Jewelry…Prints..Art…Adventures…Workshops…

In need of a special, unusual, different kind of gift? Don’t have the time or energy to face the frenzied crowds? Drawing a complete blank on what to give???

How about a Glitter Gypsy Gift Certificate??!! Available in $25.00 increments, just click on “Workshop Payments,” Press the “Save my Spot–$25.00 Button” as many times as needed for your desired total.(.Example… Press button once for $25., twice for $50., etc……Payment is straight through Paypal.) Done! The recipient may then contact me to use their certificate on art, jewelry, workshops or adventures at susan@risse.com & I will handle the rest! I can design the ideal gift for that person at any price point that you choose! It’s that simple. Do it now & you’re done.

Mahalo for reading & Happy Holidays to all of you!

Workshops (Group & Private)...

We often hear & even feel the ‘stress’ of the so-called “Holiday Season.” That window of time that falls between Thanksgiving (in the US) & New Year’s Day. This is a season that most of us (especially children)look forward to as the glorious celebration at the end of 1 year & the anticipation of a fresh start to a new year. There are parties, events & the like for any number of occasions that fall into this time frame. It sounds just wonderful & fun, until we are actually in the midst of it.Parties to attend, gifts to purchase, meals to prepare, in-laws, blood relatives, bosses to entertain & be entertained by.

So why do so many of us end up feeling drained, exhausted, resentful & overwhelmed during this most joyous time of year? I’m sure that we all have different reasons, triggers, “history” & the like that bring us to a place of

dissatisfaction & anxiety.

Sooooo….. I, as Glitter Gypsy, am here to propose a couple of solutions to all of this.

1. Keep things simple & focus on relationships & fun, rather than winning “Moistest Turkey of the Year award.”

2. Remember to take care of yourself 1st, so that you have more of the “Fun You” to share, which is really what people are craving now (meaningful relationships.)

3. Do something “just for you.” If someone asks you what you would like for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc., tell them that you would really like to have an “experience” more than a traditional “gift.” And this is where I can help. At Glitter Gypsy’s Art & Adventures, we offer not only beautiful, gallery quality gifts for every budget from costume, hand-made, recycled, up-cycled, vintage estate jewelry to original paintings, prints & giclees & hand-made sculptural pieces.

Another gift item to request, or just give to yourself as a gift of self-love is an experience. I offer everything from painting to assemblage art, jewelry making, shrine, alter & “Memory box” making, both in group & private sessions. You will love it, & I know that you will leave feeling so refreshed & renewed & ready to love & appreciate again that you’ll wish you’d done it for yourself sooner!

>>>>So, I have 2 offerings that I would like to invite you to:

1. Register for my last workshop of 2011 on 12/03/11 from 10:30-5:30 for an amazing “Cleansing Ritual” that will wash away that which no longer serves us, & inviting in all that is good for us in this new year of 2012!

2. In addition, I will be hosting an Artist’s Wine & Cheese Reception & Trunk Show, selling my merchandise mentioned above, as well as “Experience Gift Certificates.” This will be the next day on 12/04/11 from 2-5pm. Open to the public, so spread the word & bring your friends!

****Students who attend the 12/03/11 workshop will have special early VIP shopping after class from 5:30-6:30 AND receive 15% off all purchases!!!

What could be more fun– Connecting with other women in ritual & then shopping-on sale-with them while drinking wine & nibbling on cheese??!! Get your Holiday shopping finished early & have fun at the same time!

Won’t you please join me for one or both of these events?? I’d LOVE to meet/see you!!!………Aloha & Mele Kalikimaka!!!

Hello, my glitter gypsies! I am SOOOOOO Excited to announce my  EVENT: “RETREAT WITH PELE” in Hilo, HI (on the “Big Island” of Hawaii) on 11/11/11.

I’m so excited about this one that I’ll apologize in advance if this blog goes “all over the place.” So…… here’s what I’ve got for you ~(registration OPEN TO ALL WOMEN):

***3 DAY RETREAT~11/11/11~11/13/11

***REASON: TO CELEBRATE & BE A PART OF THE OPENING OF A NEW VORTEX ON VERY SACRED LAND ON 11/11/11. A VERY WELL KNOWN, RESPECTED & GIFTED KAHUNA WILL LEAD OUR ‘FIREPIT MEDICINE CIRCLE’ TO OPEN A NEW VORTEX THAT WILL LEAD US INTO A NEW PARADIGM ON MOTHER EARTH. SHE HAS BEEN INSTRUCTED BY HER ANCESTORS (NATIVES OF THIS SACRED LAND FOR MANY GENERATIONS) TO OPEN THIS PARTICULAR VORTEX TO USHER IN THE ‘NEW TIMES.’

