One World One Heart Blog Giveaway Event!

Its a pleasure to participate once again this year in Lisa Swiftka's (A Whimcial Bohemian) blog giveaway event! This delightful "blog party" was created as a way for bloggers around the world to peek into each other's creative spaces and discover new kindred souls! The event has grown to almost 1000 participants this year! Click on her blog link and jump on "the magic carpet ride" through an incredible diverse array of blogs and the giveaways they are offering! It truly is a great way to tour the on-line homes of a wonderful community of creative souls! If this is your first visit to my place you may click here to stroll through the rest of my blog!

I thought I would offer one of my inspirational glass butterfly pendants for my giveaway! This pendant will arrive in a sweet little silver heart tin and you may choose a silver ball chain or black satin cord! Whoever is chosen as the winner on Feb 15th may choose from 40 different encouraging words or phrases found here and personalize the pendant! If you would like to add your name to the drawing just leave a comment to this post with your name and link or email to contact you!

Creative Legacy......

It has been a bittersweet time in our family. This past week we lost my husband's mother who was known to so many as Grandma Jean. She was a rare and amazing soul who had the gift of making everyone feel like the center of the universe when in her presence. She was the rock and the central force for her eight children and their families. Her battle with cancer came on quickly and took her just as quickly. We were blessed with caring for her at home with hospice in the final days and sending her to heaven bathed in tender care and surrounded by all who loved her. As heartbreaking as these last days have been, they have also been a rare gift to each of us. The gift of time to say what might not have been said, to love, touch and feel more deeply, to witness what it is to have loved and lived well...giving all of yourself to another...regreting nothing. It has been a reminder that life is uncertian and each day is a wealth of opportunity to reach out, love, forgive, risk, speak truth, and care deeply for those in our lives. It seems like such a cliche but it is really true...we might only have this day to let others know how much we love them. So today is truly a gift.

I wanted to honor her and share a small sampling of her creative and passionate giftedness. Jean was one of the most talented seamstresses and creator of anything by hand (knitting, crocheting, etc). As a family, we decided to gather some of her creations that we were all blessed to have received over the years, and display them at the memorial service and reception. The reality was it was only a teeny fraction of what she had created in her lifetime. I have been struck by the legacy she left by sharing her gift with those she most loved. We all have a treasure chest of items to pass down to our children. So be encouraged today at the gifts each of you have been given in your own creativity. The ability to create and give anything by hand and heart is a rare blessing.




















All of the girls in the family were thrilled several years ago when our Mother gifted us with her Designer Barbies. The intricate beading and crocheting in each one is really amazing. Each little crown, bracelet or accessory on each work was handmade. It is the one adorned in gold that sits in my china cabinet surrounded by pretty teacups! You can click on each image to see a larger detailed picture.


Each daughter was also given the gift of a beautiful, personally designed wedding gown. The love, time and intricate care put into each of these pieces will be a lasting heritage. These dresses had been carefully preserved in beautfiul tissue and sealed boxes. It was with great anticipation that the seals were broken and the precious contents opened to share with those who had come to celebrate the life of our Mother. Amidst the tears and heartache, we all shared laughter and joy with each other as well. It was such a fun evening when the daughters (Moms) tried the gowns on again (or had their daughters try them on..lol)

It has occured to me that what we hold most dear and precious should not be kept hidden away but opened and shared now...today...in this present moment. There are personal dreams we each tuck away, words not yet spoken, gifts not yet given, and time not yet spent with a loved one that we all pack away in our pretty boxes that sit on shelves for that "Someday". For us girls, that "someday" arrived and we discovered it really was "today". We will all never forget the "We are Family" fashion show, fun memories and good times (and boy can our family have good times!) shared when we unwrapped those gowns. The joy they brought us were best experienced right then...in the present moment...in that gift that is "today". I'd invite you to consider what you might have kept carefully preserved in that tissue box on the shelf? Maybe today it is best opened, shared and experienced!


