Here are a few of my favorite snapshots taken last weekend on my trip to New York City. I absolutely love my new IPhone 4 and the Hipstamatic app…it’s such a cool camera affect…very retro and instamatic looking. I’ll post some more this weekend, there’s a few more I’d like to share.
Ever since I can remember, I’ve been enamored with the very thought of New York City. I remember when I was in grammer school I always wished I could visit the Big Apple, but knew in my heart there was no way I’d ever get my parents to take me there. My father had two vacations a year and each was spent visiting both sets of parents, one in Wisconsin and the others in Tennessee. Besides that, my parents didn’t have a lot of money and would never be able to afford it. So, for the time being, New York for me was a far away dream. When I was about 12, I found a tee shirt at a flea market that said, Brooklyn across the front and I bought it because it made me feel connected to have a shirt with a New York name on it. I loved watching movies shot in New York City just to catch a camera glimpse of a place I had longed to be. I enjoyed just listening to people who spoke with a native New York accent. My dreams of visiting New York City continued all throughout my marriage and I had hoped to go on my first trip there with my mother in law who once lived there for about three years when my husband was a baby. Unfortunately she died before we had that chance to travel together. I remember sitting next to her as she lay in the hospital dying of cancer, telling her with tears in my eyes that we won’t get our chance to take that trip to New York together. She knew how much it meant to me to go with her and it was just so sad.
Finally, about five years ago I decided I was finally going to go to NYC. I took my son with me-David was 18 at the time and he enjoyed the big city just as much as I did. It was everything I had ever dreamed it would be and more. The City truly made my heart skip a beat. Although I’m from Chicago, I found something different and really fantastic about New York that I never experienced living in Chicago. Big Apple was a flavor I had never tasted and once I got a bite, I found it irresistable. A lot of my friends don’t understand what I see in it-after all, to them it’s dirty, congested and expensive. Although I’m very aware of those things, I don’t ‘see’ them. I am at such a deeper level than that. A level I can’t even begin to explain. Since that first trip with Dave, I’ve gone back four more times and each visit has been different, some better than others. But every time I return home I feel like there is something I missed-something I didn’t absorb from the city that I had been thristing for. I feel as if I have never been able to suck from the City what I need to satisfy something deep down in my soul. I’ve been trying to put my finger on what it is that makes my heart sing about New York City. While reading The Artists Way I think I may have found something in that book that describes almost exactly how I feel.
“Manhattan is where the singers are. Not to mention Broadway. I am here because “art” brought me here. Obedient, I came. Per capita, Manhattan may have a higher density of artists than anywhere else in America. In my Upper West Side neighborhood, cellos are as frequent and as ungainly as cows in Iowa. They are part of the landscape here…..Manhattan teems with dreamers. All artists dream, and we arrive here carrying those dreams…I’ve looked up into Leonard Bernstein’s ground-floor windows at the Dakota, and gone a little numb each time I pass the arched entryway where John Lennon was shot. In [my] apartment, I am a scant block from Duke Ellington’s haunts, and there’s a street named after him too. Manhattan is a town full of ghosts. Creative power-and powers-course through its vertical canyons.”
I often go back to these words because they give me a sense of comfort. Since I’m an artist, I understand all the potential New York has for inspiring me, and how it is juicy with a creative element my soul absolutely craves. I can feel the creativity that flows through it. And yet, I have not been satisfied and I continually long to return. When I explore the island on foot I can feel myself absorb its life force with every step I take, and at times I can almost compare it to having a religious experience. Silly, I know, but I can’t help myself.
I had such a experience this past weekend when I made a trip uptown to visit the Dakota apartments. I also wanted to walk across the street to Strawberry Fields in Central Park to see Yoko Ono’s beautiful, but simple IMAGINE memorial to John. When I walked up the subway stairs and got to the street level there it was-in all it’s magnificent glory the Dakota towered, hauntingly owning the corner of 72nd and Central Park West. I can’t completely explain the feelings that pulsed through me. I was awestruck and in some way jealous of the choice few who get the honor of inhabiting such a historic, lush residence. I want to live there. I caught a glimpse of Connie Chung through the large, black entry gate where Lennon was shot, and a few moments later another mysterious elderly resident pulled up in a taxi, paid the driver and hobbled in through the black gate with his wife. I must be crazy because just being in the shadow of that building left me feeling numb. I was like a little kid, wishing to just get in and explore the creepy attic and secret places. I longed to know who lived there and see the beautiful interior. I imagined living there, having beautiful views of Central Park through all the seasons and having the city there all the time to be my muse. How lucky some folks are.
