Middle-aged mammals! I discovered the “bounce” feature on live photos on iPhone. While Sister was here recently we went a little bananas turning every photo into a bounce. I’ll spare you most of the nonsense, but not all. Here in my 5th month of retirement I’m reaping the rewards of not working. Swim class continues to delight me as the weather has cooled. Carol attended a class with me and it was fun to have a witness for not only the class but the wonderful participants.
I took an online class with Sandi Hester, a Youtube artist, in October: The Abstracted Still Life. Oh my goodness it was so much fun. I even made my own sketchbook so I could have an entire book to flip through. The photos below are sketchbook pages directly inspired by the class, particularly the color blocks over which I painted the various vases, fruit, bird statues. Terrific class!
Here’s the 9×12 sketchbook I made below to hold my masterpieces, but they’re actually scattered across 3 different books. The smallest one below…
This little 3×5 sketchbook is pure fun to use up leftover paint. Most of which by the way is matte acrylic, but then I reverted back to my good old gouache palette to paint the various real and imagined things over the top.
I went through lots of old sketchbooks to find objects, birds, candlesticks, etc., to add to my pages. I didn’t actually set up any still life scenes. If like me, you’re a long-time fan of still life and have plenty of beloved familiar objects you regularly fill your sketchbook pages with, then you may enjoy Sandi’s class. I sure did! It was the perfect class for a loosey goosey artist like myself.
I have a FREE Substack account which I use to follow so many people. I like the way video can be easily posted without going through Youtube. It seems like one can simply upload a video from a phone. I’m thinking of doing some occasional sketchbook flips over there because I dislike having to go try and round up photos from my various sketchbooks to share here and so many don’t get posted. Yes, I really want to share everything I draw & paint. I like the idea of making a quick video, not editing it, and just uploading it. Simple. We’ll see what becomes of that idea.
Update: I’ve posted a link to subscribe above and it’s FREE. Will be making my first post today sometime. Fingers crossed.
In addition to swim class, hill walks, porch sitting, visiting the pull-up bar to do dead hangs at Sycamore Grove Park and good eats we also went to tea at the Rose Garden Tea Room at the Huntington.
We rounded up our visit with a drive out to Carpinteria to see our bestie Sharron.
In the photos below I’ve surrounded myself with old sketchbooks where I’ve painted my knickknack assortment over the years.
I’m headed up north later in November for a visit to Mendocino. Changed my mind yesterday because of an unexpected vet visit and the week-long rain event here in California. Otto & Iris are good, but need me at home right now. The old familiar jungle drums of cat anxiety started beating this week and I focused in on the words of Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895-1986) when answering a student’s question about what was his secret to peace and contentment:
“I don’t mind what happens”
I find those words deeply aspirational. This idea of being okay with everything, not in a passive, resigned sort of way, but in an alive, accepting, loving way that lets go of attachments and expectations of outcomes. This came to me by way of Tricycle Magazine from an old 2020 article Self-Care in an Uncertain World. Which also included a part about compassionate self-talk and keeping a don’t-know mind about the future. Useful instructions for living if you ask me.
On My Bookshelf
I’m still on an Elizabeth Taylor reading kick. Look:
My friend Chrissy from Cornwall is a writer and sends me her self-published books. Lucky me! Sister and I visited her in Bath last year. She took the train up to see us. Chrissy also visited me in Paris in 2011 when she and her husband, a potter, were living in France. We stay in regular communication on WhatsApp. How I value and delight in friends with whom one can regularly chat about the wonder and dread of being alive.
PARIS 2011
Longevity
Sister and I are constantly sharing data-driven, evidence-based research about longevity, aging, increasing our VO2 max, weight training, protein consumption and on and on. Recent listens have included
The Science & Art of Longevity
If you have similar interests, let me know any good ones you’ve stumbled upon. My comments don’t typically accept links, but you can add titles etc.
