*Abundant Wild Life*

Traveling Light

Here are a handful of images from my travels overseas to Spain. I was attending a a residency of sorts working on a handful of projects and recharging my creative vessel under the glorious Sun. So much beauty (and unexpected blessings) came about before and after this trip. I wanted to atleast post some images on my neglected blog... more on this and other gifts soon. Be well.

Unwavering Samsara - Time to Awake

A few weeks ago I had what some may call a 'near-death experience.' Without getting into too much detail, I will say that I was rushed to the ER in an ambulance off the highway in what I heard was a four car pile-up. I was taken out of my car and placed on a stretcher, with a brace around my neck. I was terrified, tense, and almost half there for much of the immediate experience. During the time in the hospital I felt like I was being treated by strangers-- although there were some notes of kindness and warmth in humanity that shone out. Today as I sit here typing I can honestly say that it is a miracle that I am OK. I have just a little swelling and bruising, along with the expected tightness in the shoulders and back. I know it was divine grace because when my father and I drove to see my vehicle the next morning and it was smashed. My airbag did not deploy and my seatbelt was not of use. This is what some may name 'a wake-up call'. Because I was on my way to teach at a retreat on the beach (at the beloved Squam-by-the-Sea) I had to make the decision as to whether or not to go. The next day I had the click that I should, that feeling that tells me "yes". I am so glad I did. Nothing is more healing to me then the ocean air and sound of waves, or the way the light hits the water. It was so fulfilling also because my students brought it -- I mean they rocked it -- in meaning, technique, openness, realization, transformation, and co-creation. Below are some examples of their work. Each piece varies in its myth and narrative, along with sacred symbolism and just exploration of materials. These classes were nothing less than joyous.

A few days into the retreat I ventured out into the beach where I joined a circle of divine and gorgeous women. After the circle organically closed I was given a milkweed pod by the lovely Jen Gray. She told us to to make a wish and release the seeds onto the sea. So I held it close until my wish sank into my being from my hands and to all the little light-whispies enclosed inside this gorgeous container. As I watched them float out into the infinite blue, over the waves, I felt that little miracle-knowing again... this one being how simple and profound it is to be alive.

This Samsara- or cycle of life and death continues on, unwaverlingly, on this fragile and wild Earth. So many intense changes are afoot, as consciousness creeps in.. knocking-- gently or loudly-- at the door of the human body. So here I am today, still here, way too young to go anytime soon (that's at least what my mind told me at the time). I ask myself what I so often ask my students: What am I most longing for? What do I know? How do I live each day with reverence? What dream is taking place within me that is yearning to express itself? Everyday that we have on this Earth is a gift-- there are no guarantees, no promises made. Life can be a celebration; of the ones we love, of the practices we love, of the evolution of loving and caring for oneself. For me, in my post-accident state of mind, my feeling right now is to slow down and be clear, be aware of this moment that is taking place. Make time for my practice, sans distraction, sans the illusion and enticement of what we think fulfills us. Also, to learn how to receive. The post-divorcee archetype of the strong and independent woman carries some illusion, as nothing is as feminine at times than the art of receiving. So in the greater scheme and design of things, when I do ponder the nature of Samsara, perhaps everything is witnessed / everything is observed... yet from a place of higher (and non-judgemental) love. 

My demo painting (a little botanical/mixed media/alchemical creation)-- this baby is also for sale. ;)

Back in the warmth: hands open, face graciously alright. Ready to receive and let it in. 

There inevitably will come a time for the great let-go... but until then, why not let it in? Letting in means loving fearlessly. Letting in means seeing the truth. Letting in means you are you and I am me. Letting in is a natural law, it is human, as much as the letting go.

There is so much to love...

...and so much to explore. Spaces are filling up for my go-at-your-pace + share-what-you-like + live-your-best-most-fulfilled-life course. And there is so much we get to explore: from hand-lettering, to collage, to intentional/joyful expression, to simple herbal medicine/flower essence making techniques, to Reiki I demostrations, to simple self portrait making... oh my...the list goes on. Yet the best part I feel is the opportunity to be seen and connect. What a very special (and affordable--come to think about it) opportunity this is. No reason to hesitate, only time to dive in. Register right here.

(Student work examples from Mira Rubiano, Lisa Hamlyn-Field, Celina Wyss, Mindy Murphy-Lacefield).

