Writing Joy Lists and Other Ways to (Attempt to) Feel Better

This week I sat in my studio and watched the garden out the sliding doors.

lifeAnne ButeraNovember 9, 2024joy, Joy Lists, writing joy lists, how to feel better during dark times, taking breaks, taking time for yourself, taking care of yourself Comments

Returning to a Big Project and Getting a Surprise Reminder of Gratitude

Every morning I try to spend some time sitting on the floor in my studio with my coffee or tea.

studio, gratitudeAnne ButeraMarch 9, 2024dream studio, dreaming big, projects, Writing a book, joy, savoring, dreams, don't give up on your dreams Comments

November 2023 In The Garden: Hidden Colors and Gratitude

“Autumn is the season to find contentment at home by paying attention to what we already have.”

—unknown

garden, gratitudeAnne ButeraNovember 25, 2023gratitude, garden, garden colors, autumn garden, November garden, garden gratitude, gratitude for gardens, gratitude for beauty, noticing beauty, noticing color, joy Comments

Coming Back to Myself as the Season Changes and Invites a Fresh Start

Earlier this week I sat in my studio with a steaming mug of Dragonwell tea and watched my garden through my new sliding doors.

seasons, studio, life, gratitude, joyAnne ButeraSeptember 9, 2023in the studio, change of season, savoring each day, gratitude, gratitude for art, gratitude for creativity, gratitude for gardens, joy, gratitude practice, daily gratitude Comments

Reminders About Life and Art and Recommitting to Noticing and Savoring Joy

Today on my blog, I planned to share about the Winding Roads Art Tour, but as I was driving home on Sunday evening I realized I hadn’t taken a single photo all weekend.

How to Expand (Garden) Delight in the Depths of a Wisconsin Winter

Written on my calendar today is “Blog: Garden”.

garden, joy, life, houseplantsAnne ButeraJanuary 28, 2023winter, winter blahs, battling the winter blahs, garden, winter garden, finding joy in the winter garden, expand delight, joy, winter joy, winter in wisconsin, winter in the studio Comments

20 Daily Delights: Writing a Joy List as a Reminder to Focus on Gratitude

I sat in the dining room with my coffee, cereal and journal.

“I’m crabby. Crabby. Crabby. Crabby,” I wrote.

gratitude, joyAnne ButeraOctober 8, 2022joy, Joy Lists, Joy List, joy list, writing joy lists, gratitude practice, gratitude, joy is a choice, joy as a habit Comments

Granting Yourself Permission to be Quiet in a Noisy World

“Thanksgiving is not just a day, it’s a lifestyle.”

September 2021 in the Garden: Delighting in Every Bit of Color as the Season Dwindles

In September in Wisconsin, the gardening season is winding down.

art classes, garden, inspirationAnne ButeraSeptember 17, 2021garden, garden colors, end of summer, savoring my garden, flowers, joy, color, Year in Color Summit, Creative U, garden tour, garden tours, monthly garden tours, what's happening in the garden, what's blooming in the garden Comments

Celebrate Summer Joys: Sketchbooks! Week 4 of a Month of Gratitude Practice

It’s hard to believe this is the last week of my month of gratitude. August has flown by.

I think back to childhood Augusts with school looming and days of freedom dwindling. Back-to-school was both exciting and welcome but also tinged with sadness for the ending of summer.

Celebrate Summer Joys: Engage Your Senses, Week 2 of a Month of Gratitude Practice

Noticing beauty needn’t be limited to seeing it. Last week we focused on COLOR, something we experience with our eyesight, but this week I want you to awaken your other senses.

25 Summer Delights Bringing Me Joy Right Now

The days are flying past faster and faster. I can’t believe June has already come and gone. As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I’m trying to slow down and enjoy summer’s magic and yet, time still flies.

joy, life, magicAnne ButeraJuly 2, 2021Joy Lists, summer days, summer joys, summer joy list, pay attention be astonished tell about it, paying attention, joy, how to slow down, slowing down, being present Comments

Remember to Celebrate Every Day

Yesterday Matthias and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary.

gratitude, joy, lifeAnne ButeraJune 25, 2021celebrate every day, joy, celebrating life's little joys, make the most of each day, reminder to enjoy each day, anniversary, wedding anniversary, 20th wedding anniversary, about me, make every day special Comments

Why Joy and Play Will Continue as Part of My Creative Practice

The Get Re-Inspired Creative Retreat is now over. I’m not sure if it ended up being what I planned, but it was nurturing, fun and I learned a lot.

Pursuing Curiosity: Using Art Books for Inspiration and Self-Care

When I was 16, a newly-minted driver’s license in my wallet, where did I go on my first solo drive?

books, inspiration, lifeAnne ButeraFebruary 19, 2021books, inspiration, Inspiration Deck, Skillshare classes, self-care, self care, joy, about me Comments

Why I Love Valentine's Day Plus an Invitation to Creative Self-Care

I love Valentine’s Day. It’s probably not cool to admit this, but I do.

Shift Your Perspective and Recommit to Your Heart

I stumbled into my shoes, pulling on my hat and coat before rushing two wagging dogs out the door.

I was still wearing my nightshirt.

I wasn’t wearing any socks.

I hadn’t even put on my glasses.

Art by Other Artists in My Studio: a Partial Studio Tour

I’ve been wanting to show you around my studio but instead of giving a full tour, today I’m sharing one corner where I’ve collected art from other artists.

10 Lessons from 10 Years of Learning How to Paint

You’ve quieted your mind and listened to the whispers. Your heart longs to learn something new, to be creative, to craft a different life.

Now what?

art, creativity, inspirationAnne ButeraNovember 13, 2020advice for artists, creative advice, 10 years of learning to paint, 10 years of watercolor painting, 10 years of learning watercolor, creativity, creative doubts, creative inspiration, Creativebug, skillshare, developing a creative habit, Elizabeth Gilbert, Georgia O'Keeffe, Vincent van Gogh, joy, enjoy the process, being a beginner, give yourself time to be a beginner, advice for creatives, Let creativity take over your life, have fun, enjoy yourself, enjoy creativity, enjoy creating, creative challenges, creative classes, creative community, focus, Lilla Rogers, development as an artist, developing as an artist, creative dreams, creative development, 10 Year Painting Celebration, 10 Years of Learning How to Paint, How to take your art to the next level, 10 year painting celebration, popular posts Comments

Embracing Stillness: Lessons Learned Waiting at the Vet

This year I’ve gone to more vet appointments than I can count. I guess I could count them, flip back through calendar pages and tally up appointments for tests and surgery and treatments and more tests.

notes from the studio

“Thanksgiving is not just a day, it’s a lifestyle.”