Altered Art Jewelry and Giveaway Winner!

I love the moment when I pick the name of the giveaway winner! Sometimes I get overwhelmed with greatfulness and I feel so blessed to be able to create here in my studio. I feel like I have a little gift shop in here and it truly does bring me joy to send a little treasure on its way to someone just for the fun of it! So congrats to Lynn Stevens as you are the winner of the Art Blessing giveaway this month! Please take a moment to visit Lynn's blog, "Trash to Treasure Art" for some delicious, artsy eye candy and an incredible giveaway from such a sweet spirit! Thank you yet again to each of you for your generous comments that always inspire my heart!

I have been working on several new jewelry pieces this week and a few other goodies. Here is a preview of some of these treasures! I will let you know soon where they will be listed! Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in any of them in the meantime!










I had fun wearing one of these new Inspirational Glass pendants this weekend. It occured to me I often create all kinds of things but rarely choose and keep something meaningful for myself and wear what I have created. I found myself thinking and wondering about the meaning of this as I tenderly touched the piece I chose to wear, "Acceptence Breathes Peace". I wonder if we fully take in and accept our gifts and blessings and what can get in the way of the receiving. What is gently pressing in on you today...to affirm and encourage you...do you embrace or feel a hesitancy to receive it? It is good to take time to explore these kind of deeper and quieter thoughts.
You can find these glass pendants on my website!


I have been working on creating small gifts of hope and encouragement for the holidays and also added these large glass stone magnet sets to my website!

You can find these trio sets here!


Creative Blessings to each of you this week!

"You Are Enough...Just As You Are" Art Blessing Giveaway!

Life and family have been keeping me busy this fall. With another son now in his senior year and and playing on the starting line-up this football season it seems there is one event after another! We had an incredibly exciting weekend here as his team the "Union Titans" won their league championship in a nail-biting, down-to-the-wire finish and are on their way to the State Championship! So I have been overdue to peek in here on my blog and wanted to share an art blessing giveaway with you all! This altered journal highights a collage print that says "You are enough...Just as you are", bright colored jewels, shimmering butterflies, colorful fibers, and measures 4 x 8 1/2 inches. If you would like to be entered in the drawing for this journal just leave your contact info in the comment section! If you would like to share this giveaway with a link on your blog, let me know and I will add your name twice to the drawing! Check back and on Monday, Nov. 16th I'll post the Art Blessing winner!

NEW TREASURES AVAILABLE ON HEALING EXPRESSIONS WEBSITE: With the holidays approaching, I have been quietly working in my studio and creating encouraging, inspirational gifts for my website (many inspired by beautiful, digital collage images by Batya S.)as well as my upcoming Holiday Open House (details to come soon). I had a meaningful time this past weekend sharing art at a recovery conference called Betrayal Redeemed where several of the new items below were available. I am looking forward to seeing what else is inspired in the studio for the season. I am feeling such calmness, peace, confirmation and anticipation these days for the next steps of my own personal and creative journey. You can click on the link below each item to see more images!

Prayer Cards w/Gift Tin


Inspirational Acrylic Art Cubes


Original Charm Bracelets


Healing Journey Card Sets


5x7 Collage Designs in Acrylic


Healing Words Glass Pendants (over 20 words to choose from) and Inspirational Magnets w/ Gift Tin

Thanks so much for letting me share these pieces. I hope that this day finds you in a good place, breathing in the present moment and willing to reach out to those you love...to risk being cared for...and to offer care to someone who crosses your path. Each of us has much to give and to release of ourselves as the holidays approach and so many will be in need of the simple and often free gifts we possess.

Every fall I think of this song and thought you might be blessed by it too. It always moves me deeply.....

Please pause the music playing on my blog on the lower right sidebar before listening to the video...

Giveaway Winner.....

Thank you to all who entered the Art Blessing Giveaway and for leaving such encouraging comments! It was a busy weekend and I am finally getting the drawing offically done! The name I reached in and drew was Angela! She has a wonderful blog where she interviews dear artists that have inspired her! I am sure she would enjoy if you stopped by! I plan to have Art Blessing Giveaways each month so hope you'll stop by again and join in the fun.

