In celebration of my newly released book, Layered Impressions, I'm giving away two copies. I will draw two names using random generator next Thursday at noon.To enter the random drawing all you have to do is leave a comment on this post, sharing one (or more) thing(s) you feel grateful for. I know reading all these gratitude comments will put a smile in the heart of everyone who reads them, so come on, share the love!
And tadaaaaa - I'm excited to have co-created a 3 day workshop entitled Sacred Play with my dear friend and talented artist Misty Mawn happening at Valley Ridge Art Studio this coming May. We're moving outside the box to include activities that expand consciousness, provide grounding, and invite intimacy to heighten the experience we'll be sharing together as we create in the studio.
Valley Ridge Art Studio is one of my very favorite venues to teach at, located in the heart of rural Wisconsin, surrounded by nature and green, green, green. Katherine, our hostess, thinks of absolutely everything to make this an experience you'll forever cherish. Registration opens this Saturday the 14th, at 9:00 AM, CST. Spaces are limited and classes fill quickly.
My other big news, something I haven't yet shared here on the blog, is that I've been invited to be one of the 40 authors presenting at the Search for Meaning Book Festival put on by Seattle Universtiy. I can't begin to express how honored and grateful I am for the opportunity to share and learn from others who are also searching for meaning. The line-up of authors is steller and the reserve tickets are free. It just so happens that the key note speaker (one of two) happens to be one of my most favorite-in-the-world poets, pulitzer prize winning poet Mary Oliver!!!
If you're in the Puget sound area what a better way to spend a Saturday? All the authors will be doing book signings as well, I'm so excited for the adventure.
And to top off a post filled to the brim with goodness, I'm on my way to the Oregon coast in the morning, to share a long weekend with some dear friends. You can be sure there will be painting involved; I'll make sure and snap a few photos to share later. Until then.
Namaste.
I am grateful for relationships (marriage, parenting, family, friendships). They help me grow to be a better person and they are my source of strength and true joy.
Posted by: Tequitia | January 12, 2012 at 12:45 PM
Congratulations on all this good stuff happening for you!!
I would love a copy of this book - and if that random number thingy doesn't pick me - I'm going to just buy it!
Lots to be grateful for - my life is pretty wonderful - but right now I'm grateful for my new puppy - he makes me smile!
Posted by: Judy Shreve | January 12, 2012 at 12:53 PM
Hi Katie...wow, what a question...what am I grateful for? I've been running so hard lately that I haven't stopped to think about it. At all. So, I grabbed this opportunity to sit down a little while to give it some thought and the two things I came up with are: 1) I am grateful for being the mother of two such beautiful girls, both inside and out. And 2) I am grateful for having the opportunity to work so hard on my passion that I can take a shot at making it my work. There are not guarantees, of course, but the shere existence of a possibility is something to be grateful for. All I have to do, is work hard and take a shot! Well katie, thank you for making me stop to think about what I'm grateful for...and yes, I'd love to be the lucky one to win your book. I have a feeling it's a wonderful book...
Posted by: Mandy | January 12, 2012 at 12:53 PM
Ohhh, I would like to win a copy of your wonderful book!!! I am grateful for my life, my health and my capacity to learn :))
Posted by: Christianne Teixeira | January 12, 2012 at 01:11 PM
Wow, such a lovely giveaway!
I am so grateful for many things right now, but the BIGGY is lessons learned. I am grateful for finally having my eyes opened to what I have already and how lovely that is. I am so grateful for that even though it was a costly and heart wrenching thing to have gone through.
Posted by: Michele - | January 12, 2012 at 01:14 PM
I am grateful for being able to see the deeper meaning in things that happen in my life. I am grateful for overcoming stage 3 breast cancer recently and for being able to lose myself in art during that long and painful journey. I am grateful for women artists who are questioning and sharing their insights through art. I am of course grrateful for family, friends and life.
Posted by: nancye williams | January 12, 2012 at 01:18 PM
I am grateful for the time and space which allows me to create art. I am grateful, also, to the larger community which finds emotional and spiritual value in the creation of art.
Posted by: Robin Janning | January 12, 2012 at 01:28 PM
I am grateful for the nature which surrounds me here in the woods.........every day!
Posted by: Penney | January 12, 2012 at 01:47 PM
I am grateful for my health~knowing others who don't have that "luxury" makes me more aware as i get older how good that really is.
Posted by: Donna Joy | January 12, 2012 at 02:01 PM
I am grateful for weather that feels like winter. And I never thought I would say that. The seasons mean more to me than I understood.
Posted by: amanda jolley | January 12, 2012 at 02:07 PM
I'm so grateful for my first grandbaby about to born! While every new baby is special as can be, this Momma and Daddy have waited 10 long years. We are all over the moon with excitement and gratitude.
Posted by: Lorie | January 12, 2012 at 02:17 PM
I am grateful every day for my family, friends, good health and glitter!!! So excited to see your new book!!!
