Skip to main content

Day six of my nine day giveaway!! 2015 through the lens of love


 We may not have left a lovelock on a bridge in Paris....


 but our hearts are inextricably locked together, mi amor and I

 This handsome guy has taught me the true meaning of love over the past thirty years, in all of its forms....
 Together we drove thousands of miles, meaning (mostly) he drove, I looked out the window or napped or daydreamed.
Sometimes we sang, or talked about the future or the past, or argued or sulked. 
Normal life stuff in the midst of great adventure.

 We stood together in awe and felt our love deepen through the incredible times and the tougher ones.
On the freeway in Spain, during a week of a horrible virus and just after the kids had left, I started to cry because I felt so miserable, homesick and worn out. I sobbed so much I made myself sick and threw up all over the car and myself. 
He pulled over and gently helped to clean up the mess, me and the car, before we continued. Somewhere in a Spanish field a bright pink towel covered in puke lies testament to our love cos' there was no way we were putting that thing back in with us!

 we stumbled upon sacred sites like this one in Wales, the pilgrimage site of the Welsh patron saint of lovers St Dwynwen.

 We reenacted a famous moment in time at Abbey Road...

and flew and cruised across foreign waters, both chilly and warm.

 We were over the moon happy to have some family love time, not only with our extended family and friends all over this shiny planet but with the girls and Jacob too! 
Sienna joined us for a roadtrip from New York to Florida...

 
 and then the whole family plus Sienna's sweet friend Emily flew over to join us for my 50th birthday celebration in Spain and Portugal!

 We LOVED the city of Porto in Portugal!!

 The tilework there is breathtaking!!

 we walked and walked and walked and walked.....

 Each of us having our own experience but blessed to be together...

 Sometimes we just sat around taking it all in....

 Other times we got grumpy, hot and bothered, like families do.

 Being together made my mama heart swell even wider with LOVE but man was it hard to see them go after three weeks together


 Later, at the end of the trip mi amor and I tucked ourselves far far away in a tiny Mexican village in a beautiful house overlooking the ocean where we watched the sunrise each morning from our bed...

We relaxed and recouped after months on the road, taking in this vista each day with gratitude and wonder....

 we danced a little....celebrating 28 years of married life together


and we spent a whole lot of time jumping in and out of this pool, swimmers optional ;p


On our last night before flying home we watched the sun set with our dear friends Mark and Christine in San Clemente California
filled with love and gratitude
and wishing it for all of you too.

“In the house of lovers, the music never stops, the walls are made of songs & the floor dances” ~ Rumi

May LOVE fill your world today 
wherever you are!

BUT before I go..... 
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to my amazing, gracious, generous, loving hosts who helped me to plan and organise twenty workshops in 2015 across continents and countries. I am soooooooo thankful for your hospitality, your organisational skills and your friendship and I cant wait to see you all again!! Much, much LOVE your way!


and of course I couldn't finish up a post on LOVE without including a huge hug and shout out to all of the furry family members that kept us company and made us feel not so far from home along the way. 
I couldn't fit every gorgeous soul into this collage below but your precious purrs and snuggles and waggily tails kept us smiling everywhere we went......

and I guess after such sweet animal LOVE its only fitting that todays giveaway is a spot in my Mini Mojo "Animalitos" class!

Good luck everyone!!

 All of the winners will be drawn on Jan 11th. Make sure you leave a comment on Days one through five as well as today and I'd love it if you shared on FB,Instagram and Twitter as well!



Comments

Colorful Heart said…
What a fun focus for looking back at the year! (I especially enjoyed your Abbey Road photo...my sister lived only a block away from there!)
Diva Kreszl said…
What a lovely rib ute to your love, both to your husband and to your family!
Unknown said…
I actually just bought this class yesterday! I am so looking forward to digging in, hopefully next week!!

