One thing that I am very grateful for is the wonderful team of people who work at Kathy Davis Studios. Honestly, this group is unique in the fact that each and every one of them never shies away from an opportunity to help others. Whether it is is simply sharing awesome snacks every Friday, rescuing stray kitties behind the dumpster or helping console a team member who is having a tough day, each one of them is always ready to lend a helping hand.
I so appreciate those whose kindness makes the world a brighter place. I was fortunate to have two parents who always went out of their way for others. For many, many years after she retired from her job, my mother, Ruth, volunteered at Manna on Main Street in Lansdale, where she made and served warm bowls of soup to those hungry and in need. Today, at almost 94 years old, my mother is unable to help others the way she used to, but even in declining health, she spreads sunshine at her assisted living home.
In honor of my mother, we, at KDS, help out Manna from time to time with food donations. This year is no different. When we asked if anyone on our team was willing to assist by donating nonperishable food items, cooked turkeys or volunteering to help serve at Manna the day of Thanksgiving, we were overwhelmed with the response from our team!!!
(This photo was taken a bit prematurely - We more than doubled the donation you see here)
(Melissa and Jon)
It really does my heart good to be surrounded by such a giving group.
Wishing all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving!
postscript - since this blog entry was initially written, my mother passed away peacefully on November 20th, surrounded by her family. While we will miss her immeasurably, she leaves behind a great legacy of selfless giving, unshakable faith, and a love and devotion to her family that will continue to inspire all who knew her. I am truly thankful for all the gifts she has shared with me.
Last week I was honored to be a part of the Sunshine Foundation’s 35th Anniversary Celebration held at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. Founded by former policeman, Bill Sample, the foundation has granted over 36,000 wishes to chronically ill and physically handicapped children and their families.
(Me with Bill Sample)
I was asked to design a print that was beautifully framed and presented to donors who help make these dreams possible.
It was wonderful to meet some of the families who have received dreams from the foundation, and a moving experience to watch two children being granted their wishes to visit Disney World and stay at Sunshine’s Dream Village.
St. Christopher’s Hospital was the perfect spot for the celebration. It was here back in the early 70’s that the children who frequented the hospital for their medical treatments touched the former policeman and inspired his quest to make their dreams come true.
For more information on the Sunshine Foundation click here to visit their website.
Click here to see the "35 Years of Sunshine" article on ABC.com.
Click here to see the Sunshine Foundation's 35th Anniversary article on phillyburbs.com.
As a thank you to our devoted fans we would like to offer you all a free download of The Joy of Gratitude chapter from Kathy's Book, Scatter Joy: Living, Giving, and Creating a Life You Love. Click here to access the download.
If you are interested in purchasing Kathy's Scatter Joy book please visit our online store by clicking here.
Thank you all for your continued support!
"When you feel like you've lost your center, You must make the time...
and then take the time to find it again."
Time to share some thoughts in my monthly blog letter…so what does a wanna-be “Joy Scatterer” like me say when I’m having trouble finding joy for myself?
Let me first make clear that I’m not looking for pity here, but I’m assuming that you may be able to relate…and maybe even find something helpful in what I’ve recently experienced.
No one is immune to off-periods in our lives when things feel sort of upside-down. Not sure where mine came from…was it the worry over my mom’s illness, pushing myself too hard with work, a birthday with a number bigger than I can fathom, my fender bender and the culprit who fled the scene, getting out of sync with too much travel…or stress over business growing pains…?
Were my stars not aligned, my bio-rhythms out of whack, or am I just thinking about it too darn much?
Plain and simple…I just didn’t feel myself.
Maybe the cause was a combination of all of the above…or maybe there’s just no good reason, but I’ve felt off-center for a couple of weeks now. And the worst part is the guilt I feel when I’m going through a down time… because I recognize how fortunate I am to be leading a very full life when many others are going through the really tough stuff…
I’m usually a big list maker, pretty driven…and spend my days soaring through tasks, projects, and personal pursuits. But my recent dip in energy, motivation and mood threw me off. I got out of sync with exercise, ate the wrong things, and felt tired. My work, which usually excites me, felt more like…well… work! Even my usual easy-going relationships were being tested. My moods were as unsettled as the weather was – mostly cloudy with some showers and little breaks of sun.
This season of the year is usually when I’m most in love with life, too... so the timing of my slump was off-putting. I cherish spending the last couple of weeks of June at the beach, with some focused time working on my writing and painting, some solitude mixed with family time, a birthday bash and celebration of summer.
Maybe my expectations were just too high…
How to cope?
