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.

Healing Kindness......

This original creation arrived at my home yesterday and brought tears to my eyes. My fellow "Art Angel", Nellie Wortman, was led to create this amazingly touching piece for my sister-in-law who is grieving the recent loss of her precious child. I wish I could express what is felt like to see her emotion and hear what the piece meant to her. She had never seen anything so beautiful and just held it to her chest. I love when God nudges hearts towards those we might not even know or have never even meant but their experience touches something deep within our own humanity and propels us to give of who we are. As in the case of Ron and JoAnna Pierotti's situation (post below), it is so inspiring to watch what happens when we move with God's spirit and join into other's circumstances, their pain, their journey....enter into a precious soul's story. No matter how seemingly small we may feel our contribution is...together the impact is moving and powerful.


















I also received the most beautiful "Healing Doll" sent to me by Lisa Plummer. I was so touched by her gift and have this unique piece proudly displayed in my studio. Lisa's passion for using art to express our deep layers always moves me. Recently, Lisa posted an incredible link to a wonderful website called "Healing Through Creativity". It is an amazing movement and annual event that brings together creative works, presentations and workshops by and for survivors of trauma and difficult life circumstances. They have an open call for submissions of a variety of creative expressions for this year's event to be held in October! So amidst my own heart struggles these last few weeks... these gifts, events and heartwarming generosities...that I feel fortunate to witness and experience.....bring me deep hope. Who might we reach today...in even the smallest of ways?























This is the touching song that was sung at my neices service. May it bring any who need today....comfort and hope. You may pause the music already playing on my blog on the lower right sidebar before viewing.






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Prayers for a friend.....

Praying today for my dear friend JoAnna Pierotti and her husband Ron who are in extreme need for provision and prayers for an immediate surgery needed for Ron's life threatening brain tumor. A wonderful account has been set up in their name and it is so encouraging to see friends and strangers coming together to contribute even the smallest amount. It is a heartbreaking situation that is occuring for many across our nation, the loss of employment and with it, health insurance. When we come together for each other its miraculous what can happen. It warms my heart to see that number rise and rise! Click here to the Pierotti's page on Chipin and a heartfelt message from JoAnna. You can follow more of Ron and JoAnna's story on her blog!

Resting......

Thank you to my dear friend Teri Owens for leading me to an amazing blog, "Ordinary Courage" by Brene' Brown. I was especially moved by an interview Brene' did on a PBS special on the issues of shame and authenticity. I highly encourage you to look through this truly special body of work that she offers through her blog and "Wholehearted" movement. Brene' is currently having a read through on her blog of her book, "I Thought It Was Just Me...Telling the Truth About Perfectionism, Inadequacy and Power". It is always such an encouragement to me to find more resources we can share with each other that help open the door to sharing our stories authentically.

It has been a very hard week on a personal note. Our family is grieving the loss of our precious neice. Although it has been heartbreaking, there has been incredible beauty being woven through all of our hearts as family and friends gather, love and support each other, and just spend time being together in life changing ways. At the same time, I have had some health problems this week and have had to just put put alot of things on hold for now. In this time of rest, God has been speaking and moving in powerful ways. His presence with our family is undeniable!

Prayers of My Soul....

I am always drawn again and again it seems to creating sacred little places to record our deepest thoughts, questions, prayers and hopes. Every now and then, I pull out the sweet diaries I kept as a little girl, childlike handwriting that even then was compelled to write what my heart hoped to speak into being. The personally written words always made the feelings more real...more tangible. I just love the idea of journals created as a piece of artwork. Placing these sacred whispers of our soul in a place of honor, on a sweet easle...with a scented candle shimmering next to it... just seems to usher in the tender voice of God... "Sweet child of promise, I value who you are and are becoming and all that your heart wants to speak...all that you feel matters deeply to me". You may find more images of this new journal and tag ensemble that is being offered in my Etsy Shop(update...journal is sold!).

