Hello there!

Yes, that is a portrait of me. One that I actually didn't mind of all the selfies I have taken. I do wear glasses most of the time these days. I hope to be done with them completely  one day soon. 

I stumbled upon another awesome tutorial I followed this week. Adobe keeps updating their programs  to keep me on my toes. I used to consider myself an expert, especially in Adobe Photoshop, however, there is so much more to this program than editing and enhancing digital images like I used to do during my photography days. The possibilities are endless!

In my search for a specific graphic design related retro style of illustration, I stumbled on this tutorial from Texturelabs on Youtube for Creating Vector Style Images without the pen tool. Link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGdGqcAQdMU

It definitely saves from having to hand draw everything when on a time crunch. I am going to try this out with other images and textures to see where it takes me. There was a lot of steps involved in this tutorial. One frustrating point I have with following tutorials online, is that they become outdated quite quickly, and some of the steps don't work when following along. Don't get discouraged! There is always another way to do things. In this case, the method in which they framed the contents was not working out for me. I found a work around by increasing the canvas size and creating a solid white background. I might try again to see if they fixed that bug in this latest update today, lol. If not, find another way around it. 

Every year, it's the same for me.

Fall rolls around and I’m instantly inspired—invigorated by the crisp air, the vibrant colours of changing leaves, and the cozy comfort that comes with layering sweaters and planning hearty meals. I go into full nesting mode: baking, cooking, prepping nourishing dishes for my family, and creating a warm, inviting space at home to shelter us through the cooler months. It’s a time of creativity, comfort, and rhythm.

But then, like clockwork, something shifts.

Sometime between Halloween and Christmas, as the daylight starts to slip away and the trees grow bare, a heaviness creeps in. The short, grey days blur together. My energy dwindles. I find it harder and harder to stay motivated, and everything—from productivity to self-care—feels like wading through mud. By mid-January, I’m dragging. I double up on vitamin D and do my best to keep going, but it's survival mode. Creativity feels far away.

And then… it happens.

That first moment when I feel the warmth of the sun again. When light lingers just a little longer in the evening. When the air smells subtly different, and I hear birdsong that’s been missing for months. It’s like someone opened a window in my mind, letting the light rush in and clear away the cobwebs. My body feels lighter. My mood lifts. And with each day that grows longer and brighter, my energy—and creativity—begin to return.

Spring doesn’t just bring flowers and green buds on trees. It brings me back to life.

Nature’s Role in Reawakening Creativity

There’s something magical about the way nature mirrors our inner rhythms. As plants push through the soil and reach for the sun, I feel my own desire to grow, to stretch, to create. The world outside is no longer something to hide from—it's a playground for ideas. Nature becomes a muse again.

The vivid colours of spring blossoms inspire new palettes. The sound of birds or rain tapping on leaves gives rhythm to creative thought. Even the simple act of stepping outside for a walk feels like breathing creativity back into my system.

Simple Ways to “Spring Into Action” Creatively

• Take your sketchbook or camera outdoors. Notice the tiny shifts—buds opening, bugs buzzing, colour returning. Capture the details that mark this transformation.
• Refresh your creative workspace. Just like the world is waking up, your creative space might need a little spring cleaning too. Add plants, open windows, or rotate your art or mood boards for a burst of inspiration.
• Journal your seasonal shift. Reflect on how you feel different, how your thoughts evolve. Let your renewed energy guide your goals and intentions for creative projects.
• Make something just for joy. Whether it’s a nature-inspired collage, a walk-and-write session, or painting what you see out your window, give yourself permission to create with curiosity—not pressure.

Final Thoughts: Let the Light In

Spring is proof that even after the darkest season, light always returns. It’s not just the earth that’s being renewed—we are too. If you’re like me, and winter weighs heavy, take heart: this season offers not just a change in scenery, but a change in spirit. Let nature guide you. Let sunshine spark your thoughts. Let fresh air fill your lungs—and your creative soul.

Because creativity, like spring, always comes back.

With this new season, I am back on track with keeping up with my over 10,000 steps a day. I managed 22,000 steps one day last week! The more I am devoted to my physical health, the more inspired and energetic I feel. If I can inspire even 1 person to get out there and take it all in, I will be happy :).