Here are a few tips that helped me, and may help you, too, if you ever find yourself off-center:
- Talk it out – It helps to share feelings, it’s a little like letting some air out of a too-full balloon. Confiding in even one person can be very calming. When I shared my concerns with a friend, I felt a sense of peace. Whether you are asking for assistance or simply looking for understanding, talking does help.
- Walk it out – While I completely dropped the ball with my exercise schedule (thus more guilt), I did make an effort to go for a daily walk. Even a brisk walk around the block (or on the beach!) can shake you into a new mood and open you to things outside of yourself.
- Write it out – Spending even a few moments each day journaling your thoughts can clear your brain and help to sort things out. In her book, The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron recommends journaling 3 pages of free-flow writing each morning. While I can’t often make that goal, I do find whatever writing time I can fit in to be extremely helpful.
- Listen to music, read a good book, watch a good movie (or even some “bad” TV) –Anything that transports you can do the trick. I enjoy music, but I’m not one who is always attached to headphones. During my slump, listening to music and reading some books really helped soothe my soul and lighten my mood! Good medicine.
- Meditate, pray, or take time to “just be” – There is no substitute for solitude, for the stilling of your mind and for opening yourself to answers.
- Self-medicate – OK – this sounds bad, but what I’m talking about here are simple treats that can lift your spirits. Ask yourself “What one little thing can I plan to do today that will help make me feel better?” It may be as simple as making popcorn, a half-hour of reading, a bubble bath, a glass of wine or a shopping expedition. The key is moderation, of course, but these small rewards can go a long way.
- Accept – Give in to your feelings and let them work through you. Not everyday is a joy-filled experience. Understand that even these down periods do have a purpose in our lives.
- Forgive yourself – Everyone is allowed to have a bad mood or an unproductive period. The fact that there is always someone who has bigger problems than you doesn’t negate your own experience.
- Do something nice for somebody else – Take the emphasis off of yourself. It really is true that by scattering joy, some of it naturally returns to you. Even sending a card to a friend gave me a good vibe.
- Gratitude – A gratitude exercise where you list all of the things that you do have going for you in your life is always a big eye-opener! My list runneth over!
- Lighten-up – “this too shall pass” - need I say more?
As July begins, I am happy to report that I am feeling much more optimistic now, and back to finding the joy in things both big and small. I’m getting excited about my work again and the world is looking so much brighter. My slump taught me some important lessons in patience, acceptance, forgiveness and reminded me to keep my expectations in check…and those are valuable lessons indeed.
Happy Summer to you all!!!
From working a full time job to carting the kids around here and there it is hard to imagine finding the time to help out in your community. But our busy schedules do not mean we have to write off community involvement entirely. In just a few minutes, anyone can make a positive impact on their community. Below are a few tips that we came up with.
1. Buy Local: Shop at a local farmers market or family owned store. Spending money at stores like these means a percentage of your taxes paid go directly into your community.
2. Share A Meal: Make a meal of leftovers to share with an elderly neighbor. Nothing says "Thanks for being a great neighbor" like a nice home cooked meal.
Enter your tip in the comment section below and you will be entered to win a selection of Kathy Davis greeting cards and a copy of Kathy's Book!
We will announce the winner on Monday, June 27th.
Well, that groundhog sure knows how to tease!
The warm spring weather he promised is taking its good old time getting here. Hopefully, once it comes it will stay for a while before slipping into summer too quickly.
As hard as it is to believe today, I have faith that April will prove to be a glorious month leading up to Easter, and our patience through these cold months will surely be rewarded.
Sometimes our patience wears thin, and not just with the weather. I often get impatient with my creative process. Ideas frequently flood my consciousness... but the time it takes for them to germinate and bloom into art on paper can seem like an eternity.
My work schedule is always sporadic as I juggle business responsibilities and meetings with art direction and approvals… and then there’s my own writing and painting. Wearing many hats often takes me off course from where my heart is trying to lead me. Frustration with not having enough time for my creative work can sometimes overtake me.
What helps me to hold it together during those times is keeping a journal where I log any and every idea that comes to mind so they won't escape me. Sometimes the ideas in my journal can take years to come to bloom…some never take root...and others help to guide my work as soon as I get back into the swing of my writing or painting.
I've learned to make peace with this process. I guess you can call it delayed gratification.
Patience is always rewarded. In fact, sometimes ideas require breathing space for the good seeds to sort themselves out from those not yet ready for sprouting.
While I wish I could paint and be creative everyday, at least I free my mind by capturing my thoughts on paper. I'd be a sad puppy without a pen and paper (and yes, I do also log ideas on my laptop, but there is just something soothing about moving a pen across paper that calms me.)
