We Believe!

During the holidays, our days seem to be filled with so much more love and gratitude. We focus on family and friends and even those in need. The world seems to be filled with an ever-present feeling that all is good and things can turn out great. It's a time for miracles. A time to believe. And so we just wanted to take a moment to share some of that holiday love with all of you!

• We believe that we are fortunate to live in the most magnificent and miraculous world.

• We believe that the magic and the thrill of the holiday season stretches on beyond December.

• We believe that we are all rich when we count our family and friends as the treasures they are.

• We believe that all of you and those whose lives you touch will be blessed with laughter and love.

• We believe that peace is already present, when we focus on being in the present moment. 

• We believe that home is where the heart is. So from home to home and heart to heart, the warmth and joy of Christmas lives within all of us.

• We believe that all hearts are filled with wonder and curiosity, enough to make the world go 'round.

• We believe the creativity of art fulfills our lives and adds to the richness of our being.

• We believe that art creates new and lasting friendships with our soul's tribe.

• We KNOW, that each of you have brought love, light and joy to Art & Soul and we are thankful for you every single day of the year!

Happy Holidays from the entire Art & Soul Family!

Glenny
xoxo

Crafty Holidays & An Artful New Year!

So... it's that time of year again where we get swept up in what the media wants Christmas to be and when I instead turn to home, friends, family and faith to remind me of the reason for the season. Once my Christmas tree is up, the holiday spirit takes me over. My festive faux fir is adorned with touches of red and white, speckled with icicles, flora & fauna, and a few of my favorite mementos tucked between the branches. Decorating the tree may seem like a simple tradition, but perfectly placing each ornament — as I thoughtfully reflect upon where each and every one came from (don't we all?) — reminds me how precious family and loved ones are. How precious life is. And how lucky we are to have extended families... like our Art & Soul family!

Like a winter fire, my extended retreat family truly warms my soul. I think back to my first event — more than a dozen years ago — and some of you are still with me... still by my side. And many of you have become the closest of friends. Some of the Art & Soul attendees I've just met, but it's like we've known each other for years. That's what happens when like-minded people, linked by the most precious of gifts — the ability to let go and be creatively free — meet for the first time. And all of my dear, dear retreat goers and teachers from all the years in between... I just cannot believe how lucky I am to have you all in my life. It reminds me how precious life really is and makes my holiday heart swell with gratitude.

I really consider the holidays a time to remind us that those in-between moments are the ones that count. And to be able to fill them with creativity is such a blessing. We are fortunate to have our art that connects us and make us stronger. A bond that is created in one moment, yet lasts a lifetime. We are a tribe of artists... leaning on each other for support, encouragement and inspiration! It reminds me the importance of friendships, not just around the holidays, but every day.

So this holiday season I'd like to thank you all for daring to experience something greater for yourself in the form of our mixed-media excursions. The bravery it took to come along on this creative adventure with me. And the heartfelt connections we have made over art. I am truly blessed to have all of you in my life and I hope that your holiday season is filled with the love of family, friends, and perhaps a few random moments of creativity.

Blessings,
Glenny
xoxo

Merry Craftmas & Happy Glue Year!

When the hustle and bustle of retail extravaganzas and big box store bonanzas has become the new norm, handmade gifts and cards sometimes get lost in the shuffle. But not here in the creative realm of Art & Souler's, I bet! I'm sure you crafted a darling little card, or hand made some gifts this year. Maybe you prepared an amazing table setting for guests, or decorated the house with extra flair. No matter how you expressed your creativity this season — be proud of yourself for keeping the true spirit of art and individuality in the Holidays! 

And thank you all so much for your support of Art & Soul Retreats. Each and every one of you! Students and teachers alike. Taking time out to replenish your soul in a creative way is no longer a luxury — it's a necessity!  And I appreciate you choosing to play and have fun with us year after year. You are part of our success and I wish you the Happiest of Holidays and the Most Creative New Year Ever!

~ Glenny xo