By the way if you took Ticket To Venice a zillion years ago and want to revisit it free of charge I’ve stopped offering that class, but can give you the password so you can access it through the end of 2025. And if you never took it, but want to, just leave a comment letting me know and I’ll send you the password.
As usual, send me a comment postcard on your wild and precious lives. I want to know everything.
See you soon xo
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Hello Mary Ann, If you would please send me the password, I would like to revisit Ticket to Venice.
Hi MAM, I’ve been wondering if Substack would lure you and it’s exciting it’s happening ~ Subscribing! I really enjoyed taking your classes! Yes please, I’d like to revisit Venice as well. I still clearly remember the videos of you on the water/riding the water taxi, etc! So full of life and in the moment goodness. Thank you for offering to share the link.
Kas
Yes! Please send me the password for Ticket to Venice! I have read your blog for years, ever since you put your prints on The Artstonauts Club. I’ve enjoyed 3 of your classes, and read some of your book recommendations. Now you are inspiring me to have an active retirement. I’d looked at Sandi’s class but not taken it. You have now inspired me to do so. I love your still life’s. And of course, life is not possible without cats. Thanks for all you do and publishing it for us.
Hello Mary Ann, I would love to revisit Ticket to Venice – that class and your Quirky labels were a great inspiration for a travel book I assembled years ago after a family trip to Paris. It’s been great to follow along as you navigate this next phase in your life. I just retired, November 1st. Feels a little scary but for now I’m letting the winds and my whims direct me, going down rabbit holes and seeking serendipity. And what a luxury to have time to read again. A few to consider if you haven’t already come across. An Irish friend introduced me to Claire Keegan; her novellas are a joy to read. I recommend Small Things Like These and Foster. I love Amor Towles writing and Table for Two did not disappoint. Finally, I just finished Lisa See’s The Island of Sea Women about female friendships and the free-divers on Jeju island in Korea which was fascinating; now I’m eager to watch the documentary The Last of the Sea Women. As always, I’m thankful for your posts, creativity and generosity!
Hi Mary Ann! I’ve taken a couple of your classes but not the Ticket to Venice one. Could I have the link/password to it please?
Back in 2015 you encouraged me to “Go for it!” & I went to Budapest on my own. I’m contemplating seriously going back there and adding Amsterdam and the Czech Republic to my trip. WOW, that was ten years ago! Isn’t being retired great?!!!
Hey, I would love to explore your Venice once again. Please send the password.
Happy Thanksgiving, Miss Moss.
Looks like retirement agrees with you MAM!
I would love to see Ticket to Venice, thanks so much.
I would love a Ticket to Venice! Trieste just Along the coast from it holds a very special place in my heart and a virtual revisit would be a balm in this time.
Enjoy your retirement, and thank you for all the inspiration and book recommendations.
I would love to revisit ticket to Venice! Thank you!
I would love a ticket to Venice!!! I really appreciate your very generous offer/gift!! Thank you!!
Hello, from Oregon. I would love to take Ticket to Venice class again. I loved it before, I look forward to a “do it again”. Thank you very much. Love your art and posts. Lori
How nice to see a nice long blog post in your distinctive voice. I’d love to revisit Ticket to Venice. I took the class when you first offered it, and have since been to Venice. Alas, I haven’t finished my Venice journal…this may be the inspiration I need! Thank you!
No vacations to Venice or anyway for that matter in my near future, but I would love to make that travel journal. Please send me the password. Hope you are really enjoying your retirement. Mine is on the radar, albeit more than a year away right now. Many thanks to you !!
I would love to see your class Ticket to Venice if possible! I have been an avid reader of your lovely newsletter for many years! Your newsletter always makes me smile when it makes an appearance in my inbox! Thank you for a most generous gift of one of your classes.
I would love to revisit Ticket to Venice. I’m planning to go there next September and would appreciate reliving your trip. Thank you!
Just found you on substack! Can I get the magic password to take me to Venice?
