As I sit at a freshly tidied and dusted desk, welcoming the first day of January, 2024 I am appreciating the precious beauty of this day. I have spent the last few weeks organizing, donating items I no longer use, cleaning up my portfolios, files and my calligraphy supplies. I see how much I have accumulated over the past few years and how some things I have on my shelves have never been used. I am determined to do a careful check of my supply shelves before I purchase something this year and try hard to keep my desk tidy and welcoming even as the projects accumulate. As I cleaned the studio I found beautiful sparkling paints, fresh paint brushes waiting to be used and notebooks waiting to be filled. I found books that are still waiting to be read and I looked through old guild newsletters that brought back warm memories. There is so much to appreciate and remember. Some of my dear calligraphy friends have passed away but their cards and letters remain in my scrapbooks. I have been especially pensive about the passing of time and how easy it is take it for granted. I know my 2024 schedule is robust. There is so much to do and so much to prepare for. But the simple joys of each day cannot be overlooked despite the busyness of my schedule. I recommend flourishing as time to breathe and meditate and have taken my own advice as I work it into my own schedule for the sheer joy of the flourish rather than a finished piece as part of a class. The wonder and joy from the simple act of putting pen to paper cannot be overstated.
With each offhand flourish, I am free from the pressure of creating a perfect letterform as the free form design unfolds. As I continue with the Flourishing Club at The Ardington School of Crafts for 2024, my greatest hope is that the students will partake of this precious time to flourish with the freedom of letting the flourish evolve on the page as it will. As 2024 unfolds, you will likely be inundated with upcoming class notices. There is so much out there for you to explore. My full teaching schedule is on my website or can be emailed to you if you are interested. Faded Love Letters and Alphabet Garden are up first this month. Both are beautiful takes on different types of drawn letters. I have talked about them in previous blog posts and continue to explore the delights of these different letter designs. As I worked on this initial O for Faded Love Letters, I was especially pensive.
Our little cat Oscar is getting older and appears to be slowing down. The O that meandered on this page was created as I continue to appreciate all the joy he brings knowing that our time with him is so precious. There is true beauty in all seasons.
These skills we have with pen, ink, paper and brush can help us work through our own thoughts and bring a sense of calm to uncertain days. I am feeling mindful and so appreciative as 2024 awakens. Once again, my word for the year is Hope.
Sending warm hugs and so much love and gratitude to my friends, dear students and readers.Thank you for being such a blessing to me. I hope you find joy with the work of your hands, peace as 2024 unfolds and abundant blessings throughout the year. Love you all. May you flourish!
