The Light Returns!

I've been facing some inner storms lately as I navigate the waves of change in my life.  But just over a week ago I found myself in the midst of a real hurricane! Yes, Matthew paid me a visit during what was supposed to be a big family celebration at the beach for my 50th birthday.  Most of our family bailed due to the weather forecast.  Can't say I blame them.  We lost power, got flooded, the wind howled and the house shook.  But we survived...and we even celebrated.  We took in the energy of the ocean and waited for the light to return--and it did!  The electricity inside our house was still out, but the light outside was definitely back and in a big way! The day after the storm, I walked down the wooden path towards the ocean and like magic a dozen or more monarch butterflies flew out onto the path before me.  When I reached the dunes, this is the sight I saw.  Breathtaking beauty (God rays as we call them in my family)--light breaking through the clouds and illuminating the ocean, the earth, the spirit!  A not-so-subtle reminder that whether we are facing storms on the inside or storms on the outside, the light will return!  Bask in it's beauty! All will be well!  Blessings to those still recovering from the damage of Hurricane Matthew and those facing their own personal storms.  May your light return soon!

What Magic will YOU Create in 2015? Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

It’s that time of year to say goodbye to 2014 and give thanks for all of the blessings it bestowed.  I am grateful that 2014 was another wonderful year full of ART and ADVENTURE!  Here is a little wrap up:

I completed my second year of developing and hosting my monthly “Power Wish Painting Parties!”  It is so rewarding to create “artful affirmations” with a wonderful group of women each month and watch our dreams and desires manifest through mixed media!  I am super excited to share that not only have my students opened themselves up to creativity, but they have made lots of positive changes big and small this year!  Many have moved to new homes, found new jobs, started new business ventures, gone on fun life adventures, had new educational opportunities, started new relationships or renewed old ones.  All have experienced new joy, energy, passion, and creativity!  

I am also happy to report the huge success of my first “Artful Awakenings” Beach Retreat featuring a long weekend full of art, yoga, gourmet food, time by the ocean nurturing our souls!  This was a magical, meaningful weekend and dream come true!  I look forward to hosting many more of these uplifting, life changing retreats!

In other Artful news, I loved showing and selling my art at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery in Alexandria, VA; The Artful Gift Shop in Vienna, VA; the Dare County Arts Council Gallery in Manteo, NC; and the Jelly Lounge in Kitty Hawk, NC.  I also enjoyed having my own tent and display at my first big juried art festival, Art on the Avenue.  I loved taking Flora Bowley’s online class this winter and seeing her art in person this summer when we visited Portland, OR.  I am happy that I had time, energy and inspiration to create over 50 new works of art this year!  

While I wasn’t doing artful activities, I was watching my two beautiful daughters grow up way too quickly.  I also got to celebrate my husband’s 50th birthday both with a rocking’ party at home and a weekend getaway to New Orleans to see Voodoo Fest! (Did I mention I got to hold hands with Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters?)  Our family also enjoyed hang gliding, several trips to the beach, visits with family and friends, and a wonderful vacation to the Pacific Northwest that included lots of great food and beautiful scenery!  All in all, a very good year!  Thank you for your continued support on my creative journey!  

Now it’s time to begin again.

I love starting each new year with a clean slate and a blank canvas and seeing what unfolds!

Looking ahead to 2015, the word that comes to mind is MAGIC!  I can’t wait to see what Artful Magic 2015 has in store!  What magic will you create this year?  Wishing you all a Healthy, Happy, Magical New Year!  xxoo ~ jackie

p.s. - There are still a few spots left in January’s “Journey” themed “Power Wish Painting Party!”

Come create some magic with me on and off the canvas!