🎣 Studio Scribbles: Fish, Fire Face, and Flavor Bombs 🌮🔥

Hey, friends—it’s Zarah here, checking in from the Watercolor Wizardry Studio. I’m glowing red, looking like a raccoon with long gloves on, but still full of stories and sunshine. ☀️🎣😁

This week’s update is less “what I painted” and more “what painted me”—literally, which is to say the Sun went absolutely wild on my arms and face after our latest fishing adventure. Do I look a little crispy? Maybe. Did I learn something? You bet. Did we eat like royalty? Oh, friends, let’s get into it.

🎣 Sunburns, Sunglasses, and Slaw: Scenes from the Boat

So here’s the scene: One ambitious creative (me), out for some R&R and color (on my skin, not just my palette!) decided fishing in short sleeves was a great idea. Fast-forward to day two—no hat, raccoon sunglasses tan, a sunburned face. I’m glowing red and radiating heat, but not in a unicorn way; more in that “do I need aloe or an ice pack?” sorta way.

Caught some fish but nothing to break records. One little guy went back to grow bigger; the other was good enough for the skillet. My Honey “upgraded” my fishing setup to a drop shot rig (translation: the weights go at the end, bait above). Maybe that’s why I struggled to get bites, or maybe the fish just weren’t vibing with me—either way, my friend John was on fire, hauling them in from the middle of the lake while I casted and reeled, again and again with not much of anything to show for it.

We sweated and laughed and finally had to set up an awning on the boat, because the sun wasn’t kidding with me. But honestly, all that effort led to something golden—All. You. Can. Eat. Fish. Tacos.

🌮 Trophy Dinner: Mango Salsa and Life’s Little Wins

Back at home, sun-stunned and a little ouchie, Honey lceaned the fish and deep fried our catch in a crispy beer batter (is there any other way?) and loaded it into tortillas piled with my homemade mango salsa. Not to be dramatic, but—wow. Ripe mango, vine-grown tomatoes, and lime juice in the slaw, crispy fish fried in tallow, some tartar… it was heaven. The salsa was almost too juicy, but that flavor? Unbeatable. I ate three burrito-sized tacos and didn’t regret a single bite.

No leftovers except for the mango salsa because when it's that good and that much cutting and chopping, you make a lot!

😅 Still Showing Up (Glowing Red and All!)

The real test wasn’t just endurance on the river—it was showing up the next day, face still sunburnt, at a creator community meeting online. No makeup, just my raccoon glory and a story to tell.  I went live in Academy and in Creator Community, no make up, just glowing. 😅

That’s part of this artist’s journey: sometimes you show up raw, not “ready.” Sometimes you let yourself be seen—at your freshest, silliest, or itchiest—and trust that it matters.

By the way: Watercolor Wizardry is in beta until September 30th. Everything’s a work in progress, from the site to my sunnier self! If you want in at the lowest price, now’s your moment. There are also VIP options for group coaching and accountability—come play, learn, and glow along with me.

🧠 Key Takeaways (Fresh from the Lake and the Table)

• Don’t Wait for Perfect Conditions. You’ll catch more memories by saying “yes” than waiting for “ready.” Sunburns fade, stories last.

• Tweak the Setup, Not the Spirit. Maybe the fish weren’t biting, or maybe I just needed a different approach. Keep adjusting, and don’t stress what you can’t control.

• Celebrate the Small Catches. One decent fish + homemade salsa = a feast. Joy isn’t about the numbers, but what you savor.

• Show Up Honestly. Sunburnt, tired, raccoon-faced—showing up real builds deeper connection (and more interesting stories).

• Comfort is in the Ritual. Those post-adventure tacos? They’re art for the appetite. Find and repeat the rituals that restore you.

💪 Action Steps for Your Creative Life

1. Make Your Own “Trophy Dinner.” Celebrate any win this week with a meal you love—bonus points for fresh ingredients and lots of flavor.

2. Share a Story—Unfiltered. Show up as you are in your community; post that progress photo or honest update, no polish needed.

3. Join the Journey. If you’re building something from the heart and want encouragement, come say hi at watercolorwizardry.com.

💡 The Moral (subtly shared, like a glowing sunset):
Life, creativity, and community are marathons, not beauty contests. Show up, savor what you catch, and don’t be afraid to be seen—sunburns, laughter, fish tacos, and all. That’s how we grow, together.

Stay glowing inside and out and stay creative,
Zarah
(Your resident glowing raccoon in long gloves, and watercolor cheerleader) 🧙‍♀️🎨🌮