Hello, Subscriber First Name,

June is here!

I think June might be my favorite month. So much happens in the garden in June.

Today I feel like I can finally catch my breath. I’ve been busy prepping for the Winding Roads Art Tour. It begins tomorrow. I set up at Riverweave Studio (my host for the tour) this morning and I think I’m finally ready. (Read more about the tour here).

This week my sweet dog, Clara, had knee surgery. I dropped her off in Madison (two hours away) on Tuesday morning and we picked her up on Wednesday afternoon. I’ve been so anxious, but she’s doing great.

Between prepping for the tour, caring for (and worrying about) Clara and trying not to get overwhelmed by the news, I feel like I haven’t been fully present.

I finally turned the calendar page in my studio today.

I couldn’t remember which painting I’d chosen for this month. Of course, I’d choose this trio.

That pink clematis and my chives are blooming and the catmint will open any day now.

My garden is my inspiration and it’s also my refuge. It’s where I go to recharge, to return to myself while also connecting with the wonders of our world.

Planting a seed and watching it grow is a magical process. I need to remind myself to slow down and watch it happen. I need to remember to let myself feel the wonder of watching it happen.

It’s so easy to be swept up in all the sorrows (and outrage) of these days we’re living in and forget to see the beauty. I hope you’ll pause today. Whatever you’re doing. However you’re feeling. Pause. Take a deep breath. And notice something beautiful.

A creative prompt:

While putting together my art for the Winding Roads Art Tour, I took a moment to remember what it was like to just be dreaming of making art. Twelve years ago I hadn’t yet picked up a paintbrush, but I felt something calling me. It wasn’t distinct, but it was insistent.

What if I hadn’t listened?

I know you have your own creative dreams. Maybe you’re already on your path. Maybe you have a clear idea of where you’d like to go. Or maybe not. Maybe you only know you want to do something different.

Take a moment today to think about it. Think about where you’ve been and where you might like to go next. Is there a dream that’s been calling you? Is it quiet? Is it indistinct? Is it loud? Is it insistent? Don’t judge it. Don’t discount it or come up with reasons why it will never happen. Instead, let yourself be drawn into the beauty of your dream. Get carried away. Follow it. Follow it beyond where you’ve ever imagined and keep going.

The world needs you to dream. And the world needs you to do something about your dream (this class might help with that).

Some inspiration:

• Strawberry Moon has a month-full of inspiration for you with their June challenge.

• June is the beginning of the Index Card a Day Challenge, too.

• Jessica Swift’s most recent newsletter is especially inspiring.

• Amy Stewart has moved her newsletter to Substack and it’s really lovely.

• What thoughts are you thinking? Why don’t you take ownership of them?

• Lori Roberts is spending as much time in the garden and the kitchen as she can (and she has a lovely spring recipe to share). I completely agree that doing both is balm for the soul.

• I recently read Novella Carpenter’s Farm City and loved it. (I know, I’m 13 years late to the party and I was sad to see she’s no longer blogging).

• I love seeing other people’s gardens.

• What’s been bringing you goodness and beauty?

• Working slow isn’t a bad thing.

That’s all for today.

I hope you’re doing well. Noticing beauty. Discovering joy. Remembering to take time for yourself and your dreams.

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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