We packed everyone into the car and escaped to Santa Barbara for a few days to see my family. My dad lives there with both my brothers, and the kids spent long, warm days at the beach, coming home sandy, sun-kissed, and completely exhausted. Their uncles made every moment special, and ever since we got home my oldest has been asking, almost daily, “When can we go back?”
Watching childhood unfold like this has been one of my greatest joys lately. Slow mornings, salty hair, scraped knees, and the kind of days that feel endless.
In a few weeks we're heading to Skylake Family Camp, something we've been looking forward to for months. It lands right on #1 and #2's birthdays, which is really fun, so we get to celebrate their special days shoulder to shoulder on the picnic benches in the lodge overlooking Bass Lake.
If you've never heard of this magical place, imagine summer camp, but for the entire family. Days are spent swimming in a warm mountain lake, paddling canoes, making crafts, hiking, and gathering around the incredible meals they prepare for us with other families. It's stepping into a simpler, sweeter rhythm of life, and I cannot wait.
The kiddos have been busy growing in every possible way this summer. They're learning to swim, learning to ride, and discovering all the confidence that comes with trying something new.
We recently finished horse camp at a local home based barn. Technically only our four-year-old, Arden, was enrolled, but our determined two-year-old had absolutely no intention of being left out. She insisted on joining in painting and grooming and putting bows on the ponies, and honestly, everyone was charmed by her determination.
One moment I'll tuck away forever happened on the second morning. Arden walked confidently into the barn, headed straight to the tack room, slipped off his sneakers, pulled on his riding boots (which he somehow seems to outgrow every few months), and marched off to ride his favorite new pony, Rocky. As I was carrying Delphina on my chest in her baby carrier, watching him become so confident in something he loves was one of those quiet parenting moments that catches you by surprise.
While the kids have been growing, I've been creating too. I've been painting some of the most deeply personal work I've ever made. These pieces feel incredibly vulnerable, and I'm not quite ready to share them yet. They're asking something different of me than my previous work, and I'm trying to honor that by giving them, and myself, the time they need before they're seen.
They are all about motherhood, snuggles, everyday life, and horses. They're created in soft watercolor and charcoal, and were mostly painted with my new baby asleep on my chest. They come from the most honest place there could possibly be.
When they're ready, I think you'll understand why they've taken me so long to share.
Whether you've been collecting my work for years or simply following along through this season of motherhood, art, and family life, I'm so grateful our paths have crossed.
I hope your summer is full of slow evenings, dirty feet, and moments you'll remember long after the season ends.
With love,
Bettina
A FEW STUDIO UPDATES
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Now, onto the favorites! A few things I've been loving lately…
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Skylake Family Camp
If you're looking for a truly memorable family vacation, this is one of my favorite discoveries. Think classic summer camp with warm lake swims, canoeing, arts and crafts, family activities, incredible food, and zero pressure to plan every moment. It's one of those places that creates lifelong family memories.
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A podcast that breathed life back into my creativity
Elizabeth Gilbert's conversation, Creativity Is How I Share My Soul With the World, reminded me why making art matters in the first place. It's thoughtful, encouraging, and exactly what I needed to hear.
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Bryan Anthonys jewelry
Beautiful, meaningful jewelry that feels much more expensive than it is. I've been loving these pieces for thoughtful gifts, and the ocean series they just launched is so, so beautiful. Go see.
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Our favorite breakfast lately
These baked oatmeal cups are constantly in our freezer. They're easy to make ahead, the kids love them, and they're perfect for busy mornings.
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