by Michelle L Hofer | Nov 17, 2020 | Beauty Heals Us, Personal Reflection
Now, O God, Strengthen My Hands If you aren’t familiar with the story of Nehemiah, it’s a good one. This trusted Jewish advisor to the Persian King Artaxerxes I learns that the Jews who have returned to Jerusalem are in trouble: “It’s a disaster. The survivors of the...
by Michelle L Hofer | Oct 13, 2020 | Beauty Heals Us, Personal Reflection
Fantastic Mr. Fox Ever since I went on spiritual pilgrimage to Ireland and Scotland in 2016, I have made a daily practice of walking or running outside. I push myself to do this even when the weather is not all that nice. I use my outdoor time for reflection,...
by Michelle L Hofer | Sep 30, 2020 | Beauty Heals Us, Personal Reflection
The Junk Drawer Me in the studio getting ready to paint. This I envy… the professional artist who has a polished artist statement and a body of work to match. I vary types of art, mediums, styles and subjects routinely and greatly. I then freeze with fear any...
by Michelle L Hofer | Sep 19, 2020 | Beauty Heals Us, Personal Reflection
The Walls of Your Mind In my studio with Christ Pantocrator hanging behind me. What personal achievement do you most treasure? I came across the quote below back in March, right in the midst of disappointment. The theatrical production I had been designing and...
by Michelle L Hofer | Sep 9, 2020 | Beauty Heals Us, Personal Reflection
What Encourages You? Hi, I’m Michelle! I am the artist and writer here at Birch Tree Studio. I live in South Dakota, USA. I spend most of my days creating in the studio, but I also work as the web designer for the family business where my lovely husband is also my...
