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I Invite you to read my Substack Newsletter and listen to my podcast "Encouragement Only"12/25/2024   Be Glad...To love another person is to see the face of God - Victor Hugo December 19, 2024  November 27, 2024
 Greetings Friends!
And just like that, chilly windy weather has arrived for Halloween! As we enter the busy season of autumn, I send encouragement and I want to share some light! Spring may be attractive after a long winter, but we revel in the deep reds, browns, unique shapes of drying seed pods, aromas and warmth of the fall season! I’m not a fan of shorter days, but I love celebrations and illuminated winter holidays. I am eager to return to Paris during the festive season. This week, we lost electric power late one evening. It seems crazy that it kept us awake! After we located the flashlights and votives, we were able to welcome the deep desert darkness. It reminded me that it is not the darkness, but the knowledge that light is unavailable or hard to access that troubles us. What a metaphor for our day! We need the light of encouragement and to share that light. We have choices to make! “Light and shadow are opposite sides of the same coin. We can illuminate our paths or darken our way. It is a matter of choice.” ~ Maya Angelou “A candle loses nothing when it lights another candle.” ~Thomas Jefferson “There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” ~Edith Wharton I believe light represents truth. (I am now posting my blog on SUBSTACK. You can read the rest of this post here.) A Tale of Two Paintings: Carmelscapes by my mother and by her twin, my uncle. Both circa 1965 As I review 2024, I am asking, “What are the best things we can honor and pass to the next generation?” I think we need to study closely the legacies left to us – and tonight I’m focusing on immediate family, friends, mentors, and those good people who influenced our lives for the better…who gave us time, told us stories, taught us skills and encouraged us.
Many have had to look outside immediate family to neighbors, teachers, business associates, who served as models of kindness and gave life hope and meaning. And now it is our turn to provide inspiration, values, and knowledge to provide tools for the next generation to stay afoot on an unknown path. (I am now posting my blog on SUBSTACK. You can read the rest of this post here.) Saturday Morning Greetings: Art and Memories of a More Innocent Age (from September 14, 2024)9/15/2024
Good Saturday Morning! From the beginning of my Encouragement Only Substack newsletter – and my decade of blogging, I have chosen to bring positive words and healing to my readers. Some weeks are a bit more difficult – but I believe looking for the good helps one find it. And we all know the opposite is true. First, allow me to invite locals Mojave Desert dwellers to attend my art opening TONIGHT 6-8 pm at Soul Connection 61877 29 Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree, CA. continue reading  M I N D B O D Y S O U L S P I R I T
August Greetings! We are finally experiencing some beautiful weather. Sipping my morning coffee on our back patio, I enjoyed the 75° temp with a slight breeze. Even the colorful, gently waving laundry on the line looked picturesque. It has been a long and lively summer. There is some good news out there. The Paris Olympics were spectacular, the pandas returned to the San Diego Zoo, and school is in session safely (so far). Congratulations to the 10,500 Olympic athletes (coaches, parents and families) who competed in 48 sports disciplines! But, really, it’s our personal news that is dear to us! Visits with and good news from family and friends bring joy. I have been painting and received the happy news that my painting “Prescott Palms” was accepted into the juried Art Expo at the Hi-Desert Cultural Center “Water in the Desert.” Recently, I began to contemplate the good in my life, to appreciate quiet, and even to ponder my existence. Who am I to be? Who am I not to be? What is your role in the universe? If that seems too daunting, I urge you to Just make a list, as I did below, of things going well, working…. Creating spaces/creative encounters where the miraculous has happened – since 2020—both Art Zoom and Bible Study My painting and small business. My routine – morning coffee in a French press (no wasting filters! Or worrying that I left it plugged in!) Small items which can make life easier—a new garden hose. Family/close friends - think about their best qualities! Home, job, transportation (if these are not running smoothly, don’t think about them right now) By the time I made a list, I definitely felt better! And I do not advocate ignoring trouble. It’s just that sometimes it is calming and positive to recognize what you are doing right! Acknowledge “I can’t do it all!” and love what you admire in the skills of others. I often think I need to do all the good things I see others doing. Nothing could be farther from the truth or more anxiety inducing! When I think of friends, view social media, and attend functions, I encounter many brave, talented and compassionate people. My life is better because of them. They have a role in the universe-which is not my role. How can I appreciate them and not try to upstage or pass by their beautiful talents? This week, I honor people who make my world a more beautiful place: continue reading Greetings! I am excited to announce that my France Sketchbook Calendar 2025 will be available in early September at my online store, French Press & Mojave Inspiration https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtbyJanisCommentz and in local gift shops. This calendar features my travel sketches from and has been a favorite for several years! The 6 ½ x 8 ½ “ size is perfect for many spaces such as your desk area, kitchen and more! Add a touch of France to your life!Greetings! 
