Lesley Venable

Thoughts On A Sunday...

This past week we lost Tom's sweet Aunt Inez.  She was 95 and so full of life.  She loved to garden and be outside and, up until recently, so enjoyed keeping up with her yard on her riding lawn mower.  She was the last of the the 8 siblings, Tom's aunts and uncles, to pass and with her passing it leaves him as the eldest in the family.  She will be buried today and while we have had rain for the last few days today the sun is shining and I know it is a day she would have loved.

Today is also my birthday and while we are quietly celebrating that fact we are allowing this day to be about Aunt Inez...the sharing of our memories of her and her life.  She was indeed a special lady and I know that there was a gathering in heaven when she arrived.

Have a wonderfully blessed day everyone.

xo,

Lesley V.

Art Is You...Stamford

Just around the corner Art Is....You in Stamford will be in full swing and I can't wait!!!  It's that wonderfully crisp and magical time of year when the leaves are turning and everything seems to be right with the world.

Sal & Ellen have once again planned a magical time for us with some of the most amazing classes and artists, Morning Motivators, Eat Cake & Create Events and the highly anticipated Art Trunk Show!!

Here are some of the classes that are being offered....

PAPERS, INKS, STENCILS & PENCILS

 

 

GLASS TUBE SOLDERED PENDANT

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

MIXED MEDIA MYTHOLOGIES

ILLUMINATED RELIQUARIES

 

CAPTURED REMNANTS

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AND MANY, MANY, MORE 

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Just click the banner below to be taken to the AIY Stamford Workshop List

Come join us at Art Is....You in Stamford, Connecticut - it is an amazing time!!

xo,

Lesley V.

We Remember....

A Growing Season...

When you hear the phrase "a growing season" you may feel like it pertains to the season of growth for crops, flowers, trees, etc. but it can also pertain to growing within yourself, growing spiritually, maturing and learning.

It is this final set of "growing seasons" that I have found myself in the midst of this year.  Many things have happened over the last 6 months and they have all helped me to grow and mature in ways that I hadn't quite expected.

My surgery in early August seems to have been a catalyst for many things including turning towards my art and creativity more to grow not only my confidence and self esteem but my faith as well.

It is an amazing time, and exciting time, a scary time.....some will understand and get that.  Those that know the full extent of changes that have occurred have totally had my back and supported me through it all.  I'm blessed and grateful for them and for everyone else who has sent a positive message or heartfelt words to me.

I have been creating lots in the studio and rearranging the studio as well and I will be posting pics soon of the changes and new "artistic stretching" that I have been doing.  Until then, many blessing to you and yours.

xo,

Lesley V.

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Time Flies.....

The Meandering...

Art Is....YOU!!!!

The Meandering...

It seems that my life's journey this year has seen its fair share of cross-roads, opportunities to make those decisions that will see dreams come to fruition or see steps taken for self preservation or both.

Lately I have found myself meandering in my thoughts of how this year, and more specifically the past five months or so, have played out.  I find that I still have some steps of grieving that need to take place in some parts but I see much growth in others.  Perhaps that is just what these cross-roads are supposed to do....give us the opportunity to make bold choices while allowing ourselves to grow.

I find that while I can still get wrapped up in the low self-esteem fears of not being included enough or productive enough or "whatever" enough that I can see beyond that and see the cycles of "what is".  I think we probably each have our times feeling these emotions and that part of our reality is that we just have to move past them, through them or, well, just climb on top of them and ride them out.

These times are also a catalyst for me to make sure that I am not doing something that is making anyone I feel close to feel these feelings.  It's easy for me to sometimes remember that it doesn't take much to leave a note, post on a FB page or just call and leave a message.  So that is my new "directive" for myself.....treat my friends as I want them to treat me...it is the right thing to do because I care deeply for those closest to me. 

Having allowed worry, fear, hurt and pain to get in the way of joyous and happy times is something that I have allowed far too often.  But this year has shown me growth in those areas too and it has allowed me to be honest with myself in a way that I have never been able to before.

I have judged myself harshly against those that I admire the most when there is absolutely no need to and I have had to realize that my only job is to trust that those that care about me will always tell me the truth.

It's the growing of wings or, more appropriately, the allowing of the wings that I have always had to spread and carry me to where I have always wanted to go. 

Simple and hard these meanderings but so well worth it.

Happy September Everyone,

Lesley V.