
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Journaling My Caritas Journey

Saturday, June 27, 2009
Journaling My Caritas Journey

Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Journaling My Caritas Journey
June 24, 2009Caritas Process # 2 Instilling/enabling faith and hope.
The above painting was done by my Mother. When I ask her to explain it to me she identified the palm trees,rainbow,clouds and sun. I asked about the angular object below the rainbow and she said it was the gates of Heaven. She closed her eyes with fatigue so I did not explore further at this time. But when she is ready, I will address her "Heavens Gate" again and be available to listen.
Is this a prophetic painting created by my Mother? I think it may be. This art work has possibly opened the door for end of life conversation. I want her to feel comfortable to talk about these isssues and I want to support her during that process.
Journaling My Caritas Journey
Caritas Process #5
Promoting and accepting expression of positive and negative feelings.
Another setback in the care of my Mother. My two sisters and I visited our Mother today in St. Catherine's Rehabilatation Center. Upon entering the room, we saw that all her belongings were packed up an on a cart in preparation for transfer into an isolation room. We were informed that she had respiratory MSRA. It was not the happy reunion we had hoped for. We were anticipating discharge this week. Mom felt supported by having all three of her daughters present at one time, especally at this time. After settling down in her isolation room, to lighten the atmosphere we all participated in a bedside art activity . I pulled out of my pocketbook four unfinished wooden winged creatures, ranging from ladybugs to butterflies. I enlisted Occupational Therapy for some acrylic paint and brushes, then off we flew. Each of us applying colors to our project seem to cause a calming and directed focus. I know for me, I was better able to handle this negative news and feeling of discouragement in regards to Mom's further decline. As for my Mother, she gave it all she had, but tired very quickly, so I painted the strokes she was unable to make. Mom was so happy to have her daughters engaged and supporting her. We acknowledged Mom's disappointment with her health status, but kept the environment lighthearted to help us all process this unwelcomed news. I would like to do this again at a time when my brother could also be present. It was a time of focus and a genuine expression of caring and support of a family. We also participated in her bedside physical therapy with her . Quite a sight , a room full of masked face women doing leg lifts together , even floor staff got into the rhythm. Caring out the Caritas Process, being present to, and supportive of, the expression of positive and negative feelings.
Connecting Art and Wellness, Patty
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Journaling My Caritas Journey
Monday, June 15, 2009
Journaling My Caritas Journey
Caritas Process #1 Practicing loving kindness and equanimity for self and others.Caritas Process #4 Developing and sustaining a helping trusting authentic caring relationship. Caritas Process # 7 Engaging in genuine teaching and learning experience within context of caring relationship.
For my community project this month I collaborated with my grandchildren.Our project was to bake chocolate chip cookies and take to our community fire station. I believe this experience will be one that my grandchildr
Connecting Art and Wellness, Patty
Monday, June 1, 2009
Journaling My Caritas Journey
A very good way to start out the month. I have an exhibit starting today at the "Five Points Theatre" the feature movie is "Angels and Demons" with Tom Hanks. Proceeds from the sale of my art work will be donated to the American Cancer Society . www.5pointstheatre.com
Also hats off to J.D. Pennington, Pharmacist,
4075 AIA S. Suite 102, St Augustine Fl .
We have a very unique relationship. You see he also "Connects Art and Wellness." He promotes Wellness by dispensing prescriptions and he promotes Art by selling my paintings. Who could possibly imagine a "Fine Art Pharmacy." Thank you J.D. you're the best!
Until then,
Connecting Art and Wellness
Patty
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Journaling My Caritas Journey
My submission for the month of May is complete if you read down it is in reverse chronological order, you will be able to determine that by the dates. Tomorrow is June , at the end of the month I will send another personal invitation for you to view my blog as we travel this path together. Until then, Connecting Art and Wellness, Patty
Journaling My Caritas Journey
Journaling My Caritas Journey
May 30, 2009