The entire family came together to create small tokens for all those who came to help us celebrate her life. It was a beautiful site as we would all gather to care for our mother, share meals, and sit around the large wooden family table (oh if this table could talk) and make tiny little balls of yarn that adorned little handmade knitting basket ornaments. As Christmas was my Mother-in-law's favorite time of the year, we thought it fitting to create a remembrance of her to put on the tree each year. It was a time to be together, share memories, laugh, cry or just be quiet in our own thoughts! At the reception each little treasure was hung on a small Christmas tree and all who gathered were invited to take was as gift from her children, grandchildren and dear friends!

I was fortunate one day to have my camara with me as our Mother was doing what transported her, relaxed her and gave her such deep pleasure...knitting. I know she indulged me when she let me take these photos of her knitting as she was never one for a big fuss or any kind of attention. I wish I had taken the countless opportunites to learn from her earlier, but I did sit under her watchful eye that sweet day as she imparted her wisdom and craft to me in those final days. I have a long way to go but my first scarf has begun. I am sure as the days and weeks pass I will only then begin to hear deep in my heart all that she imparted to me in these last 30 years of being blessed to be grafted into her family and had the priviledge of becoming one of "her daughters".


"TEAR SOUP"

I wanted to share a rich and deeply moving book a friend gave me this week. For those who are grieving any kind of loss it is a simple yet profoundly powerful and beautifully illustrated book. Young and old alike will be moved by the tender truth spoken on its pages.Its a special gift to share with anyone whose heart has entered a season of grief. You can find out more about the book on the "Tear Soup" website!

So we are all still moving about in a bit of a fog, grappling with getting back to "normal life". At some point, I am sure I will find my way back into the studio and the act of creating will move the tears and sadness to new places. For now...we are giving ourselves permission to just rest and look forward to the next time we can enjoy the company of our brothers, sisters and their families! For now...we are just in "today".

Giveaway Winners!

Merry Christmas and giveaway congrats to SueAnns Journey and The Whispering Creek House!! I am blessed to send one of the Art Blessing Giveaways to each of you! Please take a moment to stop by each of these beautfiul blogs!! Thank you to all of you for stopping by to enter and share your heart! May each of your holidays be blessed.

I will be spending alot of time with family over the coming days as one so very dear to us is nearing the end of a battle with cancer. It has brought deep reflection into all our lives and truly brought home what is deeply important in our hearts and lives. I encourage you to be present in the moments you are given today. Bring all of who you are and who God made you to be.... fully into whatever experiences and relationships your own journey ushers you into this season.

Christmas Giveaway and Virtual Open House!

We had a wonderful time this weekend at my annual open house. It was good to see familiar faces and reconnect with old friends! I so enjoy creating a warm and festive atmosphere and felt blessed by all those that walked through the door!

So in celebration of the event I wanted to have a special Art Blessing Christmas Giveaway for all of you! I will be drawing two names for these two sweet gift sets. The first has a little mini journal and glass inspirational ornament tucked in a red metal mini bucket that says "JOY". The second giveaway is a "Safe Haven" art dangle, handmade vintage angel wings ornament and a small healing stone wrapped in an organza bag! And candy canes and chocolate kisses of course! So leave a comment with your name and contact info to enter the drawing! If you can spread the news on your blog and put a link to this post I'll add your name twice! Later in the evening, on Christmas day, I will draw the names and post this month's Art Blessing winners!



So why don't you come on in, grab a cup of cider and a treat and take a stroll through the memories of this year's open house!

Such a sweet surprise to see my girlfriends from high school (some of us go back to gradeschool!

Thanks for stopping by and hope you'll come again next year!!




















NEW ART BLOCK SETS AND JOURNAL ENSEMBLE ON EBAY!
Click here to see more images of these three art block sets and the 'Soul Searching" Journal Ensemble!


From our home to yours (with the addition of a couple girlfriends this year, lol)......May your holiday be meaningful and your days be filled with moments that truly matter to you!

