Above my desk hangs a black and white postcard, reminding me that I stood in Monet’s house last summer, in the very room where his canvas and paints once sat, poised and ready for the artist to begin.
Today, on the desk before me, there are jars of Posca paint markers, a colorful bouquet of Pilot pens, and a sketchbook, open and waiting.
I can’t help but take a deep breath and exhale thankfulness. It’s been a long week of physical pain coupled with fear, but my sketchbook has remained a steady companion.
Like every other morning, I reach for my extra fine black pen.
Another slow, soft exhale.
Making stuff happens here.
A New Practice
Last year, I started a daily journaling practice that I learned from artist, Carla Sonheim. This week, inspired by Austin Kleon’s book Steal Like a Artist, I added an illustrated daily log. It helps me remember the little and big things of the day and keeps my hand moving.
Words to Remember
“Look around you. Look at creation. Look at the trees as they fly by. Look at these kind of verdant hills. These trees don’t have a sign, do they? ‘Praise the Lord’ or ‘I belong to Jesus.’ They just give glory to God. They don’t need a sign.”
-Bono speaking to Franklin Graham, on his way to see Billy Graham. Recounted by Bono in his conversation with Mike Cosper/Christianity Today.
From the Sketchbook
Favorite Finds
Books
If you need an invitation to deepen your relationship with God, I recommend Praying the Truth by William A. Barry. A friend lent this to me and it has encouraged me to talk to God honestly and often.
If you are looking for creative encouragement, check out Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon. He gives bite-size encouragement for making stuff. I’m planning to check out the other books in the series.
Podcasts
Amy Julia Becker hosted two interesting conversations about our relationship with time, one with Jen Pollock Michel and one with James K.A. Smith.
Lisa Jo Baker, on The Stories Between Us, talks about what makes a good memoir and shares excerpts from her favorites.
Key Huy Quan (of Goonies, Indiana Jones and now Everything Everywhere All at Once) is a guest on the Happy Sad Confused podcast where he talks about his thirty year break from movies and what it means to him to finally have another chance.
The Finale
Artist Herve’ Tullet demonstrates his game about drawing monsters and he’s having so much fun doing it.
Blessings from the Guest Nest,
-Aimee