I’m off to fill my creative well with some quality time with my sweetie and adventures in Costa Brava, Spain. I invite you to come along and fill your own well with goodness along with me. After all, the next best thing to going on a trip is following along vicariously.
Day One had us in Girona, with amazing food, gazpacho, paella, jamón and great Spanish wines. It’s a charming city with the Catalan vibe that makes this part of Spain beat. Sigh, I’m in heaven — if I’m not, please don’t tell me!
At the Dali Museum in Figueres, Spain — just all kinds of mind trippy cool goodness. I could have spent the whole day there and then some. What a mind! What are your favorite museums throughout the world, and which are on your “bucket list”?
From the sea to wine country and back to the sea, all on a bike. Seeing the wonders of Spain at 15 mph. Yes and yes! I’m surrounded by inspiration via sights, sounds, smells.
Snapshots, glimpses and vignettes. More adventures — and creative well filling — in Northern Spain!
Biking from one seaside village to the next. Riding alongside the Pyrenees Mountains, snow-capped and majestic. Completely awe-inspiring landscapes.
Seeing the world in terms of landscapes, I sometimes forget to take photos that tell the story of a culture. Here is my effort at photos that go beyond the landscape to depict what we’re experiencing in Spain …
Today’s adventures had us biking through magical, mystical northern Spain. From the coast and in, just a bit, to Pubal. Here Dali bought and renovated a old castle for Gala, his muse and wife; this was a gift to her to have as a summer retreat. She accepted the gift under one condition: that Dali never come without written permission. He agreed, saying all life had conditions and this one reminded him of courtship, despite their having been married since 1917. And so… this is how it worked for them!
A few highlights from the Spanish countryside …
New friends and astounding views!
Curious new friends, vast open fields of poppies and wild flowers, mountains and the sea. I concur, Catalonia is definitely for me. This is a place that mixes the old with the new, plus a side of funk. From the food, to design, to the spirit of the people. Was Dali inspired by Catalonia, or has Catalonia been inspired by Dali? Either way, you feel him everywhere in this region.
Filling up my creative well. After all, it has been said that a relaxed mind is a creative mind.
Art comes in many forms! A visit to the market left me completely delighted (but perhaps without appetite) — so many colors, textures and unusual sights. And a few fur babies for good measure!
The only thing better than recharging your creative batteries through travel is doing it with your favorite person by your side. (My husband Marc, that is!)
Catalonia is winning me over in many ways. As a region it is European cool, meets old school + modern funk. Design surprises that delight, with food wine and art that matches. I’m inspired to say the least!
The Picasso museum today left me enchanted and inspired more than I can put into words — but unfortunately, no photos were allowed. Thankfully, the art of the streets here in Spain is just as inspiring, and a photo taking dream! The colors, the people, the sights, the sounds — all creatively stimulating.
Flying home with my creative well and soul full. A head swimming in inspiration. From the fantastical mind of Dali, with crazy amounts of talent, to the genius of Picasso’s early years — and throughout his career, as he continually reinvented himself. Both were so clearly influenced by Catalonia. It lends a deeper understanding of their work to see the food, wine and whimsy all over Catalonia. The surreal beauty of the countryside. The art and design of the region, which is unique and whimsical.
Ironically and predictably, all of this has me thinking of and longing for my studio. Lending inspiration to my Northern Michigan landscapes. Influenced to explore deeper, my own roots, the influence of my own region.
