Hello, Subscriber First Name,

When I went out with the dogs this morning, it smelled like fall. A spicy sort of scent, deep and earthy. Can you smell it there, too?

We’ve had the most beautiful days this week and I’m reminding myself to pay attention to everything.

September snuck up on me. Although I’ve been enjoying the summer, my garden and the beautiful weather (and my peach harvest!!!),

I’m not resisting the coming fall this year (at least not yet).

Fall can be melancholy for me, but I’m welcoming the shift in season and the opportunity it gives me to start fresh.

The back-to-school vibe of September feels energizing. It’s the perfect time for reflection, for course correction. For setting intentions and recommitting to goals.

I’ve been super focused on putting together a new sketchbook-themed class (it’s finally here! And it’s been chosen as a Staff Pick!!). Creating new classes always takes all my attention. I tried to split my focus while working on this one and it didn’t work. Finishing this project seems like perfect timing. I’m ready for a fresh start.

It’s been a strange year for me and I’ve been digging into why as I plan and set goals. Digging into my feelings. My thoughts. My dreams.

My word for this year is EASE. In many ways it feels as if this year has been the opposite of EASE. I know life is not easy, but I want to be able to react to challenges in an EASEy way. In January I wrote on my blog:

“When I think about the word EASE, I imagine serenity and calm. I picture being able to do hard things with confidence. I see myself flowing through my days with lightness, finesse, grace.”

It almost makes me laugh. But I have a chance to try again.

Lately I’ve been repeating these words: Be the EASE.

What will you try again as we transition into a new season?

What words will you repeat as your reminder?

A creative prompt:

When’s the last time you created something you didn’t like? What did you do with it? Did you keep it? Throw it away? Repurpose it?

Again and again I hear from students that they rip out ugly sketchbook pages and throw away failed projects.

This thought makes me sad. Everything you create is part of a bigger story. The story of your creative discoveries, your experiences and your curiosities. More than that, keeping your “failures” can help you see how far you’ve grown as you progress on your creative journey.

This is something I talk about in my new class. I talk about the stumbling blocks that keep us from creating and give suggestions for ways we can overcome them.

So my challenge for you this month is to “turn the page” (either literally or figuratively) when you create something that doesn’t live up to your expectations.

The more you do it, the easier it gets.

Some inspiration:

• I’m not the only one who thinks you need to keep everything you create. Sandi Hester shares the same advice in this video. She even points out that sometimes she ends up liking something later that she didn’t initially. Even more reason not to get rid of it!

• Have you ever dreamed of making your own shoes? How about shoes with fabric you’ve designed? If you’ve been around a while you might remember that I did! I used a kit from Melissa of A Happy Stitch. She’s just released a new kit that walks you through the process of creating the fabric and making your shoes. So very cool!

• Nina’s embroidered cyanotypes are so wonderful. Has me dreaming about other ways to unexpectedly mix media.

• I’ve been trying to regularly practice yoga this year. Adriene’s monthly calendars are a good reminder and a good starting point. Yesterday’s practice was Yoga for New Beginnings. Perfect.

• Floret’s gearing up for their fall seed sale. They have so many beautiful varieties of sweet peas!

• Here’s another reminder to pause and notice joy. Let’s do it today, ok?

• This post from Helen Hallows about perimenopause and creativity is so inspiring. Her thoughts could apply to any transition in our lives.

• It’s been ages since I’ve painted on canvas, but watching Flora Bowley paint makes me want to.

• I’ve been working my way through Denise Love’s class about creating abstract pieces inspired by The Masters. Such a cool idea. Denise has LOTS of classes on Skillshare. Her enthusiasm is infectious!

One last thing.

In case you were wondering about those caterpillars from last month…

I’ve released all three of my monarchs and one black swallowtail. Two more black swallowtail chrysalises are waiting. It’s been such a joy to raise them and let them fly free.

Among other things, we sketch butterflies in my new class. Maybe you’d like to join me? Even better, I’ve opened up some free spots for those of you who aren’t Skillshare members. Just click here to claim one. If the link doesn’t work, all the spots have been claimed (and don’t forget, you can always try Skillshare for a month for free).

Here’s to a beautiful September!

Until next time, wishing you joy,

Hi, I'm Anne Butera, the artist behind My Giant Strawberry. 

Thank you for inviting me to your inbox! I usually send these Joy Letters twice a month. I love connecting with you this way!

I'm completely self-taught and my experiences have fueled my passion not only for watercolor, but also for encouraging others to embrace their creativity and discover their joy. (Read more about my journey here).

You can purchase my art including original paintings, fine art prints, fabric and other product designs on my website and elsewhere on the web.

Looking to learn how to paint or find creative inspiration? I teach online. Come join me in class (you can learn for free for a month!).

In addition to teaching, I love sharing inspiration on my blog. If you want to stay connected, I hope you'll join me there.

With gratitude.
--A

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