Maybe it's because I recently finished a commission of a family tree or because I just started working on a drawing for a new commission of a tree for a client's front door. Or maybe it was the sheer impact of seeing these living giants up close. But what inspired me most on our trip to California were the redwood trees. Some of them are 1800 years old and showed the scars of fires they had survived.  While California is suffering a drought, these trees have developed ways to join their shallow roots together to get enough water.  They also absorb water through their needles that reach up into the fog in Muir Woods.  They are survivors and the perspective I gained, both literally and figuratively, from seeing them was just what I needed.  I came back to New Jersey, inspired and refreshed, ready to get back into the studio and begin again.  In my future challenges in life and art, the memory those trees will give me strength and help me find creative solutions.  I hope you also find the inspiration you need this summer!