And I just have to say, I love the way you love. This whole post was so special <3
Kim Mailhot said…
Beautiful celebration of your love! To travel the ups and downs and come out still loving strong at the end shows its strength. So happy that you both have this sweet circle to go through life with.
Thanks for sharing your stories!
michelle said…
Your year was simply beautiful so much love and happiness ! thank you for sharing your powerful journey with the rest of us !
Unknown said…
You are right, the tile in Porto is amazing! What a lucky woman you are to have all these incredible experiences with the man that you love and be immersed in art as well!
Unknown said…
You are right, the tile in Porto is amazing! What a lucky woman you are to have all these incredible experiences with the man that you love and be immersed in art as well!
So much to <3 love <3
No blessing greater than that of family.
Unknown said…
Such a beautiful story. Thank you for taking us on the trip with you. I am hoping to see you sometime this year. Blessings
Love your love story Tracy... May you share many more years together! ~Hobby
Ain't love GRAND! Your answer is evident in all of your pics! Thanks for sharing!
Leslie
bettywisse said…
Looks like a grand time! Animalitos looks like so much fun!
Unknown said…
love all that love coming through & inspiring us all...especially love that story of vulnerability too, on the highway in spain...we need love then even more than ever, so glad your lovely love was there to help. yes, i remember the sumptuous displays of tiles in portugal and what a lovely surprise it was...still have many photos of them from the 80s when i was backpacking there! much love to you and all in this marvellous year of 2016 xxoo
Barbara said…
I was taken with you by your words just now. Ending with Rumi is always right. So glad was curious after seeing a post on Instagram! Congrats on anniversaries and birthdays!
Bec Fowler said…
You are blessed Tracey to have experienced such an amazing year <3
Unknown said…
You are blessed to have so much love around you and to be able to make these memories with your family.
Unknown said…
You are blessed to have so much love around you and to be able to make these memories with your family.
Loz said…
What beautiful memories to cherish ....love following your journeys...
Unknown said…
This was amazing Tracy! I have hearts instead the eyes! Beautiful time and beautiful family! How much love I feel. Congratulations!
HB said…
Such sweet memories. Cherish every minute. Thanks for sharing!
Unknown said…
Haha! You are funny ☺. Love the picture of the bra/bikini by the pool. And where are you guys on that picture? It's a bit insinuating. .. good on you!
Unknown said…
Haha! You are funny ☺. Love the picture of the bra/bikini by the pool. And where are you guys on that picture? It's a bit insinuating. .. good on you!
Jacqualine Hart said…
I love your "love story"! Inspiring!
Unknown said…
Love seeing the memories of your adventure, thanks
jacqueline said…
Love is the drug...and art!
Thank you .... x
Angie Bumgarner said…
You seem like such a sweet person and I love your colorful art!
Painting Pixies said…
what an amazing, amazing life you lead!!!!
Jean said…
Such a wonderful reflection. Looks like many fun times!
Cindy Benko said…
Oh Tracy, what a beautiful way to start my day. Your post is absolutely heartwarming. LOVE! Thank you :) xo
Unknown said…
This post was so lovely fab photo, love to win workshop awesome, good luck all ;)
Janet Ghio said…
All you need is love..... (I'm singing, in case you can't hear me)! Lovely post and would truly enjoy Animalitios!
DonnaD said…
Beautiful post. Such love and happiness. The pets collage is just adorable. So glad I found you and hope to take one of your classes soon.
Unknown said…
Last night as I read the new book "Beloved Dog", to my faithful studio dog. Sophie, the dog, said... in her woof way, please paint me. I told her I would. So I really need a spot in your class. Can't afford it otherwise.

Love seeing all the love on your trip. Makes the new year seem much brighter!

Love,

Karen
Anonymous said…
I like this post the best! What an amazing adventure to take with your amour! Thanks for sharing. Peace, Ronda
Unknown said…
Love is what it is all about - that and family, friends and the furry ones!
Dee said…
Love... What more to say?
Dee said…
Love... What more to say?
Jan Davis said…
What a beautiful love story, starting with Rumi! Thanks for sharing.
Sandy said…
You lead my dream life - you are such a good artist and you dress like a dream gypsy - your pictures are amazing and you are so gorgeous!! Now the one thing I do have in common with you is a dream of a husband.
So loving and so sexy!!!!
sandy xx
Sandy said…
I forgot to tell you that your sentiment is so true.
Sandy xx
koreakiwi said…
This is my #1 fav post of yours yet. Wishing you many more years of love and laughter and sharing your talent and adventures with all of us ^^
Ally said…
You are so lucky in love Tracy!! This was a truly beautiful post and you can tell that love was everywhere on your trip across the world <3 Again, so inspiring!!!!
Marie said…
We travel a lot too and I think the longest we have traveled was 1 1/2 months when the kids were little. We all got hot and grumpy too but we feel so close to each other too. And coming home is glorious :)
Marie said…
We travel a lot too and I think the longest we have traveled was 1 1/2 months when the kids were little. We all got hot and grumpy too but we feel so close to each other too. And coming home is glorious :)
i am not leaving a comment for a free spot, i gratefully won one. i just came here to say what a LOVING GORGEOUS post of photos for us to enjoy from YOUR VIEW! and to hear and see your STAYING POWER with your amor! xoxo
Unknown said…
So many amazing experiences and memories... and great family.
Jorin said…
I love this quote (and the painting, too!) I didn't know before. Thanks for sharing!
Jorin
Unknown said…
Someday, I hope to experience the LOVE that you and Marco share! Thank you for sharing your journey :)
SewPaperPaint said…
Oh such a sweet post, heart felt and warm. Be safe and thanks for the chance to win, and thanks for sharing your story. <3
coco.nut said…
Love is the only thing on this planet that makes life sensible! I'm very grateful for my family now, after reading your post, thank you!