Howdy MAM. I must say retirement agrees with you…looking happy and healthy – not that you didn’t before but there is a new sparkle shining from your eyes. If you are handing out tickets to Venice, I would love one. I have been on disability for almost a year and taking art classes. I am starting a painting series entitled Desperation – because that is how the world feels right now. I have never done a painting series but I decided I could anyways. Will see how it turns out, but as you would say, I don’t mind what happens. That is my new favorite saying. I mind about plenty of things, but I get to choose which ones are worth my mind time. The rain here flooded my painting tent (yes, it is a camping tent) so I am letting it dry out today, but tomorrow back at my creations. I adopted a 5 week old kitten found in a barn, who has grown from 1.5 pounds to 12 pounds in 7 months. He is a fiesty grey tabby that likes to attack my legs when I walk by – jumping from one leg to the other– he keeps me on my toes. I hope you will have time to make a new class as I so enjoy your endeavors and always learn a new trick or two. Keep sending up your smoke signals as they are so appreciated. TTFN.
I would love to revisit Ticket to Venice. Love your classes so much and I hope to see new classes from you soon. I would absolutely take anything you teach 😘🥰😊
Mary Ann, I would love to re-visit Ticket to Venice.
I’d love to have a ticket to Venice.
Have always planned to go, but at this point it’s doubtful I’ll get there. I could go vicariously with you! How delightful.
Retirement always sounds appealing but you are doing it so well. All the things I want to do with my days. Ah well, I’ll continue tucking the sweet nuggets into the inbetween spaces for now. Ticket to Venice has been my very favorite class ever and I was just thinking about it today. I’d love the password. Is this where I let you know that? My email has changed though since I took it in case that matters.
Hi Mary Ann. I’d say the retirement agrees with you very much. You look fantastic and rested. Thank you for the offer of Ticket to Venice. I’d appreciate the password for sure. Happy holidays ahead and hoping your rain slows down soon.
I would love the Password for Ticket to Venice. I am recovering from back surgery and would love to run away to Venice! I have been there several times and I bet I could use some of my old photos for inspiration. I have enjoyed several of your classes and at one point became obsessed with making Remains of the Day journals. You are very creative. Glad you are enjoying retirement. I have retired 23 years and have loved almost every moment of it.
Oh hello there, keeper of the Venetian gates!
I’ve arrived with glue on my fingers, a suitcase full of half-finished collage bits, and a burning desire to swoon over your undoubtedly mesmerizing course and genius ideas for assembling an eclectic holiday album that looks like it’s been around the world twice and collected stamps from imaginary countries.
Might you kindly slip me the secret password to Ticket to Venice before I start attempting to bribe the gondoliers with washi tape?
Forever yours in papery chaos and travel-journal longing,
—A devoted student with dangerously enthusiastic scissors
Love your blog and your work. Always look forward to new posts! I’ve taken your other courses, but not Ticket to Venice and would love to get the password. Thank you for the generous offer!
I have such wonderful memories of taking Ticket to Venice ages ago and watching the videos over Christmas break. I would love to revisit them!
Yummy paintings!
I’d love to watch the workshop again as it inspired me greatly last time. Thx!
I’m already on Substack too, so looking forward to seeing you there as well.
I am scared to ask for the password to Ticket to Venice because it will distract me from working on my Jordan and Egypt travel journal for my trip in February. I finally finished my journal from my May trip to Belgium and the Netherlands. I spend so much time working on the journals but it is so fun. Isn’t retirement the best. I volunteer in a friend’s classroom so I can constantly remind myself that teaching was great but not teaching is even greater.
I would love the password to ticket to Venice- I have been think
ing of travel to Italy and this would be a start- Thank you and and happy retirement-Wendy
I love your pages from the Sandi Hester course, so joyful! You’re inspiring me to maybe take the course! Loving your missives as usual and your photos 😍
Dear Mary Ann,
this post was just amazing. I would love to have the passward for the Ticket to Venice workshop. Thank you for sharing your art, I also would love to see “casual” videos from you via Substack.