A Year of Beauty

Lately I've been reflecting on the richness and fullness of the year so far in terms of my creative life and work. When looking back, something that very much stands out to me is the work that my students created in my online course. It filled my being with delight to witness the range of creative expression that was shown. It was a gift to see the photos, writings, hand-lettering, and explorations with ink, acrylic, and collage that were demonstrated. Above in clockwise fashion from top, are examples from Jackie Cate, Kelly Burns, and Sigrun Sigoroardottir.

This inspired me to share more of their work, since registration will soon be open (please email me to get on the list and to be notified when it opens, since it is first come, first serve). It was honestly one of those most touching experiences I have had in my creative life-- and on such a daily occurrence. Their willingness to show up and explore the depth and breadth of their soul, to share through whatever media moved them, and to try new things, no matter what level they were at, was just total beauty to witness. But truly, the unique and healing synergy that was formed between the students and I was what made the experience so special. It was a network of total support and authentic sharing and soul witnessing. Its amazing how when you set that intention out (which I did for the course) how gently and with ease it falls into place. (Work above by Ingrid Ellison, Janie Dorward, and Lucy Snow; below by Sigrun Sigoroardottir, Stacy Smallwood Simon, Joanne Franco Marsh, Kristina Wingeier).

I also feel the holistic healing element, mostly in the form of plant spirit medicine (through flower essences, oils, and herbal teas), makes this course offering particularly unique. Often times through the mystery of grace, flowers or herbs will show up to provide assistance and support to those nearby in need. I had forgotten about this until it happened to many of my students, who happened to have lilacs, honeysuckle, or sunflowers in their yard and when they found out its healing properties, it was a twinkling moment of serendipitous grace. Further, the making of a flower essence (as seen below) is an art form and meditative experience in itself.

One thing I strive for my students to achieve is to not create art like me (although that undoubtedly will happen through teaching and examples) but to find their own voice and unique aesthetic expression that wants to come through their hand. That's why I love to offer the wide range of media to work with. I hope you will join me in the next session, beginning in October. Registration will open soon, so send me a note if you are feeling called to join and I will email you before we send it out to the public. As every star we can witness above, to ever flower that grows near and far-- that is the amount of possibilities that life can provide us. We are dreaming this dream, so lets dream it deep and clearly within, and with one another for the highest good possible. (Seen below, in clockwise fashion starting in the top left hand corner, is works both by Paula Madonna, Krista Lawlor, and Ingrid Ellison).

The Art of Letting Go & The Roots of Courage

The more I spend time with loved ones in my life, the more I realize how much transformation and awakening is happening within all of us. It feels like a quickening effect is happening on this divinely beautiful and intense Earth School. I have come to realize more and more that the practice of forgiveness/letting go has such an immense power to transform our lives. One of my teachers once told me when you judge or hold resentment to another, its like a karmic link you keep to their actions. So to forgive is to be set free... to set yourself free. I also know its of utmost value to start by forgiving yourself first and then others, and sometimes, or even ultimately, whatever you denote as God/Universe, or a higher power.

One thing I have come to understand with the art of forgiveness is that it is not a one time occurrence, but a practice. To let go of the past is something to renew each day, so that we can be present and receive the gifts of what is occurring in our lives in every moment. One wonderful and exquisite benefit of letting go and forgiving is liberation from the occurrence. You invite more happiness into your life. What a simple and loving gift to give to oneself.

Then once we have become more consistent in the art of letting go, we need to invite courage into our lives. Courage is one of my favorite words. I find it delicious in many ways, from its spelling to pronunciation. But what I especially adore is it origin. It originates from 13th century French word cuer, which means core, or heart. So to live a life of courage means to live a life from the heart.

So I will leave you with this little gem from Deepak Chopra:

“In the process of letting go you will lose many things from the past, but you will find yourself. It will be a permanent Self, rooted in awareness and creativity. Once you have captured this, you have captured the world”

Exploring Color, Line, & Texture

In preparation for an upcoming show, I have been reflecting a bit on my own process of creating since I just spent a considerable amount of time teaching it to students. I have been contemplating why I choose the colors I choose, the textures, or draw lines the way I do.  Because my process is so intuitive, its challenging for me to describe why I paint the way that I paint. I know that I love pink and blue. I also know that I love paintings that are lighter in hue, but I also think contrast is important. Texture and layers turn me on, and lately I am all about layering India ink, then acrylic, then taking watercolor pencil and drawing directly into the acrylic (it leaves an indentation and the pigment gets expressed because the acrylic paint is wet). I then finish off the painting by cutting out organic shapes found in nature from decorative collage papers (I cut the shapes free-handed). I often will go back in and layer the inks, paints, and add any more papers that the painting is 'calling' for.

