Some of my favorite things: People watching, painting in Paris and a good cup of coffee!
In a world of too much, yes, you are receiving my first SUBSTACK 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.
2024 will be an interesting year!
I am often asked to teach more art workshops and share my travels.
I will focus on Mind / Body / Soul / Spirit – all of which really are bundled into the wonderful YOU!
This year I have a fairly clean slate. On day two, I can report am up-to-date with my intentions – daily yoga and writing. Oh—don’t worry, I will fall off my high horse, but will get right back on. As I hope you will! Set your intentions and…when time allows pursue them. When time is limited…relax.
Spirit (Many interchange soul and spirit - and some have distinct opinions on which is which.) For me, it is - what sends your spirit soaring! A mountaintop view? an exceptional piece of music? a painting? a child’s face? and as we are different as the molecules of water in the sea…our preferences differ. I will share what inspires me, art lessons, travel and stories of humanity.
Some very simple things I love:
a good cup of coffee, sunshine, a walk with a friend, getting to know a new city….
Some of my favorite painters: Matisse, Bonnard, Picasso, Sargent…and many more!
Soul Uplifting words come from Scripture and as a former literature teacher —I enjoy a wide range of literature. My nightstand is stacked with works by diverse authors. We all need to hear good words!
Some favorite authors: Madeleine L’Engle, Frances Mayes, Louisa May Alcott, John Baxter and James Bryan Smith
Mind What are you pursuing? I can say I’m trying to learn French – but it is a challenge and I’m not practicing as I should. I believe—bottom line—we do what we want to. So what do you really want to learn?
Body For now, anything that keeps you breathing is great. Author/guru Julia Cameron advises in The Artist’s Way walking to keep the creative mind flowing.
I am reminded daily of the very difficult paths for many. My own childhood was very blessed. However, my career teaching at risk high school students and friendships and conversations with people from many circumstances grounds my perspective.
As we look forward to the new year – may we choose to encourage each other and perhaps blame others a little less. Accountability begins with each of us. May we leave each space a bit better for our having been there!
Future posts:
How to Set Up Your Paint Palette
My Favorite Day in Paris
LA Stories: The Legacies Left by Artists, My Mother and Uncle
Read my recent interview with Shoutout LA
Please drop me a line!
Visit my website.
Inspired by each of you,
Janis