Petra Monaco

Hey there, Apparently, the woods have decided I'm collecting hearts now. Over the past few hikes, I've come across a heart-shaped scar on a tree, a mushroom that, if you look at it just so and use a little imagination, resembles a heart, and even a leaf that had curled itself into a tiny heart. I wasn't looking for any of them. I just noticed them. And honestly, that's one of the greatest gifts hiking has given me. We've had some much-needed rain this week, so the actual hiking has been...

Hey there, Another week has come and gone, and as always, it reminded me why I love living where I do. This week, Zina, Remi, and I headed out for an 8.5-mile hike to explore Laurel Prong, Rapidan Camp (President Herbert Hoover’s getaway retreat), and Jones Mountain Trail via the Appalachian Trail. There's something about setting out with no agenda beyond seeing what's around the next bend that always settles my mind. We crossed streams, wandered through the woods, and spent hours simply...

Hey there, If you've been eyeing the Coffee Before Conversation bear mug, this is your friendly reminder. This design is only available through August 31. If your perfect morning involves a hot cup of coffee, a little peace and quiet, and absolutely no one asking you to make decisions before caffeine... this bear gets you. After August, this design heads back into the woods. Coffee first. Words later. Then it's time to welcome a new face to the Wild Mug Club... Sneak Peek: August's Mug Meet...

Hey there, This week was a little quieter than usual. There weren't any long hikes or big adventures, but nature still managed to stop by. Once again, a bear wandered through our property. It's becoming one of those reminders that living in rural Virginia means you never quite know what might show up outside your window. Even on the weeks when life feels ordinary, the woods always seem to have a story to tell. I think that's one of the reasons I love creating nature-inspired art so much. You...

Hey there, This week we loaded up the dogs and headed to one of our favorite fields for some off-leash time. Not long after we arrived, we spotted a field full of cows. Now, if you've ever met Milo, you know curiosity tends to get the better of him. He happily bounced along the fence line, completely convinced he needed to figure out who these enormous creatures were and whether they might be interested in becoming friends. Zina and Remi weren't quite as enthusiastic, but even they couldn't...

Hey there, This week, I went on my first big hike since my hysterectomy in March. I've been walking with the dogs every day, but this was different. Longer. Steeper. The kind of hike that asks a little more from your body and quietly reminds you of what it's capable of. It felt good to be back, and I came home tired, with muddy boots, and a camera full of wildflowers. Wildflowers growing along the edge of the trail, quietly doing what they do every spring and summer whether anyone stops to...

Hey there, If you happened to catch my posts on Instagram or Facebook this week, you know I've been sharing a little about what Wild Ridge Studio is all about. But then it occurred to me... Not everyone who reads these weekly studio notes follows me on social media, and even if you do, a newsletter feels different. So whether you're brand new or we've been walking this trail together for a while, welcome. Wild Ridge Studio is where hiking trails become art. Where tiny forest discoveries...

Hey there, This week, I found myself sketching blackberries for a new collection, planning Patreon content, thinking about future licensing opportunities, and adding new pieces to my organ donation collection. At some point, I caught myself smiling because none of this felt like pretending anymore. Pivoting isn't always easy, and just a year ago, I could only dream about what I am doing now, which is simply showing up and doing the work I want to do - not the work other people expect me to...

Hey there, This week came with a pretty incredible reminder: Sometimes the magic happens because you decide to show up again. I participated in Summer Art School hosted by Liz Kohler Brown, and I created a piece inspired by organ donation awareness. This project has is close to my heart because of my own connection to organ donation and the stories of hope, healing, and second chances woven into it. And then something amazing happened. That artwork earned me a spot in Liz’s annual membership....