Christmas in October
Ever since I stopped acting 9 years ago, I have been working toward this: my own little studio. I have dreamt of teaching art journaling to ‘tweens — to give them a safe space to create freely, to be themselves, to find a place where they can go with their secrets.
Just as strongly, I’ve hoped to reach women. Women who need to be heard, who have value, who have so very much to offer in this world beyond taking care of laundry, meals, homework, and driving to and from soccer practice. Women who had thriving careers until they gave birth, then realized they needed to be home to take care of the little soul they brought into this world, but now, as that little soul grows up and becomes more and more independent, they’re looking at themselves trying to figure out what Chapter 2 is.
Now it’s happening. The ‘tweens come every week. I see their eager faces every Tuesday and my heart swells and soars: this is it! This is how I can make a difference!
And today, for the first time, women are coming to art journal. Through incredible support from my generous, patient husband, my Yemma Tribe, by making tough choices that brought me to this town I love so much, and with the magical kismet that brought my wise, patient, talented co-teaching partner (and certified art therapist) Stefanie Schamber into my life, women are coming to the *table.
We’re gathering our wagons, setting down our burdens, sharing our stories, and picking up pencils, brushes, scissors, and finding our way back to ourselves.
It feels like Christmas here, with all my cousins coming, presents under the tree, and all the lights I could find, hung up around the car port which is now my sweet little classroom that could.
*OUR TABLE: A deeply heartfelt “Thank you!” to the hard-working, believing souls that anchored SPACE ART CENTER here in South Pasadena all these years. I am grateful you’ve entrusted me with the table that has created so much. It will continue to share your dream. Thank you.
