Hadassah Tea and Me

I am off to Marla Friedman's home for a Hadassah Tea. I will be speaking about our book Butterfly Kisses and Wishes and Wings- and more specifically how creating art was a part of my healing process.

Fittingly, when I was gathering up my books and support materials to bring this afternoon to the Tea, I picked up the sketchbook that was gifted to me following my diagnosis. That book was the springboard for ideas, images, thoughts and feelings that began my Body as an Open Book Series. Opening the front cover I found a quote I jotted down from the book Conversations with God, "The point of life is to create- who and what you are, and then to experience that."

That resonated with me 7 years ago as it does now. That act of being creative is is part of who we are as human beings. Using images,words, sounds, our bodies, our (hidden?) gifts or talents to express our experience is the key to living our lives fully- where ever we are or where ever we find ourselves. Hope where you are is a place of contentment and joy on this Sunday in January.

Speaking of Tea, I have been keeping up with my tea bag drawings. Some are quick late night sketches to fulfill my daily intention. Others are more deliberate observations. Here are a few from January.

A Feast for All - Contemporary Connections at Bancroft School

I recently completed my residency working with 2nd and 5th graders at Bancroft Elementary School in Wilmington, DE through DCCA's Contemporary Connections program.

Once again, this was a strong affirmation of the power of arts integrated education as a learning and transformative tool. These kids were so excited and engaged as they were introduced to sculpture, drawing, painting, printmaking and installation while they learned about mapping (Grade 2) and land formations and our our impact on our environment (Grade 5). In continue to be inspired by all the people that believe in the arts and bringing it to kids- Principal Lee, Mrs. Wallace, Ms. Stasney, and the staff at the DCCA. Planning and implementing a successful residency puts more on everyone's plate in these times of testing, testing and yes, more testing - but oh what a feast it is!

Delayed Opening- Snow Shots and a Tea Bag

A beautiful morning- a delayed opening. Sleeping in a bit longer. Outside with camera in tow, the lovely morning light, and ... my tea bag drawing from yesterday. slightly larger in scale, but still on the page so I can scan it in. my daily practice, like my meditation and yoga, and homage to my morning ritual of making a cup of tea for Scott.