Happy Anniversary!

23 years.....two kids...a cat and dog...a home...numerous ups and downs...friends and family that have come and gone...we're still here - here's to the best part of my life! * o

Happy Anniversary!

I spent my birthday....

yesterday at this gorgeous place, with my "bestest" friend. We were attending a watercolor workshop, taught by Biljana Baker a local artist. It was a gorgeous day as you can tell by the photos and so much fun. Learned lots I didn't know about how to use watercolors, some brush techniques, and using masking fluid to create a resist. Biljana is an amazing artist with a wonderful warm personality - you could tell she was enjoying herself. I really love when someone who is teaching you is also passionate about what they are doing. That enthusiasm just overflows to the students! Add a gorgeous location with tons of atmosphere, and overall it was a pretty good day. Later that night we relaxed around the fire pit at my place with friends and family. Everyone surprised me this year with artsy presents - brushes, markers, stamps, a mosaic stepping stone kit, a heron sculpture.....I was totally spoiled. High School Boy, home for the weekend, made the birthday cake which was yummy! And there was plenty of sunshine, something so desperately needed around here.

(photos - Quebec Lodge where the workshop was held, the awesome view from the lodge, Lynn and me) * o

I spent my birthday....

Butterfly Woman

The story of Butterfly Woman

Butterfly Woman was born a small caterpillar in a rather nondescript garden. She had an uneventful childhood in the garden, going to school with the other caterpillars learning how to avoid becoming a bird’s tasty lunch. She entered her teen years a shy, awkward caterpillar with a few close friends. She worked in the garden, always looking up and dreaming of one day flying around the garden just like the birds and bees. Deep down inside she knew the caterpillars could change, that transformation was possible, but she didn’t know how to do it and she was afraid. So she continued to live and work in the garden, and to read about other caterpillars who had transformed into butterflies. She learned that some caterpillars transformed by “thinking” themselves into butterflies. Others prayed and tried to live good lives. Some tried to eat only certain foods and exercise regularly at certain times. Butterfly Woman became so confused – there were so many ways to transform and so much advice out there she just didn’t know what to do. She felt so lost and lonely. One autumn night in the garden, while looking up at the stars, she fell into a deep, deep sleep. The darkness seemed to close in around her, and she slept longer and deeper. She dreamed of blue summer skies, and flowers, and floating. Then her dreams became dark and scary. Caterpillars, slugs and dark beetles taunted her and poked her. “You’ll never be good enough to be a butterfly” they hissed. And, “you have to do it our way, you’ll never get it right”. They pushed her down winding paths with confusing signs that pointed here and there. “This is the way.” “No! Go here.” “Don’t do this!” Butterfly Woman grew weaker and began to cry. Then she saw a pale, luminescent green light coming towards here. The light grew brighter and stronger, and as it got closer, she saw that it was coming from a beautiful Luna Moth Fairy. The Luna Moth Fairy hugged her, and wiped her tears away. “There, there little one. All you need to remember is that you are loved and you are love. That is all there is to know”, whispered the Luna Moth Fairy as she handed Butterfly Woman a tiny, beautiful, leather-bound book. “All you need to know is in here.” Luna Moth Fairy left her, and Butterfly Woman opened the book. On the first page, in beautiful scrolled letters was written, “This above all, to thine own self be true”. Butterfly Woman felt her self growing strong, and her heart so full of love that she thought she would burst. She stretched her arms out against the darkness and pushed it away with all her might. She awoke to beautiful, sunny morning in the garden. She felt cold and damp, but the sun’s light quickly warmed her. She looked at herself and gasped. Where once had been a plain, dumpy caterpillar in green dress, she was now wearing a beautiful yellow gown. A tingling came from her back and as she twisted her neck to look over her shoulder she saw the most beautiful pair of orange and black wings. Wings! She had wings! Beside her on the ground she spotted the little book the Luna Moth Fairy had given her. So this was more than just a dream, she thought. Lifting her face to the sky, and stretching out her wings she soared up over the garden. She couldn’t believe how beautiful it really was, and how tiny compared to everything she could see from her new vantage point in the sky. And so began her journey to explore this world, armed with the book the Luna Moth Fairy had given her, and the knowledge that she was loved and was love, and could do anything she set her mind to.