***I have been invited, personally, by her to join in this ancient ritual & to bring any women with me that feel the calling to be a part of this amazing opening on 11/11/11!!!

*** HERE’S THE AGENDA:

11/11/11: Arrive Hilo airport (flights to be arranged yourself.) ~OR~ LOCAL residents are welcome to either drive home at night ~OR~ book a room for a more “retreat-like experience” on site. Check into the cottage. Directions will be given to you upon registration.

***2:00 p.m.~ Meet at Tibeten Temple near Wood Valley, HI for ceremony with “KUMU” (Teacher/Kahuna).

***4:00p.m.~Return to our cottage to rest/meditate until 6p.m.

***6:00p.m.~ Potluck style dinner at the Lodge, followed by:

KUMU LEADING US OUT TO THE FIREPIT FOR THE ANCIENT HEALING MEDICINE CIRCLE (TO BOTH HEAL US AND OUR PLANET AND INVITE IN THE NEW ENERGY.)

***Retire for the evening.

***11/12/11: Meet at 11:30a.m. in the Main Room (on-site) for my “OPENING RED THREAD CIRCLE CEREMONY”, introductions & coffee.

***12:30-1:30: Break for lunch/walk.

***1:30-6:00 : PAINTING ‘OUR EXPERIENCE’ FROM THE PREVIOUS NIGHT/MORNING.’ {Feel free to take walks/breaks/snacks as desired.}

***6:00p.m.: Break for dinner.

***7:30p.m.: Retire for the evening to rest/reflect/meditate/journal as desired.

***11/13/11: 10:00a.m.~ Meet in Main Room for our trip to the Volcano (Pele’s Home, Goddess of Fire.)

***12:30: Return to cottage for lunch, followed by our closing circle ceremony & sharing.

***Clean up our supplies & dried paintings & pack to depart.

***SO~~~ DOES THIS SOUND LIKE SOMETHING YOUR HEART & SOUL IS YEARNING FOR??!! I HOPE SO!!!

***IMPORTANT~~ LIMITED ACCOMODATIONS AVAILABLE IN THIS AREA, HOWEVER, WE WILL WORK WITH YOU TO TRY AND ACCOMODATE EVERYONE WHO FEELS CALLED TO ATTEND!!!

***ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICE~ ONLY $495.00!!! Just $100.00 to save your spot & payment plans are available!!! (***EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED: Private room in lovely cottage in Pahala, HI, ALL FOOD & DRINKS, ALL EVENTS/CEREMONIES/ WOMEN’S CREATIVE SPIRITUAL WORKSHOP,  ALL MATERIALS & INSTRUCTION!) (discounts for payment in full & weekly payment plans.)

Please contact Susan at susan@risse.com for payment info./payment plans. The Paypal button will be up & running soon, however, due to the limited accommodations in this remote haven, we do recommend you book early to save your spot!

***I so hope that you can join us!!!

***P.S.: Spots are still available for my 1 day retreat here in Honolulu, as follows:

12/03/11: Cleansing Ritual (Click on Cleansing Ritual for details/registration)

***10:30-5:30

I’m so thrilled because today is my day for the Destination: Creativity blog hop put together by the vivacious Ricë Freeman Zachary. I can’t begin to tell you how much this woman has inspired me in the past year since we’ve become friends. Her creative spirit, her willingness to always be REAL in every situation and her ability to bring that out in others are attributes that I admire deeply in Ricë.

Also, her perfectly simpatico relationship with her husband, the Ever Gorgeous Earl is a wonderful thing to see in this day and age. I watched how Earl was ever-present and actively participating in every moment of this new book of theirs. Of course, its their book. EGE took thousands upon thousands of photos, drove every mile in their cross-country journey and passed out hugs to the hundreds of women (both instructors and students) at the various art retreats. (Truth be told, I’m always in line for a hug from Earl. Years of coaching high school athletics honed his body into a finely tuned hugging machine.)

