colors of my day: 7.11.2012.

in the studio: creativity circle ((august edition)).

august can be a quiet month in richmond, va.  august's creativity circle was filled with so much goodness!  i'm missing one photo, which is too bad.  here are a few to bring delight: 

by C.

by K.

by me.

an exploration of wisdom.  she's present.  

wisdom speaks.  

in the studio: creativity circle ((july edition.))

i've become increasingly aware of witnessing each other's journey.  while i recognize my intuition, i sometimes undervalue the importance of simply witnessing another's journey, another's story in motion.  with each circle in the studio, i find myself drawn into the lifes of those who share.  each brings a presence that changes the atmosphere of the space.  each breaths in her own way, with her own rhythm.  she creates.  she creates ripples of love that surround her.  she creates a story that allows her to be present to the moment, present to her heart, present to her spirit.  

she encounters the sacred within. 

she comes... to make a space for truth.

she sits... and recognizes the power of the present moment. 

she waits... to become enveloped with love, surrounded by birthing waters.

she listens... as she recognizes that in juggling not all parts receive equal attention. 

each of these gatherings become valuable to those who participate.  you receive what you expect.  you give what you are called to give.  you leave more at peace than you arrived. 

i love, love, love facilitating and the gift of facilitating.  i love, love, love the gift of witnessing and being witnessed.  i love, love, love the ability to dream and life and love fully, here in this space.  i continue that love from the art+spirit studio here with you, inviting you to share yourself, breathing fully.  breathing from your sacred soul.  breathing from the well of life that is within you.  

life well. love well. be well. 

be whole. 

centered.

true. 

powerful. 

present. 

create peace from within.

the colors of my day. (from a previous day)

as i move through the day i'm often caught by a particular few colors that i see.  of course red is constantly around as it's my sweet boy's topmost favorite all time color and has been for years.  many of his clothes are red. so much he picks up or chooses is red.  i've loved red and turquoise since high school and share that favorite color combination with many, including the sweet rani who visited me this past weekend.  as i play catch up on images i've been uploading to the blog over the past couple of weeks, i wanted to share this new-yet-always-been-there storytelling with you.  the colors of my day.  often it's a question i'll use when leading art+spirit groups for younger to middle school aged children.  it's a question i love asking: what are the colors of your day?  

here's my color story from a week or so ago: 

new mother's day sandals.

bright red cherries.

the making of strawberry preserves.

strawberry preserves made.

soccer practice with a sweet friend 

who inspired my mother's day sandal request.  

art+spirit: a circle of creativity

each time we gather for a creativity circle, i am awed by the energy, truth-telling, sacred storytelling, and complete presence of those who encircle the table.  we step into the space, kicking the dust of the world off our feet and enter the space willing, present. 

we gather together in this sacred space and use our hands to create.  we participate in guided imagery and allow our spirits and our minds to mingle in that creative space.  

here in the space of this blog, i share a few of the works of the last creativity circle gathering in the art+spirit studio.  the first is mine, and the rest are made by dear kindred spirits.

let the light guide you this day.
take notice of the goodness that surrounds you,
burtsting forth from within your sacred self.

you are a vessle of goodness,
truth,
and authenticity.

be vunerable.  be truth. be present.

you are enough.
you are worthy.
you are whole. 

creative spaces: creativity circle

i love when simple, every day objects meet color and meaning. in each month's creativity circle, we do just that. some of us have explored what it means to be creative using our hands. some of us question that we're creative. of course, i believe that we're each creative. some of us are called to create in particular ways.

there's an introduction that takes place. you meet your creativity.

then you say hello and invite each other to the table to be present.

a conversation begins and you get to know each other. folks at the table get to know each other and a little bit about life stories. women gather. women speak. women listen. women share.

we are called to be present to each other and to recognize what is within us.

in the safe space of the art+spirit studio, we create together.

it's amazing. it's transforming.

it's simple and profound. it's sacred.

we bring our creative selves to life and to the light.

we gather. we share. we create.

and we take what we make with us. we go and we live until we gather again.

the spaces between shift. we move and see the world a little differently,

because we've opened up a space within ourselves to experience life differently.

it's really that simple. we make space within ourselves.

we explore what creativity and we are transformed in significant ways.

called to create: a gift for the creative

each of us has a wish, a desire. something we hold in our pocket that needs to come out from time to time.

a few of us need to create.

i'm one. i love creating and doing so in the company of others.