and I'd be uber happy if I won a spot in Animalitos, I've been dreaming about it for some time now... and I'm writing it with my two cats on my sides - the black one (Mia) on the left, the white one (Ami) on the right :)))
Unknown said…
I love your blog posts, your an inspiration!
Ali Gitt said…
Love the animal idea!!! Love love love
Unknown said…
I love your honesty about relationships. Your big and art always make me smile. Thank you for sharing your light ��
Amy M said…
I am so enjoying the view through your adventures and the honest ups and downs that are called life. Thank u for sharing. Animalitos sounds like my ticket, I adopt animals every where I go to fill the void of leaving my fur babies at home. Right now it is a baby goat and a cattle dog named Piper😄
natski said…
What a beautiful post, thanks for sharing your love with us all :)
Jo Murray said…
You've definitely met your soulmate, and make such magic together. It's been a delight sharing these times with you. You made it all so REAL.
Jane said…
Thank you first of all for that beautiful quote from Rumi! A favourite of mine, and I usually have a quote from him on my Facebook page. Don't know if you are familiar with The Essential Rumi by Coleman Barks. It is a wonderful book. Congratulations on your 28th wedding anniversary. It takes work and you and your husband have obviously done that. It will be 49 for my husband and I this coming May,
Thank you thirdly for the photo journey.
All the best
Jane
Unknown said…
I love how open you acknowledge your amor and how much is there for you of course I love you are there for him too but it's nice to see someone in a relationship or its a two way street
Lena said…
You are lucky :)
CreativSpirit said…
Beautiful post Tracy. I'd love to be one of the lucky winner. Thanks for the chance.
Unknown said…
What an amazing life journey you are on. Thank you for sharing so much with us, and for the chance to win!
margret said…
What a wonderful life. Wish I could see all that you can see and paint and create with zeal like you do. Thanks for the chance
Mary Hurlburt said…
Thank you for sharing so much of your life and love and giving us the opportunity to travel along on your amazing journey. I particularly liked "Each of us having our own experience but blessed to be together". It can apply to so so many situations. Thank you.
jacqueline said…
Lovin the lovin!
Xx
Unknown said…
To live a life free of inhibition is my dream! Thank you for the chance to wine a spot in your class!
Unknown said…
It has been so much fun following your journey and today's post was no exception! Such sweet memories. Thank you for a chance to win a spot in "Animalitos"!
Sue Young said…
"Animalitos". Just the word makes me smile! Thanks for the chance to win!
Sue Young said…
"Animalitos". Just the word makes me smile! Thanks for the chance to win!
Silke Powers said…
What a beautiful post! And I loved seeing all the photos from places I've been as well and others I want to go see!
NancyU said…
beautiful pictures. Nothing better than family time
Sojna said…
I love all your travel photos. One can certainly see all the love there. XO XO
Suzanne Hallett said…
Tracy you are an amazing person and I loved meeting you in Indiana. Watching your adventure unfold has been a delight. I'm not sure how to enter you 10 day give away but if this doesn't do it please let me know. Wishing you all the best in life.
Unknown said…
Oh, to have someone there that is patient and loving when you need them the most is the most precious thing in the world! I have such a sweet wonderful guy like yours and know the feeling of being blessed. :)
Unknown said…
Beautiful post, you are a lucky lady.
Blessings
connie w said…
what a great family...and what a great adventure!
Unknown said…
Love the images, especially the animals!
Line said…
The Road to even greateful love ❣❣❣❣
Cathy said…
So much love and family fun. Beautiful!!
Cindy Benko said…
Ahhhh.....such lovely moments. What a fabulous journey you are on :)
cgo said…
Love leads the way...nice to follow your journey.
Unknown said…
What amazing memories you made with this experience....inspiring!
lindylu said…
Counting my blessings for the joy and love for my grandchildren...
For health and love and gratitude..
Here's to a fun loving and creative new year of letting go..
One day at a time
And trusting my intuitions....and inner self
Letting my inner Child be playful!!!!!







