FROM EAST COAST TO WEST COAST

The last few weeks have been busy ones as we have been saying our goodbyes for the summer and packing up to drive across the country. We've enjoyed many parties and bonfires with friends as we are preparing to go separate ways for now.

Caleb has a summer internship in the San Francisco Bay Area, so we will be there for 10 weeks. Neither of us has ever been to California so it should be a good adventure. To make it more adventurous (and because we will need a car), we are driving there. From New York to California. Over 3,000 miles. Over 40 hours across the United States of America.
We've already started the journey even though we don't have to be there until June 1st. A long trip like this is probably better done in segments. We're planning to see many friends and family along the way.



Our first stop was Nashville, TN. Since I used to work in Nashville, I have former coworkers and church friends that we stayed with and met up with to say hello. I can't believe it has been 1.5 years since leaving...it's a great city.

Of course we couldn't stop in Nashville without venturing back to the very spot where we got engaged: the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge. {Side note: why don't they shoot a Batman movie in this city? It would be perfect with the AT&T Building! You can see it in this picture, but not from a good angle...just Google it.}

Also, I had to see Hatch Show Print again because I'm a print nerd.

EXPLORING THE FARMERS MARKET

This weekend Caleb and I finally ventured out to the Farmers Market. I think it's a very pretty place to go with all of the fresh produce and products from all types of vendors. And this market is also right on the lake, so that's a major plus for aesthetics. It makes for a nice and relaxing stroll, especially when the weather is pleasant like it was this weekend.

When it comes to Farmers Markets (or really any type of shopping outside of grocery), I'm strictly a browser. It's just that I don't need a whole lot...especially if I'm in a store for the first time. I like to see what's available and make a mental note so I can come back if I ever need/want what's being offered. I prefer to make informed purchases, and I should probably mention that I'm pretty frugal. My hard-earned money more often is saved than spent. But I don't regret any of that one bit.

One thing that I enjoy about exploring, whether it's the Farmers Market or anywhere, is the new perspective I get. Exploration = Inspiration. Seeing new things or doing new things helps to bump my creativity up a notch. I think that's one reason why I have decided to keep a blog. I hope it encourages me to keep looking for the new in life, even everyday life. And I hope to translate that inspiration into more artwork, since that really is my trade.

I miss doing art. I'm a creator at heart. I like to say, "Hey, I made that!" I've known that about myself since I was very young, so I don't think it's ever going away. Hopefully I can share new projects I'm working on very soon...but there may also be a lot of exploring before that happens :)