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.
I heard this beautiful song on my friend Susan's blog and wanted to share it. The lyrics and sweetly haunting melody just seemed to take you places....little girl places...remembering places. It is stirring yet comforting....bittersweet and hopeful. It resonated deeply with me.
My talented friend is bold and brave in her painting and I felt like a timid child. As we chatted about our life, faith and art, painting side by side, I felt myself slowly relax into the experience. I felt like I had broken through an invisible barrier and was standing somewhere new. My heart raced at the generous variety of paintbrushes and colors I had to choose from. With fresh eyes, it struck me just how vast the array of tools and creative resources there are at God's disposal as He paints my own story.
(Please pause the music playing on my blog on lower right hand sidebar before viewing)
Life has had other plans for me these last couple months. Although my blog has been quiet much is being stirred in my heart. I took a little break through the end of summer from Artist Way as our group enjoyed vacations (my husband and I celebrated our 25th Anniversary in the Carribean) and preparing for the change of seasons. We are gathering again and exploring much new creative territory together.
These days I am trying to go with the ebb and flow of my own unique path, releasing and setting down some things when others rise up and call for my attention...not clutching too tightly to anything and trusting what matters will return to me in the right timing. The healing journey has often asked that of me as unexpected turns can suddenly appear and I must be flexible. This past weekend at church I watched a sweet soul take her first brave steps into her own healing journey. My heart ached as she sang this song as it was the song God used in my own life 12 years ago when I too took my first steps into healing the wounds of my own story. Her beautiful voice touched me and I was compelled to pray for her and for the unknown, dangerous, beautiful, broken and redemptive path that lay before her. The haunting and sweet melody took me back and reminded me of where I have traveled so far and the nearness of God and his provision of support through every step. It marked a new season in my own recovery as well as new layers have been exposed these last few months and God has asked me to go deeper into the fire. For those of you who need to be brave today...and need to take brave steps...I hope this song is an encouragement. You won't ever go alone. When everything else feels shaken to its core...Gods hand won't ever let go.
"She felt the searing heat reach for her through the door of her past...Despite her fears she knew the only way was through the fire"
"Divine Appointment"
As I passed a speed sign "25 MPH", I became aware of the rushing sound of traffic up the hill to the left. There it was.... the main highway I had traveled for years and yet this old road I was slowing driving this sunny morning had been right here all along. But you had to slow down to be on this road. You couldn't be in a hurry to get where you were going if you went this way. The pavement was worn and cracked here and there. It was quiet and you could stop in the middle of the road if you wanted to head over to the roadside to pick a few wildflowers that sprung up in unexpected places. As I watched the cars rush by off in the distance, I was so grateful for this little road. I was excited to see where it would take me. What a delight when I realized where I was....and the road eventually spilled out into the heart of the sweet little jewel known as Downtown Camas.
Even though it was so early in the morning I had hopes one of my favorite little spots in this little historic town would be open. The friendly door was ajar and I was greeted warmly by the owners. I settled into "Natalias" for a wonderful breakfast, nibbled on sourdough toast with raspberry perserves and sipped hot tea. It all felt so sweetly indulgent. There was much to reflect on and prepare to share with my "Artist Way" group. By the way... A trip to Camas is never complete without strolling through the aisles of Camas Antiques. There is enough eye-candy in there to stimulate your creativity for days! 
