Sunny day love

Art journal piece created from The Art of Wild Abandonment class

I think, years from now, when I look back on today... on where I am in this part of my life, I will see myself as if I am in a great fog... a huge many months of June gloom*, just wistful and waiting for the sun to come out again. I thought I'd be able to regain balance quickly once Drew was safely ensconced in Az, with people who could help him come out from under the rock he's buried himself. On some days, the clouds part and I see a bit of sun, and my energy seems slightly restored. On these days, I press forward, and engage myself in my old way of being... I commit myself to tasks, and meet people I haven't seen in a while. Often, these activities take it out of me, and I seem to quickly retreat. Once again, I find myself back amongst the fog and gloom.

I am by nature a sunny day lover, always looking towards the future with hopefulness, goodness, and a calm peaceful spirit. Lately, life's pathway has taken me down a muddled, unsure road. I try to be patient with myself, and give myself time and space to heal. Seemingly, it's not happening on my timeframe. Uggh. I will it to happen, will the sun to return, will the grace of a peaceful heart back inside my being.

Won't you please, please hurry up?

I'm working on the soul of my garden, and planting it with Peace, Love, Grace, Truth and ... ummm, ....I'm willing the Joy to return. Won't you come back and join me, Miss Joy? Please? I will so welcome you back with open arms.

x, Val

*as they call June in coastal Southern California, when the inland desert heats up, and pulls the coolness of the ocean inward in the way of fog and low clouds. Depressing for me, but others love the cool, cloudy days.

Sketchbook Saturday

As the brave new year takes shape, I find I am in a state of sluggish discombobulation when it comes to getting back to work... As much as I'm dismayed by this, I know it's because I pushed myself beyond belief over the past 5 months. My mind, body, and spirit are asking me for a renewal break. Yes, I know it's so, and I'm listening, yes, I am...

My break is in the doing, but it's the peaceful doing where my mind finds rest. Sketching suits me just fine. I doodle with colored pencil, and watch the beautiful colors blend and images take shape. It's amazing what appears...

When my mind is all a-flutter, and I am in turmoil, I find the things I create so restorative, refreshing and beautiful. I just don't understand the connection... must I be in despair for true beauty to flow? What about when my mind is calm, will it mean I am barren of creation? What's with that?

In an effort to renew my soul and self, I have signed up to take two online classes, yes, I know I need help to jumpstart my creativity flow! One begins very soon, called Hello Soul, Hello Business. I think this class will be simply amazing. Taught by the innovative Kelly Rae Roberts and Beth Nicholls of Do What You Love, I've signed up for this class because I am certain it will help me take my business to the next level. I am so ready for this! Now, if I can just get the muscles in my shoulders to relax, I think my body will be ready to forge ahead too!

The second class I've signed up for is called The Art of Wild Abandonment, and will be taught by Christy Tomlinson along with sweet Junelle Jacobsen of Yes and Amen! I just couldn't resist this class. Junelle asked me to take Christy's Three Hearts class with her last year, and it was so good for me to get out of my little shell, and get all messy and wild with paints and papers and scrapbooks, and new art tools galore! This is a gift to myself - a just for wild fun - class... don't you need to gift yourself too? Head over to Christy's blog to check out this class. I would love it if you took the class with me! Plus, get reduced tuition if you sign up before Feb 29th!!! Go ahead and treat yourself :o)

Hoping your new year is off to a good and restful start, and a creative one too!!

xx, Val