Perspective from a New Place

The seasons fly past in a manner I could never have imagined in my youth.  Back then, days stretched out into long segments of school, play and home, each season seemed to go on and on, the next one always looming quite far away on the horizon, enticingly.  Now each day whizzes by, the weeks accumulate rapidly, and sometimes I write last year’s date on a check.  “Sunrise, sunset, sunrise, sunset, swiftly fly the days”.  

Happily, even though days and years are flying past, for me, they have taken on an unexpected and satisfying richness.  The glory is, rather simply, the gift of time.  Being given the gift of time means that we have been blessed to keep continuing, living, experiencing.  Every moment is precious, to be savored, even the mundane or challenging.  How rare it is to be given the gift of life, and if lucky, given time enough to endure and thrive.  

There have been difficult lessons and disappointments, all of which can now be seen as necessary steps to gaining wisdom, perspective and fortitude.  The youthful Me, the one who adored childhood, play, and freedom from big responsibility, could never have imagined my NOW.  If she could have been shown a glimpse, perhaps she would not have been very surprised.  She was an optimist, after all.  She had zest for life, an inquisitive mind, and enough support to carry on.

Now I recognize that truly, not only are she and I one, but she could sense the forward motion, and I can sense the arc of time back to my earliest awareness, and I see the consistency of my being, my trajectory, and my destination.  

I can hardly wait to start rocking that next Saturn Return, when it arrives!  

http://saturnsisters.com/whats-the-saturn-return/

The Stars Align

Summer has been quite pleasant in these parts.  I skipped journaling here about most the big trip to UK and Amsterdam last spring, but it was full of excitement, beauty and exploration.  I traveled with my 22 year old daughter and it was a wonderful way to celebrate her completion of University and moving outwards.   We had a special time together in Amsterdam, exploring it all, in all kinds of weather.  Great food, great fun.

Me, taken by Hanna, at one of our fave places to hang out, near the Amstel and Rembrandtplein, at the Bluebird. 

We then proceded back to London and beyond, to Somerset, for a one week long Red Tara Mandala retreat. She was selected to be may Queen along with the delightful Macdara (soon to be married to the love of his life, Gillian) and became one of our tribe.

This photo was taken by our friend Charotte during the festivites:

It’s always good to return home, and even more so knowing that summer was advancing.  Camper Van trips to the Cape, long walks on woodsy paths (well protected agaisnt ticks), gorgeous meals made with the best of summer’s local bounty, and back in the Studio getting to work.  There is much to be done!

I have three big shows coming up this fall, which is beyond exciting, and a bit intimidating and a bit daft, to be frank.   There will be a bit of overlap amongst them, but basically they are each themed.

My work will be in the Sherborn MA Public Library during the month of October.  The images will consist of primarily selections from the best of my performance and photojournalism work, featuring Sherborn events and performers.  Opening reception in the works.  Stay tuned!  Free attendance, of course.

Also, for the entire month Of October, my Mandalas and spiritual pieces will be at The Open Spirit Center in Framingham MA.   During their Day of Spirit on Saturday October 5, I will be presenting a short tlk on Mandala imagery and will give a one hour Hands-On mandala session, all supplies provided, and also—free to attend.  

Biggest of all, on October 26 & 27, I will be one of the Resident Artists particpating in the long-running and very popular “Holliston Mill Open Studios”.   I’ll be showing an eclectic mix of Photography, Drawing, Handcrafts, and Beading.

I will debut “Honoring the Ancestors”, a mixed-media installation that will reflect my deep work on the discovery, honoring, and healing that I have been undertaking on behalf of myself, my family and our Ancestors.   I have traveled thousands of miles, spent hundreds of hours doing research, and have been working at the deepest levels of my souls understanding of the gifts and legacies of my Family Tree.  It had been buried in a heavy mist, but through diligence and magic, the veils are lifting.  This discovery and honoring is changing my being and my life, and that of my loved ones.

The next two months, plus are going to provide a wild ride!  I believe that I am up for the challenge.  I am redy, I have all the tools that I need.  I have love, support and understanding form those who matter most to me.  I have come through some dark times, and I am stepping into the light.

I do hope to see many of my friends and loved ones at some of these events.  It would thrill me to the core to know that folks are interested and kind enough to support me, my vision, and my work.

And now—-back to work!  

