Liquid gold...

When I saw this on my recent getaway, I saw a heart, a heart that needed to be tended to. A dear friend of mine saw "an opening"—to walk into; to guide towards; to new possibilities. An opening it is then. An opening to my heart.

I had packed one of my favorite books, Broken Open (which I highly, highly recommend), by Elizabeth Lesser. When I opened it, my eyes went straight to a passage where she asks, "was...the peace and clarity I was searching for already within me, waiting in the liquid gold of my feeling heart?" It was not an accident that I was led to that page; it was exactly what I needed to hear.

I decided to make space to listen to that feeling heart of mine, to "use my heart's compass on this journey", as Lesser writes. I began while up in those beautiful redwoods this past week.















I met up with some 'deer' friends.

I looked through the lens.

I sat at this desk and played in the silence.

I walked the labyrinth.

I danced by the light of the moon (really, I did).

I listened.

And then I came home...to these precious loved ones. My heart is full.

Movement...

It's not enough to think, plan, wish...we also need to take action. I'm heading out for a couple of days—not running away, but moving Towards. Will be back soon enough...

Keeping it simple...

Life's been showing up over and over again here lately. It's a reminder to stay focused on what's really important.

Being still and appreciating nature and all its miracles...

Being grateful for what I have, and for those around me...

And most importantly, loving and being loved...

Staying in gratitude is what keeps me grounded when everything around me is in turmoil.

(update 6.10--just found out that these bunnies were made by Olivia Thomas of Olive Rose!)

On another topic, I'm sure most of you have bunnies on your mind right now (saw these at a local shop), but I've been suffering from MOD lately (Molly Obsessive Disorder). If you haven't heard about Molly, the most famous barn owl, go here and check it out--NOW! Such a gift to be able to watch Molly, McGee and their 4 growing owlets. Lots of drama in the wild kingdom!

I grabbed this pic off the livestream at night, so it's the infrared camera being used. If you check it out during the day, you'll see her in all her golden glory. It's well worth a visit, but be forewarned--it's 'owl'dictive. Enjoy!

March Madness

Forget basketball--this is a much better way to spend the month of March! I've been collecting even more treasures to share with attendees at the July retreat! I stumbled across an estate sale where the owner had been a costume designer for the theater--I was in heaven, diving for things before the antique dealers could claim them. It was the next best thing to winning the lottery (maybe even better!)

And there were more goodies to be had at the Alameda earlier this month, where it's just as much fun to people-watch as it is to hunt for stuff. The only problem is that I spend so much of my time scanning for hidden treasures, that I forget to look up! I was talking to a friend the other night and we were saying how hard it is to meet up with people we know there because we're always searching the aisles; the only time we actually 'see' someone we know is when we're grabbing for the same thing...lol!



Char, Stephanie, Lorri and I managed to finagle seats at this fabulous table (check out those embroidered chair seats!); we were happy to show folks what a great dining experience they could have if they purchased it. The owner was very grateful for our sales pitch, and even had a taker as we were leaving.

Actually, getting a seat anywhere is quite a coup—Stephanie and I have been known to just plop ourselves down on the ground and stare at feet going by while we much on our sausage dogs. So this really was fine dining, all things considered.

I didn't take as many pictures this last time—wish I had though. I always come home so inspired by the creative souls that show up. It's just a feast for the eyes. This gal on the right is there every month, always smiling, always looking fabulous. Just look at that hat and purse she made—heck, she probably made every item she's wearing! I told her that I want to be her when I grow up. Really, I do. I'd better start practicing soon though...



And these tights are just a hoot, aren't they? Now you know what to do with all those jars of buttons you've been amassing. Not sure I could get away with that, but it does give me ideas! What are your favorite finds at your local flea market? I'd love to hear about them!


All this gathering and sorting, plotting and planning for the upcoming retreat is just a blast. This is the part I love--cooking up all the fun stuff and envisioning all of us up there, just soaking up the creative energy. There's still room for you if you'd like to join us! Everyone who attended the Feb. retreat really loved the setting; the 3-days with one instructor; the small size; and the camaraderie that was created. With Stephanie Lee, Katie Kendrick, Judy Wise, Richard Salley and DJ Pettitt teaching, I'm certain that it will be equally as magical. They designed their classes especially for An Artful Journey, so check them out! More soon...

Pure Magic...

(photo courtesy of DJ Pettitt)

An Artful Journey retreat ended a week ago, but there's still a soft buzz in the air around here. I'm still floating along, not nearly ready to move on from the incredible aura that was created up there on that mountain. A community of artists, most of them strangers on that first day, came together and created pure magic.

(photo courtesy of Chrissy Gardner)

It was a combination of the peaceful venue, the talented and giving instructors, the Presentation Center staff, and every single attendee, each of whom arrived with an open, willing spirit. Just look at these beautiful faces.

Even the weather cooperated. The forecasts were for rain every day, but we had just a day and a bit of drizzly soft sprinkles. Amazing.

(photo courtesy of Chrissy Gardner)

There was a collective consciousness in that sacred place among the redwoods, and I'm so grateful to have witnessed it. I know that the effects of that time together will ripple out and touch others, as it touched us when we were there. What a gift.



Words don't do it justice. All I know for sure is that we were meant to be there together—no doubt about it.

(photo courtesy of Chrissy Gardner)

I'm excited about where this Journey is heading—I hope you'll join up with me somewhere along the way.

Giveaway winner...

Oops, I'm really late in following up on the challenge I posted last time. Sorry about that--been crazy busy with getting ready for the retreat next week (fun busy though)!

I was pretty certain that nobody would guess the details of the picture I posted--well, I was wrong about that! Beth got it right--It's a packing tape transfer of a magazine image floating in a sink of water (on the 15th floor of a Seattle hotel when I was there in November, to be specific). Now you know how I spend my spare time when flying and staying at hotels. I always take packing tape and small scissors on the airplane, and then go through all the magazines. I've even asked for a cup of water and done the transfers right there on the plane--someone invariable asks me what the heck I'm doing. I've met some really nice people that way--Try it!

(I love this open window I came across at the retreat center--lots of great photo ops there!)

Beth, I'll be in touch and will send a little packet of goodies when the retreat is over--congrats for figuring it out!!