Mimzy said…
yea another on line course up for grabs!
robin west said…
all you need is love! best wishes Ms V.
Lynette (NZ) said…
Love all the love :-) Have just had a couple of days away with my lovely husband - feeling grateful
De Williams said…
Love the Cavaliers!
Unknown said…
Thanks for sharing all your love!
M Adaya LeMae said…
My boyfriend and I recently met on a Christian dating website and have been officially dating almost three months. :) After a terribly abusive marriage that ended in a nasty divorce, seven years of single parenthood with a special needs child, a lifetime of health issues, and living independently thinking I'd never find anyone I felt a possible future with....it is refreshing to have his companionship, his tenderness, thoughtfulness, seeing him work hard towards his dreams. Whatever happens in the future, I'm thankful for now! Thanks for the hopeful inspiration!
Prerna Poojara said…
Sweet love floating all through the post. I heard the locks were done away with so lucky you. So much fun. Beach and sunsets. My absolute favorite. Stay blessed.
Unknown said…
Your love story inspires me
Unknown said…
Beautiful! Uplifting! You are a gift to the world!
Paulette Sheffield said…
I love seeing your journey and hearing your open and honest good and not so good moments (throwing up, missing your family). Traveling must be hard, but look at all the memories you have made. Thank you for sharing!!!
Josey said…
I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the places you visited. Abundant inspiration and love is evident in each photo. I would absolutely love to take a class in person with you and maybe one day I can make that happen, but until then I'd be thrilled to take your Animalitos online class. Thanks for sharing your stories.
Karen Rolla said…
Tracy, you are always so inspiring I love to see your travels and really love your courses...
Xoxo
Karen Rolla said…
Tracy, you are always so inspiring I love to see your travels and really love your courses...
Xoxo
Unknown said…
Tracy, your teachings go far beyond the canvas. You are teaching us to embrace our families, friends, nature and special moments. You teach us to be mindful, and just inhale life. I for one so love your love story, and cannot wait to breathe Tracy Verdugo energy soon.
#Namaste my dearest teacher of art and life, Karen from Florida 🌴🎨❤️
Dwarf Mistletoe said…
I Love the animalitos xo Reed
Unknown said…
You guys are true lovebirds!
Michael said…
What a lovely post, so very inspiring.
Julia said…
Tracy...you are truly inspiration. It's was heartwarming reading you travel story. You have abviuosly had an amazing time...and embrace the down times along with the good times .
Anonymous said…
Tracy around you 'Love in the Air' :)))))
Very beautiful post full of color, life and love in abundance.. shared on pin, twitter, fb n Gplus
Unknown said…
Wonderful!!! 💜 So fortunate to have met you and Marco in France.
Care said…
I think it's sweet to see how much you love each other.
Birgit Kerr said…
This post with all it's love filled photos just makes my heart swell! Love it!! Thank you for letting all of us be part of them!
Unknown said…
Tracy, Paint Mojo changed my life! Thank YOU!!
Allison said…
Unconditional love all around! Beautiful experiences <3
Kelcie Bryant-Duguid said…
Love is the bridge... so very true x
Thank you x
Jan Ketza said…
The best of life...
Is to love and be loved.
It's as simple as that.
and to find it and each of you know it is to be blessed.
lindylu said…
May 2016 bring peace and harmony and love and gratitude to all
May kindness and smiles be shared
And family and friends reach out to embrace the world
Thank you for your inspiration and sharing your passions with all
lindylu said…
May 2016 bring peace and harmony and love and gratitude to all
May kindness and smiles be shared
And family and friends reach out to embrace the world
Thank you for your inspiration and sharing your passions with all
Wendy Webster said…
Enjoyed reading about your adventures!
My 50th birthday will be on April 21st of this year! It'll be the beginning of the 2nd half of my life! I'm excited! Happy be-lated 50th!
~Leslie
Unknown said…
fabulous as always,, love the stoties of your adventures
Ciara said…
The love you share with strangers is amazing
Unknown said…
I love seeing your journeys! So dang inspiring. I've never taken a class but would love to. You energy is so captivating.
Unknown said…
What a great love story!
HeARTworks said…
Indeed love is a many splendored thing!!! If only we had eyes to see it!!! patsy
Unknown said…
I love that Rumi quote "love is the bridge between you and everything ". I recently included it on one of my mixed media pieces and when I read it, my heart swells. I love witnessing the journey you share with your "amor"...it's inspiring
Renee said…
I would love to take a course with you. Thank you for a chance to win a spot.
Sojna said…
Love is a bridge. I love the photo of your feet looking out the window! AH the things they will see......the places they will go.
Sojna said…
I forgot to add Tracy how much I like the dream catcher painting. How pretty. I love the words and the design.
Unknown said…
Beautiful memories! And thank you for the chance to win this workshop! I'd love to participate,
AlaskaRuth said…
I really enjoy looking at your photos from this past year - amazing what a year can bring!
Kristin said…
Loved following your travels... what an amazing year :-)
Unknown said…
You are so amazing to share yourself and your adventures with us all! I have so much mire to learn...
Rachel K said…
You have opened my eyes to all that is around me. thank you
KarenS said…
What a wonderful opportunity to travel together!
Adriana said…
Dear Tracy, Love is all there is! Thank you for sharing so much of it! Hug! xox
Adriana Carusi-DiLiberto
adee@satx.rr.com
Susan said…
You captured so much in your photos along the way of your joirney. So happy I got to be involved in a tiny part of it!
Unknown said…
What a remarkable year you had! Gives me hope to get a glimpse into your amazing relationship with your hubby. I know you don't need a reminder as to how blessed you are!
Michelle Remy said…
I've been focused on animals & creatures in my work for a few years now...Animalitos would be a perfect bit of fresh inspiration so I'm keeping my fingers crossed! Thank you for the chance to win!
artbyildy said…
It is fantastic to see you and your "mi amor" after 28 years of marriage you both looks like you have just fall in love right now. It is outstanding and take care of each other

