 Inspiration happens anytime we are awake to the present moment. Less than 72 hours in Montana proved to be plenty of time to feel rejuvenated and inspired. Here's my Top 10: 1. A walk down Main Street is filled with sunshine, tourists, souvenir shops and perfect small town charm.  2. My first taste of Italian ice cream and custard. How have I been alive all this time and only just now discovered this? I am a fan for life.  3. A short motorcycle ride did wonders for my pressure headache. For a moment, I forgot all about it. How could you not feel truly alive on the back of a speeding motorcycle?  4. A stop by one of my partners and distributors: Homeroom at Madison Crossing. I count myself a very lucky girl to be part of the artist roster at this cool shop.  5. Watching my little sister cook is always one of my favourite activities. I am mesmerized by her confidence and creativity. Why did she get all the talent? Maybe it’s because every time mom needed help with the cooking, my sister would volunteer to cook and I would volunteer to clean.  6. A visit to the mural mom and I painted in 2012 for the Brandin’ Iron Inn is always on my To Do List when I come for a visit. Read more about the mural here.  7. Morning drinks at The Book Peddler Coffee Shop. Good memories were made with my sister and the “hummingbird”.  8. A bike ride down the old ski trail. The colours and textures of nature are true wonders to me. As my eyes scan the scenery before me this is what goes through my mind: “Wow, look at how natures pairs that Yellow Ochre with Red Oxide and Burnt Sienna. Amazing!” I kid you not.  9. The opportunity to observe kids at play is an activity that never ceases to inspire me. I aspire to approach my work the same way kids approach a canvas or a blank sheet of paper: No preconceived ideas, they work only with their favourite colours, they don’t force themselves to do anything they don't want to do and they know exactly when they’ve had enough. Thank goodness for my eight nieces and nephews.  10. If you don't think nature is inspiring you've got to be crazy. Nature is the ultimate abstract painter.
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