What ever it is that New York City has that stirs my soul will continue to draw me back time and time again. I will never tire of it. I will always carry it in my heart and like Julia Cameron says, art brings me here. I too, am obedient. I arrive each time in New York City carrying my dreams in my heart, and someday I hope to carry them in my suitcase. One day I hope to live there. It’s my next dream. It will come true. I can wait patiently, after all, good things come to those who wait.
I am on the planning committe for a women’s retreat at the beginning of October and I’m leading a 40 minute session on simplifying, practicing gratitude and cultivating joy, just as my blog’s tagline reads. In preparation for this, I’ve been thinking alot about the concept of gratitude. It is known to be a life changer if practiced regularily and can cause joy to seep into your life just by regularily acknowledging the little things in your days that are surprisingly wonderful, no matter how simple.
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “Less is more.” It really is important for us to focus our lives on that one simple saying. Ask anyone who has way too much-clutter has the ability to make us feel confused, overwhelmed and tends to rob us of contentment. (Believe me-I know. Early this spring I had the daunting task of cleaning out my basement that was abundant with boxes and boxes of things I no longer had a need for.) Quite the opposite, living simply enables us to breathe and stretch in the open spaces of our homes. Paring down liberates us from the drudgery of time spent having to deal with all that excess “stuff”; we have to organize, shuffle, sometimes shovel, file, or pass along all that stuff. Sometimes we can’t even manage to give it away. In this day and age, way too much importance is placed on stock piling material things. Everywhere you turn there are advertisements trying to entice us to lay down our money in exchange for the newest gadget or hot item. It really is incredible how many things in the world there are to buy! Amazingly, we’re better off without most of those things- I won’t say all, because I’m not advocating living like a minimalist. What I am asking you, however, is how much do you really need to be happy?
What is really important in this life? Are your basic needs being met? Do you have a home? Is your pantry well stocked? Are there clothes in your closet? Is there a source of money coming in? Do you have dreams? Do you have your health? Are you able to walk around and enjoy the world around you? Do you have family and friends who you love and who love you?
For a moment, stop and assess the wonderful things in your life you should be thankful for. Let your heart awaken to how being thankful can transform you. Be open to switching out your need for material things for a calmer, simple existence which will most likely reward you with more joy than you ever imagined.
Is there anyone reading this that doesn’t long for a simpler life? What are we longing for? Should we give it all up and move to a seaside cottage? Or could we be longing for something more fundamental, like the simple pleasure of having a day with nothing on the calender and having more time for the things in life that are really important like family and God and nurturing ourselves and having frequent quiet moments.
Once we take a good look at our lives and get used to the ebb and flow of gratitude, the next step on the path unfolds naturally. When we appreciate what we have, we should feel the urge to pare down, get back to basics and figure out what is essential for our happiness. At least, that is what my goal is. When refer to simplifying I’m not implying doing without. On the contrary-making a conscious choice to simplify will help illuminate our lives from within. Simplifying lifts us up, and liberates us from the weight of owning and dealing with too much excess in our lives. Simplicity can be wonderful… imagine a simple bouquet of flowers, an uncluttered clean house or a closet that holds everything you wear, nothing more, nothing less, or even imagine decluttering your book collection, by purchasing a Kindle or Nook and having all those books on that one little device right at your fingertips. No dusting, no shuffling those books around. Just plain and simple. Trust that through the healing aspect of simplicity, your frazzled and weary soul can open up and spread out and relax.
I’d like to introduce to you the concept of keeping a gratitude journal. Part of cultivating a simpler life is stopping to count our blessings and to notice things in our life that are worthy of being thankful for. When we begin to be grateful for the littlest things in our lives only then can we be happier and have more clarity. Every night, before going to sleep take out your little gratitude journal and write down five things from the day you are thankful for. They can be as small as the nice smile you got from the bagger in the grocery store to the little bluebird you spied outside your kitchen window. Let’s take notice of the little gifts from the universe and document them.
Realistically, there will be rough days where you won’t feel thankful for anything…we all have days that are particularly difficult for one reason or another. On days like that, still write in your journal….just be thankful for your health, your home, or whatever else comes to mind.
By carfully keeping of this journal, you should begin to feel more simplicity, order, harmony; beauty and joy seep into your life. These things will all bloom greater when you practice gratitude. The more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given to you.
I discovered a lovely website called Good List Daily that encourages folks to submit their gratitude lists online to their site. I’m now contributing my gratitude list along with many others. Read what others are thankful for on a daily basis. Join in and add yours.
I completed both of these during the month of August. I am still practicing, but fairly happy with the results. I haven’t named either of them, but will when something inspiring hits me.
