Greetings Friends,
Last week, I sent my newsletter and I'd like to share a bit of that message.  However, as we move closer to the holiday season and observe the events in our world,  Id like to share a little extra love and encourage you to show kindness to those who cross your path.  Our community here in the Joshua Tree area is definitely undergoing change--and as some businesses close and others struggle to become established, I hope we can maintain compassion.
And as I count my blessings, I am reminded of the many who are not as fortunate.
As we move into the busy holiday season - slow down to ponder the reason we celebrate a Season of Light and where that light comes from in a world of darkness. I encourage you to share that light.
Inspired by all of you, 
Janis
                     *     *     *     *     *     *
(from my newsletter)
Unpacking…
What a year to unpack!
At the end of a year of commitments and plans, I am finally penning my November newsletter!
2023 opened with a full schedule  – all dreamed up during the preceding quiet years of ‘20 and ‘21.  It truly was a year of fulfillment.
And yet, we all need a time of rest.  A time to reflect, to nurture and to replenish.  That is what I am planning for my practice, and I hope you can incorporate a bit of a pause into your own lives. 
I looked up sabbatical and ---haha – most of the suggestions I have pursued ever since I became a full time artist, retired from public school teaching…volunteer, pursue a creative art form, travel, start a business, spend time alone, write, mentor others….
I do not need to add more, and perhaps I do not need to remove pursuits. But I believe I need to slow down.  Speeding tickets are given for a reason! 
At this point, I hope to dive more deeply and deliberately during 2024 into choice projects.
Merriam-Webster gives several meanings for the word, unpack:

• remove the contents of
• unburden, reveal
• analyze the nature of by examining in detail, explicate
• decompress

This year, I have truly stored up a treasure of memories,  and some will serve as stepping stones to new strokes with a brush and computer keys!
After waiting four years, I returned to Paris to breathe in beauty and to sketch.  What a visual feast!  My new Paris Sketchbook Calendar is being released this week.
I want to give myself time to carefully unpack experiences, feelings, and goals.  I know many of you have busy careers and schedules. I hope you might find some time to set aside each reek for renewal. 
As we move into the busy holiday season - slow down to ponder the reason we celebrate a Season of Light and where that light comes from in a world of darkness. I encourage you to share that light.
Gratitude for 2023 – a year of family, friendship, exhibits, workshops, painting and travel.