It's Our Turn

What Legacy Can You Pass to the Next Generation?

This week, as jotted thoughts in my journal, I struggled to find the positivity I needed for Encouragement Only.

It is a chaotic time – and to deny that - is impossible. As I sought words of reassurance, I pondered two seascapes, one by my mom and the other my uncle, her twin. These hang side by side in our home. They are unique works of art by two amazing individuals – who evolved from the same womb in generally, the same city, Los Angeles, for virtually their whole lives. They followed different paths (philosophically, politically), yet always remained in close contact, encouraging each other in a bond of love.

Top, my mother, Elma’s Carmel-Scape and bottom, her twin, Emel’s Carmel-Scape

As I review 2024, I am asking, “What are the best things we can honor and pass to the next generation?” I think we need to study closely the legacies left to us – and tonight I’m focusing on immediate family, friends, mentors, and those good people who influenced our lives for the better…who gave us time, told us stories, taught us skills and encouraged us.

Many have had to look outside immediate family to neighbors, teachers, business associates, who served as models of kindness and gave life hope and meaning.

And now it is our turn to provide inspiration, values, and knowledge to provide tools for the next generation to stay afoot on an unknown path.

Yes, this could apply to any era – yet we are here, in 2024, with our leaders, elections, conflicts, wars, significant events in all parts of the world and faced with our current set of circumstances. Yesterday, I heard a sermon about sharing riches, not necessarily monetary wealth, but skills, time, and talents.

So as I sat, hands poised over my laptop, I looked up at the two paintings on the wall which offer insightful inspiration and story. These two painters added meaning to my life!

We are creative beings. Perhaps a homemade dish or piece of furniture made by family a relative reminds you of your rich legacy! Perhaps your home was filled with music! Recently, I saw a story about the skilled zinc roofers of Paris - whose craft takes them to the city skyline on a delicate performance of art and skill. And, like so many art forms, there is need for these skills to be taught to future generations. Their expertise could soon be included in UNESCO's intangible heritage list, as the profession adapts to the challenges of global warming.  (Be sure to watch the video at the end!) Your skills may not be as dramatic or large, but vital.

I love to hear stories of items passed down or created for younger family members…of holiday traditions, meals shared, and tasks accomplished.

In preparation to host our Dialogue Group, a group of Morongo Basin women artists who began meeting in 2013, I found our original mission statement from 2013.

·        Promote the spirit of fellowship among artist members

·        Recognize and elevate the standard of creative work

·        Enrich and enhance member opportunities through exhibits and activities related to art

·        Encourage artistic development among members

·        Offer philanthropic aid to the art community

·        Keep members up-to-date and aware of art news and events

Dialog Group as we have exhibited and grown over the decade

I am reminded of the legacy left by my mother and a similar group of close-knit women, dedicated to all the arts.  From her teen years until the end of her life, my mom belonged to the MacDowell Junior League of Los Angeles which sponsored/supported the original and first artist residency in the United States founded in 1906, the MacDowell Colony in Peterborough, New Hampshire. Today, the MacDowell Residency and foundation is thriving and prestigious! Luninaries such as James Baldwin, Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copeland, Thorton Wilder, and Willa Cather have benefited from MacDowell Fellowships. I encourage you to look at the website! I remember a often attending or helping to host these meetings, and I remain in contact with the children of some of the members.

Today, I am proud/pleased/honored to be a part of such a collective. I have suggested before the imporatance of gathering with those who encourage your creativity and values.

My mother with Marian MacDowell, wife of composer Edward MacDowell, and founder of MacDowell artists' residency and foundation. The small sculpture was createdby my mother. The center painting is from the MacDowell website

Here in the Hi-Desert, artists continue to encourage, and it’s art season. The Hwy 62 Open Studio Art Tours continue this weekend. I had a lovely solo show at Soul Connection in the new Cozy Corner Gallery, and this month the gallery features Keep A Breast in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I am delighted to be included in the 12th Joshua Tree National Park Art Expo - November 2-3. This is my 11th year participating. And remember, my France themed cards and calendars are available at my Etsy Shop! Currently, I have a flock of raven cards available!

I urge you to share your time, skills, talents and values with those who are eager to learn or need them.

I also am sharing words of wisdom from an elderly wise friend. Thank you Owen G. for posting this!

“Suggestions for survival:

-Read about an earlier time in which we got through an awful crisis.

-Pray

-Vote

-Encourage someone

-Pray some more.

Inspired by all of you,