May was just one big long day, wasn't it? It's always hard for me to keep track of the days, since My Better Half doesn't work a traditional work week and there were no longer school aged kids at home. But now it seems even worse. There isn't anything to mark the passage of time, not even my weekly trip to the grocery (In March I was banned from doing pretty much anything out in the world).
I've been filling my days with studio work and hanging with the kids. Long walks with the dogs, now that the weather has turned, and a bit of yard work too. Home cooked dinners on the patio and bonfires in the back yard. A lively game of croquet occasionally, with the added challenge of Sal, who relocates the balls mid-play. Late nites up reading until I fall asleep and no alarms to wake up to in the morning. It's really not that bad, as long as I don't think about what's happening beyond my little bubble.
But I do think about it. I can't help but think about it. Some days it's paralyzing. Some days it feels like a bad dream. Some days I'm still waiting for someone to jump out and scream to the world "just kidding!" And some days I just have no response because I'm just plain empty.
I stopped watching the news a couple years ago. For the last 6 months plus, I've eliminated nearly all my time on social media (I do still interact via the studio page, but don't do much with my personal one). I meditate, make sure I eat well, get enough sleep, and try to move my body every day (a walk or yoga or both). I journal (written and art journaling) and paint.
And I give back.
One way is via the #journalthroughit project. Over 40 lessons strong, Ardith Goodwin and I have built a great introductory class to help anyone start a journaling practice. It's all here, if you haven't had a chance to check it out yet. (The classes are free, but contributions are welcomed)
The other way I'm giving back is donating proceeds from designated paintings to Black Lives Matter. My idea is to paint small florals, choosing things that symbolize qualities I wish to see in our world. The first two pieces, Rosa Multifloras, representing grace, were offered on Friday. They sold inside 15 minutes, which made my day. Stay tuned for the next ones - I'll do a couple more once I tie things up with my next commission. I'll post them on my studio FB page and in my newsletter both. And thank you for supporting racial equality.
In other news, I am thrilled to share that I am an instructor with Galia Alena and Art is Magic's Make Create Express 2020. This is a fabulously inspiring group of artists who will lead students through a year of lessons and art making. You can learn more about the online workshop, and sign up for the free Creative Retreat Weekend, here.
I continue to be grateful for my collectors, both old and new, who have purchased work during this time and sent me notes and letters of support. I feel as if we are a chosen family, and I know how special that is.
Here are all the ways you can see my artwork and invite a little beauty in your world: Again, if you are wanting to start an art practice of your own, I encourage you to check out #journalthroughit for all ages content, no previous art experience needed. If you want something a bit more advanced, my online painting classroom might be for you (it's $5/month!). And finally, I am also available for online mentoring and critiques.
You are always welcome to let me know what you think. Feel free to respond to this newsletter, shoot me an email, comment on the blog or interact via Facebook or Instagram. Locals can join my journaling group that meets monthly (we are hopeful for July..... time will tell!). There's all sorts of ways for us to connect!
THANK YOU so much for making it this far, for reading all my wordy words, for buying my art or taking my classes or commenting and sharing things on social media. I am so grateful to share this journey with you.
Warmly, Kim | 
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