I came across this video today. It seemed gentle, quiet and beautiful. Some of us may at times struggle with the truth of the message but the place deep within where this peace exists is where the sweetest of healing can take place. Wherever you find yourself today, even if you just feel unsettled in your spirit, the words are comforting. Remember to pause the music currently playing on my blog (on the lower right sidebar) before viewing the "Blessing".

Authenticity....

I have this deep need that swells up every now and then...to clarify and reveal myself in ways that reflect and mirror who I really am....and dispel any misperceptions. I grew up with the quiet and subtle message to never reveal the painful shadows and only what was palatable and looked "pretty and good"...to keep things under control and not let the outside know of the dark struggles that were happening behind closed doors. It often left me with the feeling of being an imposter...for the mask covered what I knew wasn't so beautiful. Although I am blessed to be surrounded with supportive friends, wonderful groups, opportunities and situations that promote healing, I never want that to gloss over or disguise what it means to try to overcome the hurts and soul damage, that we who have been intimately betrayed, live with each day we arise. I know the daily challenge it is to work and push through the internal chaos and rubble left behind from abusive pasts and I never want to be yet one more place for others to feel "less than" or place me on some pedastal and be compared to as one who "has arrived" in any way, shape for form. Some days, in my own life, it is two steps forward then four steps back. The net result overtime is that we do gain positive ground and grasp a little more freedom than we did the last time we were faced with the same issues.

Yes...I am healing... learning...trying...growing. But I also fall short and struggle with the same hurts over and over...and unhealthy ways of coping with those feelings. I too stumble and have to get up again. How grateful I am for authentic community...for friends who see my progress even when I am too overwhelmed to trust and believe...for hands that continue to reach for me even when I pull away, isolate and become scared again. But for you who only know me through the images and words you see here, I feel a responsiblity to hold up a true mirror so that you too will see yourself in that mirror, can relate and know you arn't alone. There is beauty to be found as our hearts heal. But I am an imperfect vessel, a fellow travelor who just longs to forge a path...one that is real, healthy and true...that is safe for others to travel but doesn't disguise its difficult terrain. So it blesses me when I am seen as one who inspires...but I so hope that blessing always comes after you have seen the truth of who I am...a fellow wounded one in the process of healing...imperfect but hopefully real...never hiding who I am not....and humbly revealing who I long and hope to be. Pedastals are far places to fall from. I have mercifully learned that no one should ever be placed on one. I just hope we can all sit in the space that is called "eye to eye". Humanity is really the great leveler. We are all so much more alike than we are different. Judgement and lofty pedestals can get in the way of that truth. I hope today your visit reminds you that in your hurts, struggles, insecurities, doubts and challenges... you are not alone. Behind beautiful masks often are the carefully disguised realties of living in a world that is not so perfect. I long to live without that mask...no matter how hard it is to reveal the truth and to expose the hurts and shadows. I hope here you find a place where there is no measuring up or comparing yourself. I hope that in my presence...in the presence of these words, images, stories and art...your authentic breath can be fully released...and there is no need to hold up that burdensome mask.

Body Reconciliation.......

So much to share. Its been such a week of deep emotions...I have needed time to just process all that is being woven around, under, over and through my heart. But first, I am so sorry for the delay in announcing the Art Blessing Giveaway winner! All of your names were gathered in my butterfly box and it gives me great joy to bless Susan Baldwin (Blog, "JensmeresJoy") with the little handmade journal. Please take a moment to stop by her inspirational blog! Thank you to everyone for your sharing and encouragement! Although I may not always be able to respond to all of your comments, please know each are cherished and I am honored that you took a few minutes to share your hearts!

