...absence presence...

It's hard to pinpoint the moment when routines and habits become lost in the ether. A year has gone by, a year of presence in places and spaces, brimming with movement and activity which I have documented here and here. So I've managed to be present and absent simultaneously, guided by creative urges, my constant wander/wonder lust and varying degrees of desire with connectivity...well, at least the online kind. 
Roaming these amazing landscapes, being physically and mindfully present in the moment is always inspiring, despite any challenges along the way.
If I can use one word to sum up how I've been feeling recently, it is gratitude.
I am regularly flooded with the sensation of overwhelming gratefulness, an amazing sense of freedom and love of life. 
How incredible is that!
My road trip, camping and hiking adventures are filled with wide open skies, curious clouds and spectacular light shows, all of which feed my creative soul.  I always take a creative kit with me, sometimes minimal for ultra light ease, often overkill when car camping. I'm still learning that it's better to take certain things and perhaps not use them, than not take them and wish I had!
Plein air creating is a peaceful and pleasurable extension of the many photos taken and I've started using 365 days of creativity by Lorna Scobie, full of prompts and ideas that are helpful for experimenting with materials and techniques that I'm less familiar with.  Stitching and bookbinding are surprisingly portable forms of art that only require a few basic supplies to make simple projects.

Since January, I've made two interstate trips, explored around 10 national parks, walked many kilometres and did my first solo multi day hike, swam in picturesque rivers, waterholes and the sea, seen beautiful sunrises and sunsets, visited galleries and exhibitions, participated in fun workshops and met wonderful people, listening to audio books and playlists as the odometer approaches 600,000 kms!
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Like slow stitching, my pace is slow and steady.  I can move quickly when needed but I'd rather take my time, be safe and soak it all in...what a truly enriching and empowering experience and so much more to come!