Live Your Dream

I have been quietly working away in my studio creating new items for my open house this weekend. I am praying the potential ice/snow that weatherman is predicting will hold off for me! I finished a new set of Altered Art Therapy Blocks. This set comes nestled in a handpainted box. No matter how many of these sets I create I never stop having fun playing with them! This one has been listed in my Ebay store if you'd like to take a peek!

Holiday Open House and Studio Sale!

Saturday, December 12, 2009….10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday, December 13, 2009……11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Hope this holiday season finds you sharing your hearts and lives with those you love! I am looking forward to opening my home and studio again this year to share a selection of original inspirational and healing artwork, jewelry, meaningful handcrafted gifts and other unique items to encourage and uplift the soul! If you are in the area I hope you’ll stop by and enjoy some beautiful music, holiday treats, sparkling cider, giveaways and celebrate the creative spirit with me! I am grateful for each and every one of you and thank you for your continued support and encouragement! Please feel free to pass along this invitation and bring a friend or two.
Creative Blessings and I hope to see you there!

You may contact me at lanikent@msn.com for address, directions or to answer any questions about the event!

Altered Art Jewelry and Giveaway Winner!

I love the moment when I pick the name of the giveaway winner! Sometimes I get overwhelmed with greatfulness and I feel so blessed to be able to create here in my studio. I feel like I have a little gift shop in here and it truly does bring me joy to send a little treasure on its way to someone just for the fun of it! So congrats to Lynn Stevens as you are the winner of the Art Blessing giveaway this month! Please take a moment to visit Lynn's blog, "Trash to Treasure Art" for some delicious, artsy eye candy and an incredible giveaway from such a sweet spirit! Thank you yet again to each of you for your generous comments that always inspire my heart!

I have been working on several new jewelry pieces this week and a few other goodies. Here is a preview of some of these treasures! I will let you know soon where they will be listed! Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in any of them in the meantime!










I had fun wearing one of these new Inspirational Glass pendants this weekend. It occured to me I often create all kinds of things but rarely choose and keep something meaningful for myself and wear what I have created. I found myself thinking and wondering about the meaning of this as I tenderly touched the piece I chose to wear, "Acceptence Breathes Peace". I wonder if we fully take in and accept our gifts and blessings and what can get in the way of the receiving. What is gently pressing in on you today...to affirm and encourage you...do you embrace or feel a hesitancy to receive it? It is good to take time to explore these kind of deeper and quieter thoughts.
You can find these glass pendants on my website!


I have been working on creating small gifts of hope and encouragement for the holidays and also added these large glass stone magnet sets to my website!

You can find these trio sets here!


Creative Blessings to each of you this week!

"You Are Enough...Just As You Are" Art Blessing Giveaway!

Life and family have been keeping me busy this fall. With another son now in his senior year and and playing on the starting line-up this football season it seems there is one event after another! We had an incredibly exciting weekend here as his team the "Union Titans" won their league championship in a nail-biting, down-to-the-wire finish and are on their way to the State Championship! So I have been overdue to peek in here on my blog and wanted to share an art blessing giveaway with you all! This altered journal highights a collage print that says "You are enough...Just as you are", bright colored jewels, shimmering butterflies, colorful fibers, and measures 4 x 8 1/2 inches. If you would like to be entered in the drawing for this journal just leave your contact info in the comment section! If you would like to share this giveaway with a link on your blog, let me know and I will add your name twice to the drawing! Check back and on Monday, Nov. 16th I'll post the Art Blessing winner!

NEW TREASURES AVAILABLE ON HEALING EXPRESSIONS WEBSITE: With the holidays approaching, I have been quietly working in my studio and creating encouraging, inspirational gifts for my website (many inspired by beautiful, digital collage images by Batya S.)as well as my upcoming Holiday Open House (details to come soon). I had a meaningful time this past weekend sharing art at a recovery conference called Betrayal Redeemed where several of the new items below were available. I am looking forward to seeing what else is inspired in the studio for the season. I am feeling such calmness, peace, confirmation and anticipation these days for the next steps of my own personal and creative journey. You can click on the link below each item to see more images!

