The Jewish New Year begins on the evening of Sunday, September 25th. It's a pretty solemn day, as according to our tradition, it is the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve, and a day of judgement and finally a day in which we reaffirm and coronate G-d as king. During the month prior to this exceedingly special and serious day (the Jewish month of Elul) we are supposed to take stock of ourselves and recommit to improving ourselves.

As the month of Elul began (new months are celebrated as Rosh Chodesh), I happened to be in LA, attending the wedding of my son-in-law's sister (for whom I made a Ketubah, by the way!! - see below) Mazel tov to the Bride and Groom!!! 

I was also at the time reeling from an email I received that week from my studio's landlord, telling me that the property was going to be redeveloped, and everyone currently working there would soon have to find new spaces - not an easy thing to do in Austin Texas! So there was on the one hand, a wonderful occasion to celebrate, and on the other, a real struggle to overcome along with all the emotional turmoil which can be associated with art making!

As it happened, I was able to have a very meaningful dialog with a dear friend, another artist (writer, comedian Mark Schiff). He let me borrow his copy of The War of Art, by Steven Pressfield. Reading this book during the weekend of Rosh Chodesh Elul was profoundly meaningful and inspiring. It reconfirmed my commitment to my work and I am spending a lot of time this month refocusing my efforts as well. You'll see more Judaica artwork from me going forward, in addition to more paintings!

Lastly, I want to encourage you to preorder Mark's new book, Why Not, with foreward by Jerry Seinfeld. It's full of wisdom and humor. We poured through his advance copy (my husband read the entire book that weekend). We often laughed out loud as he tells story after story, affirming the truths of life. You'll love it!!!

It makes a great gift too!

Wishing you all a happy, healthy, peaceful and prosperous New Year!