A few things

I never appreciate the sky like I do when I live in Utah. Something about the way it's always framed perfectly—not cropped in too tight, but not left too open to overwhelm—by the mountains and trees. Something about the West and the feeling of space. Something about fewer big cities and more openness. Something about vantage points and the ability to climb a mountain and feel like you're a little bit part of it all.

I finished the Book of Mormon this morning. I think Mikey has lapped me several times over, but I'm learning that as in all things, reading the Book of Mormon is not a race. And competing with your husband is only fun when it's friendly. Seconds after I read the last word I heard Ada wake up in her room across the hall. I was flooded with love for my family and especially my girl and I felt grateful to have a little person who depends on me. Her dependence (though if you ask her—and if she could answer in comprehensible words as opposed to constant jibber-jabber—she would tell you she's completely independent) ignites me desire to learn and and grow and fortify my resolve to be good and charitable and selfless. Her very existence reminds me each day that God exists and that He loves me greatly.

I'm venturing into a new place in art. I okayed the proof yesterday to reproduce one of my paintings. I had all sorts of moral battles over whether or not I should go here, reproductions often struck me as something that cheapen work. But I've come to terms with it, and have a better understanding of what reproducing a work of art allows you to do: share your art with more people. Which is never a bad thing, right? I feel good about this new journey.

Scattered at the Time, 30" x 40"

The painting above is available full-size as a giclée pigment print on William Turner fine art paper. The edition is limited to 50 and each print will be signed and numbered.

Email me if you are interested.

All the little pieces

Ada and Zo-Ho! (as well call her)

Pools, puppies, puddles, prickly grass and popsicles. So far Utah is living up to everything I've promised Ada it would be. She instantly loved the water. I think she splashed in the pool for a solid 20 minutes, laughing all the while before venturing out with Mama, floating on her tummy, kicking her legs, and "jumping" in the pool. I'm already looking forward to Friday for another pool day. She's a water baby.

It took only two days of seeing the puppy and she's got petting softly down pat. It's so sweet to see her interact tenderly with anything. While Ada is a lot of things, tender may not have been an adjective I assigned as readily.

All of our suitcases have finally arrived (darn that plane trouble and missing our flight business) and I only have one more to finish unpacking. It's amazing to me that I have to fill them back up again in just 12 weeks. I'm sure our time here will fly, like most summers seem to.

Meanwhile, I've got a rocking bucket list, Mike started work today, and I'm beginning to tackle a pile of mail and to-dos that stacked up while we were away. I've been surprised at how impossible it is to truly move from any place. Our lives go on in places of our past even when we're half a world away. And then they're here waiting for us to slip back in like a break was never taken. It's at once comforting and overwhelming. I am beginning to feel like soon there will be pieces of me strewn in more places I can keep track of.