(Butterly Woman is the heroine I have created as part of The Artist's Healing Journey) * o

Butterfly Woman

'Shor is quiet round these parts.....

Dropped High School Boy off at camp yesterday, where he will be volunteering for the next couple of a weeks. Doesn't seem like all that long ago when we dropped him off for his first time at camp. His first ever week away from home. We worried that he wouldn't like it, or would be homesick. Instead he took to it like a duck to water and has been going every summer since with the exception of one. He strolls confidently across the field this boy-man - he shaves now, has a girlfriend, and a social network that spans 100 Km. Always off to new adventures. I'm glad that both my sons have way more confidence than I did at their age. I'm glad they are tackling the world with gusto, and I am an immensely proud mom of the two fine young men they are turning out to be. * o

'Shor is quiet round these parts.....

This...in my email this morning...

Today's poem offering from the Panhala list speaks volumes to me right now:

In the Middle

of a life that's as complicated as everyone else's,
struggling for balance, juggling time.
The mantle clock that was my grandfather's
has stopped at 9:20; we haven't had time
to get it repaired. The brass pendulum is still,
the chimes don't ring. One day you look out the window,
green summer, the next, and the leaves have already fallen,
and a grey sky lowers the horizon. Our children almost grown,
our parents gone, it happened so fast. Each day, we must learn
again how to love, between morning's quick coffee
and evening's slow return. Steam from a pot of soup rises,
mixing with the yeasty smell of baking bread. Our bodies
twine, and the big black dog pushes his great head between;
his tail is a metronome, 3/4 time. We'll never get there,
Time is always ahead of us, running down the beach, urging
us on faster, faster, but sometimes we take off our watches,
sometimes we lie in the hammock, caught between the mesh
of rope and the net of stars, suspended, tangled up
in love, running out of time.

~ Barbara Crooker ~
(Yarrow)

photo: bumblebee - beside the deck this morning

* o

This...in my email this morning...

The Last Day of June

It's 9:30 in the morning and I am sitting out on the deck, eating my breakfast, still in my jammies, enjoying the cool morning air, the sunshine, the birds singing - totally awesome after all the rain. I love that I have until Wednesday off from work. I love that I have been sleeping in, being creative, and following the rhythms of my own time.

It's mid-morning and I'm making another cup of tea. I am content, and lazy, and still not dressed for the day and I don't care. It's the end of June and it has taken me long enough to get here.

photo - blue sky and my beloved oak tree doing it's own form of sun salutation * o

The Last Day of June

If this is Saturday.....it must be raining...

Lately, it pretty much rains every day. Great for the trees and the grass, both of which are lush and green. Not so great for headaches, and moods, and trying to get outdoors and enjoy the long summer days. I'm starting to feel like the fungus on the willow chair..... * o

If this is Saturday.....it must be raining...

Trying to Slow Down

This is a collage I created that was inspired by my experience walking the labyrinth last month. I finally finished it last weekend. The labyrinth has tiny snails along the path, which is made of chunky wool. The outside of the labyrinth is made of tiny polished rocks. The woman is doing "Tree Pose" - a yoga asana.

I keep trying to remind myself of this image - to slow down, to be grounded like the tree. It seems like I just fly through my days and weeks, and lately I have had very little energy to do more than just go to work and then crash on my couch in the evenings. Maybe my body is trying to force me to "slow down"? I've certainly been giving up a lot of things, and thinking about just where and how I want to spend my time. Slowing down, in this culture, is not an easy task. * o

Trying to Slow Down

Creating a Journal - Part Two

The front cover. I like the feel of this journal - it's a good size, and the envelopes make a nice thick paper to work with! * o

Creating a Journal - Part Two

Creating a Journal

I started collecting envelopes a while back because I wanted to try making a journal from them. Thought this would be a good time to try it out for the "Healing Journey" course. This journal has three signatures of 6 envelopes each. * o

Creating a Journal

Journaling Courses coming up

My friend Zura is offering her "Fun Art Journaling" course again - starting June 30th. This is a great course for both beginners and experienced journalers. Three months of lessons, tips, and a yahoo group to help support you along the way. I learned a lot about art journaling from taking Zura's courses, and she really gives you a wealth of materials to work with. You can read about it and sign up here.

Also starting June 30th - Lani Gerity's "The Artist's Healing Journey". This is a 12-week course using the heroine's journey - an exploration of renewal and healing using art. You can read about it here.