I have been reflecting on this song. Simple yet profoundly beautiful. Thought I would leave it with you all for today. Be sure to pause the music playing on my blog on the lower right hand sidebar before viewing the video!

Art Blessing Giveaway and Studio Clearance!

My season of creating some quiet space for myself continues to be where my heart and soul is being nurtured. I have been arranging reflective places in my home and cleaning out my studio and creating room for what is to come in many areas of my life. Stepping away for a season from being on-line and from other committments and relationships these past few months has allowed me to engage on a much deeper and meaningful level with myself, my family and God. Solitude and quietness brings such clarity. Although this season has brought with it some hard choices and rearranging in order to move into this new internal space....I am grateful for the courage to try. When you know God is leading you somewhere, even though it feels unknown, there is a sense of peace that you are where you are suppose to be. So I hope to peek in a little more on my blog over the coming months with new hope and inspiration born out of this simpler season.

I wanted to share an art blessing giveaway as we move into the new season and fall is around the corner. I have put together a collection which includes a 5x7 Print ("The truth shall set you free"), Greeting Card ("Listen, Nurture this season of dwelling in the deep sacred spaces"), Healing Art Block ("She moved on the quiet path of her inner peace and strength"), Framed Print ("Healing Season"), and Art card Print "Masquerade" If you would like to have an opportunity to have your name drawn to receive this collection just leave your name and contact info in the comment section and I will draw a name on Sunday, Sept. 20! If you would like to share this giveaway post on your blog with a link just let me know and I'll be happy to add your name twice!

STUDIO CLEARANCE ON EBAY!!!!



Well it truly never ceases to amaze me what a creative artist type can collect!!! I have been sorting through, gutting out and working my way through "stuff" in my studio. The letting go process always seems to expose so much inside. And it was definately true that while I made my way through the "gut out" it got alot worse before it got better...especially on the day an entire shelf of glass jars filled with trinkets and beads came crashing down to the floor! Just reminded me of the tenacity it takes to keep going the directions we are called no matter the obstacles lol! So as I contemplate the new doorways that need to be opened, I have decided to really clear the pathway in my creative world and have put together fifteen wonderful groups of collage, mixed media and altered art items with the artist in mind. All of these are being listed as auctions on Ebay with Buy It Nows for those who just can't wait! You can find all these sale auctions here!

I thought I would share a few pics of my creative space where there is now a little more room for me to breathe (you may click on images to enlarge)....





Finally, as we approach the anniversary of 9/11 this week, I wanted to share a piece of writing I had felt compelled to write back when the tragedy happened. I had sent several copies along with a friend who is a trauma therapist and was going to be heading to New York to work with survivors. It is a reflection on grief and the grieving process from tragedy, loss and life's hurts. It is called an "Invitation to Grieve" and you may read it here on my website.I hope you can carve out a quiet space for yourself this week and breathe deep.

New Healing Art Blocks

I am now offering 'Healing Art Blocks" which make very special gifts for a friend or loved one who might be in need of hope and encouragement...or just a little something that says, "I understand where you are my friend"! The blocks are 3.5 x 4.5 inches and are just right for a small gesture of kindness. Customers may choose which design they would like on their block from my entire collection of art card collage prints. You may find these on my Website, Ebay and Etsy stores!

















Several months back I shared about a heartwarming project I participated in called "The Ties that Bind" to raise funds and support awareness of Ovarian cancer. This large, amazing art doll was created that held handcrafted, healing-oriented, charms and beautiful art ties lovingly created by over 100 participating artists. A raffle is currently in progress to raise funds for the cause through September 30th when a very lucky soul will win this incredible treasure! A beautiful book with these unique creations and survivor stories has now been published and it is filled with gorgeous photos of this very meaningful project. The proceeds will also be contributed to fight ovarian cancer and you can find the information about ordering the book here. I recently ordered my copy and can't wait to receive it. I have also heard such sweet stories of others purchasing groups of these books to take to cancer treatment centers etc. The charm I created is hanging directly in the center of the first photo with the vintage girl, metal filigree wings and says "Heal". It was really an honor to contribute and watch this project come together over the months. I can't wait to look through the pages and pages of one of a kind pieces and hear of the hope in the lives of those who stories are shared. There is nothing that brings me greater joy then when passions and gifts converge to support and uplift those in need!
























