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'Tis The Season '24

QueenieBrownMagazine.com

For Today's Real Human Being Extraordinary

"Merry Christmas"

"chag sameach"

"Happy Kwanzaa"

There is something about this time of year that simply makes one tingle.

Excitement buzzes through the air as the collective energy is charged higher than normal. The charge comes mostly from good cheer, in spite of how it could sometimes appear.

We know the source is good because across the globe a period of enlightenment is upon us. Folks have ended or are entering long periods of fasting and or harvesting. All around us, people are busy with preparations for extended family and community traditions, all of which builds the charge.

It may prove beneficial to breathe in, deeply, taking a moment to allow the electric charge in the atmosphere to surge through the body. This encourages the force to be felt, acknowledged, then used for what it is meant - feeling, doing, and being good (good being translated, as necessary for the individual; there is no one way for good). The secret is giving one's self permission to harness - to control - the energy.

Taking a moment, can help AVOID getting overstimulated or "caught up" in the force, which can be overwhelming. Feeling burnout, down, lethargic, even "riled up" and "angry" are indicators of being swept up by the swirl of the season.

Using the energy to heal, sooth, and care for the self is the greatest gift to offer. Strolling through natures gallery of splendor or human's interpretation of beauty may be an excellent solution for care as immersing one's self in beauty offers contemplation, reflection, and a alternative perspective on life that is well deserved.

Aretha LaverneArt

Featured in our February '23 edition, ArethaLaverneArt is this year's final fave we catch up with in celebration of queeniebrownmagazine.com's tenth year anniversary!

Almost two years ago, we promised to keep an eye on Aretha. Still committed to contemplative practices like meditation, breath work and nature walks to "flow through the chaos," Aretha has allowed no moss to gather beneath her feet.

Once described as shy, Aretha has flowed into public speaking engagements, organizing local events, and coordinating as well as participating in exhibitions - her most recent participation is with the Trex Northwest Traveling Exhibition Program, "Self Reflection." Aretha continues to "craft and share images that tell stories to enrich the cultural landscape of the art world".

One of four artists on the "Self Reflection"exhibition, Aretha has blended history with fantasy to explore the African and diasporic experience with the goal of connecting viewers with their ancestral roots; a blend she identifies as "Afrofuturism -" a movement of storytelling celebrating Black identity while creating a new vision for the future. This blend can be seen in Aretha's piece called "Sankofa: Red Horizon," an interpretation completed with Hidden Code, based on a Ghanian symbol by the same name.

An artist passionate about community, Aretha's latest experience grants her the opportunity to travel across Canada's Northwest region connecting with fellow artists; experiences she treasures, and looks forward to continuing on a personal level.

We will keep an eye - and ear on her

You can too. Follow ArethaLaverneArt at https://www.instagram.com/arethalaverneart/

Embrace the Artistry...

that is YOU.

Witness

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Closed after Thanksgiving weekend, the Oak Bluffs Inn owners at Martha's Vineyard will be busy behind the scenes caring for the little details in preparation for their May 1st re-opening.

Rhonda and Erik have owned their ten-room Inn for over twenty years. They know "downtime" means cleaning drains and AC units, non-glamourous tasks unseen by guests but important for keeping guests happy.

"You are only as good as your last guest's experience," Erik stated during our phone conversation. "You cannot rest on your laurels. Every day is a new experience. You have to keep working hard at ensuring people are happy."

Splendor

Voted Best of Boston 2020 by Boston Magazine and 2023 Traveler's Choice, Tripadvisor, it would seem Erik and Rhonda's motto, "Where guests become family" is a dedication paying off.

Located in the town of Oak Bluffs, arguably the best town on Martha's Vineyard, this historical property is known as your home on the island. Guests are encouraged to walk to restaurants, lounge at the beach, kayak or sit on the porch soaking up the eclectic town activities.

Visiting this 1870 Victorian home will add you to an impressive guest list. You will me amongst fancy folks like Spike Lee and Wynton Marsalis (who apparently gave an impormptu concert in the living room)!

Looking forward to another great year, Erik says, "Come visit in 2025."

Lively Up Yourself!

Many believe if they are unhappy with their jobs, they should immediately jump ship and dive into their dreams. That works for some, but, for many, a slow, prepared departure is the best approach.

A lover of art for as long as she can remember, Joan Spence always believed in the power of art and enjoyed developing relationships with artists. It was only natural that her passion became a small business venture along-side her day job.

When unpleasant changes began to take place at her 9 to 5, this former Policy Analyst wondered if it was time to give her part-time gig her all. She took a leave of absence, then knew her calling, indeed, was to share art with the world. Joan made her leave, permanent, and invested her savings - full-time - in her dream (a dream she did not realize she had until it was actualized).

Nestled in one of the original melting pot areas at Toronto's core, blocks away from the city's renowned university, Harbord Village is home to the trusted Spence Gallery.

Joan has celebrated emerging and mid-career artists for nearly 20 years, not only featuring talent, but she particularly enjoys introducing art to first-time as well as shy buyers. She does both through her gallery and round the world Art Fairs as the self-proclaimed, Ambassador for Canadian art.

Make certain to check out Joan's Black Friday offer. But, hurry, it ends Sunday, Dec 8th at midnight!

https://spencegallery.com/

"Focus on what you want, going for it however that means." Joan Spence

Prepping for the holidays!

A 20 minute lesson on liquor and liqueurs.

Give Yourself a Break this Season

This may be a season of stress and little rest, but remember, the reason behind this time of year is love. The best way to show love is to yourself first, so when you find yourself stressing...

Breathe - inhale for four seconds then slowly release (the longer you take to release your breath the better.

If you are really stressed, take two quick and one long breath in through your nose. This is your body's natural response to fear.

SLEEP! Defy the rule of staying up late to get things done - that includes wrapping gifts! Getting to sleep early actually allows your brain to process the day's bustle - and drama. If it is not done through the night, your brain will be stuck doing it the next day... which could cause brain fog, fatigue, confusion, irritation... and the list goes on. You want to be FRESH and alert to take on the next day.

Let it pass. Those little irritations that appear out of nowhere (and ruin your day or night) are easily ignored when you count to 10. Try it! You will be glad you did.

Enjoy. Decide to simply have a good time NO MATTER WHAT! That is the point to gatherings or chilling on your own. Reject opportunities to feel bad, sorry for yourself, misunderstood or angry.