What’s The Tea: A Little Summer Update

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Hey, friends! It has been a few minutes since I last posted, hasn’t it? This has been a sort of slow and quiet summer here on Inspired by Charm. I know many of you understand and are feeling the same. Today I thought I’d pop in to share a little life update, talk about a few things I’m excited about, and show you what’s been happening around these parts. Sound good?

What's The Tea: A Little Summer Update #art #painting #gardening #flowers

Garden Update:

This year I planted tomatoes, Swiss chard, kohlrabi, spaghetti squash, jalapeños,  and cucumbers. (I also planted a cocktail garden, which you can read more about HERE.)

What's The Tea: A Little Summer Update #art #painting #gardening #flowers

What's The Tea: A Little Summer Update #art #painting #gardening #flowers

I’m happy to report that my garden is doing well! I’ve harvested about 10 large cucumbers, and there are several more on the vine. I have five spaghetti squash with the promise of more. The Swiss chard also has produced well, but it is my one regret. I don’t know what to do with it, and I’m shamefully lacking motivation to get creative with it. The kohlrabi is just about ready to harvest, and my tomato plants (except for the one that is struggling) are loaded with green fruit.

What's The Tea: A Little Summer Update #art #painting #gardening #flowers

What's The Tea: A Little Summer Update #art #painting #gardening #flowers

What's The Tea: A Little Summer Update #art #painting #gardening #flowers

All-in-all, things have been a success!

If you’ve been following IBC lately you also know that this year I decided to devote half of my garden beds to dahlias. I am happy to report …

The Dahlias are Blooming!:

As of today, two plants have completely bloomed, and at least 3 or 4 more have buds.

What's The Tea: A Little Summer Update #art #painting #gardening #flowers

What's The Tea: A Little Summer Update #art #painting #gardening #flowers

What's The Tea: A Little Summer Update #art #painting #gardening #flowers

In case you missed it, this spring I put in a dahlia garden. I planted 27 tubers and have been lovingly caring for them for the past few months. I’ve also been documenting the process HERE if you’re curious about growing dahlias.

As you can see, the dahlias are at least four feet high and flourishing. I’ve had a few issues with bugs, but I think I have that problem mostly taken care of now. In my next dahlia update post, I’ll be sharing what I used for bug control and how I’ve handled fertilizing and other maintenance.

Dabbling in Art:

For the past year or so I’ve been feeling this pull to get back into art and drawing. When I was in high school and college, I took several art classes, and those were among my favorite classes. In the decade since I’d drifted away from that passion. Last year I finally took a couple of adult education art classes in my neighborhood. One class was on watercolors, and the other was oil painting. I loved both and planned to take more classes this year. Unfortunately, that’s just not been possible.

However, that didn’t stop me from building up my art supplies. Since the start of the quarantine, I’ve bought paints, brushes, pencils, pastels, and so on. The only problem was that I hadn’t been using them. (Anyone else familiar with this story?)

What's The Tea: A Little Summer Update #art #painting #gardening #flowers

So, I decided to commit to my art practice and sign up for a painting course through JeanneOliver.com. Last night I finally sat down and started the course. (The course I’m taking is Graceful Muse with Renee Mueller.) The first lesson was to work on several color studies. The goal was to practice and play with different media.

What's The Tea: A Little Summer Update #art #painting #gardening #flowers

What's The Tea: A Little Summer Update #art #painting #gardening #flowers

Abstract is new to me, but I have to tell you, I had SO MUCH FUN! These are the three studies I created. I’m not sure anyone would call them “good,” but I’m digging the results, and I had a lot of fun in the process.

It’s been so wonderful to dive back into this old passion. I have a feeling I’ll be sharing more of my art here on the blog.

Other Things I’m Loving:

The Tidbits Planner is BACK!! This is my GO-TO planner, and I couldn’t be more excited to see it return for 2021. I have tried DOZENS of planners in the past, and this is the one for me. The ordering process is a bit different this year, so if you want a planner, you need to order NOW. You can find all of the details HERE.

Tidbits Day Planner - What's the Tea: 2020 So Far with Inspired by Charm #whatstheteawithIBC

– The new album from The Chicks (formerly Dixie Chicks) is incredible. I’ve had it on repeat for the past week. My standout favorites are Gaslighter, Sleep at Night, and Set Me Free. (Although all of the songs are fabulous.)

– I’m STILL eating my go-to breakfast. It’s an obsession. I also picked up new spring honey from Pisarcik Flower Farm. If you’re local to Pittsburgh, it’s a must. So-o-o good! (The honey dipper featured below can be found HERE.)

Yogurt with Granola Berries and Honey - Delicious and Easy Breakfast Idea #granola #honey #berries #breakfast #snack #easy #recipe

Yogurt with Granola Berries and Honey - Delicious and Easy Breakfast Idea #granola #honey #berries #breakfast #snack #easy #recipe

– If you are looking for a silly, heartwarming, music-inspired movie, you need to watch Eurovision on Netflix. It stars Rachel McAdams and Will Ferrel. It is truly a delight! I also recently rewatched The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. It came out back in 2013. It’s another must-watch for anyone who hasn’t seen it.

– Since moving into Bayberry House, I’ve been slowing adding lots of blooms (annuals and perennials) to my yard. (These are in addition to my dahlias.) All of these lovely plants have allowed me to put together a handful of arrangements. (I shared a short tutorial on my Instagram stories and saved it to my Instagram story highlights if you’re interested.)

What's The Tea: A Little Summer Update #art #painting #gardening #flowers

– I’ve also been walking or jogging daily. I haven’t missed a day since April 1. (More on that soon.) When out walking, I’ve found so much joy in listening to podcasts.

