The Lantern Lighters Podcast

In this episode, Beth Anne and I discuss how art has always been a profound outlet for expression and healing. We delve into how art not only shaped her identity, but also guided her through two kinds of recovery and personal transformation. There are so many pieces to Beth Anne’s incredible story. I remain amazed by the way she manages to turn everything into a gift.

How Beth Anne describes herself:An emerging abstract artist and part-time evaluation assistant at CARITAS. A spouse and Mom. I am a daughter/daughter-in-law, sister/sister-in-law, woman in recovery . . . many roles that influence my commitments and purpose.

Show Notes

Where to find Beth Anne:

1. Her website: Healing Whole Arts

This is where you’ll find her art, her blog, and more information about her journey.

2. Her Instagram: @healingwholearts

Beth Anne often includes photos of new paintings, information on gallery showings and art events where her work will be featured.

Visit Donate Life America

Beth Anne (and I) would like to encourage you to become an organ donor.

According to Donate Life America, more than 100,000 people are waiting for a lifesaving transplant. And:

* Another person is added to the waiting list every 8 minutes.

* 13 people die each day while waiting for an organ transplant.

* One organ, eye and tissue donor can save and heal more than 75 lives.

Mentioned in the Episode:

* This is the photo Beth Anne mentioned that she took of her daughter and herself moments before receiving the call that she had new lungs.

2. Annie Dietz, Professional Certified Coach: 1-on-1 coaching and her Honest Hours group coaching program

(Beth Anne and I met in the first cohort of this program).

3. 1708 Gallery InLight 2024

4. Fan Arts Stroll

5. RVA Galleries

6. The Yellow House

Beth Anne’s painting, "Divine Reception"

As Beth Anne mentioned in the episode, this painting is about the chance meetings we have with people that mean something to us and stay with us, even if we never see them again — similar to the Along the Way stories here at The Lantern Lighters.

Beth Anne’s painting, Voice of Soul

This is the painting Beth Ann mentioned that the man with colorblindness purchased at the Fan Art Stroll.

See another painting Beth Anne created as part of a new body of work that is accessible to the colorblind.

A few months ago I bought prints of two paintings by Beth Anne from her “Awakening” Series, "Flow (In Flow)" and "Inner Light," and I smile every time I look at them.

from Beth Anne about Inner Light:

We come into this world as light. Throughout life’s journey, that light can become compromised—dimmed by outside influences, broken systems, and societal pressures. As a result, it may begin to fade, losing its genuine spark. Pain fills the space where light once lived, and unhealthy coping mechanisms can surface. Addiction often plays a central role in attempting to treat that pain, falsely mimicking the qualities of light—confidence, love, safety, and connection. Even in darkness, glimmers of light can still be felt and seen. When nurtured, light grows—becoming more expansive, more radiant. The process of moving through the depths to reclaim courage and strength adds to the light’s value and preciousness. The inner light becomes the motivation for positive change and growth—the force that fuels the flame and keeps the fire within alive.

from Beth Anne about "Flow (In Flow)":

Being in flow is peace. It’s a feeling of natural goodness—a state we’re meant to experience in this human body. But to recognize flow, we must first know what it feels like to swim upstream—to carry weight, to push against the current, to live out of alignment with who we are. The contrast teaches us. Flow comes when we understand the currents, then choose to step out of them—to float, to trust the guidance within us, and the quiet forces that surround us.

In this episode, Annie Dietz and I discuss what led her to become a coach for women after a successful career in real estate, and the unique experience her new group coaching program, Honest Hours, offers.

Show Notes

Where to find Annie:

Her website: The Annie Dietz

On Instagram: @theanniedietz

Honest Hours - Join the next cohort that begins November 1, 2026

Read Annie’s weekly posts: Monday Musings (and sign up for the newsletter on her site)

Mentioned in the Episode:

Radiance Partners

What it takes to become an International Coaching Federation (ICF) Professional Certified Coach (PCC):

* 125 hours of coaching education.

* 500 hours of coaching experience (including at least 450 paid hours).

* 10 hours of mentor coaching.

* Successful completion of a performance evaluation.

* Passing score on the ICF Credentialing Exam.

I can’t recommend Annie’s program Honest Hours enough. The push to finally get this podcast out there came from what I learned and the support I received during that six week group coaching program. I am grateful.

In this episode, Abbie Smith, an American photographer who recently moved to France, discusses the planning and passion that led her to make significant life changes in her forties.

You’ll learn about how Abbie, her husband Jeff, and their two cats were able to move to Blois, a city in the Loire Valley, and about some of the challenges they’ve faced along the way. They are documenting their experiences on Instagram, and through their Substack and podcast, A French Lens. I’ve linked all the places Abbie and Jeff can be found online in the Show Notes below.

Abbie holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing, and we discuss her work in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and how that led her to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner.

Abbie also holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in art history and she did her master’s thesis on French formal gardens. Now she is combining her love of France, her extensive knowledge of art, architecture, and gardens in Paris and beyond with her skill and passion for photography. We discuss the successful portrait photography business she ran in the US and what her new business in France is all about.Here’s how to book a photo shoot with Abbie in either Paris or at a Château in the lovely Loire Valley.

I’ve known Abbie for a few years and underlying all of her endeavors is a huge heart, a deep desire to help others, and a keen eye for truly seeing people – something that benefited her patients for years, and also benefits everyone on the other side of her camera lens.

The beautiful podcast background photo was taken by Abbie in Blois.

Show Notes

Where to find Abbie:

Substack: A French Lens

Instagram: @abbieinfrance

Podcast: A French Lens Podcast

Website: Abbie Smith Photography

Where to find Jeff:

Substack: Jeff Suho

Instagram: @suhoinfrance

Mentioned in the Episode:

* The podcast where Abbie and Jeff discuss blowing up their budget:

* How Abbie got through the stress of the delayed cat visas:

* French Door Fridays

* One of Jeff’s hilarious & informative comparison posts about things in France vs the US:

I loved talking with Abbie and hope to talk with her again in a few months to hear how things are going in France. Follow Abbie and Jeff — you won’t be sorry.