Inspirational Updates

Hi All, here is a quick catch-up:

Illinois Art Therapy Association

On November 19th IATA Screened the Film: Who Does She Think She Is? Check out more photos on Facebook.  Special Thanks to Lacy Vitko, Karen Parisian, Kate McIntosh, Mary Andrus, Patrick Morrissey for an amazing job and unwavering commitment!   

Passport to Life: Sharing Life's Inspiration 

I would like to announce that The Johnson School of Excellence has accepted our invitation to participate as our first school for our Pilot Program!  I look forward to working with these amazing students, as well as the inspired staff!

 

Sketchbook Project

Special Thanks goes out to those who have expressed their love and condolences as we continue to celebrate the life of Karen Ponton.  Here is a preview to some of the artwork created by us together.  

Wheeler Ink

WheelerInk Cards are up for sale!  Check out the new Storefront on Etsy.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!  Here are some additional tidbits that inspired me this week in the Art World!

Love,

Maia

Peace and Love to Karen

This week I want to do an Ultimate Shout Out to Karen Theresa Geneieve Ponton. 



Bread Pudding



The past two weeks have been an interesting mix of emotions.  With the recent passing of a close family member I find that in sharing some emotional lows, I stay open to people contributing to me - offering words of support and encouragement.  I appreciate all those who have expressed their condolences to myself, as well as my family.  Karen will truly be missed.

This experience of sharing has been such a gift that I truly feel as though the last times spent with Karen I was in the moment, and able to express everything I felt for her.  This includes the dedication of my Sketchbook Project to her - she signed the back and said that she wanted the book kept in the Brooklyn Art Library at the end of the project so that others may gain whatever inspiration from the collective experience of my family.  Click HERE to see when the Sketchbook will be in your area.

Karen was an incredible woman who shared her love and zest for life with everybody.  Her baking skills were rarely matched and her spirit will continue to live on through the love of her family and friends.

Thanks for Checking In! 

Love,

Maia Wheeler

Still Stopped

I consider myself to be someone unstoppable.  And in saying that I, at this moment, feel stopped in sharing.  I recently lost a family member and am working to create an Blog Entry that really honors her as the amazing woman that she was.  If nothing else it is something to look forward to, for you as a reader, and I will have something next week!  I appreciate those who have checked in and let me know they miss my thoughts!

Maia

Breakdown!

I acknowledge a breakdown against the possibility of consistency! I will have a new post up for Wednesday!

Thanks for checking in!

Full Expression



Grant Park, Chicago Nov 2008

 Happy Election Day to All!  I hope everyone is exercising their given right to Vote.  For poll-finding info and hours click HERE!!

Last Wednesday marked the first Passport to Life Committee Meeting.  We came together and discussed issues important to us under the umbrella of inspiring students in the Chicago area and beyond.  I was excited that everyone involved saw what part they could play in making a huge difference in anothers' life and I want to welcome Shawn Bills as our Community Representative.

Chicago Fall Leaves

If I may acknowledge my current location and state of mind: I am sitting in Argo Tea at the corner of Briar and Broadway (a very Lakeview neighborhood in Chicago).  There are trance beats playing in between Maxwell and Portishead late 90's hits.  I just finished a piece of Quiche, and am literally sunbathing at one of their tea-bars facing the huge windows and 3PM busy streets.  For all practical purposes it's been a great way to  nurse myself back from a minor seasonal cold.

Weather the description of my day above registers as a 

• 1: "Ehh, doesn't sound that cool." Or as a 
• 10: "Kickass, I wish I was there too!" 

I want to remind myself, and whomever else is open for a "life-Post-It-note", that we all should take a moment and really revel in the small pleasures of life.  Whatever they are to us.  Tea-Houses with mellow music, a cute poster someone sees on the street during a morning commute, or the confident-mastery an 8 year old can have with a skateboard on their way home from school; Life is Now. 

For those who are still treating the days as a practice round - This Is It.  During the seemingly sleepy-months of the year I am dedicating to appreciating every inch of life and creating as many adventures I can into a given moment - Anyone inspired to Ride this season hard with me ... drop me an email and let me know "What your Favorite Thing about November Is!"  Thanks Again for Checking In!

Love Forever,
Maia