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Your 6th 49’er Of The Summer

August 7, 2013

Purple Clematis-wBRAND NEW this summer is the ‘7×7 Summer Sunshine Sizzling Sketchbook Special’.
Here’s number five in the series of 49′ers: Purple Clematis. That’s an original 7” x 7” watercolor painting – 49 square inches of original art for $49 (plus tax and $10 for shipping).
To make it yours, just send me an email with ‘I’ll Take It’ in the subject line. The first reader to call dibs on each of the nine pieces (one a week) takes it away. Thanks to all the ‘dibbers’ from recent weeks. Good luck this time around!
This is your chance to pick up an original piece of art at a sizzling summer rate. Enjoy … and may the early bird snag the sketch!
BTW – if another early bird beats you to it, and you’d like your own reproduction OR you’d prefer a print in a larger size, here’s the link to make that happen: Purple Clematis. While you’re there, be sure to read the backstory about the image in the Description section of the listing.
You can always check out this and other images on my Fine Art Pauseworks Studio Gallery Website.

Exciting Announcement: Fresh New Program

June 13, 2013

If you’ve followed my Pause blog for a while, you’ll know that over the last few years, my Beginner’s Mind has been highly engaged in studying and learning about the world of art – sketching and watercolor painting, in particular.

A year ago, I turned the tables to pause and explore what painting has been teaching me about life while I’ve been learning about art. There was plenty to discover. Out of that experience, I created (and spent the last few months testing and tweaking) a new keynote presentation titled:  ‘Live & Learn: The Art of Insight’.

The images are original. The stories are unique. The lessons are timeless – and applicable to every walk of life. But what’s even more significant is how this message can inspire you and your colleagues to mine YOUR everyday experiences for learning and insight.

I’m happy today to announce that Live & Learn: The Art Of Insight is ready for prime time. You can read a more detailed description on my website.

This could be just the original, thought-provoking (and highly entertaining) message you need to add a spark to your upcoming conference, professional development program, or retreat.

Give me a call (877-728-5289) or drop me a line (pat@patkatz.com) to learn more and book a date.

I’m very excited about sharing this fresh new message with you and your organization!

PS – If it’s not a fit for your group, please pass this link along to any other groups that come to mind! Many thanks and happy learning!

PAUSE – 13.23 – Are Curiosity & Discovery Top Of Mind?

June 12, 2013

Reflection: So here I am on a bright midsummer morning weeding in the front yard. Down the sidewalk comes a three old youngster on his tricycle with his mom trailing behind.

As they reach our front yard, Junior spots a shiny penny on the sidewalk. He hops off his trike, picks up the penny, and spends the next few minutes in a solitary game of Fetch – tossing the penny, retrieving it, and throwing it again. Eventually, it lands in the lawn. Lost!

No tears – just resignation – as magically, in place of the penny, a ladybug appears. He scoops the ladybug up in his hand and watches it crawl up his finger. With mom’s help, he masters the art of transferring the bug from one hand to another, until it spreads its wings and flies away.

No worries – there’s more to discover. The crows in the birch tree launch a caw fest. The little guy looks up to check things out, and his hat tumbles off his head onto the sidewalk.

Bending over to pick up his hat, he finds an earthworm. Dropping to his hands and knees, nose near the action, he patiently follows the worm’s wriggling progress from one edge of the walk to the other.

At this point, an airplane approaches. Junior jumps up, points it out to his mom and stands with his arm in the air tracing the aircraft’s path until it disappears from sight.

By this time, he has worked up quite a thirst. The little guy begs a sip from the juice box Mom holds at the ready, hops back on his tricycle, and off they go.

Over the course of 15 minutes, they moved a grand total of 15 feet. Not exactly a power stroll or roll! But, an extraordinary example of living and learning – approaching everyday experiences with a sense of curiosity and a spirit of discovery- with what we might call Beginner’s Mind.

 

Action: We were all beginners … once upon a time. (more…)

PAUSE – 13.18 – So, Are You Happy?

May 8, 2013

Reflection: There’s nothing like a good question to draw attention to what makes life worthwhile. And, for the record, that question is NOT: “So, are you busy?”

