Summer of Connection: What Family and Nature Taught Me About Creativity

Hello friends,

This summer has been a season of growth, reflection, and inspiration - not just for my art, but for my soul. After taking some time away from Shine Forward, I realized how essential it is to step back, nurture relationships, and let life’s quiet moments inspire our creativity.

I spent several weeks with my family in the Upper Peninsula, sharing laughter, long walks, and simple joys. There’s something magical about being fully present with loved ones-the conversations, the stories, the shared meals-all of it feeds the imagination in ways a quiet studio can’t. Watching our newest family member, my great nephew, just 6 months old, explore, laugh, and grow reminded me that creativity thrives in connection and curiosity.

Alongside family time, I spent countless hours in my garden and backyard sanctuary—building a pond, planting a butterfly garden, and creating winding pathways. Each flower, each pathway, each fluttering butterfly became a teacher. Nature has a rhythm, a patience, and a quiet magic that reminds me that art doesn’t have to be rushed. Inspiration comes in seasons. Sometimes it blooms slowly, sometimes it bursts suddenly, and sometimes it rests beneath the surface, quietly preparing for the right moment.

From these experiences, new artwork began to emerge: oil pastels of blueberries and cherries, plein air flower paintings, and pieces inspired by both the garden and the people who fill it with life. I call this collection The Garden Awakening, because it’s about rediscovering joy, presence, and creative flow in everyday moments.

Taking this pause taught me an important lesson: creativity is not separate from life—it is life. The laughter of family, the serenity of nature, and even the small acts of care we pour into our surroundings all feed the soul and, in turn, our creative expression.

As Shine Forward comes back to life, I want this space to be more than just a gallery of artwork. I want it to be a reminder that your creativity is alive, even in quiet seasons, and that inspiration can come from the people and places you love most. Whether you’re painting, writing, gardening, or simply observing the world around you, your creative spark is always present, waiting to be nurtured.

I’d love to hear from you: what has inspired your creativity this summer? How do your relationships and surroundings feed your imagination?

Here’s to a season of connection, growth, and inspiration. Welcome back to Shine Forward. 🌸

With love and light,
Christy
Shine Forward