Leaning into learning....
Learning to draw…Patricia @patricapxm
A woman and her craft…
I am very excited to share the drawing above, sketched by Patricia. I follow Patrica…a Writer, Reader, Logophile and Learner on Instagram here. Patricia says she is enjoying this new found skill and while she feels she has more to learn, she is having fun. Interestingly, up to now, she felt too intimidated to learn and now that she is older and wiser, nothing is holding her back. She had this to say….
“Samantha @sdionbaekerdesign has been a wonderful teacher. She has a book and accompanying sketch journal “Draw Your Day”. She has a Skillshare class and often does life draws with fellow artists. It’s because of her that I had the courage to try. She’s lovely and has become a true friend-all through Instagram. Also, New Yorker cartoonist @lizadonnelly is another mentor. She live draws weekdays at 5:00pm on Instagram.”
Please visit Patricia on Instagram to see more of her drawings, here.
Leaning into learning…
In a recent blog post I asked five questions: a book you recently recommended, what you would like to learn, what gives you peace, what do you dream of and where would you like to travel. Your answers were fascinating and insightful on so many levels. No surprise, we are of like minds and share similar passions, I always knew that!
To put this in perspective, the answers were from women, mostly over the age of fifty who are all keen to keep on learning new skills.
Paint, knit, handstand….
Here’s what you want to learn:
To enhance your painting skills, particularly with watercolors; a language (Italian and Irish were popular choices); learn to knit; graft fruit trees; paint on a really big canvas; be in the moment; study American literature; write a good story; create artisan cheese and breads; improve your photography skills; learn to paddle board; reign in judgmental impulses; do a proper handstand; ride wild and free on a mountain bike; learn nursing skills; create useful gifts; learn to play the drums; kayak; play the piano; write a blog about aging, create pottery; learn to use power tools; fine skill of bobbin lace; write calligraphy; learn how to tat; sing in tune; drawing and sketching and how to find the good in everyone.
Sharing…
I would love to continue learning with you. Tell me more…are you learning something new? Are you looking for a place to learn? Interested in where to go? Any recommendations?
In this day and age, gathering together in a classroom is challenging. While I feel a little overwhelmed by all the online options out there, I will tune in if it is something of value to me…and I have found a few.
The Writing Life
In a recent post, I mentioned a book I enjoyed, Writing Wild by Kathryn Aalto. I follow Kathryn on Instagram and was very excited when she announced An Introduction to the Writing Life in a 4 part webinar series. She is presenting the series with another bestselling author, James Rebanks. I just finished listening to his book The Shepherd’s Life and enjoyed it as much as I thought I would, if not more. I am very excited to delve into the writing life with James and Kathryn. You can read all about the series here.
Register here
Creative Life and Photography
Like me, a few people mentioned they would like to perfect their photography skills in addition to gaining more knowledge about their cameras. I recently delved into the Creative Live website referring to their Photography and Video classes. Other categories of classes on offer are Money & Life, Art & Design, Craft & Maker and Music & Audio. I am enjoying the insight, dipping in and out as needed. It is worth checking out!
I want to thank you again for sharing your life with me, your answers inspire me again and again. You can read my compilation of all your book suggestions in my last post here. I will be back with more…your dreams, travel plans and what brings you peace. If you would like to share your learning desires and or experiences, please feel free to write to me here or comment below.
In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this insight into James Rebanks and the writing of his book, The Shepherd’s Life …set in the hill country of the Lake District, Mattedale, Cumbria, England.
Best wishes for a wonderful week!
Jeanne xx
