new painting...The Two Of Cups

Here is my latest painting called the Two of Cups which comes from the Tarot. This symbolizes union, harmony, and love. I have always loved this image and what it represents so I finally decided to paint it! The infinity symbol above the chalices represents everlasting love that holds a steady flame. It is a 12 x 12 acrylic on canvas frame.

every day gifts

My new job requires that I am out & about, on my feet around 7 hours a day or more. I have come to realize that there are parts of my neighborhood that I never even knew existed which is rather absurd.

I am finally realizing why I came to Arizona over 7 years ago. It's because the desert has a unique, mystical beauty to it. It reminds me of solitude...steady and quiet, full of mystery.

I'm careful not to miss a beat in my surroundings. I literally stopped to smell the roses a few times last week. I felt the sunshine on my face, the wind in my hair, and heard the bees with their hypnotic hum. For once I looked into the cactus flower and said, "Ahhhh....home."

True home to me is nature. I need to be outside and to be with the earth just as much as I need food and water.

I love what naturalist writer Terry Tempest Williams says in a story called Undressing the Bear. "As women connected to the earth, we are nurturing and we are fierce. We are wicked and sublime. The full range is ours. We hold the moon in our bellies and fire in our hearts."

Let the fire burn and illuminate our passion for living.

I made it through...

I had a really rough week to put it mildly. Some of my days turned into 20 hour days between work, school, errands, and my children. Now I feel like I could go in a cave for several days and not come out. My responsibilities won't allow that. Under stress, it's important to take care of our bodies and also feed our souls. So I am writing these goals down to help keep me accountable. I definitely plan on:

1. drinking more water
2. wearing more sunscreen
3. taking my vitamins
4. start doing yoga again
5. really breathing (I have to remind myself)
6. getting a therapeutic massage atleast once a month

Does anyone want to join me in efforts to cherish our bodies, which are the vehicles that allow us to live our lives fully?

This is my latest painting called "A Peaceful Night" which was custom created for my lovely friend Danyell. It is 24 X 36 inches, created with acrylics.



It feels like wherever the energy was stuck, it is moving forward. I recently reclaimed the passion I had for some of my childhood books. One of my favorites was Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Yesterday I serendipitously stumbled upon an older copy of By the Shores of the Silver Lake. I decided I'm going to start collecting my favorite children's literature to save for my daughters. I believe it will be a precious gift because I am passing on a piece of my history, or HerStory rather.

much to do...but being is more important

There hasn't been a dull moment lately. I am endlessly spring cleaning it seems. It's really been wonderful being able to give away things that people will be able to put to good use.

Some of the ideas & projects that I am working on lately:

I'd like to start up a women's circle where everyone can gather & share stories, be creative, & have the space to heal. I hear alot of women say that feel stifled, unorganized, and want to express themselves. I'd like to facilitate the space for dreams to flourish! I just need a location that I can do this at, as my home is too small for meetings & there is no peace & quiet with my children around.

There was an abandoned dresser that I adopted awhile back. I need to refinish it. It will be used for multiple purposes: an altar, a place for extra clothes, and I will also have a "comfort drawer". I got the idea of a comfort drawer from Sarah Ban Breathnach's Simple Abundance. Read this book if you haven't already. It's changing my life.

Once I have the physical space, I want to set up a healing/prayer space specifically for my family & friends. There have been a multitude of people in my life that are going through deep emotional turmoil, health issues, & financial problems. I believe that if I can create a prayer chain, we can solve alot of these troubling things by offering our energy & support.

I'd like to give my blog a facelift soon. All of this can seem a little overwhelming so I am taking it one step at a time & hopefully things will unfold. I am starting a new job soon so my plate is full. I feel blessed, even though I am exhausted. =)

going within

Late last night I decided to paint. I have been feeling under the weather lately so I like to use painting as a therapeutic tool. Here is my latest work called Ostara (Spring). It is on a 12 x 24 canvas, which is a great size. It started off kind of dark and then blossomed into light. The eggs represent new ideas and ventures.


Today I also painted a necklace rack. It could also be used to hang keys or whatever you wish.



I also have plans to write a new book. I will have more on that later. Before I start, I need to make sure I can commit to it.

finally

On Monday night I completed illustrating the book. All 16 pages are done along with a cover. Now I have to tamper with the scanner and get all of the images scanned. I started to last night and got pretty frustrated. I guess I am just excited and wanted everything to happen yesterday. True wisdom is knowing when to push on & also knowing when to put something down before it makes you crazy.

Today is a gorgeous day. In Phoenix, you really have to appreciate the 2 weeks of Spring you get before the heats hit and then there is no turning back. It's been a long winter, metaphorically speaking. The economic conditions seem to be getting worse and my heart goes out to those who are struggling. I have been looking for a job for a very long time and I am trying to not give up hope.