Hi! Just wanted to give you an update on The Joy Project. I have many paintings that I want to display throughout the town of Granville. If you should come upon one, flip it over and you will see The Joy Project! It is yours for the taking, please give it a nice home that is filled with love and joy.

Love, Courtney

The month of February is all about Love and Joy!

I’m presenting you with a painting of Mt. Fuji in Japan. One of my dreams is to travel to Tokyo with my husband. The song going through my head as I painted was “Rainy Night in Tokyo” by Michael Franks (you can view the words online).

My second work this month is a Valentine array of hearts from one of my favorite coloring books. I remember as a child seeing the large boxes filled with Valentine candy and adorned with beautiful pink and red ribbons. You can’t find them like that now. Enjoy!

Hello dear Friends!

Back when the pandemic began, I was trying to find a balanced, calming center of my well-being. A dear friend of mine, knowing my love of art, suggested that I investigate paint-by-number. My eyes always light up when color is in the equation!

When, as a young woman, I was diagnosed with ADHD and an anxiety disorder, I began to paint on a daily basis. After doing some research on the paint-by-number opportunities available these days, I was relieved and excited. This painting process (mostly in acrylic paints) helps to improve brain function by engaging both sides of the brain simultaneously, boosting confidence and promoting a meditative state. The icing on the cake is when the painting evolves into something I created.

In a 2005 research study conducted by Nancy A. Curry, undergraduate students were randomly assigned to color a mandala, a plaid form, or a blank piece of paper. Results demonstrated that anxiety levels declined for the mandala- and plaid-coloring groups and that both of these groups experienced more reduction in anxiety than did the unstructured-coloring group. These findings suggest that structured coloring of complex geometric patterns may induce a meditative state that benefits individuals suffering from anxiety.

One of my goals in life is to spread joy whenever and wherever possible. Hence the Joy Project. The plan is to reprint some of my favorite paint-by-number projects (some reproduced below) on postcard-sized handouts that will feature a painting on one side and a brief inspirational quote on the other. You never know where these will pop up, so stay alert and open to JOY, and it will find you! And maybe one of the originals will find its way into your life as well!

Love,

Courtney

In the mid-1800’s, it became a popular desire for people to head out west to California, which offered vast farmland, rich natural resources and an abundance of minerals. Two families, in particular, the Donners and the Reeds, were over the moon about “California Life”. Before their journey began, George Donner posted an advertisement, in the San-gamo Journal. “Who wants to go to California without costing them anything? A team of eight young men, of good character, who can drive and ox team will be accommodated by gentlemen who will leave this vicinity about the first of April. Come boys! You can have as much land as you want without any cost to you.” Just imagine, many families with all of their belongings, traveling from Illinois to Oregon or California. They had to construct the wagons and hire teamsters to help with the oxen to follow the long, arduous path ahead. While they were making their way, babies were born, several weddings took place, and many deaths occurred.

The story of this journey and its consequences is the subject of Michael Wallis’s riveting book, “The Best Land Under Heaven,” which I wholeheartedly recommend.

There were two routes to choose from, a shortcut that Lansford Hastings, the author of the “Emigrants’ Guide to Oregon and California,” and the advice from James Clyman, who strongly advised not to take the shortcut that Hastings was recommending. Clyman, a veteran of the War of 1812, had first-hand experience with traveling through the Rockies. Unfortunately, the Donner Party, anxious to get to California, chose the path of Hastings. This fatally changes their journey, as they were not warned of the disastrous weather that they would encounter, the lack of food, resulting conflicts between families, the biting cold and treacherous roads, encounters with Indians, mosquitoes and ticks, etc. Hastings played down the negative parts and it was a nightmare from then on for the families who took the shortcut. When food ran out, and no wildlife to hunt for, some turned to cannibalism, they were so desperate. A man by the name of Keseberg was promoting this; he would lie and say someone had died when in reality he had killed them in order to have sustenance.

Some survived this arduous journey, but many perished. I could not put this book down; Wallis writes beautifully, you feel like you are right there experiencing it. What I learned from reading this book is how fortunate we are in modern society to have food, medicine, education, and transportation, just to name a few of our blessings. I now plan to read Wallis’s earlier book, “Route 66”.

Color makes me happy,  I spend many hours coloring in my adult coloring books.  I go to another world.  When I was in boarding school, I had the most important mentor in my life, Mrs Allen.  I detested the boarding school, my only outlet was to go to my art class, and I would paint for hours. My favorite was doing large abstracts, with vibrant colors; she would guide me and say keep going you are doing a wonderful job. Or, she would give me recommendations when I was not sure of color or shape. She understood me, and color was my refuge.  Now, many years later, When I am doing my coloring I feel her presence .