Prayer Cards w/Gift Tin


Inspirational Acrylic Art Cubes


Original Charm Bracelets


Healing Journey Card Sets


5x7 Collage Designs in Acrylic


Healing Words Glass Pendants (over 20 words to choose from) and Inspirational Magnets w/ Gift Tin

Thanks so much for letting me share these pieces. I hope that this day finds you in a good place, breathing in the present moment and willing to reach out to those you love...to risk being cared for...and to offer care to someone who crosses your path. Each of us has much to give and to release of ourselves as the holidays approach and so many will be in need of the simple and often free gifts we possess.

Every fall I think of this song and thought you might be blessed by it too. It always moves me deeply.....

Please pause the music playing on my blog on the lower right sidebar before listening to the video...

Giveaway Winner.....

Thank you to all who entered the Art Blessing Giveaway and for leaving such encouraging comments! It was a busy weekend and I am finally getting the drawing offically done! The name I reached in and drew was Angela! She has a wonderful blog where she interviews dear artists that have inspired her! I am sure she would enjoy if you stopped by! I plan to have Art Blessing Giveaways each month so hope you'll stop by again and join in the fun.

I have been reflecting on this song. Simple yet profoundly beautiful. Thought I would leave it with you all for today. Be sure to pause the music playing on my blog on the lower right hand sidebar before viewing the video!

Art Blessing Giveaway and Studio Clearance!

My season of creating some quiet space for myself continues to be where my heart and soul is being nurtured. I have been arranging reflective places in my home and cleaning out my studio and creating room for what is to come in many areas of my life. Stepping away for a season from being on-line and from other committments and relationships these past few months has allowed me to engage on a much deeper and meaningful level with myself, my family and God. Solitude and quietness brings such clarity. Although this season has brought with it some hard choices and rearranging in order to move into this new internal space....I am grateful for the courage to try. When you know God is leading you somewhere, even though it feels unknown, there is a sense of peace that you are where you are suppose to be. So I hope to peek in a little more on my blog over the coming months with new hope and inspiration born out of this simpler season.

I wanted to share an art blessing giveaway as we move into the new season and fall is around the corner. I have put together a collection which includes a 5x7 Print ("The truth shall set you free"), Greeting Card ("Listen, Nurture this season of dwelling in the deep sacred spaces"), Healing Art Block ("She moved on the quiet path of her inner peace and strength"), Framed Print ("Healing Season"), and Art card Print "Masquerade" If you would like to have an opportunity to have your name drawn to receive this collection just leave your name and contact info in the comment section and I will draw a name on Sunday, Sept. 20! If you would like to share this giveaway post on your blog with a link just let me know and I'll be happy to add your name twice!

STUDIO CLEARANCE ON EBAY!!!!



Well it truly never ceases to amaze me what a creative artist type can collect!!! I have been sorting through, gutting out and working my way through "stuff" in my studio. The letting go process always seems to expose so much inside. And it was definately true that while I made my way through the "gut out" it got alot worse before it got better...especially on the day an entire shelf of glass jars filled with trinkets and beads came crashing down to the floor! Just reminded me of the tenacity it takes to keep going the directions we are called no matter the obstacles lol! So as I contemplate the new doorways that need to be opened, I have decided to really clear the pathway in my creative world and have put together fifteen wonderful groups of collage, mixed media and altered art items with the artist in mind. All of these are being listed as auctions on Ebay with Buy It Nows for those who just can't wait! You can find all these sale auctions here!

I thought I would share a few pics of my creative space where there is now a little more room for me to breathe (you may click on images to enlarge)....





Finally, as we approach the anniversary of 9/11 this week, I wanted to share a piece of writing I had felt compelled to write back when the tragedy happened. I had sent several copies along with a friend who is a trauma therapist and was going to be heading to New York to work with survivors. It is a reflection on grief and the grieving process from tragedy, loss and life's hurts. It is called an "Invitation to Grieve" and you may read it here on my website.I hope you can carve out a quiet space for yourself this week and breathe deep.