One of my new obsessions is finding delicate and exquisite papers to incorporate into my work. I started buying Origami paper and I love it! So soft and detailed.

The textured lines in this piece were created by dragging a very sharp pencil into acrylic paint. The layer of India ink below then shows through when I scrape that paint away with a sharp point. I like the contrast and texture it creates.

After many layers of ink, acrylic, and paper, this painting now feels complete. I know a painting is finished when it 'clicks' for me. Until I feel that inside, I need to keep working, no matter how frustrated I can get or uncertain how to continue. Eventually it will open up for me and the internal 'click' or knowing that its done will happen.

So why do we love what we love? For me, its comes down to feeling. I feel colors, lines, movements. I know a beautiful sunset turns me on (which has lots of blue, orange, and pink), but I also know I just love the way bright vibrant colors look on a wood panel. I like them to feel fresh. I also admire how other artist's create and how different we are all with our aesthetic choices. Its important to experiment and to be true to you, as well as to stay open to what you may be overlooking or resist. Creative expression, it is many forms, is a constant evolution or expression of the soul. That's why I know I will never grow tired of it. I imagine (and hope) that I will be an old woman sitting on a porch, drinking my sweet iced tea and still making time to paint. In fact, I have no doubt about that. What a comforting thought to have such a long relationship with something that is uniquely yours.

Transformation on the Lake

I recently returned from an almost a week-long trip in New England, where I was staying cabinside-lakeside at Squam, a gorgeous art retreat that attracts people from all over the country. This trip was particularly significant for me because I was giving my first book talk, to possibly over 200 people, and my book, my baby, had just been released and was hot-off-the-press.

Its hard for me to even put into words what my experience was like. First off, the week was not without magic and serendipity. Five delicate and stately lo moths were found basking outside our cabin. The moth is a symbol of transformation, has the ability to find light in the darkness, and is an optimist or opportunist, that uses intuitive powers to help guide its way. These light-green fuzzy and delicate creatures appeared as a gentle message and blessing to all of who witnessed them. Their unique beauty and presence were most certainly a gift from the mystery that is life.

So here I was in new territory-- a place I had never been. I have taught many classes in my life, but never given a 'public speech', yet alone one based on my own life story and creative process. I was also feeling nervous with the idea of 'this not being my perfect crowd'. Don't get me wrong, everyone there was absolutely lovely, but the Fall session at Squam is more aligned with my work, that being process, exploratory and spirit-based creativity. Spring is more for knitters- so I being somewhat new on the scene was not sure that I would be 'seen'. I also did not teach this time, so I would not have my loving and loyal students there in the talk, so I felt somewhat alone in this process, and I had to dive deep within me to find courage and the ability to do it. It felt like an edge, one that I had to walk through with bravery and a lot of self-coaxing.

But the retreat had started off with so many sweet notes. The bonds of friendship that are made at a place like Squam are completely unique and life-long. Immediately I felt drawn to my cabin-mates Thea and Tory from New York. I also got to spend some delicious dock time with Michelle and Jen, to huge-hearted magic makers whom I am coming to adore more and more. Then of course there is the bright and beautiful Elizabeth, the master magic maker herself of Squamlandia, who is full of such deliciousness and earnest charisma. 

Goofing off with Thea Coughin & Amy Gretchen down near Longhouse, my most favorite spot at the camp.

Michelle Madden Smith, assistant director of Squam, a true beauty inside and out.

So after a few days of sun-soaking and boat-making (with Ann Wood, totally fabulous) I was preparing for my nerve-wracking talk. I was to share the limelight with the darling Maya Donenfield, who just came out with her own book, Reinvention. Maya and I decided to bond on the dock, where we would share our plans for the talk, and then in celebratory (or cleansing) fashion, jump into the cool waters of Squam-lake and rebirth ourselves anew, much like the symbol of the small group of lo moths, who were outside our cabin waiting for our return. We did, and bonded very much over similar life paths of separation (divorce) and transformation that can come from such big life changes. As we jumped into the cool crystal blue, which felt like a luscious lapping mother of life itself, I felt a deep sense of calm within. I knew the talk would be just fine if I stayed true to myself, my story, and just spoke from my heart. It did go fine, in fact, my publisher said that's the most books she has ever sold at this fair. Such a release and feeling of accomplishment when I was signing books for people, whether they were given as a gift to someone or just inspired by what they saw. I am humbled and elated from this process. It was especially sweet to see my book waiting for me at my local indie bookstore when I returned home, where I will have a booksigning party next month. But really, I must say that Squam is a truly magical place, that seems to include transformation and moving closer to the light, that omnipresent guidance, within and all around.

