Geisha Blowing Bubbles - 1955 by Utamaro

(Japan)

Category: Handmade Geisha Woodblock Art



Dear Elisa,


Well, last week's newsletter seems to have hit home – as I heard from quite a few of you who wrote me to say my post-election words and quotes brought comfort. I am grateful for my customer community and that my weekly newsletter is something you look forward to reading. I spend a lot of time mindfully curating it and I am genuinely touched that you are finding my musings, tips, and suggestions valuable.


Here's my weekly update


I'm not going to comment on the snippets of scary lunacy leaking out – sounding the alarm bell that any U.S. and Foreign passengers currently traveling on the metaphoric train to the future will be headed for destruction and derailment. I am not tuning in to the news at the moment but I am sad and annoyed that life, as I am used to it – creature comforts, (or annoyances and all) are about to change shape. I am still completely depleted by the election news cycle and campaign fatigue - despite knowing we cannot just sit on the sidelines and not participate in doing what we can to affect any future change we might like to see– as we are told there is still a pressing need to DO SOMETHING ASAP. The question is how can we create a quantum future reality for ourselves when so much fear is being projected out and the world feels like it is shape-shifting in real-time – all the while knowing we are also creating our own reality by our thoughts, deeds, and actions. I'm just sharing with you some cool opportunities below I've found you might find interesting.


•••••


On Wednesday I received an email from a guy I had been in a cancer support group with 15 years ago - when his wife Joan (and my husband Ken) were dying. Over the years I would sporadically hear from him in a group email about the goings-on in his life – and when this email came in, he said he was thinking of going to a community post-election pot-luck in Mar Vista put on by a grassroots group called Swing Left Westside and asked if was there anyone who might like to join him as he planning to show up alone. I decided to attend. It was nice to see him after so many years. He is a writer-director-musician who uses his creativity and advocacy to move through the hard times.


It was a random group of people who attended – and anyone who wanted to was given an opportunity to share any post-election feelings and discuss potential next steps to get involved on a local level for change. Again, this was not something I would have normally attended but I went anyway because finding new community outlets will be important if we continue to feel more isolated and alone. I don't think this group would be something I continue to be involved with going forward – but I pushed myself to see what it was. I have to say, though, the organizer herself was quite impressive. Originally from France, she grew up in England and is married to an American. Her passion for this country was impressive. She is special and one to watch. I think her name was Maria May.


I am also so grateful to Sheri Salata and The Support System for a community of women who are actively up-leveling and redesigning their lives for the world they want to live in. If you are looking for some fresh voices to be inspired by, you may want to check this out. You don't have to be a business owner to join. We heard from Sheri this week that membership is open at the moment for NEW members - so if you are curious to see if her online community might be a feel-good-watering hole for you to expand and prosper, here's the link. Her Monday-Friday weekly group meditation practice has been super helpful. This is a women-only group - most of the women are over 50+. It is a safe space to be vulnerable and the resources that the monthly membership offers is jam-packed and crazy reasonable for all it makes available every month.


•••••


I also tuned into a fabulous episode of the Born to Heal Podcast this week with Dr. Katie Deming - the Conscious Oncologist. This solo episode is a personal deep-dive Year in Review since this month is her 1-Year anniversary in practice as an alternative healing coach/practitioner. She reveals some game-changing information that has given her more insight into the body's ability to self-heal and how her own learning from colleagues and new mentors is changing the way she will be helping people going forward. Although she specializes in women's cancers, some of this can be applied to other areas of dis-ease as well.


•••••

Need a little "Take Me Away, Calgon" distraction?

•••••

Reminder: This summer's West End smash Hit Revival of "Kiss Me Kate" (starring Adrian Dunbar and Stephanie J. Bloch) was filmed and there will only be two days of movie-theatre screenings of it this Sunday, Nov.17th, and Wed. Nov. 20th. I bought myself a ticket to see it in Encino - but here's the link again if you have any interest. There are a variety of locations offering it and I believe these limited screenings are only available in the US, Canada, and the U.K.


And of course, plan your tickets for the long-awaited movie version of "WICKED" which will be out in theatres next week on Nov. 22nd starring Tony Winner, Cynthia Erivo ("The Color Purple"), Ariana Grande, Jeff Goldblum, and Michelle Yeoh. Expect it to be super popular and tickets should be purchased in advance. I'm fairly sure that will run through the end of the year and have the popularity of the 'Barbie' movie.


•••••

CALLING UP MY BAY AREA PEEPS!


Wrap up the Year with Beauty, JOY, and Appreciation!


Have you ever wanted to learn how to wrap presents like a Pro?


Please join my friend, Billy Ola Hutchinson, for two special workshops on The Art of Gift Wrapping – a special experience to uplevel your presentation skills, sprinkle some extra JOY into your life, and celebrate beauty in small new ways!


If you are in the Bay Area, Billy Ola Hutchinson will be teaching two Holiday Gift Wrapping workshops starting next week which I have no doubt will be fabulous! I wish I lived closer or I would be there because my wrapping skills suck!


Billy was the one who helped set up my booth at my Stationery Trade Show in SF in April after my breast cancer surgery and she did an incredible job! Her attention to luxury detail is not to be missed. She is well-known in the Bay Area as a master Calligrapher and Stationer – as well as a jewelry designer and curator of beautiful experiences. She worked for GUMPS for many, many years in the stationery department and has an extraordinary gift for the Art of Presentation. She currently works at METIER in SF.