Posted by: Brenda Delaney | January 12, 2012 at 02:28 PM
So much good going on in your life!! I'm grateful for my life. Having done a dance with breast cancer 6 years ago, every single day I am grateful to wake up and have another day to add to my story. I take nothing for granted and look for the joy in every day -- even the not the "hot" days!
Posted by: Sherry | January 12, 2012 at 02:47 PM
I'm grateful for the Internet, because, even if it can have some negative side effects, it made my world so much bigger,I learn so much from people far away I would never have met otherwise. And I see so many beautiful things this way (like the cover of your book). I'm grateful for the people sharing their work, techniques and ideas.
And of course I'm grateful for my family, my health and all the other good things in my life (and afterwards even for some of the bad things).
Posted by: Marjanne | January 12, 2012 at 03:18 PM
ohh - really want!!! Looks great! big love from Éire xx
Posted by: Siobhan Jordan | January 12, 2012 at 03:30 PM
Hi Katie,
Thank you for this wonderful blog and your generosity. I am thankful for my family, my husband, my health, being alive, nature/our planet/space, my capacity to create, and for forgiveness from God and all the people in this world and the next who have ever forgiven me -thank you!
bless you and your family,
Love always,
Dawn
Posted by: Dawn E. Nguyen | January 12, 2012 at 03:36 PM
Congratulations on all the good stuff!
I'm grateful for having the time to craft and create!
Posted by: ElleCee | January 12, 2012 at 03:40 PM
Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of your book, looks fascinating! I am grateful to have my 82 year-old Dad living with us. We lost my Mom in October and it's a remarkable gift to have him here, sharing stories, love and our lives together!!! Best, Jeanette
Posted by: Jeanette | January 12, 2012 at 03:48 PM
Why haven't I seen your blog before??? I'd say, where have you been, but WHERE HAVE I BEEN. It is awesome. Would love your book. It's on my wish list. Your class with Misty is also on my wish list. Love your blog... love your work!!!
Posted by: Janice Scherer | January 12, 2012 at 03:59 PM
I didn't know you had a blog either! I going to go dive in! I put your book on my Amazon wishlist right away, it looks awesome!
Posted by: Laurie Blau-Marshall | January 12, 2012 at 04:17 PM
Your new book looks awesome! I would love to win it!!! I am so grateful everyday for my wonderful husband and all he does for me. Grateful for so many other things as well but he's the first I think of.
Happy crafting!
Posted by: Sheila Lynch | January 12, 2012 at 04:18 PM
I would love to win your book. Luv your new icon at facebook too.
Posted by: Colette Trad | January 12, 2012 at 04:21 PM
Katie, I'm grateful that I was around to witness your artistic beginnings!! I'm also grateful that I was able to take a workshop at Valley Ridge last year! Wish I could join you and Misty this time, it sounds great!!!
Posted by: Sandi Terry | January 12, 2012 at 04:45 PM
I'm grateful for my health, and lots of people I love, and who love me in return. Thank you for a chance to win a copy of your book.
Posted by: Kim Beinschroth | January 12, 2012 at 05:06 PM
How lovely life can be! Mary Oliver is also one of my favorites... my list of gratitude grows daily but one thing I am grateful for today is the generosity of so many artists out there (like you!) who are willing to share their creativity and lives with us all. Your book looks awesome :) xo Deb
Posted by: Deb | January 12, 2012 at 05:45 PM
I am grateful everyday for the life I get to live in beautiful Flagstaff, AZ, USA. And I am grateful that I got to take a fun class with the talented Katie Kendrick on her first teaching gig at Art Unraveled. Thank you for the opportunity to win your new book. And congratulations on all the upcoming greatness. YOu deserve all of it.
Posted by: Marrianna | January 12, 2012 at 05:48 PM
I'm grateful for my husband and my daughter!
Posted by: Marcia Beckett | January 12, 2012 at 05:48 PM
I am grateful for growing up in a family that understood and celebrated the value of handmade.
Posted by: Carina Karlsson | January 12, 2012 at 06:11 PM
I am uber grateful for the powerful work we artists are doing by sharing our truths not only in color but through words and building communities. What a time we live in to live out loud in vastly creative ways. In the thick of it and I love my life even more than ever. Xo
Posted by: robyn | January 12, 2012 at 06:11 PM
I am grateful for the variety and abundance in my life!
Posted by: Joey | January 12, 2012 at 07:23 PM
Gratitude...I'm grateful for a multitude of things...But Im grateful that every morning I have the ability to HEAR the morning birdsong,the ability to be able to SEE the beauty that surrounds me,the ability to be able to CREATE should I wish and Im grateful for the internet because I was able to take your e course!...(and the wonderful friends I have made online)
Im am grateful for so many things... :-)
Posted by: www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawkCs1hHuib2NdxHaosiHV-vhdyBM9O2QtM | January 12, 2012 at 08:04 PM
I am so very grateful for my family and friends. I feel so loved by them.
Posted by: debbiejl | January 12, 2012 at 09:14 PM
this may sound mundane, but I am grateful for the internet, which allows me to connect with so many artists through their blogs. It is magical to me (though it also uses up a lot of time!)