Have a lovely weekend.
Hi Mary Ann,
I’ve never taken the Ticket to Venice class before, and I’m very interested in participating. Please let me know what the next steps are or if you need any additional information from me.
Thank you!
I would love to revisit Ticket to Venice, please send password. I still journal in that style thanks to your many classes. I often wonder why you’ve seemed to give that up? Have you? or is it just a natural progression of moving on to a different art. Thank you for continuing to blog when so many others have stopped.
So glad you are enjoying retirement! Make the most of it. I hope to see that one day. Thank you for the access to trip to Venice. I’d love to spend some time inspired by your creativity.
I would love to revisit Ticket to Venice – it’s been a decade! Please send me the password. Thanks so much.
Looks like you are enjoying retirement. Wishing you many more days of happiness. And I would love to revisit Ticket to Venice. Thanks so much!
Hi MAM! I would love to revisit the ticket to Venice class! Please send me the password. What are your plans for the rest of your classes? I have no idea what it takes to have the classes re-offered, but would be happy to pay for them again. Also understand if it’s a bother to do the admin to keep them available. After all, retirement should free you up from being tied down to anything you chose to leave in the past. But your classes are so much fun, and I always seem to pick up something new, depending where I am at creatively. That’s why I’ve paid for them repeatedly in the past. I love hearing about all your adventures since retiring! You certainly make the most of each day! Keep having fun . . . You are an inspiration to me! Happy holidays! Nan
Yes to revisiting Ticket to Venice, please! I took all of your classes and renewed many times while working 8-10 hour days. I so loved watching you, but never made time to create. Now that I too am retired, I would really enjoy your classes again 😁. Thank you so much, Mary Ann 🥰
I would love to see ticket to Venice. It’s coming on winter here in West Virginia and with the time change it’s dark earlier and earlier. It’s good to have something colorful going on.
Duncan Grant! Oh my…He’s one of my favorite artists. I have been to Charleston House several times (six times, and planning on a 7th). Do you know about his relationship with Vanessa Bell? I admire Vanessa so much!
I hope your kitty cats are OK. I understand pet concern. I don’t recall if I told you that one of our bunnies, Sebastian, crossed the Rainbow Bridge in early September. He is very much missed. But the good news is we adopted a baby bunny shortly thereafter. You can see his photos on my Facebook feed. He is adorable (if I do say so myself).
Lately I am obsessed with Tiny Houses. I don’t know if I could actually live in one but I am watching lots of YouTube videos about people living in them. Especially women of a certain age. I have never had an apartment or house that was totally mine and I wonder what that would be like.
Stay well, stay warm–XOXO
You look great Mary Ann. Retirement and your health journey are doing wonders. I enjoy my time to do whatever the heck I chose everyday. Glad you are too.
I’d love to revisit Ticket to Venice. Thanks so much for the kind offer. Maybe this time I’ll do the work. Just the chance to review your creative processes will be great fun though.
Ah, Venice! I remember loving watching the videos so much even if I didn’t do the actual classwork/project. Here’s my last chance to catch up! Can you send the password please, and thank you so kindly for opening this back up!
Ticket to Venice created an art journaling group here in the Orlando area, as there were five class enrollees locally, and we met up for several years afterwards. We called ourselves the Craft Monkeys (in honor of the Chief Chimp in Charge) and had monthly meetups, very fun. I’m glad to hear about your Substack adventure, it’s very good and I enjoy following people on there too without all the excitable hype of Insta, Youtube, etc. It feels quieter, more mature, less fast paced, friendlier.
So happy to see you thriving in retirement! I would love to take your Venice class if you would share password, I would be ever so delighted!!! And I excited about the possibilities of Substack sharing because I want to see everything you make, even more than you want to share it! 🤣❤️. It’s true! ❤️❤️❤️Pearlie
I’d love to have. the password for Ticket to Venice. I love revisiting my sketchbooks from your other classes I took years ago.
