From the moment I saw your watercolors and heard you speak about them, years ago at the Art Base (around winter 2015 or 2016 maybe?), I have been in awe of your spirit, ethos, and your authentic navigation of life. It speaks to me in ways I can’t quite put my finger on. This Substack continues to inspire me every time you release something new. Thank you! I’m grateful to be able to support your corner of the world here on Substack.
Your writing and keen insight into your personal grief journey, continues to inspire and awaken in me emotional memories of my own grief. Self-reflection and discovery unfold, after reading your posts. A sincere and heartfelt thank you.
My love for you is immeasurable. I read and re-read your words, marveling at your journey of self-discovery and ability to share them with such tenderness. You have redefined what it means to live by dealing with the heart of your experiences and reshaping them into a new art form. Every courageous line you pen has boundless strength and tender vulnerability. I am humbled by the art of your expression and the light you find even in the shadows. Alex
Very much enjoying your reflections, observations and insights, this one especially . You are so brave to share how your world has changed-- and how you have adjusted your approach to it -- since Bailey died. Your writing is precise. And engaging. You probably aren't looking for more references on the subject of grief, but if you are, Geraldine Brooks' Memorial Days about her late husband Tony Horwitz is quite beautiful. Hi from a much less snowy place.
You know Jim, that's on my list. I was at a dinner party with her last year but didn't talk to her because everyone was tugging at her. She spoke beautifully about loss and how Horse helped her push through it.
slowing down never looked so fucking great! 🪽srsly though ❤️🔥🌺💋🕉️🌷💜🦋💕 i can hear, feel & see you going so wide & it’s breathtaking like those mountains surrounding your home🌞
My dear friend Isa. Always wise words from your pen. We do see things differently after a great loss, grief teaches us many things. It doesn't get easier and it is always with us . . . it just gets different. You are brave to write about it, and help so many by sharing it. Everyone carries grief I think, we just don't know about it. I do believe it makes us more empathetic. Much love to you and your family. I will see you Anderson Ranch this July. Thank you for the inspiration always. Jan
I wish! Spring has not sprung here, the locals say this is the coldest winter they have ever seen and the most snow! I love it. The change of seasons is good for these flowers we love! I would love to bring my Flora class in July to your garden to paint, the dates are July 14 - 18. Thank you so much for offering. We will be flexible and play it by ear and set a date as we get closer, ok? Much love to you and the family. Jan
Thank you for sharing this Isa. I am finding a similar pull to slow my life and remove some of the well worn labels, in an effort to find more of "me." xo Sheri
I want to let you know how touched I am by your substack particularly this last one. That I am with you, rooting for you as well as following my own path somewhat similar to yours. Your words express so beautifully the process of finding oneself, processing life, loss and living.
For me it’s a path of learning to fully embrace myself, the warts and pluses with love and appreciation. I get glimmers by being present which allows me to feel myself more clearly and acceptingly. But being human, it comes and goes as my mind flits from one thing to another. As you expressed so beautifully, being a mother, a business person, someone engaged in the world is very hard to let go and focus on what is really important.
My wish for you is that you follow your path, feel the ups and downs and realize that the love that you put out comes back to you. My hope for you, is that you find your own compassion and love for yourself.
Oh Beth so good to hear from you and hope all is well on 26th St. if you are still there. That compassion and love for myself line made me weep. You are so right, that's the goal. I am returning to NY in June. I think I can do it. Let's grab coffee. xo
Hi Isa, How nice to hear from you too! I'm in the process of selling the apartment after so many years on 26th street. It is both a feeling of unmooring yet really exciting to move on. The process of letting go of my marriage, Ben all grown up and living with a wonderful woman, has brought me to a place where I've realized that instead of putting all my focus on caring first for others, I need to explore how to be compassionate and loving to myself. Not something women are taught and it's always very hard but now think most important. When I have those moments of clarity, I find I have much more to give, engage in the world and be creative. I wish you the same. I'm not leaving NY so would love to have coffee when you are here.
I know you are far from Denver but if you find you are there between March 13-16, I'm participating in portfolio reviews and a book signing for Month of Photography. There's down time and we could have a cup of coffee then too.