New Healing Art Blocks

I am now offering 'Healing Art Blocks" which make very special gifts for a friend or loved one who might be in need of hope and encouragement...or just a little something that says, "I understand where you are my friend"! The blocks are 3.5 x 4.5 inches and are just right for a small gesture of kindness. Customers may choose which design they would like on their block from my entire collection of art card collage prints. You may find these on my Website, Ebay and Etsy stores!

















Several months back I shared about a heartwarming project I participated in called "The Ties that Bind" to raise funds and support awareness of Ovarian cancer. This large, amazing art doll was created that held handcrafted, healing-oriented, charms and beautiful art ties lovingly created by over 100 participating artists. A raffle is currently in progress to raise funds for the cause through September 30th when a very lucky soul will win this incredible treasure! A beautiful book with these unique creations and survivor stories has now been published and it is filled with gorgeous photos of this very meaningful project. The proceeds will also be contributed to fight ovarian cancer and you can find the information about ordering the book here. I recently ordered my copy and can't wait to receive it. I have also heard such sweet stories of others purchasing groups of these books to take to cancer treatment centers etc. The charm I created is hanging directly in the center of the first photo with the vintage girl, metal filigree wings and says "Heal". It was really an honor to contribute and watch this project come together over the months. I can't wait to look through the pages and pages of one of a kind pieces and hear of the hope in the lives of those who stories are shared. There is nothing that brings me greater joy then when passions and gifts converge to support and uplift those in need!
























I hope you find some rest and relaxation in the days of summer still to come. I plan to join my family for some adventures over the next few weeks. There is still so much for me to hear, take in and reflect on and I am grateful for the opportunity! Thank you all for your comments and encouragement during this season of waiting and reflection!

A few more reflections....

Found myself staying in the studio the last couple days and that images and musings continued to pour out. I think in all the challenges and activity in earlier months my little river of creativity had been stopped up. My time away is about moving those stones around, rearranging and maybe the flow will be fresher, wider and deeper. These cards can be found on ebay.

Mid Summer Reflections......

I thought I would step back in for a few moments to share a few new pieces I recently created. My time away continues to restore my heart and enlarge my vision. The unexpected has often rearranged any plans I thought I might have and priorities have become so clear. There have been difficult choices in order to step into this new space but I am moving through life these days with much more internal simplicity and quiet and am breathing deeper in releasing much of the striving. Having had to let go of much I had been holding onto...for a season...I am trusting what is meant to return will one day return. I feel a deep trust in leaving it up to God who and what that will be. For now, my sabbatical is revealing, challenging and hopeful. Each of these original art cards have been listed here on ebay!

I also had a wonderful opportunity to create a special 12x12 inch piece for the opening of the "Grid Show" at the Imago Dei Gallery in the Portland Pearl District. Over 100 artist's were asked to contribute their reflection on the theme of "Touch". All proceeds are going to support the art program of a local school. It was truly amazing to see all the different styles and mediums!

And finally I must leave you with some tempting treats I made with my son and the neighborhhood gang recently. I forgot how much I love to create desserts! Its little discoveries like this that my time away continues to reveal. I am enjoying making these new memories! And yes.....they were really yummy! Creative Blessings to you and I hope this summer brings you rest and enduring memories!

Taking a break......

Sometimes we can sense these seasons approaching. When you can no longer push aside the growing conviction that you are being invited to do something that feels threatening, uncomfortable and might reveal a need to evaluate on what foundation you have formed your sense of security, identity and purpose. I am not sure what these thoughts all mean for me. Significant events in my life the past few months have forced me to stop and reevaluate where my energy has been going and how much I actually have to offer. Sometimes the cumulitive weight of what we are carrying, being and doing for others catches up to you and something has to give.

