Summer is really on its way NOW!

I've sort of been in denial about the end of the school year being on its way... so much is happening in our little corner of paradise that its been fairly easy.

We had a visit from the man with the red sneakers which ended up to be a cool (in fact down right chilly!)  fundraiser for our school!

Jon Troast rockin' the Moraga redwood grove!

We hit Disneyland for an early birthday for our very own princess

Alexia's impression of Tink is pretty good!!

Celebrations come in every shape and size around here these days!

We had a birthday party for Lexee's favorite pet, Sweetee Pie

I taught an art class or two 

Lovely mandala by a lovely student!

Kinder pinch pots at Sankofa Academy

Open House was awesome! We love seeing everything that Alexia and her classmates have been achieving!

Lex during her Spanish class presentation

Class field trips are my favorite way of staying in tune with the kids

The girl are discussing surrealism at Bedford Gallery

All sorts of Spring time characters have paid us visits

Silk Moth just out of its cocoon

Spotty and Dotty the deer twins

Our normally tame Spring has been quite different this year, this gorgeous sunset was captured at a rained out pool party

View to San Pablo Reservoir

But there is no denying it... school is out this Friday, my little girl is turning 8 this Sunday, Summertime is definitely on its way now!!!

Time to bust out the sunscreen and dust off the boogie boards and head for the beach!

Now go get your craft ON!!!

xoxo

jul

Walk on the Wildside Wednesday - We're in the PINK and GREEN and Black and White and stuff

Sometimes when you go to Napa for your buddy's birthday you may be the one who is surprised! 

I never ever imagined that we would end up at a monastery... or that it would be the COOLEST place I ever seen in Napa... talk about inspiring, check these out!

I also wouldn't have guessed that Ali and I would end up taking the SAME pictures!

JC by Jul

JC by Ali

Ok, so they're not eXaCtLy the same, but darn close!

Frogs that chirp! 

I also would not have anticipated hearing frogs that sound like a bird!

I have no idea what that was, but the frogs were leaping out of the water and I SWEAR they were chirping! 

Such a trip!

Monastery - Hillside view

The Lady is definitely in the Pink

Lovely light

 Back in our East Bay dream land The People and I enjoyed a gorgeous walk in the misty clouds

Delicate and Fragile omen of the future

My field fairy, Queen Protector 

Those Eyes mean business

 And off to another monastery... 

This time the Buddhist Temple and in the rain its just that much more of a gift

Quan Yin and all that's GREEN

Fu Dog a keeper of the gate

There is definitely something that stirs in the soul this time of year... rebirth, renewing, growth and the cycle of life its all happening and its all happening, now. With everything that's happening in the world right now, our Spirits are absolutely on notice. Its a challenge to keep focused, stay positive and be BRAVE, but we are prepared to do what it takes. As one of my girlfriends would say "Its ON" 

Happy Spring!

Now go CRAFT something!

xoxo

jul

walk on the wild side wednesday - Normandy or Berkeley?

How do you give yourself the gift of

Artistic breaks

Retreat

Adventure

Inspiration

There is a cool neighborhood near us in Berkeley right by the campus of UC Berkeley that is known as "Little  Normanday". It is tucked just up a little side street and if you didn't know of this hidden gem you would just never guess it was there. Look for Spruce Street in North Berkeley if you're inspired enough to get out.

Leave it to Clan Herrmann to not only find it on a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon, but to also find a charming local/historian to give us a private tour of the courtyard of his building.

We felt as though we had slipped back in time somewhere in Europe as we strolled through the neighboring buildings that had boast of both French Country and Brittany beauty.

We were ready to move in... 

So inspiring... its no wonder houses are showing up in my work!

Now, go GET your CraFt On!!!

xoxo

jul