Hello, Subscriber First Name,

Happy April!

I was overly optimistic in choosing a peony for my April calendar page this year. So far April has looked more like winter than spring.

Perhaps I should have chosen a painting of violas. These little flowers barely stopped blooming during the winter. When each snow melted, there they were, waiting to bloom again.

Their tenacity is inspiring.

Lately, I’ve been busy with a lot of behind-the-scenes work in my studio. I’ve also been contemplating changes to how I run my business — including sending these notes and writing my blog.

I’m not ready to change things quite yet, but I have been thinking a lot about why I send these notes to you.

I’m also curious about why you subscribed and why you read these notes.

If you feel like sharing, please hit reply and let me know.

Technically, this is a newsletter, and I often do share new projects, new classes and new art. I am running a business and this is a form of marketing. Sure, I’d love for you to buy my art or take my classes, but that’s not the main reason I write to you.

I call this a JOY Letter because instigating joy is the driving factor behind these notes.

Often our world feels bereft of joy. If you read the news that’s certainly the case. But when I’m at work in my studio or sitting in my garden… oooh, that’s another story: JOY is everywhere I look.

Even on snowy spring days.

What story do I want to tell?

What story do YOU want to tell?

Who gets to decide?

…

I certainly don’t feel joyful every day. The last few years have been hard for me. I’ve shared some of those feelings here and on my blog.

Although I believe in spreading JOY, I also believe it’s important to acknowledge and to share our authentic feelings. I know many of us are struggling, for many reasons and in many ways. You are not alone if you are, too.

But I also know that the world is a beautiful, magical place.

I don’t want to miss the beauty and the magic and the JOY because I’m focused on the other stuff.

I’m guessing you don’t, either.

We can do it together.

A creative prompt:

Reminding YOU that YOU are creative is another reason I send these notes.

Creativity and joy are inextricably linked.

Humans are creative creatures. Many of us say “I’m not creative.” But we are.

For years I told myself I wasn’t an artist and wasn’t good at art, even though I yearned to create. Eventually I picked up a paintbrush anyway.

My life would be very different now if I had kept believing the negative voice and let it keep me from creating.

I don’t want you to discount your creativity, either.

I’m curious. Do the creative prompts I include in these notes instigate your creativity?

What help do you need with your creative practice?

What creative dreams are you dreaming?

What other encouragement do you need for your creative journey?

Let me know.

Some inspiration:

Before I share the links today, I wanted to share the WHY behind my sharing links in each note.

First, yes, I do want to instigate your creativity and your joy. And yes, the links I choose to share are joyful and/or creative.

But I also share these links because I am so very grateful to all the other artists and creators in our world who are following their own paths and forging their ways in this world. It’s not easy to be an artist. It is not easy to run a business.

A long time ago I read that if you can’t afford to support an artist by purchasing something from them, you can support them by sharing what they do with someone else who might. This idea struck a chord and has stuck with me all these years.

And so, I support other artists with my money when I can. And when I can’t I share them. On my blog. In these Joy Letters.

It’s why I hosted interviews with artists. And Sketchbook Conversations. It’s why I recorded and shared Sips of Inspiration.

The world is not just stories of doom and gloom.

The world needs our creativity. It needs our unique voices.

• “I have to paint. It’s like breathing.” What an inspiring interview from 93-year-old artist Dorothea Rockburne.

• The answer for how to get through a difficult time? Take good care.

• “In your journals & notebooks, you can do whatever you want — as long as you work within the laws of gravity.” I love this and Tammy’s perspective on creativity.

• Poking around a used bookstore recently, I made a lucky find: An Island Garden by Celia Thaxter. I adore garden books that explore the writer’s personal relationships with plants and flowers. This one, originally published in 1894 and reissued in 1988, is lovely.

• Reading the introduction of the book made me curious about Celia Thaxter’s garden. I was delighted to discover this moving documentary. The recreated garden is still being cared for and is open for a limited number of tours each year.

• How fun is this art gallery curated by Gudrun Sjödén! Maybe you’d like to submit your art?

• These embroidery kits are beautiful! I especially love the colors in this one.

• Want to grow zinnias (some of my favorite flowers)? This guide from Floret will show you how.

• What you look for, you will find.

Thank you for being here, my friend. I know this note was a little different. But I think it’s important to have these conversations.

I write to you because I truly want to instigate your creativity and joy. The world needs it. Don’t forget it (and don’t doubt it).

Wishing you joy,

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