So, as we look ahead to the most beautifully prolific season of the year... my wish for you is that your patience to be rewarded in all ways. May the carrot at the end of your stick come within reach…and may we all enjoy a SPECTACULAR spring worth waiting for!
May your patience be rewarded beyond your wildest dreams.
I recently found this sketch for a card idea in one of my old journals. It seemed perfect to share with you for this April post.
Kathy Davis Studios and Flowerbud.com have partnered to give you a chance to win two (2) free flower bouquets. Keep one for yourself and Scatter Joy by sending one to someone special!
Click here for more details and to enter the contest. Good Luck!!
As the days pass by and the sad news of the tragic events in Japan linger in our hearts and minds, we are left feeling helpless in the wake of a disaster of such magnitude. Our thoughts go out to all of those who continue to suffer. Many are still searching for family, friends, and loved ones. We hope each day brings healing and strength to recover.
In an effort to help those affected by the earthquake and tsunami we have compiled a few of our favorite organizations that are assisting Japan by providing aid in various ways. Many charities and organizations have been working tirelessly to help Japan see a brighter day. Please donate and help Scatter Joy to a family in need. Each and every one of us can make a difference, however small.
Direct Relief International is a great organization that uses very little of their donation money for administrative purposes. Donating to their efforts in the Pacific will ensure that the majority of your donation goes directly to those in need.
Quilters Newsletter and Patchwork Tsushin (a leading Japanese Quilting Magazine) have teamed up and are encouraging quilters around the world to donate comfort quilts. All donated quilts will be shipped to families in Japan that have been impacted by the recent events.
Animal Refuge Kansai has facilities in Tokyo and Osaka. They are accepting as many animals affected by the quake as they can, but they need funds to care for them and find them homes.
American Red Cross has always been there in times of need. They will use donations to support their disaster relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific.
(For more information or to donate to any of these organization click their logo or link above to access their website)
In honor of the first day of spring, we'd like to share this short excerpt
from Kathy's "Scatter Joy" book. The chapter is "Joy Through the Seasons":
"Springtime is at its most glorious when the tiny, bright green leaves burst forth and the flowering pear, crab apple, dogwood and cherry trees create an explosion of pink and white blossoms. Wisteria, lilacs, and orange blossoms follow, perfuming the air with their fragrance. I love to walk in our nearby park, where the landscaping has been carefully orchestrated to allow each blooming row of trees to invite the next to follow its lead. Spring is a time or promise, hope, rebirth and beauty."
May spring inspire many things of beauty in your life!
There is a pure and simple beauty to the ordinary rhythms of our everyday lives.
I can feel it, I can see it, I can smell it...and I can almost taste it! Spring is waiting in the wings...and after another tough winter in the northeast, we are all more than ready. Finally, that groundhog got it right!
The growing light invites us all to stretch our wings after the winter season. For me, it means more energy, fresh new ideas and that joyful feeling that spring fever ushers in!
We have so many new projects and ideas germinating at the Studio that I'm about to burst!
I am working on some colorful new paintings that I am anxious to share with you, and there are many collections of new patterns in development that we hope to turn into fabric. Just in time for spring, the other day we received samples of my latest gift bags from American Greetings, (which I hope you'll agree are bright and cheery) and we look forward to my 2011 Mother's Day card display coming out soon.
Also this spring, you can find my exclusive new line of cards and boxed stationery debuting at Papyrus stores. I am super psyched about that! In addition, we are anxiously awaiting samples of the new line of gift products we are proud to have developed with Westland Giftware.
MORE news.....
Our partnership with licensing agency Brandgenuity is about to launch, which will take the brand in exciting new directions! Plans are underway to open our own online store this year, and as if that's not enough NEW going on...this month we welcome Bill Lessa to our KDS team as Director of Community Relations!
Stay tuned to our blog, Facebook, Twitter, Flicker and You Tube so you don't miss a beat.
I wish all of you renewed hope and energy...and all the joys that springtime brings!!! Heartfelt thanks for your continued support and friendship.
All My Best,
Now that Valentine's Day is behind us, let's take a moment to reflect and have a little fun while we're at it.
Share your Valentine's Day story about how you spent this past Valentine's Day and you could win a copy of Kathy's book "Scatter Joy: Living, Giving, and Creating A Life You Love" AND a selection of Kathy Davis Greeting Cards! Write a few sentences in the comment section below to recap a romantic date, a funny mishap, or something special that made you feel the love of Valentine's Day.
The contest runs from Feb. 23rd - Feb. 25th
Good Luck! We look forward to hearing about your Valentine’s Day!
