Today’s was an Artist Date.  If you’re familiar with Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, you know the significance of such a day.  If you’re not, let me explain.  The Artist’s Date is a time spent alone doing something interesting.  Not necessarily interesting to others.  This is about you and your journey and your creative life.

It all began in one of those fits of spontaneity which seem to bubble up out of nowhere.  But it only seems like nowhere because we aren’t attuned.  On this gloriously sunny afternoon, I listened to the voice that said “Turn right”.  And instead of following my route home, I went into the Park.  I told myself that if a parking space was readily available, I would take it and see what happened.  Not quite the way the Artist Date is supposed to work, but these are baby steps.  And lo and behold…I had my choice of three spaces.  Then it was through the Alcazar Garden and on to the Botanical Garden.

 And here was my reward.  Golden slipper orchids nestled in the green tropical plants.

 Pitcher plants hung suspended over a bog of carnivorous plants, all of them waiting for their next meal.

 And more gorgeous orchids on the way out.

 At the reflection pool a turtle was out enjoying the sunny afternoon for himself. 

Before leaving I took some time at the Mingei Museum.  Many things of interest.  Many, many things of interest.  I think I’ll save that for another post. 

It was a great afternoon.  Exactly the kind of day I needed after all the days spent over the sewing machine while it spat rain and stayed gloomy outside.   A day to lift your spirits and remind you of all the tiny connections you have to this life and the living things around you.