Encouragement Only by Janis Commentz

This is the auditory version of mu Substack letter. I invite you to listen and to be sure to view my letter with pictures at ENCOURAGEMENT ONLY. Get full access to Janis’s Substack - Encouragement Only at commentz.substack.com/subscribe

This is the auditory version of my Substack Newsletter, Encouragement Only.Here are the Links for supporting the arts.SUPPORT THE ARTS:Literature, theater, music, dance, the visual arts nourish our souls and provide communities that would not exist without the arts. We are created as creative beings.I urge you to support arts funding nationally and in your community. We know funding is being gutted.Support Public Broadcasting and Public RadioSupport NPR and Public Radio : NPRSupport : PBS HelpSupport KCRW in Los Angeles and your local channel.Support art residencies in your community, such as Joshua Tree Highlands Artist ResidencyYou may consider a source for audio books, Libro.fm, that supports independent bookstores.Look for organizations in your community. Begin your own circle of artists (writers, musicians, poets, painters, dancers, actors) or include them all. Often, as with our Dialog Group, a few artists invited a few others to meet to discuss current work. Energy and friendships flow.This week, the patterns of our lives seem to hang in balance.Stand firm.Be prepared.Observe.Never take small moments of wonder for granted.Inspired by all of you,. Get full access to Janis’s Substack - Encouragement Only at commentz.substack.com/subscribe

This is the audio version of my Substack letter, and I invite you to view my Substack newsletter of the same name for photos!Best wishes,! Get full access to Janis’s Substack - Encouragement Only at commentz.substack.com/subscribe

Make New Memories Get full access to Janis’s Substack - Encouragement Only at commentz.substack.com/subscribe

I think I got the music this time! Get full access to Janis Commentz’s Substack Newsletters and Encouragement Only Podcast Episodes at https://substack.com/@janiscommentz2Janis is an artist, 40 year desert resident, Mojave Desert painter, Francophile, retired high school teacher, workshop instructor, creative coach...and encourager! For more, see https://www.janiscommentz.com Get full access to Janis’s Substack - Encouragement Only at commentz.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Janis’s Substack - Encouragement Only at commentz.substack.com/subscribe

Dear Friends,It is that season again—when we gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving. We often forget that many nations celebrate a thanksgiving feast related to crops and the seasonal harvest. (Note: click above for auditory version)This year, as I celebrate, a range of emotions flows through me. I think of those with whom I gathered for many years - many are now departed. We think of our nation’s history and a romanticized version of Thanksgiving. And, as we begin to listen to different viewpoints, we must consider those who cannot fully welcome this embellished account. I challenge you to remain open and appreciate those who tell their own stories.Yes, the New England pilgrim story looms large I our family. I am the tenth great granddaughter of John and Priscilla Alden. I also like to remember that John was hired on the Mayflower as cooper, a barrel maker. Documents and diaries tell the settlers’ stories; however, our excellent high school US History teacher, Mr. Viculin, taught us that history is the opinions of those who write the accounts. I am grateful for that insight.I acknowledge the intertwined and often tragic history of colonial America and our treatment of Native Americans-the real first settlers. Yet, I cherish our history of that first harvest celebration and numerous celebrations with loved ones since that event.I invite you to consider Thanksgiving carefully this year. Consider whom you are including, rejoice in your bounty – and share as you can. Open your heart to new stories about Thanksgivings past and harvest festivals around the world.What are your personal Thanksgiving stories? Traditions? Regrets? Hopes? How do you pass these on to future generations?What practices must we thoughtfully protect? Which must be meditatively rejected?This week, as are many Americans, I am watching Ken Burns’ excellent documentary, The American Revolution (PBS). Another outstanding series which examines our rich American history and relationship with food is High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America (Netflix) with Stephen Satterfield.Our family Thanksgiving story changed when our eldest was born the day before Thanksgiving. During my years teaching, a Thanksgiving Feast tradition developed. We encouraged students to bring what they could…a sack of potatoes, a loaf of bread, a can or corn. Staff provided the turkeys, and the students helped to prepare the meal during the school day. Eventually, this became a major event of the year, and school district administrative personnel loved being invited and joined us each year!The year our son was born, the teacher who generally managed the feast was called away by family events, and the task fell to me. Quite pregnant, I directed the feast from a chair. I went into labor that evening, and our son was born two weeks early before the crib was assembled. Our new baby was nestled in a laundry basket as my husband prepared Cornish games hens for Thanksgiving. Over the years, our son’s birthday has been celebrated with family on Thanksgiving - his favorite holiday!Family has expanded and declined. Traditions evolve. My mother was fond of an orange infused Thanksgiving inspired by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’s Cross Creek about her life in Alachua County, Florida. The author had an orange grove and explored ways to use citrus in many recipes. Although Rawling’s book, The Yearling, won a Pulitzer Prize for fiction, I found Cross Creek, which I read during the pandemic, troubling - as her treatment of young underage African American servants was anything but admirable. I put the book down, but I still enjoy zesty orange in cranberry sauce and in sweet potatoes which I cook, mash with egg, milk, orange juice and zest, spices and pecans (no marshmallows) and bake as my mother did.Last year, in Paris, I attended a Thanksgiving dinner at the American Church in Paris (which really should be called the international church). Even away from home, we find “family” and share traditions. This year with friends-who yes, feel like family.Many big-hearted restaurateurs prepare free meals on Thanksgiving. In Yucca Valley, John’s Place will share free meals for the 39th year.Churches often serve a Thanksgiving meal.The Way Station in Joshua Tree will host a giveaway Tuesday November 25th from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. Get there early! Turkeys, fixin’s for a Thanksgiving dinner and gently used clothing, sheets/blankets other items are available.Art NewsMy France Sketchbook Calendars are available at my Etsy shop and at Rainbow Stew in Yucca Valley and French Corner Café in Palm Desert.Shop LocalLooking for hostess and holiday gifts? Desert stores and my Etsy shop may have some unique solutions!My art is available at:Cactus MartRainbow Stew Yucca Valley Welcome Center Elemental Treasures, the Artful Bookstore“Montmartre Mood Meets the Mojave” at Spaghetti Western Morongo Valley through DecemberNo matter where you are in this world, I hope you find the warm acceptance of family and friends and a hot harvest meal this November.Inspired by all of you,www.janiscommentz.com Get full access to Janis’s Substack - Encouragement Only at commentz.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Encouragement Only podcast, Janis Commentz shares her passion for travel, art, and personal growth. She emphasizes the importance of planning travel experiences, embracing local customs, and finding beauty in everyday life. Janis also discusses coping strategies for navigating a complicated world, encouraging listeners to cherish relationships and celebrate growth in their communities. Be sure to visit Janis' Substack Newsletter, Encouragement Only - Janis Commentz Get full access to Janis’s Substack - Encouragement Only at commentz.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the auditory version of my Substack Newsletter! Sharing art, inspiration, travel and encouragement. I’d love to hear from you! ~ Janis Get full access to Janis’s Substack - Encouragement Only at commentz.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Janis’s Substack - Encouragement Only at commentz.substack.com/subscribe

