Spring break is over, and life shifts back to it’s normal rhythm.
I spent last week in the warm sunny embrace of Cancun wondering why, despite the bright blue sea and the pretty flowers, I felt restless. I’m not sure if resort life is quite right for me – I’d rather be wandering around an old crumbling town or climbing a hill that I’m not supposed to be climbing. I’m a real pain to be around on vacation, I just don’t know how to idle.
Having said that, I do feel incredibly healthy and relaxed now, and my Spanish has improved considerably – I have been trying it out on as many people as possible, and have not been slapped once so far. After a week of swimming a lot, reading a lot, and being waited on a lot, I can honestly say that I am ready to get stuck into my work again. Before I start rambling on about work, here are some of the most important elements of my break.
The Water
My favorite element. I’m a water baby. I love to swim, and just being near water is therapeutic for me. I think I swam more in the last week than I ever have before. I just could not do justice to the beauty of the ocean with my sketchbook, but here are some water inspired drawings that I did do. As you can see, my obsession with patterns continues.
This Read
Yes I know it’s not typical beach fiction, but I am a history geek, and it is such an engrossing read that I could not go away without it. When not frolicking in the warm waters of the Caribbean, I spent a lot of time with my nose in this. Also, it’s a crime not to have a good read during National Library Week.
Powerful Memories
The last time I visited Mexico, I was twenty something. I took a buses to Chichen Itza, Valladolid and Merida, and spent days drawing, exploring, and soaking up the history and culture of the Yucatan peninsula. This would explain why I felt so fidgety this time around. It was lovely, but not a particularly ‘Mexican’ experience. This visit bought back strong memories of that first trip. The work it inspired is still hanging on my walls. One day, I’ll visit all those places again.
That Blue
The colors in the sky and sea were so vivid, and overwhelming. I understand why Frida Kahlo and Yves Saint Laurent were obsessed with blue. I’m a color junkie, constantly painting things in my house (see the new color on my dining room walls above). I need to find an outlet for my current blue obsession. Watch out for a new collection of blue-ish paintings coming your way.
I have a busy spring/summer ahead of me packed with fairs, and summer camps. I kick off the season next Sunday with the glorious Gala Artisans Craft Fair in Kensington MD. It happens in conjunction with the Kensington Book Festival, and is near a railway line – so that ticks a lot of boxes for my family. I’m off to label and pack all of my new products right now, and I’ll let you know how it goes!
