How to Get Inspired

Wondering how to get inspired gentle reader? Read on and I will share. But first you may notice something a smidge different about today’s post. Yes, you’re right! There’s no painting here. Why? We have been on the road non-stop, just returned yesterday. And, while I have been painting, I decided to share photos this week instead. For those of you who are new to this blog, welcome! Here’s a link with a description of the purpose of this blog. Let’s get to the inspiration, shall we?

Road Trip

In last week’s post, I describe that we went on a road trip to join a crew of people, both family and friends, to celebrate my sister and her husband’s 40th wedding anniversary. We had a pretty long drive from NC to MA. So, we made a plan to enjoy the road by stopping at friend’s homes along the way.

Cue up one way to get inspired: change your view and hit the road. Whether you decide that you want to amble all the way up the East Coast or just make it a day trip, travel can shift your point of view. And, even if you can’t afford the time or the resources required to drive somewhere, consider a walk outdoors.

For me, a road trip as simple as a walk around the block can help me shift my point of view and brighten my day, too. In fact, this morning I took a photograph this beautiful bloom as I walked out my front door. The colors and the color combination of pink and green are one of my favorites!

Reconnect

As I planned this road trip, I reconnected with two friends. one of whom I have known for about eight years, the other I met less than a year ago. Each is named Kathy! And, each live incredibly creative and fascinating lives.

So, at the beginning of the trip north, we stayed at Kathy #1’s house in rural Virginia. Her house and studio are on a hill facing the gorgeous skies and mountains. And, the meals we had in her kitchen? Oooh la la, absolutely delicious. She, David and I talked about all things art, books, science, music, cooking, bird calls, gardens, road trips and more.

I can list 100 reasons why this visit inspired me. Here are two: this Kathy had a successful career in medicine but felt the call to paint. She attended Studio Incaminnati as I did from 2014 to 2018. She now volunteers as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) where she lives and paints.

She supports her road trip habit with long, solo road trips out west. As she travels and boondocks in different stops along the way, she paints. As she paints, people ask her if they can buy her paintings before she has even finished them!! How inspiring is that?

Last week, Kathy and I had fun painting in her studio. Here she is showing her studio supply closet and, of course, the requisite skeleton in the closet every artist should have. Ha!!!

Return Trip

After the fantastic family celebration, we made our way south. Our first stop? Connecticut! We stayed with Kathy #2 for two nights. She, too, is an inspiration. We met her last fall. She is a kayaker of some reknown in the northeast. And, she has done group kayaking expeditions all along the east coast. Kathy #2 has also kayaked solo along the coast of Maine.

Last fall, we saw her head out in her kayak at 7 a.m. at Acadia Seashore Campground. We introduced ourselves to her when we saw her returning from a day trip of kayaking in the Atlantic ocean by herself! Holy Smokes! I was inspired then and now, too.

Since David is dreaming of ocean kayaking expeditions, we have stayed in touch with Kathy #2, too. She and David talk about all things kayaking, the way Kathy #1 and I can talk forever about all things painting.

One of David’s trip highlights was kayaking with Kathy #2. Best Dog Ever and I found a sweet plein air painting spot while David and Kathy zipped across and around a 5 mile lake. Here’s a photo of Kathy #2 strapping her kayak to her car. An activity she easily does by herself!!!

Resourcefulness and Retirement

Kathy #2 also treated us to fantastic food. And, she plays an Irish drum called a bodhran, too. We felt quite sheepish as new guitar (David) and ukulele (Me) players as we listened to Kathy play this amazing instrument!

Kathy #2, like Kathy #1, is succinct and descriptive with her choice of words. And, each has a no nonsense attitude that can belie their warm and generous hearts. For instance, Kathy #2 said people often ask her what she does more than anything else in her retirement. She never boasts about her badass solo kayaking expeditions or her amazing garden or the repairs she has done herself to maintain her fantastic home. She just says, “I tell people the thing I do the most in my retirement is listen. People have a lot to say. So I listen.”

Isn’t that inspiring?

What Do You Do

What about you, gentle reader? How are you finding inspiration? I do hope you will share in the comments below. Thanks so much for reading here today!