I've signed up for the Healing Journey course and am looking forward to working on that soon. Today, I'm going to start working on making a journal just for this course. If I get it finished this weekend, I'll post pics.

image - spirit fruits - pen, ink and pastel - @2008

* o

Journaling Courses coming up

Art vs Craft

The other night I was at a local women’s business dinner when the subject of conversation turned to artists and a possible informal meeting of people interested in art in the community. The conversation was piquing my interest and curiosity and had grabbed the attention of a woman seating at my table who happens to be an artist specializing in carving and sculpture. The Artist mentioned that she would really like to see some sort of art guild formed in the area. Up to this point in the evening I had been enjoying my conversation with The Artist, but this is where I left my comfort zone and naively inquired “would you consider amateur artists part of the guild?” (Me thinking amateur as in not exhibited, not formally trained, etc.). So began a discussion on “art” vs. “crafts” and “artist” vs “artisan” and how one had to be careful in distinguishing the two. This is when my inner critic chose to show up, sit comfortably on my shoulder and begin the process of deflating my energy balloon by insidiously whispering “you are not an artist” and “you are not in the same league as the Big Kids” followed by hissing in a Gollum like voice “you do Crraaaffftttsss………”. Mr. Inner Critic carries a heavy weight and while he whispered, I nodded politely and began detaching myself from the conversation.

I carried Mr. Inner Critic’s weight home with me, my balloon now completely deflated and dragging along behind me as I pondered the evening. And then I gave Mr. Inner Critic the slap upside the head he deserved.

You see, I might not be a Big Kid artist, but then I’m not trying to be one either. The argument about what makes a “real artist” is the same argument in the writing circles about what makes you a “real writer”. Is it training? Is it how much you sell? Are you a writer if you self-publish? What about if your writing is only published online and you haven’t been paid for it? Professional vs amateur? These arguments, I suppose, have validity for those trying to make a living from their art. And don’t get me wrong, I love and admire the Big Kid artists and writers. Nothing moves me more than a well written novel or inspires me like a beautiful painting. I am in awe and envy of some of the work I see out there, and I try to support and learn from these artists as much as I can. I am not judging The Artist for her views on what constitutes art and an art guild is an awesome way to get the work of the many talented artists in the area out there for people to see. I just happen to believe that there’s a place in this world for all the artists, writers, artisans, crafters, journalers, bloggers, etc. It’s all good.

No, my dialogue with Mr. Inner Critic, my own personal art monster, gave me a chance to define what it is that I’m really passionate about and what art means to me. When I grow up, I want to be an “Inner Child midwife”. I want people to get back in touch with that child that loved to play with paints and crayons and got lost in the act of creating and not in competition or trying to impress. I love doing journal and art journal workshops and watching people transform themselves from “I can’t write, I’m not really any good at this” to total excitement about what they can do with their creativity. I love squishing people’s art monsters and Inner Critics. When I go out into my little cottage studio to create, whether it’s collage or clay or paint or write, I’m getting in touch with the creative essence of the Divine. It’s my form of prayer. Art is a sacred tool, an inner healer. There are days when the act of creating is more important than the finished product, and whether or not it constitutes art is not important. This is a process of self-transformation, not a competition with another artist. I think no matter what you are, it’s important to know what gives you joy and to stand firm in that no matter what the outside world thinks.

Call me a crafter, an artisan, an amateur, whatever. They’re just labels. But, if your inner child is longing to get out and play, call me. We’ll have some fun in the cottage – no art monsters allowed.

- photo, art journal page "Believe" @2008 * o

Art vs Craft

The Inner Sanctuary

The inside of the cottage - where I go to restore, to create, to get away. My little sanctuary. * o

The Inner Sanctuary

Life in a Northern Town

One of the things I enjoy about living in a Very Small Town, is we can do things you can't in a big city. Like last night, which just happened to be one of the nicest evenings we've had yet this spring (finally!). We lit our first fire of the season in our outdoor pit, and sat around with CollegeBoy who is home for the summer, and just generally enjoyed the warm sunshine, the evening birds singing and the conversation. High School Boy even graced us with his presence for a little bit. Then, as the evening light turned dusky and the coals were just right, we roasted wienies for a late snack and went inside to enjoy a movie. Life doesn't get much better than that. * o

Life in a Northern Town

I'm not bitchy...I'm just releasing

At the end of the yoga session last night, my awesome yoga instructor tells us "you've released a lot here tonight, notice that over the next couple days - how your body has released. You may even feel bitchy, but you're not really, you're just releasing".

