One of my most recent hiking trips in the Laguna Hills proved to be extra special than most. My friends and I were on a new trail we’d never explored before and I was just blown away by the beauty and simplicity of what laid before me. I was reminded that we can find beauty and inspiration in everything every single day if we are open to it. 

As we were walking along the path, I discovered a large branch just randomly hanging out in the middle of a field with no trees in sight. It was unexpected and seemed odd and out of place at first, but the longer I looked at it the more I realized it had it’s own sense of rustic unassuming beauty. And there you have it folks – unexpected inspiration! 

This made me think of how I feel when I listen to one of my favorite bands, The Lumineers. There is beauty and power in being in the moment and having a great time authentically rather than trying to force a certain experience. Similarly, there is beauty and inspiration to be found in even the most seemingly random and unexpected items we discover in nature. It’s up to us to reinterpret these items and turn them into art!  

I walked away from this trip with so much motivation and inspiration – to be more present, to open my eyes more to the little things around me that often go overlooked, and to recognize the importance of stepping out of your own comfort zone and exposing yourself to something new.

When I finally got home, I began to reflect on my long weekend adventure in the woods and all these feelings began to rush over me once again. I had this idea emerging in the back of my mind – one that would combine the power of music and the beauty of nature. I knew I had to get these ideas down on paper before they disappeared, so I grabbed a pencil and my sketchpad and began sketching away! FYI – it is ALWAYS helpful to have taken some pictures on your journey to use later on, whether it’s for reference or just nostalgia.