Last year on November 23, as I was getting ready for Thanksgiving, on a crisp autumn day, the morning light danced across the horizon, I found myself admiring an extraordinary sight in my backyard—an assembly of wild turkeys. Their presence, a blend of historic significance and natural marvel, immediately sparked a sense of wonder in me. So, I decided to shoot them, with my camera. Their vibrant plumage and graceful movements against the backdrop of the autumn landscape made for an enchanting spectacle. More on the link below
In 1972, Steve Jobs took a calligraphy class at Reed College based on campus posters he saw after dropping out. The poster fonts themselves were artistic enough to catch his eye, and he audited this class, despite knowing the class would earn him no credit towards a degree.
Growing up in Macedonia, I remember my mother beautiful handwriting, and I was inspired to learn more about Calligraphy, so I went on a mission to find a local Calligrapher for my upcoming event. ''The Art and The Beauty and The Art of Journaling'
Let me tell you, it was not easy. Until it was easy when I found Rose and she told me about the colleagues at Calligraphy, and she recommended that I reach out to them. I sent lots of emails, explaining the passion and love I have for journaling and that I would like to add some calligraphy to the journaling. The first to call me was Judith. We had a nice chat, and she said she would love to be my keynote educator at my event, The Beauty and Art of Journaling with Calligraphy.
Judith Michalski began the study of calligraphy (which means “beautiful writing) in 1978, when she asked a woman, she knew who made pretty signs, if she would teach her. Judith says '' I enjoyed learning, but eventually came to realize the letters had no historical value. I learned of a guild in the Twin Cities called the Colleagues of Calligraphy and joined. It was a life changer for me! I took some master lettering artist classes and eventually went to London and studied with Donald Jackson, the calligrapher to Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth II. I have taught now for 42 years and I love sharing this art!''
Our mission is to create and cultivate relationships within local communities for personal and professional growth to educate and inspire through, 'The Beauty and The Art of Journaling''
Chek out the Calligrapher: Donald Jackson Reception — The Colleagues of Calligraphy when he visited MN
We are also expressing gratitude to Cub Foods in Plymouth MN for gifting us the beautiful Roses 🌹 for our Journaling event.
I recently found my old journal entry from November 8, 2022, during a retreat Up North with some ladies from church. It was a reflective time, and I wrote about how November always brings a feeling of remembrance.
November is for Remember.
For me, especially, it’s for remembering my late father, Dimitar. Since I was a little girl, November has been one of my favorite months—not for the gray skies, cold air, or even snow, but for gathering with family and friends to celebrate life. Back in Yugoslavia, now North Macedonia, we observed “Mitroden” (Name Day) on November 8. This wasn’t like Christmas in America, which is lovely in its way. Mitroden was different—no one came with gifts or food; they came simply to be present, bringing the gift of their time.
My wonderful mother would begin preparations three months in advance, even while working full-time. She did it all with love and grace, without complaint. I once shared this story with my friend Rumi, who remarked, “Your mother must have loved him very much.” She truly did, and it showed in everything she prepared, all homemade with such care.
There was something magical about the day itself. I remember the scent of a new carpet rolled out just before guests arrived. The house, filled with fresh aromas and the joy of people, was a true celebration of life.
As the sun set, guests would start arriving, beautifully dressed, ringing the bell, and just like that, they were here. No invitations were necessary. In Macedonia, we call it a “holiday for the eyes and soul.” It was pure joy. However, after the fall of communism, things changed—fewer people came, fewer voices filled the air, and the bright skies seemed to grow dim.
The passion and beauty of journaling became even more meaningful to me recently, especially after I watched a documentary about Steve Jobs. He spoke so passionately about calligraphy—how each stroke brought words to life, giving them beauty and impact. It got me thinking about the ways we capture meaning and the things that truly connect us.