I want a t-shirt that says "I'm not bitchy, I'm just releasing"............ * o

I'm not bitchy...I'm just releasing

Who the Heck Stole Spring?

Woke this morning to a cold, windy, wet and flurry-ing type of day - bleck! When is it going to warm up and be spring???

At least I had a creative and relaxing weekend. Spent some time working on my art course, and also playing with polymer clay and doing some collages. Worked part of the time at the kitchen table and the rest of the time in the cottage. It is so wonderful to be out there again, in my own space. Restores my sanity.

There are a lot of artists blogs and books that are fueling my creativity these days. Thought I'd share a few of them here:

Books

• Mixed Media Mosiacs - Laurie Mika - I'm not only a fan of Laurie's work, showcased throughout, but I love how well the techniques are photographed and how clear the instructions are, something a beginner like myself can truly appreciate.
• Making Connections - Susan Lenart Kazmer - I didn't even know what a "cold join" was until I got this book. Beautifully photographed and one of those books you pick up just to flip through the pictures and admire the work.

Magazines I Must Have

• Art and Life - www.teeshamoore.com
• Cloth, Paper, Scissors
• Somerset Studio

Artists Who Inspire, Challenge and just generally Make Me Envious

• Teesha Moore
• Nina Bagley
• Kelly Rae Roberts
• Michael de Meng
• Judy Wise
• Christine Valters Paintner
• Shiloh Sophia McCloud

Great websites for art and supplies

• Artella
• Art Chix Studios

Books ordered and soon to be drooled over

• Secrets of Rusty Things - Michael de Meng
• Taking Flight - Kelly Rae Roberts

* o

Who the Heck Stole Spring?

I Heart The Weepies

Stumbled upon a reference to The Weepies while surfing blogs today.

Currently listening to the new album, Hideaway, available on iTunes.

LOVE IT! * o

I Heart The Weepies

Mandala

The snail reminding me to slow down, and stay close to center.

The tree, reminding me to stay grounded. * o

Mandala

Standing.....ready to go in

Despite an onslaught of wet weather I managed to walk the labyrinth three times over the weekend. Each time, it took until I reached center to unwind my mind. The twists, the turns, getting closer to center and then further away were physical metaphors of my life's journey and my spiritual one. Sometimes, I felt like I'd never get to the center. Once, I got to center quickly and then walking out it seemed to take forever.

At center, I felt grounded and peaceful. I wanted to spend a long time in the center, but there was always a time issue or a weather issue and I felt like I needed to leave. Again, much like my life - I want to spend more time centered by there is always something else needing to be done, someplace else I need to go to.

Around me the birds sang, the squirrels squawked and the trees rustled. I found the most beautiful snails along the path - beige/brown shells that spiraled and wound themselves tight to center. They were probably out enjoying the damp bark of the path and the wet weather because on the last morning, when it was drier, I didn't see any.

Grounded and strengthened. God is good. * o

Standing.....ready to go in

The Labyrinth

* o

The Labyrinth

Her Dreams Are Brewing

When I was talking with my spiritual director this weekend, I was going on about how I have all these things I want to do creatively and spiritually and that I was unsure of what I was supposed to be doing and what direction I wanted to head in next.

She encouraged me to recognize that I was in an "in-between" place at the moment, a transition, and to be comfortable in this place. To rest in my creativity.

And then she said she had this image of a large pot, or cauldron. Mixing it all together and brewing up what's next.

This weekend, I will be walking the labyrinth and wondering what it is that I will bring in and what I will choose to take out.

Mixed-media acrylic - "Her Dreams Are Brewing" - Apr 2008 * o

Her Dreams Are Brewing

Dancing Labyrinth Spirit Dolls

Created these with polymer clay, to honor my upcoming labyrinth retreat this weekend, hosted by the Sisters of St. John.

I'm excited about getting to walk a labyrinth again, and just spending some time with the Sisters - something I've been looking forward to for a long time.

