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JANUARY 2022
 
“Every moment is a fresh beginning.” 
– TS Eliot
 
Welcome to a new year! Mr. Eliot is right, of course, but this moment, the beginning of a new year, is a special time of reflection, of possibilities, and of optimism.  
 
This is also a time for planning, and we have something special planned for you! We're giving the shoppe a different look for the month of January - a cozy gathering spot by the fire, books to browse, houseplants to adopt, and lots of creative opportunities. 
We also have new hours, so check those out below. 
 
Pantone's color of the year is Very Peri - a pretty periwinkle - a  symbol of positivity and creativity. According to Pantone, “it encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expression.” This got me thinking. What if we make this year the year to create? What if we put aside all excuses, obstacles, and fears,  and carve out time to foster a creative spirit? And what if I told you that YOU are creative? 
 
I truly believe that each of us has a creative spirit. It might manifest itself in painting, pottery, crafting, sewing, knitting. It can also be seen in cooking, organizing, gardening, decorating, writing and more. 
 
To celebrate this year of creativity, we are offering three creative retreats in January in addition to our Saturday workshops. Join us on a Sunday in January and get creative in our cozy shoppe. Each creative retreat includes two hands-on workshops, a delicious brunch, and some free time to relax. 
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Here's a brief summary of the retreats:
January 9,10 am - 3 pm : Dare to Live Intentionally - work through questions to help you determine one intention for the year. Make a vision board and a necklace or bracelet with your word on it. 
 
January 16, 10 am - 3 pm: Painting & Flower Art - Paint a rustic barn on canvas using acrylics (taught by local artist, Carol Friberg), then create framed pressed flower art with ‘She believed she could, so she did’ as encouraging reminder to believe in yourself. 
 
January 23, 10 am - 3 pm: Painting & Pottery - Learn how to sketch and paint watercolor birch trees (taught by local artist, Gina Schoenherr), then try your hand at slab pottery and make a decorative tray or vase (taught by local potter, Dorothee Pfundt). 
 
Here's a peek at all of our January and February creative opportunities: 
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So what about you? How do you create? As you consider, think about this:
Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun - Mary Lou Cook 
 
As you begin the new year, my hope is that you'll discover your creative spirit and make this year one of ‘courageous creativity and imaginative expression’! 
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Unearth A New Beginning 
 
This morning, as we awaited the first measurable snowfall of the season to begin, I found myself in the garden with shovel in hand. I don't believe I've ever planted this late in the season - or this early - depending on your perspective. What makes it even more profound is today is the first of January  - the  beginning of a new year . . . 

 
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A Winter's View
 
“A short story is what you see when you look out a window.”  - Mavis Gallant

January rings in the year with a shiver and crisp blanket of white on what can be the loveliest of winterscapes. I personally prefer to admire these scenic vistas from a cozy spot on the couch wrapped up in a warm blanket with the fire going or candle burning. The large picture window in the living room holds my gaze as the snow-clad landscape takes center stage. . . 
 

 
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Our Semi-Annual Clearance Sale continues into January. This happens only twice a year, so stop by and get some sweet deals on Christmas, home, and garden decor. 
 

If you enjoyed this newsletter, please share it with a friend. 
Until next month, you can find me on Instagram  @bellabotanicaboutique or if you are a fellow plant geek, follow along as I post plant pics @beautyseekr. 
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