Have you ever had an experience that was so wonderful, you just couldn't explain it? There were no words to describe it? Or there were too many words to make it all come together without writing a novel? Well, that pretty much sums up these past few weeks for me!
Just returned from Art Unraveled in Phoenix a few days ago. It was spectacular. This was my first visit to Arizona, and it's beauty took my breath away at every turn. To be honest though, not a big fan of the 108 degrees during the day, and 92 in the evening. I'll take the snow over that heat anyday. Crazy as it sounds, i was actually longing for a good old Rochester cold spell!
My classes were awesome....busy, messy and playful, and where i met the sweetest new "forever art friends". Not many of them are Arizona"natives", lots of transplants from the Midwest and Northeast, so interesting to me.
Pam Carriker, Mary Beth Shaw and i had a fabulous dinner in old Scottsdale one night. Beautiful art and architecture amazing restaurant, and look, there's my pal Pam in this gorgeous sculpture garden!
...very southwest...
Lucky me! Found my very favorite store, Fresh Produce in Scottsdale, and even caught a huge sale! (i try to find this store whenever i travel)
Finally had a visit with my really sweet friend (who i never met in person!) super art girl Dina Wakely! She was at the fabulous Art Unraveled Shopping Extravaganza on Saturday.
Love her.
This week i am unpacking and repacking the same boxes of art treasures to ship out for Create in Chicago which starts next Wednesday. So many supplies to pack! So thrilled, that is my biggest gig yet. FIVE completely full, SOLD OUT classes. BREATHE!!!
So that's why i needed a little breather.....just to enjoy and cherish the moments and memories without pressuring myself to document those precious minutes for social media. I love what i do, and am so very blessed. I know that personally, i sometimes need to step away from all the technology and JUST BE in the moments. They are treasure.
..........and you know my most favorite mantra...........
Sounds like a fab time but there is something special about home..
ReplyDeleteExactly Martha!!!
DeleteIt was SO fun to meet you, soul-sister!! :) We must art together someday SOON.
ReplyDeletewell, i'll be back for Art Unraveled next year, so we'll definitely make a date! It was so nice being with you! Huggs!
DeleteSo glad you had a chance to experience beautiful but hot Arizona. (I'll take snow any day, too.) So happy for you that your classes went well and now on to Chicago where you are packing them in!! You deserve all the good that comes your way, you are such a fabulous artist and teacher, and I thank you for all your online classes, Joanne! I'm loving them all.
ReplyDeleteBarb, you are just tooooooooo kind! I love you right back. YOU are the reason i love what i do with a fire in my soul. Huggs!
DeleteIt looks like you had a wonderful time with your classes and friends in Arizona. What fun! I love your inspiring work, and plan to take one of your online classes soon.
ReplyDeleteI'm certainly with you on the heat. I live in North Texas, and I'm more than ready for Autumn. I suspect I'll have to suffer through this heat for another month or so though. Oh well, there's always art to be made!
Have a grand time in Chicago!
D~~~~
Thanks Donna!!
ReplyDeleteI *loved* meeting you and hanging out!!! You rock sweetie pie! Can't wait to see you soon in Chicago :)
ReplyDeletexoxo
rightbackatcha sister!!
DeleteOMGosh, it was so fun hanging out with you guys, had the best time!! Dina I can't believe I missed seeing you! Stampington just sent me a package full of your stamps to play with, can't wait! Joanne dahhhling, love you to pieces and Mary Beth I'm so glad you two got to meet! I have your artwork sitting in different spots around the house daily as I try to decide on the permanent home for them-then I'll get them framed just love them and so glad we got to hang out some. I'd be sad that it's over but we still have October to look forward to!!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteSo bummed that I wasn't able to get over to AU and meet you when you were here. I had so hoped to get over there. I'm glad you got to explore a bit and had a good time when you were here. 108 was actually cool... it's been worse the last week! lol
ReplyDeleteHope to catch up with you next time you're in Phoenix! In the meantime, I'm having a blast with your online lettering classes and your DVD! They're awesome! I'm signing up for the color one also. Have a blast in Chicago! Super that your classes are sold out! I'm sure that will be a common thing!
Looked like an awesome class! The colors in class are so inviting! And we've been close but not as hot! mid 90's for us here in Canada!
ReplyDeleteYummy!
Sandy S
I'm so happy for you!!! We all need "feel good" moments and times in our life!!!
ReplyDeleteForgot to add my name...Robin Dikos...rbndks@power-net.net
DeleteThanks for sharing your trip to Arizona...your classes look incredible! I love your online classes, hope to take one in person in the future. Have a safe and fun trip to Chicago...and I so agree...sometimes we just need to sit back and just be. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI took one final look at my budget today and decided that I just could not make it to Chicago for Create this year. I am sooo disappointed; I had so much fun the last 2 years and your classes were the best. I've been enjoying your online classes, but really, there's nothing like doing it live. Maybe next year...
ReplyDeleteIt was such a pleasure to FINALLY meet you, been a fan for some time. Your AU class was inspiring, and I learned enough to go back to my own studio and apply some of your techniques. Thank you and I hope to see you next year! *hugs* - Karen (7th photo down)
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