Hopefully, I'll have some pictures to share when I get back. The weather forecast is calling for rain (ugh). * o

Dancing Labyrinth Spirit Dolls

Spirit Box

* o

Spirit Box

It is Finished

My collage for the Nouwen course.

I am the prodigal daughter and the elder daughter, journeying home to the Father's welcoming embrace. * o

It is Finished

Playing with Clay

Spent the afternoon playing with some Sculpey clay, making faces and tiles for future projects. It was a lot of fun.

We've had a quiet weekend, John and I. Oldest son not home from college yet, and youngest one off spending a weekend in a VeryBigCity across the border. It's the quietest the house will be for a few months now.

Spent a little bit of time in the cottage yesterday, straightening things around in hopes of soon working out there again once the weather warms up. Spring is coming, albeit slowly. Too early yet to move my paints out there, but soon I should be able to start doing some work in there. I can't wait to have my own space again! * o

Playing with Clay

Note Cards and Collages

Got my note cards completed this weekend for the Artella Note Card swap. This was a fun and easy project to participate in. Just have to pop my cards in the mail tomorrow and wait for my swap cards to arrive!

Also spent the better part of the weekend working on my collage for my final project for the Henri Nouwen course. I've decided to work with Nouwen's book, "The Return of the Prodigal Son" based on his reflections on Rembrandt's painting and the parable. There was so much in that book that spoke to me and had me examining how I've been the prodigal and how I've been the elder and what it means to be the "Beloved" - the child welcomed home. (Speaking of the spiritual home here, of course ).

Here's a sneak peak at the collage in progress. I'll post the final piece when it is complete.


* o

Note Cards and Collages

New Song

She sings a new song,

gives lift to a new dance,

notes inscribed on her heart,

give hope another chance.

* o

New Song

Little bits of the end of March

Take the whole kit
with the caboodle
Experience life
don't deplore it
Shake hands with time
don't kill it
Open a lookout
Dance on a brink
Run with your wildfire
You are closer to glory
leaping an abyss
than upholstering a rut

~ James Broughton ~

(Little Sermons of the Big Joy)

I got totally inspired for the above collage from Kelly Rae Roberts article in the latest Cloth Paper Scissors issue. Actually I got inspired by a lot of things and I have no idea why I never thought to check it out before!

Got Teesha Moore's latest Art & Life issue today in the mail so I'll be pouring over that the next few days. Such a visual feast and it always makes me want to grab my journal, paint and play. (....There's a little piece of Teesha in the above collage...)

April will find me busy trying to complete my integration project for my Henri Nouwen course. I've been immersed in Nouwen's writings for two months now and have enjoyed every moment of it. My final project is going to be a collage, but I won't post the details until it is complete (surprise!). There is so much flying around in my head for it right now, I hope it translates OK from head to canvass.

Currently listening to Susan Lincoln's "Mother Heart" CD - beautiful.

Waiting for spring.....

* o

Little bits of the end of March

Clowning Around Newsletter

My friend Zura is putting out a weekly newsletter called "Clowning Around", on the subject of journaling and art journaling.

You can read about it at Zura's website and sign up for it here.

When you sign up, you'll receive a free"Journal Prompt Cards" e-book, full of great journal prompts and tips. * o

Clowning Around Newsletter

Bloom

* o

Bloom

Blossom

Sometimes when I set out to create a SoulCollage card it turns out quite differently than what I expected. Like this one. I sat down with magazines around me, flipping through for images, intent on creating a card that reflected a phrase I had been meditating on - "I am the glory of God".

I ended up going in a slightly different direction. I'm still not sure exactly what this card is trying to reflect. I've thought of the seasons - winter turning to spring; of the cycle of life - birth, death, renewal; and finally of "blossoming". Blossoming or birthing the crone (although I am not quite near crone phase in my life).

Today I got my copy of Christine's latest reflective art journal "What is Blossoming Within You" and I read the following which ties in so well to this card I had been working on:

"There is a playfulness and spontaneity to the season of spring, that invites us to join this joyful abandon. We are called to both listen deeply to the blossoming within ourselves as well as to forget ourselves - setting aside all of our seriousness about what we are called to do and simply enter the space of being." What is Blossoming Within You? Christine Valters Paintner, PhD

What are you longing to give birth to as spring approaches? * o

Blossom

Tulips

Just a simple little bouquet. A little under $4 from the Big City Store. Not much really, but they look so cheery on my kitchen sink that I can't help but look at them and long for spring.

