I love this post card! Two weeks ago I went down to Ocean Grove, NJ. It's where I go when I need to rest and regroup and listen to myself think. I often do this when I attend an art retreat. That's what I did this month. It's been a whole year since I've been at Ocean Grove. The past 12 months have been an agony of stress related to my job, my money, my mother's health and recovery, her adjustment to being unable to live alone, struggling with my landlord, and having to find a lace to move into, being taken advantage of by the movers. It has all been overwhelming and seemed never-ending!

I was a basket case by the time I got to Ocean Grove!  The weather was blustery, damp, and gray. But it didn't matter to me. I was there! I saw some people who were former retreat guests, as well as seeing people that I really have developed relationships with. It felt embracing to be among people who valued my presence so much!

I spent 2 days immersed in art. I left my expectations of creating "perfect" art behind and devoted my energy to "playing" with art. And I came away with art that I actually enjoyed making and enjoyed looking at later.