Loss and transformation

I’m sitting here tonight with my blanket and dogs, reflecting a little. The blog is an intimidating, yet intregal part of what I do. Writing and painting have a synergy I can’t quite explain, but both are at their best in my work when I balance the two.

I’m thinking of Life being strange. And stranger as I see more of my life in the rearview mirror. It’s why I have to paint. With all of the sadness, beauty, loss, love, growth, and mystery, this life too much to try to comprehend. So I pray a lot and let it all out through the brush.

This has been a year of transition, and the loss of my dad, which was a seismic shift in all of our lives. I feel his guidance and presence and love keenly. On walks, in the sunlight and breezes. In my painting. And I am so thankful for the connection that not even death can take away. I’m thankful for so many things at this moment in my life. The cool breezes with blue skies and whirls of russet leaves always make me feel the most alive- the most profoundly aware of the stunning creation around me. Loss is all around, but so is hope, beauty, and transformation.

Often when you find a painting you connect with, but don’t know why, it’s because something of the artist has seeped out onto the paper with a brush, water and pigment . Being witness to that life energy makes me feel everything so powerfully. I want to use it, share it, and be a part of all of it. New things are coming! In my art and in life there is renewal every day. Today is the time to be present, alive, and grateful. Later will take care of itself. It always does. Have Faith!

With Love and Gratitude- Gretchen

Why do I paint?

With painting I am able to feel a sense of community with all of those who came before who were trying to utter what words cannot always convey. It’s a sense of time and space contracting and sharing in the flow all of humanity has entered into since the beginning of time. Making marks to be remembered by and to communicate with. Recording, healing, celebrating, touching the sacred. Praying. Painting is a way for me to come back to myself and remind me of who I am- not just the 53 year old woman full of dents and dings, but the strong, brave, believing child who knew anything was possible. I am aiming to be a strong, brave, believing 53 and a half year old woman who knows anything is possible.

When I paint I am filled up with gratitude; not from an objective, checking-off-the-list kind of place, but deeply- just for being here and experiencing life in all of it’s intricate facets.

Painting is something just for me. I am selfish when I go to paint because it is impossible to have my mind anywhere else. The rest of my day is full on multi-tasking, but in my studio I am one with the creative process, and it is life giving.

When you enjoy something that I created, or feel a sense of connection, we are sharing something that resonates in our souls. That’s what art does, and I am so thankful for it. And for you.

April 8th- Shadow and Light

Today is the eclipse of 2024, and as I wait for the full effects of the moon passing in front of the sun, watching the subtle shifts in light and color from the deck in my backyard, I’m thinking of how we are small. Smaller than small. How we are beings created for something beyond today and beyond this earth that we walk on each day of our lives.

Our struggles, fears, attachments and triumphs in life are all leading us to a place of better understanding of ourselves. And toward a God who holds us with all of our frailties and imperfections, in the palm of his hand. The sun and moon follow his direction and our universe expands at his command. The path of totality today is said to create a giant cross when joined with the path of the eclipse of 2017. What does it mean? Is it a sign? I have no idea, but what I do know is that I can’t discount information about movement outside of the bounds of earth anymore than the Ancients did . In all of our sophistication in 2024, what is outside of our control remains. Just as they watched the skies for order and guidance as chaos unfolded on earth, we do the same today. Signs from the Heavens are still speaking . God still speaks in mysterious ways, both to the universe and to us personally.

My hope is through the constant chatter we are all accustomed to, we are able to grasp the enormity , wonder and mystery that is all around . That as we quiet ourselves, we are able to see our lives in the context of something bigger, and that we grasp the beauty of the unfolding of our stories- not only the light chapters, but the pages of shadow- gently reminding us that we are learning about something bigger and we have a Creator who will walk beside us through the paths of totality that we all face and bring us back into the light.

With Love and Gratitude- Gretchen

Blog Post Title Four

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.