 The human soul doesn't want to be advised or fixed or saved. It simply wants to be witnessed - to be seen, heard and companioned exactly as it is. Parker Palmer Friday ThoughtsThis has been a heavy year. Yet the apples are still turning red and the fungi in the woods continue to astonish me with color. I am amazed and appreciative of nature and its ability to be a grounding force in my life. A sense of re-emergence is happening. Getting back on the horse, writing down my musings, and sending them out has felt bigger than a bread box. Yet it also feels important. Perhaps letting go of the pressure of feeling the need to have something worthy to say is part of the re-emergence process. So my random Friday thoughts. Thoughts on life. Thoughts on art. Thoughts.  Mom's are pretty special. Where's my heart right now? A friend once told me you never really truly understand what it is like to lose your mom until you lose your mom. I get it now. My apologies to every friend I didn't hug long enough, ask how they were doing often enough, touch base as time went by, sit by their side quietly, and so on. I get it now. It's amazing how we can continue to grow and learn no matter how much living we have done. Just enjoying beauty is OK. What's moving me forward? I have always used my paintings to help process emotions. Yet I am coming to the conclusion that sometimes it is ok to paint flowers or landscapes or beautiful colors or llamas. Yes llamas. Earlier today I watched three young llamas play. It was delightful.  Everyone has a story. What's inspiring me right now? I have become fascinated with the fact that everyone has a story and we all gain from sharing and listening. At an art fair this summer, I asked everyone walking by to write what re-emergence feels like on my painting. What a gift to hear the stories. If you are close by, come write on my painting. It's waiting for your words.  Try something new. I took part in my first ever plein air competition this past weekend. I love painting outside when it is quiet, private and definitely no one watching. For the "paint out" (which was neither private nor quiet) I put a temporary tattoo on my arm, "I AM THE STORM," and jumped in. So. Much. Fun. Gotta remember to do stuff like that more often. Goals work for me. How am I moving forward? Goals. Deep breaths and courage help me jump into my goals. Currently I am taking part in Oliver Art Center's 30/30 challenge for the month of August. It's my way of picking my paint brush back up daily. I have committed to 30 paintings in 30 days. Gulp. You can follow my process on Instagram and/or see the completed paintings on Daily Paintworks. Dwell in the good. I believe in art. I believe in people. I believe in the fact we need to make some radical changes in our world in order to continue on. That last sentiment can become destabilizing. So I breathe, paint, support the causes I believe in, shop locally, love my kids, don't stick my head in the sand, and try to figure out how to be the best human I can be.  That said, the owl painting above (Here I Am) will be part of Higher Art Gallery's Wings of Wonder exhibit raising funds to build the first Tribal Eagle Aviary and Rehabilitation Center East of the Mississippi River. The painting, Sandhill Cranes, was my donation to the Oliver Art Center's recent fundraiser. It was purchased and donated to the Raptor Resource Center in Iowa for their fundraiser. Jumping back in. How am I re-emerging? A big part of me is sharing and teaching. And, fingers crossed, it's starting up again! I taught my first in-person workshop in over a year in July. It felt so good. As classes and workshops are slowly getting rescheduled, find my most up-to-date information on my website. Coming up quickly are classes at Oliver Art Center and Glen Arbor Arts Center this fall and North Carolina this spring (Kanuga). My art. Where is my art? My small paintings are available for purchase on Daily Paintworks. Once purchased, I will happily put them in the mail to you. If you are interested in a painting on my website, please email me directly. If it is in a gallery, I will put you in touch with them. And don't forget my self-paced online classes, Good Morning Creativity!, are always available. Thank you to all. Please stay healthy and happy and creative. My love to all, Jessica  Re-emergence (24x36) - a community project “Look closely at the present you are constructing. It should look like the future you are dreaming.” ― Alice Walker
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