🌙 Hunter Moon Homestead | Bee House Studio

Kate (the creative talent behind Hunter Moon Homestead) graciously invited me to her Sunday Open Studio Hours, an event that's both delightful and free. Those who attend are encouraged to bring their ongoing projects or partake in Kate's weekly art prompt—all that's required to attend is a quick RSVP to secure your spot.

The journey to the Bee House Studio was nothing short of enchanting. The towering evergreen trees, adorned with a fresh coat of white snow, painted a magical scene. Driving through the serene forest and Palouse hills provided a rare moment of solitude, a precious commodity for a parent of four, particularly during the winter break.

Situated on a piece of land which offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding area, Kate's home and studio became even more enchanting and lovely with the recent fresh snow on the ground! As I stepped into the Bee House Studio I was immediately greeted by Kate's distinct style and appreciation for all things beautiful. A wonderful testament to the year she and her husband had dedicated to its creation. Her inviting studio whispered to me - Come In - Create - I felt like Alice in Wonderland - What would I find? What would I create? I felt a sense of adventure. I also felt a cozy sense of home!

📸Canon EOS 5D Mark II f/1.2 1/250 sec. ISO- 500 50mm lens

Our art-filled afternoon began with Kate, Hannah, and me watching a few tutorials, giving us a starting point for our creative journey. As we experimented with various mediums such as watercolor, ink, acrylic, charcoal, and pastels, we lost track of time amid conversation, artistic messiness, and the comforting aroma of tea. It proved to be a much-needed respite from the bustling demands of daily life.

📸Canon EOS 5D Mark II f/1.2 1/250 sec. ISO- 500 50mm lens

The afternoon proved to be a much-needed respite, a reprieve from the fast paced bustling demands of daily life.

As our artistic time together drew to a close, we explored not just the wonderful Bee House Studio with it's artistic creative space, but Kate's charming home as well. We ended our time together in a serene moment as we watched the sunset before heading back to reality - real-life! I knew I would return to this place of enchantment, where for just a while I let go of my worldly cares and entered the world of creativity! That magical place made of imagination!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Looking Glass Authentic Media (@lookingglassam)

LOTR Marathon

🧙‍♂️💍🧒🧝🏻‍♂️🧌🏰📜🌋 An exciting end of the year highlight for me was sponsoring a Lord Of The Rings marathon at the Kenworthy Theatre along with Storybook Baking, BookPeople of Moscow and Micropolis Brewing Company. For those not local to Moscow, the Kenworthy is our community theatre right down on Main street. It’s been here since 1908! This historic theatre, provides local showings of movies and performances that wouldn’t be available to the public in any other way. .

I started talking with Colin about doing this, back in the summer. We decided that since watching these epic movies has become a tradition for many people after the holidays, that it would be a great opportunity to host something fun at the Kenworthy, and offer it to the community!

Pictured above:

Storybook, Jess, Craig, & Clancy

Looking Glass, Kate

It was also a perfect way to celebrate the 20 years since the release of the last film, Return of the King. As part of the plan for the marathon, we decided to offer 2 different choices. One was a daily option to watch each movie and the other was an actual marathon day. This way, people could pick their poison!. Bryan and I picked the marathon day, which started at 9:00 a.m. and wrapped up with the final movie ending at 10:45 p.m. Yes, we watched the extended versions and yes, there were a couple of breaks.

As I looked back at the end of the event, I realized I should have made a medal for all those who made it through the marathon day.

Something like “I survived the LOTR marathon at the Kenworthy”. 🤪 Stay tuned for next year’s marathon! It will be just as epic!

Storybook made boxes of treats called Provisions for Elvensies. Micropolis brewed Uruk-Chai Pale Ale. BookPeople gave away gift cards before every screening. Looking Glass did two Kahoots and gave away two instax mini cameras!