When I am out and about with the pooch, I occasionally pilfer interesting objects that serve as pleasant reminders of my adventures. Little keepsakes like rocks or sticks. Pinecones or needles from fir trees. Some of these elements I chose to keep au naturale (heart shaped rocks, thistle). Specific projects can take a bit of scouring...like the flat painted rocks in the above picture. You don't know how hard it is to find smooth, flat rocks until you actually begin to look for smooth, flat rocks. They have been all over Pinterest and Etsy lately. I thought I was a creative genius when I painted the drift wood. Nope, its everywhere. It may even be cultural appropriation...some lost image of Native decoration in the recesses of my mind.
So, on any given adventure I am usually hiking, taking photographs, gathering objects, drawing or painting, exploring and journaling...
So, on any given adventure I am usually hiking, taking photographs, gathering objects, drawing or painting, exploring and journaling...
I look back on these times when the weather is icky, and rely on my entries to get me through on-call weekends (work, blech) when I don't get the opportunity to get out of town. They will also be there when the Tupelo Honey isn't, so it is partly end of life work with my doggy to get me prepared for her loss.
When hunting and gathering loot, just be sure to check for the rules where you are visiting...tide pools are protected here in Oregon, and if you are gathering specific quantities of plant matter you sometimes have to have a permit or pay a fine. It's amazing though how just glancing at an object or holding one of these items, which is associated with adventure and a pleasurable experience, can really brighten a shitty day. I leave them in my car, keep them on my desk at work, and they can be found strewn all over my home. Go get gathering!