022 / Comments Off on International Travel Through France

International travel looks different than it used to. Luckily, it’s not that different.  International travel requirements seem to change on a daily basis so it’s important for me to focus elsewhere.  My travel journal is a documentation of my personal experiences through the French countryside and beyond. My parents hug me good-bye after we pull…

Read More

Sturgeon Spearing On Lake Winnebago

By laura / February 11, 2022 /

This is Red. Red has been sturgeon spearing since he was a boy in the 1950s.  He hasn’t missed a single year on the ice of Lake Winnebago since then.  The odds of spearing this prehistoric fish are slim, but that doesn’t deter him. The truth is, Red isn’t too concerned about spearing a sturgeon.…

Read More

Solo Travel Through France

By laura / February 8, 2022 / Comments Off on Solo Travel Through France

My solo travel adventures through France begin today. Chateau Orquevaux is the final destination for today, but a lot will happen between then and now. It’s important for me to begin this travel journal with a grateful heart.  This solo travel experience wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the support of my incredible family,…

Read More

Mundane Days Inspire Photography Project

By laura / January 26, 2022 / Comments Off on Mundane Days Inspire Photography Project

Always carrying my camera results in capturing inspiration when it hits. Art can be created anytime and anywhere even on the most mundane days.  When I’m in the present moment, I notice subtleties overlooked by the casual observer. This is what I love most about creativity, it hits when you least expect it.  I thrive…

Read More

Lake Michigan Cottage Vacation

By laura / January 19, 2022 / Comments Off on Lake Michigan Cottage Vacation

Our Lake Michigan cottage vacation was truly amazing. Fog moves in quickly, consuming us.  It’s late spring, but the chill in the air makes it feel otherwise.  We’re wrapped in blankets, head to toe.  Able to move just enough to sip our wine and tend to the fire.  Two cousins, a sister and me. Between…

Read More

Vintage Photography Inspires Fine Art

By laura / January 5, 2022 / Comments Off on Vintage Photography Inspires Fine Art

Nothing beats the nostalgia of vintage photography albums. Especially when they’re created by loved ones.  While admiring my grandmother’s vintage photography, I can’t help but wonder if my passion for art and travel came from her. I’m drawn to photography because it captures a single moment in time. The photos that hang on a refrigerator…

Read More

Abstract Paintings By Midwest Artist

By laura / December 29, 2021 / Comments Off on Abstract Paintings By Midwest Artist

The process starts with abstract paintings. After fifteen years, I dust off my paints and brushes.  It feels natural to paint again.  With a minimal palette, I layer and blend oil paint into abstract paintings. Ironically, inspiration for my paintings comes from photography produced in the darkroom.  My creative process cycles through my favorite mediums,…

Read More

Dreaded Life Question

By laura / October 20, 2021 /

Three years ago I wrote about my dreaded life question. What do I want to be when I grow up? I realized the importance of that original blog post while attempting to edit it.  That post is part of my story and I can’t change it, so why try.  After reflecting on how far I’ve…

Read More

100 Day Project Begins Today

By laura / October 6, 2021 /

The 100 Day Project begins today! My palms are sweaty and my heart is racing.  I have no idea what I’m in for.  Sure, it’s exciting at first, but aren’t all new endeavors? 100 blog posts in 100 days.  It may not seem like much to you, but this is huge for me.  This is…

Read More

Van Gogh Exhibit in Milwaukee

By laura / September 15, 2021 / Comments Off on Van Gogh Exhibit in Milwaukee

We visited the Van Gogh exhibit in Milwaukee during our summer vacation. I hope to attend Beyond Van Gogh: An Immersive Experience again, but this time it will be alone.  And, let me tell you why… Family vacations aren’t really vacations at all when you have young children. They’re not relaxing as one might believe…

Read More