Inspired by the beautiful aroma of budding lilacs that just make you want to pause and stay awhile.

To me, this image speaks about the passage of time and constantly changing environment that we find ourselves in. Nothing is constant. There is a constant cycle of life and death, over and over again.

Inspired by a robust chestnut tree just being its glorious self and flourishing where it has been planted.

When nurtured and tended, hope grows and blossoms just like trees in springtime.

When nurtured and tended, hope grows and blossoms just like trees in springtime.

Just like the awakening of a tree, finding hope is a slow process, but trustworthy and inevitable. Even in darkness.

Inspired by the bees dancing through my Russian Sage bushes all summer long, just doing the most important work in the world.

There is so much to explore and connect with in this piece. The kids symbolize me and my brother swinging in our willow tree swing we had growing up. There was something so freeing and wonderful about soaring on that swing.

Winter leaves nature raw and vulnerable, which is something I was drawn to while also feeling raw and vulnerable as a mother.

Aspen groves in the fall are like walking through a tunnel of shimmering gold and flickering fire. A refining sanctuary.

The first time I can remember thinking about "beauty" was when I discovered lilacs. I was probably 5 or 6 and our neighbor had a lilac bush in her back yard that towered over me. I would stick my nose in the blossoms and take in the rich fragrance of the flowers. When I wanted to make our home smell, feel, and look beautiful, I would cut some of the blooms and bring them inside. I would put the blooms in my backyard forts and shanties to create a sense of beauty.

This maple tree was represents another part of my childhood. Learning to wait.

24 x 24, Paper collage and oil on panel. From the Quest for Power Collection

24 x 24, paper collage and oil on panel. From the Quest for Power Collection

18 x 18, paper collage and oil on panel. From the Quest for Power Collection

18 x 18, paper collage and oil on panel. From the Quest for Power Collection.

36 x 36, paper collage and oil on panel. From the Quest for Power Collection

18 x 18, paper collage and oil on panel. From the Quest for Power Collection

18 x 18, paper collage and oil on panel. From the Quest for Power Collection.

24 x 24, paper collage and oil on panel. From the Quest for Power Collection.

18 x 18, paper collage and oil on panel. From the Quest for Power Collection.

This is one of the views I took in while standing in the bell tower of the leaning tower of Pisa.

Afternoon in Mykonos: out come the shades to give some much needed relief to the summer heat reflecting off the pristine, white buildings.

This well known church, turned mosque, turned museum has beautiful layers of design and history that you can visibly see in the ornate ceilings and walls. This is even more apparent as the light shines through the ancient windows, bringing rich warmth into the space.

The Venetian Grand Canal edged with tightly packed buildings, each with its own unique personality. Each welcoming visitors to this vibrant, one-of-a-kind wonder of a city.

Mykonos is well known for its white windmills. While no longer in use, they have become homes and sentinels keeping watch for coming ships.

Lush greens cradle the ancient, terracotta buildings, showing that Florence is just a small piece of the expansive northern Italian countryside.

I intentionally focused on the spiritual aspects of water in association with baptism, cleansing, and rebirth. Collage includes handwritten song lyrics, Scriptures and other water related symbols.

White sails crowd the Chesapeake Bay waters, each going on a unique adventure.

Lake Michigan, South Haven , MI.