This is a very special week in watching the seeds burst through the soil of a dream that I have shared with several woman who have traveled the long journey to recovery from sexual abuse and to healing our relationship with our bodies. Many years ago, there were several of us whose paths began to cross, hearts were shared, tears shed and journeys traveled. Over time, and difficult years of each indivually working through our own painful pasts, we began to share a vision to see our creative energies and gifts brought together to offer a safe place where those who had been hurt could come and experience healing in heart, spirit, body and soul. Tonight marks the opening of the Non-Profit called "Body Reconciliation" that I am so blessed to be a part of. My dear friend, Cristi Dillon, is founder of this sacred place and she and several other dear friends have partnered together to begin to offer workshops, resources, speakers, and other events for those in our community who seek healing and a healthy relationship with the bodies they call home. We all took part in a recently filmed news story by Tracy Barry of our local Channel 8 News. The story aired tonight and can be seen here at the KGW.com website (Giving Back: Healing Abuse Survivors). It was a huge step of faith to reveal ourselves this way but we each know God has been leading this process all along and we are simply stepping into our part of His larger redemptive story.


So tonight I sit in awe of how God is redeeming what was painfully stolen from each of us as little girls. My deepest prayer is that by sharing this message of hope we might be able to touch one other "little girl" out there who suffers in silence and is needing to find a safe place to reveal her heart, heal the shame...and come home to her body. If you would like to encourage our vision your prayers for this place would be greatly appreciated. For those who would like to financially support this new non -profit, information can be found on the Body Reconciliation website link above!

New Altered Art Jewelry on Etsy!

I can't remember the last time I was able to just sit in my studio all day! It seems I am able to catch an hour or two, here and there, these days. It was relaxing to crank up some great music and get in a creative groove today. I have had these necklaces in mind for awhile and it felt good to finally bring them to life. Each of these pieces can be found in my Etsy store!

So what did you create today? Memories with your child, time for a struggling friend, good food for your family, clean space in your surroundings to think and breathe...creating isn't always about our artwork. I suppose its all in how we frame our creativity. There are so many ways in which we can create something of value each day. So look at your gift of creativity with new eyes today and see where you might be creating and not even realized the masterpiece you were a part of! If you haven't already, be sure to sign up for the art blessing giveaway below...only three more days til someone gets blessed!

Retreat Reflections.....

I am finally settling back in after a really special weekend retreat at the Dream Givers Inn in Oregon. Follow the link and take a peek at this place nestled in the hills of Oregon wine country. Owners Linda Kessler and Kristen Hardy have combined their gifts and talents and fulfilled a dream and passion of theirs to offer a Bed and Breakfast where you can feel pampered and truly experience deep soul rest. If you are ever in the area and want to find a perfect getaway I'd highly recommend this amazing place. The morning breakfast fare is delicious and presented ever so beautifully! You can also follow their journey on the Dream Givers Inn blog!

I was honored to present an afternoon of sharing my story and therapeutic collage with the ladies. I never tire of watching art transform our own stories and journeys into a visual narrative. There are always such unexpected moments of understanding and release that happen as the collages are quietly reflected on. There is such power in an image to speak for us the words we might not have been able to form. As always I came away with a renewed sense of hope and anticipation of how God might choose to use this work. My dear friends, author Meg Wilson and recording artist Kate White, shared their unique gifts of speaking and music to open our hearts to a message about deepening our relationship with God by seeking an intentional balance in heart, mind, body and spirit. The food was lovingly prepared and served by dear friend Judy (chef extraordinaire and miracle worker with Costco fare LOL!). Ellen eAkens, a massage therapist from "The Healing Room" also shared her gifted hands for an incredibly relaxing experience of massage with hot stones and cool marble. The weekend left me with a hunger to offer my heart to God in a deeper and more truthful way, live with greater intention and courage and to quietly pursue the next steps that are revealed. After such soul-filled experiences it seems it takes awhile to process all that took place. I am sure the pages of my art journal will slowly reveal what my heart needs to remember.



Please be sure to take a peek at the Art Blessing Giveaway in my previous post and join in the drawing!

Art Blessing Giveaway!

