BS"D
Hi sweet soul!
It feels so good to reconnect with you. Hope you enjoyed the holidays, and that you have an AMAZING 2023! Let this be your time to shine bright - be good to my dear friend - that's YOU! Be kind to yourself. Focus on your best health and happiness. The ripple effect of your doing so will touch the people in your life. Take care of the diamond you are.
I intend to do the same, G♡D willing, and I also choose to declare 2023 as "The year of We!" For me that means fostering a greater connection with the sweet souls in my life - including sharing, as I am now, the creative highlights of this past month.
Some may be interesting to you, and some not, because that is the we were created - each with our own taste. My humble take on it is that our interests are tied in to our purpose in life. Now that is something to journal about!
Speaking of journaling, I decided to create this post in an expanded "logbook" format, being that I pulled this list together from my Austin Kleon inspired logbook. It's a brilliant concept, if you ask me, especially since some days are so blessedly full. I simply take two minutes, usually at night, to jot down the what/when/where of my day in fact-format. (I leave the elaborating for my morning journaling.) I have all of Austin's books, so needless to say, I recommend them for your own creative journey. They are motivational in a light and entertaining way that makes them fun to flip through a second, third and tenth time.
Being that its been a while since I wrote last, I've got quite a bit to share. I've also chosen to experiment with creating blog posts and then linking them in the newsletter. This way you get a peek at what's inside each post and can choose what to read based on what interests you as opposed to one long megilla - though it seems that this one has grown into just that. Oh well, I tried to keep it short, I really did.
Without further ado, here WE go...
My new book is out! Woo-Hoo!
The Treasured Chest ; Poetry and Illustrations for Coloring and Contemplation." contains a collection of close to 50 poems and illustrations side by side, with empowering affirmations resting between the pages. It's a book, to read, to color, to reflect upon. It's a personal creation that has grown into one that I feel excited to share with you. I used the pen name of L.L. Sage, my brand-to-be signature. Yay! I beat my self-imposed due-date of January 2023 by hitting the submit button 5 days early. I cherish this book and hope you will, too. I share more about the birth of this book in another blog post I wrote, titled, Closing a chapter, Releasing a Book.
- Got the iPad Pro for ease of creating additional coloring pages. I can now see the entire page as I draw as opposed to continuously pinching open and shut - a game-changer for me. What approachable investment can create measurable ease in your life?
- Painted on a canvas (on a new, super-cool, double easel) for the first in seven years. It felt as if decades passed, and yet, as if the time melted away.
- I came across the mention of Antrese Wood's Savvy Painter podcast and her free membership site. I only skimmed, but of what I saw and read, I liked. For instance, I made note of this quote, that can apply to us all: "Giving up taking uninformed advice." (Good one, isn't it?)
- Got Scratch Off art cards for the grand-kiddos. It's a great way for us grown-ups to get in a quick creative fix and shush that inner critic. Don't like it? Chuck it! Then again, why not tack your masterpiece to the fridge for a chuckle instead. Here's a feathered friend I doodled on the fly :)
- Took a class on Domestica by Karen Klassen. So good! I usually stick to the creative classes on Skillshare, since I have a subscription, but once in a while if a class like this one, will pull me to another platform. I'm not into drawing human figures, per se, but was curious about this artist's process. You never know where inspiration might strike next.
- Put the Imaginarium Sticker book on my wish list. If you love stickers, this entire "Antiquarian" series will make you swoon! Definitely don't need this, but oh, what an amusement for the eyes.
- Put the airplane mode to work on my phone for an hour at a time, and heightened my productivity and my sanity. It's not for everyone, I realize that, but it works wonders for me! And yes, I do check my phone after the hour - I am not ignoring anyone, but rather, making sure the best version of me is present when I do pick up the phone.
- Shared my Noah's Ark "Cheshvan" coloring page with my dear friend. A while later, she sent me back a picture of it colored in, and shaded beautifully, by her grown daughter. Not fully sure why, but it made me cry - in a good way. I guess I had moments of wondering if there was meaning to my coloring page creation - and the fact that someone else received enjoyment from it, well, that is a reward that makes my soul sing and soar!
