What Do You Wish to Accomplish?

Aren't these mini sweet peppers adorable?
I bought them just to photograph them.....there's something not quite right about that. :D

"I am a very accomplished person, and I deserve to succeed. I accept success as my Divine right." Louise Hay, I Can Do It calendar for March 31

How interesting that Jamie's Wishcasting Wednesday question is "what do you wish to accomplish?"
It's also a question that I regularly do my best to avoid; herein surely lies much of my problem!

I have lists of things I wish to accomplish; doesn't everyone?
My lists are so long, and I'm so far behind that it's hard to get to the more esoteric items.... you know....the ones that involve spiritual growth or figuring out what my life's work is meant to be.

Today's list is quite long and tiring (grocery shopping, helping the Canadian find a motorcycle, entertaining kids out on spring break.....dreaming about some help with yardwork and that outdoor cob fireplace that I fully intend to build but can't do it all on my own....).

I was planning to say I'd pass on the wish, but who wants to pass on the chance to make a wish?!
And besides, now that I've mentioned the cob fireplace.....

These photos are from a park in Toronto---it includes an outdoor kitchen, all cob.
I'm shooting for something a little more "elegant", but these give you an idea of what
I'm trying to ACCOMPLISH

Full Worm Moon

I finally got around to finishing my own dream wheel for this full moon, amid dream wheel circle, being sick, getting the kids off to a camping trip, then trying to catch up, and finishing a painting.

As what tends to happen, my board took a completely different direction from the one I'd intended!
I thought I was headed in one direction---an all-round health, well-being, move forward kind of direction, but no!

I used a bigger board than usual, got all my images and text cut out...laid it all out....I was pleased with it. As I began gluing, I noticed that pieces moved around, and didn't seem to be taking up nearly as much space as I'd planned...hmmmm.... OK, I thought; I can add more goodies!

But no, it was not to be.
I had spray painted the board itself a purpley/maroon color, as it was large and I was concerned that I might not fill it up.
Somehow I felt that it should not be filled with images and words.
Funny thing about the words....I used a LOT of text, with only a few images this time....apparently I need to really push forward in the direction that I'm headed!
Well alright....

Then something unusual happened---- I felt compelled to really bling this board up!
I pulled out the 3-D glitter glue, silver stars and let loose!
I played and played until every empty spot was filled with MAGIC!

I'm assuming that I should sit with this one for a while and ponder its message.....

Full Worm Moon Dream Wheel Circle

I believe that my first dream wheel circle on Saturday was a success.
We had a blast, talking and playing together, and in the end, learned a few things about ourselves.
I'm really excited with the idea of holding full moon dream wheel circles every month!

Creating these collages seems like such a simple thing, and yet each one tells so much about its creator. Each and every time I make one for myself, I'm astounded at how the collage seems to take on a life of its own....telling me itself what the theme is (it's most always a totally different direction than the one I think I'm headed in!)

Below are photos of participants with their finished dream wheels.

What Do You Wish to Take a Break From?

photo by Timothy Schildknecht 2010

You know, I've been so busy lately---with kids, with doctors, with putting my art-work together, with family things....birth, and now death----my first thought this morning when reading today's Wishcasting Wednesday prompt was, of course, "I wanna break from real life!".

And now I've spent the entire morning thinking "oh Jennifer; that's a lame wish"...."who doesn't wish for that?"

After all of that boiling in my head and heart today, I've reduced my need down to it's purest form---
I DO wish to take a break from real life---but not for just the rest and relaxation.
I wish to pull back, to spend some time considering REAL LIFE.
I don't want my head swimming with all those appointments and obligations, the have-to's or even the want-to's.

This week I have come face to face with REAL LIFE.

As many of you know, I lost a dear cousin unexpectedly this weekend.
Janet was a beautiful, vibrant, loving young woman (hey, to me, anyone between mid 40's to early 50's is still a young woman!), with a husband, with two beautiful children, one of whom was just married a few months ago; with four beautiful, adoring sisters.
Those five sisters are very dear to my heart, some of my favorite people, and all near to my age.

Losing such a beautiful soul was especially painful; burying her on such an incredibly gorgeous spring day with the flowers blooming and the birds singing was especially poignant, poetic even.

I am, however, having the most difficulty, I believe, with someone my age... a peer...leaving this life so suddenly and unexpectedly.
I think about life's silly details, all the things left undone....
and of course, do my loved ones KNOW how much they're loved??

I wish to take a break....
to let some of these feelings wash over me, cry if I need to...
to lie in my hammock this beautiful spring day, listen to the birds sing...to contemplate the beauty, the poignancy, and the preciousness of REAL LIFE.

