I first heard of this book while scrolling Instagram. A fellow art journal creator had posted a stack of inspirational books. Being that I’m intrigued by FK, the exceptional woman and artist, I took note of the title.

The Diary of Frida Kahlo An Intimate Self Portrait by Carlos Fuentes, has had a profound effect on me. I wrote in my own journal, “I feel grieved to come to the last page. I can’t say that I have felt that way about any other book.”

Gosh, where has November gone? Even though I’ve been operating on low-key status, the month still has flown by. While I should be editing my latest manuscript, I’ve been creating instead. Also, guiltily, I’ve been watching Netflix, HBO and FX and a little Colbert and Myers on the side.

So, not the most productive time in my life but also giving myself a break as I wrote about last week in Thinking About…Things.

I have this small grocery list I found in the pocket of my black wool sweater. Maybe the sweater is more significant than the list I wrote way back when. Somehow though, the random grocery list is an equal treasure.

Welcome to Part II of my art journey and the lessons I’ve learned. Do check out Part I, if you haven’t yet.

In the years leading up to today, I have learned many lessons from this journey. Not just about studio space design, or perfect lighting or the fact that when I get a studio, something happens whereby I have to leave it behind…but the lessons I want to share with you now are deeper than the space I create in.

In case you didn’t know, I’m an artist. It’s not something I’ve talked about here in any depth, until now.

My journey began with drawing and painting classes when my kids were in school. It’s been quite the journey; both in length of time and lessons I’ve learned along the way. I’ve shared a few images of my paintings here. I will share more in this post and part II to come.

Art journaling is a ‘thing’. Have you tried it yet? I first heard about it a few years ago and was intrigued. There are many ways to do it but pretty much only one reason; therapy. Specifically to mentally unwind, go wild, let go and unlock your creative juices and your emotions.

I had this thought the other night. If I died tomorrow, what would people find at my house apartment and what would that stuff say about me?  I know, it’s kind of a weird thought but sometimes I look around and wonder, among all my things which are a) the most valuable and