I am sorry to hear about your marriage but thrilled that Ben is happy. That’s the bottom line isn’t it. We are getting Fiona off to a field reserach job in the Peruvian Amazon so I cannot make it to Denver those days my loss! I will shoot for New York in June which will be rather charged for me! Thanks for reaching out — so kind.
I found your work at a small craft fair in Carbondale CO. Your art brought joy to others. I find your writing to be profound and up-lifting. I’m glad to hear this is a new focus for you.
So sorry for your loss. I wish you as much peace as is possible amidst this absurd world, which often feels meaningless- yet, existential philosophy believes we create our own meaning and find our authentic selves.
I’m so relating to your writing. No one can quite believe my life this past year. My beautiful husband of 43 years died traumatically after being given the wrong anesthesia during an endoscopy. Three months later I was diagnosed with stage 3b breast cancer. My life has been a tangle of grief and treatment ever since. Cancer is my “side hustle”; the business of doctors and showing up. Grief is my work. I don’t read about it. I don’t want a prescriptive response. I want my own journey and to find my own way. I’m also an artist and haven’t been able to paint since my husband’s death. Maybe after radiation….I finish three days after the one year “anniversary”. Thank you for sharing so much of your journey. I’m so sorry and sad that Bailey died.
oh Linda, I am so sorry. And I am glad radiation will soon be behind you. I am a survivor and so relate! The art will come, it will, but for an audience of one. And thanks for your condolence. We will spend the rest of our lives honoring her.
From the moment I saw your watercolors and heard you speak about them, years ago at the Art Base (around winter 2015 or 2016 maybe?), I have been in awe of your spirit, ethos, and your authentic navigation of life. It speaks to me in ways I can’t quite put my finger on. This Substack continues to inspire me every time you release something new. Thank you! I’m grateful to be able to support your corner of the world here on Substack.
You are so kind Katie! I hope you got your butterfly!
ISA, have you read Consolation’s II ( David Whyte) ? If not Im sending you a copy,
Deeds
I love him! And think I have that one. Let me root around!
Dear Isa,
Your writing and keen insight into your personal grief journey, continues to inspire and awaken in me emotional memories of my own grief. Self-reflection and discovery unfold, after reading your posts. A sincere and heartfelt thank you.
Thank you for those kind words Kathryn! I feel like I am flying by the seat of my pants when I sit down to write.
Dearest Isa, as always, so appreciate your ability to be raw, real and authentically you. You open many eyes and souls to what’s possible ❤️
Well, my dear you helped me think through some of those bits. I need to footnote you next time!
My Dearest Isa,
My love for you is immeasurable. I read and re-read your words, marveling at your journey of self-discovery and ability to share them with such tenderness. You have redefined what it means to live by dealing with the heart of your experiences and reshaping them into a new art form. Every courageous line you pen has boundless strength and tender vulnerability. I am humbled by the art of your expression and the light you find even in the shadows. Alex
Oh thank you my dear. I will try to be down this weekend for that show....will you be there?
Very much enjoying your reflections, observations and insights, this one especially . You are so brave to share how your world has changed-- and how you have adjusted your approach to it -- since Bailey died. Your writing is precise. And engaging. You probably aren't looking for more references on the subject of grief, but if you are, Geraldine Brooks' Memorial Days about her late husband Tony Horwitz is quite beautiful. Hi from a much less snowy place.
You know Jim, that's on my list. I was at a dinner party with her last year but didn't talk to her because everyone was tugging at her. She spoke beautifully about loss and how Horse helped her push through it.
I love how you sway and dance with it all - thank you for sharing.
It's more like lurching my friend but trying. xo
I'm sure it is. Difficult. Maybe not graceful at all.xxoo
This is a particularly important, thought provoking and helpful epistle, Issa.
Thank you.
Susan
I am so glad it resonated my dear. I so value your judgment. xo
Sending love and colors your way
I'll take colors always. And loved your piece about your garden -- impressive that!
slowing down never looked so fucking great! 🪽srsly though ❤️🔥🌺💋🕉️🌷💜🦋💕 i can hear, feel & see you going so wide & it’s breathtaking like those mountains surrounding your home🌞
thanks deary Betsy!
Thank you for this, Isa. I just subscribed and I'd like the butterfly with "The Fool."
on its way thanks!
Can’t wait!
