Art Journaling class

so this is happening.  i have a few more hours to contribute for my grant and will be translating them into a free community class at artbeat on main street.  i'm vacillating between being excited and a teeny bit anxious... this is all still pretty new for me.  and i already have a list of sign-ups and not sure how many i can comfortably accommodate.  it's going to be an adventure for sure!

SPACE BETWEEN 5 - "Words & Images" November 5 - 7

i love words and i love images.  but you know what i love even more?  combining them!  whether you love taking photos or painting or drawing, making collages or just random doodling, your work can be so much more powerful when combined with just the right words.  conversely, if writing is your thing, illustrating your words with a powerful image, whether literal or metaphoric, can add meaning and depth to your work.

 i’ve been dreaming of a retreat that would embrace this theme for a while now.  we’ll each collect and bring some favorite words, quotes and/or poems to share, create some images with paints, papers and cameras, stir the pot and end up with combinations that speak deeply to us!

we’ll also do some fun word play activities, guided journaling, and you’ll  have the opportunity to create a personal metaphor – a symbol image that can guide you on  your creative journey.

there will be book-sharing for the word lovers and a table set up with supplies for art exploration throughout the weekend for image lovers.

of course, there will be opportunity for exploring the beautiful lodge grounds, hiking, sharing laughs and stories, ample good food and drink, photo ops, perhaps some yoga, and some free time to soak it all in.  and as always, all activities are optional. 

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 breathing fresh mountain air and hanging out with kindred spirits - what could be better??  i hope you will consider putting your responsibilities on hold for a few days to join in the fun!!

 (all photos taken at previous retreats)

 CLICK HERE
to see the lodge on Palomar Mountain (San Diego County)

PRICING INFO HERE

(if money is an issue, please contact me.  i may have some creative solutions!)

REGISTER HERE

The Days After

the days after a big event are always a little weird for me…. there is so much that goes into planning all the details and i’m so focused on it right up until the day…. once it’s over, i feel a little at loose ends.  

 there is so much going on in my head… from the stuff we didn’t cover and the stuff i forgot to mention to the conversations i want to remember…. worries about what everyone thought to the ideas i want to use in planning for another time… 

 it can all be just a tad mind-boggling so i have to pull away from all of that and just sit with the experience.  review my photos and remember all the sweet parts about the day. 

 connections, insights, “ah-ha’s”, sharing from the heart, relationships forged and strengthened, creative excitement, new ideas, wonderful food, friends who “get us”, encouragement, immersion in nature, down time, laughter, time to wander and reflect…. 

ahhhh..... all of that and more took place.  so grateful to have been part of this day!

Contemplative Photography - Palomar Edition - coming July 17

a little over an hour from the coast and 6,000 feet above it is a world apart.  palomar mountain is a unique southern california community, an intriguing blend of beauty and history.  i have been so fortunate to have hosted 4 retreats at beautiful upper meadow lodge and have loved every one of them!  i thought this would be the perfect setting for the next contemplative photography workshop.

this amazing lodge will be our base and we’ll explore from there on 3 photoshoots during the day, each with a different focus.  there are 8 acres of grounds and plenty of interesting photographic subjects ready to pose for us.

 it’s one thing to be the one that always takes the family pics.  it’s another thing entirely to go out on your own, just you and your camera, shooting exactly what grabs you and draws your attention. it’s not only lots of FUN but it’s calming. and centering. and a wonderful way to express yourself creatively. 

 with just a little guidance, you can learn to incorporate this healing practice into your daily life.  your eyes will be opened in new ways.  you will connect with nature and begin to learn from it.  your photos will have deeper meaning for you and that will be obvious if you choose to share them with others.  

 

this class has been evolving for a while and i absolutely love sharing what i have learned.  i am adding/changing all the time and will offer a 50% discount if you have taken the class before.

details and registration link below.  i hope you will join us! 

(it’s cooler up there!) 

Register here

discount codes:

repeater: 50% if you have taken the class before
friend: 20% discount if you bring a friend

I Dream in Lavender

i have written about lavender and lavender field experiences several times these last few years on my other blog.  obviously it’s something that resonates with me.  deeply.

 so having the opportunity to teach something near and dear to my heart to a group of enthusiastic students who “get it” in this atmosphere – well – pinch me!  it’s hard to think of anything that i would rather do! 

Classroom - outside

Classroom - inside

 it’s a bit of a trek out to the farm, the last portion on a somewhat rugged dirt road.  all the more conducive to feeling away from civilization…we had the entire place to ourselves and also the gentle guidance of alicia, the farm owner.  can you imagine?  

 

 we had 3 separate photoshoots, each with a different theme, separated by class time.  we went out on our own to experience the true meaning of doing photography in a mindful state. powerful. 

 we learned about metaphor, minimalism and wabisabi.  fun stuff. 

 sunshine, open land, flowers (not just lavender!), bees and ladybugs, interesting objects, a labyrinth, cooling breezes and a palpable sense of calm. no wonder i am dreaming in lavender! 

 p.s. i am so energized by my students’ enthusiastic responses i am already brainstorming and adding new ideas for the next class.  stay tuned! 

Lavender lovers

(you can find out all about the farm here. )