Greetings Friends, 

Merriam Webster

Definition of bliss

1: complete happiness

For some reason I don’t understand, I received an issue of Good Housekeeping in the mail this week. I don’t subscribe to it but was grateful to have something new to cut up for collage. But first, I took a gander through it to see what I might see. One article jumped out at me and was unceremoniously ripped out of the magazine. No magazine is safe from becoming collage material. The article had a BIG sunshiney happy face and was titled Find Your Bliss. “Reset your relationship with joy…” It has all sorts of noteworthy tips in this July/August issue.

But what caught my attention was when I began to think about, “where is my bliss?”  Don't you love it when something makes you stop and think? Bliss is defined as “complete happiness,” but I also think it’s that moment when you get lost in what you are doing. So immersed in something that everything else fades away. That’s how I see bliss. And what am I doing when I encounter the bliss of my understanding? I am writing. Not just any writing, although I tap into bliss then too. But when I work on my novel, I am transported. Lost in another time and place. Lost in my characters. Lost in a plot unfolding before my eyes.

Where do you find your bliss?

If it’s in writing, we still have room in the next Creating A Writing Life Retreat, Aug 6th featuring Award-Winning writer Gabi Coatsworth. She just launched her memoir, Love’s Journey Home. If you haven’t been to one of these small group retreats before, they are very casual, with a chance to write, time to share (if you want), and time to learn about the challenge and wisdom of writers who have walked the path, time for good food, laughter, reflection, and mostly, lots of inspiration for the journey. And we welcome writers of all levels of ability, (even if you aren’t quite ready to call yourself a writer). I hope to see you there.

Be well and keep writing…

Blessings, Patty 

Register with a friend and receive a special rate of $275 for both of you for the CAWL Retreats. But you'll have to call me to register to receive this special rate.  (860)536-0051.

A Writer's Space ...

I know you've probably been hearing about my books for years and I'm happy to say, this week I finished one of them.  It happened during an expressive art studio program at Seastar, that was all about making a "zine." In our case, that meant an itty bitty book-lette (yes, I'm free to make up words here). We opened ourselves to the Spirit and were guided to a topic from a huge list and off we went to write a book. We had about 35 minutes. They were fabulous. Mine was on taking a day to "unplug." Another was an artist's reflection on the adventures of her pets while she sleeps, and another was a precious tiny tomb about someone's journey through grief. A powerful exercise for sure.  Take a look...

Making art improves mental health...Check out this article from Smithsonian Magazine about the value of exercising our creative spirits. 

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/can-art-therapy-help-patients-deal-with-mental-health-struggles-during-the-pandemic-180980310/

We had a great time during Gloria Nilsson's Nautical Bracelet Workshop. Check it out. Then her Sea Glass Pendant Workshop filled up and we had to add a second date. This one is popular if you're interested...

This article ran in Old Saybrook Neighbors Magazine this month. A great little publication you can pick up around town at places like the Chamber of Commerce.

Guess what it's about??? 

Register for all events at www.SeastarWellness.com