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Johnna on break at Braswell Memorial Library

Johnna doesn’t know many artist that don’t have a regular job to help pay expenses, for instance she is employed by Braswell Memorial Library and she is the chairman of the wellness committee.  The committee has monthly meetings and is looking go give incentive programs to help motivate and involve employees with a healthy lifestyle.
Johnna says wellness reduces the stress level.
A healthy body and a healthy mind is her motto and she says you must also listen to the inward voice.

I asked Johnna if what she would do if she could not paint anymore.  She said that  she would think about the pleasure she gets preparing to paint, the time leading up to the actual painting process, the journey of painting gives her much joy.
Georgia O’Keeffe (an American artist 1887-1986) is one of the masters that Johnna enjoys and she also paints in that “style.” Several of her paintings called “Vibrance” is in that mode of painting.

We all know of the old masters o f painting, Van Gogh’s (1853-1890) “Sunflowers” for instance is one of Johnna’s favorites, those paintings sell for thousands and millions these days.  I asked if she could go back in time what encouragement would she give to those artists…knowing that they usually lived in dire poverty and were often rejected by family, what would be a bright spot to keep them going.  Johnna stated that she would tell them to “keep the faith and to keep painting.  As long as you bring a smile to someone’s face or as long as someone gets a feeling from your art work even a sad feeling, then you are a success.”

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Concerning mistakes, Johnna says learn from them, pay the consequences of your actions ask God for forgiveness of your sins, confess the wrong and then move on.  Everyone is here for a purpose, everyone has a journey even though you feel you may not be on the right track…you definitely are.  Johnna’s poem entitled “Journey” explains it best, she was inspired by her many blessings to write it.

The Journey I awakened at dawn And was joyous to see This land filled with blessings That God made for me   Many roads for many reasons And the choices He’s given Is bountiful treasure For those who are driven   By His powerful insight We  follow His  lead To  bring us into the fold Without pride, want, or greed   And at the day’s end Holding family so dear We find trust in the knowledge That our journey was  clear.