Sometimes it's the little things that get you through the days.

Lent is almost over, Easter is coming. Winter is almost over, spring is coming. Death, rebirth, renewal - and the wheel turns on another season. * o

Tulips

Silence

Come,
pray with open hands,
emptied and willing to receive.
Uncurl and unclench fists - let
go of all you are clinging to,
hang on to nothing.

You have nothing to offer
and everything to receive.
Be willing to be empty and choice less.

You have made it to here - you do
not need to worry about anywhere else.

I wrote the above at a silent retreat yesterday, in response to the question "What does God want me to let go of?". The day of silence was so very welcoming and refreshing to me. I have been exhausted by words and talking lately, and was definitely ready to enter a room and not have to make small talk. All that was required of me was that I sit and listen.

While eating lunch in silence with about 40 or so others, I thought silence is such a great equalizer. Without listening to anyone speak, I made no judgments or impressions about anyone else in the room. I wasn't basing my likes or dislikes on something someone was saying. Everyone was the same without words. Silence is very communal.

The other great joy of my day yesterday was the opportunity to meet with Sister Elizabeth (SSJD), my Associate Director. We only had about twenty minutes to chat, but it was an opportunity to connect, and for me to get some wonderful advice and affirmation. God is good. * o

Silence

Interesting

You’re St. Melito of Sardis! You have a great love of history and liturgy. You’re attached to the traditions of the ancients, yet you recognize that the old world — great as it was — is passing away. You are loyal to the customs of your family, though you do not hesitate to call family members to account for their sins. Find out which Church Father you are at The Way of the Fathers!

I get the love of history and liturgy. Not too sure about the "accounting family members for their sins" thing.......

* o

Interesting

Candlemas Blessings

Garden of Renewal
May you enter your soul garden today
and find that winter's cold is not quite as cold.
Maybe we don't feel it yet, as old ideas do linger.
But Spring has called her maidens,
I can hear them chanting today. Listen...
Her paper white narcissus are blooming
right next to the red poinsetta.
And the flowers are sending out their messages:
forgive...try again...move forward...life comes...
death comes...find new life...joy is dawning.
Turn the garden beds of your mind.
With a bright pitchfork. The pile may be deep.
It may be hard ground. It may be murky.
Surely it is compost for the new flowers.
Do with it what we must do with compost.
Use it to nurture new life.
Don't leave it in a pile in the corner
where no one wants to go.
If you look, you will see that nasturtiums are
growing amongst the dank.
They sing...
You can grow anywhere you are planted.
The robins, who live by the hundreds in your garden
red breasted and full of spark
are singing songs of renewal. Of letting go.
Of holding onto only what is needed.
Things have happened that make us sad,
uncomfortable, doubting and in anger too.
Pick up a few stones, and for each one say a prayer
for the hard things you have witnessed.
And place them at the gardens edge - organized - so
they do not take up too much space.
Turn that earth over and over. Smell the fresh soil.
Then get your seeds ready.
Begin planting and saying new prayers. Intentions.
Hopes. Dreams. Visions. Creations.
See the flowers bloom in your mind.
Tiny worms travel in twos like veins beneath the earth skin.
Making space for your seeds and sprouts.
Creating a great exhale for your garden,
she welcomes your new thought seeds
and the wild seeds all over the garden of the soul.
Even though our challenges will persist
(they always do)
We can choose day by day bliss and beauty.
We have to in order to survive. So choose.
It has been a long day in the garden,
and it is time to go into the kitchen now.
Turn on the tea kettle and light three candles.
One for yesterday and one for today and one for tomorrow.
Write in your journal.
Weave your shawl.
Make a pot of medicine soup.
Pick up your guitar.
This is the time of renewal.
And it belongs to you.
Amen
Shiloh Sophia McCloud © 2008

* o

Candlemas Blessings

Chalice Prayer

Prayer of the Chalice

Father, to thee I raise my whole being
a vessel emptied of self. Accept
Lord, this my emptiness, and so fill
me with Thyself - Thy light, Thy
love, They life - that these Thy
precious gifts may radiate
through me and overflow the
chalice of my heart into the
hearts of all with whom I
come in contact this day
revealing unto them
the beauty of
Thy joy
and
wholeness
and
the
serenity
of Thy peace
which nothing can destroy