Amsterdam

April 17 to April 22, 2013

Feeling very fortunate indeed—-another trip to the Netherlands, and this time with my 22-year old daughter, Hanna.  Hanna had never been to Amsterdam before this, and she was quite excited to be back in Europe, and especially to be seeing a new city.  I’ve come to know and love the city over the past 6 years, having been introduced by an US citizen friend of mine who had moved there to open a retail shop several years ago.  Through Charles, I was introduced to a city that suits me almost to a T.  Amsterdam is an orderly, not too big city, with great people, lots to see in a small space, and an open, sensible social gestalt.  Smaller scale than London and Boston, with a great mix of folks from all over the globe mixing in with long-time residents of all ages.  Laid back but sensible, it’s a city that is easy to wander.  Our room had a great view of the Amstel the Muzik Theater across the canal, with lots of activity to keep things interesting.  Tour boats, house boats, beer wagons, bikes….all in a hurry!

 

The weather was windy and wet our first day there, but it warmed up over the next four days, and we were able to wander around easily with light sweaters most of the time.  It was crowded, but not yet high season.  We spent a lot of time outdoors, walking, walking.  Visited street markets, parks, museums and had some fine meals.  Our Agenda was simple—to see a lot, walk a lot, and to spend time with a few friends and aquaintances.  We are not frantic travelers looking to tick off a “to-do” list, not do we enjoy spending huge amounts of cash on fancy entertainment.  Being with and amongst the people of the city is the best of all activities for us.   We kept our meals simple and covered a lot of ground on foot.  We went to bed good and tired each eve, and awoke happily each morn knowing that there was nothing that we HAD to do.  

 

We had our favorite local hangouts, of course.  First and foremost was our local coffee shop, where we stopped each morn for lattes, just a block from our hotel in Rembrandtplein.  Second is my favorite shop on the planet, a Tibetan shop co-owned by Ton and Ais, called Kashba, just moments from our hotel.  It’s the sort of place where I am amongst friends, and can hang out, talk about all sorts and look at beautful items while sipping tea. Locals stop by for a chat, and folks from all over stop in to look at luscious display cases filled with treasures.

It went by all too soon, and after five days of fun and adventure, it was time to head back to London for the next phase of the trip.  London City Airport makes it a breeze to get here and back.  DLR to the Overground, Hampstead Heath Station, quick and easy.  Once back in London, we were all about packing and preparing for the BIG vcaravan journey to Somerset.  Hoping to spend some time in Amsterdam again next spring.  

Equinox

I’m so looking forward to enjoying increasing daylight as our part of the planet tilts a wee bit closer to the sun, and does more so with each passing day.   How reassuring it is that spring returns each year.  I used to muse about it when I was a kid.  I recall asking myself what it would be like if Spring just never arrived one year, or every year, forever.  It terrified me.  Please, Spring, please keep returning to us, and revivifying us with your warmth and strength.  

Soon I’ll be journeying to a higher line of latitude, and the sun will stay in the sky proportionally longer than it ever does here.  In June, London is still a bit bright until 11 p.m. or so.  In late April and into May, the light can sometimes still be seen past 10 p.m.  It makes night owls such as myself very happy indeed.  I can sleep in, and step out late in the morning, and still have 11 or 12 hours of light in which to navigate and enjoy.  

 Early spring at the corner of Amstel & Muntplein, Amsterdam

This spring I will be visiting Amsterdam with my 22 year old daughter; we can’t wait for opportunities to explore during our long days and temperate (we hope!) eves.  Perhap chilly/wet/blustery, or warm and wonderful.  One is of course prepared for all eventualities when one travels - I enjoy the city, no matter the weather.  There are plenty of places to duck into. Museums and history and art and street markets, parks and entertainment abound.  The only thing I don’t care for is the security at Schipol airport, which I find scary.  One can get all the way into the main concourse and right up to the gates before each gate does its own security check.  I prefer everyone getting checked *outside* the gate area, before we enter.  Hoping that all is happy, smooth, flowing, going, safe, sound.  Of course it will be!  It’s all a well-trodden path for me by now.

 It’s been busy at the Studio, in the meantime….  