I found a litte niche of time in the studio today and created this sweet mini altered journal for this month's Art Blessing Giveaway. "Hear My Heart Speak" has been created with vintage collage, silk flowers, antique-toned metal butterfly gently accented with a pink jewel and rose colored organza ribbon! If you would like to be a part of the blessing just add a comment to this post and be sure to leave your name and email so I can contact you if I draw your name! It brings me great joy to share a small bit of artful encouragement during such a time as this! I will draw a name out of my butterfly box on Sunday evening, March 22nd! Please feel free to spread the word and share this giveaway blessing!

Lovely Weekend!

I had a chance to create a large set of custom Altered Art Therapy Blocks for the counseling office of a good friend. This set will sit on the table in the waiting room and hopefully bring encouragement to those who come through the door and have a few minutes to play with and ponder the messages the blocks can reveal. I know many of you have requested more block sets and I am hoping to get several new sets made next week. Between family committments and new directions that have been unfolding, I don't seem to be able to have alot of time in the studio. I know these seasons ebb and flow though. Creative ideas continue to bubble up and I look forward to having them burst open in the studio in their right time!

I have had some hopeful developments with my writing and am currently having some of my poetic and inspiratonal writings put through a marketing review process for possible publication. The conversations with the editor have really inspired that first love of mine! As a young girl writing stories, essays and poetry was a haven for me. The process of creating with words brings my heart that same sense of spiritual and emotional connection that mixed media art has offered. What I love about new opportunitues is even if the outcome is not necessarily what we had hoped (ie. getting the piece published), the learning along the way is such a blessing. Sometimes we are taken down paths that we think are heading one way only to find out it was the journey, lessons and insight that later served us in a situation we did not even know was developing! Being flexible and holding on with hands that are also willing to let go if needed seems to be the key!

Shared a beautiful evening with my husband this weekend. He was honored by his company at an awards dinner and they generously gifted him with a weekend getaway for us both! The event, amazing food, music and relaxation was a much needed time away for us both! We felt blessed by the pampering!

Everything rides on hope now......

A song to reflect on...to listen for your own heart's interpretation. Been thinking alot on love this week. Accepting the love that is given to us. Recognizing the many forms it enters into our lives and breathes in new hope. For some love can be confusing and distorted because of past experiences or wounding. It takes great risk to open up to its invitations. In my own life, love has come in many forms. I believe genuine love always brings with it the fragrance of hope. Today I am grateful for the love shown to be by those who know me only by my words and images here on this blog, friends who have entered in deep seasons of pain, wrestling and healing with me, those that have walked intimately along side as chosen helpers and guides, my husband and children who receive all the facets of emotion and perspective that I can no longer hold captive, and to a God who has waited as I have slowly and cautiously moved nearer to Him. Their collective love continues to set me free. This rich color of love has ushered in the kind of hope that I am willing to risk for. It seems this song resonates with me because it does feel as if everything is riding on trusting this thing called faith and the hope that is its sweet companion. I know these words can be overused and maybe even abused, overspiritualized and tossed around in trite ways. But I am holding them today in their true colors. In the end...they speak the truth. Each are a beautiful pathway to the undeniable truth...the kind of truth that opens our hearts to that which is bigger than who we are. And in that space is where true hope bursts open wide the doors we have longed to walk through! I encourage you to look for your unique invitation.....

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

Stamp Carving!

Its been an incredible week of steps taken, new doors opening and invitations awaiting the right timing! My deepest passion is to offer hope to those that have struggled with the wounds of the past. I was so honored this week to speak to a group of therapists and share my own journey and creative tools and processes to assist them in helping their clients. I felt stretched in every way possible! It seems a season of great risk, vulnerablity and learning is upon me. I am just trying to take each step as it arrives, take a deep breath and move forward. There is always something new to learn!


Speaking of learning something new...what fun I had today as our art journaling group arrived! After updating each other on the happenings in our lives, Michelle Allen brought materials for us to learn how to carve stamps from our unique drawings and doodlings. She has some great pictures on her blog that demonstrate the process. I was so inspired and I am sure stamp carving will now become my newest addiction LOL! Everyone tried their hand at drawing a design then transferring it to the rubber and carving away! The possibilities are endless for the what can be carved and used in collage and canvas work.