My favorites include:

What are some of your favorite podcasts? Let me know in the comments below!

In conclusion …

Well, I think that’s it for this update. Next week I’m hoping to ramp up content here on Inspired by Charm. As we start thinking about fall and the coming holidays, I like to keep things jumping here on IBC so it’s time to get my butt in gear. I have lots of things to share with you, so stay tuned!

And one final note. For those of you, like me, who have struggled with heightened anxiety, stress, lack of motivation, lack of creativity, sadness, etc. during these past few months, please know that it’s okay. You are not alone. You are okay. You are enough.

If you’re like me, it’s easy to assume you should be handling things like a champion, but that’s not the case for everyone. Be kind to yourself. Take time away if you need it. Find someone to talk to if you need help. Take breaks from things that cause you stress and anxiety. Dig deep into things that bring you joy. Find healthy distractions. Meditate. Journal. Read. Listen to music. Cry. Start a new hobby. Do a good deed for someone else. Or don’t do any of that and create a plan of beauty that works for YOU.

Sending you all love, joy, grace, peace, and lots of creativity!

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51 Comments

  1. I love your blog updates and it is so wonderful to see your garden bursting with beautiful bounty! You obviously have so much talent and put so much love into all your projects. Keep them coming because we love to see what you are creating next!
    p.s. You have a beautiful smile! 🙂

  2. My grandmother made swiss chard on a weekly basis. She would saute it in garlic, olive oil, salt & pepper. She would also add in slices of hot italian sausage – so good!

  3. Michael, Your blog is new to me, but you had me at Pittsburgh! Born there and frequent visitor when my mom moved back to the area. What a wonderful discovery you are! Swiss chard is my favorite, but the bunny ate mine this year. I sauté, with olive oil, garlic , onion and seasonings then top a pizza with it. Plenty of cheese goes on top of that! So appreciated your comments about being ok about feeling not ok. Hopefully, life will be all the sweeter on the other side of this experience.

    1. I am very impressed with your garden report. Like others mentioned I found sauteing swiss chard with some garlic and good olive oil was my favorite recipe for using this veggie. We were in a cooperative for a couple of years and chard was prolific.
      Your Dahlias are beautiful. I had some lovely deep pink ones come back this year. I was thrilled but have not had any luck using as cut flowers. Do you have a good conditioning tip for these flowers. Fresh arrangements in the house make everything seem better despite the dire news.

  4. Michael, You should seriously make prints of your color studies and sell them. They are gorgeous. And the top one would look perfect in my dining room. I am always impressed with your talent!

    1. Thank you so much! I will definitely do some prints and sell some originals down the road. Maybe in 2021! I want to give myself some time to practice and plays first. But stay tuned!

      xo Michael

  5. There’s not another blogger I follow that fits my taste as well as you do. I absolutely love everything you post. You have created a gorgeous home. Your artwork is beautiful. And you share your ups and downs with us and keep life real. Never doubt yourself, you are a truly special person.

  6. Michael, Good morning and thank you for this post. It really is a different feeling that is hard to describe at times, and your post helped to remind us all we are not alone in feeling this way, I want to thank you for sharing your go-to breakfast again as I have been looking for a no-cook option for the next few weeks. This looks perfect! Eurovision looks hilarious, and I cannot wait to view it this weekend. I need a good laugh. Thank you tremendously for the inclusion of my podcast in your list of recommendations. I am deeply appreciative (quickly, could you add a “ate” ate the end of the spelling? You can erase this part of my comment if you want). Your garden is a haven, and must be bringing you such calm. Thank you for sharing pics of its bounty – wow! The gourds are doing amazing!
    Take care and thank you again very much.😌💛💛💛💛

    1. Oh my goodness! I’m so sorry about that. I KNEW that’s how it was spelled. My fingers failed me. Haha. It’s been adjusted. Thank you for taking the time to let me know. Enjoy the breakfast and Eurovision!

      xo Michael

  7. I LOVE your paintings. and the fact that you’re painting again. If anything good has come from all this covid stuff it’s the time we’re all taking to find ourselves again. Also, thanks for the podcast recommendations. I’ve been looking for some new ones to listen to while sewing. I’ll check these out.

  8. Great post Michael. The dahlias are looking great and the best is yet to come. I really enjoy reading about your garden. I have also been trying my hand at painting, both water color and acrylics. I’m no artist but its fun to give it a try and verify I have no talent in that area, LOL. I am applauding your dedication to exercise…bravo!! Stay healthy XXOO

  9. Swiss chard is one of our favorite veggies and I grow lots of it every year. To cook, I slice it in ribbons about 1/2 inch to 1 inch wide (and slice the stems thinly). Sauté with a little bit of olive oil, add some garlic if you are inclined, along with some salt and pepper to taste. It will wilt down much like spinach. Right before you serve drizzle with a cap or two of vinegar (apple cider vinegar is usually what I use but red wine vinegar is good too). Mmm. Enjoy!

  10. What a delightful post! Each photograph was music to my eyes ;). Your abstract art was so much fun, I think I need to take this up with my kids while we learn how to homeschool (heaven help me!). You are such an inspiration Michael, in so many ways. And once again, gratitude fills my heart for your help in spreading the word about my planner. Keep up the beautiful work you do for us!

  11. I def have dahlia envy! Gorgeous! really enjoyed this post — love the artwork too …. Swiss chard is delish steamed or just saute with a little shaved garlic and top off w a squeeze of lemon juice – so good for you too!!!

  12. Your blog is a breath of fresh air for me! If you ever do a giveaway you should include a little painting you’ve done-they are beautiful!