**********************************************

I also wish to thank Jamie Dear for allowing me to share with all of you through yesterday's Creative Living with Jamie my take on what can happen when we don't listen to our Spirit, of learning to live a creative life in spite of the resulting physical pain, and that old familiar demon, FEAR.

I extended an invitation to all of you, Jamie's readers/listeners to join me in the Phoenix Rising--Georgia Theatre art quilt project. Listen on Creative Living, or read more about it here.
I'd be pleased as punch to have you participate with me!

AND I made a special Etsy offer....you'll have to go to Jamie's to find it ;) !

We'll Miss You Janet!

Love,
Jennifer

Better Luck Next Time...

Sadly for DB, the leprechaun did prove too cunning for us and our trap!
The trap was sprung; the gold jewelry bait had disappeared....there was nothing but a trail of glittery magic dust left behind.

He went on to pre-school , taking his trap with him to ...ahem...demonstrate for the class.
Much to his surprise, the elusive leprechaun paid another visit during school....leaving him some green ribbons and some "danged ol' plastic" gold coins.

The little guy was SO disappointed! He was just sure if anyone could catch a leprechaun, it'd be him.
Better luck next time fella!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day Y'all!

My comical little nephew Dawson came home from pre-school yesterday talking about building a leprechaun trap. He knew to come to his Auntie Jennifer for such a project, and over a shared pizza, we made our plans.

While he napped, I painted our little pizza box green and dug up some appropriate embellishments for him to choose from (he had specified some of my jewelry for bait!). Hannah painted a pair of chopsticks glittery gold.
Then I whipped up a batch of green sugar cookie shamrocks for him to share today with his classmates.

Shown above is his finished creation, a pizza box decorated with glittered paper coins, finished with alluring golden chopsticks to prop his trap open...all awaiting the cunning and elusive leprechaun.
I can't wait to hear his story of the leprechaun's visit later today! *wink wink*

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This St Patrick's Day Jamie Ridler asks: What do we wish to pay attention to?
A couple of Wednesdays ago I brought up the idea of taking the time to listen to others' needs, to be a loving and supportive friend. This, of course, is still my wish, and it does require paying attention.

Recently though, I was speaking with Lisa Rough of Sacred Circle Creative Coaching about being still and paying attention to the ways in which I was compromising.
Lest any of you jump to conclusions, let me clarify---compromise is a good thing, an essential thing for getting along in this world, especially in intimate relationships.

However, when one starts to compromise themselves....giving away pieces of themselves to satisfy another's wishes or needs....THAT'S when there's a problem with compromise!

Compromise is meant to be a win-win situation, right?
Never should there be a "winner" or a "loser"!
True compromise also requires effort on the part of both/all parties involved (which again requires attention!).

Since that conversation with Lisa (thanks Lisa!) I am focusing more, paying more attention to how much of myself I give away in order to please others.
I've been shocked!
And I'm sure I've left several people confused, if not downright angry, by learning to say "now wait just a minute....that's NOT what I want" or "hey, my needs are being trampled here"

It is my wish this Wishcasting Wednesday for myself, and for all of us, that we might learn to pay more attention to just how many pieces of ourselves we give away, diminishing our own power and light.

The Full Worm Moon

According to Farmer's Almanac, as the temperature begins to warm and the ground begins to thaw, earthworm casts appear, heralding the return of the robins. The more northern tribes knew this Moon as the Full Crow Moon, when the cawing of crows signaled the end of winter; or the Full Crust Moon, because the snow cover becomes crusted from thawing by day and freezing at night. The Full Sap Moon, marking the time of tapping maple trees, is another variation. To the settlers, it was also known as the Lenten Moon, and was considered to be the last full Moon of winter.

Celebrate this last full moon of the winter with me, Moon Mama!
Through creative collaging, using words and images, we'll declare our Spring intentions to the Universe at my very first Dream Wheel Circle!

We'll meet Saturday, March 27 from 10-12 at Fringe Collective Artistic Studios, 159 N Jackson St, Suite 34 in Athens.

There is a $5 supply fee for this event.

I do need to know how many of you will be coming for this morning of fun and creativity, so please contact me to reserve your spot at 706-540-2712 or at MoonMama61@aol.com

I'm looking forward to this casual, relaxing morning with you!

Full Moon Dream Wheel Circle

Join me, Moon Mama, Saturday March 27, 10 am- 12 pm
(before the Full Worm Moon on Tuesday) for my first full moon dream wheel circle.

We'll play with images and words, setting intention through creative collage.
Ages 8 and up are welcome for a relaxed and casual but inspiring morning.

We'll be playing at the Canadian's studio, Fringe Collective Artistic Studios----
159 N Jackson St, Suite 34 in downtown Athens

There is a $5 supply fee.