I’ve been collecting various bits to begin a wonderful undertaking whcih I am very excited about.  I’ll be working on making drum beaters, rattles, talismans, amulets, talking sticks, pouches, ceremonial fans and smudge fans.  Working with hide, faux sinew, lace, beads, stones, bees wax, sticks, antlers, shells, and more.  When inventory is up, I shall be selling in various web spots, and hopefully, in a few select galleries and shops in the area.  The plan is in place!  Space, raw materials, a vision, and encouragment from the Universe.  happy, happy!   

One of my favorite pieces “Spiral in Wales”, was accepted into a juried show at Grace Chapel in Lexington. The theme was “Tranquility”, and I am pleased that the jury agreed that this illustrates the theme nicely.  My friend Peter Anderson and I created it together in pembrokeshire, Wales, at a town not far from St David’s. I shall look at the map and endeavor to name the lovely beach.  I’d like to see much more of Wales.  It’s a beautiful land, full of variety and interesting folk.

 I’m planning future van trips to New England beaches and also beyond, to points far west.  There will be adventures awaiting, and I plan to drive, ride and walk right up to them and look in them in the eye, shake their metaphorical, or literal, hands and say “howdy.”

Autumn Journeys/Winter Wonders

My world is not highly regulated.  I work as an independent creative.  I have the time and ability to travel, and there are some trips that I make regularly each year.  Every spring and every fall I head over to the UK to assist in the organizing of, and to attend, extended Buddhist retreats.  Last fall, I was still in the midst or organizing my studio, and all of the Artists in my facility were participating in a weekend long “Open Studio” event.  I cut back my road trip by several days, flew in very late Saturday night, and awoke, red-eyed, to be in my Studio for the final day.  My family had “manned” the operation for me on Day One, and even sold some work in my absence.  I arrived Sunday morn with my game face on, and had a blast connecting with the visitors, and we made a couple more sales.  Very exciting stuff!  I had great feedback from the crowds.  So pleased by it all.

I’ve jumped back into my local community, which I had all but fled after my child graduated and went off to college.  No more President of this group, or organizer of that group, nor more driving kid(s) around.  I traveled more, I made friends in the city, I fled the small-town scene with a vengeance.  Now, however, I am pleased to be reconnecting and building a whole new circle of connection and activity.  it feels good, and right.

The winter is now heading towards its finish, and I’ve had many productive days at the Studio.  I’ve been perfecting my work spaces, getting fresh inspiration, and making some wonderful new work connections. There is a lot of possibility in the air, and momentum is building.  Raw materials are spread out, and morphing into a variety fascinating objects.  New photos are on the walls.  New tableaus and mixed-media bits and bobs are proliferating.  Web work with photography, photo gigs and varied fun requests are coming my way.  I’m handing out a lot of business cards—I talk to folks a lot about the Studios, the burgeoning art scene and community events for all.  I’m back “on the ground”, Babe!

However—-the road is always beckoning.  I’d hoped to do some van travel this spring, but it’s looking as if I will not be going very far until later in the year.   Heading out to a weekend of drumming and fun in Western MA soon, and will take the van (if it doesn’t snow—I’m heading into the hills).  We hope to be taking the van to the beach a lot this summer and will be reserving some spaces soon.  Later in the year, TBA, I just may be able to pull off another biggie.  Now it’s a matter of drive out/drive back, unlike last year, whcih was fly out, drive back.  I long to do a big west coast trip, but that’s 6K miles to and fro, not sure if I will have the time or energy for that much.  May have someone meet me mid-way and drive back with me.  Someone?  Are you there?  :-)

In the meantime, here I am, snug as a bug on an Oriental rug.  

The wrap-up, many Moons later....

Life has a way of tossing us to and fro, and the past many months have been filled with a wide variety of the “stuff of life”.  Many exciting and stimulating things have occured, along with the garnering of insight, growth and a new out look on many things.  The winter has been a quiet one here, for the most part. All except for that bit about me signing a lease on a Studio and in the bargain getting a new lease on many other aspects of my life.

In September, not too long after arriving home from my journey to Canada, I found the perfect studio right in my home town, and my husband and I took several weeks to get it all cleaned, painted and filled in with my supplies, hardware, furniture, books, and all else I had stored in my own home office and art room.  The space is perfect for me, as it has two halves.  One side was all set to be used as a photo studio, with plenty of room for backdrops, storage and lighting.  There was even already black out material and neutral grey walls.  

