It’s All About The Heart

I’ve been absent from my blog for a very long time now for a variety of reasons. Life has a way of taking some twists and turns and for a longer period of time than I wanted, I lost my muse and my voice. I’ve managed to continue to post my daily Instagrams, which is good for my creative side, but for a period of time the words for a blog just simply haven’t been there.

I was, however, introduced to the art form of Zentangle last year about this time and I found it to be very calming and absorbing. Each tile begins with a few basic lines and I usually have an idea of where I’m going with them, but they very seldom end up there. The process seems to take on a life of its own and my finished work usually surprises me.

Since 1980 I’ve crafted valentines for a small group of people that feel I’ve connected with on an artistic level, or perhaps they just seem to understand something about me that I can’t quite explain. The list stayed small in number because I never wanted the valentines to be mass produced but each year I make a few extras. Last year some complete strangers get those extras. I carried them with me as I was out and about on February 14th and it was a fun twist to gift them to someone who had no idea who I was. Some years it’s a proximity thing…..a valentine might be given to someone that has come into my life for a season for whatever reason.

If you’d like to read the history of the valentines click here. It’s one of three posts that tell their story. Part two is here and you’ll find part three here.

Most years the valentines are all the same, sometimes each one is different. That is the case this year and thus, the reason for this blog post. I thought the recipients might want to see the others, to understand just how unique each one is. I put them into envelopes before I addressed them so in essence, each one chose it’s recipient. Not all of them made the cut as valentines but I’m including them so you can see the variety of the work. Plus, I just wanted to see all of them in one place.

Valentine’s Day is most often thought of in romantic terms. I prefer for it to be a day on which I simply let people know I love them on one of the many, many levels that love blesses my life.

16 comments on “It’s All About The Heart”

They are all fabulous!

LikeLiked by 1 person

Love your art Julie. I always enjoy reading your blog too. Thanks for sharing.

LikeLiked by 1 person

Julie, you are back!!! I have missed this blog so much, My day is made! I have felt so many different emotions touring the years of Valentines, I’m so blessed to be a recipient❤️ I cried AGAIN with the tribute of love for your mom! I felt Sad that so many years have gone by, I felt Happy that you came into my life and we were fast friends! I love you, You are so talented!! This years are AMAZING!!! DON’T stop this blog ever again!!!

LikeLiked by 1 person

Welcome back! I was just about to write and call (about ten times!)

I should have known to check Instagram for reassurance. So thrilled to see you in my reader!

As for the loss of Muse, it certainly does NOT seem to have interfered with your ability to create endless and varied beauty!

I LOVE these! You’ve definitely inspired me (also MIA for a while)…mostly until this very week.

Thank you so much for coming back.

Big, giant, sloppy hugs!!

LikeLiked by 1 person

This reminds me of my Zen Bead Embroidery!! (Do you remember seeing it?) And that got me thinking! To BEAD one of these would be so cool. And then I imagined stenciling on black T-Shirts. And then…And then…

LikeLiked by 1 person

Julie, these Valentines are beautiful. I can.t imagine having to pick a favorite. You blow me away every time I see any of your projects; photos, paintings, decorating, gardens, etc. You are so talented and creative. Keep on creating. Happy Valentine’s Day!! ❤️

LikeLiked by 1 person

Julie, so glad to see aneother post.

LikeLiked by 1 person

So beautiful Julie. Can’t wait to see which one has my name on it.

We drove to Milwaukee today for John Bartol’s funeral. He and his wife, Mary, are associates. He had Alzheimer’s disease for years and Mary took care of him. They were actually in our first associate group. John was a state patrolman and one of the most gentle men I knew. Zita and I went to the Passion Play in Oberammergau with them. I am so tired I can’t keep my eyes open, so I am off to bed. It was quite an emotional day and a long one. Glad to be home. Love you. Carol

Carol Crosby SCSC Holy Cross Sisters 1600 O’Day St. #10 Merrill WI 54452

LikeLiked by 1 person