Thank you Elizabath & Co for such a radiant and blessed time... see you in September.

Heirloom boats from Ann Wood's class hanging in the cafeteria.

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How sweet to come home and see my book featured in our local indie bookstore, Malaprop's. We are planning a book-signing party celebration in July. Stay tuned.

Supported Abundance

"Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames." ~Rumi

Two recent paintings I created inspired by my students. These will be covered with resin and shown in an upcoming exhibit next week.

The final week of my online course is afoot, and I must say I am in a state of such sweet gratitude and awe for what has taken place. An unconditional network of support and synergy full of kindness has bloomed, into that where participants are sharing their vulnerabilities, dreams, journal entries, photos from the backyard to surrounding areas of natural beauty, self-portraits (a nerve-wracking but affirming task), and of course, paintings. Knitters are learning to use the AquaBrush for hand-lettering techniques to creating paintings of delicate details, and beginning artists are exploring a variety of materials to create works of much heart and intention. I have also shared several holistic healing traditions, including how to make your own flower essences, a cherished practice of mine. It was very touching for me to see the motivation when students had picked lilac, orchids, sunflowers, and honeysuckles within the very next few days and begun to make their own. Serendipity was present, as the flowers in their own backyards tended to be ones fitting for what they were choosing to heal and transform. All of this has been taking place alongside with the release of my new book, now available for pre-order, which has received some wonderful buzz and at one point hit #42 in the best-selling books within the Creativity section. This has left me feeling such an innate sweetness, and more commitment and passion for what I do. I realize it is my life's work to help people realize their innate worth, beauty, and gifts. I love to witness someone transform from a place of self-judgment to that of acceptance and enthusiasm for their own creations. I further realize I have been on this path for quite some time, when I took my first graduate Art Therapy course fourteen years ago. Whats more than that, is I remember what a profound effect Julia Cameron's books had on me around that same time, so to be doing that type of work today is a dream long held close, finally coming to fruit. I am even more ignited to create paintings too, as I find myself being reminded of so much by my students, and my love for creating mixed media painting grows even stronger. 

Here is a lovely blog post from the lovely Toni Lovoi Carreiro, a knitter, who shares what her experience has been like in the course. Below are two paintings by course participants Ingrid Ellison and Megan Thompson.

The self portrait exercises have proven to be the hardest for some of the students, and understandably so, as taking a photograph of yourself in a state of acceptance can be a challenging feat. But once completed a sense of let-go and self-love seem to emerge, as much care and attention is given to each post shared within our sacred group. Taking photographs of Nature have been shared in abundance, and seem to have created a bond and link between all, along with getting a glimpse into everyone's life and natural surroundings. Below is is an example of each by Kelly Burns. Squam Art Worshops and I will be sharing a gallery of more of the work and such as time goes on.

Brimmin' over + gettin' wild. So thrilled to share this with you.

Wow, what a journey this has been! For the last six months or so I have been putting my heart + soul into this project. I have taken things that have helped shape me and my art and put them into an online course. We will dive deep into many things... may abundant, wild things...

So specifically, this course includes:

-Art Making Techniques: working with acrylics, watercolor pencils, India ink, masking, collage, art pens, and more. Journaling and basic digital photography are also tools used. The artwork will be exploratory, intuitive, and freeing in nature to help you release and find your deeper creative voice.

-Laws of Attraction: ways of thinking, feeling, and using your intuition to guide you, while releasing what no longer serves you. Exercises to attract more love and abundance into your life.

-Learn from the Inside: an exclusive videotaped interview with a top managing editor at a major craft publishing house who shares juicy tidbits in the publishing world. Other interviews/guest posts include those from successful artists, an author, and full-time blogger thriving in their creative vision.

-Holistic Well-Being: simple meditation, energy healing, and yoga techniques will be shared to gently loosen up the body, along with moving the focus out of the mind, or ego, and into the center of being so we can create from a place of authenticity. Connecting to Nature as a teacher and a source for energy and inspiration. 

-Plant Spirit Medicine: how to make your own special blend of herbal tea and flower essence blend for creativity, along with emotional well being and support.

-Sharing: this course is about coming together in an authentic way. More than anything it is about support and transformation. We will share our art, writing, photographs, on whatever level you are comfortable with through private Facebook/Flickr accounts. 

-A Gift: at the end of the course, I will give you an original flower essence totem card, handmade, to serve you as a placeholder and totem for your new creative life.

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Registration is now open. Click here to join the bliss.