i've created something to share: space. each month, i gather a group of women in a space that is welcoming. we sit around a table set to feast: the soul food of presence and conversation, good tastes of food and drink, guided imagery and deep breathing to settle the mind and body and spirit, & the safety and intimacy of the space to share through creativity. the hands that gather are connected to memories of childhood touches through art. the hands that gather work well together, meeting water and color to paper. the hands that gather create art that becomes a sacred story & connects to our spirituality.

there's a collective spirituality and individual spirituality at work. some are a part of established worship spaces while others create altars in the world. all have a spiritual side that needs to be fed, a soul that needs tending.

this space is present. the hands are willing. the table is set.

a good word should be shared, and i invite you to share this good word with others.

a special creativity circle + winter retreat package. if you're interested in participating in an upcoming group in my studio, send this link to a love, a friend, a patron. create a space for self care by asking someone to gift you with this space.

wisdom speak:

encountering your voice

through the voices of your ancestors

we'll explore our inner voices and the presence of those who have influenced our being in this moment. over eight weeks we will gather eight Wednesdays beginning January 26, 2011 from 9 a.m. until Noon in the studio. using russian nesting dolls, we'll create representations of those who are within and surrounding us. from kindred spirits to midwives to mothers to inner critics, through guided imagery, creativity, and dialogue, we'll share our inner voice with one another.

$225 registration* for the entire 8 weeks.

*register by january 10, 2011 and receive a special soul mantra print soon to be released.

creativity circle:

opening the window of your soul

through the work of your hands

a monthly meeting space where women gather to explore the unique ways in which we are called to create. connecting to art first encountered during childhood, i bring projects that are inviting and bring creative success. i facilitate through deep breathing, guided imagery, art for the every day, and discussion centered on the creative spaces that exist in our daily living. creativity circle is a means of exploration, relaxation, support, and inspiration. Space is limited to each group meeting time.

Monthly themes include: Safe places. Strenth. Centering. and more...

Meeting Options:

Fourth Mondays 9:30 - 11 a.m.

Fourth Tuesdays 6 - 7:30 p.m.

$35 per session

$ 175 : 6 sessions

$ 300 : 12 sessions

creative clergy:

caring for your soul

through creative renewal

a monthly meeting space where clergy gather to take a holy breath, encounter creative expression in the midst of the liturgical year, make bread dough, laugh, and share. creative clergy is a safe space to be among colleagues in a variety of denominations, to find inspiration among one another in discussion and experiences of worship. Connecting to my experiences as a clergy woman and artist, i will facilitate through deep breathing, guided imagery, art for the every day, and discussion centered on the creative spaces that exist in our ministries, daily living, and sabbath keeping. creative clergy is a means of professional development, self care, relaxation, support, and inspiration. Space is limited for this monthly gathering.

registration: $300 for the year (12 sessions)

Meeting: Third Mondays 10 a.m - 1 p.m. Lunch Included with registration.

make a wish. if you are given the gift of a creativity circle session in any amount, a spot in the Wisdom Speak winter retreat, or as a creative clergy participant from another or from yourself, you will be sent a box as pictured above, with a rolled up print, some button blessings, and a little magic as well as a piece of paper naming what you'll have to look forward to.

make a wish, carry it in your pocket. then share it with yourself or another. let me know and you can have the wish in this box to carry all for yourself.

**all sweet boxes will be mailed the first week of January 2011.

reserve your creative space today. payment options available.**

in the studio: friendship wreath

a friendship wreath in the making for Elizabeth Thalhimer Smartt

representing a wonderful circle of women who surround her.

a friendship quilt on its way to its new home.

a fuzzy image of the meeting between wreath and book,

each created by the women whose gathering first took shape over stories shared

ending with these gifts: a lovely wreath and the awesomeness of this book.

ready to be received.

the friendship wreath received well, hanging at its home

where the friendships here are tied together,

gathered through this special woman.

the themes of friendship influencing the creation of this wreath:

blooming.

ties that bind.

a little birdie told me...

"i love rik rak!"

life stories: sacred spaces

the studio was blessed this week by the work of some amazing women. i'm thrilled the first creativity circle was such a good mix of creatives and such a meaningful experience. we'll enjoy the future together, certainly.

after the creativity circle, i swept. with the sun streaming on my sunny shoes, i had to capture the image of this creative act.

and the story of sweeping the day before. i do love the spirituality of sweeping, which was preached in sermon on sunday. i am pleased the topic of the sacred in the mundane resonated with so many. i'm glad there were many who said they would start the week in this way, too.

the space is looking so good. here's the table i found at class & trash (love the place!). i'll go back to see if i can get another table, as we need more room for any others to join the group. perfect for 6, but we need more table space for sure.