Today I participated in painting a Mural at The Safe Harbor Boys Home. Posed with me in front of the mural also wearing paint, is Annelies and Marsha. ( Lt.) We were so happy to complete this project in one day. Tonight the movie "Safe Harbor" will be featured on TV starring Treat Williams and Nancy Travis. Marsha and I (Rt.) are holding a DVD of this movie. Yea! we get to watch without commercial interruptions. Safe Harbor Boys Home is celebrating their 25th anniversary and the organization started right here in Jacksonville, Florida.
The philosophy is "Waves of Change Start with a Ripple" and "Saving the World one Boy at a Time". That triggers my thoughts to another worthy cause directed in making change, "One Nurse at a Time". Until then , Connecting Art and Wellness, Patty
Friday, May 29, 2009
Journaling My Caritas Journey
SAFE HARBOR BOYS HOME
May 29, 2009
Tomorrow I will meet with other local artist from The Art Center. Our mission is to paint a mural of a seascape at the Safe Harbor Boys Home. http://www.boyshome.com/ The boys that live here need encouragement and passionate forgiveness. Until then, Connecting Art and Wellness, Patty
Journaling My Caritas Journey
ART AS A WAY OF CARING
May 27, 2009
Last evening I sat down to begin my reflections of my Caritas Journey. I was going to write about my evolving CARING attitude. Pen and paper in front of me I was busy writing when the phone rang. It was my neighbor who feared infection and wanted me to examine her recent surgical incision. My first thought was the project I had just started. Then I said to myself "you hypocrite." I could tell by her voice that she was anxious and needed some reassurance. On the way out the door I grabbed one of my prints titled "Weaving Wellness" as a gift for her.
She met me at the door with an expression of anxiety on her face. I examined her incision and saw no immediate threats. Reassurance was offered to both she and her husband. We visited about an hour. During that period of time I experienced all dimensions of the five caring processes. My focus was on my friend, allowing her to share her feelings, comforting, supporting and maintaining a hopeful attitude. What a timely phone call. Coincidence or Miracle? I will let you decide.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Journaling my Caritas Journey

Journaling a Caritas Journey
Journaling my Caritas Journey
Mom is better and will be moving to a rehab center. Believe me she knows the difference when I am authentically present and when I am not. Trying to do something experiential with her each time I visit and I'm always looking into the aesthetic appearance of her room. There are therapeutic effects with a green plant in the room . It produces oxygen and represents regeneration and renewal. Keeping up with floral arrangements in her room has been a pleasure for me. I like the designing aspects of this project. Mom is never ready for me to leave. Life's spiral continues.
Until then,
Connecting Art and Wellness, Patty
Journaling my Caritas Journey
Today my Mother, soon to be 91 years, old was hospitalized with a septic infection. We traded roles many years ago, however I still have a reverence for her decisions and opinions. Our families presence with her is very important to her. In the quietness of her hospital room, I began to use Healing Touch (energy-based therapy) . In spite of her claim that I am preforming "voodoo spells" on her, I know it creates a sense of well being in her. I can tell in her respiration's and in her facial expression.
Until then,
Connecting Art and Wellness
Patty
Journaling My Caritas Journey


Thanks to GOLA staff of Flagler Beach, this workshop was made possible. We had an herbal tea party, talked about ways to manage stress and maintain wellness . The participants were absolutely authentically present and creative emergence was promoted. I challenged this group as I was challenged to create 6 month goals for self, others and the planet. The participants wrote these goals in my Caritas Note Cards and I will mail back to them in 6 months. I hope this learning journey was as introspective to them as it was for me. A lovely group of people on this Caritas path. Until then.
Connecting Art and Wellness, Patty
Journaling my Caritas Journey

Thursday, April 16, 2009
Hey, I'm having a Tea Party
Saturday, May 2nd from
Join local wellness coach, nurse and visual artist,
Patty Magee for tea (herbal and otherwise)
as she shows you how to relieve stress through art.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Posted: 11 Mar 2009 07:25 PM PDT
The Art Center Cooperative, Inc. is one of the Celebration of Service 2009 Award Recipients for outstanding service to the community.
CONGRATULATION ARTISTS
for volunteering in our community.
THANK YOU HANDS ON JACKSONVILLE!!!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Where: Home of Patty Magee
844 Whisper Cove Trail,
Jacksonville, Fl. 32221
When: February 16, 2009 from 1pm-2pm
Who: Children ages 3-12 years
Why: In recognition of Mayor Peyton’s initiative to encourage children to read The Art Center presents an Art Camp on Presidents Day. The featured book is Eric Carle’s The Very Busy Spider. A contemporary classic, the simple picture storybook is about the satisfaction of working and completing a task. Readers follow a spider through the day as it creates a web. The web is actually a raised line of thin plastic that can be felt when tracing it with a finger.
After story time the children will participate in designing their own spider.
Poppy the clown will be around for face painting.
Admission is free!
Limited to 12 children call 786-6854 to reserve a spot.
One parent is encouraged to remain with child during activity.

NEW BEGINNING ARTISTS
The Art Center Cooperative, Inc.
held it's first juried art show on Sunday Jan.26 for Jacksonville's next generation of artists. The show titled "New Beginnings"
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Monday, December 15, 2008
Childrens Art Exhibit and Workshops
Monday, December 8, 2008
POPPY SAYS
Let's make art a part of our childrens world. Visual art is essential for our children to see the world in new ways. Art provides a way to express feelings, hopes , and thoughts. Talk to your child about art . If you are excited your child will discover and learn. Art can help children become better students by helping them analyze,interpret and work hard to finish a goal.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
Working with Hands on Jacksonville
ART CENTER COOP STARTS MURALSome members of The Art Center @ Sally B. Mathis Elementary
working on a very large painting of
the solar system.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
5 Skinny Palms
This print seems to be favored in South Florida. The blue ocean is so inviting for rest and relaxation. I think that is why visitors to Florida like it. 








