A Whale of a Tale

Whimsy is my love language—and this little whale absolutely swam straight out of that part of my heart.

I’ve always been drawn to brands with a sense of play and personality. Vineyard Vines? Yes, please. There’s something about that carefree nautical vibe—sun-soaked, salty, and slightly preppy—that sparks creativity for me. It’s coastal charm wrapped in a bow, and my imagination eats it up.

And the beach? Well… she’s my constant companion.
Even when I’m landlocked in Texas, visiting my granddaughter in Charleston, or tucked away on a getaway with my husband, the ocean somehow calls my name like an old friend with good gossip.

Whales in particular have always captured my affection. There’s a sweetness to them—gentle giants with old souls.

A couple of summers ago, back when my husband and I were dating, he took me whale watching in San Diego. (Ten points to him for creativity.) And let me tell you, it was magic. Pure, goosebump-inducing magic. We watched a blue whale and her calf glide right past us—so close we could hear the water part around them. You don’t forget a moment like that. I think my heart inhaled deeply that day and never quite exhaled.

So maybe it’s no surprise that this watercolor whale showed up in my sketchbook—happy, whimsical, and ready to make a splash.

Thanks for letting me share these little moments with you. They always feel like pieces of my heart wrapped in watercolor.