People have different outlets for anxiety or stress, I am highly affected by our world events lately,  and I am sensitive but, I have wonderful friends, faith , and the love of my life, my husband, Keith .

I also listen to music while I color, when coloring, for example, I just finished a knitting theme, I love to knit so it makes me feel calm and happy!

Here is a picture of my knitting project, it was so much fun.

My dear Jackie died last month. Her son called to tell me. Her funeral was held in Oklahoma City on August 24, which happens to be Keith’s birthday and my mother’s birthday. Jackie was 96 years old.

Jackie was my second mother. She was one of the black women who began working for my family when I was around six years old.  She is the lady who knew the real me, and she basically raised me. My parents traveled a lot and loved being social. Jackie was the one who picked me up from school, took me to the tutor; she cooked and bathed me, taught me about life and love. I loved her so much, as I write this I can still smell her scent, and her chewing gum. I would hug and kiss her and sit on her lap. I have even shared a bed with her.

Anna, my dear cousin, was my partner in crime growing up. Jackie would take us out to fun restaurants and shopping centers.  When my parents were out of town, Jackie would sit and watch us mimic Sonny and Cher; we would sing our hearts out into the wee hours of the morning.  At times Jackie would retreat into the kitchen while the loud music was being played, and smoke her cigarettes and play solitaire. She had been known to share a glass of wine or two with Anna and me. She would prepare our family dinners and was always there helping with the meals for the holidays.

There were some fun and sad times.  I remember Jackie taking Anna and me to her Baptist Church for a Sunday service. It was quite the experience; I had never witnessed people jumping up and down in church and screaming praises to the Lord like he was just next door.  Another time, Jackie had taken me to a Mexican diner when I was in my teens and a bit boy crazy. There we were in line getting our food, Jackie had a huge glass of Coke, and I swung my head around to look at some boy and flipped my long hair, and there went the Coke and food flying everywhere. The coke was in her purse and all over her. She was so upset, she would not sit with me, and I kept apologizing, but she would have nothing to do with me. She even asked the waiter for an aspirin.  After sending me to my room when we got home, she forgave me several hours later.

While I was in boarding school in California, my mom was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer. I would talk with Jackie on a daily basis. I remember her advising me to come home because my mom was having surgery, and that I would not recognize her. Jackie met me at the airport and we went directly to the hospital and I was shocked when I saw my mother. Jackie was with my mom on a daily basis when she became so ill; my dad would go to work and she witnessed all of the pain. My mom collapsed one time when my father was swimming in the pool. She yelled out to him to get out, as she had picked her up off the floor. The ambulance came and Jackie rode with her to the hospital.  Jackie was at my mother’s side when she died,   Unfortunately, I was flying home at that moment.  Jackie shared a very special moment with my mom as she took her last breath: Jackie asked  her if she would accept Jesus as her lord and savior, my mom replied yes.  Jackie was very spiritual and loved her church and her God.

Jackie was a part of our family. My mother would sit for hours and talk with her about everything. My dad loved her also, always treating her with respect. She referred to my mom as “Little Miss” and called my dad “Peeps”!  All of our close friends loved her and she welcomed everyone with a hug and a smile.

After my mother died, our family dedicated” A Tree of Life ” in memory of my mom at the hospital where she died.  Jackie was at the dedication with our family, I can still look in the photo album and see her picture.

The last time I saw Jackie was when she celebrated her 90th birthday back in Oklahoma City. Ginny Sharkey, my dear friend, and Keith, my wonderful husband, and I flew back for her party.  Anna, my dear cousin, went with us, and Jackie’s family was there. It was just like being with family. Jackie was so glad to see us, we reminisced about all the fun we had and how I would always be her baby. That is where I first tried a dump cake, and to this day love it!  As we drove away from her house, I broke down and cried, knowing I would never see her again.  I can still hear her talking to me, and her laugh. Jackie was a gift from God to me, I know she is with the angels in heaven and looking down on me. I am sure at times she is shaking her head, saying be a good girl!

Another summer read, “SweetBitter,” was not what I had expected. I was drawn to the novel due to reviews on Amazon, and I also liked the pink cover, and that it was a book about a NY restaurant.  I am a big fan of NYC, I have been blessed to experience the fine dining and the wonderful electricity of the city. The blessing is going with my husband, who knows the ins and outs of the big city .