I hope you find some rest and relaxation in the days of summer still to come. I plan to join my family for some adventures over the next few weeks. There is still so much for me to hear, take in and reflect on and I am grateful for the opportunity! Thank you all for your comments and encouragement during this season of waiting and reflection!

A few more reflections....

Found myself staying in the studio the last couple days and that images and musings continued to pour out. I think in all the challenges and activity in earlier months my little river of creativity had been stopped up. My time away is about moving those stones around, rearranging and maybe the flow will be fresher, wider and deeper. These cards can be found on ebay.

Mid Summer Reflections......

I thought I would step back in for a few moments to share a few new pieces I recently created. My time away continues to restore my heart and enlarge my vision. The unexpected has often rearranged any plans I thought I might have and priorities have become so clear. There have been difficult choices in order to step into this new space but I am moving through life these days with much more internal simplicity and quiet and am breathing deeper in releasing much of the striving. Having had to let go of much I had been holding onto...for a season...I am trusting what is meant to return will one day return. I feel a deep trust in leaving it up to God who and what that will be. For now, my sabbatical is revealing, challenging and hopeful. Each of these original art cards have been listed here on ebay!

I also had a wonderful opportunity to create a special 12x12 inch piece for the opening of the "Grid Show" at the Imago Dei Gallery in the Portland Pearl District. Over 100 artist's were asked to contribute their reflection on the theme of "Touch". All proceeds are going to support the art program of a local school. It was truly amazing to see all the different styles and mediums!

And finally I must leave you with some tempting treats I made with my son and the neighborhhood gang recently. I forgot how much I love to create desserts! Its little discoveries like this that my time away continues to reveal. I am enjoying making these new memories! And yes.....they were really yummy! Creative Blessings to you and I hope this summer brings you rest and enduring memories!

Taking a break......

Sometimes we can sense these seasons approaching. When you can no longer push aside the growing conviction that you are being invited to do something that feels threatening, uncomfortable and might reveal a need to evaluate on what foundation you have formed your sense of security, identity and purpose. I am not sure what these thoughts all mean for me. Significant events in my life the past few months have forced me to stop and reevaluate where my energy has been going and how much I actually have to offer. Sometimes the cumulitive weight of what we are carrying, being and doing for others catches up to you and something has to give.

As an artist, creating and revealing ourselves is a calling near to breathing. Our social media world has given us ample opportunity to share, reveal, promote, expose and spread ourselves out to far reaches of the world in a way that feels so personal and authentic. It can be a such a powerful way to communicate and has such incredible benefits. But I have this haunting, unsettling feeling that has persisted....about how it all is affecting our capacity for depth and real intimacy in our face to face relationships and our emotional availiablity to those who might even be in our own homes, our neighborhoods, our communities. There can be an illusionary sense of being known when connected everywhere on line...but what of ourselves are we revealing in our being known...and at what depth are we connected to what we are revealing? I find myself needing to ask the questions and listen for balanced answers. As I work and view the world as it presents itself through the computer screen...unfortunately more often than I have breathed in the fresh air lately.... I can't deny the need to redefine what I am doing and restore a sense of balance. I am grateful to have wise ones in my life encouraging a time of backing away....a time to catch up to myself....be present...and move back into the deeper journey I had begun. I am grateful for the invitation.

