A few of my favorite things

A Few of My Favorite Things I'm Thankful For
​Thankful Thursdays: Giving gratitude all year long

Thankful Thursdays: Giving gratitude all year long

An unending scarf of gratitude  
When I think of naming things, events, or people that I'm thankful for, I  begin hearing that song from The Sound of Music, 'My Favorite Things' by Julie Andrews.....I'm hearing it NOW while I'm typing! To begin naming my favorite things - my gratitudes - is a bit like a magician's hat and scarf act, unfurling what seems to be a never-ending ribbon. One thought of thanks leads to another and another. I guess that's the benefit of getting older. The scarf can get really long. As I think back over the years, since we moved from Boston, Ma.. to Durham,N.C., recalling bright highlights, the ribbon just seems to go on and on. Durham has been such a welcoming place to thrive as a 'creative.'
 
A thousand words
Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I thought I'd share just a sampling of some of the things I'm so grateful for through these old photos. As I fondly divulged last Thursday, My wonderful husband is at the top of that list. He's the very first tip of the scarf. As I keep pulling out my memories, I count some of my deepest portions of appreciation to be for the opportunities I've had over the years to share my love of art. Art Parties, Team Building, Live Paintings, Commissions - they've all been bright colorful bits of ribbon. Introducing or reacquainting adults to the joy and relaxation that can be found in the process of art-making has been a sublime experience.

Tears and hugs
I remember one Art Party, in particular, a number of years ago. In a gathering of ladies who introduced themselves as 'old friends,' all of them in their 60's and early 70's, one sweet woman lingered after the party ended. She looked at me with eyes that brimmed with tears, gave me a huge bear hug, and thanked me profusely for guiding them through their painting. She explained that she had carried the hurtful word's of her elementary school's art teacher in her heart for so many years. When she saw what she WAS ABLE to produce on her canvas, she said it had washed away those words. Then I STARTED CRYING! It was one of those moments that I'll always treasure. And it is precisely that moment that summarizes why I'm so thankful to have the ability to teach art and encourage creativity. And I hope to keep spreading that joy for many years to come!

Would you like to get reacquainted with creativity? Or maybe you'd like to be INTRODUCED to that magical place? Art and Craft Parties are a fun way to do so! Just pop me an email and we can plan to make some happy memories for you and your friends!
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I'd Like to Plan an Art Party