Oh Sunny Day

So after some horrendous early winter weather....we had some much needed Sunshine today:) What I loved best about class today was how helpful and kind everyone is in this class. Everyone chips in to help and take care of each other. There is a very positive and giving attitude that prevails.

Chris showed me two cinquaine poems that I thought would be nice to share on the blog:

People
nurture, evolve
caring, loving, growing
people help serve others
vessels


Water
cool, refreshing
cleansing, soothing, quenching
water nourishes body and soul
life

Challenging Hope

With the beginning of winter and a damp fall that hinders the spirit; this is always a rough time of year for our family. Each day in October serves as a reminder and a heavy pressure that is coming into the 13th year, the death and loss of Julie. Some years, it seems like a tender wound freshly made while other times it is as if an indefinite amount of time has passed. Clear dreams remind me of how she looked, laughed and cried. Daylight hours she fades from my sight like a wisp of fog. Whether or not we realize or not, her spirit held our family together and sometimes tears us apart. The challenges of hope are knowing that she is safe and like my father reminding us occasionally to "keep the faith."

In my class at the John P Murtha Center for Pain, I can see the tangible signs of faith and hope. The challenges faced within this group are various illnesses that in and of themselves would prove dauntless. Take those challenges and multiply them by 20 or so and yet when you come into the room there is no disheartening spirit. Our Fear baskets are not always full in this room, but our Dream baskets always have a few attainable goals that might seem simple to an outsider. The biggest point to recall is that we are all Alive, able to make choices and that we also have made it through another day.

Do I wish that Julie would have chosen differently......? I have never waivered in my response to my own challenge of hope....she would have found people in this room that she could have connected with in joy and pain. I cannot help but feel that there are times she joins us in the room and vibrates some hope and love in our direction. I hope she can continue to guide me to offer art and hope to this group.

Windy Monday

Aside from windy weather, we had a very full class today. Moving chairs and tables around allowed for three more artists to join our group. How nice it is to welcome more into our Arts for Healing program. Today, I did a quick demonstration using saran wrap and kosher salt techniques. Further discussion brought about the use of a water spray bottle and possible use of mask to hold white areas.

Next week we will come up with a working title for the book and possible ideas on writing and claiming it as our own:) Everyone's input will prove to be valuable and with our new camera in hand, we will be able to put together a great book to showcase our work.

First Monday in October

Our class met today and everyone was a busy, busy painter! Today, students were encouraged to make a sketch, transfer their drawing and learn a little bit about mixing color. Their trays hold primary colors only with warm and cool blues and reds. Smaller pieces of watercolor paper served as experimental areas to try out brush strokes and prospective colors.

My favorite part of the day is when someone, anyone has success with their piece. Also, the unbounded enthusiasm of the class allows for banter and play and true companionship. This is a lovely group of people who can shed their pains and isolation at the door and find friendship and a learning experience.

I am always grateful to be able to teach this class. The response for this class has been wonderful to see. I hope they will continue to attend.