The other half of the room is more Salon-like.  Drafting table, shelving, work table and desk, lots of baskets and boxes for storing my goodies on shelves, carpet and more.  My work is all over the room—filling the walls and the easels.  It’s a visual diary of my artistic life, with sweet items I’ve collected, stimulating raw materials, and an homage to my past, my present, and my future.  I feel as home in this room as I do in my real home.  It’s cosy, and inviting, and I love the oohs and ahhs that ensue when friends walk in.  It’s a dream come true, but this was a dream I almost didn’t even dare to remember.  Very grateful!

To complete the arc of my Ontario, Canada journey, I left Toronto and continued up and over Lake Ontario and then headed Northeast to the lovely town of Perth.    The trip took about 6 hours, including rest stops and getting LOST (!!), in a drenching downpour.  One of the few times I have broken down and cried while enroute in the van.  Dark and windy, lost and tired, I drove round in a couple of circles until my Sat Nav, the actual roads, and luck were all aligned.  Just as I arrived, the sun came out, the birds began to sing, and the owner of the camp handed me a cold Canadian beer.  I sat on his porch and grabbed one measly bar of wifi to drop a note home and, of course, check Facebook.

The view from the pub terrace where Monika and I had lunch on my first full day in Perth.  Absolutely picture-perfect weather and views.  Lovely little town!  I met Monika in England at a spring retreat a couple of years ago, and when she saw I was headed to Toronto, she extended an invitation to visit.  I was quite pleased to make the journey.  Loved her family home, and meeting her family.  her parents and I hit if off really (!!!) well and I had a delightful evening in their home.  Fresh caught Atlantic Salmon, grilled, views, laughter—I could have stayed a week!  

Alas, I spent just two nights in Perth, and would have stayed another day or two, as it was lovely there, I had friends, and there was much more to explore.  I spent my last couple of hours in Perth at a cool coffee shop (wifi and AC!) and then headed south to just outside of Montreal for my last eve in Canada.  I didn’t want to drive the rig into Montreal and be a tourist for a day, or deal with transit, etc, so I skipped it. I needed to get to Vermont, and then home.  

Ontario, especially further North,  looks like New England, but on steroids.  Everything is larger, with so much space between “things”, and the terrain is similar, but more epic, and more of it.  There were plenty of fields of corn, soy and all sorts, moving rapidly towards harvest, swaying on the windy, vast plains.  It was an easy drive, but a bit monotonous at points, where it was nothing but agriculture, silos and tractors for dozens of miles at a time.  I enjoyed it, anyway.  I have satellite radio in the rig, and during most of that drive I was listening to the “Chill” station, with great ambient sound that enhanced the journey for me by keeping me happy, mellow but alert, and entertained.  I placed a video cam in the windshield at one point and let it roll. One can hear the engine, the Chill station, and ocassional bits of me exclaiming, or humming.  I loved seeing it again, just a few weeks ago, it really brought me back.

Me, in the rig, enroute to Montreal.  Chill radio, fresh Ontario berries, a cuppa coffee and all the freedom a woman could wish for.  Relaxed, happy, confident.  You can’t buy that, folks, you can only experience it.

Crossing the border back into the States was a bit entertaining.  I wasn’t sure that my rig could make it through their gateway, as the max height was 9’, and my rig is just a few inches shy of that height.  They watched me carefully, and I made it through.  Then they took a perfunctory glance inside the rig, asked if I had any plants or food (my berries made it through!), and did a double-take at my passport photo.  It was taken four years ago, I look completely different.  Billy Idol hair! I was also a bigger gal.  They laughed when I said that, and let me through.  Back in the usa.  

Drove to White River Junction, VT and spent a couple of nights in the rig parked outside of my friend Robina’s home.  Grateful for electricity and the H2O hookup.  Visited her studio, dined out, saw her family a bit, and did lots and lots of chatting.  So good to end a journey in that way.  

I drove home the next day, stopping in Northampton MA in the rain.  Just a quick stop for libation, and a bit of peeking around the shops.  They were have a big sidewalk sale and downtown celebration, but the rain really put a (ahem) damper on the fun.  But I got a terrific deal on a beautiful, richly colored woven wrap, and a big cuppa joe for the final leg.   

There are always mixed emotions on the home stretch.  I love being home, but the liberty and excitement of being on the road is suddenly gone, and it can feel quite mundane in comparison.  But then there is my family, my kitties, my world and my life, there waiting for me, with smiles and a welcome.

I feel very blessed.