love
Ildy
lindylu said…
Wishing you downtime and serenity and rejuvenation for all the love and strength and guidance and wisdom and encouragement that you so freely and lovingly give to us
carolyn nicholls said…
As winter finally comes to Brighton and we shiver under the lightly driven snow my heart is light for magic fills my soul. To create, to sing, to dance to smile. That is all I ask- and a paint brush or two will gilde my life along its unseen path.

And if I should breath this chill sharp air and let my spirit soar, my fingers will flow on brush and ink to anchor me to this world and let me fly.
cjaxon said…
An amazing experience to share with your love. Maybe one day..
Lisa said…
Yet another cross-my-fingers moment for Animalitos for both me and my daughter! (FYI, I'm so happy you shared host photos...and animal host photos) :) :)
Sojna said…
Love bridge and all the locks. There is one is Paris too? Have you see that one? And one in Venice? Locking in our love for you too and thanking you for all the photos and inspiration you have shared with us.

I post you on my Facebook page.
Anonymous said…
Another fabulous post! Love the bridge of locks :) ~Sophia Vida
Unknown said…
I love the pictures of you and your love, looking relaxed and content to be together
Celeste said…
What a year you have had. I have enjoyed all you posts and look forward to anther day that I can take a class in person with you.
Celeste Beck
DDCreates said…
Thank you sharing your journey!
Unknown said…
Thanks so much for sharing. I love reading your blog. The pics are magical! Love your classes too!
Carol Regan said…
I can only imagine all the memories you created on your journey to so many destinations! Your recap story was wonderful to read after seeing all your posts this past year. Your new kitten is adorable.
Stephanie Danbom said…
This! Is. What. Life. Is. Made. Of. And yours is beautiful! Your cup runneth over and over and I LOVE that you know it and give gratitude so gracefully!
Hugs! Steph

stephaniedanbom@yahoo.com
Unknown said…
Portugal looks amazing! Thank you for sharing!