A larger panoramic shot of our hike around an Alaskan lake right after our pottery workshop!

And now back to ALASKA… after three months of putting-it-off… I figured I should finally get around to sharing my Alaskan Adventure!!! So there’s going to be a LOT of photos coming your way… settle in & enjoy my travels through Alaska after the pottery workshop!

Starting right after the workshop…
We went hiking before dinner with Theresa, Tammy & Matt. The goal of course was to find me my first moose sighting! It was a gorgeous hike around the lake… but NO MOOSE!!! We did see plenty of sandhill cranes… and a “wild” swan family out in nature! As a land-locked Midwesterner, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a swan “out in the wild”? Who knew??? We only see them in parks & ponds owned & raised by the village or township!!! Like pets swimming in a pond & being over-wintered at some swan spa somewhere?!

Enjoying what could be the end of our Fall colors with a dicey weekend weather forecast… that might even include some snow?!!! But for today, this sumac bush is really showing off in all of its Autumn glory!!!

Last night in the middle of my Beginning Wheel class, we heard someone mention Northern Lights happening. I had heard nothing about it. But a bunch of us ran up to the roof of Lillstreet… and this was our colorful view! Not the strongest… but pretty cool nonetheless! Good call… rooftop for the win!

That one perfect tree… ablaze in all its glory!

A beautiful day for a hike,,, fresh-fallen leaves in all colors.
Traipsing around Rock Cut State Park enjoying the day… still in my favorite Chaco sandals!

So I told myself if I was productive in the studio in the morning, I could go outside to play in the afternoon. And I was… so did! And I had an AMAZING time out in the Autumn splendor with vibrant Fall colors, glistening reflections, blue skies & plenty of fresh air… and perhaps even a Great Blue Heron! Such a perfect day for hiking around Rock Cut State Park. Exploring the scenery… and reminiscing a bit as we used to family camp here a lot when I was a kid. Great memories… great scenery… GREAT DAY!!!

The sun is finally coming out… and the Fall colors are a-poppin’!!!

Fall fun with family & friends last weekend at Christ Orchard in Elmwood, Illinois. Spent the day playing in the field searching for the coolest pumpkins & gourds. Playing with my Cousin Kim… and my “very first art fair friends” Rosene & Gerry! It’s always fun to get out of the City to play out in the farmlands… I think it’s quickly becoming an annual adventure!!!

After a great trip to an orchard & pumpkin farm this past weekend, there’s lot to share…
seasonal Fall favorites for a colorful TEXTURE TUESDAY!!!