Be Groovy or Leave, Man.

The spirits of the people who filled my studio Sunday, March 30th, still linger in the air. I sit in silence today and look around at an empty room that was bursting with laughter and joy just hours ago. A tear wells up in my eye and I blink furiously to keep it from falling down my cheek. Pull yourself together, Jessie. 😂 I see each smiling face in my mind and ponder on the 40 some odd diverse human beings that interacted with me and each other for the brief time that they were here. I smile and think of the unique personalities, ages, interests, and beliefs that were packed into this little building of mine. I think about my mom who’s known me all my life. My younger brother and my son, whom I’ve known all of theirs. Old friends who I’ve known for 20, 30, and going on 40 years, that resurfaced to spread their love and support when it counts the most. New friends, who I’ve met mid-life, that I now wonder how I lived without for so long. I think about my dad, gone over a decade now, and wish he could be here to see what I’ve created. I think of close friends who couldn’t make it. And my husband, who graciously put our marriage anniversary on the back burner so that I could have the entire limelight for the day. All of these people float in my mind, as I revolve on my first open studio. I’m engulfed by a feeling of nostalgia and whimsy, leaving me wanting more time with each of them.

I remember dreaming of this. Dreaming of a studio where the words, “Be Groovy or Leave, Man” are painted on the door. I remember wondering if I could provide a place where humans could find common ground in a world that more often than not leaves us so divided. Is it possible? To facilitate this peace? All of the people I love are so different…I remember thinking. Sunday, that dream came alive. Several of the people that walked into the art studio were quite literally complete polar opposites in every way imaginable. The one thing they each had in common was the arts. The creations, the music, the food, and the fellowship. The things we all live for. The things that make us human, and light us up from the inside out. We don’t think of the arts as being important until we’re overcome with an emotion so great that we need more than just plain words. We need to paint a picture! We need to sing a song! We need to embrace in hug! We need to dance! Each individual who walked through that studio door have that thread in common, whether they realize it or not. “You may say I’m a dreamer…” 🎶

I think about how many pieces I sold. How some of the patrons and collectors who bought my creations were a delightful surprise to me! Others, I knew would be drawn to certain ones immediately. And while I’d be lying if I said the money didn’t matter (because if does..I’ve got bills like the rest of us 🤣), the bigger truth is I think that maybe this is God’s way of allowing me to glimpse into a microscopic view of the hereafter. A little slice of heaven right here on Earth. A couple of short hours where time stands still, and each extraordinary walk of life is in accord and at peace. “Imagine all the people…”🎶

So, today, I sit here with the dust still settling, scripture and music lyrics swimming in my brain as usual. Still dreaming and wondering about people and peace and love and art and the great beyond. “Farther along, we’ll know all about it..” 🎶 I’m thankful for the people I have found. Or rather who have found me. I marvel thinking that in all the great wide world, and the twists and turns of my life, that the good Lord chose these particular, peculiar, pleasant people just for me. I know without a shadow of a doubt that I am divinely favored. Why else would Yaweh allow such remarkable human beings to cross my path?!

Trust the process. We are all becoming. ✌🏻♥️🎨🕊️🕊️🕊️

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” Philippians 1:3

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb…” Revelation 7:9

🎶“Until you see this trash can dream come true

You stand at the edge while people run you through

And I thank the Lord there’s people out there like you

I thank the Lord there’s people out there like you.” 🎶

Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters ~Elton John/Bernie Taupin