Contact me if you have questions, or want to register---
MoonMama61@aol.com or 706-540-2712

What Do YOU Wish to Say No To?

image borrowed from www.VisionsMagazineOnline.com

As I've been challenging the Canadian to participate in Jamie Ridler's Wishcasting Wednesday group, I suppose I'd best give today's wish some thought....

Today Jamie asks what do you wish to say no to---
The answer came easily: I wish to say no to anything that depletes my time and energy.

Lately my life seems to be jam-packed with time-wasters and Energy Vampires. I've lost track of how many doctors' and lawyer's appointments and court dates I've had over the last few weeks, not to mention all the fires I've had to put out just to keep life running smoothly.

Is this what happens when you say it out loud.....put it out there for the Universe to hear?
I choose to drop the past and live in the now; I want a better future.
It seems that all hell is railing against me since I said it and meant it.
SO let me tell you something hell: You can all leave me alone now. I refuse to play your game. I am saying NO. N-O. NO. Do you hear me?!

Now back off and let me have some peace.

What Do I Wish to Make Time For

photo borrowed from the web

Maybe some of you would say I should wish to make time for keeping up with my blog... ;)
I do....I wish that; like so many of us, I wish I had time for all the things in my life that need doing, or that I want to do. It just seems so often that there's just not enough time for it all.
Jamie asks today "what do you wish to make time for".....Well Jamie, I'm glad you asked!

In my attempt to be honest with myself, authentic even, these past few weeks, I've noticed that very few of us are taking the time to listen, really hear what those around us are saying. We're not paying attention and living in the present moment.
And this disturbs me.

I sincerely wish to make time to listen, to be a friend....to do what I can to uplift those around me who need a bit of sunshine in their day.

And I wish that more of us would wake up and take the time.....

Georgia Theatre Quilt Block from Athens Artist Ali Sabin

I wanted to share one of the latest entries for the Georgia Theatre art quilt.
Ali Sabin of Athens has created this hand-pulled marquee print for us.

Ali started making block prints about two years ago, due to her interest in traditional art techniques. She begins by designing the image, then carving the block before hand-pulling each piece.
Her "location" prints mimic mid-century tourism designs, thanks to, Ali says, her obsession with vintage advertising and propaganda.
Ali sells her work at local markets in and around Athens, and online.
See more of her designs at www.IPullPrints.com and at www.IPullPrints.etsy.com

Thanks for your contribution Ali!

What STORY Do You Wish to Let Go Of?

Boreas, another Waterhouse
seems to me she's holding onto her story...
I think she needs to let go

This Wishcasting Wednesday Jamie asks "what story do you wish to let go of?"

Come on; admit it.
We all have them.
The stories we tell ourselves.
The stories we tell others.

What's really real?
Be honest with yourself.
I've reached the conclusion that recognizing our stories and admitting the truth about them is the only authentic way to live.
What would happen if we all decided to live authentically? Tell the truth and take responsibility?

As for me, I wish to let go of the story of lack and pain.
How about you? What do story do you wish to let go of today?

LAST CALL

paint, paper and pencil on canvas

Ok folks, it's time to put out a last call for quilt squares for the Phoenix Rising--Georgia Theatre art quilt project.
To hear more about the project, see this Athens Banner-Herald article from December.

I know we've all been busy busy busy, and I know it never ends.

But in order to actually complete this quilt, I'm going to need more blocks and I'm going to have to have an absolute last call for submissions.

paint and paper/digital art on canvas, unfinished

I will be a guest on the Creative Living with Jamie podcast at www.JamieRidlerStudios.ca on March 23, and we'll be talking about the quilt project. So in order for Jamie and our blog-friends to be able to participate with us, I'm pushing the deadline all the way out to APRIL 30, 2010. But that's it, last call people!
If you'd like to get your own artwork into this project, APRIL 30 is the last day that I will accept submissions.

I can pick up local submissions, or they can be dropped off with me, or at the Canadian's studio at 159 N Jackson St in Athens (Fringe Collective Artistic Studios).
Other submissions can be mailed to me at 1035 Highway 29 N, Danielsville, GA 30633.
Feel free to contact me for further information.

Paint and paper on canvas, with rubber stamping

To view submission guidelines, see the first project announcement link above. I created the above squares specifically to demonstrate no-sew methods.

Awaken!

Windflowers by one of my favorites,
John William Waterhouse

Jamie asks today "What do you wish to awaken?"
A perfect question for this point in my life!

I wish, and have wished for a while now, but only now realize that I can truly do this, to awaken the wildly authentic creative goddess spirit that I know dwells inside me.
To finally slay the dragon of FEAR, whose smoke blinds me and keeps my spirit wandering blindly.

Yes M'am, that's my wish, and I'm stickin' to it.
I'm ready.
I'm ready for amazing things!

I will be attending the Creative Women's Retreat with Lisa Rough of Sacred Circle this weekend as a jumping off point for this quest and I can't tell you how excited I am!
I expect to have wonderful things to tell you when I return.

