A Creative Christmas Season...

So... the Christmas tree is up and the holiday spirit is taking me over. My festive faux fir is adorned with monchromatic touches of red and white... speckled with icicles, flora & fauna, and a few of my favorite stuffed animals tucked between the branches. Decorating the tree may seem like a simple tradition, but perfectly placing each ornament — as I thoughtfully ponder 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 — over a decade 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 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.

The day-to-day grind is what it is. Work. Eat. Sleep. Clean the house. But the holidays 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. 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

Thanks For Giving...

If you've kept up with me on this blog or on Facebook, you know it's been kind of a rough year. But when holidays like Thanksgiving come around, well... you really can't hide from that word — Thanks! It seems like all the tough situations I've been in this year have brought me closer to the people in my life and made me realize how important the connections of family and friends really are. I mean — when all is said and done, when there are no more "things" left — what have you got? You've got the love of family and friends. That's what!

And through this year, I've fondly thought of all of you — my Art & Soul family. And all the love and support you have given me. I typically don't see myself that way — on the receiving end, that is. I'm usually the one trying to put on these events for your enjoyment and creative growth. But you turned the tables when you filled up my heart to overflowing this year — with all the love you sent my way when I needed it the most.

So, I just wanted to say on this very special holiday... thanks for giving!

Big Giant Hugs to You All,
Glenny xoxo

An Outpouring of Love

As many of you already know, my mother recently passed away and, as with the death of any family member, comes an overwhelming feeling of sadness and loss. With today’s families scattered about the country, you don’t always have the support system you need when you need it. Or so I thought. 

Working from home as an event organizer,  I don’t have co-workers next to me to talk to about what’s going on in my life — whether it be the celebrations or the hardships. So when something big happens, there’s not always someone right there to share it with.  I'm not the type to wax poetic on Facebook or my blog (although I do get on my soap box occasionally), and I had made no posts regarding my mother's health. 

Therefore, I was amazed when little by little — as people learned of the news — heartfelt thoughts and supportive words started trickling in. Handmade cards from family, friends and many of you who attend Art & Soul started arriving. I was overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity of spirit in this very emotional period in my life. These beautiful cards and encouraging words helped lift me up and I realized that I am not alone. That you are my family. The bonds of which provided me that pillar of strength I so needed, just when I needed it most.

I  wanted to take a moment and say thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul for all your well-wishes, introspective words, graceful correspondence and stunning handmade cards. You may never know how much they meant to me.

Love,
Glenny
xoxo