In honor of Ricë and Earl’s journey and their wonderful new book, I decided to try something a little different for the blog hop; a video book review like she does for so many artists over at CreateMixedMedia.com. There’s no editing or fancy anything in the video. I gave my iPad to my son, stood outside our cabin and had him press the record button. It may be raw, but it’s real and definitely from the heart.

Be sure to leave a comment at the end of this post so you an be entered to win a copy of Destination: Creativity for yourself.

Tomorrow is the last day of the blog hop at Jill Berry’s blog. So be sure to check out what she says tomorrow and leave a comment there too. And while you’re at it, you might just want to hop back in time and visit the previous day’s authors as well. You can still leave comments there for a chance to win. Think about it: 30 minutes of your time to read some posts at great blogs and leave some comments is all it takes for you to possibly get your own free copy. Unfortunately due to the high cost of shipping, international entries cannot be accommodated for this one. So sorry!

1. Monday, October 3rd: Melanie Testa
2. Tuesday, October 4th: Seth Apter
3. Wednesday, October 5th: Mary Beth Shaw
4. Thursday, October 6th: Carla Sonheim
5. Friday, October 7th: Lisa Myers Bulmash
6. Saturday, October 8th: Melissa Manley
7. Sunday, October 9th: Deryn Mentock
8. Monday, October 10th: Jen Cushman
9. Tuesday, October 11th: Jill Berry

All events take place in Honolulu, HI.Venue is also available for day or weekend retreats & workshops. Inquire about dates & rates.Aloha…. A hui ho….

Fondly,

Glitter Gypsy

P.S. Glitter will be flowing freely at ALL EVENTS!!!

P.P.S. Please Check out the Retreat With Pele, the Fire Goddess in Hilo, HI, coming up over 11/11/11. 4 day/3 night Retreat to “usher in the new Energy occurring 11/11/11!”  Let’s make history together. Details on this site; simply scroll back for details.

I would be honored to work with you in expressing & discerning your life’s purpose! As the Dalai Lama so poignantly stated: “The Western Women will save the Planet,”…..And so it is…….

Hello, my glitter gypsies! I am SOOOOOO Excited to announce my NEW EVENT: “RETREAT WITH PELE” in Hilo, HI (on the “Big Island” of Hawaii) on 11/11/11.

I’m so excited about this one that I’ll apologize in advance if this blog goes “all over the place.” So…… here’s what I’ve got for you so far~(registration OPEN TO ALL WOMEN):

***4 DAY RETREAT~11/10/11~11/13/11

***REASON: TO CELEBRATE & BE A PART OF THE OPENING OF A NEW VORTEX ON VERY SACRED LAND ON 11/11/11. A VERY WELL KNOWN, RESPECTED & GIFTED KAHUNA WILL LEAD OUR ‘FIREPIT MEDICINE CIRCLE’ TO OPEN THIS NEW VORTEX THAT WILL LEAD US INTO A NEW PARADIGM ON MOTHER EARTH. SHE HAS BEEN INSTRUCTED BY HER ANCESTORS (NATIVES OF THIS SACRED LAND FOR MANY GENERATIONS) TO OPEN THIS PARTICULAR VORTEX TO USHER IN THE ‘NEW TIMES.’

***I have been invited, personally, by her to join in this ancient ritual & to bring any women with me that feel the calling to be a part of this amazing opening on 11/11/11!!!

*** HERE’S THE AGENDA:

11/10/11: Arrive Hilo airport (flights to be arranged yourself.) ~OR~ LOCAL residents are welcome to either drive home at night ~OR~ book a room for a more “retreat-like experience” on site.

11/11/11: (You may also fly in early today & check in.)

***2:00 p.m.~ Meet at Tibeten Temple near Wood Valley, HI for ceremony with “KUMU” (Teacher/Kahuna).

***4:00p.m.~Return to our Lodge to rest/meditate until 6p.m.

***6:00p.m.~ Potluck style dinner at the Lodge, followed by:

KUMU LEADING US OUT TO THE FIREPIT FOR THE ANCIENT HEALING MEDECINE CIRCLE (TO BOTH HEAL US AND OUR PLANET AND INVITE IN THE NEW ENERGY.)

***Retire for the evening.

***11/12/11: Meet at 11:30a.m. in the Lodge Recreation Room (on-site) for my “OPENING RED THREAD CIRCLE CEREMONY”, introductions & coffee.