Last week my son was out on the porch very late with a friend and he came in and told me a yellow stray cat walked over on our porch and came right to him. The cat was thin and very hungry and so very friendly. Considering he was an obvious stray-a young intact male loaded with fleas, he had such a loveable heart. He purred loudly and meowed at us. He even liked to be held. He was really hungry. We offered him bowl after bowl of food that he eagerly gobbled down. We kept him in our garage overnight with the intention of bringing him to our local P.A.W.S. shelter in the morning so he can be checked out, given a flea bath and cared for. During his night stay in our garage, my kids went out there and spent time with him, petted him and loved him. He even jumped on my son’s chest and sat there. He obviously loved people. At least he loved us.
When we took him to the shelter the next morning, he was so good in the car, not an ouce of wildness to him. You would never have thought he was homeless by his behaviour and disposition.
At the shelter, they put him in isolation for the fleas and so they could run tests on him to see if he was healthy. I named him Percy so they had a name to refer to him other than ‘orange tabby.’ I even told the staff I was very interested in adopting him if he gets neutered and is healthy. They made the notation on the chart. We said our good-byes to him and I was told to call back in a week to see how he’s doing.
I called P.A.W.S. today to see how he is. I had made the decision to adopt him if he was ready. The lady on the other end of the phone couldn’t find his papers, and my heart began to sink. I reminded her that he was a stray, brought in last week and had to be tested for diseases. She told me to hold on-she had to check the ‘other’ paper. She quickly returned to the phone, and with a low tone told me he had been euthanized. He tested positive for Feline Leukemia. I’m so sad. I know I tried to help him, but I can’t help but feel like I brought him to his death. He came to us and we brought him to a place that killed him. I understand he was sick. I understand it’s contageous, but I just feel really bad about it. He had so much love in his little cat heart.
I hope somewhere, somehow, that little guy knows I tried to help him. I really did.
Connie over at Dirty Footprints studio is inviting art journalers to participate in a little interview. Thanks Connie for the opportunity!
–How long have you been Art Journaling?
Not long enough! Actually, I’m a rookie. I only started about 18 months ago and honestly, in that timespan, it’s only been an off and on process for me. However, just this past month, I made a commitment to myself to create a journal page once a day. Being a part of Kelly Kilmer’s class has helped whip me into shape and have accountability. I like the idea of having other artistic people participating alongside me, journaling and taking the journey with me.
–How has Art Journaling impacted, changed, or enhanced your life?
Journaling has been a way for me to ‘get my art on’ every day. I’ve been searching for a way to exercise my creativity so I can allow it to grow and blossom into something really meaningful. By journaling, I can express myself on a more personal level, letting it flow through me and out onto the page. I can honestly say it’s very much like expensive art therapy. What is so brilliant about art journaling is it can take as little or as long as I want to create a page and document my feelings. A journal page doesn’t have to be an enormous time commitment if I don’t have a lot of time during the course of a day. I also really enjoy using journal prompts that cause me to think. I can explore things about myself I never really considered. It’s fun to look inward and see what kinds of things I like, remember or have opinions about.
–What are a few of your favorite Art Journaling materials to use?
I like to keep it simple. My favorite art supplies are watercolor pencils in conjunction with Prismacolor brand colored pencils, white opaque gel pens, black fine point Sharpies, Avery permanent glue stick, wall paper sample books (I got really lucky…I have over 30 books all discontinued and free from my local wallpaper/paint store!) for all the unusual background pages they contain and focal images, rubber stamps and magazine clippings. . . I also want to try black gesso as a base, I think that might be fun and open up some new art joy for me!
My favorite journals to use are Moleskine watercolor sketchbooks (I save a bundle by picking them up at Borders when they issue a 40% off coupon; I stock up!) I also use watercolor spiral bound pads, too. The watercolor paper holds up so much better than regular paper…which tends to ripple and bubble up when painted on.
–Who are some of your favorite Art Journalers?
I like Teesha Moore and Pam Garrison, Aimee Dolich for her lettering style (which is an art in itself), and Kelly Kilmer for her use of images and painted backgrounds. I enjoy Effy Wild for her honesty and earthiness. To be perfectly honest, I really do try not to look at too many other journaler’s work and be too influenced by anyone’s style. When I see the work of other artists, especially if I find the work to be amazing, instead of enjoying the imagery, it tends to deflate me. I don’t want the influence of others to adulterate my own style (which is emerging). I think because art journaling is so deeply personal, it should be treated as such and not ‘judged’ as regular art would be.
–What kind words of encouragement would you say to an Art Journal newbie? Use art journaling to completely express yourself, to exercise your art skills, to experiment, and as a place to let the good and bad flow out of you. Use it for what it was originally intended to be-art therapy for the soul. Don’t let other’s art and style intimidate you. Practice daily, and suddenly you will begin to notice your personal symbols emerge and a style that is all your own. Revel in it.
–Where can we contact you…give us some link LOVE!!