- Took my "Touring Teddies" out to play after 7 years of hibernation, and recorded videos for the grand-kiddos, to post on YouTube. In the process of creating the thumbnail covers for the uploading of "Pilot Polly." More on this in a future newsletter ;)
(What can I say, I crack myself up.)
- Shared my learning about POD (print on demand) and SPD (surface pattern design) and now my daughter has picked up on some of what I shared. She sold out her Chanukah card that she designed and uploaded to Zazzle.com and has Shabbat candles design coming soon. I'm a proud mama hen. This is what I was hoping for - that what I share about "Print on Demand" is useful to others, and that they can explore it as an option for extra income for their families. What a great feeling, and a blessing, to earn while doing what you love.
- Used my VR headset to travel around the globe. I don't watch TV so I feel fine to indulge in a viewing once in a while. It's a trip, but NOTHING like the real thing. Still dreaming of going to Morocco.
Reflecting on Holiday happiness:
- A date with myself to The Jewish Museum in New York City. Why did I wait so long to visit? No matter. I went, and it was an unforgettable experience.
- One of the best gifts: A visit from my sister Sarah who flew in from Florida, who presented me with a milk frother / steamer that whips up a latte that is cafe-worthy. So cool! Thank you Sarah'le!! After a couple of successful cappuccinos I was looking up videos on how to create latte-art. Oh, the designs, don't get me started... there's a latte talent out there. (Sorry couldn't resist!)
- Created a Chanukah coloring page working off of a sketch I drew for a mural years ago. Love how art has the power to live on.
- Being that there are donuts galore in every store, I started frying up a batch of New Orleans style beignets for a holiday treat instead. Another fried treat that is simply too delish to make only once a year: Funnel cakes! Once you get the hang of these you can experiment with creating shapes such as a star - or for Chanukah a Magen David, Star of David. These are a hit with kids and just about every kid at heart.
Latest Reads:
- Book I read last month:
The Rumi Prescription by Melody Moezzi, recommended by my dear friend, Dontia Vereen. An eye-opening, moving, and thought provoking read. (Plus, the cover is beautiful!)
- Book I hope to read this weekend:
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig recommended by my dear friend Ilene Stern. I found the summary fascinating. Have you read it?
- Currently Reading / Exploring - with forward growth and expansion in mind:
Vein of Gold by Julia Cameron. This book follows her "The Artist's Way" book. It's similar, but different and definitely seems more intense. If you have done personal work and feel solid in your footing, and are up to writing daily and then some, then give it a try and get ready for a ride of soul-nurturing kind. I highly recommend taking it on with a friend. I am exploring it with the same dear friend who I did the Artist's Way with, and am so grateful for having her by my side for the ride. Doing it solo is absolutely doable, but taking the journey with a friend completely elevates the experience.
The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran, Michael Lennington,- love this concept. I had this book in my Amazon Cart for ages, and felt the timeing was finally right for me to consider taking it on. I also registered for the live online workshop next week, on January 9th. It was $20.23 (cute - get it?), which includes a free book, but being that I already got it I chose their other one, called Uncommon Accountability. I would definitely start with the 12 Week Year book if you were thinking about the two. If you decide to register for the workshop, let me know, so we can schmooze about it afterwards :)
Well, that's a wrap on 2022! Which brings me to share one more thing, on reflecting back, and looking ahead:
It's a sweet little (but powerful) printable / downloadable booklet called YearCompass that my husband discovered online years ago. I've been filling it out pretty much anually ever since. It's a goodie. Enjoy!
As always, if you'd like additional details on anything I mentioned please reach out. I'm an open book :)
Wishing you and yours a healthy 2023 filled with love, laughter and all that makes you feel alight and uplifted.
Sending purple balloons filled with blessings,
Credits: Coffee Photo by Lex Sirikiat on Unsplash