Interesting enough, that same day, I was reminded of how disconnected our phones sometimes make us. My husband came home from work one day and mentioned he couldn’t find his iPhone. I thought, “That’s odd—my phone isn’t working either, so I can’t call you.” When we checked the “Find My” app, my phone showed his iPhone was somewhere nearby, at a dental office, of all places. So, at 11:00 PM, Greg went out, searching through the night. He combed every spot he could think of and didn’t come back until around 3 AM. I even asked my best friend to pray. Finally, Greg came home, but the phone didn’t. The next morning, he went to the dental office, only to find they had no iPhone there. Just as he was about to give up, he suddenly heard a faint noise in the grass—and there it was, his phone, buried with a shattered screen. Steve Jobs famously said, “You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So, you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.
Not long after that, Verizon encountered yet another widespread technical issue with its iPhone services leading to a complete inability to make calls for almost a full day. This experience was highly exasperating.
I’d scheduled a meal delivery for a friend who wasn’t feeling well, and with my husband visiting his brother in Texas, I couldn’t call her to confirm the details. I tried ordering Chick-fil-A for her online, but technical issues delayed the delivery. I was left panicking because I couldn’t call her to explain. Texting the whole story was impractical, so I simply texted her to reschedule, and thankfully, she understood. Reflecting on Jobs' passion for calligraphy made me realize the extent of our dependence on smartphones. Everything is connected to the cloud; it’s like these devices know us better than anyone else, yet they leave us so disconnected from the real world. If we lose them, it feels like we’re stranded. Weeks might go by trying to recover contacts, passwords, and memories stored only in the cloud. Sometimes, those we care about can disappear with the loss of a phone number, like my 93-year-old dear friend Mrs. Gloria. I remember taking her to church for a lunch gathering, but when I switched phones, her number was lost, and that connection was gone. She told me that she prayed to God to transition in her bed at home, then jokingly added that since her daughter is taking her to Virginia, she's bringing her bed along.
Kathy Burket on the left run for office for Plymouth, and Velina is a very Talented Bulgarian Artist she has a selection of Art for Sale and can be contacted at velinad83@gmail.com. Bea Anderson on the far right is from England, she loves horses, and her grandmother lived up to 103 years old, her grandmother received a Greeting Card from The Queen Elizabeth on her 103 Birthday. I bet was handwritten and calligraphed by her Majesty.
Drawing with Pencil, Sofia Loren'' available for purchase.
Jotting down ideas or journaling by hand has been shown to unlock increased creativity in our minds and in our work.
Stress Reduction: Writing about challenges provides an emotional release, reducing stress and helping you maintain a clear mind.
Organizational and Productivity Boost: Journaling encourages prioritization and time management, helping you stay organized and productive.
Self-Reflection: Journaling enhances self-awareness, promoting personal growth through reflection on actions and experiences.
Goal Setting and Achievement: Writing down goals and tracking progress keeps you motivated, accountable, and focused on your objective
“Keeping a journal will absolutely change your life in ways you’ve never imagined.” — Oprah Winfrey
~We are Real People ~Real DEAL~REAL ESTATE~
According to Johns Hopkins University study done on July 8, 2021, handwriting beats typing and watching videos. Though writing by hand is increasingly being eclipsed by the ease of computers, a new study finds we shouldn't be so quick to throw away the pencils and paper: handwriting helps people learn certain skills surprisingly faster and significantly better than learning the same material through typing or watching videos.
Contact LLina if you are in need to sell or buy a Home Find Your Minnesota Home. See the newest real estate listings at eXp Realty.