There are so many reasons to occasionally take a break and travel to someplace new. It re-charges your batteries and inspires with new sights and experiences. My recent trip to Mexico was filled with many simple pleasures, from the beautiful beaches and ocean to the colorful handicrafts I found in the small shops. But one of my favorite reasons to travel is the new people you meet - people you would not have met otherwise...people who often challenge your thinking and remind you that in spite of the interesting differences among people from around the world, we are, in many ways, very much the same.
While in Playa Del Carmen, I was lucky to meet a fellow watercolor artist, named Theresa Lucas.
Theresa, from Indiana, won the trip as an award from Wyndham Worldwide! Her talent is very special, indeed. Born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (a rare condition that affects one in 3000 births), Theresa has overcome her "diff-ability" by holding the paintbrush in her mouth. (Theresa prefers the term "diff-ability" over "disability". She says "dis" means "can't", and she "can" do things, just differently!)
One of my favorite paintings of Theresa's is called "Blue Serenity". It has a very calming beauty about it.
In addition to painting, Theresa teaches and does motivational speaking about overcoming disabilities. She has been featured in Ladies Home Journal and recently was honored with the "Women On Their Way" award.
Theresa's story is a wonderful example of finding joy through art - and sharing that joy with the rest of the world.
Please visit her website. www.theresalucas.com
I hope you find her story, talent and courage as inspiring as I do.
What's Love Got To Do With It?
…How about everything? That four-letter word packs more power and meaning than any other! Since February is all about LOVE, I wanted to weigh in with a few thoughts on the subject.
Valentine’s Day is a time when everyone’s minds turn to love. We celebrate the love for our sweethearts and those closest to us with flowers, candy, special dinners, and of course, greeting cards! (thank you very much!)
But I invite you to think about love in the larger sense.
Love is that thing that fuels our passions, that inspires kindness, that brings us joy!
By bringing more joy into your life on a daily basis, you increase your capacity for love. When your heart is filled with love, it naturally overflows and makes the world a kinder, gentler place.
Here are 3 simple exercises to get you thinking.
1. List 5-10 things that you LOVE to do.
They can be as simple as “go for a walk”.
Next, ask yourself how often you make time to do these things. If your answer is “not often enough”, then think of ways you can make these things higher priorities in your life. While we all have many demands in our lives, we DO have the power to make choices and changes – even if they are small ones. Little changes can make a BIG difference in the way we feel.
2. List 5-10 things that you would LOVE to do, but have not yet experienced.
Then ask yourself how you can begin to take steps – even baby steps- to start making some of these things happen. It may be easiest to choose just one thing from your list and set a realistic goal date to mark on your calendar. Even this small act will be an accomplishment and make you feel good!
3. List 5-10 qualities you LOVE about yourself.
This last question may be the most difficult one, as we are often so hard on ourselves and not used to thinking this way. But, go ahead…be your own best friend… even if just for a few minutes.
Take a look at these qualities…they are gifts in your life – and they need to be honored. Are you using these gifts to your full potential? Is there a way you can celebrate one of these qualities in a bigger way today?
I hope these little exercises helped encourage you to invite more love and joy into your life.
Make February a time to honor your heart. We give love most freely from a full heart. Keep yours full always.
Now it’s time to go share some of that love with the rest of the world. It can surely use it.
Happy Valentine’s Day.
Today is “Inspire Your Heart With Art” Day! Hope you are finding your own unique way to celebrate. In honor of this occasion I thought I’d share this excerpt from my book called “Scatter Joy: Living, Giving, and Creating a Life You Love”. Having once been an art teacher, I’m a big advocate for art and the power it holds for enriching everyone’s lives.
Please enjoy the following paragraphs from the chapter entitled “What’s the Art in Your Heart?”
All my best,
I have two fundamental beliefs when it comes to art: I believe that everyone has some kind of art in his or her heart, and I believe that inspiration to create art surrounds all of us, all the time.
Art and artist can be intimidating words, but I don’t think they need to be. I invite you to open your mind to a broader definition of the word art. Here’s an excerpt from the World Book Dictionary: “any form of human activity that is the product of and appeals primarily to the imagination”; “some kind of skill or practical application of skill.”
I like those descriptions. And I have yet to meet someone who doesn’t have a special skill or knack for something that enriches their lives… something that excites them and enhances their everyday world.
So what is your passion? What art is in your heart?
Hi everyone! Below are three ways we at Kathy Davis Studios hope to Scatter Joy in the New Year. Do you have any Scatter Joy tips? Comment below and let us know how you hope to Scatter Joy to those around you in the New Year.
· Knit a hat or scarf for a homeless person this winter.
· Leave a stuffed animal or toy for a child in a hospital.
· Send a Thank You card to someone who's helped you when you really needed it.