You can find me at Emily Jane https://eis4em.wordpress.com
–Short Bio.
I am a 47 year old, happy gal who happens to be an artist/writer, doll designer, wife, mother of 5, a dog lover, cat collector (I have 5), city girl and a Chicago Cubs fan. I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Columbia College, Chicago. I aspire to one day be a prolific painter and drive a VW Beetle with a daisy poking out from the dashboard. Currently, I’m toying with the idea of getting my masters in Studio Art. I just might do it.
Effy Wild proposed the journal prompt, “What’s the point?” to us and asked us to create a journal page showing what we think the point (or not) of journaling is. Here’s what I came up with.
This is the second prompt on Sarah Whitmire’s Soul Journaling group. It was so much fun to do…I loved the whole process of putting it together, to the colors and then in choosing the papers. I’m partial to reds, they are rich and passionate.
Last night, before bed I began to read a book that had my full attention. Shortly after I began, I got interruped by very urgent thoughts that seemed to be coming as a stream, and they demanded my full attention. I grabbed the mini yellow legal pad on my night stand and began to write down the words that came from this persistant voice. I wanted to share them. I think they might help anyone who is going through what I am at the moment-flat out in the middle of a mid-life “what the heck am I to do with my life” situation. For the record, this stuff just flowed out of me. I don’t know where it came from, but I can say for a long time I’ve been praying and asking for answers.
Slow down. One step at a time. Don’t plan, just paint. Let your art and time just flow and lead you to the next step.
Don’t think ahead of what is to be in the future. Allow your life to unfold like a blooming flower. Forcing it or trying too hard to guide it can spoil it.
Don’t think about the possibility of sellng your art just yet. Take baby steps and begin the daily task of painting and dabbling in your art supplies and just journaling.
It’s not about commercializing yourself. If you never became a well known artist, or were unable to support yourself on your art, would you still make art? Sure! You enjoy it immensly. I’m sure you would get a day job and wallow in your art supplies in the evenings and on the weekends.
Don’t set yourself up for disappointment. Your life will lead you where it needs to go . What is most important is being happy and content.
Don’t focus on the sea of artists out there. It’s too overwhelming. Don’t concentrate on their successes. Stay in YOUR zone. Put blinders on if it helps you stay focused on yourself and your own growth.
Don’t forget God. Prayer journal. Shame on you Emily. Go back to it.
Walk Lilly. She needs you and you need her motivation to get you off the chair and outside burning calories.
Don’t abandon your sewing. Make things-simple things and don’t let anyone make you feel like you don’t sew well enough. You sew fine.
Make your 40 birds for the retreat. It will make those ladies so happy.
Paint your large angel and add a tree with paper birds (from the pattern). This needs to get finished. you’ll be proud of it when it is completed.
Love yourself and give yourself a breather. Don’t think about it all the time. Relax. Do. Enjoy. Learn. Reap rewards. Good will come. You have the desire and the love in your heart to accomplish what you want from life. You can’t get it immediately-it’s a building process. One step at a time.
You can and will do it.
Stop confusing yourself with what other artists out there are saying.
Listen to me. Listen to your heart.
You will be fine. You will be healthy. Don’t worry. I know you are trying hard to live a healthier life. You will not be really thin, but you will be healthy-and happy.
Don’t forget me. I am here with you. Always.
Breathe deeply. Stop worrying. Don’t be stressed over Larry. He knows now what he’s done. He is trying to be easier to live with and kinder. Give him a break. Forgive him and loosen your shoulders and don’t tense up. It will be okay.
Be kinder and more loving. You need to work on that. Lately, you’ve been way too edgey. Relax and allow yourself a chance to stop feeling guilty.
Sewing is good for you Emily. It enables you to think clearer. Thought processes unfold before you and ideas gel when you work with your hands.
What you’ve been doing for the last several months is stressing over your uncertainty over your future direction. You are wasting your ‘now’ time by constantly focusing and planning and worrying about what will be. Doing this is causing you to waste the ‘life time’ you have at the present moment. Remember, baby steps. Just do and then follow to what leads you next. Don’t imagine the next step. Be calm, carry on and the step will come to you on it’s own. You will be surprised.
Enjoy the present moments. Savor them. Listen to music. Read stories to inspire you. Stop seeking out mumbo-jumbo self-help books for answers. Your head will just spin and make things all that more confusing for you. The answers will arrive in due time. Just sit back and wait. Don’t cloud up your brain with crap.
Right now you’re not going to create art for other people. It is strictly for you.
Allow me to give you peace and strength. Ask for it when you need it-will power, too. I’ll try. But you have to try to do it yourself, because you will be a better person for it and isn’t that really what you have been praying for?
Why Jane 
