Hopes, Habits and Open Hearts
Honoring those who make my world a more beautiful place
M I N D B O D Y S O U L S P I R I T
August Greetings!
We are finally experiencing some beautiful weather. Sipping my morning coffee on our back patio, I enjoyed the 75° temp with a slight breeze. Even the colorful, gently waving laundry on the line looked picturesque.
It has been a long and lively summer.
There is some good news out there. The Paris Olympics were spectacular, the pandas returned to the San Diego Zoo, and school is in session safely (so far). Congratulations to the 10,500 Olympic athletes (coaches, parents and families) who competed in 48 sports disciplines!
But, really, it’s our personal news that is dear to us! Visits with and good news from family and friends bring joy.
I have been painting and received the happy news that my painting “Prescott Palms” was accepted into the juried Art Expo at the Hi-Desert Cultural Center “Water in the Desert.”
Recently, I began to contemplate the good in my life, to appreciate quiet, and even to ponder my existence. Who am I to be? Who am I not to be?
What is your role in the universe?
If that seems too daunting, I urge you to
Just make a list, as I did below, of things going well, working….
Creating spaces/creative encounters where the miraculous has happened – since 2020—both Art Zoom and Bible Study
My painting and small business.
My routine – morning coffee in a French press (no wasting filters! Or worrying that I left it plugged in!)
Small items which can make life easier—a new garden hose.
Family/close friends - think about their best qualities!
Home, job, transportation (if these are not running smoothly, don’t think about them right now)
By the time I made a list, I definitely felt better! And I do not advocate ignoring trouble. It’s just that sometimes it is calming and positive to recognize what you are doing right!
Acknowledge “I can’t do it all!” and love what you admire in the skills of others.
I often think I need to do all the good things I see others doing. Nothing could be farther from the truth or more anxiety inducing!
When I think of friends, view social media, and attend functions, I encounter many brave, talented and compassionate people. My life is better because of them. They have a role in the universe-which is not my role. How can I appreciate them and not try to upstage or pass by their beautiful talents?
This week, I honor people who make my world a more beautiful place:
Erin Gafill and Tom Birmingham of Big Sur teach painting and writing classes and lead workshops. With a gentle, but informed touch, these two are able to provide both online and in person gatherings such as the beautiful Tuscan retreat I attended last fall. They will be doing it again soon – and here is the link for Awaken the Artist Within: Sketchbook Immersion in Umbria.
Podcasters and Paris experts, Krystal Kenney and Claudine Hemingway created the podcast La Vie Creative in 2020 teaming up to “dive deep into French history, but with a twist, by bringing a spotlight to lesser-known creatives in France,” as their show intro proclaims. Since 2020, I have listened to the weekly podcast, and they have increased my knowledge of French history and culture exponentially.
In July 2022, I actually appeared in an interview on the podcast ( La Vie Creative: EP 244: French Style Painter Janis Commentz on Apple Podcasts), and in 2023 I met both. Krystal is a skilled and talented photographer and the author of Paris, A Life Less Ordinary: A Memoir. I love the photos she took of me in Paris!
Claudine Hemingway is an expert researcher and teacher who shares her findings on the podcast episodes “La Vie Creative avec a Hemingway” and as a tour guide. I scheduled a Paris walking tour with Claudine and discovered hidden parts of Paris I would not have found on my own and had a delightful morning! My world is definitely more beautiful because of these two.
Abe Daniels has greatly enriched our Joshua Tree community. Abe has taught drama workshops, directed and performed in award winning local theater, helped to restore the Groves Cabin Theater (which has been retired), founded Joshua Tree Theatre Under the Stars and Wind Walkers Medicine Wheel – a venue for drum ceremonies, meditation, weddings, and theater productions. In fact, currently, the venue is looking for actors to audition for the new Season of Joshua Tree Theatre Under the Stars. Contact cherokeese@aol.com
Locally, I am fortunate to show my art at some lovely venues. These entrepreneurs are efficient and fun! It is a delight to work with Nicole Holland of Cactus Mart in Morongo Valley, CA; Valerie Meyer of Rainbow Stew in Yucca Valley, CA (and Michelle and Stacey); and Dawn Davis of Soul Connection in Joshua Tree, CA. Dawn Davis is also the creator of the podcast, Desert Lady Diaries, which has preserved the stories told by many local women. As I am writing this, I realize that some of these women are no longer with us, making this podcast even more precious! All of these women have created lovely shops, event centers and, most important, are art ambassadors.
Christina Consolé is the founder of Parisian Niche, an online community and book club, Parisian Page Turners. Chrissy (as she likes to be called) beautifully writes and thoroughly researches a fabulous blog. She has created an online home for lovers of all things French. I had the delightful pleasure of meeting up with her more than once in Paris and getting to know the kind and charming creator of Parisian Niche in person! Last Holiday season, my Paris Sketchbook calendars were featured in her gift giving guide and, if all goes as scheduled, will appear again this winter. My world is more beautiful everyday due to Chrissy Consolé!
Close friends – you know the ones - the ones you send small daily details to, send a funny cartoon or meme, whose philosophies mesh closely enough to yours, yet provide an open space for discussion, or those who will listen when you need to pour out your heart. Who are the people who make you smile when their names pop up on your phone or social media?
Hopes, habits and hearts:
So as we face the second half of 2024, who are you meant to be? Can you release some tasks for others to carry out and enjoy the beauty they create? I am giving myself the gift of grace and rest as I honor those who positively affect my life.
Each week, I meet in person and online with those who inspire me. We talk faith, friendship, art and life. We may not always agree on all topics—but we share dreams, stories, hopes and pieces of our hearts.
I am carefully evaluating who I am, reviewing who am I meant to be, and recognizing who God made me to be and who/what I am not to be.
Wishing you the best as we transition from summer to autumn!
Inspired by all of you,
In production – My France Sketchbook Calendar 2025 – soon available at my online shop French Press & Mojave Inspiration.
www.janiscommentz.com
Thank you! I am grateful for much. As I read this, I was producing my podcast version of the Substack newsletter!
Janis, you are a gift.