Source: Diocese of Florida website

image: Chalice Prayer, mixed-media collage, Jan 2008

* o

Chalice Prayer

Mid-Winter Blahs

This week’s blog topic at Artella is heroes . Specifically, who is your hero and why. This morning I was thinking that right now, my hero is anyone who can work a full day’s work, come home and find time to create some art, or write some poetry, or exercise, or stretch their body. The mid-winter blahs have officially hit me, like they do every winter, and I have zip energy left for anything at the end of the day. See, my body is somehow primitively wired back to those ancient days of hibernation. Days without artificial light, TV, computers or other stimulus to keep you going long after the sun has gone down. Days when the darkness came, you hunkered down in your cave or cabin or whatever, threw another log on the fire and rested. You slept, you dreamt of warmer days, and you waited for the light to return. You worked when it was daylight, and you rested when it was dark. You only moved in the darkness to keep the fire going. That’s where my body is at. Instead, my body lives in modern times. Times when everyone’s mantra seems to be “how can I do more?” I get up in darkness, go to work and spend the day under artificial lighting, go home in darkness and try to accomplish more things in a day then can be accomplished. Sooner or later, the body wins. It must have its rest. “Resistance is futile” it says, in its best Star Trek Borg voice. So forgive, if I post not much these days, or create much, or have the energy to respond to an email. My body is craving primordial hibernation and it’s starting to win the battle. And so I ask, is it not more “heroic” to listen to the body’s needs, rest when it is craving it, and return to fight the creative battle another day? Wishing you sweet winter dreams and time to hibernate, however that looks for you. Spring will return eventually. * o

Mid-Winter Blahs

Winter Wonderland

Last week, winter arrived with a "wall of snow" - yup, that's how they described it in the winter storm warning on the Environment Canada website. Winter storm watch in effect, a wall of snow moving in across Lake Superior. Wall of snow! Sounds terrifying doesn't it? I mean I was picturing this huge, white wall rushing down the Trans-Canada highway pushing away every thing in its path.

Of course, it didn't come as a wall but a heck of a lot of snow fell in a couple of days and we went from no winter to total winter overnight. It's officially here.

So is December, so is Advent. I don't know if it's because my kitchen is still not yet complete and I'm counting the days down until it is, but I seem to be acutely aware of how rapidly Christmas is coming. There are still presents to be wrapped and mailed, don't even ask me about the Christmas cards yet, and forget decorating. We can't put the tree up until the fridge is out of the livingroom anyway :)

This morning on the way to work I had one of those moments when time froze for just a second. The sun was coming up over the mountains, a beautiful orange glow spreading across the sky, the pine trees wore dresses of white, and the sky was that clear, light winter blue it is this time of year. It was awesome and I breathed it in, grateful that I live in such a beautiful country. Thankful that I'm warm and well fed and that I have a kitchen (even if it is in a mess) when so many don't * o

Winter Wonderland

Best Christmas Countdown

Sara, at Going Jesus has the best way to countdown the days until Christmas - the Cavalcade of Bad Nativities!

Check out It Came Upon a Midnight Weird - it's more fun than chocolate and better for you too!

Of course it's early yet, but my favorite so far is the Leprechaun nativity. * o

Best Christmas Countdown

Embracing Soul

"When you listen with your soul, you come into rhythm and unity with the music of the universe."
- John O'Donohue


"Embracing Soul" - art journal collage, Nov 2007

* o

Embracing Soul

Speak Gently in Silence

Dear God,
Speak gently in my silence.
When the loud outer noises of my surroundings
and the loud inner noises of my fears
keep pulling me away from you,
help me to trust that you are still there
even when I am unable to hear you.
Give me ears to listen to your small, soft voice saying:
"Come to me, you who are overburdened,
and I will give you rest....
for I am gentle and humble of heart."
Let that loving voice be my guide.
Amen.
- Henri Nouwen, With Open Hands * o

Speak Gently in Silence

Imagine a Woman - Journal Entry

This is the page I did in my journal for Zura's "Imagine a Woman" weekly journal prompt.

Imagine freeing yourself of the stories you carry around with you that do not belong to you, but are someone else's baggage. Imagine owning what is yours and letting go of the rest.

