Tag Archives: stephanie schlatter

Mar10

Where the Road May Go Really is Up to You!

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Bump, bump, bump goes the truck along the dusty road, as the vast and beautiful Ethiopian countryside sweeps by. It’s stunning, and I’m enchanted. The road is a reoccurring theme in my work. I’m simply taken by the open road.

My latest series on Ethiopia is all about the road, as I look back on the more than 60 sketches I did while in Ethiopia — almost half from the truck. The road is a central theme. It’s about a journey, not the destination. On the road, you are already there, you’re right where you’re supposed to be, and the road reminds me of this.

I may be on a journey, but no single part of that journey is more important than the next. You may be filled with anticipation for where you’re going, but don’t forget to look out the window and be where you are.

Don’t miss the joy and fulfillment of putting the pen to paper, so to speak, and authoring your own life. May the road and these paintings remind you to stop, take a deep breath and experience the joy of being where you are!

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Mar8

Inspiration in Just Being

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My beloved had to work this weekend, so we desired to take the day together Thursday and, well, just enjoy life.

It was so sunny and beautiful that we ended up outside for several hours, sledding, walking the dog, and then just sitting on our hill and taking in the beauty and the sounds of the birds.

The sun is warmer, brighter; the birds are making more noise. It’s the subtle shift I so enjoy, as the world beneath the snow and frost has its first thoughts of stirring, waking from its long slumber, winter submitting to spring. I found myself wanting to sketch the sweet birds. Remembering a book my Papa gave me when I moved out into the woods on birds of North America, I was able to stretch my glorious day in nature by pulling out my pastels and sketchbook and playing. Sometimes you just have to be exactly where you are!

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