Offering HeART and SoulCollage® workshops to inspire your creative spirit
Be Your Own Light's Reflection
Greetings!
In October of this year I will turn seventy-two. That's almost three-quarters of a century of living on this planet. And yes, there are days when my body lets me know just how long that is. But then there are other days—most days in fact—where I am amazed at this beautiful life I am living. I have a lovely cottage home and garden. I have an active art practice creating, mentoring, and teaching (in June I hit the 100 mark for SoulCollage® gatherings at the Down to Earth Studio). I wrote a book. I hike and I go out into the wilderness each year on my vision quests. My life is full of heart friends. I am blessed with children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren who all love me. And on and on the list goes.

Saying all of this feels awkward and dangerous. I was taught that bragging or touting your good life could pull in back luck, or worse put people off and cause them to dislike you. And if people dislike you, they might reject you. But I don't think that premise gives people enough credit for their ability to open-heartedly celebrate one another. I believe if I am coming from a place of celebration and want to share, then others might find their celebration place for their wonderful lives, too. So I'm boldly sharing my joy and gratitude with you trusting that you'll know it comes from my heart, not my ego.

I have a joyful life. I am grateful for my life. I want to stand tall and be a brilliant reflection of my own light. As Marianne Williamson said, "It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous." I say it is an insult to Spirit for us NOT to stand in our own brilliance!

Come stand beside me and we will be multi-faceted jewels of love and light bouncing joy off of one another and out into the world! Let's keep living our best lives one day at a time, all the while creating more beauty in the world.

Addendum: Constant Contact now offers an AI (artificial intelligence) option for creating text in newsletters. I typed in "don't be afraid to live your best life and celebrate it," and here is what came up:

Are you ready to celebrate your best life? Don't hold back! Our community is here to support you every step of the way. Life is too short to waste time worrying about what others think. So, let's raise a glass to our achievements and dance like nobody's watching! Whether it's a small victory or a major milestone, we want to celebrate with you. Join us and let's make every moment count!

Just wanted to share that leading edge technology option with you. : ) I plan to write my own newsletter content in the future.
Art and SoulCollage® Gatherings at the Down to Earth Studio
SoulCollage® Card Making Gatherings

Friday Gatherings 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
GG's Down to Earth Studio

September 8, 2023
October 20, 2023
November 17, 2023
December 15, 2023

Themes to be announced.

Sliding scale fee: $25 - $40. Fee includes all supplies and the 3-hour session.

Please pay* in advance to secure your spot. Venmo (Glenda-Goodrich), Paypal (glendaanne@msn.com) or mail a check made out to me to 240 Bush Street S., Salem, OR 97302. Thank you!

Those new to SoulCollage® can come one hour early for an overview. Newcomer Fee for the one-hour introductory overview + all supplies + three-hour gathering is $65. 
Email GG to register.

*Refund policy: Full refund if you cancel 7 days or more before the gathering; If you cancel less than 7 days before the gathering, I will issue a refund if I can fill your spot.
SoulCollage® Day Retreat

Sunday, September 24, 2023, 9:00 to 3:00
The Gathering Place, 20255 Willamette Dr. West Linn, OR
Faciliated by GG and Elizabeth Hartshorn, LPC (Full Circle Counseling)

As summer settles into fall, you are invited to join us
for a restorative day of self-nurturing that will include
gentle yoga, guided meditation, and creative expression with SoulCollage®.

Fee $160 includes all supplies, expert instruction, coffee + tea reception and lunch
Early bird discount - Register by August 30th and save $15 (fee = $145.00)
Deadline for registration August 31, 2023. No refunds. Questions? Need more information? Feel free to email me. Register at Elizabeth@fullcirclecounseling.com
Window Collage and Painting Workshop
Saturday, September 23, 2024. 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Silverton Art Association Studio Classroom
Workshop fee: $95.00 (+$25 if you'd like supplies provided for you)

In this fun and light workshop we will explore true mixed media. Combining paint, papers, stenciling, and Posca pens, we will create pieces ranging from whimsical to serene, from birds to bouquets. Come engage in this critic-free environment that encourages relaxed playful expression. Beginners welcome. No drawing or collage experience needed.

Register at Silverton Art Association here. Supply list provided upon registration or request materials be provided for you by emailing me.
Kintsugi Breaking and Mending Ceremony
Sunday, October 22, 2023 9:00 - 3:00
The Gathering Place, West Linn, Oregon Facilitated by GG and Elizabeth Hartshorn, LPC (Full Circle Counseling)

Come join us as we delve into the art of breaking and mending as a metaphor for the woundings of life and the beauty that comes from its broken places.