Knowing our stories helps us to understand ourselves. Knowing another person's story helps us to understand them. * o

Imagine a Woman - Journal Entry

My Gots a New Floor

When my youngest son was very little, he used to refer to himself as "my". As in, "my want", "my like", "my said"....etc. Very cute :)
So, in that spirit, I'm very excited to report that "my got a new floor". In my bedroom. No more old linoleum, with metal strips holding it together, that looked so ugly and never looked clean. and that I've managed to live with for that last 20 years.

My new floor is beautiful, and clean and makes my bedroom feel so much more restful. With many thanks to my hubby for putting it in. * o

My Gots a New Floor

Imagine a Woman

My friend and awesome art journaler Zura is doing a weekly series of prompts based on the book "Imagine a Woman in Love with Herself" by Patricia Lynn Reilly.

You can read the first of the prompts here.

This is a great way to do some journaling, maybe a collage, maybe your own poem - based on the week's prompts. Zura will be posting each Sunday, so be sure to keep checking. And if you do end up doing some journaling around it, be sure and let Zura know! * o

Imagine a Woman

A Psalm of Signs

Frustrated, I plunked myself
down on the couch
and cried out,
"Lord, I asked for a sign.
For you to show me something
on my walk,
something that would assure me
you were there and you cared.
And what do I get?
Nothing. Where were you, Lord?"

And softly the Lord replied,

"My beloved child,
I warmed your face with sunshine,
and sent a soft breeze to caress you.
I dipped my paintbrush in lush paints
of crimson yellow and fire red
and oh so carefully painted each leaf
for you.
With the same paintbrush, I
colored the sky in more shades of
blue than an artist could begin to capture.
I perfumed the air with an earthy, woodsy
scent hinting of decaying leaves and moss.
I scattered a thousand shimmering rays
of sunlight to dance upon the water,
more dazzling than any display in a
jeweler's window.
I sang to you , with the songs of chickadees,
ravens and gulls,
while poplar leaves in golden gowns shimmied
and swayed to the breeze.
I sponge-painted perfectly designed circles
of moss on the boulders and
I whispered words of comfort on the wind.

Signs? My beloved child, I placed them
all around you.
I can not help that you chose to walk
with eyes closed."

@Eveline Maedel - 2007 * o

A Psalm of Signs

Playing with Wax

I managed to get some beeswax a couple of weekends ago, and since then have done a couple of collages. Working with the wax is both easy and difficult at the same time - I think because instead of using a travel iron like most of the directions suggest, I am using my own iron covered in tinfoil and I'm not quite getting the smoothness I need.



The second collage is a bit of tribute to my kitchen - soon to be remodeled after many long years! * o

Playing with Wax

Poetry and Prayer

Christine at Abbey of the Arts shared this poem a couple of weeks ago. It was speaking to me this morning and I wanted to share it again.

Forget Everything
By John Squadra

If someone says, "To be enlightened you must
fast and pray all night,"
Have dinner and go to bed.
If you see a sign, "This way to salvation,"
run the other way.
If someone says, "This book is the truth,
you can buy it from me,"
Take your money and buy grapes and roses.
If someone says, "He's talking tonight,
thousands will be saved."

Go for a walk...listen to the birds
and watch the clouds, and leave
your backpack, your Bible and your Buddha
under a tree and hope
they will be gone when you return.
Where we are going you can't carry anything,
not even your name.
If there is logic in the above,
be afraid, it's a lie.

But if you feel something in your chest
as beautiful as the grass beneath your feet,
be grateful...open your arms
and forget everything
you ever thought you knew.

Source: This Ecstasy

(image: altoid tin shrine I made this summer) * o

Poetry and Prayer

OK, Maybe a Tad Irreverant?

Most people beginning a time of discernment, would probably mark the occasion with a new bible, or maybe a prayer book or rosary. But not this chick. I got me a Bobblehead Jesus!

Why, you ask? (if you're still reading). Because, I have a wacked sense of humour and also because sometimes I just take myself a little bit too seriously. Ole' BJ here is reminder to lighten up.

When I'm getting all in pious, serious "oh look at me" mode, I just have to ask myself, "WWBJD?" (or What Would Bobblehead Jesus Do?) Just one nod from that head and I'll be smiling again.

To everything a season. There's a time to be serious, and a time to lighten up. * o

OK, Maybe a Tad Irreverant?