Branching Out

Words of Encouragement
new items posted to my Etsy site
all suitable for Valentine gifts for the Loves in your life

Major computer problems, along with internet problems, and family illness have interfered with my bloglife for too long now; I'm losing patience fast!
I really meant to have all of the Valentine items posted on my Etsy site at least two weeks ago, but alas, here they are today.
But don't let me discourage you! There's still plenty of time to order!

Lately I've discovered the power one simple word can hold, hence my new creations--
"Encouraging Words". Visit my Etsy site for details.

The Canadian is encouraging me to branch out.
As you may know, he sponsors weekly life drawing sessions at his studio. He's been encouraging me to participate. Drawing is my first love, but I have moved away from it over the years. He's planning to offer a life drawing course very soon, and wants me to teach beginning drawing classes in preparation for the bigger and better things that we foresee.
I have finally agreed to take a small step out of my cocoon, er, comfort zone. We'll be starting very soon.

What do I Wish for My Family Today?

After far too long a break (we'll call it my winter's hibernation), what better way to return than by answering Jamie's Wishcasting Wednesday question---

I naturally wish for my dear family all the gifts and qualities that any wife/mother would:
love, joy, peace, abundance, perfect health.

However, having lived most of this life behind a shield of fear, my greatest wish for them is that they might fulfill the measure of their creation, their life's purpose, with all their heart and soul, finding immeasurable happiness in so doing.

This day I would also wish for my extended family all that they might stand in need of.
My dad is experiencing some serious health problems this week (a possible stroke) and has not received the care from healthcare providers that he deserved. We are struggling to get answers and appropriate care, and we, as adult children, are having to come to grips with the idea that roles are beginning to reverse, that we will soon be caregivers for our parents. Dear friends, please keep our family in your prayers.

And while you're praying......
One of my dearest lifelong friends just called: HER mother just had a stroke yesterday!
Please also hold LeAnne and her family in your prayers.

Check me out!
I remember this amazing girl!
She's still in there, somewhere....
Hey, I MADE that jacket--olive green twill with orange, white and dutch blue flowers...SO 70's!
Wish I still had some of that fabric.....

Georgia Theatre Art Quilt

Recent quilt submission from Patty Altier of Akron, Ohio.
These blocks were created from remnants of hand-dyed fabrics originally
included in a birthday quilt for Micheal Stipe of REM

Thank you Athens Banner Herald this morning for helping to get the word out about the
Georgia Theatre Art Quilt project! (and here)

Here's an opportunity for, not just musicians, but the entire community to show their support of the Georgia Theatre, and it's rebuilding efforts.
I've extended the deadline for submissions through the end of the year. I realize I announced this fundraiser project at the busiest time of year, especially for all us artists, so I'm cutting us all a little slack and pushing the deadline out a little farther. Hopefully this will allow more artists to participate.

One point not mentioned in the ABH article-- I'm hoping for TWO completed quilts, one to auction here in Athens, and one to auction globally, perhaps on Ebay.
Therefore, I'm asking artists, if possible, to contribute 2 identical/similar quilt squares.

I'd like to hear, not only from artists, but any fan of the Theatre---bands who have played there in years past, businesses who'd like to show their support, the general public, anyone at all!

Send any questions my way, via this blog, or email at MoonMama61@aol.com, or feel free to call me, Jennifer, at 706-540-2712.

What Does My Spirit Wish For?

The Canadian, intently helping me put together gingerbread houses this morning---
well on his way to becoming Santa Claus, wouldn't you say?

What does my spirit wish for, Jamie asks today...

My spirit wishes with all of its being to soar....
to express itself creatively, lovingly, joyfully....
all despite the confines of this stiff, unpredictable and unreliable body!

I thank each one of you dear Sisters in advance for your sweet wishes...I need them today!

My Winter Wish

Winter, and the holiday season, are traditionally the time to settle in, enjoy hearth, home and family.
Even though fall is my favorite season, I enjoy spending time with my family over the holidays more than any other time of the year. I love the spirit in our home as we prepare for Christmas, engaging in our longstanding traditions.

As I created a Full Moon Dreamboard from part of a painting of mine (appropriately titled Winter Moon), I realized that the old subversive fears around a lack of money are keeping me from fully enjoying my family and the holiday. It's true that the Canadian still hasn't found work, that my work is slow because of my health, but I still have a beautiful, loving family and a cozy, safe, warm home, and much to be grateful for.

This Wishcasting Wednesday, Jamie asks "What is your Winter Wish?"

It is clear to me from my choices in my collage that my Winter Wish is for more hope of prosperity, not just for me and mine, but for all of us!

Here's wishing for abundance for us all this Full Cold Moon!