Together As One

For the last several years, I’ve participated in an annual Lend a Hand art fundraiser sponsored by The Muse in Frederick, Md. The challenge is to fill an 8-inch square canvas with artwork inspired by a specific theme. Everyone and anyone (professional artists and customers) are encouraged to participate. The full collection of canvases is auctioned to the highest bidder and the money raised is donated to a local charity. 

The motivation for this year’s artwork is a small scrap of a map and the words: “Together As One.” The charity recipient (Blessings In A Backpack) provides food for local needy children on the weekends. I finished my entry this past week and I’m pleased with the end result. 

The inspirational message, ‘together as one’ resonates profoundly in light of the violence and vitriolic language in recent news. My thought process in creating the artwork was inspired by a fistful of flowers. Each one is unique and could stand alone, but the impact of all of them together as one bunch is truly more powerful. 

If you’d like to bid on this or any of the auction artwork when it is available in September, let me know. You can do this long distance. Click on the photo to send me a message and I’ll be sure to help you participate in this artful fundraiser. Let's come together and help raise money for a great cause!

Calendar Drill

I love this phrase! My girlfriend Margaret uses this saying when she and her family coordinate their calendars for upcoming events. And this time of year when the days seem to zip by, evening darkness arrives much too early and activities abound – a good ‘calendar drill’ is in order.

Beyond dates and times, for me, a calendar drill is a great moment to think about how my time is spent throughout the day and what is truly important. As we often do at the beginning of a yoga class, it’s a good time to set intentions. An internal (as well as family-oriented) regular calendar drill is a good habit to develop.

Throughout the upcoming holiday rush, blur of cooking, constant cleaning,  abundant eating, annual parties, obligatory shopping, gift giving and gathering of family and friends -- do a mental calendar drill. Prioritize. No need to overdo. Remember to be in and actually enjoy the moment. 

So here's one important event I have on the studio calendar this coming week. I'd like you to add it to your calendar as well!

ClayByLaura Open Studio Sale*

Saturday, November 14

1 - 4 pm

9176 Bealls Farm Road, Urbana, Md.

*20% of sales will be donated to Frederick, Md. 'Blessings In A Backpack'

(If you can't make it to Maryland this weekend, and would like to participate, I'll donate 20% of all on-line sales I receive by end of day November 14 to this worthy cause -- providing hungry children with food to eat on the weekends -- as well.)