It's been a full, very Blessed year of being a grandmother, Nessi, to our sweet granddaughter.  Trips to Denver to keep Finn have been a rhythm I could not have imagined.  I'm so in LOVE!  I have a wonderful daughter in law and son who allow me to spend as much time as I can with her.  I suppose I need to add a page to this site: Life Loving Experiences all about being Nessi!
Personal creative endeavors slowed down, but NessDoor has flourished with lots of meetings, prayer, and day retreats:  Unmasking- Living as the One and Only YOU; Advent Quiet Day- A Soul Day just for you; Epiphany- Follow Your Star, See the Wonder; Lent- Rhythm, God's Beat for you; Approaching Ascension- Forgiveness. (Ck the NessDoor page)

Now that I'm about to embark on another Cody Center art offering at Laity Lodge, Dale Bruner, July 18-21, I'm preparing to spending time with people in the studios for two afternoons.  While I always leave the door open for any creative expression, my focus will be on Painting with Paper.  Other options will be PwP on cedar cuts, wood burning, and limited jewelry/Anglican Prayer Beads.  The Cody Center has it ALL!

Last June 2018 I had a grand time at the Studios at Laity Lodge during the Earl Palmer retreat.  Aside from just the wonder of the teaching, the people gathered there made the afternoon art offering truly rich.  Here are some of the creative expressions from that time:
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Have Retreat Will Travel.
​Not only is NessDoor available for Soul Care Day Retreats, quiet, talk, study, art, coloring, and journaling, I'm branching out to do 4 hour retreats with groups away from NessDoor.  God's blessings abound whether I am home or away.  Also I am going back to Laity Lodge after a 2 year hiatus (while they remodeled) to  lead an art workshop or two, July 14-17.

​5-10-18  Next up: NessDoor: Open your soul to rest.
(Please see the NessDoor page.)
​There have been Soul Care Day Retreats and one on one art sessions as well as group projects and studies, meetings, and lots of prayer time.
​This photo reflects a painting with paper project for the great niece of the former owner of the home. The neighbor was an artist and needleworker. I chose a small canvas to embellish for the great niece's baby nursery. What a dear project to be able to do. The frame was found in the attic as well. God is good.
and stay tuned to the next generation in the Gilles family in July.

REDEMPTION TO RESURRECTION!
​In several sessions, brave souls came together with me to experiment with Dirty Acrylic Pour.  Layering acrylic paint mixed with Elmer's Glue All, with a shot of silicone in between, the process was powerful.  Naming each need to be "Redeemed" and assigning a color, the results were completely uncontrollable.  Paint oozed and slid and created 'cells' to the delight and consternation of most.  The process continued to journal the results of what color was prominent.  Three days later, the "set up" final product was returned to each participant.
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Creative anticipation builds in my all blessed life.  Being in community with the most amazing people and reconnecting with the friends of a lifetime, the next chapter of living will be full to overflowing with Grace.  Selah.

5/19/2017
​It's hard to imagine I've had this site for 2 years!  What an amazing growth time.  Two sessions at the Pecos Benedictine Monastery, commissioned as a Spiritual Director.  Starting in early 2016, the Soul Care Institute, going to Colorado to Potters Inn (and The Franciscan Center in CO Springs)
​reading volumes of books, writing papers and learning more than I could have imagined.  The SCI will end in November 2017, and I will a Soul Care Provider.   It has been an incredible journey.

I left for the monastery.  Exciting adventures begin!  Check out The Monastery page for more...