We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful friends at the Local Dunkin Donuts in Plymouth for their generous gift of a $100 Gift Card. This thoughtful gesture not only showcases their commitment to the community but also highlights the strong relationships they cultivate with their patrons. They are located conveniently at 3195A Vicksburg Lane North, Plymouth, MN 55447
With the Colleague from Nordstrom Mall of America winner of $100 Dunkin Donuts Gift card
"I always try to have a vacation." –Sophia Loren
Feeling the winter blues in Minnesota? No worries - Escape will take care of that and impress you with their services. Here is where to find them :
Thank you, Perspire Sauna Studio, for your Gift Certificate, conveniently located at 3225 Vicksburg Ln N Ste. The Lucky winner was Finn from New Zealand-He is also in Search of a new Job and can be contacted here: Finn Madden | LinkedIn
Book your Session here: Infrared Sauna Benefits: benefits of near and far infrared Perspire Sauna Studio
Perspire Sauna Studio is the perfect place for your Journaling
We would like to thank the manager, Dave and the friends at Palm Beach Tanning,for the generous gift. Book your session Here Sunless and Spray Tanning in Plymouth, MN | Palm Beach Tan
Transform your look in minutes at Palm Beach Tanning Plymouth. Enjoy top-of-the-line tanning services designed for that flawless, sun-drenched glow. Stop in today and experience luxury tanning at its best—your perfect shade is just a session away! Located at Located at 3225 Vicksburg Lane North #Plymouth, MN 55447
We would like to thank Nate and the friends at Caribou Coffee for their generous coffee gift 💝 set
Whether you’re craving a frothy latte or a refreshing cold brew, Caribou Coffee is your perfect sip of happiness. Start your mornings right and savor every moment with Caribou Coffee, where quality meets comfort Visit the Caribou Coffee3455 Vicksburg Ln N, Plymouth, MN 55447
Wearing Fashion Designer Sue Wong dress. The custom Moroccan-style LA mansion for $10.4M is for On the Market for sale.
We extend our gratitude to Cub Foods manager Mike in Plymouth, MN, for gifting the beautiful roses 🌹 for our journaling event.
A heartfelt thanks to Aretha at Mall of America with Bobbi Brown for the generous gift 🎁. If you're at the Mall of America in Nordstrom, don't miss visiting her at The Bobby Brown Beauty Counter.
In November, we honor our parents, as I remember my father who passed away in 2011, the same year Steve Jobs did.
If you have missed my last events here are the highlights My Summer event: How to Change Your Life when you Change your Space? ''Highlights and Book Review: Masterclass with Feng Shui Expert, Interior Designer and Book Author Julie Ann Segal on August 26,2024''
and my Spring event the Beauty and the Art of Journaling: How to Journal-Connect &Create: The Beauty and the Art of The Joyful Journey of Journaling Together Event on May 18, 2024, at The Plymouth Community Center.
Attending our journaling event offers a unique opportunity to tap into your creativity and gain new insights through the art of journaling. You’ll connect with like-minded individuals while exploring ways to enhance personal and professional growth.
Let’s celebrate life together.
I invite you to join me NEXT time the Spring in celebrating life and networking where you’ll meet some wonderful people, enjoy great food, and learn about the therapeutic and productive benefits of Journaling and Calligraphy.
An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.
Benjamin Franklin
If you're tired of credit cards and debt, Trinity can assist you in becoming debt-free within 3-5 years.
Speak with a Certified Credit Counselor Call Us Now 800-793-9049
Remember to use the #code ID: 427121 Ana when registering. P.S. Thanks to their great referral bonus, when you sign up, we each get $100. Actually, I receive $200, but I'll split it with you since you found this post. I prefer to Refer.
Improve your financial Literacy with Free eBooks | Trinity Debt Management
Whether you need to see or buy a home, or if you're looking to capture the essence of a special event through photography, look no further than Ana with Genuine Beauty Photography. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling through images, Ana specializes in providing a comprehensive photography service that caters to a variety of needs. If you are in the market for a new home, Ana understands the importance of showcasing properties in their best light. She offers professional real estate photography that highlights the unique features and charm of each home, helping potential buyers envision themselves in the space. Her expertise in capturing the right angles and lighting ensures that every listing stands out in a competitive market.
Registration is now open for our
Next event: Here Spring Renewal Journaling Spring Renewal Journaling Event | Genuine Beauty Net
With love,
Your friend,
Ana
Comments