My dear, beloved readers—When I started my wee blog two years ago I wanted to write about teaching my art class. I’d been an artist all my life but had never taught art before. I’d never made a living from anything but art and had explored it in many different ways and on different levels. I really didn’t know exactly what I was doing as a teacher but I knew I was not here to teach drawing ‘techniques.’ I don’t even know what they are. I believed and still believe that everyone has a creative core and that by going to that true creative place we liberate ourselves from all the things that hold us back from fully expressing who we are in this world—from expressing our laughter and wit, our insights, our compassion. And I believed that the humble art of drawing might yield far more than objects to hang on the wall.

Right from the start my wondrous students proved this and more. They did things that far exceeded their actual skill levels when given a set of parameters to explore. We worked together and gave ourselves room to do whatever it was we were going to do without judgment. We looked for the good in everything we did and found it. We also looked for just what it was we were doing and teased it out from a million possibilities and in the process came to know ourselves a little better, I think. Everyone’s skill levels increased rapidly because they weren’t splashing around in shallow waters but diving into the deep end and realizing that they could at least float if not swim a huge distance. But learning to swim is easy once you realize you can float.

It’s been so amazing for me to witness this and so affirming of what I think life is all about—becoming people of peace and joy. It’s been fun too and fun to me is a high art as is anything that creates good energy here on the planet. But class is out now for the summer and I’m going to take a break from blogging. There will be other things to write about, I’m sure, in time. Right now though there are many things that need doing—a writing project nearly done and another one in the works that involves art, a tiny garden that needs tending and which now includes pots of vegetables, and some greening of our old house. The latter involves starting a compost, installing a new side door to insulate better from the cold, even installing a stone panel in front of the living room window that will act as a passive solar heater when the sun pores in and the temperatures outside are frigid. There’s travel coming up too and visitors arriving from out of town.

So, for a while, I’ll be gone fishin.’ I’ll report in at the beginning of each month. Many things are changing and Artwala Road may or may not morph into something else, I’m not sure yet. I’m so grateful that you’ve shown up here and for your comments. They’ve been so interesting and fun. I love to hear from you so please email to stay in touch and wishing you all a happy, productive and relaxing summertime!