studio warming, community and heart

(A Heart-full Friendship, archival prints available soon!)

I went to Patty's studio warming this weekend. I had planned on taking all these amazing pics for my blog to show you but...I had such a great time (gabbing and such!) that I completely forgot!! So I will try to describe things as best I can...First of all...her view is simply stunning. Her home is perched up on a hill a gazillion miles above ground and overlooks the whole area. She has lush greenery all around her...bougainvilleas, orange and lemon trees, dark pink peonies (I think) and all in bloom right now! I met the most amazing, fantastic people that were all so kind and warm and just... over the top wonderful. There was an art swap (thanks Jane for the beautiful Rumi art postcard!), delicious goodies and a cute dog named Muffin. I also got to see some of Patty's wonderful photography hanging on her walls gallery-style. Oh! And Patty's studio is a haven. Okay...it's official...I am moving in Patty!!

(3 Women...a painting I did in 2006 SOLD)

All of this got me thinking about community. I think for the very first time in my life, I feel a strong sense of community through my blog and the kindreds I am meeting-either through comments and e-mails or...in real life! There is such acceptance and support...something I have never experienced my whole life.  I met these 2 ladies on Saturday who right upon meeting me said "Oh! I know you, I read your blog!!" Can I just say how amazed and thrilled I was!! It is heartwarming  to meet someone for the very first time and...they already know parts and pieces of your life and heart and...soul. Magic! Crazy, beautiful, wonderful...magic!

(at Patty's studio warming-a wonderful gathering of kindred spirits)

*Patty just e-mailed me this group pic of that wonderful evening..thanks Patty! * you can still read my interview with the wonderful Diana here
* Am going to pick the OWOH winner on Wed!
* Happy Valentines to all of you!
* I am going to do a post this week on juicy journal pages...so please stop back!

Feeling the support of community

                                                              (flowers for you!)
I have really appreciated the support of this blogging community over these  past many months...you all have offered kind words, advice that was gentle and full of deep wisdom, a listening ear and plenty of great recommendations! You all have made this time so much more bearable, workable and...livable! You have opened up your hearts and your lives with courage, truth and vulnerability and, by doing so, have lessened my burdens and loneliness. You have offered up your time and concern and been a witness to my daily joys and struggles.  Best of all...I have started to cultivate some really authentic connections and friendships that I hope will deepen and blossom with time. So...from the bottom of my heart...Thank you, thank you, thank you!!. My heart overflows with sincere gratitude.

On Being Inspired

When I first started my blog, I was a little apprehensive for so many different reasons...but now I see what an amazing world of inspiration there is out there in "blogland"! There are so many talented, amazing, wonderful artists who are willing to share and encourage and teach and explore and be vulnerable and...I am simply amazed and humbled! There is a whole world out there that I have been missing! Truly glad, humbled, blessed that I took a (small) leap into blogging. I feel so grateful to be a tiny part of such a large community.