Eleven years into retirement, despite having to count my pennies, (and how strange that they will no longer be made) it’s still one of the best things I’ve done.
Hello !! LOVE your mails !!! I’ve heard some good ones in The Mel Robbins Podcast with guests talking everything menopause, longevity, etc.
I took some of your courses but don’t remember if I took Ticket to Venice (middle age mammal here!) . Would love to have the password. Thank you. Greetings from Mexico !
Yikes started and lost what I started. This is a PSLOL – a new kind of PS
I don’t remember if I took Ticket to Venice or not. I would like the password and I will love filling the end of the year with this model of art. I will turn 75 in December and truly I’m beginning the Fourth Quarter!
I’d love to take Ticket to Venice- please send password.
Congrats on retirement – I am almost 1 year in now and still adjusting but for sure enjoying!
I so enjoy your epistles – I just realized I don’t know what the communiques are…letters, posts, ramblings?
Oh well, I am especially interested in your comments on Longevity. The file I started this past January for my daily journaling is headed, “The Fourth Quarter.” I was thinking in terms of a game. In any game the fourth quarter is where it all comes out, every thing on the court, playing to win…I will check out the book you referenced. Thank you so much for sharing your life with me (us).
Always love peeking over your shoulder from afar. I do so enjoy your lighthearted and lively sketches. They have so much to say, considering they are ‘still’ lives. Your day to day travels and wanderings always delight, and especially now that you are foot loose and unhindered by ‘the daily grind’. Stay well, dear one, and enjoy the ride.
Glad you took a class from Sandi H. I went to a class with her in Sicily and can now call her my friend. She is so inspiring. Will try to find you on Substack.
Hello MaryAnn, I would love access to ticket to Venice please 🙏
I have been an avid admirers of your newsletter for years and always look forward to a new one. Sending smoke signals to you from Devon England. Retirement looks as though its going well. I am looking forward to it in a few years time, so I can enjoy being creative every day and pursue my many hobbies 😁
Dear Mary-Ann, I love your newsletters SO much. I’m 55, turning 56 in 2 weeks time and I’m dreaming of retirement. Lovely to live it through you!!
I took your Travel to Venice class a long time ago and loved it and when we visited Venice we found a few treasures because of your recommendations. I would love to revisit your class!!
myheartdreaming/instagram
I would love to check out Ticket to Venice. I don’t believe I took the class, but if you’re sharing the pw I’d be grateful. I LOVED Oh My Gouache! Thanks for the share.
So glad you’re fully enjoying retirement. You look happy and fabulous! I took Full Tilt Boogie early on and have a very lovely journal to show for it. I’d love to peek at Ticket to Venice. It’s very kind of you to offer.
Would love a ticket to venice
Would love to see your class Ticket to Venice! Many thanks! 😊
Lordy, yours will be my first substack subscription if/when you start. What is the name?
Also, I’d be interested in Venice, if poss, although I only took Sketchbookery. I’d been very interested in the Hester class you took, but so expensive, it’s well out of my realm.
Thank you, I would like to visit Ticket to Venice. I took one of your classes some years ago and now that I am retired I have more time.
I would love to revisit ticket to Venice
Retirement suits you! I’m so sad as I planned to purchase Ticket to Venice upon retirement! yikes just missed it. Please email me if you ever decide to reopen.
Please send The ticket to Venice password! Thanks so much, can’t wait!
Please send link to Ticket to Venice!!!! Yippee!!! Thanks!!!!
