Hi Reader,

What a day here in the United States. I took myself for a long walk earlier today to absorb the news and to wrap my mind around the huge changes coming our way that will impact us in the months and years to come, both here in the USA and around the world.

Wherever we each fall on the political spectrum, we're ALL on the human spectrum, and I think most of us can probably agree that there's a lot of darkness in the world right now. A lot of division in this country, and a lot of fear. A lot of uncertainty. Modern life is so scary in so many ways, for so many people. It can be easy and tempting to give in to the fear and the darkness and the doom and gloom of it all. To feel powerless. In some ways, maybe we are. In others, we're not. I believe it's more important than ever to contribute to the light in the world. Will it solve all the complex problems? No. Will it make an impact? Yes. We all have a choice about what we hold in our hearts. We can hold doom and despair, or we can hold hope and love. We can send more fear into the world, or we can send more love.

More fear makes things worse.
More love makes things better.

It might not be a measurable impact on the surface, but people feel it energetically. You can feel it when you walk by people on the street – someone is angry, someone is peaceful, someone doesn't want to talk to you, someone is lonely, someone is radiant.... we feel each other. Every ounce of love vibrated out into the world helps. I truly believe that. (I also realize from what a privileged place I write this.)

I'm reminded of this quote that I love, by Elie Weisel: “Even in darkness it is possible to create light and encourage compassion.”

And this one, by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

We each get to choose, even when it feels like we don't.

What I know today is that now, more than ever, we need art! We need creativity. We need people contributing to the light, to the beauty, to the goodness in the world. Art-making is a tool that we can use to help us make sense of our worlds, to process our feelings, to share our points of view, to calm our nervous systems, and as a way to just feel better. And doing what you can to be i a healthy mental state is good for the world!

The good news is, I have lots of ways for you to join me in using art in this way if you want to come join me. Read on!

Below you'll find some important dates to put on your calendar, so you can start making plans now to join in the fun and make the most of what’s coming up!

HERE'S WHAT'S COMING UP

Now: FREE Kickstart Your Art For Self-Care Practice Mini Class
​Join me for a free, self-paced mini class and learn to tap into the power of your intuition and use art-making as a tool for radical self-care. I'll show you my process and invite you into exploring your own. And you don't even have to be an "Artist" to do it! Beginners 100% welcome. Sign up here for free!

Nov 12: Holiday Shop Opens
​Get ready for some all-new goodies coming your way over on my website! Ornaments, holiday cards, wrapping paper, new oracle card decks, original paintings, and more. You'll get early first dibs since via email you're on the list here!

Dec 9 – 13: Free 5-Day Art For Self-Care Challenge
​This is where the mini class will come alive! You'll join creatives of all varieties and skill levels for 5 days and connect in community as we create in real time, together. Accountability, connection, inspiration, and inner expansion will be plentiful. Click here to reserve your spot!

Jan 23 – 28: Free Workshop – Art-Making For Inner Awakening
​A free, 4-part workshop all about your inner voice, the power of consistency and curiosity, and what can happen when you open yourself up to new creative possibilities + transformation.

Jan 28: Unleashed Course Registration Opens
​This once-a-year opportunity is a chance for you to take a deep dive into yourself and to learn how to use art-making as a portal into your inner world to radically transform your life, one piece of art at a time. It's me and you, live on Zoom twice a week for 6 weeks, making art and learning to tune ever deeper into the wisdom that lies beyond and within. Unleashed will begin on Monday February 10th. Join the waitlist right here!

April 3: Free Workshop – Fall In Love With Illustrator
​I'll show you the ins and outs of my favorite design program, Adobe Illustrator, in this free 1-hour live workshop. I use Illustrator to design all my repeating patterns. This workshop is packed with information, tips, and tricks to help you get started using Illustrator with confidence.

April 12 – 13: Pattern Camp
​In this weekend-long, fast-paced, information-packed course, you'll learn how to design your own beautiful repeating patterns using Adobe Illustrator. Pattern Camp comes around just twice a year and is a chance for you to learn FAST, without the fluff. Learn more right here!

Until next time, with so much love...
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LET'S BE FRIENDS ON IG!

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