 I invite you to listen to my podcast, Encouragement Only! which is an auditory and condensed version of my blog/Substack newsletter. Of course, I also encourage you to view the visual letter which will always feature photos!
Substack Home - Janis’s Substack - Encouragement Only available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Substack (or click below!) Episode One Episode Two Episode Three Episode Four Episode Five Episode Six  Transition occurs, and this week our community is honoring and grieving the loss of a beloved gallery director from the eastern part of our basin. The creative spirit of our community was embodied in Laurel Seidl and the Glass Outhouse Art Gallery.
No man is an island, Entire of itself; Every man is a piece of the continent,A part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, As well as if a promontory were: As well as if a manor of thy friend's Or of thine own were. Any man's death diminishes me, Because I am involved in mankind. And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee. —John Donne In France July 14, signifies la fête nationale, often called Bastille Day, which honors the values of liberty, equality, fraternity and the unity of the nation. Hot July can signify a time for fierce patriotism and time for family escapes. It’s my birthday month and special to me. In the Mojave Desert, we’ve had intense heat – and we are ready for a retreat – perhaps from the busyness of the world. And, yes, current events send us reeling each day. I am grateful I chose Encouragement Only for the title of my Substack and will continue with the original intention I set: I want this to be a breath of fresh air and a word of encouragement. I want to come along side you with some practical tips and good things I am discovering every day. 2024 will be an interesting year! MIND BODY SOUL SPIRIT Small acts can make a big splash in a modest community. Even in an enormous area such as Greater Los Angeles with 13 million people, each small neighborhood is a village. This week I am pondering friendship and community. We are all part of a greater whole as John Donne eloquently wrote. I am carefully choosing to give myself grace and consider my next endeavor. Encouraging morning texts from dear friends means a lot and put a smile on my face. Recently, a new gallery in Yucca Valley, the Hi-Desert Artists, opened. Hungry for community and a party, over 500 attended the opening! Incredible in this small town. Transition occurs, and this week we are honoring and grieving the loss of a beloved gallery director from the eastern part of our basin. The creative spirit of our community was embodied in Laurel Seidl and the Glass Outhouse Art Gallery. Yes, the name makes one think, “What in the heck?” upon first hearing about the space in desolate Wonder Valley, east of 29 Palms, CA. Founder/ director Laurel had been a school bus driver, and when she approached a local galley with her artworks, her art was rejected. She was determined to create a gallery where all could show art! And she did. Her only restriction - she semi-jokingly said, “I will not show pornography - and I know it when I see it.” Eventually, her venue became one of the most popular in the desert, featuring top local artists and those from around the country. For many years, there was a four year wait list and recently, she created more gallery space. Continue reading and view photos at Substack.  Dear Friends,
June flew by! Happy July! Concentric circles, Venn diagrams, circles rippling when we skip a rock across a lake! Think of all the circles you have been a part of from youth until today. How have they changed? This month, circles from my past have caused me to think about my hometown, Los Angeles. Continue reading at Substack  My new blog post is available at Substack! This one is dedicated to those who need a little boost.
