RANDOM THOUGHTS ON A RAINY SEPTEMBER MORNING

 

The rain on the roof this morning surprised me into alertness. What a lovely, soft, gentle patter it was. The humidity factor seemed to increase, but the temperature had not yet reached the point where there was a need to throw off covers. So I snuggled deeper and let my mind wander.

The summer had been a busy one, filled with creating new art and meeting new folks at the Sawdust Art Festival, scheduling and working with the Sawdust Art Enrichment Fund to further fulfill artist John Eagle's vision of providing art for underprivileged while helping to support our local artists. I was tired. This morning with its soft rain was a blessing. I could wait a bit to start the day.

And so my mind meandered as I drifted in and out, imagining new creations and directions that might take me, thoughts of taking care of the little things that tend to slip through the cracks during the summer months, plotting new trails to traverse, and so much more......

What does a rainy morning conjure for you?

THANKFUL

Thanksgiving just might be my favorite holiday of all. No, it's not the turkey or stuffing or mashed potatoes or even the pumpkin pie. It is the pause to reflect on the things for which to be thankful.

For me, thanks are due not so much for things, though I am grateful for a roof over my head and food on my table. No, gratitude for me is about people and connections, I think.

I am thankful for a supportive family unit that is healthy and whole. I am thankful for friends and relationships that give me joy and opportunity to grow. I am thankful for the opportunity to give back through the Sawdust Art Enrichment Fund--philanthropic arm of the Sawdust Art Festival--and for the many wonderful connections through this giving. I am thankful for creative juices that continue to flow. I am thankful for the opportunity to hold art workshops that fuel me in innumerable ways, not least of which is the delight I feel when joining together with the many creative students involved.

And, last but not least (and I'm certain I have forgotten so many things), I am thankful for each and every day in this beautiful place I call home.

EARLY THANKS CUZ WHY NOT?

 This angel of thanksgiving has arrived just a little bit early. Grateful for rain however light or heavy, she just decided to arrive as a treat before the ghouls show up for Halloween.

Other gratitudes that I share with her are for the joys of living here on this beautiful coast, getting to the booster of Covid vaccines, time with family and friends, GREAT groups for mixed media workshops, the blessing of pre-sales even before the Sawdust's Winter Fantasy begins,  the opportunities to give back through the Sawdust Art Enrichment Fund, and soooo much more. 

Life is good!

ANY SEASON IS A GOOD ONE FOR GIVING

Sometimes it is necessary in this blog to veer off course just a bit. This is one of those times. Let me tell you a bit about a giving project that is going on...

Picked up the first set of kits yesterday for the SAEF WorkshopTo Go project. When all are collected there will be a total of eighty kits to go to the military families. Each kit has all materials and instructions or a link to an instruction video included.  

Three local artists put together these kits that are offered to the military at no cost to them. The artists get paid well for their efforts and SAEF is able to gift the kits. Win/Win.

The Sawdust Art Enrichment Fund (SAEF) is a philanthropic effort that supports education of the public about art while providing a hands-on experience to underserved populations. As one of the trustees of the fund, I have found the rewards of serving to be many and am grateful for this opportunity.

This year has been a challenge for SAEF as in person classes were not a possibility. We kept holding out hope, but realized at some point that we needed another way. Thus was born the Workshop To Go concept. Three artists stepped up and pushed to create the kits and the trustees appreciate Rosanne Nitti, Brynne Cogorno, and Erin Proctor for their hard work.

The response from the military was overwhelming once we posted flyers and we thank Diane DeBilzan and Che Ward for their assistance in getting this part done. It really has taken a village to get this done. SAEF trustees want to acknowledge the Festival of Arts Foundation for the grant that got this going, the artists for their diligence and, Diane and Che for their work in linking us up to these great families at Camp Pendleton.

Such a great project! I'm pretty sure there will be more Workshop To Go projects going forward.

PROUD AS A PEACOCK!

Quail disguised as a peacock?

Yeah, I know.  The image is a quail, not a peacock, but I don't think I have ever drawn or painted a peacock, so this is what you get.

Growing up, my mother somehow felt it was wrong to express pride. I didn't get it then and I don't get it now. There are just things I am darned proud of and proud to admit I am proud of. 

I am proud to be a trustee for a very worthwhile entity--Sawdust Art Enrichment Fund. This fund, started by a generous donation from artist John Eagle, offers art instruction FREE to underserved populations.

SAEF has funded classes for at-risk students through Project Access and KDF Homes. Illumination Foundation and American Family Housing have brought students--children and adults for classes taught by local artists and artisans.Thanks to a generous grant from the Festival of Arts Foundation we have been able to offer multiple classes to military and their family members. 

All of these efforts have proven to be extremely gratifying. 
And so, yes, I am proud to be a part of this organization and to serve with a group of other trustees whose part in this I value highly.