My dear friend Isa. Always wise words from your pen. We do see things differently after a great loss, grief teaches us many things. It doesn't get easier and it is always with us . . . it just gets different. You are brave to write about it, and help so many by sharing it. Everyone carries grief I think, we just don't know about it. I do believe it makes us more empathetic. Much love to you and your family. I will see you Anderson Ranch this July. Thank you for the inspiration always. Jan
This time the class has to come to the garden. And I will come visit too. Has spring sprung yet in OHio?
I wish! Spring has not sprung here, the locals say this is the coldest winter they have ever seen and the most snow! I love it. The change of seasons is good for these flowers we love! I would love to bring my Flora class in July to your garden to paint, the dates are July 14 - 18. Thank you so much for offering. We will be flexible and play it by ear and set a date as we get closer, ok? Much love to you and the family. Jan
Thank you for sharing this Isa. I am finding a similar pull to slow my life and remove some of the well worn labels, in an effort to find more of "me." xo Sheri
So important and glad we are on this journey of simplification together.
Hi Isa,
I want to let you know how touched I am by your substack particularly this last one. That I am with you, rooting for you as well as following my own path somewhat similar to yours. Your words express so beautifully the process of finding oneself, processing life, loss and living.
For me it’s a path of learning to fully embrace myself, the warts and pluses with love and appreciation. I get glimmers by being present which allows me to feel myself more clearly and acceptingly. But being human, it comes and goes as my mind flits from one thing to another. As you expressed so beautifully, being a mother, a business person, someone engaged in the world is very hard to let go and focus on what is really important.
My wish for you is that you follow your path, feel the ups and downs and realize that the love that you put out comes back to you. My hope for you, is that you find your own compassion and love for yourself.
Warm regards,
Beth
Oh Beth so good to hear from you and hope all is well on 26th St. if you are still there. That compassion and love for myself line made me weep. You are so right, that's the goal. I am returning to NY in June. I think I can do it. Let's grab coffee. xo
Hi Isa, How nice to hear from you too! I'm in the process of selling the apartment after so many years on 26th street. It is both a feeling of unmooring yet really exciting to move on. The process of letting go of my marriage, Ben all grown up and living with a wonderful woman, has brought me to a place where I've realized that instead of putting all my focus on caring first for others, I need to explore how to be compassionate and loving to myself. Not something women are taught and it's always very hard but now think most important. When I have those moments of clarity, I find I have much more to give, engage in the world and be creative. I wish you the same. I'm not leaving NY so would love to have coffee when you are here.
I know you are far from Denver but if you find you are there between March 13-16, I'm participating in portfolio reviews and a book signing for Month of Photography. There's down time and we could have a cup of coffee then too.
Be well and look forward to connecting! xo Beth
I am sorry to hear about your marriage but thrilled that Ben is happy. That’s the bottom line isn’t it. We are getting Fiona off to a field reserach job in the Peruvian Amazon so I cannot make it to Denver those days my loss! I will shoot for New York in June which will be rather charged for me! Thanks for reaching out — so kind.
Isa,
I found your work at a small craft fair in Carbondale CO. Your art brought joy to others. I find your writing to be profound and up-lifting. I’m glad to hear this is a new focus for you.
So sorry for your loss. I wish you as much peace as is possible amidst this absurd world, which often feels meaningless- yet, existential philosophy believes we create our own meaning and find our authentic selves.
Good luck on your journey.
-JB
Jack how very lovely. Thank you.
I’m so relating to your writing. No one can quite believe my life this past year. My beautiful husband of 43 years died traumatically after being given the wrong anesthesia during an endoscopy. Three months later I was diagnosed with stage 3b breast cancer. My life has been a tangle of grief and treatment ever since. Cancer is my “side hustle”; the business of doctors and showing up. Grief is my work. I don’t read about it. I don’t want a prescriptive response. I want my own journey and to find my own way. I’m also an artist and haven’t been able to paint since my husband’s death. Maybe after radiation….I finish three days after the one year “anniversary”. Thank you for sharing so much of your journey. I’m so sorry and sad that Bailey died.
oh Linda, I am so sorry. And I am glad radiation will soon be behind you. I am a survivor and so relate! The art will come, it will, but for an audience of one. And thanks for your condolence. We will spend the rest of our lives honoring her.