My artist date

I had an amazing afternoon yesterday at the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk, Virginia. I took my little self to the museum wanting to renew my spirit and it did just that.  I have been wanting to get away on a mini Donna retreat for quite sometime and couldn't figure out where to go or what to do.

Then I had the idea that I had this beautiful museum right in my backyard

(well just twenty minutes away)

why wasn't I spending more time there?

I took my trusty camera, my sketchbook and watercolors

and off I went for the afternoon.

I started first with a free soy latte from Starbucks

when I got to the museum

the entrance fee was free yesterday

and I spent $1.00 for a ten pack

of postcards

all in all I would say that was an inexpensive outing

but what I received in return

could not be measured!

As I walked through the galleries 

I was filled with inspiration, 

just being in the presence of such artistic greatness 

made my heart stir!

I took so many photos, because I was needing them for my two blogs

I am always looking for wonderful images to use with my poetry!

I was alone with just me

taking the time to sketch some memories

capture some images in photo

and watercolor a few vignettes

I can't tell you how renewing and refreshing the experience was

There were artist drawing stations throughout the museum

and I took the time to capture some of the symbols

I found in rugs and paintings

you know how I love to doodle

They provided all the supplies needed 

black construction paper, clip boards to walk around the museum

and white Prismatic colored pencils 

that was something I had never tried and I loved it

I encourage you to find yourself a place

to take a day trip

or an outing

somewhere you can retreat to for just a short time

breathe in all that is around you

and recognize that this is one of those moments

being alone with yourself

your thoughts

your art supplies

is a gift

truly

Sometimes we can't always run off to weekend retreats

with amazing artists

but we can retreat right in our own

backyards

look for opportunities

to renew your spirit

you won't be disappointed

I am sure there is a poem brewing

in here somewhere!

Beauty is all around . . . just listen . . .  just see