I’ve probably never mentioned this, but you are the reason I started doing acrylic painting and now gouache, with no art experience previous to this. Sometime during the pandemic I found your blog and thought, “this looks great! Why not?” It saved my sanity to be able to art journal. I so enjoy seeing your work, and it’s a reminder for me to keep going, keep practicing, and keep learning. Here in Oregon we are headed into what we call The Big Dark, which means lots of time to do inside things like paint since we have only about 8 hours of good daylight and even then, it’s gray and rainy outside. But I’m also pondering a foray into 3d art using stones, plus making some decorative wall hangings with wood and various textured fabrics and materials. Winter is such a good time to get creative and nurture ideas!
I’m glad to see you are enjoying retirement so much. What a generous offer. I would love a password to ticket to Venice. Thank you
What a generous offer. I would love a password to ticket to Venice. Thank you
Oh my goodness! There we are in your fab Paris apartment! I have the photo I took at the same moment, we were wearing the scarves we bought ourselves in that boutique. Funny, I wore mine just yesterday.
Thanks for mentioning my books, Mary Ann. I loved writing them.
This morning at 6 o’clock I closed the last page of Mrs Palfrey, touched all over again by the insight Elizabeth Taylor had about every stage we go through as humans – from small children to very elderly people like Mrs P. It’s a wistful and beautiful story with an unexpected ending. I’ve read it several times now – you’ve made me want to read E T’s books all over again. Yes, all of them!
One Ticket to Venice, please.
I’m glad you recommended Sandy Hester‘s online class I had been thinking about taking one so maybe that’s it. I love her loose style and your new take on page design is delightful. You’re looking mighty fine in your lean and trim athletic self, dear reporter. Swimming, walking, and retirement suits you.
All is well here on the farm in TinyTown Oregon where I live in my studio next door to my daughter and feed snacks to our shared twin black-and white kitties. I paint. I sew a bit. I work in my sketchbook. And I’m teaching my youngest grandson age 18 to make patchwork quilts. Life is good in my late 80s.
Jo, correspondent from Gaston
I just finished taking a 3-day online Zoom watercolor class from Keiko Tanabe, who lives in San Diego. We did a different painting every day. Lots to learn.
It’s so great that you’re loving retirement. I’ve taken all your wonderful classes and would love the password to watch Ticket to Venice again!
Sandi Hester is a favorite-I’ve thought about taking the still life class-I took one on birds and it as fun. Always love your posts! And raising my hand for Ticket to Venice-(I did not take it before). Happy retirement!
Would love the password. Thanks!
Xo
Reenie
It seem to me the last image is the one who knows everything. The only one.
Always enjoy your chats!
A Ticket to Venice? In the comfort of my jammies? Yes please! And a massive THANK-YOU for all the inspiration over the years. SEWN & Remains of The Day have always been my favorite workshops.
I’m planning a trip to Italy with my granddaughter. I’d love the password.
Thank you, Michele
I always love seeing what you are up to and really appreciate you sharing your words and photos! I would love to revisit Ticket to Venice and appreciate you offering the password, thank you so much!
I love it when a postcard from you pops up in my blog reader. I hope you will advise us when you post the videos to substack. I tried to look for your account to follow, but didn’t find it. I didn’t take your Ticket To Venice class, but would love the password. I could definitely use the inspiration. My journaling has been a bit slow lately.
Hi Mary Ann, I took Ticket to Venice and loved it and would really appreciate the password for one last look! I am currently working on Stitchbookery, which is also awesome!
Glad you are enjoying your retirement😀
Sue
Maryann, Your posts are inspiring to read. I was glad to see art friend Sharron among your photos. I visited her and Joyce back in the day of ARTFEST, etc. What a wonderful time! You seem to have extended it. Best wishes on the adventure of retirement. It’s a different kind of trip and then what you make it! Carry on. Ginny B
Hi Ginny… those were good times, sending you a huge hug by way of Mary Ann 🧡
I would like a Ticket to Venice please!
I cannot travel in real time so sketchbook travel is the next best thing!
Love your posts!
Ladyfish
I’d love to take your Ticket to Venice.
You’re so generous.
