When driving to my beloved Leelanau Peninsula from Grand Rapids, the closer I get, the more my blood pressure drops. I can feel it. I relax, breathe deeper, and am more in the moment. It’s not conscious: I don’t think, “OK, now relax”; I just begin to notice peacefulness arising.

When I get to the peninsula, I have a sense of utter delight about me as I become enchanted anew by M22, the road that winds through the land I love. It’s lined with farms, hills, orchards and vineyards. It has a way of reminding me of somewhere else and yet being so very, very uniquely “Pure Michigan.”

That night, on an unseasonably cold night offering up icy rain mixed with snow, the fog rose up from the ground, the lime green of spring shining through in the background. Despite the chill, I bundled up and went adventuring.

I was rewarded greatly, as I always am when I take the time for nature. This is what inspires me, what makes me want to paint. And up here, there is the physical space for my very full brain to think, be creative and be inspired. I have been painting this area for more than three years now, and my well of inspiration just keeps growing fuller and fuller.

What are your magic places? I’d love to hear in the comments below, and if you enjoyed this adventure, please do sign up to receive my emails — I’d love for you to join me! Click here to sign up for my e-newsletter mailing list.