Yesterday morning was dismal and gloomy - one of those days I'd rather continue journaling or sketching instead of heading out. But I had a Heart to Hand Illustrating Journaling class to teach and the participants are such an inspiration, so that made leaving in the dreary fog a little easier.
We were about 5 minutes from starting our session when a student from my last class, Enhancing Your Life with Herbs, walked in carrying a treasure - a beautiful block of rosemary soap - two toned with a scalloped design. The fragrance was immediately captivating - rosemary is a favorite! The little brown paper bag it came in was a gift in its self, stating that the rosemary would 'clear the mind and sharpen the memory."
Rosemary is for remembrance -

"There's rosemary. That's for remembrance. Pray you, love, remember."
                                                                                ~ William Shakespeare

Thank you Judy, for your thoughtfulness and radiance! Your energy and aura are a gift!

A quick journal sketch from the gazebo at RI yesterday. It was 70 degrees, the sky was blue, autumn colors spectacular. Capturing the moment will help me remember this glorious day years from now.

Today's class on Impressionists was filled with reminders about my trip to Paris with Nancy. Our instructor is superlative. He wove insights, knowledge and wisdom through out the course, giving whole new meaning to what we experienced this summer.

The gardens - floral and water lily - were spectacular, and the home was warm and inviting, such a contrast from our earlier visit to Versailles. His reverence for beauty and love of nature filled the area with peace and serenity.

His home, filled with spectacular Japanese prints, was breathtaking. Seeing his masterpieces, hung and stacked in his studio was the high point of an already surreal experience. If I ever go back to France, seeing Giverney again will be at the top of my list. Loved the hustle and bustle of Paris, but the aura in and surrounding Monet's home and gardens was more my preference. .