***12:30-1:30: Break for lunch/walk.

***1:30-6:00 : PAINTING ‘OUR EXPERIENCE’ FROM THE PREVIOUS NIGHT/MORNING.’ {Feel free to take walks/breaks/snacks as desired.}

***6:00p.m.: Break for potluck style dinner.

***7:30p.m.: Retire for the evening to rest/reflect/meditate/journal as desired.

***11/13/11: 10:00a.m.~ Meet in Lodge Rec. Room for our trip to the Volcano (Pele’s Home, Goddess of Fire.)

***12N: return to Lodge for lunch, followed by our closing circle ceremony & sharing.

***Clean up our supplies & dried paintings & pack to depart.

***SO~~~ DOES THIS SOUND LIKE SOMETHING YOUR HEART & SOUL IS YEARNING FOR??!! I HOPE SO!!!

***IMPORTANT~~ LIMITED ACCOMODATIONS AVAILABLE IN THIS AREA, HOWEVER, WE WILL WORK WITH YOU TO TRY AND ACCOMODATE EVERYONE WHO FEELS CALLED TO ATTEND!!!

***ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICE~ ONLY $495.00!!! Just $100.00 to save your spot & payment plans are available!!! (***EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED: BEAUTIFUL REMOTE LODGE ON 12 ACRES IN WOOD VALLEY, HI, ALL FOOD & DRINKS, ALL EVENTS/CEREMONIES/ WOMEN’S CREATIVE SPIRITUAL WORKSHOP,  ALL MATERIALS & INSTRUCTION!) (discounts for payment in full & weekly payment plans.)

Please contact Susan at susan@risse.com for payment info./payment plans. The Paypal button will be up & running soon, however, due to the limited accommodations in this remote haven, we do recommend you book early to save your spot!

***I so hope that you can join us!!!

***P.S.: Spots are still available for my 1 day retreats here in Honolulu, as follows:

10/29/11: Nichos (Click on Nichos for details/registration)

***10:30-5:30

12/03/11: Cleansing Ritual (Click on Cleansing Ritual for details/registration)

***10:30-5:30

Hi, my glitter gypsies! How are you today? I am very well, thank you! I want to send out a BIG MAHALO to all of the beautiful women & girls who attended my 1st retreat of the Fall Series on 9/10/11! We had a terrific time & everyone left with a finished Mandala that they all really loved! It was so fascinating to watch while each person created something from their own heART, not really knowing the outcome, but trusting in the process. Lots of support & inspiration were flowing freely & lovingly. The Mandalas all turned out very differently, reflecting the personal journeys that each person was on.

We began in a Ritual, known as “the Red Thread Ceremony.” Many years ago, my teacher, mentor & artist extraordinaire, Shiloh Sophia McCloud, introduced me to this ritual & passed it on to me to share with even more women. It is a way of creating a vessel, or sacred space, to hold all of us safely in the arms of freedom to create that which is wanting to be expressed, even if we’re not sure exactly what that is. It was a beautiful & blessed day, to be sure.

Again, I would like to thank all of the women & girls who joined me on 9/10/11! Which brings me to the next workshop on 10/01/11, 10:30-5:30 again. This time, we will be creating 3-dimensional shrines (or memory boxes.)An amazing workshop that you won’t want to miss!!! Just go to the Home Page & click on Personal Shrines & Memory Boxes button & all of the details are there. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Sign up early, & get a discount + save your spot! Hope to see you there!!!

P.S. Within the next few days, I will be posting A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT/OPPORTUNITY! It is very exciting how the Universe plopped this into my lap, as I am open & flowing & following my heART , even if I’m not sure where it’s leading me…… Mahalo…..Glitter Gypsy

On this very significant weekend of not only the 10 year anniversary of the tragedy of 9/11/2001, but also, the numerical significance of the date tomorrow(9/10/11), as well as the “Full Moon in Virgo”, there is definitely a lot of energy moving around in the Universe.

Last night, I was up into the wee hours finishing this painting, “Our Lady of Peace and Love”~~dedicated to WORLD Peace and Love on this, the anniversary weekend of 9/11/2001.

I really wanted to go to sleep, as I need my rest to be ready to lead my “Women’s Creative Spirituality Workshop” this weekend. But, for some reason, this beautiful Lady kept calling out to me in Her gentle & loving way. “I need you to finish this, BEFORE this MOST SIGNIFICANT weekend to spread love & peace in the World. THEY NEED ME & this is something that you can do, in your own small way, to be a part of that POSITIVE energy.” So I listened, & I did it & here She is!

