Return to Squam

Wow ... looking back at my blog I

realize I haven't posted since my amazing

Maryland Sheep and Wool Experience!

Where did the time go?

I was busy preparing for my teaching at Squam 2016,

working as an Optician, and of course,

watching over my three little grandchildren!

Time does get away from me quite often lately.

Trying to find balance in life

between work, family and my teaching schedule.

Somewhere in there, I try to fit in some ART!

It was just a week ago that I attended and taught

at the amazing Squam 2016

at Squam Lake in New Hampshire.

I was gone for five incredible days.

To say it was Magical and Life Calming

doesn't seem to be enough,

it was a rare and generous gift!

I think it will be best to describe my experience

through my photos.

I grew spiritually, stretched my teaching wings,

had the sweetest roommate Kerry Lemon,

met new friends, deepened current friendships,

quieted my heart, tried new things, heard new poems,

helped others feel comfortable and welcomed,

walked along the trails in appreciation

and reconnected with my true self.

So here you go . . . Squam through my eyes.

A familiar greeting when I arrived

My Cabin ... Point Comfort

My view everyday from our bedroom

Mindy Tsonas's amazing Dream Catcher

My wish to come true

The familiar and beautiful Woven Heart

Walking the trails to class ... yarn bombs leading the way

My amazing classroom for three days

My Class Sample found a special spot

Students faced this beauty while they drew

We came inside the circle for reflections and insights

Students embracing the Zentangle® process

Some of their completed works ... so proud of their creations

 Beauty found along the trail

The gift of Peace along the trail (heart throb!)

 This beauty morning and night in our cabin

Fire in June ... hey I'll take it!

A treasured gift from Mindy Tsonas

Mini Workshop with Tierney Barden ... Paper cutting

My word was Squam

A different message each day before entering dining hall

Simple pleasures along your way

Working quietly to the sounds of nature

Mandala paintings drying before drawing on them

Creating a mosaic of our work from the day

Busy art tables

A small nature mandala demo

Jean was

 our winner of Louise Gale's new Mandala Book!

Thank you Louise!!! 

Emily won the class demo to take home!

Our students display of work at share table

 Creating a Squam Totem in Kat Stromecki's Class

It was so yummy!

My cherished totem to bring home!

 Found some quiet time on the dock for weaving

 How I love these two!

Mindy and Forrest

They worked the magic for everyone who attended!

How grateful I am to call them friends

Last night ... the Art Fair

Impromptu photo taken by Elizabeth

Oh how grateful I am to have these two amazing women

Elizabeth and Colleen

in my life!

Soooooooooooooooo

as you can see it was an amazing five days away from home.

Coming as a teacher was an even deeper experience for me.

Elizabeth thank you for your love and trust in me.

She has created a safe place for so many.

I hope each one of you will look into attending

just once in your life,

it will be a gift that keeps on giving.

This was a long post, but there was so much to share.

May your life be quiet and full of good things.

Trust in who you are and your own abilities.

Love yourself just a little bit more this week!

Donna Lee

Teaching Others

I never grow tired of teaching others

the creative process of art,

whatever form it may take!

This past weekend I had the pleasure

of leading a wonderful group at

The Hermitage Museum in Norfolk,

a beautiful venue and favorite of mine!

The classroom is a restored building

which used to be the Horse and Cow stable on the property!

It now houses the art room and pottery studios!

It is the perfect venue for leading others

Saturday was my last class of the year,

it was bittersweet!

It was an awesome Zentangled® Card class,

much fun

and yet I need the next few weeks to prepare for the holidays!

We started the first hour with a Zentangle® lesson

and then dug deep into creating all kinds of cards, 

gift tags and postcards.

I stressed to my students that we are losing the art

of the hand created, handwritten letter ...

especially in this Instant Message, Texting, Facebook kinda 

world we currently live in.

Of course there was some chocolate involved

and some pretty awesome music playing in the background!

(I have quite a great iTunes Creative Time Mix)

We took the time to gather and admire each others work,

we all had the same materials, the same teaching,

learned the same tangles,

yet our work was so totally different.

We are all individuals, and create our own style;

that is why I love Zentangle® so much!!!

So much laughter, aha moments, 

fun conversations and sharing techniques.

Each student added their own magic to their creations.

Class time is special,

leading others allows me to grow

just a little bit more each time I step into the classroom.

I never grow tired of seeing my name and class in print!

I consider it an honor to lead others through

the art process.

While students were creating quietly in the classroom,

 I was able to sneak a quiet moment

outside on the grounds of the Hermitage,

sitting in my favorite spot of the museum,

taking in the cold breeze,

listening to sounds of nature,

re-focusing and centering myself,

before returning to my students,

to give them just a little bit more!

I love being an Art Teacher,

it sustains me,

teaches me,

guides me

and shows me how to be a better individual.

Communication is a talent.

I am looking forward to 2016,

my calendar is already filling,

and I am excited!

Happy Holidays to you and your family!

I will see you in the new year,

gonna take the next few weeks,

to focus on family

and our holiday time together.

Also working on a new look for my little blog home!

Love and Blessings!

Donna Lee