The story is about a young twenty-something girl, Tess, who decides to leave her midwestern town and drive to NYC in search of a job and a new life.  Tess does not know anyone in the City, she finds an apartment in Williamsburg, which is a neighborhood in Brooklyn.  She finds a job at an upscale restaurant in downtown Manhattan, and is hired as a back waiter.  Behind the scenes, this restaurant is bleak, the employees attend drug parties nightly after work, and it is like one big train wreck.  Tess turns to drugs, and snorts coke like there is no tomorrow. She falls for Jake, who is the bartender, is of course a druggie, and has a secret relationship with Simone, who runs the restaurant.  He is basically a liar and a male slut.

One of the positive points in the book is that the “heroine” does learn about wine and, after being promoted to a server, how to handle upscale regulars.

I am walking away knowing about the rat infestation in NYC and with a bad taste in my mouth about what goes on in the back of an upscale restaurant.  This is a sad depiction of the life of a twenty-year-old, naive and sensitive female.  This is just a novel, but it is a wake up call about our younger generation.  I am on my way to NYC next week and will pretend I never read this book.  The next book on my shelf is “Kitchen Confidential” by Anthony Bourdain (more depressing facts, I’m sure)!

I just finished reading “The Honeymoon,” a novel by Dinitia Smith. I was drawn to it by reading a review of it in the NY Times, and knowing it took place in Venice. I love Venice, one of the most romantic spots in the world, and I have been blessed to travel there with Keith.

The story is about George Eliot, who was a  famous, eighteen century English author.  Her real name was Marian Evans.  She was a private and shy woman, and due to her fame, took the name of George Eliot.

The book explores her two romantic relationships, one of them, out of wedlock,  with George Lewes, a love that Marian knew she would never experience again.  A love that was so strong between two people that it was almost like a dream.  Throughout the book, Marian is aware that it could not go on forever, and she is devastated when he dies. She takes to her bed for months, and refuses to have any visitors.

The second relationship was to a very strange man, who was twenty years younger than she. Her role was as his caretaker, as he had a serious drinking problem and they had separate boudoir’s.  It was deeply troubling to her, nothing like that one love she had experienced.

George Eliot was an incredible writer, the author of seven novels; one that resonated with me was “Middlemarch.”  I highly recommend this fictionalized account of her life. So beautifully written, and I learned many interesting tidbits!

I just finished reading a lovely book, My Paris Dream, by Kate Betts.  I chose it because I love anything that is related to Paris. This happens to be a memoir, which is even better.

Kate ventured off to Paris after graduating from Princeton; she had been there one other time with a girlfriend back in high school. Kate’s passion was fashion and nothing was going to stop her.  She began as a reporter for Women’s Wear Daily in Paris. At the time, she lived with a lovely Parisian family, who to this day remain her close friends.  She was living far away from home, missing her boyfriend and mother, and her parents were divorced.  Kate became fluent in French, and of course it was a different way of life than living in NY.

When I think of a French lady, I envision red lips, black stylish clothing, such as a Chanel dress, drinking strong espresso, wearing a beautiful fragrance, and of course smoking a cigarette!  After Kate was promoted, she rented a lovely apartment and met Herve, a Frenchman, who would drive her out to Giverny, which was Monet’s home. The French countryside became a weekend getaway for them, getting out of the hustle and bustle of Paris. As time progressed and Kate became more involved with work, she would work late nights and even on the weekends.  She would attend all of the couture shows and then run back to the office and write about them. Her relationship with Herve went down the tubes, and they parted ways.  It was a this point that she decided to leave Paris and go back to NY. Luckily she was hired by Anna Wintour, at Vogue. Several months later, she was sent back to Paris, and became Paris editor for Vogue.  She was fortunate to meet Yves Saint Laurent, Helmut Lang, and Christian Louboutin, and many more of the big designers.

At this point fashion was starting to change, women’s clothes became more masculine, designers were going towards a severe, modern look.  It became fashionable to look like a slob: torn jeans, and dark brazen colors. After working at Vogue, Kate became the youngest person to serve as editor in chief of Harper’s Bazaar. Today, Kate is married, and lives in NYC with her husband and two children.

While I was reading the book, I remembered when my mother would shop at this beautiful boutique in Oklahoma City, called Balliets. At the time it was located in the beautiful Skirvin (no, not scurvy, Skirvin!) Hotel.  This was over forty years ago.  My mother worked with a lady by the name of Hildegard, who was her personal shopper.  During those days, the big designers would fly in from NYC or Paris, and have what they would call a “trunk show.”  My mother had her favorite’s: Chanel, Adolfo, and Bill Blass.  My mother would stay for at least four hours, and order beautiful gowns and dresses for social events. There was a reason why she became one of the “best dressed women of Oklahoma City”!