Posted by: Gwen Delmore | January 12, 2012 at 10:00 PM
just to know you will hear the voice of mary oliver, i am completely grateful for that!
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Posted by: rebecca | January 12, 2012 at 10:14 PM
Hi Katie!
I am grateful for your blog! And for my cat George who teaches me how to sleep on these nights when I am tossing and turning. I just watch him for a while and I remember...Thanks for the generous giveaway. I have been anticipating the release of your book.
Camilla
Posted by: Camilla La Mer | January 12, 2012 at 10:41 PM
The muddy footprints of my "bully breed" overgrown and totally adorable Lillidog, placed lovingly on the bed when she jumps up her 90 pounds of heart to keep me company on the days I just can't seem to get up and moving because either my mind or my body won't cooperate.
Posted by: edie | January 12, 2012 at 11:46 PM
What I'm most grateful for is my family; my husband and my kids. But then again- there's so much to be grateful for... I have a home, there's enough te eat, I'm healthy and and and... ;-)
best, Annie
Posted by: Annie | January 13, 2012 at 12:39 AM
I am grateful for connections made on the internet, making the world a smaller place, and I am grateful for the abundance of love and laughter in my home at the moment. :)
Posted by: Natasha | January 13, 2012 at 02:05 AM
I am grateful for receiving the opportunity to open my own business as a massage therapist last year and am super thrilled that it is thriving due to the massive support of my fabulous clients. Grateful am I.
~Dawn
Posted by: Dawn | January 13, 2012 at 05:03 AM
Hello lovely. I'm grateful for having two daughters who love and appreciate both me and each other. I'm grateful for my ever encouraging, gentle, and generous partner. I'm grateful for the devotion and companionship of our pets. I'm grateful for gentle and giving spirits in so many people in the online art world.
Posted by: Xylia | January 13, 2012 at 05:04 AM
Among many other things I'm grateful for peppermint hot chocolate to sip as I watch the snow fall.
Posted by: Maria | January 13, 2012 at 09:29 AM
I'm grateful that it's a new year and a new start - and mostly because we have 2 new kittens. In the last year 1/2 I've had breast cancer, bilateral mastectomy, pneumonia after a second surgery, chemo, and Herceptin infusions every 3 weeks for a year. Just before the last infusion, my two 17 year old cats became terminally ill and died within a week and a half of each other, then my dog ran into me and destroyed my other knee. Believe me, I was NOT feeling very grateful. Then we brought home 2 adorable kittens and all of a sudden the world is fun and bright and life is possible again. So, I'm grateful for the little things that mean life is going to go on and be worth being around to enjoy.
Posted by: Terry Weiss | January 13, 2012 at 03:12 PM
Even prior to the beginning of the new year, I consciously began setting my intention to notice and acknowledge the good all around me. When I wake up in the morning, before I even get out of bed I think of several things I am grateful for (snooze button- lol!), dog sleeping at my feet, etc. Then through out the day, I am becoming aware of those little gifts that are so easy to overlook, the moon glittering at me this morning when I pulled the blinds open, the flock of geese that flew overhead so low that I could hear their wings flapping when I took the mail out, those little gifts that are so quietly given, and I say a silent thank you and go about my life. It lifts my heart. Thank you Katie for all your recent, lovely posts and for having this great giveaway. Cheers!
Posted by: linda | January 13, 2012 at 05:27 PM
I am so grateful for my strong faith that is supporting me during a challenging time in my life. Without it I would be lost.
Posted by: Carol Weiler | January 13, 2012 at 06:53 PM
What am I grateful for? Life, family, teaching art to children, flowers, birds, sunshine, hot showers, rain showers, being able to create art that soothes my soul. Well just about everything. If I don't win the book I'll have to do like Judy and buy it!
Posted by: Dale | January 13, 2012 at 07:10 PM
I am grateful for a rich and full life, and the opportunity this year to retire and live this life even more fully. Thanks for the opportunity to win your beautiful book.
Posted by: Jan | January 14, 2012 at 08:35 AM
Katie, Right now I am truly grateful for my health. I have a few family members who are suffering right now with various maladies and I can't even believe how blessed I am that all works in my body. I am also blessed to have no real wants...only dreams. One dream would be to truly contribute to the world in some way with my art...Keeping my fingers crossed that I am lucky enough to win a copy of your new book
Posted by: Geri | January 14, 2012 at 09:49 AM
I am grateful for my three children and friends who have been there every step of the way, helping and supporting me during my recent battle with cancer. Congratulations on the book!
Posted by: Gaye | January 14, 2012 at 03:25 PM
What a great chance on winning that beautiful book! Lovely.
I am very grateful for being introduced to art journaling in 2010. Also I am grateful for getting better and better at doing it, because I learn a lot from all those art journaling bloggers. Cindy
Posted by: Cindy Fun, Holland | January 15, 2012 at 10:49 AM
I am grateful for my warm apartment when it is so cold outside.
Posted by: Katie LaClair | January 15, 2012 at 11:51 AM