The act of breaking a bowl and mending the “scars” with gold is based on the Japanese art of Kintsugi. Kintsugi teaches us we cannot go back to the way we were before, but instead move forward with our wounding and the beauty it can bring. We accumulate grief, sorrow, pain and carry it with us. This pain is often unseen and unexpressed.

In this ceremony of breaking and mending, you will discover your storehouse of power as you acknowledge your grief and wounding. You will begin to mend that which came before with what is now in your own unique and beautiful way.

Come and experience this restorative ceremony. Break and mend your bowl and honor the place in you where wounding and beauty coexist.

Fee $185 includes all supplies, expert instruction, coffee + tea reception and lunch Early bird discount - Register by September 30th and save $15 (fee = $170.00) Deadline for registration October 8, 2023. No refunds Questions? Need more information? Feel free to email me. Register at Elizabeth@fullcirclecounseling.com
Fall SoulCollage® Retreat at Breitenbush Hot Springs
The SoulCollage® Retreat is on!
Women Only Weekend, Thursday evening September 14 through noon on Sunday September 17, 2023.

What is your soul longing for? Let the magic of SoulCollage® deepen the relationship with your longing and knowing. The Autumn Equinox is a meaningful time of year to honor the harvest. The changing seasons are key points in the cycle of life in nature, and within this cycle lies powerful messages about balance and reflection. Unleash your creative spirit as you play in the pure joy of creating personal collages using imagery. Expand your awareness through journaling, meditation, dream imagery, sound, and time in nature.

In the peaceful setting of Breitenbush, this retreat offers the perfect combination of exploring the soul through the magical imagery of SoulCollage® and time for rest and renewal in nature. The sacred grounds, nourishing food, and soaking in the natural springs can bring life into balance.

Our days together will include basic instruction in the techniques of card making, discussion on the gifts of SoulCollage®, and the many ways your cards can be used for soul affirmation and guidance. There is ample time for card making and card reading, along with meditation, journaling, personal reflection, labyrinth and trail walking, connecting with one another in community, and rituals to honor your soul and the Autumnal Equinox. 

Our intention for this retreat is for you to leave feeling revitalized and reconnected to your juicy and soulful selves. We are filled with joyful anticipation and look forward to welcoming you.  

Register directly with Breitenbush here. Fees listed include lodging and workshop.
Other Announcements from GG's Down to Earth Studio
GG's Recent Art and Writing Submissions

My essay titled "Coyote Wild" and my artwork titled "Wild Muse" were recently published in the July issue of Wild Roof Journal. The issue is for sale for $3.00 here.

My artwork titled "Bird Girl" was featured in Mountain Bluebird Magazine. Subscriptions to the magazine are available here.

My artwork titled "Ancestor Spirits" will be featured in the 2024 edition of the We'Moon datebook. Order copies here
Solo Passage: 13 Quests, 13 Questions Upcoming Bookstore Events
It would mean so much to me to see your friendly face in the crowd at one (or more!) of my upcoming bookstore events:

Helvetica Winery, Portland, OR: Friday, September 22nd, 6:00 pm - Author Readings and Q&A with Cathryn Vogeley, author of I Need to Tell You.

Book Bin, Salem, OR: Sunday, October 1st, 5:00 pm - Book launch party with Book reading and Q&A.

Bloomsbury Books, Ashland, OR: Sunday, October 9th, 7:00 pm - Author reading and Q&A with Anne Stine, Vision Quest guide.

Annie Bloom's Books, Portland, OR: Monday, October 30th, 7:00 pm - Panel discussion and Q&A with She Writes Press authors Terry Repak and Sophia Kouidou-Giles.
Art Prints For Sale
"Being Held in Deep Grief and Unbearable Beauty" art print for sale.
12" h x 16" w $85 plus postage. Contact GG
Beyond the Veil" art print for sale.
16" h x 12" w $85 plus postage. Contact GG
"Dreaming of Iris" art print for sale.
16" h x 20" w $85 plus postage.
"Bird Whisperer" art print for sale.
12" x 12" or 16" h x 16"
$85 plus postage.

Gift Certificates for GG's Down to Earth Studio for SoulCollage(r) baby showers, birthday parties, products, classes, or art doula services. Email GG for more info.
from my creative heart to yours,
The Art Doula is here for you!

I am thrilled to be working with several art mentoring clients and we are having a fabulous time in the studio! I love being an Art Doula : )

Come and explore, discover, and birth your unique creativity.

Are you a tentative artist, or maybe a wanna-be? Do you feel the call to create something but don't know where to start? Have you heard yourself say the words “I’m not a creative person?” Or, maybe you think of yourself as only a painter, or only a crafter.
Let’s debunk those myths! I am an Art Doula, here to help you explore, discover, and birth more of your unique creativity. I'd so love to work with you to help your creative life blossom. Zoom or in-person doula services available. Contact me for a free 30-minute preliminary consult. More information on my website here.