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Travel
a slice of life

back to IOP for a creative retreat

The last time I met up with Shaunna for a creative retreat was in February 2020.  We met up in Panama City Beach, Florida to spend a few days at her parent’s amazing condo that overlooked the ocean.  We ate charcuterie boards and ordered DoorDash.  We painted, played, talked, took notes, dreamed, asked questions, listened to music, and rested.  It was such a wonderful time and I couldn’t wait to do it again. (You can read more about my past creative retreats HERE.) Well, we all know what was around the corner in March of that year.  We have talked about doing a creative retreat for years but the timing was always off for one or both of us.  In addition, her parents were weary of repairing the property after the hurricanes (including a contractor who started squatting in the place) and sold their condo.  We would look at the

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April 24, 2024 9 Comments
a slice of life

circa 1886

When I was in my mid-20s, I became a Food Network junkie.  We had just moved into the first home we owned, a 1,100 sq ft townhouse, and I had my own kitchen after living in my in-law’s basement for a couple of years while Jeff finished his undergrad degree.  I had a lot of pent-up creative energy and I was very excited about painting, decorating, cooking, and baking.  I had also left my corporate job and committed my days to being a stay-at-home wife and supporting Jeff in his first full-time ministry job as a Youth Pastor.  It was a rare season of life when I didn’t have to work and wasn’t yet occupied with caring for babies.  So, I relished in all things domestic!  Of course, I painted the walls, refinished furniture, installed trim, and wood floors, and worked on our small house, but I watched the Food

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March 26, 2024 20 Comments
Travel

the VA lake house

Where in the world is the Parsons’ family this week?  It almost sounds like we’re off on some great adventure, but we’re really just bumming around staying with family and in homes that are open to us!  I suppose that is an adventure of sorts and we are trying to make it feel like that.  We had the opportunity to stay in my cousin’s lake house for about a week and it has been such a treat.  The house itself is cute and comfortable and I’ve enjoyed sitting on the dock watching the swans, people floating by on kayaks and the clouds.  It’s been peaceful, restful, and felt like a bit of a vacation from all of the car trips. We are now heading back to Raleigh, NC for a few days before we head back north to Pennsylvania, but before we leave, I thought I would show you our

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July 18, 2022 18 Comments
a slice of life

Isle of Palms 2022

I thought I would share a little bit more about our time at Isle of Palms this year.  If you’d like to read about our trip last year and the things we did, you can check that out HERE. Of course, the highlight of our time at the beach for me is always walking along the beach, collecting shells.  I will write a post sharing how to decorate with shells, showcase some of my favorite finds, and share what catches my eye.  You can read my tips on shelling at Isle of Palms HERE and see who won the shell collection competition of 2022 HERE. The contest was just a bit of fun, but I love the shells I brought home.  They are still sitting in bags because I’ve been preoccupied with packing, but I am looking forward to painting some of them as subjects and using them for various

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April 14, 2022 13 Comments
a slice of life

isle of palms | the shell collection contest

As I shared earlier this week and in my Instagram Stories every day, the main activity that my mom plan around is shelling.  We set out at low tide each day and spend an hour or two combing the beach to add to our shell collection. For me, it hits a lot of things.  Of course, it appeals to the collector in me.  I get to hunt and peck and celebrate great finds.  I also love being at the beach (when it’s not too hot!)  As with many, many other people, I find the sound of the waves, the sand beneath my feet, and the water lapping around my bare legs to be relaxing.  It’s what I look forward to anytime a beach trip is on the calendar.  When I’m by myself, I’ll put on a podcast or some music and just melt into my own world.  When I’m with

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March 31, 2022 25 Comments
Antiques

books, antiques, and yarn | stillwater outing

I was hoping to take a few day trips during my break to check out some new antique shops, used book stores, and local craft boutiques, but I just didn’t have the kid-free days to do it.  Jeff could tell that a day out would really be good for me, so he took on school/kid duties and I took a day trip to Stillwater, MN.  We went there in the fall (you can read about that trip HERE) and I loved that town!  There are several antique malls, an amazing used book store, and a yarn shop that I didn’t go to during our previous visit. It was 2º and windy, so it wasn’t exactly a delightful day to be walking around outside, but it was still refreshing to get out of the house and soak up some inspiration that comes from being in a different environment. I tried to

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February 1, 2022 26 Comments
a slice of life

a day in stillwater, mn

For a few weeks now, Jeff has been trying to get me to go on a day trip.  As someone who is a natural homebody, the pandemic, lockdowns, and busyness have all made it easier to become even more of a homebody.  And I recognize that isn’t necessarily a good thing.  So, when some of our friends shared about the oldest town in Minnesota, Stillwater, Jeff decided we needed to do a day trip there before winter set in.  He has Mondays off, so he picked yesterday to whisk me away.  I packed a small bag with some sketching supplies in case we just sat by the St. Croix river for a while, but our plan was to hit some of the local shops, grab lunch, and walk along the river. It was the perfect day weather-wise.  Clear and sunny, warm, but with a crisp fall chill in the air. 

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October 19, 2021 49 Comments
Artistic Endeavors

isle of palms | part three | painting & sketching

Our trip to Isle of Palms in May was primarily about visiting with family and celebrating my parent’s 50th anniversary (51st now since it had to be postponed for a year), but it was also our first vacation in a long time, so I wanted to take intentional time to do things that were restful and restorative.  Being at the beach and gathering shells were a part of that, but so was painting and sketching.  Not only are those endeavors relaxing, but they help me really pay attention, be observant, be present, and appreciate the beauty around me.  So, I made a commitment that I would paint or sketch every day, even if it was just a quick pencil sketch while sitting at the beach.  And I stuck to that, even doing some quick landscape sketches in the car ride. I also wanted to work on watercolor sketches and drawing

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June 7, 2021 36 Comments

I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

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