As an artist, creating and revealing ourselves is a calling near to breathing. Our social media world has given us ample opportunity to share, reveal, promote, expose and spread ourselves out to far reaches of the world in a way that feels so personal and authentic. It can be a such a powerful way to communicate and has such incredible benefits. But I have this haunting, unsettling feeling that has persisted....about how it all is affecting our capacity for depth and real intimacy in our face to face relationships and our emotional availiablity to those who might even be in our own homes, our neighborhoods, our communities. There can be an illusionary sense of being known when connected everywhere on line...but what of ourselves are we revealing in our being known...and at what depth are we connected to what we are revealing? I find myself needing to ask the questions and listen for balanced answers. As I work and view the world as it presents itself through the computer screen...unfortunately more often than I have breathed in the fresh air lately.... I can't deny the need to redefine what I am doing and restore a sense of balance. I am grateful to have wise ones in my life encouraging a time of backing away....a time to catch up to myself....be present...and move back into the deeper journey I had begun. I am grateful for the invitation.

I realize my work requires use and resources of the internet. I know that I am so blessed and grateful for such wonderful and amazing souls I am lucky to call friends who I would not have met were it not for having risked myself in my artowrk, here in on this blog or other in creative on-line communities. Those who visit here have often extended words of support and encouragement to me as I have expressed my creative journey and work and I hope I have shown that kindness in return. I am just asking myself some hard questions...for me personally....and it feels critical to my emotional and spiritual health that I make room to investigate the answers. My humanity cries out, "But what if they forget me and I vanish into obscurity!" Even behind that cry lies an opportunity to explore concepts of value and self-worth. In reality, this is only one of several impacting situations in my own personal life that has culminated in a halt to how I had been living it recently. Sometimes the plates we are trying to keep in the air need to be set down for awhile.

So I feel the need to listen and check for healthy balance in my life. Go on more dates with my husband. Hold up my end of a conversation with God again. Take my youngest to the skate park...he has been begging me. Go to coffee with my teenagers...as long as I pay of course. Take the dog for more walks....she looks at me longingly when she sees me put on my tennis shoes. Stop and talk to my neighbors....I might have something they need. Read more. Journal more. Write more. Create some healing art for my local community....walk in and actually meet them and place it in their hands. Hike in and stand before that secret waterfall up at Mt Hood. My soul is thirsty for whatever else this space opens up and reveals to me. I need to lay it all down and rest for awhile first. I look forward to picking things back up again when the time is right....when my breathing is fuller and deeper...and the fresh air from a more three-dimensional place has filled my lungs.

So I am sure it won't be forever. I"ll peek in again. I hope to continue Art Blessing Giveaways here and there. I will still be creating art for the healing journey behind the scenes, quietly offering new work on my sites as time, energy and revelation present themselves. Most of what I hope to discover and reclaim I know in my heart will not be found on-line. Just taking time to step back and try to take a little better care of myself! My deepest hope is to open and make space for what needs opening and be in a place to make the changes that are revealed! I pray your days are blessed and you take time to listen....and see if your soul is thirsting for anything....if there are any questions that need answering....or if you just need a breath of fresh air....

The Invitation....

Had coffee with a dear kindred one this morning. We talked about our lives, our mothering, our faith, our struggles, our questions and the paths we each attempt to take small steps on everyday. She reached into her bag (she always has the coolest, funky artsy "purses"!) and handed me this small book called "The Invitation". I was so moved by this poem written by Oriah. It resonated with a place deep in my soul. Though we may come from different faith experiences...our common longing for authenticity and being released from "what confines and restrains in our relationships" to "what opens and brings depth"... helped me breathe in deeply and exhale. Hope it nourishes you today.

The Invitation........
It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing.

It doesn’t interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream ,for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn’t interest me what planets are squaring your moon...I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow if you have been opened by life’s betrayals or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain. I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it or fade it or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own, if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, to be realistic, to remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn’t interest me if the story you are telling me is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself. If you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul. If you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see Beauty even when it is not pretty every day. And if you can source your own life from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure,yours and mine, and still stand at the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon,“Yes.”

It doesn’t interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up after the night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done to feed the children.

It doesn’t interest me who you know or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the centre of the fire with me and not shrink back.

It doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away. I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.

© Mountaindreaming, from the book The Invitation published by HarperSanFrancisco, 1999 All rights reserved

You may read more about the author and her poetic works on her website.