A Toast to Healing and Thankfulness
Living in Vancouver, the long, gloomy winter often feels endless, as we yearn for the sun and the warmth of spring. But now, it’s April — the month of renewal, when flowers begin to bloom, and the days stretch longer, filled with more light and warmth. It’s a time when the air itself seems to lift, infusing us with fresh energy and hope.
As I watch the seasons shift, I’m reminded of how quickly time passes. It’s hard to believe that almost a year has gone by since I first shared the Thankful Table Collection — a journey that has since deepened from quiet reflection into a space of joyful presence and healing.
While I did release a few seasonal art prints during Christmas, this Summer Mocktail Edition feels especially significant for me. As summer approaches, I find myself craving not just the warmth of the sun, but a deeper sense of lightness within — a softness, a freedom.
Over the past few months, I’ve been reconnecting with the gentler parts of myself, learning to open my heart more fully, and to savor life’s small, sweet moments. Practicing gratitude has become an ongoing journey, casting a soft glow on everything around me, allowing me to see beauty in even the most ordinary things.
This Summer Mocktail Edition is more than just a playful collection — it’s a celebration of the joy, sweetness, and abundance in life. Each drink I drew — from Mojito to Cloud Fizz, Rosy Spritz, and Sunrise Fizz — was created with a sense of gratitude in every brushstroke.
The Mojito evokes the coolness and refreshment of a perfect summer day, while the Cloud Fizz brings a dreamy, cozy feeling of joy. The Rosy Spritz embodies sweetness and love, and the Sunrise Fizz captures the passion of new beginnings.
Behind each of these drinks, the sources — the most essential ingredient of all — are like gifts that we often take for granted. The simple yet precious essence of water flows through each creation, just like the simple, life-giving gift it is. We rarely pause to reflect on the long journey it makes to nourish us — from the rain falling from the sky, traveling across great distances, to flowing through our taps and appearing in bottles. It’s easy to overlook, yet it sustains us in ways that are often unnoticed.
‘Smile to the cloud in your tea’ is one of my favorite quotes from Thich Nhat Hanh. It’s a reminder to be present and find beauty in the fleeting moments — to recognize the simple gifts around us. In this case, the cloud in our tea reminds us to appreciate the journey of something as essential as water. From the rain falling from the sky, traveling across distances to reach us, and ultimately nourishing us in our cup, water is a gift we too often take for granted. Mindfulness helps us pause and reflect on these gifts, leading us to a deeper sense of gratitude for the simple, life-sustaining things we often overlook.
Gratitude doesn’t have to be heavy. It can be light and sparkling, like the Summer Mocktail Edition itself. It’s a reminder to appreciate the small, joyful moments that nourish the heart. It’s like savoring the ‘mocktails of life’ — those little, precious moments that fill us with love and joy. Gratitude creates miracles, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary ones.
This summer, may we all sip from the magic of gratitude, one sweet, small moment at a time. You can discover the Thankful Table Collection here and infuse your space with gratitude and warmth. Explore the collection to bring a touch of joy and inspiration into your home.
Please also visit my external blog ARTY GROW N GLOW.