Hi sweet souls!
Today I find myself mining moments as if they were gold - which they actually are, hence the phrase, time is precious! I choose to enjoy these next few, with you! My process in choosing what to share is fairly simple. I leaf through my gratitude journal and "log book" and choose highlights I feel I would share if we were sitting side by side in a cafe. The pursuit of a creative life comes with its own challenges, and learning curves, so sharing these moments of mini celebrations makes nit all worthwhile. Often I find that it's from the difficult moments that the golden ones come to be born, as with just about any area in life.
Before I get to carried away with discussions on the meaning of life and purpose (yes, I definitely could go on and on there) I'll stop myself there and dive forward.
Instead of going into absolute detail as I normally love to do, this post will be in bullet format. From the positive feedback I got on the last newsletter, I decided to stick with this quick tea-talk style catch up. We'll have to set a lunch date for a later time (I'm thinking quarterly, in my newsletter.
Without further ado, here are the joys that I've been up since I wrote last:
- Took three days to visit my sister in Florida, and throughly enjoyed a visit to the Morikami Museum and Gardens.
- Immersed myself in the exercises of Julia Cameron's book, The Vein of Gold, and did a number of her "Cups" where you dig into memories that you have skimmed over (shut the door on), by journaling on what comes up for you. Not an easy task - at all!!! However the reward was a feeling of wholeness, and a level of inner peace that still sticks, and so I plan to keep at it :)
- Watched this video by Miriam Yerushalmi - I had to sit down in the middle of it, when a few of her words got to me in a powerful way. (Give your inner child some love and watch it, too.) Thank you C.G.D. for your sharing.
- Books recommended to me, of which hope to explore this month:
- The Tools, by Stutz - an extraordinary psychological model based on the proven methods of Hollywood's greatest psychotherapists. Phil Stutz and Barry Michels - Thank you J.B. for your sharing. 💜
- The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict - The remarkable story of J. P. Morgan’s personal librarian, Belle da Costa Greene, the Black American woman who was forced to hide her true identity and pass as white to leave a lasting legacy that enriched our nation. Thank you I.P. for your sharing. 💜
- I began to look into the qualities of the Avnei Hachoshen on the breastplate (choshen), one of the eight priestly garments worn by the high priest (kohen gadol) when serving in the Holy Temple. It featured twelve precious stones, corresponding to the 12 tribes of Israel, and served as a medium through which G‑d provided direction to the Jewish nation. I was always drawn to jewel tones, even for my paint palette, and so when the work of Gila Slomin was introduced to me, I was fascinated. Can't wait to participate in of her workshops. Thank you C.B. for sharing. 💜
- Reconnected with an old childhood joy - creating paper snowflakes just for fun - and as an adult I found it did the same thing that coloring does - it quiets the mind and put me into a space of peace and flow. The finished cutout reminds me of the doilies some of the mature matriarchs wore at the shul / synagogue in Sea Gate, Brooklyn that I used to attend as kid. (Hence the cover photo - again, just for fun!)
- This next one is a huge milestone for me - I hit the publish button on the "Pilot Polly" videos - basically bringing my "Touring Teddies" back to life in a new way, that is free for any kid (or kid at heart) to enjoy. I got over my past thoughts of "what will people think" and simply let my inner child lead the way. She and I had a blast, I must say. My voice is on 1-1/4 speed, again, just for fun. Feel free to share! It's a series of 4 videos and they make up a story that builds up from one video to the next, so be sure to share the one marked #1 first. This probably deserves it's own blog post - all in due time :)
- Been coloring in my "soulstrations" (soulful illustrations) from The Treasured Chest poetry/coloring book. I'm thinking of turning them into silk scarves. What do you think? Have any other ideas - I'd love to hear! This happy-go-lucky one makes me smile, if I do say so myself.
And...
- Finally bought myself some gouache paints. I have yet to play with them. Should be fun!
- Took myself on an Artist's Date to Nyack. Though its not far, I haven't made time to explore this awesome town in years. Treated myself to these treasures: a vintage travel bag, mini pencils, and two feel-good bracelets - citrine and amethyst.
- I started coaching again, and it feels so right. It is incredibly rewarding to be connected to others who strive to live their best life and to keep growing and evolving. I feel on purpose, and blessed as ever for the privilege. I am envisioning a future where my coaching and art meet - encouraging other women specifically, to live true to their Divine creative essence.
- Called one of my aunts in Israel - my mother's older sister. She is a beautiful spiritual woman, b'a'h' - a warrior mama, grandma and great-grandma - and an artist. She has her priorities straight and never sacrifices one for the other - no easy feat. Talking to her was soul-nurturing. She shared her latest painting with me based on a verse in Tehillim, Psalms of David - which in turn inspired me to create one of the the coloring pages I share with you in my newsletter. (Download and print it here.) It is based on a line in Perek Aleph, the first psalm, and being as it is filled with trees and fruit it doubles as a creative coloring page the holiday of TU B'Shvat as well. Color it in and use it as a decoration for your feast of fruit, or simply as a centered and joyful way to connect with any inner growth you are experiencing. Enjoy!
Who in your life fills your soul every time you speak? I find that especially in the winter months taking the extra effort to stay connected makes all the difference, don't you?
Well, thats it for now. Have a fabulous February. Stay warm, and stay uplifted!
Sending purple balloons filled with blessings,
Love and hugs!
Leia