31 Comments
User's avatar
Nancy's avatar

Thank you for sharing. I go with you in spirit. I look forward to your reflections of your trip. Great quote! I’ll use that one. I’m flying to Toulouse, France for a week as an art student in June. Then seeing where Van Gogh painted Starry Night. Then to Paris with girlfriends.👍😁

Currently, we are looking at a new home, bigger and only a block away. It has a detached cottage that will be my art studio. 🥳🦋

Expand full comment
Lesley Riley's avatar

Wonderful trips coming up for you. Have great fun. And a cottage studio - hope it works out!

Expand full comment
CeCe Sullivan's avatar

Have a wonderful trip Lesley.

As I’ve previously mentioned (as I talk about this probably too much) I’m flying by myself from Seattle to Morocco in May. And also meeting up with fellow travelers and artists.

I love our adventurous spirit, and I’m so grateful I have the capacity to do this trip.

Have a wonderful trip and experience.

Expand full comment
Lesley Riley's avatar

Try stopping us, right? Further to fly.....

Expand full comment
Terry Rowe's avatar

Lovely! It will be good to meet you IRL. The Terry Pratchett quote is perfect. Thank you for reminding me to be open as always venture out

Expand full comment
Lesley Riley's avatar

Can’t wait!

Expand full comment
Jan's avatar

Very exciting Lesley! What a lovely way to stretch your wings! I am stretching my wings with the plan to sell our little house by the woods after 20 years. It's exciting to think of a larger place with studio space inside it; we've put the idea out into the Universe and are packing while we wait for it to arrive. Standing on the edge of the unknown is where I've been with the art practice for the last year and now, in my regular life. Life informs art; art informs life.

Expand full comment
Lesley Riley's avatar

I wish you the best of luck. I can confirm that if you put it out there the Universe will respond. Not always as timely as we want but it does. Keep me posted. I’m excited for you.

Expand full comment
7WordsWorth's avatar

I saw your snippet on Instagram and mentioned the desire to visit Portugal one day. Good for you on your journey. When your new writing pops up in my email, I don't read it right away. Rather, I wait, like a hunter, for the ideal opportunity to relish and bask in the wisdom of "womenstanding" as my mind calls it, for the sacred moment when I will not be interrupted by a husbanding needing, a child seeking. You know. Doing something for ourselves is the antithesis of woman I think sometimes.

Expand full comment
Lesley Riley's avatar

I save emails to savor, too! “Womanstanding” is a great word as well. May I use it in a future post?

Expand full comment
7WordsWorth's avatar

Yes of course. My English major professors would be cringing, but it’s the way of today. Thanks.

Expand full comment
Lesley Riley's avatar

Thank you. Send me your name if you want to be attributed.

Expand full comment
7WordsWorth's avatar

Helen Geter. Thanks.

Expand full comment
Corinne Meharg's avatar

This makes me smile and feel happy for you! Go and have a marvelous time! Come back with even more vision and creativity.

Expand full comment
Lesley Riley's avatar

That's the plan. Thanks so much.

Expand full comment
Sharon Gorberg's avatar

Lesley, I am thrilled that you are going to Portugal to do something wonderful for yourself!! As a retired art teacher I love to take classes and years ago did it frequently. Cant wait to hear about your experience!

Expand full comment
Lesley Riley's avatar

I'm excited to share it with everyone. Always great to hear from you, Sharon. We go way back!

Expand full comment
Sharon Gorberg's avatar

Yes we do!! You have an awfully good memory! Be well and have a wonderful trip!

Expand full comment
Lesley Riley's avatar

I consider followers as friends and definitely remember many from the beginning years. xox

Expand full comment
Sara Jordan's avatar

Oh wow, I am so excited for you! and I love Orly's work. I saw the posting for that workshop and considered it but couldn't make it work. I hope you have a wonderful time. I love Portugal also--I was there a few years ago. I look forward to reading about your experience. I admire your spirit and courage! I travelled alone once just a few years ago, to Italy, and was so proud of myself! Ciao!

Expand full comment
Lesley Riley's avatar

Thanks, Sara. Bravo on traveling alone. A late bloomer, I was 42 on my first solo trip and it was only to Atlanta! Now I'm a pro with international travel but it's still a scary thought to carry. Once I get there with the group I'll feel at "home" again. Boy, it would have been fun if you were there!

Expand full comment
Jenny  M's avatar

Have a BALL!!! Sounds Fabulous and I LOVE LOVE PORTUGAL!!! especially the coast. I have never been to Lisbon. Enjoy every minute!!!

Expand full comment
Lesley Riley's avatar

Thanks! I'm hearing so many great things about Portugal. Always good to hear from you.

Expand full comment
Theresa Wells Stifel's avatar

Yay YOU!! I love the fact you get to fly with no agenda. ♡

Expand full comment
Lesley Riley's avatar

Thank you. It truly just feels SO RIGHT.

Expand full comment
Debra Bentley's avatar

I love the quote! I visited Portugal too. It is amazing! I also just took a class after at least a decade. It was nice to be a student again!

Expand full comment
Lesley Riley's avatar

Yay for taking the class. Feeding the soul. The quote felt just right. Glad you like it.

Expand full comment
Leslie Ihde's avatar

Hi Lesley, I've been to Portugal and really enjoyed it. I hope you have wonderful weather. Leslie

Expand full comment
Lesley Riley's avatar

Thanks, Leslie. It will be great no matter the weather but I'll be prepared for whatever. Always good to hear from you. Maybe one day it will be in person.

Expand full comment
Toneybeth Clark's avatar

How exciting for you. I think there is nothing more educational than travel. Have a grand time learning new things and trying out different techniques. I know you will share in some way the things you learn with your fans.

Expand full comment
Lesley Riley's avatar

Thanks, Toneybeth. Your words encourage me. I can't wait to begin anew.

Expand full comment