Lately I’ve been looking for things and
finding other things.

For example I found my gift box from my graduation for JFKU in 2006. I hadn’t looked in it recently. Inside one of the things I found were packaged pennies with a label that said "place where you want them to grow". So I put some pennies in my wallet and some in my fee box for my classes. Since then I keep finding pennies everywhere. I find them on my studio doorstep, outside my car, on my chair. Today I found a quarter on my cell phone(weird?!). Hmmm well the value is going up. Not sure where this leading but I’m trying to follow the breadcrumbs. Paying attention more to "pennies from heaven". I think I’m getting it that my value is where I am, what I do, in my studio, and the way I communicate and connect. Obvious, but pennies or messages from heaven help out to confirm it. I've been going outside of my studio a lot to work with others. I'll have time to regroup soon and looking at ways to "be here now" will be a focus!

Oh and by the way, what was I originally looking for? A key which I already had on my keychain and didn't remember. Now if that isn't a message I don't know what is!

Update: the next day: found $3! I like this roll I'm on.

Why celebrate girls? I say why not? With all we have to be stressed out about in the world and media blaring danger, death, people being unpleasant - why not take a day to gather and honor girls and their wonderfulness and power? Why not take an afternoon to remember that girl in us that still wants to
be happy and play and laugh?

That is why I'm putting my Japanese dolls up for the first time in 20 years to celebrate
Girls' Day like they do in Japan.

Every kind of doll and it's owner of any age is invited to hang out and eat cookies or what ever kind of treat you want to share. I'm looking forward to laughing and blessing the health and happiness of us all! RSVP judyshintani@yahoo.com to join us at my studio on 2/27, 1-5pm.

May you have a moment to remember your wonderful self this holiday season!

Much gratitude for your support, creativity, and being you. Here's to new adventures and unfolding in the new year. 

​~ Judy

When the Solstice is nearing, I often tune into where I am and where I want to be. Today I took a hard look at an area of my life that I haven’t been attending to. As often can be the case when one doesn’t pay attention, things can go awry and life can be thrown out of balance. I felt sad, overwhelmed and angry with myself.
 
I came upon an article by Jack Kornfield that really spoke to me - about setting your compass.
“Whatever your difficulties—a devastated heart, financial loss, feeling assaulted by the conflicts around you, or a seemingly hopeless illness—you can always remember that you are free in every moment to set the compass of your heart to your highest intentions. In fact, the two things that you are always free to do—despite your circumstances—are to be present and to be willing to love.”
 
Yes! Of course, I must make my own compass! I pulled out my pen and drew a compass and without much thought, wrote six words circling the center of my compass. I drew the  arrow pointing to one of the words – the one that had the most juice in the moment – abundance! Around the compass I drew my hand – so I held my personal direction finder. I added color and designs to my drawing. Each finger became alive with vibrancy, depicting my interaction with my new tool, and aligning myself with my soul’s intention.
 
This afternoon of art making helped me bring to light an area that has been in the dark. It gave me confidence to make a commitment to myself - to take responsibility for my needs in a positive, active, and loving manner.

This month I taught and experienced a variety of art processes. I thought about how the different materials brought up different emotions and feelings.

For the first time I worked with mosaics and cement in guest teacher Jennifer Clark’s classes. I was surprised how placing the stones and tiles into cement felt so satisfying. It was similar to putting my toes into mud and enjoying the cool squishiness. Working this way brought out the playfulness in me, and a grounded sensation filled my body. There was a meditative quality too  - in another mosaic technique of smoothing mortar and then wiping the mortar off of the mosaic pieces, the process of wetting the cement, and letting the pieces dry slowly.

Later in the week I experienced painting in different ways. In the painted mat class I facilitated, we applied acrylic onto treated fabric. We worked with the canvas flat on the table, creating a decorative and functional mat with a specific design. There was a communal feeling as if we were in a sewing circle, talking about our art and sharing stories of life.

The second painting experience was done standing up and on paper in a class in San Francisco. I created 4 fluid paintings with tempera in a couple hours. It was a more internal process, bringing up hidden emotions and deep feelings.

Lastly I made art with kids outdoors, collecting flower petals and grass to create mandalas. What a process of discovery and play - such a joyful energy!

I'm reminded that art is an endless way of exploring ourselves through play and introspection. I love offering an abundance of different creative experiences to my students at my studio and everywhere I teach.