Spring rains have brought color and brilliant light to the Finger Lakes of New York State, the region I am so grateful to call my home.

The sheen of rain off the road; the early morning chirping of birds discovering the newfound light; the fields and landscape beds of blooming tulips...these are just a few things that had me incredibly excited to get outside for my first day of the plein air painting season earlier this month.

With my plein air essentials and plenty of snacks packed, my friend Meg and I hit the road to Geneva, NY.

Geneva isn't a new place for me, but on this glorious day, we did something I'd never done in my time exploring this town right in my backyard: We turned down South Main Street, home to the iconic Geneva Row Houses.

In an instant, I was transported to a European country; marveling in awe at the color, the architecture; the history embedded in the walls of the houses that were built between 1808 and 1820.

As I caught my breath, we pulled over, set up our easels, and got to painting under the warmth of the sun, smelling the flowering trees, and experiencing the colors coming to life in front of our eyes.

Not only was it a beautiful day and a very welcome reprieve from the indoor painting I've done in the studio for the last few months — it was also a much-needed reminder that a vacation is always available, from wherever you are.

As I stood there painting a scene I'd only ever recreated from photos before, I couldn't help but think of all of the roads in my neighborhood I've never turned down; the places in my own backyard that I've yet to explore.

With the limitations that the last year of this pandemic have placed on us, finding the beauty, the hidden treasures, and the everyday adventures close to home has never been more pertinent.

Constraint breeds creativity, and this situation is no different.

Do I ache for the day I can hop on a plane to Geneva, Switzerland? Absolutely.

And.

Was my inspiration piqued; my creativity energy restored; my courage in my painting emboldened just by taking a drive to Geneva, NY — a neighboring town I've been to more times than I can count?

Absolutely.

Every day and in every way, we do the best we can with what we have. The good news is this: I can almost guarantee that no matter where you are in this miraculous world of ours, there's an adventure waiting for you just around the corner.

You just have to be willing to turn down the road you've never explored before and open your eyes to all that's waiting to be discovered.