I always brighten when the weather warms up! However, some seasons offer more challenges. Friends and family may be experiencing difficulties. Occasionally, our wells just seem to go dry – and even that gratitude list just doesn’t seem to lift our spirits. We grow tired of overused platitudes. There are seasons in our lives when things just seem a little off. It’s time for a 30,000 mile check up—or 500. What keeps our creative spirits running smoothly? Continue reading here. May Greetings! I have two new newsletters on Substack recently, and you can read these here. My trip to the East Coast took me to beautiful Savannah, GA and Washington DC. I encourage you to read both - as an artist there was much to see! Southern Hospitality in Savannah and An Artist's First Visit to Washington DC (art, friendship and my DC experience). Travel sketching is always on my agenda! I have also begun a podcast, Encouragement Only by Janis Commentz, an auditory version of my newsletter. It's been a beautiful spring rich in inspiration! Be sure to scroll down to choose the episode! Wishing you all the best! Janis M I N D B O D Y S O U L S P I R I T Encouragement ~Time for Self-Care ~Sources of Inspiration ~A Magical Day in Paris (read more) Don't miss the music from this day! Wedding band and Vivaldi's Four Seasons at Saint-Germain Church!
Don't miss this 11 minute podcast - Be a Catalyst: Sow Seeds of Connection  commentz.substack.com/p/lessons-from-a-pauseDon't miss today's newsletter! If you have experienced a downtime this month - this is especially for you.
Lessons from a pause The benefits of French bread Give your inner artist grace Greetings! Spring is finally here, and I hope you have stayed healthy throughout the breezy month of March! I am very eager for a time of renewal, healing and strengthening. This month has given me an opportunity to really practice what I preach and put self-care into action. No matter how we protect ourselves, sometimes we are susceptible. I caught a chest cold and was surprised that it hit like a ton of bricks. Lessons from a pause I am generally blessed with good health and had trouble at first winding down…and yet, I have been given time to reflect. time for recuperation time to give into and allow rest I am learning so much! I have been buoyed by offers from family and friends to help and to pray for me. And, thinking about so many suffering worldwide, I am grateful for my abundant resources. Simple things…quiet, classical music, Adriene‘s Yoga for Sickness Recovery, hydration, Vicks’ with lavender (did you know it exists?), honey and lemon, moisturizing soaps and the classics. I am re-reading A Tale of Two Cities. Many around the world do not have clean water, let alone the luxuries we take for granted. (Read more) Dear Friends, In a quest to simplify and prioritize this year, I am consolidating my blog into a Substack newsletter easily accessed here and on the Substack ap. To make much of the material more easily accessible, I have begun a Podcast to deliver content in an audible format. I hope you will enjoy both! I encourge you to read or listen, pursue your creative live and give yourself grace! Happy end of breezy March! Click on images below for more! Inspired by all of you! ~Janis   
I was delighted to appear recently in two Los Angeles based online magazines. Thanks VoyageLA and ShoutoutLA!
Dear Friends, This year I have converted my blog to a newsletter still available available here and as Encouragement Only by Janis Commentz. My posts include encouragement, announcements, travel and art tips, and gentle suggestions for getting your creative practice flowing! You can easily click on any of the January messages. Click on the images below to read the February letters! And...beginning this March, I am making my newsletters audible! I invite you to listen to the trailer and to Episode One of ENCOURAGEMENT ONLY by Janis Commentz  If you are interested in my spring workshops, March 30 and April 6th, see my workshop page. As always you can reach out to me by filling out the contact form. I wish you all the very best. Inspired by all of you!  This month, I decided to try a new platform, Substack. And as I said in my first post, "I want this to be a breath of fresh air and a word of encouragement. I’d like to come along side you with some practical tips and good things I am discovering every day." I am pleased with the ease of access and invite you to click on the images below to read my first four posts. I am committed to keeping my Substack newsletter free. Will this new format, Substack, replace my previous newsletter? There certainly is a possibility. Join the ride! And P.S. I just added free downloadable Joshua Tree Valentines to this site. I think you will find them fun. from my first Substack letter:
Encouragement Only! Art, Uplifting Words and Life Lessons Janis Commentz Jan 2, 2024 |
January 2024 marks 7 years of blogging about creativity, well-being and encouragement. Thank you to the many who have visited my website! I welcome comments and questions. Archives by Title
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