The 7 Virtues

The 7 Virtues

My girlfriends know me so well! I recently was given a box of 7 virtues – no not the ones listed below – although I feel like COVID has us all working on some or all these in one way or another!

  1. Faith is belief in the right things (including the virtues!).
  2. Hope is taking a positive future view, that good will prevail.
  3. Charity is concern for, and active helping of, others.
  4. Fortitude is never giving up.
  5. Justice is being fair and equitable with others. 
  6. Prudence is care of and moderation with money.
  7. Temperance is moderation of needed things and abstinence from things which are not needed.

No ….the 7 Virtues I have in my hand have a gorgeous smell. Each one with it’s own unique scent. Founded in 2010 by journalist Barb Stegemann, The 7 Virtues is a social enterprise that sources fair trade, natural and organic essential oils. These perfumes build peace. They provide dignity and meaningful employment in communities rebuilding after war or strife. I’m currently being transported by the Peace Collection to far away nations like Afghanistan, Haiti, Rwanda, The Middle East, India & Madagascar and I didn’t even have to pack a bag!

Looking for a mood boost? The Peace Box is on special right now: https://the7virtues.com/product/peace-blend-box/ A great buy for $38 as it comes with a copy of “The 7 Virtues of a Philosopher Queen” written by founder and CEO Barb Stegemann. Peace out!

My birthstone is a coffee bean. – Anonymous

My birthstone is a coffee bean. – Anonymous

I start my day slowly and with an espresso in hand. My brother has commented more than once that my day will only be as good as my first coffee. Before 10am, no matter what the question is, my answer is always coffee. And this is why I never head into the woods…. or to a remote country without a way to brew a good cup of java!

Enter the Nanopresso by Wacaco Co Ltd. This baby is small, light and superbly designed! It’s my second try at a portable hand press and I love how easy it is to pump! My first one was a full workout where I literally had to brace myself against a wall to pump in pressure. Not the Nanopresso! Built around a newly patented pumping system, this little gem is capable of reaching, with the help of your hands, a maximum of 18 bars (261 PSI) of stable pressure during extraction. According to their website, that is more than what most home espresso machines can deliver! With the crazy weather and power outages in 2020 – I’ve already used it twice this month at my cottage – it brews a perfect cup with a nice dense crema every time. For great espresso wherever you are click here: https://www.wacaco.com/pages/nanopresso …..because when the coffee kicks in its all about being an adorable badass as you start your day!

Look at that crema!
GEAR GIRL

GEAR GIRL

On an outdoor shoot a few weeks ago a fellow artist told me I had the coolest items and nicknamed me a “gear girl”. I’d never really thought of myself that way. I’m not a “gear freak” or a “tech head” so to speak. What excites me is the design of the gadgets, and how and where I can use them as I adventure around the world…..Fast forward to today and the first Gear Girl blog post! Follow me here to see what cool items I use in the field, at the cottage ….or to just be inspired!

Crushing this month as we move into winter over this amazing item designed and patented by Ayla Hutchinson. The Kindling Cracker™ firewood splitter started out as a school science project for her at the age of 13 and now is sold worldwide! It’s made of solid cast iron with a splitting wedge set inside a safety ring. To split a piece of wood you simply place it inside of the frame and strike it with a 3-4lb. Mallet (or another piece of wood). It’s such a simple, easy way to make kindling for your cottage log fire, pizza oven or to start a bonfire as the sun sets. Want to support this talented designer? Find yours here.

Go Go Gadget!

Inspector gadget
LOOOOOOOVE how easy chopping kindling is!
This is literally a Signature Session!

This is literally a Signature Session!

Book your SIGNATURE PHOTO SESSION!

I love doing artistic family photo shoots.
This fabulous client of mine and I have been collaborating on amazing ideas for years. We are both VERY happy with the results of this years sesh and Christmas card!
We also blow up the final image for her wall of art. As I walk through her home there is literally years of family artwork we have created. 😍❤️😍 hanging all over ….not to mention I’ve watched these children grow up! This version has their hand writing all over it which adds such a great connecting tissue to the portrait.
Looking for an LB signature 📷 Art session like this one? Lets book one in!

 

The Stain on Spain

The Stain on Spain

An interesting aerial of Spain can you can guess what this is a photo of?  If you find that interesting there is an article here to further paint the picture.  http://www.theglobalmail.org/feature/the-stain-on-spain/192/

Zoom in on the aerial here: http://maps.google.es/maps?f=q&hl=es&q=Las+Norias+de+Daza,+El+Ejido,+Almer%C3%ADa,+Andaluc%C3%ADa,+Espa%C3%B1a&sll=36.764192,-2.780228&sspn=0.248083,0.63858&ie=UTF8&cd=3&ll=36.782342,-2.743149&spn=0.248024,0.63858&t=k&z=11&om=1

Zoom in on this link to guess what this is. http://maps.google.es/maps?f=q&hl=es&q=Las+Norias+de+Daza,+El+Ejido,+Almer%C3%ADa,+Andaluc%C3%ADa,+Espa%C3%B1a&sll=36.764192,-2.780228&sspn=0.248083,0.63858&ie=UTF8&cd=3&ll=36.782342,-2.743149&spn=0.248024,0.63858&t=k&z=11&om=1