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Friday, April 13, 2012

Finding My Rhythm


This is one of those years where I find myself casting about for a root to hold on to. I got so far behind when I left country for a month and now in 2 weeks I go again. My journal is the thread that holds me here. And the online class that I just taught which was such a joy. I had to be completely present for that. 


I made this little book to take to Spain, thinking I could work small in it. Little sketches. Little collages. To see if I could say it without words. And then I couldn't resist beginning to work in it. At this rate I'll have it filled before I leave.


If that happens I'll have to make another book. 


I have so much to say.


I'm trying to figure out what to take to Spain. I've decided on paper, paint, wax, maybe plaster. Well, I can get the plaster there. And I bought a new suitcase. If it's big enough. We'll see.


I'm using lots of tea bags in this book. 


Every morning I pull out my little book and a new idea pops into my head. Scissors. Glue stick. Tape.


Go. It's just for me. For my enjoyment. I teach others not to work for approval and then I find myself working for approval. Well, not this time.


My safe boat.


Have I ever told you about my protective bubble? I can do that when I'm afraid. Cast a protective bubble over myself and hunker down. In the bottom of the boat. 


Hanging on the lip of the mystery.


In other news John got some good test results from his doctor. Since going on a vegan diet his cholesterol has dropped from 278 to 182. The LDL (lousy part) from 188 to 123. And Triglicerides from 249 to 98. That takes him from stroke and heart attack country to a safer place altogether. 


It amazes me that doctors put you right on statin drugs without telling you that changing your diet can achieve the same results and save you a lot of money. Plus John's lost about 25 lbs. So the only down side is that you have to buy smaller clothes. I did that this week too. 

Big Announcement!!!!!


 I'll be traveling to Wilmington, North Carolina this fall to teach a journaling class in the studio of Kim Beller of Big Strong Girl Designs. I'm super excited about this class for several reasons. First of all, it's going to be fabulous; one or two days as you choose and in a beautiful studio where we can share time and space with each other in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Secondly, because John is coming with me and thirdly because I've never had the opportunity of teaching or even visiting the southern part of the country and it's been on my bucket list forever.

Please please please come and join us for what promises to be a really great experience. Here is a link to all the information. Kim and I have had our heads together and we are going to make this really fun for you.


Now for a quick trip through the garden. 


We have sugar peas ...

Varieties of pepper ...


Varieties of tomatoes ...


and tulips and plum blossoms! The season turns again to new beginnings and baby lambs; hope and faith is renewed and the earth is green and new. I hope you feel in good spirits whether you are experiencing spring or fall; the circle of the seasons is one of the enduring blessings and mysteries of life. Get out and breathe it all in. ((hug))

31 comments:

Ruth Armitage said...

Such lush goodness, and great news about the tests!

Gwen said...

I love your little book! I love the things you do with circles, tape and lines of words. If you fill it, make another!

Have a wonderful trip, and this post inspired me so much, I am getting out the paper and pens as soon as I figure out the crazy words I have to enter to post this comment!

Jenny said...

Oh Judy... your art journal is gorgeous... LOVE... and so inspiring...

Jenny x

Kathryn Zbrzezny said...

Your post made my day. Beautiful journal book! Your art inspires me to challenge myself with mixed media and in my art journals. Best to you as you prepare for Spain. I have the itch to travel...

Amanda said...

Your little book is so gorgeous, I am not surorised that you couldn't resist making a start!

Now that the journalling class is finished, do you know when the e-book will be available? I wasn't able to take the class, but I am champing at the bit for the book!

Judy Wise said...

Amanda, the eBooks are scheduled to land on my doorstep one week from today. YAY!

jill said...

i love your little journal! the idea of not seeking approval sounds wonderful to me! yay, for john!!
be well, judy!
much love and BIG hugs~ jill

Lorraine Lewis said...

Hello cute Judy , I love your little journal- so many beautiful things in it. I hope you have a wonderful time in Spain. The south is on my bucket list too! Maybe I can talk my husband into a little trip away in September!
xo

dewatobay said...

Wonderful on all counts! Great for John! Yes, lushness all around.

@ngel ~ said...

You have such a beautiful Journal :)

Anonymous said...

0OH MY GOSH!!! You are coming to NC?!?!????!!! Okay, I must get in that class, Judy. I must. I may have to sell a kid (or two) if my job goes away, but I must meet you, lol.
Oh I squealed and my three year old said, "OH Mama, what is it?" lol ... doing a happy dance!

Kimberley said...

