There are many theories out there on the subject of Happiness and what elements in life provide the sustaining inner fuel power to turn the wheels. For some it is the flow of financial, others it runs a gambit of things: a trim physique, an abode fitted with an abundance of square footage to display every cherished treasure collected as well as room for creating art, reading books, a jaunt on the treadmill, a dip in the pool, a garage to admire those classics from youth, and whatever other activity that requires its own space to fulfill the want or need by the occupant.
     Studies show to achieve true emotional balance, it is being around people where the give and take is as natural to breathing; it is found within our social network that when happiness rises to the surface, it forms layers upon layers of “earthly rock” that will hold the tonnage of excess setbacks that invade our lives. These “rocks” also provide the platforms of strength for us to forge ahead or as Louise Hay, worldwide noted self-help author of Heal Your Body said, “I express my creativity.”
     About four years ago, artist and author Debra Henkener of Wapakoneta, Ohio started a program, Art & Coffee for the newly-formed Riverside Art Center. Although the title could remind one of those classy events at a museum, Art & Coffee is about fulfilling “a need for a less intimidating art classes and something light-hearted for the morning students. Many of the students are retired adults,” said its founder. It is in this environment, an atmosphere where participants can freely interact. They sip on their type of Java, nibble on some treats, create art, discuss not only those former artists who changed what art means, but also those in the region who have achieved a milestone with their work. They also share some life stories, and most of all – they laugh a lot.
     Conducted in a six week series block and meeting on Tuesdays between 10:00 am-Noon, during each sessions, some of the other learning modes in the Art & Coffee program, includes also the how to process on a medium or technique. One of the forthcoming is “how to use masking fluid to make watercolor snowflakes,” said Henkener. Each week brings a new artistic activity and to discover more about what his remarkable program offers in-depth, you are encouraged to call Deb at 419.738.5213 or email: info@henkenerlogcabin.com or visit Riverside Art Center in Wapakoneta.
     Some may find Happiness seeing the first glimpse of dawn or that halo of street lights as the sun sets. For others it is things, those that serve as an absence of human voice, those which raise temporary esteem levels, but to achieve real “earthly rocks” – those that can withstand the wind velocity of a hurricane, those that can overcome the powerlessness one incredibly feels with the loss of a love one, a friend, or one that Albert Schweitzer 1875-1965 spoke about in his words, “One other thing stirs me when I look back at my youthful days, the fact that so many people gave me something or were something to me without knowing it.”
     Regardless of day, night, things, it is our social network that provides our hearts with broad smiles and when we establish an inner forum to recognize that beacon, the streams of happiness will -  as French novelist Colette once wrote: “By means of an image we are often able to hold onto our lost belongings. But it is the desperateness of losing which picks the flowers of memory, binds the bouquet.”