In this issue...

• It's All About Perspective
• Upcoming Events
• Upcoming Workshops
• Creativity Circles

Last month, I wrote about how planned changes can be very unsettling—and very stimulating, as they remind us that we’re still alive. But what about unplanned changes? We’re subjected to these all the time, and most of us dread them. I, too, am not a fan, but, like planned changes, the opportunities they present are often invaluable.

A few weeks ago, for example, I went to yoga, and, when I walked into the studio, I was delighted to see that almost the entire center aisle was open. I was running a little late, and my class is almost always packed, so I was prepared to have to squeeze in-between two other yogis.

As I stretched out my mat—and luxuriated in all the surrounding space—a woman approached and introduced herself. She told me that she was substituting for Paige, my regular instructor, and asked me to join my classmates against the wall. It was then that I noticed Paige wasn’t in her usual place—and, in fact, wasn’t in the studio at all—and that the room was set-up completely differently.

For some reason, the change was quite disorienting, perhaps because I’ve been attending Paige’s class for a couple of years and couldn’t remember her ever being gone. It took me a moment to get my bearings, but, eventually, I gathered my things and moved to the wall—once again, squeezing in amongst my classmates.

Initially, I resented my loss of personal space, but, as I did my first sun salutation, and my arm brushed against my neighbor’s, she smiled, and I realized that I was among community—and that was so much better than being alone!

Right after a plan falls apart, there is, of course, a brief (or not-so-brief) moment of panic, when all feels lost. Then, one of two things happens: either you wallow in your bad luck, or you accept the situation and make a new plan. Research shows that, the quicker you’re able to overcome a crisis—the more resilient you are—the happier you’ll be. And, the secret to becoming more resilient is to understand that, if you can’t change an unexpected outcome, change the way you think about it.

Making art works that way, too. Sometimes, everything’s going as planned, and your piece is coming out just as you envisioned. Then, you make a “mistake,” and the whole piece seems ruined. Until you get another idea. If you’re able to get past your initial disappointment, you play with the inspiration, tweak it, and, then… Voila! Your mistake turns into a “happy accident,” and your piece turns out even better than you imagined!

The next time you experience an unexpected change—whether it’s a surprise encounter or an art mishap—I encourage you to consider it from a new perspective. What may, at first, be a disappointment could well become a gift!

And, speaking of change, don’t forget that Purple Crayon is moving to Reynolds Village (50 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 111) on July 1st! We’ll likely hold off until our anniversary in October to celebrate the move, but you’re welcome to check out the new digs at one of our monthly open houses on 7/6, 8/3, or 9/7.

In the meantime, business will be “as usual,” and will include several exciting workshops this summer. This month, don't miss Deana Murchison's Fluid Art: Basics and Beyond on 6/15 or Pamela Shook's Goddess Doll on 6/21.

I look forward to playing with you! 

​—​​​​​​Pam Robbins, Owner

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Workshops

Creativity Circles & Other Members-Only Events