It's always been such a pleasure for me to come here to your blog. Beautiful little book, have a wonderful time in Spain - I lived in Madrid as a young woman for a couple of years and remember it with joy. The news about your husband is absolutely stupendous!

pilarisa321 said...

dear one, i am so happy 2012 is a year of travel and adventure for you. to echo the comments of the other folks, your journal and art work is an inspiration and encourages me to continue to explore my own art and expression. High five to the gentleman farmer and his lab results. Have a beautiful and safe trip! xoxoxoxo

Sandra L. said...

Dear Judy, That's wonderful about your husband's health report! My DH and I have been vegetarians (bordering on vegan) for several years now. He too had his trigyceride results improve vastly after quitting meat. The doc said he was testing "like a 16 year old."

I have a question about the paint samples in the photo (the one that has the big bird sticker/label). Are those acrylics? Also could you share with us what colors you used? I like your palette! Thanks!

spindelmaker said...

Oh, I absolutely love your new little journal! Each page is like a fairy tale. I hope you enjoy Spain in the spring, I´m sure it will be lovely.

Judy Shreve said...

your small journal is fabulous - your choice of color & page design seem quiet and safe - love the sound of the word 'anchored.'

have a wonderful trip to Spain and I'm intrigued by your plans to come south - Wilmington's not too far from me . . .

good news about your husband's test results - the food we eat has such an impact on who we are and how we feel.

your posts are always so inspiring!
xxoo

Sarah Anderson said...

Great news about the tests! Your journal pages are just so, so gorgeous! Good luck with the packing of your journal kit for Spain!!

kim beller said...

Have a beautiful trip~What a great post filled with good news! I can't wait to see you here in Wilmington. The excitement has begun~
xo

MB Shaw said...

So glad to hear about John's test results. I adore your little book and the pages you have done are delightful. :)
xoxo

Melinda said...

Judy you inspire me!!!

Marit said...

I'm in awe and aaah over your small journal... it's similar techniques as I work lately (but much better I think) Yeay for cholesterol dropping - I know all about it through my mom and dad (they both have that disease, that I don't know the English name of) and diet helped real well (their doctor told that straight away though) Enjoy Spain!

Tracy Verdugo said...

Judy I LOVE your little book! Such a zen simplicity to those beautiful pages yet a poignant beauty as well. Have the best time in Spain. I came over to your blog today cos' I was excited to hear about the workshop in N.Carolina. I will be teaching there as well at Random Arts the month after you. Alas your workshop at Kims studio is slap, bang in the middle of my teaching schedule at Art Is You in Petaluma..oh well I'll just keep my fingers crossed that our paths will cross another way! xx

Lynn Cohen said...

Sweet little book...love that you are having such fun with it already...I know that feeling of getting things ready for a trip and then enjoying them in the NOW!

Hey, Now is all we ever have anyway, right?

Maybe there's a book waiting for you in Spain anyway!!!

So glad John is traveling some with you! Precious nows.

Bleeding hearts and veggie plants all bring smiles to my face.

Have fun in all you do Judy...Life is so rich.

Gloria Martin said...

Love this blog......your creativity, and you!!! xo

Clare Wassermann said...

A post to fill my heart to overflowing xxxxxx

Parabolic Muse said...

This is chock full of goodness. That journal is beyond even talking about. It's like trying to describe heaven. Is that a coptic binding? I learned all about those from a fantastic instructor.

You are so right about the statin thing. Cathie's doc mentioned it right off the bat, and then he said, unless you think you can really adjust your diet. And she said, yes, I'll do that. And her cholesterol went down 100 points. Not even vegan. Just good, healthy food and exercise. I'm so relieved. It's a great feeling, isn't it?
I would love+(infinity)=mixed media journal class, but as you know, I made such a spectacle at Artfest that I've met my quota of swooning for the year. The Carolinas are yumnificent and North Carolina has my everlasting heart after one visit. I know you'll have a wonderful class.

Travel safely. Sorry to be so serious in this comment, but I took two one-a-days after my video and now I'm very calm and...

at One with the egoverse?

Journal Swag said...

Omigosh, yummy journal!! Are they the same journal, or different ones? The pages with the number dates and the awesome doodling and writing are amazing! I SOOOOO wish you were teaching this journaling class here in Oregon!

Congratulations on your great news. (And I second your comment on the diet/statin meds... same thing with my husband).

Parabolic Muse said...

tomatoes!!

stop it!!

let's compare photos this July!

Seth said...

So much to love about this post, starting with that special book and all the pages of treasure you created. Wish I could be sitting in your class -- that would be a wow!

Robyn A said...

Good news about your husband. Your little book is wonderful and I am not surprised you couldn't resist it! Have a wonderful trip to Spain; I wish we could have as many wonderful retreats down under but it is improving. Go well!

Caterina Giglio said...

a great relief to get good test results.. and such gorgeous pages plus garden beauty... knowing your class will be full and fun! xo