Celebrating my One Year Anniversary as a Podcaster! Join me! Get full access to Janis’s Substack - Encouragement Only at commentz.substack.com/subscribe

This is the auditory version to my Substack Newsletter from February 14, 2025, an ear friendly version for those who have difficulty with screentime. Happy Valentine’s Weekend - share a Valentine’s Day wish with anyone who has shown you kindness! I also provide strategies for nurturing and self-care during February AND coping skills for perilous times. Inspired by all of you, my friends ~Janis Get full access to Janis’s Substack - Encouragement Only at commentz.substack.com/subscribe

2025 has barely begun and yet it’s impact on the timeline of our lives has already made a deep impression.As a creative being – that is one of my most important jobs - to strive to create joy.To love and to encourage throughout it all. I’d love to hear from you.Inspired by all of you, ~JanisArt Dialog Online Store at Hi=-Desert Artists through February 10, 2025 Get full access to Janis’s Substack - Encouragement Only at commentz.substack.com/subscribe

This is the auditory version of my August 17, 2024 Substack Newsletter of the same title. I welcome comments and am inspired by all of you! Get full access to Janis’s Substack - Encouragement Only at commentz.substack.com/subscribe

This episode covers two different Substack Newsletters: City of Dreams. An Artist Looks at Her Hometown - LA, originally published on July 3 and The Creative Spirit of a Community: Laura Seidl and The Glass Outhouse Art Gallery, published July 14.This is the auditory version of my Substack Newsletter, Encouragement Only - by Janis Commentz.Please share any memories about Laurel in the comments.Inspired by all of you,I invite you to visit my website, Instagram, Etsy Shop and Artsy online gallery. Get full access to Janis’s Substack - Encouragement Only at commentz.substack.com/subscribe

Keep your creative engines running smoothly. Connect with encouraging people, take time alone to fill your tank, deal wisely with social media and enjoy artist dates…even near home! Maintain positivity and balance. This is a brief auditory companion to my Substack newsletter Sources of Joy: Keep Creativity Flowing Get full access to Janis’s Substack - Encouragement Only at commentz.substack.com/subscribe

An artist’s first visit to Washington DC. Uplifting reflections as an artist, on friendship and visiting the capital. Get full access to Janis’s Substack - Encouragement Only at commentz.substack.com/subscribe

This episode explores how we can connect and benefit from sharing between generations, seasons of life, different countries and hemispheres. Travel: Introduction to ParisLinks and Show Notes:Blog - JANIS COMMENTZ California Painter - Lessons from a Life Well-LivedSabbaticalHomes Home Rentals, Exchanges and SittingThe Paris Arrondissements | Paris Insiders GuideKrystal Kenney - Podcast | laviecreativepodcast.comClaudine Hemingway - Meet Claudine — Bleu Blonde Rouge (claudinehemingway.com) Get full access to Janis’s Substack - Encouragement Only at commentz.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Janis’s Substack - Encouragement Only at commentz.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Janis’s Substack - Encouragement Only at commentz.substack.com/subscribe