Photo Friday: Work in progress (inspired by our trip to Arizona in the spring)

Spiritual retreat

I spent the past weekend in the Poconos with a wonderful, strong, loving group of women. We passed the time by listening to speakers, doing yoga, making crafts, sharing meals, singing around the campfire and just enjoying the beautiful surroundings and each other. I can't quite put into words the feeling the weekend gave me. It lifted me up and fed my hope.

"What good is energy if I can't lend mine when yours is spent?
This isn't weakness or charity, this isn't dependence,
but simply sharing an abundance of love.
Here, for the asking, is not just the pot of gold,
but the rainbow."
~ Danna Faulds

Adventure Aquarium

Malayna and I were invited to visit the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, NJ earlier in the summer for their Mom Blogger event, starting at 9 a.m. (an hour before the Aquarium opens). We haven't been to the Aquarium in a few years, and since she finished school the day before, we decided to take advantage of the free visit.

We were served a light breakfast, given a bag of goodies (including an alligator mug and some facts on their 14-ft-long alligator Mighty Mike) and then were free to explore the Aquarium on our own. It was great! We touched lots of sea creatures, like sharks and stingrays. We took our time viewing all the exhibits. We were amazed at all the different colors and patterns of the creatures.

It was an awesome visit. Be sure to visit this summer before Mighty Mike is gone! He is only there until the end of the summer. Check the website for hours, price, etc.

Photos & inspiration

I like to take walks in the morning in the parks in my neighborhood. But I find that I don't get the best exercise that I could because I stop often to take photos with my phone. Then I come home, inspired to create artwork. Sometimes I put words on the photos and that's my little creation for the day. (Not all the photos below are taken at the local park, obviously…)

What inspires you?