I’d also like to invite you to be a part of this “POSITIVE ENERGY MOVEMENT” with ME tomorrow at my Workshop! I REALLY want you all to come! This time, don’t worry @ $$. Payment plans & scholarships are available. This is about something BIGGER for me, for US. Please sign up, I will make it work!

3 more days until my Mandala Workshop on 9/10/11. As I prepare for the workshop, I find myself “looking” with new eyes, at things that are Mandalas. The word mandala comes from the ancient Sanskrit & means “circle.” And there is a certain sacredness about what is in this circle. The circle part is significant, as a circle has no beginning or end, all parts are equal.

In Native American culture, all meetings are held in a circle, thereby giving each person an “equal voice.” Part of my teaching practice also includes the sacred circle. My teacher, mentor & coach, Shiloh Sophia McCloud taught me the ritual of “The Red Thread Circle” & I begin all of my “circles” with this practice. You’ll have to come to the workshops to really “get it”, but basically we begin our work in circle, sharing our voices & connecting with our symbolic red thread as a means of really connecting our vision & intention. It’s a really powerful & freeing exercise to begin & end our workshops in a connected & supportive way.

I’ve posted my “Gifts from the Sea Mandala” as another example of ways to be creative in the name of equality in the form of a circle. *Still time to sign up, right here!*

Hi Everyone! We had a fantastic time last weekend at my Open House/Studio Party!!! Interesting, fun, entertaining group of friends were in attendance, both old & new.

For those of you who weren’t able to attend, I just wanted to remind you that there are still spaces available for our 1st workshop (next Saturday, Sept. 10th)–Theme~~Mandalas. Many people have asked me exactly what a Mandala is. That’s a very good question & it’s not a word one hears in daily conversation. If you click on the word “Mandala” on the Workshops blog, there is a definition there. But, simply put, Mandala means “circle.” Anything can be called a Mandala if it is circular & the intention is there. As an example, the Earth, the Womb, a platter of fruit in a beautiful circular pattern, & so on. In our case, we will be creating a Mandala of art. We will begin with a blank circular form that we will bless with paint, collage, glitter, ephemera, or any meaningful photographs, mementos, or objects of significance to you. There are no wrong or rights~~we’ll be creating from our hearts. I guarantee that you will leave with something that YOU LOVE! Sign up now~~if you sign up for all 4 workshops, you’ll save $50.00! I invite you create space in your life to “CREATE.”

I’ve decided that since I {heart} Saturdays so much, this is a great day for me to share something that inspires me. At first I thought I would make it something this inspires me as an artist. But then I thought of all the hats I wear — that we all wear as fellow travelers on this great big blue marble of a world — and decided my weekly Saturday inspiration is going to be a thought that inspires me as an:

artist/teacher/student/mother/wife/friend/daughter/sister/entrepreneur and all-around lover-of-life

My first image for I {heart} Saturdays comes from Holstee. The company’s self-description is “lifestyle goods, designed with a conscious.” Take a look at this image, which is the Holstee Manifesto Poster.

I’m considering shelling out the $25 to buy this poster and hang it in my studio. The two lines that give me goosebumps are “Life is about the people you meet and the things you create with them” and “Live your dream and share your passion.”

Yup, that pretty much sums of my artistic journey these past few years. I’m often at a loss of words for how grateful I am for these dual worlds of mine — the mixed-media world of art and publishing and retreats and the crafts industry of Designer friends and awesome manufacturers and art materials to work with so my passion can be shared with others.

Here’s wishing all of you a truly Artful Saturday!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   * Only $25.00 will hold your spot for any class. Balance due 2 weeks prior to start date. ( Pay in FULL for any class & save 10%!!!)        *** SO, you can take a single  workshop , or the entire series of 4 & save $50.00!!!

Currently, I’m offering one-on-one private art classes FOR ALL LEVELS!! I mean it, sincerely, when I say that you need absolutely NO art experience, just a desire to be creative & express yourself in a very freeing, opening & non-judgemental setting. I have found nothing short of miracles unfold as I have worked with women of all ages, all backgrounds, all levels describe their experiences & revelations after just one workshop! You see, ART, in all it’s many forms, is a tool that allows you to access & mine all sorts of emotions, ideas & revelations that are simply not available to the conscious, busy, chattering mind. When we let go of our expectations, to-do lists & “responsibilities,” if only for a little while, something magical happens…..hours slip away…..the mind settles & it just feels really good!

