Atiliay noun, a play off the French word “atelier”; a workshop/studio, esp of an artist or designer; my creative space

Notes plural noun, a brief record of facts, topics, thoughts written down as an aid to memory; a short informal letter

 

One of the prompts from this month's Creative Spark Challenge is “surrealism”--it inspired the collage I made for this month's mantra. Putting together something that didn't have to make sense was actually really fun--I'd definitely recommend! Based on the collage, can you guess what the mantra is? 

Every year is a gift of new experiences, new connections, new adventures. This mantra reminds me to trust and embrace not knowing what's ahead. While it's scary, it's also exciting--what could go RIGHT and what wondrous things (like mountain goats and highland cows!) that we cannot even fathom are waiting for us? I hope to make the most of this next trip around the sun and to try my best to appreciate and acknowledge each day. (If you guessed the mantra was something about the road leading to goats/cows/animals, I will give you a point lol.)

 

Here are some more ideas on growing older and wiser and welcoming a new year. No matter what age you're turning and when your birthday is, many different emotions may come up. I hope the below can offer some fun and insightful perspectives and a little bit of inspiration.

 

In case you missed it, the next free virtual workshop is happening Sunday, September 28th from 11AM to Noon. We are going to be making 3 different type of stamps--one using glue guns, another with string, and the third using recycled materials! Click on the link below to sign up and for all the details. (If you have already signed up, the supply list has been emailed to you! You can also find the link to the list on the Eventbrite page.)

 

If you can't make it but would like a recording of the workshop, please RSVP below to receive it.

 

I don't know who needs to hear this but we are less than 10 days away from the start of fall! :)

Enjoy these final days of summer.

 

Take good care and talk to you soon,

PS: I was so touched by my very good friend Bao's daughter, Brooklyn, who gifted me these two paintings (I am feeling the Wednesday / Enid vibes!), picked out this card (my first Auntie card 😭) and stickers (because they reminded her of Valentine 😭), and gave me $10 from her allowance!! 😭🤣 (She has $2 left now!) It's so sweet and funny to me that she added money like how adults do lol--she's 8 years old. I will get her something with it :) Handmade gifts are the best and I'm glad I get to be in WA so that Brooklyn and I have gotten to hang out and get to know one another ❤️

 

PPS: Bonus--her super cute painting of an axolotl!

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