Photography by Janise Witt

It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it. John Burroughs - Winter Sunshine When I think of this time of year, I think of lights, wonderful time with my family and friends and the beauty and wonder of the natural world. We haven't had a snow yet in Sedona this season, but I wanted to share the beauty of Sedona, when the snow does choose to cloak our red rocks. I also feel ra

I love what I'm about to share with you because it so embraces the storytelling process in a way that was totally personalized to and for Mary Margaret. When I create with others, it's about their story and empowering their voice and unique gifts to shine. Mary Margaret's beautiful book - 50 Years of Fire and Clay takes you through her beautiful journey of 50 years, which has continued to grow and thrive. in Mary Margaret's own words: Wow, I had guts! Traveling off into the

"This was my dream. This is all I ever wanted to do and sure you get tired sometimes but then you have to remember this is all you ever wanted to do. When you're lucky enough to practice the craft you wanted to do your whole life successfully, you always find space in yourself not to take it for granted. "...Jeff Smedstad "There can be a million ways to look at it; It can be about the food; but it's not just about the food. It can be about your customers and how happy they ca

"I am Mother Nature. All of creation bows before me. When people leave their cities and learn of me-walk in my woods, bathe in my rivers, eat of my harvest-they will find healing to their souls." ...Seth Adam Smith, Rip Van Winkle and the Pumpkin Lantern I love the quote from Maya in the movie, "Sideways," when she's talking about the life of wine... "How it's a living thing. I like to think about what was going on the year the grapes were growing; how the sun was shining; if

Could meditating, journaling and time in nature actually enhance your life and creativity? I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in. ~John Muir And, so it is with Portraits to Transform I understand first hand through engaging in my morning process of meditation, journaling and spending time in nature, just how this process has enriched my life, helped me understand situations with more clarity and

Joy is a net by which you catch souls ....Mother Teresa Joy does give us a vibrance to living life well. As I was hiking this morning, I was pondering how joy is so very important in our lives. I asked the trees to share with me if they feel joy. I loved their response, "we feel a vibrance and are fully alive when our roots are nourished and we are connected to our family." Wow! To me that's so true in my own life; when I feel nourished and rested and connected to people

An artist is a nourisher and a creator who knows that during the act of creation, there is collaboration. We do not create alone. ~Madeleine L'Engle When we invite someone into our process, we are collaborating, as well as when someone invites us into their process, we collaborate. How would your purposeful work shift, if you began feeling that each person you create with you are actually collaborating with. ...And, how much richer an experience would unfold through the

"We are your children; we wake to your embrace, you embody the complete of sacredness! All that you care for; you remain unconditional in your love! You gift to us the purity of your life-giving waters May we be like her, flowing to overcome any and all obstacles; crystalline, clear, pure, and life-giving! Mother Earth, continue to teach, heal, and protect! Hangyo (it is good)"... James Uqualla (Jeva)