Renew Your Dreams
And Help Others Build Theirs
Dear Friends,
I want to share beauty, art, travel, encouragement–and yet I know that when basic needs are not being met in our community -- food, shelter, and emotional support, very little makes sense.
I urge you to look around your community for agencies and organizations that are helping those in need and consider a donation.
We have a wonderful group in Joshua Tree which has been helping those in need for decades, The Way Station. Home | the-way-station Yes, this is a faith-based organization, but I have seen their work for 30 years and people from all aspects of the community support them. Consider looking farther afield at national or international groups who help needy in our country and globally.
And to those who need help, reach out! These are tough times. Allow people to help you! I am certain you have helped others—taking food and just being there to listen.
Encouragement means pulling together!
With that being said – I will continue to share creative endeavors, travel tips and some great reads. I am often told how much people love hearing about my travel experiences. I love to encourage others in their creative endeavors; it’s keeping us going.
ART SEASON 2025 has been vibrant, and I am participating in several events.
JTNPARTS Expo - I am delighted to have been juried into the Joshua Tree National Park Art Exposition – JTNP Council for the Arts Annual Art Expo. The Opening Reception is Saturday, November 1st from 4-7 p.m. at the 29 Palms Art Gallery. This is my twelfth year in the exhibition.
Spaghetti Western Saloon Salon – Solo Show I will be exhibiting a fusion of paintings of two of the places I love in “Montmartre Mood Meets the Mojave.” This will be the first time I am making a few of my original travel sketches available. The Opening Reception is Sunday, November 2 from 5-7 p.m. at Spaghetti Western, 50048 Twentynine Palms Hwy, Morongo Valley, CA. Drop by for art and music, and stay for the food.
23rd Annual Art and Craft Affair – Saturday, November 8th 9a.m. – 2 p.m. 61283 Prescott Trail Joshua Tree. this is the only arts and crafts fair I participate in, a lovely event showcasing artwork by mostly teachers, retired teachers and school personnel. Drop by for early holiday shopping and homemade cookies!
My France Sketchbook Calendar 2026 will soon be available at my Etsy Shop: French Press & Mojave Inspiration.
CONSERVE!
There is much to think about – autumn, change of seasons.
What do we really want to conserve?
This week I attended an awards ceremony for the recipient of the Minerva Hoyt Desert Conservation award! I am very proud of our community. This award recognizes individuals who make an exceptional contribution to protecting California’s desert environments and celebrates those who embody Hoyt’s spirit of desert preservation. Minerva Hoyt 1866 – 1945 was an American socialite who became interested in desert plants and, after her husband’s death, devoted her life to understanding and preserving desert flora. Her work helped pave the way toward National Parks Minerva Hamilton Hoyt - Wikipedia.
This year’s recipient, Laraine Turk, is well-deserving, and it was good to see so many friends, community conservationists, members of our various conservation associations: Morongo Basin Conservation Association, Mojave Desert Land Trust and the Joshua Tree National Park Association who are keeping the JTNP open during the current government shutdown.
What do we want to preserve in our lives?...love, family, friendships…a way of life—a feeling of security and well-being, a way of life?
What were your dreams when you were young and how do you preserve-conserve those dreams? How do you keep them close to your heart? How do you keep them alive and intact?
PARIS PLANS INSTALLMENT ONE (of this new series)
Has travel always been a part of your dreams? I received a text recently from a young couple who are planning to visit Paris for the first time. I’m addressing that very fun topic here. For the rest of you, imagine you’re in your mid-to-late 20s and going to Paris for the first time with your sweetie or good friend. My young friend minored in French so he’s already ahead of me! And if you are in your 40’s, 50’s, 70’s why not? I travel solo and encourage women of a certain age to begin making travel plans. And armchair travelers, enjoy!
Not everyone can make this trip – and yet, it may be more doable than you realize. Planning has always been a huge part of travel joy for me. My depression-era parents waited many years to travel. They had made road trips to 48 states, but never abroad. Thankfully, they were able to make several trips to Europe before their health declined.
I returned to Paris after 40 years and a little serendipity. My recent trip was wonderful, and I will share more in detail in the future.
Step One is a must. Before you spend a penny on airfare, an art workshop or anything travel related, buy travel insurance.
A quick slip in the snow and small bone fracture in 2019 brought this to my attention! I had paid part of an art workshop fee before I made the rest of my plans. The art workshop had no cancellation policy, and I was holding my breath that I’d heal in time. I did, but lesson learned; buy travel insurance first. I recommend what was recommended to me by a travel blogger and what I have used for several trips successfully. World Nomads - Explore Your Boundaries.
Step Two Study your destination. Know your Paris map. Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements or districts Here is a great guide to each.
The year I planned my return trip, I began reading everything I could find. Even seven years ago the internet was not chock-full of Instagrams, podcasts and endless resources about France. I ordered all the books I could from our local and county libraries and renewed my passport.
Here are three I especially have enjoyed and own.
John Baxter’s A Year in Paris weaves history with Paris culture masterfully. David McCullough’s sweeping historical novel, The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris, tells the story of famous Americans flocking to Paris in the mid 19th century-for art, medicine, culture, literature and to become whom they became. Janet Skeslien Charles’ historical novel, The Paris Library, dramatically introduces the American Library in Paris from its beginnings and traces its role in preserving the library throughout World War II while interweaving a contemporary story of the main character’s role model in the United States.
The reason I planned a return trip to France was to attend an art workshop in the Dordogne that never happened. Instead, I took the advice of a friend who had lived in France to complete the excellent itinerary by myself and, of course, I added Paris where I had spent three days immediately after college.
Quick hints as you plan and more soon!
Take it slow - don’t pack too much in a day.
Don’t pack too much!
Do some homework-know what you really want to see.
Museums
Parks
Restaurants
Churches
Historical sites
In fact, my Paris advice is good for every day! If possible, don’t pack too much into your schedule. Savor the good moments, and enjoy people who make you laugh and feel encouraged!
The holidays will be here soon. Focus on what brings you and your loved ones joy.
Inspired by all of you!
Thank you so much for including The Paris Library! Do you have a link to your art shop? I'd love the buy some Christmas cards. xo
I admire you for being a solo traveler. As far as I'm concerned, it's the best way to experience other cultures. During my travels in Europe between 1971 and 2000 I never went on any kind of a group tour, and certainly wouldn't do so if I ever am able to travel again. Going with a friend is also a good option, but part of the fun of going alone is meeting new friends on one's travels.