Savoring Simple Pleasures and Embracing Creative Play

When I first stepped into my studio this morning, frost glittered on the deck out the sliding doors, the light pale as the sun cleared the tops of the trees on the hill behind our house.

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.

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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.

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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

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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”.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.