Far too many conversations in our stressed out, revved up world start just that way. We connect with a colleague at work, bump into an old friend at the grocery store, or meet a neighbor on the street. Before we even think about it, we’re automatically asking, “So, are you busy?”

It’s a question that usually generates a lengthy recounting of activities done and undone. Recounting the proverbial to do list seems to be a common way to establish our value and justify our existence on the planet.

Oddly enough, when you ask people to consider what really matters in life, the things that show up most often don’t relate much to the stuff on those to do lists that we fret so much and sweat so often.

What’s most meaningful and energizing relates more to relationships, to adventure, to a deep sense of connectedness and purpose – not to today’s to-do’s.

 

Action: If that is where more meaning lives, why not change the focus of our conversations? Why not start asking each other these questions instead: (more…)

PAUSE – 13.13 – What’s New In Your World?

April 3, 2013

Reflection: It was a lively chaotic commotion-filled people-rich Easter weekend here for the Katz family.

We hosted ‘Baby’s First Tea Party’ on Saturday to introduce our new grandson to the neighbors and extended family. About 30 people joined us through the afternoon including five babies and two preschoolers. It was mayhem in its most delightful wonder-full form. On Sunday, a slightly smaller group – with almost as many little ones – congregated at my sister’s home for Easter dinner.

The last decade of gatherings saw our collective offspring move through the angst of the late teens and early twenties and into the excitement of partners and marriages. It is an absolute delight to see the circle of life take another turn.

We now find ourselves knee deep in soothers, rattles, bottles, diapers and all the paraphernalia of modern babydom. How amazing it is to watch these new moms and dads find their legs as parents. And, how rewarding for those of us a little further around that circle of life to engage in gleeful rounds of ‘Pass The Babies’.

Engaging with new life in all its forms holds such power and energy. Holding a baby in your arms. Admiring the newborn calves kicking up their heels in the pasture. Following the progress of the spring crocuses and tulips as they poke their noses through the warm earth. Welcoming an intern or young summer staff member to an established workplace. Launching a new product or service in a not-so-new business.

There is something undeniably invigorating about new beginnings and fresh starts.

 

Action: If parts of your life seem stale and much seems old hat (been there…done that), now might be a very good time to connect with something or someone new to jumpstart and rekindle your enthusiasm for life.

What’s it going to be for you? Keep your eyes and your mind open. Novelty awaits. And with it comes fresh energy and renewed enthusiasm. What awesome gifts! (more…)

PAUSE – 13.01 – Handling Goofs & Gaffes With Grace & Gusto

January 9, 2013

Ethan's 'Bird & Toast'

Reflection: We’re now a full week into 2013. Chances are good that you’ve already goofed up on something; or if not yet, soon will. That’s not a prediction of doom, but simply a statement of probability.

We all mess up. It’s a given. We stumble over a new year’s resolution. We miss an appointment or renege on a promise. The question is: what do we do when we err?

While painting together over the holidays, my 5 year old grandson, Ethan, treated me to a live life-lesson on handling ‘mistakes’. You’ll find his masterpiece posted with this message. Take a peak now. It will help make sense of the story.

Here’s what happened. Ethan set out to paint a small glass perfume bottle that sparkled on the window ledge in the studio. It did not go well.

He sat back and evaluated, noting that his image did not look at all like the bottle. However, he could see the possibility of a bird, so he added feathers and legs to make it so.

Once there was a bird in the picture, he added a tree trunk and branches, green leaves, red berries, a nest and eggs. Contemplating his pic so far, he remembered that squirrels like trees. So he set about adding a squirrel to the picture. It did not go well.

Once again, he sat back and took stock. What to do with a shapeless brown splotch? Inspiration arose. He would turn it into a slice of toast, as he knew from experience that birds like crumbs. He was sure it would all work out. And so it did!

I was amazed at his flexibility of mind and his ability to adapt to changing circumstances. (more…)

PAUSE – 11.37 – Voila!

October 18, 2011

REFLECTION:  Root vegetable soup, bison medallions, creme brulee, and a large serving of ‘Laurent’ on the side! That was the menu for a recent dinner in Montreal at a small restaurant made larger than life by the presence of the one man show that was Laurent.