You get to design your menu. Now, wait, DO NOT let that scare you!!! What I mean by that, is you get to decide what type of art form that you would like to create during your session. Not to worry, I will walk you through every step, if needed & give you space if that’s what you prefer. But, I’ll be there for YOU. Some of your choices are: Collages & Mandalas, Personal memory boxes,shrines, & “nichos”(beautiful tin & glass “shrines” from Mexico,) embellished vintage trunks & cigar boxes, paintings, jewelry design & creation, & even more. I provide all of the materials, studio space (high on a ridge in Hawaii Kai-Honolulu with ocean & mountain views from every room to inspire you,) & personalized instruction.

I will also be posting my fall workshop schedule soon, so subscribe to my site, & you’ll be FIRST to receive the latest info. The workshops will be small & personalized, so you can receive all of the assistance & attention that you desire.

The cost for private classes is $50.00/per hour, with a minimum of  2-3 hours recommended. All materials, as I stated previously, are provided, with the exception of  trunks & cigar boxes. There is an additional fee for those, or you may bring your own. Please feel free to email or call with any questions.

The group workshops will be starting in late September/early October & will run 1 Saturday a month from 10:30-6:00. Each month we will have a new project or “theme.” The group workshops will be $75.00 for the entire day, including materials, with the exception of  vintage trunks/ boxes/tins (*additional fee for these or you may provide your own.)

I am so happy to be starting this new series~~”The Women’s Spiritual Creativity Series,”~~designed to inform, teach, inspire & support women in a creative & safe setting. Think of this as the modern woman’s “quilting bee, card club or afternoon tea circles” that our Mothers & Grandmothers used to do to bond & connect with their “sisters.” I hope that you will consider these offerings as a gift for yourself & your girlfriends or colleagues.

Testimonials from previous students:

“My nicho came out nothing like I’d planned. First of all, I collaged everything on BEFORE I realized that it was upside down!!! But I love it~~instead of a sunrise, it’s a sunset. And  the colors that I ended up choosing were the exact opposite of what I’d had planned…..but they’re beautiful in the way that the colors ‘pop.’………..I don’t know of many artists who not only collect these kinds of materials, but also share them with their students. I’m so happy with my work of art!” L.M.~Kailua

“As I tried to unravel the yarn that I wanted to use for my project, it kept getting ‘stuck & tangled’ every time I thought that I was making progress. But as I forged on, I realized that the getting stuck is really a metaphor about life. We ‘get stuck’ all the time, but we carry on. And when we stick with it, sometimes miraculous results unfold.” dr….Honolulu

“I found that this creative project felt to me kind of like a test~~like I’m really focused on doing a good job, but it’s not stressful, like a test would be. It’s the opposite feeling~~relaxing & good……………….I have all sorts of art projects that I mean to pull out & work on, but the TV or the bed always seems to win out……………… this was a great opportunity for me to be creative, have fun & bonding with everyone, & leave with a finished piece that I LOVE!!!………….L.M.~Pearl City

LET THE CREATIVITY BEGIN!!!

In sisterhood,

Susan, aka~Glitter Gypsy

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Magdalena, The Peacock Gypsy by Susan Risse

Lent is 40 days and 40 nights, & that can feel like a LOOOONG time for some of us! Particularly, if we’ve “given up” something we REALLY enjoy, or have committed to an especially CHALLENGING endeavor!

Well, how about something enjoyable & “good for you,” too, to break it up just a bit!?

I’ve decided to offer a “Lenten Special” on my Retreat this weekend to try & help busy women take some time out for THEMSELVES. We’re so used to giving, but it is sometimes difficult to GIVE to ourselves!! An ironic thing that happens, though, (because most women aren’t used to giving to themselves first,) is that after you do it, you feel so much better about everything in your life! The side-affect is that you actually end up with MORE to give to others! Isn’t that great??!!

