I've heard his name a lot this year and I've learned that when the universe keeps whispering the same message it is time to listen. I found his memoirs in the library, but as soon as I started I realised I need to read his poetry first. So I waited for The Captain's Verses to come in on order. And then I discovered Pablo Neruda. Wow. Thank you everyone who threw his name across my path. His autobiography is as luscious as his poetry.

Who shines light into your world?

Artsy Mama, creator of bright and fun vintage-themed artwork and owner of a blog filled to the brim with eye-candy, is throwing an Autumn Gathering. The idea is to decorate your house (or in my case, a small but tidy corner of my house) and share pictures on the day of the party, meet new people, find new favourite blogs and get all inspired. Artsy Mama threw a tea party last spring along similar lines that will give you an idea of what's involved. I'm thrilled to say that she is using a button I designed (around her stunning photo!) to promote her Autumn Gathering.

For me, it is usually not having images. Either I'm been making art, but not photographing it. Or I have stuff to say about life, creativity and everything else, but I don't have an image ready to illustrate it.

I'll try and catch up today. I have a remodelled bookcover for a journal inspired by Nova Scotia. I have prints from the rubber stamps I've carved since spring. I have sketches I worked on in NS too. And I have to pull it all together into a project due in 2 weeks.

Speaking of Nova Scotia, home of my soul, one of the Atlantic provinces of Canada...
We have the opportunity to visit and explore there next summer, along with the chance to take classes with some amazing teachers. It's going to be about 60 people in a lovely inn in a beautiful location.Lesley Riley, LK Ludwig, Judy Wilkenfeld and Claudine Hellmuth will each be teaching two two-day classes at the retreat. It's mainly journalling, which I love. Just look how lush the classes are...

(The images come from the Art and Soul Retreat website and are the property of each of the artists. Hover over them for the artist and class title, or click to see the workshop description.)

I haven't added Claudine Hellmuth's images because they are in a different format, but she is teaching Collage Discovery Workshop and Waxing Poetic.

I'm taking Collage Discovery workshop with Claudine Hellmuth and The Poetic Moment with LK Ludwig. I can't wait.