Our server/chef was a tall, wiry character with an easy smile and a strong desire to please partnered with a clear love of food. Laurent moved back and forth through the restaurant orchestrating the experience for several small groups of diners. A smile of welcome here! An ‘I’ve not forgotten about you’ nod and tap to his forehead there. A hand resting lightly on a diner’s shoulder as he rounded the corners between the tables.

His eyeglasses flew repeatedly from their fold in his pocket to the end of his nose as needed. Warmth and energy emanated from the open kitchen – with the odd flambe thrown in for effect. The presentation of each dish at the tables was accompanied by a grand flourish of the arms along with a delighted, childlike clapping of the hands. The message? ‘Voila! Magic has just been performed before your very eyes.’

The food was good but the experience was delightful! How engaging to be in the company of someone so solidly in their element and so clearly in the zone!

We dined the next evening at a high end restaurant in Vermont where the food was superb, and the service was stellar. However, we both agreed our dinner was missing one key element – the joi de vivre of Laurent!

 

ACTION:  This experience made me wonder what others notice when they see me in action at work and at home. You might ask yourself the same question. (more…)

Vermont Venturing

September 29, 2011

I’ve just spent the last few days of September enjoying the start of the fall season here in Vermont and New Hampshire.

While husband, Dave, took an Artisan Bread Baking at Home class at King Arthur Flour in Norwich, VT, I rambled the highways and byways with camera and sketchbook at hand.

 

This is a fabulous time of year to be in New England.

The fall colors are spectacular, and driving down any road is a treat – pure and simple.

I’ve posted a couple of images here for your enjoyment.

You’ll find a more complete set of pics and paintings on my Facebook page. See the Vermont Venturing album.

Around Montreal

September 28, 2011

Montreal – always a unique experience. Here are a few bits from our recent 24 hour visit.

We stayed in Plateau Mont Royal area at Auberge de la Fontaine near Parc La Fontaine on Rue Rachel. The park and its green spaces are great for a stroll – and the whole area is uber bike friendly. Pictured here is the fountain itself – at the end of a broad walking boulevard.

Also, pictured here –  a little wildlife – in the form of a free range three year old intent on communing with a neighborhood squirrel.

Speaking of communing, I enjoyed my chat with the Whisperers. Les Chuchoteuses is the official name for this fabulous bronze sculpture by Rose-Aimee Belanger on Rue Saint Paul in Vieux Montreal.

If you’re down in the area, I highly recommend dropping info for lunch at Olive Et Gourmando – a sweet little bistro. I’ve eaten there several times over the years and never been disappointed.

Stumbled across this pint-size sculpture in a residential sidestreet. I call her InnukChick. Quite the wig! And if I’m not mistaken, that is a bonafide chicken foot on the end of her walking stick!

And, finally, a sketch I did from the balcony of our room – looking down on the balcony next door. While I did this sketch, 5 squirrels made forays up and down the staircase. Nervy little fellas!

Always something interesting to see and do in one of Canada’s great cities.

Halifax Adventures

September 28, 2011

I spent a couple of days travelling to and working in Halifax last week. What a beautiful city with so much to explore.

I was greeted by a fabulous sunset on the day of my arrival. Have to say those Atlantic sunsets can easily rival the beauty we see on the prairies.

The next day, with a few daytime hours to spare before getting to work, I decided to adventure to an area that I had not visited before. Hydrostone Market is a block long village that was one of the first to be rebuilt after the Halifax explosion of 1917. It was originally designed with concrete bricks and tree lined avenues to recreate an English style suburban garden feel.

It was recently restored in 1993 and now you’ll find a vibrant community of shops and restaurants. I strolled a few of the bystreets – where an ivy covered veranda caught my attention. Set up my stool and my sketchbook and captured it in the morning sun.

Enjoyed an almond croissant and coffee at Julien’s Bakery. It was fun watching the locals come and go for their morning visits and errands.

Shopped the village strip, and then settled down at Epicurious Morsels for a late lunch of smoked salmon, seared scallops, on a bed of spinach with a bacon vinagrette. Gave me time to catch another sketch of the vibrant street scene.

Hydrostone is a bit off the beaten path – but  a great place to spend a few hours in the autumn leaves and sunshine. Thank you Halifax.