Just being

"I think the real artists are too busy with just being and growing and acting like themselves to worry about the end. The end will be what it will be. The object is intense living, fulfillment; the great happiness in creation."
Robert Henri














Today is a good day to do the things you love.

Snow Labyrinth

In November, 2009 I trained with Lauren Artress to become a Veriditas Labyrinth Facilitator. The labyrinth has been a pattern I have been drawn to for some years. As I've mentioned before I even built one in my back yard and as soon as the weather warms up again I'm planning to hold facilitated labyrinth walks as I believe in the power of the labyrinth to assist us in looking within and finding meaning in our lives. I walk my labyrinth when I am creatively stuck and it always helps me move forward.

I recently discovered this snow labyrinth which was created in Northern Vermont by Scott Vogel. Knowing how much energy and effort it took to build a labyrinth out of stones I am awed by Scott's dedication in creating a labyrinth out of snow. His snow labyrinth blog is worth a visit and you can experience walking a snow labyrinth by watching the videos.

I feel wonder just looking at it's beautiful lines and curves.

Blues and Reds

"The true harvest of my life is intangible - a little star dust caught, a portion of the rainbow I have clutched."
Thoreau


I have just finished binding the Photo Art Journals yahoo group Blue and Red photo journals. Last month we created Green and Yellow journals and next month is our Orange and Purple month so we will have a set of rainbow books. I am so enjoying playing with color, especially during the winter months when the natural world is less colorful.

Mystery and Spirit

"To be alive is not primarily a linear experience. It's a mix of dreaming and running to the store for a quart of milk. Our lives have depth, in part, because we can't make sense of everthing. Life doesn't make sense; it's more complicated than our linear way of knowing. Mystery and spirit run through our days like rivers and sustain us."
Patrice Vecchione in "Writing and the Spiritual Life"

What a relief to know that I don't need to make sense of everything! I took this photo while I was filling my car up with gas. The dreamlike feel of the mist contrasted with the practical activity of pumping gas. Who would know that I was standing next to my car as I took this photo. I am reminded to see the beauty wherever I am.

Solitude, Silence and Stillness

This year John O'Donohue's beautiful words are the blessing I wish for everyone.

May you open the gift of solitude
In order to receive your soul;
Enter the generosity of silence
To hear your hidden heart;
Know the serenity of stillness
To be enfolded anew
By the miracle of your being.

Winter is a perfect time to appreciate solitude, silence and stillness so that you can hear your inner whisperings. Take time for yourself.