Happiest, Merriest, Warmest Tidings to you, my long-lost friends!
WOW. It's been over a year since I last shared a blog post with you. It honestly doesn't seem like it's been that long because I share pretty regularly on Instagram -- apparently, it's called "micro-blogging" and I definitely prefer the ease of it. A couple of times a week, I can share a pretty snapshot and a few words from my neck of the woods, right from my phone, and catch up with friends, lickety-split. I certainly don't have the mad tech skills to create a blog post from my phone, that's for sure! If you're on the fence about joining Instagram, I will tell you (as a person who does not particularly like social media) that Instagram is a warm and welcoming space, at least in my experience. It's definitely light years away from the incessant noise of Twitter. (I'm @joy_sussman if you'd like to catch up on Instagram.)
Anyway, before 2019 is behind us (that flew by, didn't it?), I wanted to pop in and share what's been happening with me, as well as give you a preview for 2020.
This past summer, we visited GREECE! The occasion: Celebrating my husband's milestone birthday. (I won't mention which one -- don't worry, honey!) We started out in Athens, then sailed on to Santorini (seriously, the most gorgeous place I've ever been, especially when the cruise ship crowds clear out), and finished on Paros (cool breezes and pure peace). I highly recommend Greece if you are looking for friendly people, delicious food, and gorgeous vistas. Plus: cats are EVERYWHERE! (I realize that's not a plus for everyone, but I thoroughly enjoyed taking TONS of cat portraits!)
I also published my second book of student photographs! It was such a pleasure to revisit the work of my very talented students from all over the world. I'm grateful to every single one of them. Here's who is featured in Volume 2 of Created with Joy: Selected Works by Photography Students:
- Dale Rogerson, Quebec, Canada
- Nancy Thompson, Nashville, Tennessee
- Kerstin Engstrom, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Tracy Van Houten, Pasadena, California
- Linda Walker, Asheville, North Carolina
- Jackie Janusz, Pennsylvania
- Alexander C. Jones, Oak Park, Illinois
- Jo Anne Dobis, Randolph, New Jersey
- Pam Sutherland, Alberta, Canada
- Sam Wolf, Southeastern Pennsylvania
- Lisa Epstein, Northern New Jersey
- Francine N. Heller, Morristown, New Jersey
- Shelley DuPont, Western New York
- Kate Hubert, Brisbane, Australia
- Pamela Cameron, Toronto, Canada
- Vesna Vucicevic, former Yugoslavia
- Connie Lissner, Greater Chicago, Illinois
- Andrea Malmud, New Jersey
- Karen Silverman Averill, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania
- Eliza Floyd, Melbourne, Australia
To order this lovely book, click here: Volume 2 of Created with Joy
And to order the equally lovely Volume 1 for the full set (so far), click here: Volume 1 of Created with Joy
I've also been hard at work creating a brand-new Soul Focus course! If you're unfamiliar with my Soul Focus series, it's a collection of online courses that help you slow down, rejuvenate, and rediscover your creative photography mojo. I've mixed in a healthy dose of my favorite meditations and literary inspirations, too. I don't like to "play favorites" but I have to be honest: the Soul Focus courses are my favorites! And few things make me happier than hearing how much these courses have meant to students.
Here are just a few quotes from previous students of the Soul Focus courses:
"I am always so sad for the end of Joy's classes, but always so grateful for what I learn from each one. I especially love Soul Focus. Each time I have taken it, it has been at a particularly good time for its messages, and reminding me to look at the larger world, as well as myself, and take care of both. Thank you, again, Joy, for your wonderful heart and guidance, helping us all to understand ourselves and others in so many ways. You really have taught me sooo much, for which I am ever grateful! Gentle reminders to slow down a bit and so many beautiful thoughts and ideas captured and shared. I can't say it enough. I love this class." -- Sue K., Colorado
"I don't even know how to express how enjoyable I have found this class to be. I appreciate so much the opportunity to broaden my perspective on everything. Sometimes I feel like I just now woke up and I'm finally seeing the things that I just didn't know to appreciate, and I'm only scratching the surface of possibility. I will carry these refreshing concepts with me as I look for opportunities to photograph the world around me. Your blend of spirit and photography is what keeps me coming back for more classes. I love my newest hobby and I'm loving the meditative approach. I know that I will gladly take this class again."-- Phyllis J., Illinois
"I have taken countless classes with Joy (every one she has taught, some even 2-3 times!), and each time emerge refreshed. I took this class to learn to slow down and appreciate the little things, and return to the photography that brings me so much joy. I have to thank you all for inspiring me, and bringing back the joy into photography, and I thank Joy for encouraging me to return. I was in a photo funk, feeling overwhelmed with everything, and that my photos were not good enough. Your positive feedback and your wonderful photos have motivated me to get back in the groove. Thanks to all of you. I needed this class more than I knew." -- Meredith R., New Jersey
To learn more about the Soul Focus courses and reserve your spots, click the links below:
Soul Focus 1: Finding Peace through Photography: Course details Soul Focus 1
Soul Focus 2: Delving Deeper into Mindful Photography: Course details Soul Focus 2
Soul Focus 3: Further Explorations into Mindful Photography: Course details Soul Focus 3
Okay, that's all for now! Until we "meet" again, I want to wish you a picture-perfect 2020, and I hope it brings you peace, good health, and much happiness.
With gratitude,
Joy
