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A Quiet Awakening
photo courtesy of Jeanne Long

One of my resolutions in the new year is to slow down and be aware. That applies to day to day activities, as well as the quiet moments: being aware of my surroundings. There’s so much to enjoy, but you have to notice it first. If you live in the Twin Cities, a good bit of inspiration can be found at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. The Long Zoom is an exhibit that celebrates the seasons from up close and from the long view: kind of macro/micro.

Jeanne Long (my aunt, and source of much of my artistic inspiration, by the way) is the “macro” artist and her watercolor landscapes are enchanting. I love how the light just glows from behind the trees in her painting “A Quiet Awakening” above. (Check out “Afternoon Shadows” on the exhibit’s web page. Love!) Sandra Muzzy is the “micro” artist and I so would like to see her feathers and nests in person so I can appreciate the details.

The exhibit opens today and runs through March 29, but on February 8 there’s a special event where you can meet the artists and learn their tips for keeping a nature journal. Hmmmm, how can I finagle a free weekend during indoor soccer season? Learn more here.

For more from Jeanne, click here. And for Sandra, click here. Lots and lots of lovely inspiration.

And if you’re now smitten with nature journals, have you seen this new blog? In Heywood’s Meadow has me thinking about the outdoors all of the time since it launched, which is quite a feat in early January. Be sure to see the latest entry, a peek inside one artist’s journal …..