Stephanie's Studio

Remember  those summer times, when you'd find a special friend and swear you'd be friends forever? For me, they most often occurred at the beach. Not just on vacation; sometimes we'd find each other on an extended weekend by the sea or lake. You'd meet and connect. It could be over the silliest things. You both wore your hair the same way. You loved sun bathing or going out into deep waters, no matter the consequences. Quickly you became BFF's. This could happen at the shore, at summer camp or even at a family gathering. You were inseparable. Inevitably the dreaded time would come. In your hearts, you knew it would, yet you allowed yourselves to live in the moment. Ultimately, whatever your age, you knew you had to return to your separate lives. Most likely, you'd never see each other again. It would hurt. Children are resilient. They bounce back. Their summers and weekends are typically just that. With adults it's more complicated. Hours grow in...

It has been a long, exceedingly cold, long winter. If I never hear the words polar vortex it will be too soon. The spring in this area was nothing to write home about either. I haven't completely packed away my winter sweaters because they still come in handy from time to time. But alas, Litha has ushered in summer with the longest day of the year, our wonderful solstice yesterday. Today, I celebrated Litha inspired by these: Thinking I was an awesome athlete: I set out in the morning, doing what I've done to celebrate the arrival of summer since my earliest memories...I returned to the water, and it was awesome! Meditative and quiet, I was left feeling connected to nature around me and to my innermost self. My soul felt contented and complete. Summer comes on swiftly with heat and testy storms in the Midwest. With its warmth there also comes the opportunity to delight and to retreat in pure unadulterated joy and the sweet memories this season invokes. Though i...

Typically summer, since I was a little girl, had to include sun and swimming.  This was my plan for this summer.  I was to join the pool and do lap swimming at sunrise or sunset.  But there was a different plan for me held by the universe.  On June 17th I woke up really early and full of energy just a bit after sunrise.  I washed the dishes and then headed to the basement to wash some clothes so my son was ready for camp.  Well, I missed a step and boy did that cost me.  I ended up dislocating my ankle, breaking it in two places and tearing a major ligament.  I had to have surgery a week and a half later.  This summer has been a mind game.  Trying to stay whole and sound while healing.  I say a mind game because I have never had to be so still and within myself until this summer, as I had to keep weight off my right foot for weeks and into months. . .sitting down, reading, painting and writing.  I can't believe its already Au...