and another creative act shared here and on calledtocreate. a little gallery of my wears. not all are presented at once, but the gallery shop gives me a space to see what i do. i'll rotate for variety + to keep items from sun damage. for the space is bright and wonderful!

registration continues for the creativity circle:

be reminded: if you have the stirring within you, come and be a part:

third tuesdays*, beginning october 2010 from 9:30-11 a.m.

in the artist's studio, 2nd floor

Lewis Ginter Recreation Association Building

3421 Hawthorne Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222

street parking is available

*december 2010 will be second tuesday.

are you as excited as i am? themes in the first three sessions include: safe places, strengths within, and centering practices. we'll create art for the every day and you'll have the experience of art and the art itself to carry home. each monthly session is $25, which includes use of art supplies, art materials and coffee, hot tea and a light snack.

as a SPECIAL for those who register for the creativity circle through 2010, you can receive 3 for $50 and a special creativity kit. you need to register by october 15th for this treat. i believe in this space and the incredible work that can take place. i want those who feel a stirring to come, experience, and create.

creativity circle registration is open!

you've expressed energy and excitement, said the time is ripe, and now it's time to commit to the journey. are you ready to explore your creativity among a group of kindred spirits?

third tuesdays*, beginning october 2010 from 9:30-11 a.m.

in the artist's studio, 2nd floor

Lewis Ginter Recreation Association Building

3421 Hawthorne Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222

street parking is available

*december 2010 will be second tuesday.

are you as excited as i am? themes in the first three sessions include: safe places, strengths within, and centering practices. we'll create art for the every day and you'll have the experience of art and the art itself to carry home. each monthly session is $25, which includes use of art supplies, art materials and coffee, hot tea and a light snack.

as a SPECIAL for those who register for the creativity circle through 2010, you can receive 3 for $50 and a special creativity kit. you need to register by october 15th for this treat. i believe in this space and the incredible work that can take place. i want those who feel a stirring to come, experience, and create.

as a creativity circle participant, you'll be able to attend the open studio times during the month where you can be in the studio with your own project and create among others.

the creativity circle will continue into 2011. much is in store! there will be art+spirit workshops, holiday gift making workshops, and 7 week art+spirit sessions (meeting weekly). as these are scheduled, i'll give you the heads-up.

to register, simply email me and we'll go through the process. i look forward to hearing from you! space is limited.

speaking through the creative spirit

over some of the previous posts, i've hinted about feeling a little more silent through the blog over these summer months than in the past. i've been living in spaces that feed my soul. life here is lived outdoors, sometimes with the macbook, sometimes with the camera, always with eyes wide open, ready to receive what is offered. ready to offer love and peace as i am able.

i can't help but love those solitary moments with my son, with our green grass (yes, green again) and with our play time together. for walks, for dancing spirits, for life lived with my loves. i have a desire to bottle up these times and hold onto them, only to realize they can happen every day, no need for bottling.

i can't help but have a sense of peace, of wholeness with these moments where i am fully present to myself and to witnessing their presence in my life. my heart is full, my hands are working, and my joy is growing. i am full of ideas and energy. i feel restored by the summer, the heat, the water, the sand. i feel restored by the break and the return to rhythm all at once.

there's so much to say about this summer: about walks, hikes, visits with friends, stitches, veggies grown and received, meals prepared, retreats and workshops scheduled. about conferences, quilts, paintings, and love.

there's much to be grateful for and much to feel connected to.

of course, there's so much in store. with the return of fall and school, there's always something new to share.

creativity circle:

opening the window

of your creative soul

this fall i'm announcing the creation of a sacred meeting space for others who want to open the window of your creative soul through my creativity circle. we'll meet once a month (space is TBA). each session will have a small registration fee that covers the use of space, snacks, and materials. Through the creativity circle, we'll offer guidance, guided imagery, introductions to creative expression, while investing in each other's creative passions & adding a little inspiration to each other through a space of safety and support. we'll explore together and sometimes even get a little messy. the best part is that there is something to share: from the work of our hands together to carrying that to other hands (some little) and sharing artistic expressions with our young ones. other creative hands are being invited to participate in leadership & guidance. registration will begin this month. the group will be limited in number. if this sounds like something that will feed your soul, please let me know. if something within you says, Yes! Yes! Yes! then you should say so. If you're not in RVA, i'll be developing an online version of this community that can bring creative exercises & encouragements to you!

yes. there's much to be thankful for: for the days and years leading to this moment. for the moments to come. for the hopes and dreams of many and for connecting to creative souls in this space.