The Art of Gift Wrapping workshops include all the sumptuous materials you will need (paper, ribbon, card stock, hot wax seals, etc.) and also gifts you with a mini tea service and sweet treats. The classes are limited to 10 participants each - so sign up ASAP if you are interested. The 3-hour workshop includes all materials and refreshments. Cost is $225.


Here is the class description from Billy:


"Areas covered in both workshops are: How to measure the right amount of paper, how to wrap boxes with and without tape, and tips for tying the perfect bow. You will experiment with ribbon alternatives and Japanese-inspired creations. Beautiful materials and a spot of tea will be supplied.


You will end the night with sample gift wrappings to take home for use as decoration or to unwrap and re-use the gorgeous materials supplied. Your new gift-wrapping superpowers are also yours to keep!


You are welcome to bring one actual gift you wish to wrap, time permitting but please bring your own materials (paper, ribbon, etc.) for that project."


1st Workshop Date: Next Thursday, Nov. 21st, 2024

Time: 5 pm - 8 pm

Location: 7x7 Social Club, 94111

Link for Tickets

&

2nd Workshop Date: Monday, November 25th, 2024

Time: 6 pm - 9 pm

Location: San Francisco Center for the Book

375 Rhode Island St.

San Francisco, CA 94103

Link for Tickets


•••••

Need a Nervous System Reset?

UP, UP and AWAY!

If you live in Los Angeles put this on your self-gift list!

I just saw a post on IG about this

and think it would be super fun to check out!


The Balloon Museum

Interactive Exhibition

Opening Oct. 30th - through March 16, 2024


Address: 1601 6th Street, Downtown Los Angeles

You need to buy tickets in advance


Here's their blurb:


"Balloon Museum presents Let’s Fly in Miami, a groundbreaking exhibition that brings together monumental inflatable artworks by renowned international artists. This immersive experience transforms the way art is encountered, inviting visitors to explore a vibrant, sensory world of touch, sight, and sound. From Cyril Lancelin’s luminous labyrinth to Motorefisico’s bouncing spheres, and Sasha Frolova’s kaleidoscopic fountain, each installation offers a playful and interactive journey. This unique exhibition pushes artistic boundaries, blending creativity and freedom in a memorable sensory adventure through innovative inflatable art."


•••••


What's Next Up for me?


I'm off this weekend and will be enjoying a yoga restorative, a Support System Book Club workshop with celebrated "Trust Your Vibes" author, Sonia Choquette who will be Zooming in from Paris Saturday morning, seeing "Kiss Me Kate" on Sunday in Encino and returning to my Sunday Night Sound Bath with Gwen Gaydos.


However, NEXT WEEKEND, I'll be in Mission Viejo (Orange County) for the 53rd Annual Gifts and Goodies Boutique


This is a NEW SHOW for me but the show has been 53 years in existence!


When: Sat. Nov. 23rd

(Indoor Boutique)


Hours: 8 - 5 pm (Sat)


Where: Mission Viejo Activities Committee

Norman Murray Community and Senior Center

24932 Veterans Way

Mission Viejo, CA 92692


My Location: You will find me in the HIbiscus Room - Table Space #67



From 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, we invite you to explore this sprawling indoor boutique that showcases the talents of 86 hand-selected artisans.


•••••


As always, I hope you have a great weekend. Thank you for listening and thank you for enjoying my work. Please stay safe, and keep the faith.


Elisa


Coupon Code:


Feel free to use the coupon, Kindness2024 at checkout, to receive 20% off of your purchase. NOTE: Special requests, custom orders, or items currently on sale are exempt from loyalty coupon discounts. Thank you for your understanding.


These are some of Billy's wrapping samples:

I found these cards in my SALE Section - I only have a limited number of them left. Hopefully, they will empower someone to stay fired up and hopeful that positive action creates movement and change!

'Charlie'


SADDLE UP!


'Mr. Lincoln'


What would Abe Lincoln think of this assault on our democracy?


THIS WEEK'S NEW HANDMADE CARD DESIGNS!

Reed Instruments

(DDR/Germany)

Category: Handmade Music

Still Life with Fruits and Vegetables

(Poland)

Category: Handmade Art

Duke Ellington

(U.S.)

Category: Handmade Music


Jewish Wedding

by Chagall

(France)

Category: Handmade Art

Alice in Wonderland

(Great Britain)

Category: Handmade

Writers


Rooster

(Panama)

Category: Handmade Animals/Birds

Still Life by Bonnard

(France)

Category: Handmade Art/Modern Art

Still Life with Fruit

(Phillipines)

Category: Handmade Food/Wine

Agave Cactus

(U.S.)

Category: Handmade Flowers


Black & White Cat

(Vietnam)

Category: Handmade Cats

Persian Tabby

(Scotland)

Category: Handmade Cats

Black-Blue Cat

(Sweden)

Category: Handmade Cats

Still Life with Oranges

by Vlaminck

(France)

Category: Handmade Art


Madame Manet by Manet

(France)

Category: Art

Abstract by Olivier Debre

(France)

Category: Handmade Art/Modern Art


Below is the link to my website
where you will find many new designs! If you like any of the above designs,
please note the category you will find them in. Enjoy!
https://curmudgeoncards.com/

"To do a common thing done uncommonly well, brings success."


Henry J. Heinz


Elisa R. Goodman

Chief Curator of Creativity for Curmudgeon Cards


Cell: 323.839.0128
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