“Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now. ” Goethe
This has been a long time coming… having a blog. So on Leap Day let me take the leap. Will people read it? I am willing to wait and see. This shrine seemed very fitting to post here at the beginning. Over the last few years I have been getting adjusted to being an artist who teaches; where for so many years I was an art teacher with little time for her own artwork. Like a butterfly, I am transforming myself for this next chapter.
When I found a scrap of book text that read: "…heaven’s for flying. Wherefore, Oh soul, whose wings are grown, soar upwards to the sun!" – this piece came together quickly. No idea where the text came from… I spend so much time in the ceramics studio, time working in mixed media seems a treat. There will be more mixed media in 2008 – for sure.
Onwards and Upwards!
Jenny Davies-Reazor 
I like hearing the voice behind your creative process. I think it is a good fit for you. I love the way your site looks now -I haven’t seen it in a while. It is clean and beautiful – just like you!! : )
You’ll have to show me how to set up a site like this – but not until this summer – too much for us to do now.
Love, Bets
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Congratulations!!!
It is up and running, or I should say flying. I look forward to keeping in touch via this vehicle. It provides a greater opportunity to share information we don’t always get a chance to share when we see each other.
Paula
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There never seems to be enough time! I love the ‘conversation’ properties of a blog…so let’s ‘talk’ anytime!
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Ditto the remarks from Salon Susan…I am continually amazed by the scope of your readings and resources. What ever we talk about, you have a book to suggest to enlighten us. Please continue to share…You know I will continue to question…
PSB
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Congratulations on the Blog!!!
As you know I too starting a fresh in this world like a newborn babe.
Recently reread one of my favorite poem from my younger days when the world seemed so willing to share with me all it’s beauty and wonder… once again maybe those days are back to stay!
Here’s the Poem. Hope you find it as amazing as I did then and again now!
Concert in the Garden
(VINA AND MRIDANGAM)
For Carmen Figueroa de Meyer
It rained.
The hour is an enormous eye.
Inside it, we come and go like reflections.
The river of music
Enters my blood.
If I say body, it answers wind.
If I say earth, it answers where?
The world, a double blossom, opens:
Sadness of having come.
Joy of being here.
I walk lost in my own center.
By Octavio Paz
Many Cheers & Peace,
Jose
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You take the artist salon award for accomplishment-hands down. The site looks wonderful. Are you going to be sending notices when the blog is updated?
You have been a tremendous inspiration to me on a personal as well as an artistic level. Thanks for everything.
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Wanted to share this link:
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/john_odonahue/index.shtml
Poetry is becoming an addition to my daily Mindfulness Meditation practice.
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/john_odonahue/ss_beannacht/ss-beannacht.shtml
Beannacht (“Blessing”) by John O’Donohue
On the day when
the weight deadens
on your shoulders
and you stumble,
may the clay dance
to balance you.
And when your eyes
freeze behind
the grey window
and the ghost of loss
gets in to you,
may a flock of colours,
indigo, red, green,
and azure blue
come to awaken in you
a meadow of delight.
When the canvas frays
in the currach of thought
and a stain of ocean
blackens beneath you,
may there come across the waters
a path of yellow moonlight
to bring you safely home.
May the nourishment of the earth be yours,
may the clarity of light be yours,
may the fluency of the ocean be yours,
may the protection of the ancestors be yours.
And so may a slow
wind work these words
of love around you,
an invisible cloak
to mind your life.
~John O’Donohue
Many Cheers & Peace,
Jose
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Thanks for those links! I read the poem first, and then heard him read it, that Irish accent… I am just finally reading his book Anam Cara – and saddened that he passed away earlier this year. I look forward to listening to the interview.
There’s at least 1 shrine in there…and collages…hmm
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I’ll leap with you! And will be eager to see future entries in your blog. (Hugs!!!! Debra)
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Hi Jenny!
Thank you for your kind comment on my typepad blog! Anni speaks so highly of her circle mates!! I’m thrilled for her! She’s been missing circle for so long! I am solitary by necessity, so love when she is able to share (when appropriate) the joys she finds in circle gatherings! She is an amazing woman! I loved looking at your website! The shrines are wonderful! The children’s tiles really tickled me too! Do you have a kiln in your studio?
I’ve bookmarked your blog so will be back again! I am so hooked on blogging and have met the most amazing people on line this way! It’s so nice to meet you!
Blessings!
Luna
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i like the altoid tin shrine. how did you get the paint off and then, did you paint, if so what type of paint/ink. do you spray varnish on it when finished? my father died recently, and while we’re all having trouble adjusting, my brother is really having a tough time. i thought i’d experiment and make him a shrine of my dad to carry in his pocket. i’ve never made them, but they look like fun.
pam
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Hey there – sorry I didnt respond sooner, still getting the hang of the blog thing… I burn my altoid tins with a propane torch, outside. The paint chars and then will come off easily with steel wool. I like the ancient distressed look. I have sanded them before.
I have also tried metal paints from the craft store – ok…it still can scrape off. Spray paint is also an option. But I like burning them best.
Experiment. I am sorry to hear that your personal loss inspired the shrine, but I do find making them very cathartic.
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i can’t quite figure out this whole blog thing.
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