Grateful to Play

 

“Winter is on my head, but eternal spring is in my heart.”

                                                           --Victor Hugo

So, this is my wrap for 2021.  It seems like the past 12 months have been full of rogue waves splashing on our doorsteps or perhaps flooding our entire beings with ups and downs, challenges and opportunities, unrest and exhaustion, abundance and loss and on and on....whew...

 Yep, that's been my experience as well.  The loss of my mother and father-in-law along with other family members and friends has kept me reaching for the tissue box long after their passing.  The vaccines and science that are now available as we navigate the ongoing pandemic have encouraged me to trust and have faith that goodness always trumps even the darkest days.  

The quiet times have allowed me to get reacquainted with things I have always loved -- those things that soothe my soul and calm my raging thoughts. So, after seeing the featured photos, you guessed it.  I stayed close to the river (on or in it) whenever possible.  Since I was a kiddo I have always wanted a jet ski, and that's what I got.  Cruising on the water with the throttle wide open is simply fun and allows for no time to worry about anything beyond what I'm doing at that very moment. 

And then there is the waterskiing -- jumping in the cool river always brings my attention to the moment as I grab the rope, position the skis and wait for the boat to pull me up on to the glassy-smooth surface.  

And jumping on the saddle of my road bike quickly takes me anywhere I want to go -- and that's simply back to the moment where I connect with my breath, enjoy the now and everything is fine.

Lastly, several years ago I stumbled across the Zentangle© art method.  Its simplicity and repetition instantly helped me access my talents as an artist.  And in 2021 I have been sharing this with many other emerging artists as we connect via Zoom and put pen to paper.  Both on and off the canvas, these opportunities have been amazing.  And, I would be remiss if I did not include the contributions of some very inspirational "teachers" and resources, including the work of Julia Cameron and her amazingly helpful book The Artist's Way.  

With gratitude and peace, I say farewell to 2021 and hello to 2022.

Meet Milo

Introducing our neighbor Milo.  He and I are similar in that we LOVE being outdoors, birdwatching and exploring trees, shrubs and all sorts of spaces.  However, we differ in that I don't frequent the storm sewer nor spend the night sleeping under the stars nor bring home (in my mouth) tiny furry creatures.  In his spare time he loves sitting in the sun, having his chin scratched, playing hard to get with the neighbor kids and drinking from the birdbath positioned on a rock next to a blue spruce.  His crazy antics keep us laughing and looking for his return. 

And, most importantnly, he inspires me to do what I enjoy doing, regardless of how crazy it may seem to others, and then rest and repeat.  Ahhhh.  A cool cat's life.

 “One cat just leads to another.” 

                                                                         – Ernest Hemingway

Feliz Navidad

 

More VVG

"I will not live without love."

                                                                                      --Vincent Van Gogh

 

This post features more photos from the Vincent Van Gogh immersive experience.  As I previously expressed, until seeing this amazing production and reading about his life, I knew very little about him.  Almost immediately upon entering the exhibit, I found myself getting choked up and feeling like he so beautifully expressed many things I have felt in my heart but never put on paper nor uttered.  And, although it may sound strange to some, I felt like I gained another best friend in his words and work.

 "I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people."

                                                                                                                  --Vincent Van Gogh

                                                                                    

Time to Tangle

Want to try something creative but need a little help or some guided practice?  Join me and others as we put pen to paper , use easy-to-learn repetitive patterns, and have fun and laugh along the way in the supportive environment of a Zentangle© art class.  And, since these courses are virtual via Zoom, you can do so in the coming winter months in the comfort of your own home.  

Enrollment is now open for my online classes through the Evanston Art Center, and they begin the first week of January.  To ensure a spot in the class, please register by December 27.  The following links contain course details and registration information as well as the supply list.  It's simple, fun and a great gift to give yourself as well as an opportunity to connect with others from anywhere in the world.

Introduction to Zentangle© Art -- https://www.evanstonartcenter.org/school/introduction-zentangler-art-ages-16-0

Zentangle© -- Back to Basics -- https://www.evanstonartcenter.org/school/zentanglec-back-basics-black-white

"Anything is possible, one stroke at a time."

                                                                                   -- Maria Thomas

More from Door County

When considering photos for this post, I noticed I was not in the least inclined to feature cold-weather nor holiday images but rather wanted something sunny that felt like fun.   And just like that these 3 pictures seemed like the perfect match as they contain things I truly love -- water, summer, sunshine, trees, the outdoors, the Lake Michigan shoreline AND they were taken while I vacationed and rode my bike in beautiful Door County, WI.  

Enjoy the views.  Then, after basking in these glorious vistas, go have some fun and make a list of 50 things that you love ....and actually do something on the list.  It just might make your day.

 

"We lose ourselves in the things we love.  

We find ourselves there, too."

                                                                                                   --Kristin Martz

Still Loving Leaves

Christmas is just a few weeks away and cooler temperatures are now the norm; however, for me, I continue pouring through the gorgeous images of fall and love to feature more of them on my blog.  And, given that we currently have no snow, most mornings I pedal by this beautiful tree secretly hoping to spot a few of autumn's stunning colors still on its branches.  No such luck but the Halloween decorations have been replaced with copious amounts of Christmas lights, inflatables and snowmen.  Yes, the seasons change but my heart remains steadfastly in love with autumn.

Inspired by VVG

"The way to know life is to love many things."

                                                                                                           --Vincent Van Gogh

Recently I took in the Van Gogh Exhibition:  Immersive Experience.  As is visible in the photos, viewers are surrounded by the beautiful words and artistic creations of Vincent Van Gogh while also having corresponding scents and musical selections to further enhance the experience.  Honestly, I did not know much about this amazing artist except what seems widely known about his ear and mental strife.  And now, after viewing this exhibit and particularly reading his words and understanding his messages, I feel much compassion for his human experience and love the beautiful works and words that he shared with all of us.  The quotes resonate with me as an artist as well as just a human being doing my thing.    

"The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found

 these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore."

                                                                             --Vincent Van Gogh

Tangle From Anywhere

Want to try something creative but need a little help or some guided practice?  Join me and others as we put pen to paper , use easy-to-learn repetitive patterns, and have fun and laugh along the way in the supportive environment of a Zentangle© art class.  And, since these courses are virtual via Zoom, you can do so in the coming winter months in the comfort of your own home.  Enrollment is now open for my online classes through the Evanston Art Center, and they begin the first week of January.  To ensure a spot in the class, please register by December 27.  The following links contain course details and registration information as well as the supply list.  It's simple, fun and a great gift to give yourself.

Introduction to Zentangle© Art -- https://www.evanstonartcenter.org/school/introduction-zentangler-art-ages-16-0

Zentangle© -- Back to Basics -- https://www.evanstonartcenter.org/school/zentanglec-back-basics-black-white

"Anything is possible, one stroke at a time."

                                                                                   -- Maria Thomas