By Nanette Wiser
WORDS OF JOY
Local artist Pamela Joy Trow relocated from New Mexico to St. Pete. “I love the beach and drawing mermaids here completes a fantasy of my alter-ego.” In her “Fly or Swim,” she pays homage to Santa Fe (the top of the image is The Lady of Guadalupe, a cultural icon) while the mermaid in the bottom celebrates her new home here. “This piece has a strong spiritual message for me that I hope to share with others.” On the card and art print, Trow’s message inspires. “When the Muses cry and the torch seems dim, just keep the faith and fly or swim.” You can buy Trow’s art prints and greeting cards online pamelajoytrow.com or her new mug designs at etsy.com/shop/pamelajoytrow.
THE ART OF CONVERSATION
Kibbitzing with strangers is delightful, but making small talk with friends is not as satisfying these days. After the social isolation during COVID, many of us are feeling a renewed desire to connect in more meaningful ways. Secretly we yearn for real conversation. But how to begin? Ask a friend or new acquaintance to meet you in a stimulating spot outdoors or in your favorite coffeehouse that’s light and bright. If you have a real conversation in an interesting and fun place, you’ll feel better through that shared experience. If it’s nice out, take a walk and talk. Research has shown that walking can stimulate high level cognitive processes and creative thinking. It can also foster a sense of trust and cooperation among people.
THE POETRY OF FLOWERS
Spring has sprung, so celebrate Emily Dickinson’s life, poetry, and garden with her whimsical odes to blooms. I like talking to my flowers, and Dickinson’s “Daisy” is a promise of blooming possibilities. In the Victorian language of flowers, daisy signified innocence. Embrace your inner artist; take a poetry class with Keep St. Pete Lit. Join instructor Cole Bellamy, a published poet and instructor at St. Leo University, for an ongoing comprehensive workshop and study group for poetry, where you can bring your poems to be read and discussed by the class.
The Daisy follows soft the Sun –
– Emily Dickinson
And when his golden walk is done –
Sits shily at his feet –
He – waking – finds the flower there
Wherefore – Maurauder – art thou here?
Because, Sir, love is sweet!
