Yes, I'm still here. Just spent a wonderful weekend with friends; we visited the Art Museum (Cy Twombly and the "Disquieted" show), then to Russo Gallery for Rene Rickabaugh's show, then to Navarre for a meal that was awesome. That was Saturday. On Sunday we had an Oscar party at my daughter's with a Taco bar and lots of oogling the movie stars. Good stuff. Now I'm in the process of catching up.
The only art I've been doing is in my journal and in my head. I am eager to get back into the studio to paint again for a couple of galleries here. It has been a long time since I've gone into the studio just to explore on canvas.
I believe I have gradually come to the decision that this will be my last year teaching at retreats that require plane travel. I haven't announced it before because I am one changeable person and just the right carrot dangled at just the right moment ... well, you know. But John and I both want to do more travel in the future that involves lighter luggage and I admit that sometimes we have to actually choose between the things we love. Maybe there will be online classes next year; no promises yet. And these are nascent ideas, I'll keep you posted.
In the meantime, for you people in the Southern California area, here's a reminder that March 15th is the deadline for the 10% early pay discount when signing up for classes at the Idyllwild Arts Center. I'm teaching 2 classes there: Journalling and Waxy Layers. I've already heard from some of you planning to attend so this is for you.
If you have a moment watch this and turn it up loud and let it rock your soul. I can't get enough. xoxox
Bettye Lavette
I love love love your work so very much. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing what you do with all of us. You will be very very much missed on the teaching circuit. :(
ReplyDeleteI am very excited about taking your workshop this summer (already paid for!) as it is a rare treat for me!!!
I hope you are healing and being well!
XO!
Absolutely beautiful work! Thanks so much for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteMuch Love
Such beautiful pages! And I bet the Twombly show was stupendous.
ReplyDeleteA big vote for online classes from
ReplyDeleteme! I'm all for staying put and studying online if possible. Just
wanted to add my encouragement to
that line of thought.
Judy, so glad to see your pages and hear your cheerful "voice." I will face 65 soon enough so thanks for making it sound almost pleasurable. Yes, heal and be well.
ReplyDeleteThe whole tone of this posting is sounding more like you and like your gusto for life and art-aren't they one in the same?
ReplyDeletePlane travel is the pits. I have to go on an extensive book tour and also am flying for a job for Land's End and I dread it. You're mistreated and then crammed into bad seats with no leg room.
So go to your studio and paint!
Love and best wishes,
Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green Island
Well we have to go through all these phases and your next phase carries a lighter load. For me, stuck here in England I'd be more than pleased with some online classes!! Take it easy. xx
ReplyDeletevery nice pages!
ReplyDeleteI would love to come and watch you play with paint in your studio one day and I am so glad you are recovering well. Missed your posts.xo
ReplyDeleteI feel blessed to have attended one of your classes (even more fortunate to have had you for a cabin-mate) last September. While I can completely understand your decision, and know that your online classes will likely be as awsome as you are, I just can't imagine they will capture the magic atmosphere that happens in your classroom... XO ~ Sistah
ReplyDeletewhenever I have had a major recovery, it was always followed by a reevaluation of my work and life. it is great that you are listening to what is important to you. your pages are beautiful. thanks for sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteSuch a treat to have you back! Love that you're listening to your soul & wisely choosing amongst your many loves. Hate that taking a live & in person Judy class will no longer be an option for your adoring fans! So thrilled that I was one of the lucky ones experiencing your magic for 2 whole days at Valley Ridge... Can't wait to see your canvases.
ReplyDeleteGood for you Judy. I don't think people realize how tired it is to travel and teach. You sometimes have to choose. Hope you do an online class, I have taken about 7 of them over the past couple of years, love them. Its a way for those of us who don't have a lot of money and live far away from classes to experience great teachers and you are one of them. Enjoy and have fun
ReplyDeleteHurrah for online classes, someday, perhaps!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteoh i'm happy you have come to that decision as I'm sure it was not an easy one for you but so sad as this would mean i wouldn't get to meet and see your genuine-ness in person and learn from your artself in person. it is like i know i'm missing that gentle breeze - but an online class from you sounds heavenly
ReplyDeletejuicy pages as always and it sounds like your week was full of goodness in all shapes and sizes.
ReplyDeleteyou beat me to the punch girlfriend, putting it out there about next year. i still need to make that announcement publicly on my blog - like you, i'm so looking forward to that freedom :-)
xo
Well, I guess I will be starting to save up for a trip out west to visit my favorite teacher lady friend some time in the future. A few hundred miles won't stop the unicorns..maybe I can just paint them some pink wings and get them to fly me there...;)
ReplyDeleteGlad to know you are listening to those precious inner voices guiding you.
Big love to you, Wise-Woman !
Oh, my...just watched that video - the hairs all over my body rose up with her voice. Thanks for sharing !
ReplyDeleteWell then, we'll just have come to you.
ReplyDeleteI love your journal pages. I always leave here inspired to open my own neglected journal. One of them anyway.
xo
I just signed up for your Idyllwild workshop. Am excited to take a class with you. Not so excited to be up on that damn mountain but will tolerate it to take your class!
ReplyDeleteWell I am fortunate to be an hour and a half plane ride away from you, not bad at all, and am coming to your Portland Art and Soul classes in Oct. So glad I will get to learn from you in person. Paint me happy and lucky.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are taking care of yourself, your own needs! So important.
Love looking at your journal pages.
Thinking of doing some of my own BEFORE I come to class! ;-)
Love those journal pages.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are "back". I am so glad.
Can't wait to hear about the travels and adventures of John and Judy.
Sounds like a good plan.
the "sweet spot" is when we allow ourselves, in any given moment to truly recognize our own beating heart and follow it with conviction and passion.
ReplyDeletethis is what makes you the profoundly powerful and beautiful one you are.
supporting you from afar and always singing your praises.
xoxoxoxox,
rebecca
I can't believe I did not set you up with my dear friend SPF......somepinkflowers...
ReplyDeletebefore.....eye, eye, eye.
I saw your comment a moment ago on her blog. She is a "WISE" woman, for sure. She is someone whose written blog word, I truly take the time to read.
Glad Leslie turned you on to her.
Judy, you inspire me each time I visit your blog. Thank you! I have nominated you for a Kreativ Blogger Award! Just pop over to my blog to pick it up!
ReplyDeleteSeems that many people are re-thinking the notion of traveling to teach these days. Too difficult. Whatever illness you are grappling with I send you light for the journey. It's a journey that so many of us must make at some point. Hang strong.
ReplyDeleteOn line classes would rock!
ReplyDelete