2017 has NOT been a healthy year in review,
Started with bronchitis and ended with the flu…
Had a big toe fusion and was rear-ended too,
Worked way too much which made me feel blue.
Still I managed to blog almost every day,
Created my weird birds every Wednesday.
100 mixed-media faces and 50 fish, YAY!
Art experiments in the spirit of play.
2018 starts with a few goals, sincere –
Take care of my body, like a friend who is dear.
Notice the small gifts of JOY that appear,
Live my life with clear intention this year!
This poem was recently inspired by this article in Uppercase Magazine, written by Melanie Falick on living with intention.
And this book I purchased from Amazon, Finding The Gift, by Angela Howell with daily meditations for mindfulness.
I look forward to the small gems that I learn from this book to share with you on my art journey in 2018, after all, finding the gifts is part of the fun!
Wishing you all a happy, creative and healthy 2018!
Cheers! 🙂
Jill's Art Journal 
Love this!
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Hi Kathy, Happy New Year!! 😃 I’m glad you like it, creating it brought me joy! 🎉
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Happy New Year Jill! The quote from Alice Morse Earle has been a long time favorite and your resolution is perfect. I have really enjoyed getting to know you this year, and hope 2018 brings us both a lot of artistic enjoyment!
Jenna
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Hi Jenna! I’ve also enjoyed getting to know you better! 😃 I love all your creativity on your blog. Cheers to a creative 2018!! 🎨👍🎉
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Happy New Year, Jill!
✨🥂❤️
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Thank you Patty! 😃 Same to you, my friend!! 🎉🌈💕
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I wish you all the best for 2018, dear Jill!
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Thank you Birgit! ❤️ And you as well, my friend!! 🎉🥂💕
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Happy New Year Jill! You brought many smiles to this face…may 2018 be peaceful and healthy! (K)
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Hi Kerfe! 😃 It’s good to be back… Happy 2018 to you as well! And yes, to peace and good health! 👍
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Well – even though it didn’t start and end very well health wise – you did a lot of AMAZING stuff “in between!” and it brought great joy to me and to many others! YOU are a gift. Loved your poem! Love you! Here’s to 2018!
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Thank you, Jodi! 😃 You always inspire me with your poems and your positivity on life! Thank you for your kind words. Love you too! ❤️ Cheers friend to 2018! 🥂🍾🎉
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Happy New Year to you my friend, may 2018 bring you all your wishes, look after yourself first of all. Happy days smiling which your drawings give me all the time, Cheers!
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Hi Kiwinana, thank you for your kind wishes! ❤️ So happy I can give you a smile with my art. This means a lot to me. 😃 Happy New Year to you too!! 🎉 🌈💕😍
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I hope you’re feeling better soon and there’s no more illness this year for you!
I love your creativity, and look forward to seeing the gifts you find this year.
Happy New Year Jill!
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Thank you Deborah, I hope you are feeling better too! ❤️ Thank you for your kind comments, much appreciated as always! 🌈💕 Happy 2018 to you too, Deborah! Your friendship is a gift to me. 🎁
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🙂 I feel great, but my voice is still creaky. My throat and ears have been my Achilles heel and take forever to get back to normal.
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Wishing you the same dear woman. Hard to keep the smile on your face sometimes. You have had an excellent art year. Wishing you the best of health in the coming year. I feel positive about getting another year or even day. ❤️
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Hi Suz, thanks friend! 😊 Creating art helps keep a smile on my face. Yes, I am thankful for each day, too! Cheers to good health for us both! 🎉💕
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Happy New Year Jill, it’s going to be a good year! Inspire of the hard times last year you accomplished so much too!
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Hi Sharon, a happy and creative New Year to you, too! 😃🎨👍 I think art keeps me afloat! 😍🚢⛵️🛶
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Yes, I agree!
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Your joy for life shines brightly through your poem, and it appears you kicked 2017 in the pants!! Jill, as always, I wish you all the best for 2018! Thanks for encouragement, inspiration, and friendship! 😘
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Thank you so much, Carol!! ❤️😊 So happy to get to know you better in 2017! Your friendship means so much to me! 😘💕
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What a beautiful sentiment. I’m still trying to catch up on my emails. All the best in 2018. Carol
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Thank you, Carol – yes, I understand but I’m not sure I can ever get caught up! 😜 Happy 2018 to you too! ❤️
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