JANIS COMMENTZ California Painter
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Share the Light

11/22/2023

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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.
Below -Sharing a year of wonder! 1 In January I met "Little Bird"  who ate out of one's hand in trust! (photo by Dan O'Dowd), 2 painting by the Seine River Paris, 3 painting at the Medici Fountain - Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris, 4 meeting friends, Krystal Kenney (photographer extraordinaire) and Claudine Hemingway (historian and tour guide fantastique), 5 exhibiting with treasured artist friends - Dialog Group, 6 teaching a workshop at the 29 Palms Art Gallery, 7 solo exhibition at Pilates and Arts, 8 touring the French Senat on the one weekend a year it's open!, 9 painting a Wallace Fountain at Saint-Sulpice, Paris
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2024 Calendars Available Now

11/13/2023

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Gift Giving Made easy!

The holidays are around the corner! My Raven Calendars are almost sold out!

The Paris Sketchbook Calendar will be ready this week!  I am delighted to be featured on the Holiday Gift Guide at Parisian Niche, and I am happy to update that orders will be mailed this week!!

Available at Etsy and local shops
All three Calendars will be at RainbowStew4u.com
​Ravens and Joshua Tree at
Cactusmart.com,
SoulConnectionJT.com 
Ravensbookshoppe.com


Click below for Etsy Shoppe, French Press & Mojave Inspiration listings:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1596564223/joshua-tree-calendar-2024

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1596595499/calendar-ravens-2024

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1605067797/paris-sketchbook-calendar-2024

As we move into the busy holiday season—I hope we all can slow down a bit to ponder the reason we celebrate a Season of Light!

Inspired by all of you!

~Janis





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    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.
         The creative habit and skills can be developed at any age. I invite you to check in often!

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