Life lately

Empty nesting, Grammy vibes and cataracts

Oh wow, when I typed that headline, it hit me again that I've entered a new season in life. I turned 55 and became a grandma last October, my youngest child moved out in August for college, and I went to the eye doctor a couple weeks ago and found out I have cataracts.(my surgery is scheduled for Feb 12 &19) But you know, I really am thankful. I've had too many friends pass away this year, most from cancer, and several before they even turned 50, so I thank God for each and every one of these milestones that He is allowing me to experience.

I don't share a lot of this information on my public social media platform, well, because honestly it's personal, and sometimes hard to process, but that's why I started this newsletter.  If you are here, you are seeking connection with me on a deeper level. I know a lot of you are in the same season as me, so it helps to know that we are in this together. Navigating a newly quiet house, maybe learning new grandparent roles, hot flashes, gray hair, parenting adult children, and dealing with the sadness of seeing our friends leave this world way too soon. 

I process with God first, and then go to the canvas. It's my escape, my therapy, and brings more joy into the world. Most of the time, when you see me painting "happy", I'm dealing with "sad". It's not that I'm trying to project a false image of me being happy all the time, but I can truly say that my heart is joyful in the midst of pain and stress only because of my hope in Jesus. I've seen His faithfulness in my life time and time again. 

If you ever have questions about faith or a relationship with Jesus, I'd love to visit with you. Believe me, I've lived a lot of lives, and been through a lot of struggles, and I'm so thankful for God's unending grace and mercy in my own life. 

Investing in Yourself!

Have you ever gone on an art retreat?

In the spring of 2021, I opened up my instagram and the first thing that popped up on my feed was that Stephanie Ackerman had one opening come available for her Creative Soul Retreat at the Whatever Craft House that was coming up in two weeks. Well, the WCH was on my bucket list, and Stephanie's retreats sell out immediately when she posts them, so I took it as a sign that I needed to go. I dm'd Stephanie and the spot was still available, so I took it, not even asking any questions or looking at what I was signing up for. 

This was coming off the pandemic-things had just opened back up from the world being in shut down mode. I was starving for community and connection, and I was also dealing with some hard parenting struggles and needed to get away for a renewal and refresh. When I got there, almost everyone was with a friend, and many were career retreaters that knew each other; and to top it off, it was a "stitching" theme, of which I was not a fan. I immediately went into shut down mode thinking, "what in the world have I done; this was a huge mistake!!!" I literally felt sick to my stomach as people hugged and greeted long lost friends. Then I watched the traveling duos find their rooms and spots together at the table. But, wait, there's a happy ending....

If you know, you know. Sometimes you just hear God. Maybe not audibly, but in your heart. It doesn't "look" like what you need or think you want, but you know it's His plan. Well, this was one of those moments. It was like God hand-picked that group of women, just for this moment in time. We created, and laughed, cried and shared. Everyone was so friendly and fun, and I was now hooked on retreats and connected with so many on a soul level! This one weekend added a dimension to my art path that I didn't even knew I needed. Since then, I've taught at several more retreats with Stephanie, and my Mighty Mouse friend Andrea Lawless, who I also met that weekend. I've retreated with some of the women again, and kept in touch with so many. It was such a blessing and gift from God! 

I've had it on my heart for some time now to hold a retreat of my own that involved faith and painting, so I'm excited to share two events for fall of 2024, and Stephanie and Andrea are helping me! There are still a few spots left for the September event, and registration for the November event will open sometime in May. You can find all the details on my website HERE. I'd love to meet you, create with you and share a weekend! Hope you will consider joining me! Use early bird code EARLYWCH24 to save $150!

Update-I'm so sorry this retreat sold out before I had the chance to send out this updated email. There will be another retreat in November of 2024, and also a wait list in case of cancellations. To add your name to the waitlist, email me at hello@stacyspanglerart.com

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