candice mclean

Occoquan Virginia | photography

last week, i met shannon for tea in occoquan. shannon and i were introduced to one another in okinawa through a mutual friend pamela. shannon and pam joined efforts to form a photography group in oki which i miss so much. i miss our gatherings. our walkabouts. our conversations. our coffee time. it's fun and inspiring to meet with fellow photographers and artists and create a synergy.

so the other day we met up again... shannon and i. she's not too far me! we chatted photography, had a yummy muffin and cup of tea at the coffee house and then walked about taking a few snapshots. the town of occoquan is quaint and reminds me of a little european town tucked away from the city and busy interstate. there are some adorable shops and a few galleries with some exciting artwork. i left inspired and happy. i love sharing and learning with other artists. thanks shannon! xo

i have a few new and old crushes | inspiration

there are a few blogs that i stop by to read on a regular basis. i thought it would be fun to share those here with you. through reading blogs i've developed a few crushes. these women are intuitive and full of imagination and stories. i yearn to be as dedicated with my art. my words. and my own blog. *enjoy*

1. newest blog that i've discovered. meredith winn photography. totally in love with her photography. life captured.

2. lisa leonard designs. lisa shares her life and her jewelry designs on her blog. i love her jewelry. she also does a tremendously beautiful job of sharing photographs and telling her story. for example, one of her posts resonated with me. left me in tears and so reminded me of my own little brother. wonderfully made by lisa leonard.

3. ali edwards. gosh. i think i've been reading ali's blog since 2005. she is a dedicated blogger. i love that she has kept true to herself and telling her story. i'm a fan of her projects like project life and week in the life.

4. rockstar diaries. newly discovered. love the photographs. 

5. dispatch from la. i've been perusing mary ann's blog for two years now. she is a constant blogger and i love that. i always find new and inspirational posts on her blog. she takes brilliant, colorful photographs and i adore her art and journaling. she offers great online workshops. i took one myself. remains of the day. loved it.

6. newly discovered. the wiegand's. written by casey leigh. she writes with honesty and i adore that.

7. bleubird vintage. another newly discovered blog. 

8. cakies. love her images. started following her on instagram then found her blog.

9. alisa burke. lovely images. full of color and inspiration. love her monthly post about lucy. so cute and what a great idea.

10. enjoy it. written by elise. another newly discovered blog. found through ali's blog. a military wife (common thread there) and crafter. definitely dedicated and consistent. new posts on a regular basis with fun inspiration. love her approach to project life. which i finally started for 2012.

11. under the sycamore. by ashley ann. she captures everday life. mother of four and in the process of adopting a little girl. love her contribution to giving back to the community. check this out... the incubator project.

inspiration all around | music

love this.

old lucketts store | part one

about two weeks ago i ventured out with some friends to leesburg, va with one thing in mind - old lucketts store. funny thing. i was in okinawa when i learned about old lucketts store. fast forward to present. i've been searching for some salvaged doors and maybe a fireplace mantel so i asked for ideas and suggestions on fb and old lucketts came up several times. i was determined that i must drive out to leesburg and go see for myself. oh my. what a great find! i love this antique store. there are many vendors within the store itself and on the grounds. they have a few buildings/sheds with more vendors. with my camera in hand, i was in heaven. i love antiques. i love retro/vintage. i love anything salvaged. i love restyled. repurposed. recycled. well this store is just that and more. i left totally inspired. and i purchased a lovely antique tole tray. it's hanging in our powder room.

isn't that the coolest lamp you've ever seen?

inspiration all around | music

[inspire] music simply said - inspires me. i always, always, always have music playing in the background when i'm working (journaling, editing photos, designing, painting). the energy, the rifts, the lyrics... it all comes together and i'm beaming with new ideas and inspirations.

[workout] i love to run with music jamming in my ears - like dog days are over by florence + the machine.

[moody] it eases my melancholy when i'm down or blue. when i'm feeling blue, i can always count on music to lift my my spirits.

here are some tunes that i'm loving on. take a peek and then go buy, buy, buy! [enjoy]

born to die by lana del rey. her cd is set to release jan 31st. so cannot wait to hear more.

barton hollow by the civil wars.

one more. my father's father also by the civil wars. love love love the video. their connection is so genuine.

what the water gave me by florence + the machine from her newest cd ceremonials.

mentioned above, dogs days are over by florence + the machine.

love snow patrol. new album just released jan 10th. loving this song - in the end.

emmylou by first aid kit

absolutely beautiful.

peponi (means paradise or heaven in african)

this is beautiful.

get the mojo back

i've lost my mojo. creativity. inspiration. motivation. let's see if i can get back on track. most of this list... me being selfish. time to take care of my body and soul. time to replenish the right side of my brain.

1. pause & simply breathe

2. slip on my running shoes & run

3. eat more protein and veggies

4. take the kiddos to a park

5. find a new song to love

6. pen and ink... draw something

7. take more photos - daily

8. start a new book

9. visit a local gallery

10. date night with chip - new restaurant

somewhere is home

new music discovery (for me anyway). somewhere is home - song by mtn. 

beautiful okinawa

one year ago today, my family and i moved to okinawa. it is without a doubt, the most beautiful tropical destination i've visited and lived. summer vacation is upon us and we plan to explore and experience more of okinawa. the culture. the land. the people. the beauty. enjoy the video.

(press pause on the music before viewing the video).

Okinawa : The Other Japan from Dennis Tortona on Vimeo.