So, if you’d like to take me up on this special offer, here’s the deal. Offer #1–Do the entire 3 day/2 night Retreat (all-inclusive,) bring a FRIEND & room together (2 twin beds in the room) – BUY 1, get 1 FREE!!! (That means, essentially, that you’ll both be getting half off the price of the ENTIRE weekend!!! (Still all inclusive–$295.00 for 2 women!!) Offer #2– Drive up to the Monastery Saturday morning as early as you’d like, but the actual program will begin at 9:30a.m. (slight change from earlier schedule, due to logistics at the monastery,) & end at 4:30, with prayers & dinner following. Drive home. The cost for #2 is $70.00 , including dinner, (bring a sack lunch.) Now, how does that sound–creating something beautiful to take home & treasure (because YOU made it!,) being in community with other like-minded women, 65 acres of HEAVEN to roam with ocean views, mountain views, gorgeous peacocks strutting the grounds freely, & numerous bird species flying around & providing us with our beautiful background music !?

Call or email now to reserve your spot!!! Full details of the retreat are further down this page.

To those who have already signed up, there is a slight change to Saturday, due to logistics at the Monastery. Instead of  the 10:30-5:30 portion, it will be 9:30-4:30.

Hope to see you there!!!

We will begin Friday evening by checking into our rooms & the retreat & join later for our Opening Circle. A peaceful nights sleep  then awaits you.

Saturday morning, we will begin our creative workshop/retreat at approximately 10:30. We will be exploring various artforms as tools & portals to connect more deeply with our own souls, thus allowing God to permeate & fill our hearts with what is needed for us at this time. The more open we are to receiving God’s love & messages, the more that we will be able to take away. We will complete by 5:30 pm. Another restful night awaits you.

Sunday, we will join the Benedictine Community for Mass & prayer times, breakfast & lunch. After lunch, we will meet for our closing ceremony & departure. Please feel free however to roam the majestic grounds, stop for a while in the grotto, meditate on the blue swing, absorbing the incredible beauty of this facility & depart when you’re ready. You will leave feeling as if you have been on a week’s vacation– the facility is THAT special! Although the monastery sits on 65 acres of Prime Land, the facility itself is quite small & private, making this a very intimate  group with lots of individualized attention. Slots will fill up quickly, as there are limited accomodations. Please sign up early to ensure a space!

This 3 day/ 2 night retreat is ALL -inclusive–3 meals/day/3 days/ 2 nights accommodations, all prayer services & masses, the complete workshop,( Including All materials–everything!) Fee for the entire weekend, all- inclusive, is $295.00, if you pay right away in full. Or– you can pay $50.00 to hold your spot,  then make payments up until the star of the retreat. All bills must be paid in full before u depart

*Personal coaching & guidance will be available, as well, on an appointment based schedule, (spaces are limited, so please book early!)

Space is very limited at this facility, so please book early, especially if you’d like to stay over.

This will be a wonderful, spiritual, creative retreat, designed just for today’s woman–overworked, stressed out, exhausted, always giving, & left wondering: “what’s it all for? I’m looking for something “more” in my life.”

Come recharge your batteries for YOU! you really NEED & DESERVE  THIS!!!

Feel free to email me with any questions!

**For those of you who may be considering flying over here, I would STRONGLY encourage this. The rooms are very  affordable, & the retreat can be the icing on the cake!! You can experience the serenity of the retreat & then head over to the “action” of Honolulu for a few days. That would be an ideal vacation!!! If you need any assistance with booking a hotel, feel free to send me an email.

Fondly,

Glitter Gypsy

We live in a world of Criticism and Creative Stifle and my commitment to my destiny (now that I think I’ve figured it out)  is to share as much encouragement and support to the creative energy that lives in all of us.   I’m gonna pull, tug, inspire, encourage and motivate as many people as I can to snap out of that “I’m not creative” state of mind and get busy!

In my career in the creative and marketing world I’ve had thousands of people make the comment “I’m not creative or I can’t draw a straight line.”  Did someone program into their brain at birth that they weren’t creative?  I mean, I can see it coming when someone asks me if I am an artist  and before I can even answer them – the words start rolling out of their mouths like a robot as if that’s the standard comment they are supposed to make to creative people.  We’ve gotta change that!

I have been searching the globe for people,  just everyday,  normal people who are VERY creative and have a story to tell.  And then there’s are those who are over the top and even more inspiring in their creative genius.

