Saturday, March 26, 2011

Studio Solitude.....

Be sure to pause the music playing on my blog on the lower right sidebar before viewing the video.


I was working in my studio this morning, listening to a beautiful stream of music on Pandora, and this one touched my heart. I have been taking time to sing in my studio these days. When I arranged my new creative space I heard a small whisper to buy a sound system and microphone and arrange a space for music. Performing use to be a major part of my life and as time and seasons have shifted, I have taken many years away from this expression and have been unsure where this piece fits in the present days of my story. And so much has changed in my soul that the idea of "performing" just doesn't fit anymore. But deep inside there is a longing to encourage and offer hope though music much like the call I have felt with art making. Sometimes life asks that we set what is dear to us down. Maybe let it go and be willing to have it come back to us in a beautifully new and different way...or be open to its absense shifting us towards a new path that will bring us even deeper joy and healing. I have no idea what this will look like for me but feel drawn to explore these feelings with God in the solitude of my studio. In the meantime, it has been sweetly healing for my soul to just close my eyes and sing as a means of worship and creativity.

I have been working on a new series of cards that have a deeper, poetic thought to share. Writing brings me such a release. This one was inspired by and created for a dear friend who is going through a very hard season and transition in her life. I am always humbled and in awe of the power of words and images to being comfort to those in our midst. You may find this "Safe Heart" card at the bottom of the page here on my website.













I have also enjoyed creatng these new "Healing Hope" sets of greeting cards, magnets or tags. There are five different design sets to choose from and these make wonderful gifts for someone special. If you would like to take a peek at these offerings and see many other designs not pictured here you may find them here!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Sweet Pathways and Dreams....



Something I wrote last night and imposed on images that reflect where God and I seem to be these days. Seeking times of intentional solitude can invite layers of previously unexposed yearning, wrestlings, changes that need to be made and fresh inspirations. Writing always flows best in my studio while being taken somewhere musically. The haunting melody from "Dream Catcher" always touches my soul. It takes me to that secret place where my Spirit hears from the One who knows my name and the places in my heart that even I can't see. Watching the sounds escape from these beautiful instruments transports me and stirs inspiration and hope. Deep calling to Deep. Take a quiet moment to reflect or journal what it speaks to you. Find some solitude today. God loves your company. Rest in what message these images and music bring to you in this moment.....

Be sure to pause the music playing on my blog on the lower right "playlist" sidebar....



I love to draw the name of the Art Blessing Giveaway Winner! Congrats to Teri Owens! I am honored to know Teri and watch her beautiful art journey unfold! Please take a moment to visit Teri's blog as she explores her love of art journaling and painting!.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

New Studio to Share and Art Blessing Giveaway!


Well I didn't intend for so much time to go by since I last visited but my heart has been nestled in my new studio which my sweet husband and his remodeling talents blessed me with. If you look to a few posts below you can see some of the "before" pics as we transitioned from the empty room our son left. It has been such a process and with this studio evolution have changes in my own heart been stirred and encouraged.I have been spending lots of time playing beautiful music, praying, waiting, singing, reading, listening for God's voice, writing and just appreciating the gift of this creative space! Just wanted to take a few moments to share it with you!







ART BLESSING GIVEAWAY!!!


In celebration of this new chapter, I also wanted to share an art blessing giveaway! If you would like to leave your name and contact info in the comment section I would love to enter your name in the drawing for this "Encouragement for the Journey" Magnet Gift Tin. There are twenty inspirational phrases as magnets tucked in this colorful tin adorned with a jeweled butterfly.I will draw the winner on Sunday evening, March 20th!