Fancy Schmancy

This fancy little jar with a lid is one of my favorite ceramic pieces that I've created. I mixed my own crackle glaze and highlighted certain portions with it.

The most time-consuming part was attaching all of the mini handles along the top of the jar, but I think it was totally worth it. Is there anything that you've spent painstaking hours on but was worth the extra time in the end?

Cascade Springs

Cascade is a beautiful word, don't you think? There are a few natural places in this world that condone reflection and quiet meditation, and Cascade Springs is one of those places. It's a place of tranquility and a reminder of rejuvenation and resilience.

If you go, though, consider taking bug spray and watch out for stinging nettle, because even nature's tabernacles have their unpleasantries.

Letting the Jungle In

One item on my Favorite Things in the World list is old remnants of human domination that have been overtaken by nature. It's always a good reminder to me about my position in this world in relation to other organisms. An excellent place to find such ruins, albeit young ones, is at Bridal Veil Falls.

My dad and I took a traipse around the place and nosed around the old buildings and bridges that are now just bad memories for the trees that are taking back their ground.

Built for a Kilt

Once again, our family enjoyed a day filled with Scottish festivities...and a bad mom moment: I forgot to put sunscreen on the baby. I know, I should receive 30 sound lashings. We'll just have to add that to the baby's list of firsts: Baby's First Skin Cancer.

Kirk just might need to pull this baby out for some formal events throughout the year. I hope he'll wear it to church one day! I can't imagine having to wait for next year's festivals before seeing him wear it again.

Tuesday's Hike: Rock Canyon

During an incredible summer thunderstorm, a few of us adventured into Rock Canyon because it was Tuesday, and Tuesdays are hiking days no matter what. The rain kept us cool, and the nugget and I both fit snugly into my giant hoodie. It was awesome to have the trail lit for us by lightning: who needs a flashlight when God's sharing his with you?

Things to know about this hike:

• Time: We hiked for an hour before it got too dark and we had to turn around
• Location: Provo
• Difficulty: moderate
• Hazards: rock slides, wild rose bushes, and dog poop (and lightning, if you choose to hike in a storm)

Rapture

A painting that strikes me to the center of my soul is entitled "The Rapture of Psyche," by William Bouguereau. I think rapture is the perfect word to describe the emotion in this work of art. Here are some studies of it that I did in my sketchbook:

(Colored pencil on paper)

Is there a certain work of art that strikes you to your core?

Tuesday's Hike: Bonneville Shoreline

The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is immensely long, so we only hiked a portion of it starting near Orem Cemetery. It's a wonderful place to look at the valley from a new perspective. New perspectives are always rejuvenating, don't you think?

Things to know about this hike:

• The section of the trail that we hiked on is an old access road and is also used by mountain bikers and equestrians
• Time: we hiked for an hour or so before turning back around, so time is totally up to you
• Location: Orem
• Difficulty: easy
• Hazards: you pass by some utility facilities, but not close enough to be in danger