What most people don’t realize is that we are born creative.  If nurtured – the  energy of that innate ability will grow and even give you this inner feeling of expression and serve you as you grow in a career or just in life.  It’s the millions of people that were not nurtured or encouraged to be creative or explore their creative expression and some where before 6 or 7 that little light inside the soul turned off.   Or it’s the millions of people that were constantly criticized by a parent, teacher or family member, or even society and they just quit expressing their creativity.  Or it’s the millions of people who continued their pursuit of creative expression but hearing those voices in their head that says “you’re not creative, it’s not good enough or you can’t make any money.”  Pow!  That stops most of us from trying to be fulfilled creatively and go on seeking a career that will make us money.

Now don’t think I’m one of those money Nay-Sayers.   I’m not, I like being prosperous and believe we all deserve to have everything we desire in our life.  And I’ve met a lot of people who found harmony and money when they let go of their creative expression and pursued what they loved.

So how do you get creative if you don’t think you are creative?

Here’s 5 tips to get started:

1.  If  you have no clue what to do – take a simple acrylic painting class.  Believe it or not – everyone can paint.  Sometimes the painting will rev-up your creative juices and open the portal of creativity within you and you’ll begin to “feel” creative.  You may find you don’t like painting but it could inspire you to take that singing lesson,  or learn Salsa dancing, or cooking – whatever lets you express yourself.  Painting is very therapeutic and the motion of painting is soothing and stimulating.

2.  Change some of your daily routines.  Dive to work a different way.   Or just for fun sit down and write a paragraph or sketch and doodle  with the opposite hand for about 15 minutes.  this actually stimulates to brain to work in the creative side.

3.  Take 5 minutes out of your day and relax deeply.  That means close your eyes, clear your mind of the current situation and focus on the color Orange.  Just pretend you are looking at a big, giant, huge orange right in front of your face – envision smelling the fresh, natural orange flavor.  Believe me your creativity will begin to blossom.

4.  Get you kids crayons and coloring book and color.  If you don’t have kids – then crayons and coloring books are cheap and just about everywhere – drug stores, Walmart, etc.  Yeah I know it sounds weird but it works – It actually brings out the kid in you.  Oh and if you color with your kids you get that extra bonus of  bonding.  I did it the other night with my 8 year old granddaughter and we had a blast!  You can decide if you want to color in the lines or outside.  After all there’s no one there to scold you!

5. Get a box of  colored Sharpies and doodle for fun.

Ok.   That’s the start of many more ways to open up that creative beast that lives inside.  Don’t be shy and think it’s stupid.   Start coloring.  Let’s  “Stamp Out Criticism” of our creative nature and get busy.  You’ll have a more fulfilling life if you are willing to be curious about your hidden creativity.

But back to Ann. I was attracted by the subject of the class and by her background. She began painting seriously in 1991, following a career teaching literature. Her first collages were inspired by her love of theater. She layered images from old programs, incorporated excerpts from scripts, and used strips of fabric and wallpaper. She also used French literature, and the works of Marcel Proust in particular, as a jumping-off point for collage focusing on memory and time. Her Artist’s Statement (below) struck a note of recognition for me. We seem to share a love of literature, theater, books and reading, and want to make art that incorporates those passions. I’m very much looking forward to her class.

“In my mixed media abstract paintings I have set out to explore both the visual effects of text and its tendency to carry meaning whether intended or not. Although I often present words, letters, and symbols merely as shapes and patterns, so accustomed are we to interpreting these as narrative that it is sometimes impossible to see the forms alone. Color, too, gives added connotations to the words. Some pieces have been deliberately engineered to appear theatrical and, in fact, include pages from Shakespeare’s plays. sone have the glow or patina of old manuscripts, while nevertheless containing mre mechanical reproductions of calligraphy. As I paint, I also write annotations ‘in the margins,’ commenting on a particular text or simply expressing separate thoughts and ideas.

“As a teacher of literature, an avid reader and writer, books have shaped my identity and given direction to my ideas. Each novel I encounter affects the meaning of subsequent novels. Hand annotations in the margins of used books give a clue to the reactions of other readers before me, often very different from my own. In theatres in London, where I lived for most of my life, the words of well-known plays were constantly being reinterpreted from one production of a play to the next.

“I have adopted a method of painting with multiple transparent veils of paint through which collaged images or words appear and disappear, representing layers of memory and understanding. Lately I have been painting in encaustic (hot wax), a method which involves etching and incising. Often the process itself takes over from intention and I find myself erasing or covering messages which originaly I intended to use to communicate an idea more directly. Thoughts get buried as others surface. Almost like the act of reading itself.”