This past month, I’ve been expressing my creativity in a “Painting Like Georgia O’Keefe” class at the Naples Art Institute. It’s been many years since I put paintbrush to canvas, and keeping up with our talented instructor Genie Kell and my fellow students has certainly been intimidating, but oh-so-rewarding.

I fell in love with O’Keefe’s work the first time I saw her larger-than-life abstract paintings of flowers as an art student in the late 70s. Often referred to as the “mother of modern feminist art”, her use of color and form to capture the essence and feeling of objects delighted and inspired me, offering new ways of looking at the world and femininity. I’ll never be able to personally thank Georgia for opening my heart and mind to new possibilities, but perhaps I can pay my gratitude forward by developing my own expressive talents and sharing them with others—maybe through a painting!

I am also inspired by the dedicated work and talents of all the contributors to this month’s special Women’s Wellness issue, which is chock-full of cutting-edge information and tools to help you live your best life. From managing stress and balancing hormones to maintaining radiant skin and learning to own our regal elegance, so many of the articles this month highlight how important it is for women to take care of and love themselves. For me, learning self-care has been one of the great lessons of life. 

Kudos and deep gratitude to my longtime senior editor, creative wordsmith and friend Linda Sechrist, whose significant contributions this month and every month are shared not just locally, but nationally across our Natural Awakenings family of publications. And deep appreciation for local writer and editor Sandra Yeyati who now holds the esteemed position of national editor of our Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation under the umbrella of KnoWEwell. Without these two women’s friendship and support, none of this would be possible each month.

This month’s issue is a celebration of femininity and all those that mother us. I want to express my deepest gratitude for all the women in my life who have nurtured and supported me in my journey: my ancestors, sisters, daughter, girlfriends and mentors. We are all mothering something or someone, just remember to include yourself. Happy Mother’s Day to all of us!

Creatively yours, 

Sharon