Thank you
ahhh, Venice. I could use some of that right now. password please 🙂
Hi Mary Ann,
I’m so happy that your transition to retirement is going so well. You are very smart to give it a year before making commitments. I didn’t do that and started to burn out by over scheduling. I wanted to do everything I had said no to before while working. After putting my scheduling secretary through some remedial training things smoothed out. I now enjoy doing many different creative, artsy projects. See a new interesting project, “squirrel! “. But that’s not a horrible problem. 😛
I’d love to have access to the Venice class, (squirrel!). I didn’t sign up for it originally but I believe quite some time ago I signed up for one of your other classes.
Thanks for posting about you retirement journey and artsy pursuits!
You are surely making the most of your well deserved retirement! Love looking at your sketchbook pages! Check out Dr Mark Hyman on Instagram. He also has a podcast and has written many books about longevity and nutrition.
Sister!!!
I adore that last photo of Iris! I love that she is not looking one bit timid and is saying “listen I like your sister ok, but I prefer having you all to myself, maybe she and that knucklehead brother of mine can stay somewhere else next time she visits?”
P.S. I want to come back once a week for splash class. It was so good.
Sister!!!!
Hi Mary Ann! Retirement really suits you – you look wonderful! And those sketchbook pages are fantastic — truly a feast for the eyes. I’d love to have the password for Venice. I’ve taken several of your classes, and it would be such a treat! Thank you for the generous offer 🙂
Warm greetings from Copenhagen,
Kristina
Hello. I took Ticket to Venice and would love to revisit. My email is hermes23@msn.com, I believe that was the one I used when I registered for the class.
I have enjoyed so much all of your newsletters and musings over the years and I am happy you still send us these emails
I LOVED Ticket to Venice & would like to have the password. As a fellow retired teacher, welcome to the club!
Not sure if my first message went through. I would appreciate getting the password to your Venice travel course!
Hi Mary Ann, I so enjoy hearing of your retirement adventures! I would love to have the password revisit Ticket to Venice, I can’t seem to find my notes from that class. 🙁 Perhaps you will cook up more online fun to share with us in time?!
Hello Mary Ann, I took your Sketchbookery and Gouache classes and I’d love to try out “A Ticket to Venice”. I am very happy to see more of your sketchbooks. I’ve been reading your blog since 2016 and it’s truely inspired me to be creative too. Thank you for sharing.
Best wishes from Germany, Ina.
I took your Ticket to Venice and thoroughly enjoyed it. I traveled to Venice April, 2019 and journaled in the book I made from your class. Thanks so much for offering the password now; I’d love to have it and re-visit your Venice travels.
I would love to take the ticket to Venice class. I have done sketchbookery and oh my Gouache and loved them. I am also loving your retirement updates.
Have you read Peter Attia’s book “Outlive”. Great read and he has a podcast also called ‘the drive’ where he interviews various experts on living well.
I love reading your posts and seeing how you are enjoying retirement! WONDERFUL!!!!!!
Good for you- making the most in your post- teaching life! I am fairly new to elementary school retirement and trying out this new landscape where I try to focus on projects for me not everything for my classroom charges. I, too, am focused on physical wellness and have found positive posts to the extent of nutrition (protein and creatine supplements) and weight training to support muscle strength.. check out Dr. Vonda Wright a surgeon who advocates for aging women and exercise to support wellness!
I would love the password to Venice. I have taken several of your classes and love hanging out with you through them.
Please check out the following book as I think you might like it. Mona’s Eyes by Thomas Schlesser is a book about 10 year old Mona who briefly loses her eyesight. Her grandfather takes her to a museum every Wednesday where together they study one work of art and talk about it. Made the book jacket are pictures of the art they discuss.
I would love to look through Ticket To Venice! Thank you for your generous offer, MAM! Shannonganshorn@gmail.com
I would love to have the password for Ticket to Venice, thank you so much. I love your posts – you are delightful!