Creativity inspired...
I was blessed to be contacted recently by documentary film producer Chloe' McFeters and asked to participate in a fundraising auction where proceeds will benefit the finishing of a very powerful documentary on domestic violence. Her film, produced by Tortoise and Finch Productions,"You Look Alot Like" is a very poignant, honest and vulnerable look at the topic of domestic violence and the courageous stories of those whose lives have been impacted by this abuse. I have offered several items for this fundraiser which has now gone live. You may follow the auction at Kickstarter and find several of my items listed as you scroll down on the right hand side of the auction site as well as read about many other participating artists here.
Had a chance this 4th of July to get out on the road this weekend and enjoy the beautiful weather here in the NW...a little "Harley Therapy" with my husband! Life has been very full these last couple months, my husband's 50th, attending the beautiful wedding of our dear friend's precious daughter in Atlanta, relaxing time at long time friend's retreat home and farm in Nashville, two weeks with our life long pals in Mexico, lots of memories,good times, rest and reflection!! I came home ready for new pages to be turned, doors opening within and time being invested in life and season changes, family and deep heart healing and growth. I have been embracing a much slower rhythm to my days since returning home from all the wonderful activity...an intentional choice to say "no" more often and keep room wide open for the places where I truly need to invite and say "yes" to. Reserving time to be still, listen and gain strength for the heart work ahead. Its all an ongoing process that just takes time. Each time around I learn something new and get a little better at arranging my days to best fit who I am and who I am becoming. Thanks for checking in on whats new with Healing Expressions. I hope the quiet, behind the scenes work I am doing will flow into new work and fresh insight in the months to come. Just wanted to peek in and say hello and share a few pictures of my journey the last couple months.
And finally..."Soul Restoration". I am so excited to be joining several of my dear artist friends here locally and begin to meet weekly to share our stories and travels through The Brave Girls on-line course "Soul Restoration". This promises to be a rich and meaningful time of creative and heart exploration. If you haven't heard of the Brave Girls you can find more out about this beautiful movement to restore and encourage woman's hearts here! 
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!
I met a dear friend for coffee yesterday in the quaint and lovely area of Sellwood in Portland. I always intend to stop in the most adorable art gallery perched on the corner across from the Starbucks where I usually meet my friend. It seems I always run out of time and need to jump in the car on the way to another appt. As I was heading back to my car (the only spot I had found after circling the block several times opened up for me right in front of the gallery)....I had a strong sense I was suppose to go in this time. I walked through the doors of The Love Art!Gallery What a delight and beautiful treasure this place is. It was an artistic feast for the eyes with an incredibly diverse collection of art from over 60 local artists..mixed media, glass, original painting, jewelry, mosaics, sculpture and so much more. I met the owners Ruby and Heather and was taken by their authentic and genuine spirits and their obvious love of the creative life and heart for supporting and encouraging artists.
My heart was deeply drawn to the work of Katie Berggren. Her work is a very vulnerable expression of the depth of emotion found in motherhood. As one who walks alongside woman who have experienced abuse as little girls....what resonated with me was how these pieces seem to express the child within...our acceptance and embracing of the places inside that might have been wounded. For many who walk the healing journey it is difficult to draw near to the child we were who held the pain and memories, create a safe enviroment for those memories to be shared and to love and nurture that little girl...to be a safe and loving "mother" to ourselves. That is what my heart and eyes saw gently depicted in many of her pieces. I was so deeply moved by these two pictured above, "Time In" and "Absorb" and they now sit in my studio. Take a moment to visit Katie's Etsy Store for an amazing collection of poignant pieces that are truly touching.
A bittersweet "before" picture of my son in his room doing what he is often found doing...creating music. This was shortly before his move out on his own. Over the years I had decided that "one day" that would be the room in the house that would be my new studio. That day seemed far away and was only something I imagined in my head..how I would arrange it etc. I didn't expect it would be available now. I really wasn't ready. But despite our dreams and plans for our kids they must make their own path whether we think they are ready or not...and despite our own heart's readiness. We can pray for them, love them, give them honest counsel but in the end their decisions and choices and all that goes with them must become fully their own.
I wrestled with feeling guilty as I took down some of the things he left behind soon after he moved out. Was it too soon...was this all premature of me? It took a little bit before I could allow myself to fully embrace the growing hope and joy I had for renewing this space and what it could mean for the next phase of my own creative journey. My husband (my talented foreman on the job) gave me the most beautiful Christmas gift as he began transforming the room for me. I wrestled with so many emotions throughout the process but it has been good for my heart to make it a place of new beginnings. I told my son I look forward to him coming home and creating music here. I hope one day the imaginations of my grandchildren will be nurtured and inspired in this room.
