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My Dear Art Friends,
While the tradition of sending Christmas cards has largely gone out of fashion, it's one holiday ritual about which I tend to be religious. I very much enjoy creating, signing, and addressing cards. Now, however, because my cards primarily go out to those who have purchased my artwork, it takes days to get the job done.
Don't get me wrong, this is a problem I'm grateful to have! What started in 2002 with my reluctant consent to a bewildering call to "Do Art" has resulted in the making of many, many paintings (easily more than 1000 now) and the sale of a more than a few of them. Amazing! Writing these stacks of cards connects me with a renewed sense of purpose, as well as deep appreciation for the support of collectors that allows me to continue exploring my Art inspiration.
If you didn't get a card from me, please know I realize it isn't possible for everyone to make a painting purchase (or I've mislaid your address!). Your interest is nevertheless very important to me. It means a lot simply to know how many people are fans and followers of my work. Those of you who visit my Studio & Gallery in the summer (and bring your friends), who read my blog on the website, who have signed up for this newsletter (almost 1200 people!), follow me on Facebook and Instagram (and occasionally drop a line to comment and encourage) are vital to my art practice. I once heard someone say, "You alone can do it, but you cannot do it alone." For this solitary artist-type, it's more than wonderful to know I'm not working in a void! So, please stay connected and know that, even if you don't get something in the mail from me, you are valued! (And, when you're ready, let's figure together out how to get you on my Christmas card list ....)
Each year since becoming a Unity Minister, way back in the 1980s, I've been on the alert for the Best Words to say to communicate the meaning of the Winter Holidays. And, over the years, I keep coming up with the ones written by Fra Giovanni in 1513. This time of year, when the shortest days and the longest nights cause many people to suffer disillusionment and discouragement, the Good Monk reminds us that a spiritual dimension exists beyond what appears as the "gloom of this world."And, in that dimension (which I experience whenever I create a painting), there is a Joy that can withstand and, perhaps, illumine whatever the World might happen to be serving up in the news feed of any given day.
So, at the end of this particularly chaotic Year in the World, and on this, the darkest day of that Year, I offer you instead this bright morsel of Christmas Truth. Please enjoy it today and todos los dias!
With Warm Wishes of Joy for You and Yours,
Ellie
Christmas Greeting
I salute you.
There is nothing I can give you which you have not.
But there is much which, while I cannot give, you can take.
No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in it today. Take Heaven.
No peace lies in the future that is not hidden in this present instance. Take Peace.
The gloom of the world is but a shadow. Behind it, yet within our reach, is joy. Take Joy.
And so at this Christmastime I greet you with the prayer that for you now and forever
the day breaks and the shadows flee away.
Fra Giovanni, 1513
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