I realize my work requires use and resources of the internet. I know that I am so blessed and grateful for such wonderful and amazing souls I am lucky to call friends who I would not have met were it not for having risked myself in my artowrk, here in on this blog or other in creative on-line communities. Those who visit here have often extended words of support and encouragement to me as I have expressed my creative journey and work and I hope I have shown that kindness in return. I am just asking myself some hard questions...for me personally....and it feels critical to my emotional and spiritual health that I make room to investigate the answers. My humanity cries out, "But what if they forget me and I vanish into obscurity!" Even behind that cry lies an opportunity to explore concepts of value and self-worth. In reality, this is only one of several impacting situations in my own personal life that has culminated in a halt to how I had been living it recently. Sometimes the plates we are trying to keep in the air need to be set down for awhile.

So I feel the need to listen and check for healthy balance in my life. Go on more dates with my husband. Hold up my end of a conversation with God again. Take my youngest to the skate park...he has been begging me. Go to coffee with my teenagers...as long as I pay of course. Take the dog for more walks....she looks at me longingly when she sees me put on my tennis shoes. Stop and talk to my neighbors....I might have something they need. Read more. Journal more. Write more. Create some healing art for my local community....walk in and actually meet them and place it in their hands. Hike in and stand before that secret waterfall up at Mt Hood. My soul is thirsty for whatever else this space opens up and reveals to me. I need to lay it all down and rest for awhile first. I look forward to picking things back up again when the time is right....when my breathing is fuller and deeper...and the fresh air from a more three-dimensional place has filled my lungs.

So I am sure it won't be forever. I"ll peek in again. I hope to continue Art Blessing Giveaways here and there. I will still be creating art for the healing journey behind the scenes, quietly offering new work on my sites as time, energy and revelation present themselves. Most of what I hope to discover and reclaim I know in my heart will not be found on-line. Just taking time to step back and try to take a little better care of myself! My deepest hope is to open and make space for what needs opening and be in a place to make the changes that are revealed! I pray your days are blessed and you take time to listen....and see if your soul is thirsting for anything....if there are any questions that need answering....or if you just need a breath of fresh air....

The Invitation....

Had coffee with a dear kindred one this morning. We talked about our lives, our mothering, our faith, our struggles, our questions and the paths we each attempt to take small steps on everyday. She reached into her bag (she always has the coolest, funky artsy "purses"!) and handed me this small book called "The Invitation". I was so moved by this poem written by Oriah. It resonated with a place deep in my soul. Though we may come from different faith experiences...our common longing for authenticity and being released from "what confines and restrains in our relationships" to "what opens and brings depth"... helped me breathe in deeply and exhale. Hope it nourishes you today.

The Invitation........
It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing.

It doesn’t interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream ,for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn’t interest me what planets are squaring your moon...I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow if you have been opened by life’s betrayals or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain. I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it or fade it or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own, if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, to be realistic, to remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn’t interest me if the story you are telling me is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself. If you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul. If you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see Beauty even when it is not pretty every day. And if you can source your own life from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure,yours and mine, and still stand at the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon,“Yes.”

It doesn’t interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up after the night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done to feed the children.

It doesn’t interest me who you know or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the centre of the fire with me and not shrink back.

It doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away. I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.

© Mountaindreaming, from the book The Invitation published by HarperSanFrancisco, 1999 All rights reserved

You may read more about the author and her poetic works on her website.

Healing Kindness......

This original creation arrived at my home yesterday and brought tears to my eyes. My fellow "Art Angel", Nellie Wortman, was led to create this amazingly touching piece for my sister-in-law who is grieving the recent loss of her precious child. I wish I could express what is felt like to see her emotion and hear what the piece meant to her. She had never seen anything so beautiful and just held it to her chest. I love when God nudges hearts towards those we might not even know or have never even meant but their experience touches something deep within our own humanity and propels us to give of who we are. As in the case of Ron and JoAnna Pierotti's situation (post below), it is so inspiring to watch what happens when we move with God's spirit and join into other's circumstances, their pain, their journey....enter into a precious soul's story. No matter how seemingly small we may feel our contribution is...together the impact is moving and powerful.


