I have been blessed to visit Paris with my wonderful husband several times.  The French are still classy, and dress simply yet elegantly.  When I return to the United States, it is quite a shock. Americans now wear jeans to work and even in the most upscale restaurants. Men wear their shirts not tucked in, and women think nothing of wearing jeans and tee shirts on Madison Avenue.

I am far from perfect and as I age comfort becomes a must, but come on, folks — can’t we dress as though we cared?

I want to mention fragrances, which is one of my passions, and also French women love to wear them.    I had the opportunity to work at I. Magnin, in Palo Alto, Ca.  I sold cosmetics and became acquainted with the old time classy fragrances.  Some of my favorites  are, Ombre Rose, Bal A Versailles, Joy, Ma Griffe, and Chanel No. 5.  Just to point out, Bal a Versailles was launched in 1962, Joy was launched in 1929, Ma Griffe was launched in 1946, and Chanel No.5 was launched in 1921. These wonderful fragrances, like classy dress, have stood the test of time.  I smell a little bit of Paris in them!

Another great read, actually incredible, rocked my life!   I remember Keith and I watching Charlie Rose one evening, and it caught my attention: Dan Harris discussing his book “10% Happier”. I love reading about being happy plus I remember him talking about meditation and mindfulness.

I decided to read the book, it excites me to tell you about it.  A bit about Dan, he is co-anchor of Nightline and the weekend editions of Good Morning America. He also does segments  for 20/20 and World News, and he reported to Peter Jennings. He had a very stressful job, traveling all over the world, Afghanistan and Tora Bora to name a few.   Dan got a taste of being in the public life constantly and always wanting more.  Due to the stress he turned to drugs, mainly cocaine and Ecstasy, and knew he was on the downhill.  Months later he suffered a panic attack while giving the news on Good Morning America.  His next move was to see a psychiatrist, and start anti-anxiety medication.  He was able to get off his drug binge, and stopped therapy. He  married a lovely woman, Bianca, who is a specialist in pulmonary and critical care medicine in Manhattan.   He interviewed Eckhart Tolle, Deepak Chopra, and the Dali Lama thinking maybe they would have the “right Answer” for his life.  He became interested in Dr. Mark Epstein, a NY Psychiatrist and Buddhist.  His wife bought him several books on Epstein and he was riveted. His world opened up after starting therapy with him.  He was introduced to Buddhism, and mindfulness, he also attended a week long silent retreat.

His lifeline and blessings from these top people were the words, meditation and mindfulness.  Here are some amazing concepts he learned and that I am learning now:

– Meditation can re-wire your brain.

– Meditation is the” new caffeine”, as stated in Wired Magazine.

– The present moment is all we have; “when you have one foot in the future and the other in the past, you piss on the present.”

In Buddhism, mindfulness and the acceptance of impermanence are critical concepts.  To accept Impermanence is to recognize that nothing lasts forever; therefore, non-attachment is vital. I had to work to grasp this, and I think I get it. We cling onto the past and the present whether it is someone you love or an event that happened. We have no control over the future, so why not just enjoy this moment and appreciate it and those you are with.

Accept that nothing lasts forever, enjoy now, you will never get it back. The people in our lives are blessings but they and we will not last forever. Our ego gives rein to our chaotic minds; these are just thoughts, see them for what they are. Our ego coughs up alot of garbage, let it go!  Mindfulness is having the ability to be aware of this moment, recognize what is going on and have no judgement. Buddhism says mindfulness is an alternative to living reactively; there is no need to react just recognize and let it go.

So, why the title “10% Happier”? Dan realized by practicing meditation and mindfulness, he was actually 10% more happy. Not a wild, dramatic claim, just a significant improvement in his life. He knows it helps him get through his days and knows he is doing the right thing for him.

I want to leave you with some insights of my own. I will never forget seeing a cognitive behavioral therapist not long ago because of my focusing issues and sensitivity. She looked at me in a very intense way and said, ” Go and meditate” and handed me a printout on meditation. She must have repeated that to me every time I saw her. I quit seeing her because I thought that was harsh and I could not do it. Now, I would love to say thank you to her!

Secondly, years ago when we were living in San Francisco, I attended an eight week seminar on mindfulness meditation. It was just okay for me, but, I never re-visited meditation. I am going to try it again! A year ago, I heard about headspace.com, I loved it and quit before Christmas, being too busy. That is when I needed it the most. Today, I am going back to meditate with Headspace. com.  I think it is meant for me, I encourage you to check out their website.  Namaste.