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As an artist, my goal is always to inspire, and although 2022 has presented many challenges, I continue to encourage those around me. This summer, we need a rest from the tension. It can be hard to rise above world circumstances and to stand up for what is right, while keeping one's creativity flowing! Let me encourage YOU! With that in mind, Happy Summer and July! Yes, our daughter, who knows me well, texted on July 1st, “Happy Birthday Month!” People born in July are extra blessed, and I extend my best wishes to all born in July! In the Northern Hemisphere, my birthday occurs during summer, and I have been fortunate to celebrate in a variety of places. As a child, we often tent camped in Sequoia National Park. I have learned that fun does not always happen on its own—I believe it must be planned! I have enjoyed my special day in Paris (twice), Hawaii, Cambria, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Rancho La Puerta, riding bikes from Redondo Beach to Venice, Disneyland... I have spent my day with family, friends and alone (which can be very meaningful). In the United States, July has become synonymous with celebrating liberty and July 4th—and I choose to celebrate freedom as I believe it was meant to be in our nation: freedom from persecution, to worship as we choose and to be allowed to seek life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I praise God for my many blessings! Proudly, I share a birthday with Emma Lazarus who penned the sonnet today displayed at the foot of the Statue of Liberty: “Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. “Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” To get ahead or move more quickly, one must slow down…spend a little time “doing nothing” and dreaming. If YOUR creative spirit calls to you on a regular basis—let me encourage you to show up, keep your tools in working order and have the grace to allow yourself to play! Music, dance, visual arts, writing— create alone or with others--- keep moving forward. Pursue your dream. I am grateful for art friends who encourage me. And although I believe in healthy breaks from social media, it allows me to follow the paths of contemporaries, friends, past students and acquaintances—in their journeys. It is always a joy to see their progress! My past summer journals and blogs—help me to check in. How does this year fit into the patterns of my life? Are there lessons to re-visit or projects to review? Have I made steady progress toward goals and released things no longer needed? We were designed as creative beings. Our creative voice allows us to truly express who we are! Slow down. Take time to be quiet. Perhaps research and celebrate a new holiday.
 April
May
June
As always, my art is at Cactus Mart, Morongo Valley Rainbow Stew, Yucca Valley Soul Connection, now in its new space, Joshua Tree Cards at French Corner, Palm Desert IlSogno (The Dream), Palm Desert
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January 2023 marked 5 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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September 2023
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janis@janiscommentz.com All images by Janis Commentz 
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