December Greetings Anjlart/The Now Friends,

I hope this newsletter finds you all in a place of peace and wonder for
this Christmas/Hanakkah/Kwanza/New Year season.  Since I have
been so busy with the ending of the semester and the genesis of
"The Now" I will consider this my Christmas/Holiday card to you all.  

First and foremost let me apologize for the lack of painting that is
happening.  I miss it terribly but am hoping that with these next 17
days of vacation that I will be able to return to my love soon.  I had
wanted to paint something similar to the background of this page
(Cambrian Moon) for my Holiday Greeting card to my family and
friends but time pretty much has run out for this to happen so I have
decided to use it this way in stead.  I hope it is not to busy for your
eyes.  

I love the moon, the seagull soaring over the cliffs, and the over all
dark feel of this section of the painting.  It feels very representational
of my "Now."   The moon is strong and powerful, the seagull free and
soaring so very high and the darkness represents the unknowing of
what is to come...but the colors are still so rich and promising.  That
is truly my Now.  

The other element that is missing is the inclusion of photos.  I
basically have none.  What is that? Usually I have a difficult decision
in which photos to limit myself to posting or sharing this time of year.  
Yet since performing with "The Now," and reacquainting myself with
my guitar chops, writing original songs, rehearsals...and ...oh,
yes...the fact that my camera broke...I simply have no photos to share
(other than the ones that Christine has forwarded to me from her new
digital).  So those are the only pix I have to share for now.  It's rather
odd how much things are changing for me.  (And to think that I had
promised no big changes for a year.  Ha!)

I have had an amazing journey this year.  It was the beginning of the
year that I new it was time to move on from life as I had known it the
past 8 years.  As hard as that decision was, it has proven to be the
decision that was well needed for my spiritual growth bringing me to a
new relationship with me and my heart.  Wow!  It's been hard work
and yet...so magical.  I didn't know I could withstand this kind of fire.  
But the fruits of my labor have been magical.  New travels, new art,
new music, renewed (dusted off) skills/talents...all equating  to new
and wonderful opportunities with some new and some renewed
friendships.

My job has been very different since I took on an extra period to
teach, a new subject (World Literature for Seniors... Which I adore!)
and an unforeseen huge increase in attendance of my Literacy
program.  yeeeeeeeeeeeeike!  I am typically used to 120+
students...but never dreamed of attempting to teach over 200
students per day.  I have experienced an exhaustion I never knew
before.  

Yet still through all of this I was also working on my Reiki Level I
practitioners certification which I believe carried me through the
grueling exhaustion.  I can't tell you what that journey has meant to
me.  So many pieces recovered and redeemed that lead to my latest
painting done in my non-dominant hand..."Redemption."  Such a
blessing and a gift.

Then the process of the band has been the biggest dream come true.
 I still can't believe at 47 I am finally feeling in the pocket with my
music...vocally, writing original songs and...oh-my-goodness...playing
the guitar...and loving it???? What is that?  It's all a gift and
something beyond my heart's desire. I truly owe it all to Lewis who
has been the believer in all of this along with Christine his wife,  They
have been such loyal friends in this process.

So what about the other part of my heart's desire?  Well, I guess that
is teaching me about humility and patience.  Not to mention an
exercise in trusting and remaining true to my heart. All is just as it is
suppose to be. ;-)

I can't end this year's culminating reflection without a word or more
about my amazing sons.  Hmmmm?  What can I say in a short
paragraph...not enough...that is for sure.  Let me just say that it has
been more apparent than ever how blessed I have been for the gift of
 being their "Mother."  Christian (26) and Jacob (24) have been my
constant...my rocks...my sense of grounding this past year.  Our
frequent phone calls...(3 way calling was invented just for us)...and
our reuniting at Thanksgiving...just the three of us...has been a
powerful reminder of all that we have weathered together as a family.
 Unlike the past 20 years or so we have come back to our roots as a
family with great love and a stripping away till we spoke the truth of
the real meaning of our love for one another and all we've been
through and have accomplished individually and collectively.  Let's
just say...the fruits of all of our hard work has surfaced and shown
itself as something bigger than anyone of us could have imagined.  

So in order to keep this from going on and on.  Let me just say thank
you all for your love and friendship.  I wish you a holiday season that
warms you to the burning center of your heart.  I wish you a new year
full of energy and hope that takes you to the place of your deepest
desires. I look forward to sharing this next year's art and the
progression of "The Now" with you all.

Be well my sweet friends.

Namaste,
Angeline

Anjlart/The Now
www.anjlart.com

"...human beings are being compelled by a force much greater than
ourselves to heal ourselves, our cultures, our environment-in short
to become a conscious species...and so begin to fulfill our destiny"  
Caroline Myss