COMING SOON: Jon's new book "Finding Home: The Jon West Chronicles"

Amanda Burris

Amanda Burris

I have dedicated my post-retirement life to fostering creativity and intergenerational bonds to help heal our communities. I have a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) in Advertising Design/Marketing from Texas Woman's University, where I learned a variety of art forms and studied the history of human creative expression. My 35-year career has spanned roles such as graphic designer, illustrator, animator, video editor, photographer, interactive developer, web master, data wrangler, and VP of customer/market research. I'm embracing my "golden years" by following my bliss and helping others do the same.

The Essence of Being

As we journey through life, especially as we reach our golden years, many of us find ourselves pondering deeper questions about our existence. What does it mean to truly exist? What is the essence of our being? These questions have…

Legacy Through Art

Reflecting on Life’s Journey and Leaving a Lasting Legacy Through Artistic Expression As we journey through life, the awareness of our mortality often prompts us to reflect on the experiences and memories that have shaped us. Creating art can be…

Art and the Awareness of Mortality

Using Creative Activities to Process and Embrace the Reality of Mortality The awareness of our mortality is an intrinsic part of the human condition, often prompting deep reflection on the meaning and finiteness of life. Engaging in creative activities such…

Expressing Freedom

The Role of Artistic Expression in Illustrating Autonomy and Decision-Making Art is a profound medium for expressing the concepts of free will and personal choice. Through various forms of artistic expression, individuals can illustrate their autonomy and reflect on the…

Connecting Through Creativity

How Collaborative Art Activities Can Strengthen Bonds and Foster Deeper Connections Art is a powerful medium for connecting people and strengthening relationships. Creating art together can foster deeper understanding and build stronger bonds, whether with family, friends, or within the…

The Search for Meaning

The quest to understand the purpose of our existence is a timeless and universal endeavor and often explored by artists. Cultures around the world have developed rich spiritual and philosophical traditions, each offering unique insights into why we exist and…

Shaping Culture

Artists, writers, and musicians have always played a crucial role in shaping cultural values and societal norms. Their creative works can challenge the status quo, reflect societal changes, and inspire new ways of thinking. For those of us in our…

ElevenLabs: Our Review

I really enjoy using this platform! The results are fantastic and I use it frequently. We have the Pro level subscription, which gives us a 500k character limit, equivalent to approximately 10 hours of finished audio each month. At this…

Crafting Your Dreams

Using Creative Activities to Set Intentions and Stay Motivated The pursuit of goals, dreams, and aspirations is a lifelong journey that brings meaning, purpose, and fulfillment. Engaging in creative activities like vision boards, painting, or drawing can be a powerful…

Healing Through Art

Life is filled with experiences of pain, suffering, and loss. The struggle for survival, success, and overcoming obstacles is a universal journey. Finding ways to cope with these challenging experiences is essential. Art can serve as a powerful therapeutic outlet,…