Sketches from vacation

a peek into the sketchbook I brought with me to Colorado

My husband, son, and I went to Colorado last week. The change of scenery was nice, especially when we hiked up into the mountains for the breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains!

I brought my sketchbook with me, with every intention of continuing my practice of sketching trees. And I did sketch, but not as much as I had planned. What I would have liked to do is hike up to a good spot, sit down on a rock, and sketch for hours. But, since I was traveling with my hubby and son, neither of whom have any interest in sketching for hours in the wilderness, my sketching time was limited. Plus, there were other things to do, like splash in a mountain stream, race the weather for a chance to kayak in the afternoon, and search for places to eat in Boulder that wouldn’t cost half our vacation budget for one dinner (I’m exaggerating, but sheesh).

Most of my sketching time actually happened on the drive home, using photos from our trip as references. I have many more pictures to use as references for later sketches. I took lots and lots of pictures of trees.

Here are some sketches from vacation. Some trees and a magpie. I used a mechanical pencil because that was most handy. But I made myself sketch as if I were using a pen, though I did use an eraser once while sketching the magpie. I was sketching in the car, so can you blame me?

Trees a Rainbow Lakes

Magpie at the Flatirons

Pine tree at Rainbow Lakes

Have you traveled anywhere recently? Did you bring a sketchbook or journal with you?

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Poem: On My Way

I wish I could say I wrote some poetry while on vacation too, but my mind never got quite into writing mode, even though I did bring my journal with me on the trip. For now, enjoy this oldie that was inspired by the most adorable waterfall at one of my favorite local hiking spots.

On My Way

I am on my way, 
trickling beside a winding wooded path.
Like a clumsy child I trip and slip
over stones and fallen branches.
I widen, trying be a river,
mighty and strong 
but stumble and tumble over a rocky shelf.
Then, mustering courage,
I continue on my way,
dreaming of the day I may join the ocean.

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Children’s books about natural places

• Most of the Better Natural Things in the World by Dave Eggers and Angel Chang

• The Hike by Alison Farrell

• Over and Under the Canyon by Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal

• Caves by Nell Cross Beckerman, illustrated by Kalen Chock

• Water Sings Blue by Kate Coombs, illustrated by Meilo So

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