Spreading Her Wings...

My sweet friend and one of the most prolific artists I know, JoAnna Pierotti, has begun a new adventure teaching on-line Mixed Media and Assemblage Art classes! She has a wealth of experience, creative secrets and amazingly cool techniques to share and does so with an authentically open heart! She is developing a wonderful community where she will be offering her classes in an on-going, video format. I love the option of taking classes on line, at your own pace and in your own creative timing! The current class JoAnna is offering teaches her truly gorgeous Art Doll Assemblage techniques. If you'd like to join JoAnna and a growing community of artists as they spread their artistic wings, take a peek at the above link!

Although I am all signed up for the class I have to wait until I am through with several committments before I can get creating. So to tide me over til then, I made a little slide show of some of my own art doll inspired and themed pieces. I have long had a fascination with dolls of every style. There is something about the faces that whisper to me. Each one carries with it a unique story. It rekindles the little girl in me and the comfort that that special doll seemed to always bring. I have been dreaming of new doll creations for a while. That seems to be how new inspirations always begin....in the dreaming!

Standing By........

My Auntie Ria sent this to me today and I just had to share it. I love the power of music to transcend boundaries, distance and time. It has the ability to touch and move places in the heart that are completely unique to each listener. See where it takes you as you listen. Needing someone at one time or another to stand by us is a universal condition! Our souls were created in and designed for relationship! We may already have one who has taken their stand next to us, maybe a new friend has entered into our life unexpectantly and is quietly standing near or maybe we need to be willing to reach out and ask for the support. However the need arises, I believe there are enough of us to take a turn "standing by"!

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

Happy Love day!

Hope you are enjoying the day and that you have someone to share a dose of love with, a bear hug, a valentine cookie or a beautiful flower! It just doesn't take much to extend a little "heart love" to those you care about! My husband presented me with the most gorgeous white roses and red tulips. His sweet, little box of chocolates came to my rescue as I was searching through the house desperately for a chocolate fix with my hot cup of tea lol! This was the first time he chose white roses. I was deeply moved. They just seemed to whisper of hope and renewal!

"One World One Heart" Giveaway Winner!

Well I had great plans to stay up til midnight and do my offical drawing but I dozed off! I want to thank everyone who came by and for all your wonderful comments. There were so many blogs to visit and it was such a great event! The response was overwhelming! I really did do it the old fashioned way and cut up all of your names to put in my butterfly box! That was alot of tiny pieces of paper! So I am happy to announce the winner of the "Soul Peace" Altered Journal is Melanie of Whimsical Creations. Congratulations Melanie! Please take a moment to take a peek a Melanie's blog...it is a delight!

Celebrating the Journey!

Shared a beautiful evening last night at a Pink Party celebrating the journey of a dear friend who has courageously walked though breast cancer this year. I love what women bring to each others lives. So many heartfelt conversations about whats important and the beauty that life's heartaches and struggles ultimately reveal. Pretenses get left at the door and life comes into the sharp focus when these kind of journey's are entered into. Hearts are opened wider, words that had not been spoken are shared and hands offer to help in the most meaningful and creative ways. My friend said looking back she is grateful for what the path gave her. She wouldn't trade it now. Pain brings us some of the most treasured gifts. As much as we might wish to never have to experience the difficult paths, death, grief, sadness, loss...in these valleys we find parts of our heart we might never have otherwise discovered. Its the opportunity to understand deeper truths. We see more clearly into the lives of those around us, reach for them and receive more willingly. That is the beauty in pain and struggle. To be in it but surrounded, allowing yourself to be held and celebrated. Let your pain speak into another's life. Let their support and love speak into yours.



