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:
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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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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November 2023
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