New Abilities

On February 2nd, I drew a card from my deck of Medicine Cards. I drew the 4- Peyote Ceremony - New Abilities Card. At the time, I knew it was the card I needed but did not know what it applied to.... yet. On February 18th, I traveled to Los Gatos and the Presentation Center for An Artful Journey - a 5 day art retreat. Upon arrival everyone was friendly and open and gracious and I couldn't wait to get started. I set upon a path that had been 12 years in the making and by the end I knew my life had changed. When I went back to my room and looked up what the New Abilities card had to say, it was this:

Attributes: Reclaiming Skills - Acknowledging the talents now emerging - Employing new tools to conquer life's challenges - Embracing your potential - Using the new gifts being offered.

Challenges: Using these new abilities with courage - Risking setbacks while learning new skills - Letting go of old tools that did not work - Discovering how new talents will best serve you - Developing the new talents fully; and most importantly

ACKNOWLEDGING THE SELF'S RIGHT TO USE THE ABILITIES TO TAKE CHARGE.

Inspirational words from Martha Graham via Albie Smith

"There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, nor how valuable it is, nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep your self open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open." -

I Am A Book Maker

Attending An Artful Journey weekend at the Presentation Center in Santa Cruz could not have done more for my creative spirit. I am so full of ideas and appreciation and awe for all the amazing creativity I was surrounded by. As this was my first workshop of any kind, I didn't know what to expect but it exceeded any possible thing I could have imagined. The group of women I was in class with were so fun, open, supportive, and encouraging I really didn't want it to end. Albie Smith is an amazing woman. Her generosity, talent, vision and teaching spirit are something I can only hope to come close to achieving in my life. I now have a vision for my life that includes 11 new friends; Albie, Amy, Karen, Sue, Bev, Ellen, Louise, Pat, Joan, Cindy, and Sue. :-). A reunion is a must.

There is so much more to say and post, but I need to add pictures and video to narrate. So once again...

More later.

So It Begins

I want to use this forum to post my art, and art projects that are continually forming in my mind. I would love to start gathering artists of all mediums together and offer weekend workshops in the amazing area I live, Humboldt County. I am open to all ideas, suggestions and creative opportunities. I am attending "An Artful Journey" workshop this weekend at the Presentation Center in the Santa Cruz mountains. My goal is to be surrounded by creative people who will inspire and help guide me into the next phase of my life.

Much more to come.