Things I'm grateful for:

Faith, Family and Friends

“I am seeking. I am striving. I am in it with all my heart.” Vincent Van Gogh

This time of year is one of my favorites, living in the Chicagoland area. I’m grateful for experiencing the four seasons and a sprinkle of snow, especially the first snow of the season that blankets the streets, trees and everything outdoors in white. To be honest, I’m not crazy about how long the winter lasts but for now, it’s novel and invigorating.

During this time of year, I reflect on the things that ground me— faith, family and friends.

Although both my parents have passed on, one of the most valuable lessons they imparted was the gift of faith.  I didn’t always appreciate it, and honestly, many times I didn’t attend church services. Like many people, I was “too busy,” it “was too boring,” or “I didn’t get anything out of it.” Yet, as the years unfolded and the responsibility of raising our children took hold, my parent’s guidance became a priority. I’m grateful, to live in a country where I can choose and practice my religion.  As a Christian, I have many options for which church to attend, with doors always open and our heavenly Father always listening—no matter where I am or what time of day it is.

While my siblings are spread out throughout the country from California to New Jersey, we still take time to see each other throughout the year.  For the past 30 years, we’ve rented a house and spend a week together.  One year there was no TV, wifi, or air conditioning, but we managed.  One of the most meaningful things I’ve ever done was donating one of my kidneys to my brother when we discovered he would need dialysis.  That was 33 years ago and he’s still thriving with one healthy kidney.

Lyle Lovett eloquently explains friendship: “You don’t have to have anything in common with people you’ve known since you were five.  With old friends, you’ve got your whole life in common.”  Friends are special. Even if you haven’t seen each other in years, reuniting can be seamless, picking up right where you left off.  They have the power to brighten the darkest days and transform ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. Friends will share your wildest dreams, mistakes, laughter, tears and ultimately, it can make you stronger. I’m grateful for the friends I have—some almost 50 years.

I’m thankful for our Illoguild group of illustrators and writers. I’m also grateful for you, dear Reader. I wish you blessings of faith, family and friends as it  can be a very lonely time without those connections. I know each of you has many talents and blessings that are often overlooked or overshadowed by comparison when we feel we are “not enough.”   May you recognize your talents, feel blessed and embrace abundance.

I encourage you to explore each of my colleagues newsletters here on Substack—it’s a gift. As a new artist, I find wisdom and golden nuggets.  In this issue, there are specific recommendations for classes and resources that have proven helpful. Many I have taken and others will be on my “to do” list. For anyone interested in learning more about writing and illustrating children’s books, I do recommend, Storyteller Academy. They provide online classes, workshops and guest speakers featuring editors, agents and accomplished writers.

“Whether you succeed or not is irrelevant, there is no such thing. Making your unknown known is the most important thing.” Georgia O’Keeffe

Until next time, I’m wishing you all the best,

Noreen Anne

Fancy Flamingo Makes Friends

by Noreen Anne | Mar 11, 2020

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