I have been busy writing and doing alot of work for a presentation I will be giving soon and haven't had too much time in the studio. It was a treat to create this special set of collage art blocks for a dear customer this week and thought I'd share them with you!

Morning Reflection.....

Pause the music currently playing on the lower right sidebar of my blog before viewing the video!



Just offering an invitation right where you are...before the day slips by...before the sun sets....

to pause and be present
in this moment that is now
be grateful
remember what really matters
let go of what doesn't
ask for who needs your words, touch or prayers
listen for God's guidance
release what you are holding on to
take hold of what is before you
feel your breath
hear your heart beat
move through this day with intention
do the thing that is before
give what you can
receive what you are given
open your eyes
and truly see
the unspoken nature
of what is happening around you
live fully in this one day

Remembering.......

"The courage to face the road that has been traveled...
to receive the lessons of what has been...
invites the soul to embrace the journey that beckons ahead...
the gentle hope of what can be"


I was looking through images of work I had created a couple years ago and came across these two pieces. They reminded me of a different season of prolific creativity in my life. It seems it is good to remember. When you are risking heading around a new bend, and cannot see exactly where you are going, its encouraging to remember where you have been. We see so much farther and clearer when we turn around and take a moment to see with eyes that understand more now, have experienced more, a heart that trusts a little more...maybe is even a little wiser. I don't feel as afraid of letting my creativity ebb and flow as I use to...the fear that it all might wither and dry up and never return doesn't haunt me. Though my studio is more often quiet and less productive these days...I have come to understand that my creative energy moves, morphs, evolves and flows into many different areas of my life. I have learned to take it with me as the wind shifts and new steps are revealed.

I will never forget a dear woman who sat with me over coffee one day...many years ago...before I had begun to sell artwork or journey down this path I have now been on as a collage artist...a road that has now become somewhat familiar and safe to me. She was looking over several healing-themed collages I had created and framed. She stood up and one by one layed each piece around the floor. We stood in the middle of all of them in silence. I was unsure, feeling very vulnerable as these pieces felt like opening a secret cavern in my soul that felt so raw and vulnerable. I remember I was facing some risky steps in my own journey and was afraid this "art thing" was a freak occurance...a one time deal...that I could create any more collages seemed unlikely. I knew I was going to have to put my heart energy into some difficult personal work that would take me away from formally creating artwork that others would see...for a season...and into a secluded season of letting decades of secrets spill out through art that would ultimately be for my own eventual healing and freedom. She asked if she could pray for me, held my hand and put her fingers gently over the inside of my wrist...as if to take my pulse...and then she said these words...."as long as your heart is beating, as this blood pulsates through your body, God's gift to you of your creativity will continue to flow and give life through every nerve and fiber of your being , from within you out into the hearts of those who are hurting. You can trust the source and that the gift is neverending."

Remembering her words are a comfort to me today as I move into new places. They are a reminder all these years later of where I have been...of where I can travel again if I choose. My heart is still beating and the blood is still moving. So today I encourage you to stop for a moment and remember the road you have traveled. Gather the strength born out of the insight received from what was and let it give you courage and hope for the unknown road called " what will be". The truth is all of these moments and experiences and choices and paths are intricately connected and linked together by One who has all our days in His hands. Don't be afraid to lie still and be hidden for awhile while the new path emerges. Just remember you'll will find your gift,your creativity, your passion...safely tucked away in your heart and beating through every fiber of your being...nourishing every aspect of your soul. Like the butterfly...the time will come...when resurrected together in its new form...fresh strength and vision will be pushed through your wings and the flight will feel almost effortless.

Upcoming Seminar......

I am honored to have been asked to present a seminar for therapeutic professionals this month to share creative processes and tools for clients who struggle with the dissociative effects of severe trauma and abuse. If you or someone you know is a therapist, counselor, or works in the mental health profession, and would be interested in attending, you may find all the information here on my website. This opportunity is at the heart of my deepest passion and I am so looking forward to speaking and sharing art that promotes the uncovering of painful secrets and soul healing!