March Update:
From the Slopes to the Studio: Finding Creative Flow in Nature and Art
March kicked off with an unforgettable trip to Holden Village, a tucked-away mountain retreat where I spent the week with ten other families. It was the perfect mix of sunshine, berry crunch cereal, kid chaos, and—most importantly—a legendary lip-sync contest.
But the mountains had their own agenda. Avalanche conditions were sky-high (thanks to Mother Nature’s 40-degree hot flashes and zero refreeze at night), so instead of chasing fresh powder, we adjusted. Our days were spent on walkabouts through the valley floor, watching and listening as the mountains did their thing—releasing snow in thunderous cascades, reshaping the landscape in real time.
Standing there, feeling the sun on my face while avalanches rumbled in the distance, I had this moment of complete awe.
The mountains aren’t just beautiful—they’re alive. The deep, resonant sound of snow crashing down was something I’d never experienced before. It made me think about how we, as artists, also go through cycles of release and renewal. What do we need to let go of? How do we embrace the unpredictability of our creative process?
I don’t have all the answers, but I do know this—witnessing the raw power of nature made me want to create. Someday, I hope to capture that feeling in a painting. But for now, my focus is on a different kind of art—my coloring book project.
Creating in the Midst of Chaos
Balancing this project with a full-time job has been...a lot. I’ve been squeezing in 20–30 minutes of drawing each morning, but let’s be real—my coffee is doing its best, but it’s barely keeping up.
I’m aiming to launch my coloring book in May, but I’m also giving myself grace. Life happens. Progress happens. I’ll keep you posted, but trust me—this book is coming.
The Power of Art in Uncertain Times
I’ve been thinking a lot about why I’m making this book in the first place.
There’s a lot happening in my small mountain town right now, and I see the stress, frustration, and fear in my friends' faces. I don’t have the skill set to make big policy changes—but I do have art.
I want my coloring book to be more than just a book of pretty illustrations. I want it to be a mental health tool—something that offers a moment of calm, a space to breathe, a way to process emotions.
Art has always been a form of escape and expression. If this project can give even one person a moment of peace in their day, then it will have been worth every early morning and every extra cup of coffee.
What’s Fueling My Creativity Right Now?
Current Favorite Medium:
Since my world right now is digital linework for the coloring book, my iPad and Apple Pencil are basically glued to my hands. But every time I pass by my paints and colored pencils, I feel a little nostalgic pull. One day soon, I’ll get back to them.
Favorite Read:
I’m slowly working my way through the final book in the Fourth Wing series, and...yeah. If I had to grade it, it’s a B- at best. Entertaining? Yes. But deep character development and world-building? Not so much. If you’re looking for a fantasy series with actual depth, I’d 100% recommend The Crescent City series instead.
Go-To Studio Playlist:
Thanks to the lip-sync contest at Holden, I’ve been in full Taylor Swift mode. Our team performed The Man (and WON!! Shoutout to Kristi, Annika, and Mary!). Something about pop music makes me feel like I’m back in my twenties, and honestly? I need that energy right now.
Upcoming Events & Projects
📅 Leavenworth Library Art Show
My art show is still up! If you’re in town, stop by and check out my latest work—pieces inspired by nature and winter’s quiet magic.
📅 Upcoming Art Show at Icicle Brewery
I’m planning a fall collection featuring wood panels and raw canvas. Since I’m currently buried in my coloring book project, I won’t start this until May, but I hope to have a full collection ready by October.
🎨 The 100 Day Project
I’ve been participating in the #100DayProject since February 23! I’m not posting daily (because, let’s be real, social media is exhausting), but I’ll be sharing recaps of my progress soon.
🖌️ Coloring Book Coming Soon!
Still no confirmed launch date, but I’m pushing for May. Stay tuned for updates here and on Instagram!
Final Thoughts: Action Creates Clarity
If you’ve made it this far—thank you.
I’m writing this in the early morning hours, before my family wakes up, before the beautiful chaos of the day begins. And to be honest? I sometimes wonder if spending this time writing is worth it.
But I’ve learned that action creates clarity. Even when I don’t know exactly where this path is leading, I trust that showing up, putting in the work, and continuing to create will lead me somewhere meaningful.
If you’re working on a big creative project too, let’s talk about it! Drop a comment or send me a message on Instagram—I’d love to hear what you’re creating.
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