Dear Painting Friends Worldwide,
I was 69 years old in July! And although the PFTS process is still desired by a new generation of seekers, and my heart is called to teach, my body wants to slow down. After 2 months of travel, teaching in the Berkshires, Connecticut and then onto Italy where PFTS book was translated into Italian, I want nothing more then to be a homebody in my sweet town of Ojai.
ITALY
A year ago, I was invited to teach at the Expressive Arts Studio of Marina Argenti in the small unassuming agricultural village of Praticello, in Northern, Italy. Marina, who has become a soul sister, arranged for my book to be translated by Claudia Enrico who was recommended by the publisher. We worked on the book together by e mail never having met. This was a magical collaboration that bonded us deeply. It was a delight when we meet in Italy for my book presentation. 
In this process, we edited the last chapter which I always loved but it was never before published, Painting As A Spiritual Journey.
It was heartwarming to get such a warm response from the Italian’s who were in the workshop and who read my book. The paintings were as intense and amazing as always. And the blocks and issues were the same too... a different flavor but the same. It’s all the same Source. Being a Catholic dominated country I think, has made people both shy away from and yearn for the source.
While in Italy in Italy I also attended to a Conference on Women’s Spirituality Mastery in the City of Turin, where I met an inspiring English woman, who became a well known Buddhist Nun, who I call Jetsuma. She meditated in a Himalayan cave for 12 years and has now established the first Buddhist nunnery in India where the women are educated as thoroughly and rigorously as the men. She is an embodiment of my lifelong hero, Mary Poppins.
I also contributed to post conference in the nearby village of Vidracco, home of the Federation of Damanhur, www.damanhur.org, a massive sustainable world eco community known as the 8th wonder of the world. I stayed there for a week and took the tour of the amazing underground temples. My Italian book will be sold in their bookstore. While fascinating and very complex, there are some aspects of these experiences at the woman’s Conference and Damenur that I do not feel completely comfortable with. I know the earthy Shamanistic and shadow aspects were missing for me. Still in process.
THE PAST YEAR
Senior-ship with its body challenges, living alone, witnessing the lives and dramas of family and friends, and the prospective loss of my modest nest egg, have pushed me deeper to inner work and the richness of simple everyday activities, making soup, folding clean laundry, shopping for my many health supplements, visiting friends and family with whom I am enjoying closer relationships.
I have been working 12-step recovery, practicing the healing meditations of Bruno Groning Circle of Friends, painting and attending to my dreams as always. I have completed writing my movie myth, The King Who Sang the Song of the Grandmother, the story of the reigning Patriarchies heart ripped open to Love / the Needs of Mother Earth and their own lost feminine. This of course is my inner story as well. I pray for guidance for how this story needs to be manifest in the world.
On the Source front, my new young friend Bianca, designed a lovely label for my DVD, (which sells all over the world slow but steady), planning workshops, picking up a few new tech skills like my new digital camera. Also really excited about collaborating with Toni Bergins, of Journey Dance. We did an outstanding combo workshop, paint and dance at Esalen last year which was stupendous. Great combo and I love collaborating with another master teacher. Look forward to doing another this Sept. 20-25 at Kripalu.
This past year, I offered a series of ongoing workshops right here in my beautiful town of Ojai. (The first session was produced in collaboration with my friend Janat Dundas). My friend Suzie offered her backyard playhouse. Wonderful people showed up and we had 3 very successful sessions.
NOW
The world is going through such intense growing pains, it’s hard to know or plan. I feel very grateful for where I live, Ojai Ca. I really love the beauty, weather, progressive, spiritual artistic activities and my woman friends. The successful PFTS sessions here in Ojai with my local friends, and my desire to put in a local roots have inspired me to explore with others a process oriented expressive arts venue that supports sustainability. My financial situation, passion to teach and the soul needs of people around me eliminate any concept of retirement. This fall, besides Paint and Dance in Kripalu, I will be teaching in Orlando Florida, sponsored by Judith Rubinger, October 9-11 and again in Esalen Art Barn November 29- December 4. To be continued.
Much Love and wishes for Peace for you all, Aviva
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AVAILABLE FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSULTATIONS AND SUPERVISION. I have the credentials to supervise art therapists and council others in all aspects of professional and creative blocks which I have done for the past 30 years. By phone or in person, my fee is $115 for an hour and 15 minutes. Contact me below.
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
AVIVA GOLD, MFA, CSW, ATR-BC, REAT, 308 N. Blanche St. #1, Ojai, CA 93023 PHONE: 805-640-1724 : info@paintingfromthesource.com | www.paintingfromthesource.com