I also received the most beautiful "Healing Doll" sent to me by Lisa Plummer. I was so touched by her gift and have this unique piece proudly displayed in my studio. Lisa's passion for using art to express our deep layers always moves me. Recently, Lisa posted an incredible link to a wonderful website called "Healing Through Creativity". It is an amazing movement and annual event that brings together creative works, presentations and workshops by and for survivors of trauma and difficult life circumstances. They have an open call for submissions of a variety of creative expressions for this year's event to be held in October! So amidst my own heart struggles these last few weeks... these gifts, events and heartwarming generosities...that I feel fortunate to witness and experience.....bring me deep hope. Who might we reach today...in even the smallest of ways?























This is the touching song that was sung at my neices service. May it bring any who need today....comfort and hope. You may pause the music already playing on my blog on the lower right sidebar before viewing.






.

Prayers for a friend.....

Praying today for my dear friend JoAnna Pierotti and her husband Ron who are in extreme need for provision and prayers for an immediate surgery needed for Ron's life threatening brain tumor. A wonderful account has been set up in their name and it is so encouraging to see friends and strangers coming together to contribute even the smallest amount. It is a heartbreaking situation that is occuring for many across our nation, the loss of employment and with it, health insurance. When we come together for each other its miraculous what can happen. It warms my heart to see that number rise and rise! Click here to the Pierotti's page on Chipin and a heartfelt message from JoAnna. You can follow more of Ron and JoAnna's story on her blog!

Resting......

Thank you to my dear friend Teri Owens for leading me to an amazing blog, "Ordinary Courage" by Brene' Brown. I was especially moved by an interview Brene' did on a PBS special on the issues of shame and authenticity. I highly encourage you to look through this truly special body of work that she offers through her blog and "Wholehearted" movement. Brene' is currently having a read through on her blog of her book, "I Thought It Was Just Me...Telling the Truth About Perfectionism, Inadequacy and Power". It is always such an encouragement to me to find more resources we can share with each other that help open the door to sharing our stories authentically.

It has been a very hard week on a personal note. Our family is grieving the loss of our precious neice. Although it has been heartbreaking, there has been incredible beauty being woven through all of our hearts as family and friends gather, love and support each other, and just spend time being together in life changing ways. At the same time, I have had some health problems this week and have had to just put put alot of things on hold for now. In this time of rest, God has been speaking and moving in powerful ways. His presence with our family is undeniable!

Prayers of My Soul....

I am always drawn again and again it seems to creating sacred little places to record our deepest thoughts, questions, prayers and hopes. Every now and then, I pull out the sweet diaries I kept as a little girl, childlike handwriting that even then was compelled to write what my heart hoped to speak into being. The personally written words always made the feelings more real...more tangible. I just love the idea of journals created as a piece of artwork. Placing these sacred whispers of our soul in a place of honor, on a sweet easle...with a scented candle shimmering next to it... just seems to usher in the tender voice of God... "Sweet child of promise, I value who you are and are becoming and all that your heart wants to speak...all that you feel matters deeply to me". You may find more images of this new journal and tag ensemble that is being offered in my Etsy Shop(update...journal is sold!).

I came across this video today. It seemed gentle, quiet and beautiful. Some of us may at times struggle with the truth of the message but the place deep within where this peace exists is where the sweetest of healing can take place. Wherever you find yourself today, even if you just feel unsettled in your spirit, the words are comforting. Remember to pause the music currently playing on my blog (on the lower right sidebar) before viewing the "Blessing".

Authenticity....

I have this deep need that swells up every now and then...to clarify and reveal myself in ways that reflect and mirror who I really am....and dispel any misperceptions. I grew up with the quiet and subtle message to never reveal the painful shadows and only what was palatable and looked "pretty and good"...to keep things under control and not let the outside know of the dark struggles that were happening behind closed doors. It often left me with the feeling of being an imposter...for the mask covered what I knew wasn't so beautiful. Although I am blessed to be surrounded with supportive friends, wonderful groups, opportunities and situations that promote healing, I never want that to gloss over or disguise what it means to try to overcome the hurts and soul damage, that we who have been intimately betrayed, live with each day we arise. I know the daily challenge it is to work and push through the internal chaos and rubble left behind from abusive pasts and I never want to be yet one more place for others to feel "less than" or place me on some pedastal and be compared to as one who "has arrived" in any way, shape for form. Some days, in my own life, it is two steps forward then four steps back. The net result overtime is that we do gain positive ground and grasp a little more freedom than we did the last time we were faced with the same issues.

