Sometimes you just have to throw down the paint brush(or place it neatly on the table, since they are so spendy…).

This weekend was one of those times. After a miserably-failed painting(yep, I actually wiped off all the paint and then globbed gesso over it…it was THAT bad), I ended up spear-heading an impromptu camping trip. My middle son had returned from his first year of college, my youngest finished his sophomore year at high school. My husband wrapped up a crazy work week. It was time.

We had a blast.

Kayaking with the boys and Sheba

We camped at Hosmer Lake in nearby Cascade Range. With our campsite right next to the lake, we kayaked a-plenty.

Kayaking with the boys and hubby. South Sister in the background

Sheba enjoyed a little down-time.

Sheba, watching her crazy humans.

Warm, sunny days filled with relaxation. And a comfy lawn chair.

Hubby relaxing at the campsite. Mt Bachelor in the background.

I talked my husband into a selfie…

Selfie at the campsite. Yep. That’s a cold beer.

On Sunday, amid crazy bird cacophony, we scrambled out of our tent in the early morning and went for another kayak trip to see if we could scout out some otters. To our surprise, ice had formed overnight on the kayaks! Brrr!! But it was beautiful that morning. I took so many photos my fingers are sore. Just kidding.

Early morning kayak trip with South Sister in the background.

Okay, okay. I’ll admit to a little bit of painting. Just a quick sketch to remember the moment.

Watercolor journal painting on Sunday.

Now, I’m filled with energy and can’t wait to pick up the paint brush. I took photos of a man fishing with a dog for my dog series, took some pics of our wine with Mt. B in the background (I know, right? Another wine painting for my friends!!), set up flip flops with lake and dock backgrounds for my flip flop series (thanks to my peeps for loaning me your flip flops) and took GREAT up-close photos of a mama duck and her ducklings. Can’t wait, can’t wait to paint! Next plan, draw all these out for my annual Colorado Paint Retreat!!

All images taken by and copyrighted by Sarah B Hansen.