After a considerable hiatus, I decided it was time to reacquaint myself with my studio, a space that had been longing for my return.

Yesterday, I ventured in with a practical goal: to reorganize, reduce, recommit to daily artistic practice as well as creative writing (Since returning from my writer’s retreat in Ireland last month, I still haven’t touched the play I began crafting on that retreat) . I planned to relocate my ‘working’ desk out of the alcove at the bottom of the staircase, to a cozy corner near the French doors in my studio. This strategic move wasn’t just about logistics. It was more about capturing the serene beauty of my backyard, with its picturesque view of trees gracefully lining the river bank and, to create a welcoming space where I could write everyday, immersed in the creative energy of my studio.

In the midst of tidying up, arranging pens, and storing away the paints I had used weeks earlier for crafting name tags for a dinner party, something unexpected happened. I stumbled into a moment of spontaneous creativity.

Inspired by an Instagram video I’d seen a few days ago, I delved into the art of crafting simple yet charming Christmas cards using watercolors and pen. The focus was on replicating the artist’s technique of painting small, ball-like ornaments. What began as a practice session quickly turned into an exhilarating, yet meditative, journey of fun and discovery.

This playful interlude became more than just an artistic endeavor. It offered a respite from the heavy thoughts that have been weighing on my mind – concerns about my sister’s health, the ongoing turmoil in Israel, Palestine, Ukraine, and other troubled parts of the world. In those moments of artistic immersion, I found a sense of lightness, a reprieve from the world’s burdens.

The studio transformed into a sanctuary where possibilities felt endless, and even a fleeting sense of peace seemed attainable. Soft music played in the background, complementing the rhythmic flow of the river outside, a soothing reminder of the world’s continuous, unrelenting beauty.

In this creative escape, I realized something profound. While I may not possess the power to alter the course of global events, I am capable of calming the storms within my own mind. The fears, the worries, the disturbing thoughts that often invade my peace – I was reminded that I can quiet them, even if just for a while.

Those moments of artistic play were a gentle nudge, reminding me that amidst the chaos, love remains a constant, resilient force. And that, no matter how harsh the winds are blowing outside, it’s in these personal spaces of creativity and joy that we find the strength to face the world, reassured that even in the darkest times, love endures.

What about you? How/where do you find peace in turbulent times?

PS. Good news. My sister woke up yesterday. Though the intubation tubing limits her ability to talk, she can and did smile. The infection still rages and the doctors will be doing a CatScan today to see how much of her body it’s invaded, but, the fact she woke up is a great sign!

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, words of encouragment and presence. ❤