Yes...I am healing... learning...trying...growing. But I also fall short and struggle with the same hurts over and over...and unhealthy ways of coping with those feelings. I too stumble and have to get up again. How grateful I am for authentic community...for friends who see my progress even when I am too overwhelmed to trust and believe...for hands that continue to reach for me even when I pull away, isolate and become scared again. But for you who only know me through the images and words you see here, I feel a responsiblity to hold up a true mirror so that you too will see yourself in that mirror, can relate and know you arn't alone. There is beauty to be found as our hearts heal. But I am an imperfect vessel, a fellow travelor who just longs to forge a path...one that is real, healthy and true...that is safe for others to travel but doesn't disguise its difficult terrain. So it blesses me when I am seen as one who inspires...but I so hope that blessing always comes after you have seen the truth of who I am...a fellow wounded one in the process of healing...imperfect but hopefully real...never hiding who I am not....and humbly revealing who I long and hope to be. Pedastals are far places to fall from. I have mercifully learned that no one should ever be placed on one. I just hope we can all sit in the space that is called "eye to eye". Humanity is really the great leveler. We are all so much more alike than we are different. Judgement and lofty pedestals can get in the way of that truth. I hope today your visit reminds you that in your hurts, struggles, insecurities, doubts and challenges... you are not alone. Behind beautiful masks often are the carefully disguised realties of living in a world that is not so perfect. I long to live without that mask...no matter how hard it is to reveal the truth and to expose the hurts and shadows. I hope here you find a place where there is no measuring up or comparing yourself. I hope that in my presence...in the presence of these words, images, stories and art...your authentic breath can be fully released...and there is no need to hold up that burdensome mask.

Body Reconciliation.......

So much to share. Its been such a week of deep emotions...I have needed time to just process all that is being woven around, under, over and through my heart. But first, I am so sorry for the delay in announcing the Art Blessing Giveaway winner! All of your names were gathered in my butterfly box and it gives me great joy to bless Susan Baldwin (Blog, "JensmeresJoy") with the little handmade journal. Please take a moment to stop by her inspirational blog! Thank you to everyone for your sharing and encouragement! Although I may not always be able to respond to all of your comments, please know each are cherished and I am honored that you took a few minutes to share your hearts!

This is a very special week in watching the seeds burst through the soil of a dream that I have shared with several woman who have traveled the long journey to recovery from sexual abuse and to healing our relationship with our bodies. Many years ago, there were several of us whose paths began to cross, hearts were shared, tears shed and journeys traveled. Over time, and difficult years of each indivually working through our own painful pasts, we began to share a vision to see our creative energies and gifts brought together to offer a safe place where those who had been hurt could come and experience healing in heart, spirit, body and soul. Tonight marks the opening of the Non-Profit called "Body Reconciliation" that I am so blessed to be a part of. My dear friend, Cristi Dillon, is founder of this sacred place and she and several other dear friends have partnered together to begin to offer workshops, resources, speakers, and other events for those in our community who seek healing and a healthy relationship with the bodies they call home. We all took part in a recently filmed news story by Tracy Barry of our local Channel 8 News. The story aired tonight and can be seen here at the KGW.com website (Giving Back: Healing Abuse Survivors). It was a huge step of faith to reveal ourselves this way but we each know God has been leading this process all along and we are simply stepping into our part of His larger redemptive story.


So tonight I sit in awe of how God is redeeming what was painfully stolen from each of us as little girls. My deepest prayer is that by sharing this message of hope we might be able to touch one other "little girl" out there who suffers in silence and is needing to find a safe place to reveal her heart, heal the shame...and come home to her body. If you would like to encourage our vision your prayers for this place would be greatly appreciated. For those who would like to financially support this new non -profit, information can be found on the Body Reconciliation website link above!