Today I'm feeling grateful to be part of a vibrant arts community along the North Shore of Lake Superior, in the state of Minnesota and frankly, in the larger global community that has offered connections across the globe. 

Here, at home, in Two Harbors, my local arts group - Voyageur Artists, has connected me with  so many talented and generous creators whose ideas and courageous work have inspired me for more than a decade. Some of its members no longer walk among us but have left us with a legacy of beautiful work and ongoing inspiration. Joyce Gow was one of those people. She told me she kept a large sketch pad beside her bed and drew in it every morning when she woke up and at night before she went to sleep. She was still developing new techniques and exploring different subject matter and compositional possibilities as she neared the end of her life. Joyce's dedication to practice was undoubtedly an important part of her success as an artist and I'm slowly incorporating some of those habits, such as drawing/writing at night, in the morning and in spurts throughout my day (hint: carry a sketchbook/notepad with you at all times).

I'm energized by others  as well. Helen Hartley, currently the group's treasurer, often sent me notes of encouragement and hand-painted images when she knew I needed a boost. Helen and numerous friends inspire me with their playful approach to many mediums and generosity in sharing their process. I keep all of these  little notes (reminders of how much I have accomplished and encouragement to keep going) from Helen and others, in a little box beside my desk. 

Collaborating on work, scheduled meet-ups or calls to check in and coffee/lunch dates are things I do to stay connected with other artists/writers whose friendships I value beyond words. New students also fill my heart as I watch them improve their skills and grow in confidence.

All of these connections are illustrations of a concept I recently read about called "Indra's Net" in which the Hindu god, Indra, created a net held together by perfectly polished and infinitely faceted jewels. Every jewel reflects each of the facets on all of the other jewels. In this way, no matter where each jewel is positioned, it affects every other part of the net. Indra's net is a model for science research in looking at the cosmos and the human brain. It is how I believe we make an impact in our own lives and are molded by our relationships with others.

An open mind and heart are needed to allow this magical inter-being, serendipity or happenstance to occur. The connections we make as we walk through each day can provide a reciprocal flow of positive energy, ideas and compassion that fill us with inner joy!