LunarMusings

Manifestation Bundles

I have this on my altar right now.  I call them Manifestation Bundles because even though its a small booklet, inside there are words, images, mandala drawings, a small piece of fabric with lavendar and cedar oil on it, and a crystal and dried rose resting protectively on top.  Spells, prayers, manifestations, intentions... whatever you call it, its what we do as women.  We weave our reality in all the ways we do.  For me this little lovely resting on my altar for this particular truth I am calling in, serves as a visual reminder each and every time I sit down at my altar to meditate or when I just walk past it as I move through the room. 

Some of my Manifestation Bundles have been thick and large, while others tiny and simple.  Most are tied in fabric or twine, and always there are special stones on top. And when what I am calling forth has come to pass I take the bundle with a grateful meditation and store it away in a special box that holds my makings. Its my way. 

I've been deep in making mode of late.  Weaving, painting, binding, encanting...  Its the Fall air luring me back into the deeper worlds.  I have made quite of few of these lovelies and am selling them in Manuscripts For The Journey.  They were made while in deep meditation of the spaces we create for ritual and manifestation.  The colors, images and stitching were all part of the magic that embued these bundles with the intention to germinate and manifest. 

If this is your way too, then I invite you to take a look and get some for yourself.  My wish is that they serve you on your journey as they do me.

Blessings.

Art Alliance of Idyllwild's 12th Annual Art Walk and Wine Tasting

Idyllwild is having its big art walk of the year tomorrow, and I can't wait!  I will be at the Courtyard Gallery all day showing my journals for the first time there.  I also have work in the Artisan's Gallery if you get a chance to come up and take a peak. 

I'm thrilled about my work being in the Courtyard Gallery, as the journals are the first of a couple of different works I will be showing there as the months pass.  So much fun!

Idyllwild is within driving distance of Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego and Riverside Counties.  Come!

Dragonfly Dreams

I have been dreaming of Dragonflies lately. Out of no where they seem to be making appearances in my dreams, buzzing around, landing on my shoulders, following me where ever it is that I wander in the dreamtime. I looked up Dragonfly Medicine and well... it all so divinely makes sense (I found this online, and regretfully in looking through various tabs I lost track of where I got this.  If this is yours please let me know and I will credit you.)

"Dragonfly embodies a stripping away of all the beliefs that say we cannot do this or that, achieve a dream or goal, it is to remind us that anything is possible when we really get the understanding that we are part of Spirit and as such we have the power to manifest anything that we desire. Dragonfly is the keeper of dreams, the knower within that sees all of our true potential and ability. Dragonfly strips away the illusions that say to us we cannot achieve our dreams and goals, that we are not worthy or capable when in fact it is our birthright and our true power to create anything we choose!"

Our Souls know exactly what is needed to reveal the affirmation we need at the right time.  It never ceases to amaze me and humble me.  Out of my dreams this journal and a few pieces of writing have emerged, and continue to do so.  Even though I lose track of where I am going I am getting the message loud and clear that the path ahead is indeed there and I am still on it.

I have posted this journal in my shop.  It very much wants to find its home in the hands of a fellow dreamer.

Blessings and sweet magic in your dreamtimes...

Transmuting Through Art

 

I had such a lovely day yesterday, so tapped into the perfection of every moment.  What happened today?  I woke up completely depressed.  I was so confused by it.  Checked in with myself, and realized that indeed the list of perfection that is dancing around me lately is still very much there, but my body, my mind, my heart felt so heavy. 

Its funny the things we do when we feel down.  I got up and before heading upstairs to do my meditation practice, I went into the bathroom and curled my hair.  :)  It didn't really pick me up, but I looked quite the cutie!  In my meditating, I surrendered to what was happening, surrendered to not having answers and choosing to let it guide me in my work through the day.

Truly, I don't know at this point if its hormonal, it feels as if it may be.  But this feeling has been my companion all day, and it is what impulsed my creative work today.  I had such a hard time putting this journal together.  Nothing felt right, I couldn't suss out the path I was taking, and it took so so long.  It became a continuous practice of surrender and letting go of whatever I was planning and letting the act of drawing, painting, weaving, be the only thing in front of me in that moment. 

It became an out of mind process, which can be so healing.  Several hours into my work I realized very tangibly that I was in fact transmuting.  That transmutation of body, circuitry, soul... all of it.  I was in the sensations of things shifting within, and those sensations guided my creativity.  It was such a revelation, such a homecoming artistically.  And such a teacher.

I'm still feeling depressed.  Physically depressed.  And life is really good as well.  I am making room for all of it at once. And being gentle with myself so that I can better hear/sense my needs as they reveal themselves. 

*I want to give a little shout out to a Faerie Queen who sent me the most delicious, courageous and inspiring email today.  I haven't responded yet, but I will dear one.  (Did you know you were a Faerie Queen?  I decided that today!  Thats exactly what you are.  :)

Tonight!

If you're in the Southern California area, go ahead and Tivo the debates tonight, and come on out for some art, music and food!  I have 3 pieces showing at this gallery!  It will be loads of fun.

Hope to see you there!
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Manuscripts For The Journey

This is a very small version of my story board for the store display.  I am not too happy with the way it turned out, but its my first.  The store up in Big Bear will display it along side my journals.

July was a big month for my art endeavors, and I'm both exhausted and excited about where things are going .  I have decided to place my journals in their own Etsy store.  The journals are evolving into various lines, and it makes sense to carve out a special place in the world for them to do that.  So far I have 5 different lines, and a few more on the way! 

My stock is a bit low this week, as I am just getting back from vending at a festival, but stay tuned in the next week or so for many many more to make their appearance!

Go check it out!

Journals

Its been quite a month in my world.  I recieved an order for 25 of my hand made journals for a store in Big Bear, California.  It was a wonderful opportunity and gave me much to do!  I have spent the majority of my time making journals for the last 6 weeks.  I delivered the journals to the store last weekend, and then returned to begin making journals again for a festival I will be vending at in a week. 

I have caught myself feeling a bit surreal in this process.  My creative endeavors are finding their places in the world, and connecting with souls that relate to the frequency my art holds.  And I'm in the step by step process without really stepping back to see what it all may look like or mean in the grander scheme of things.  I think about the fact that I still haven't replaced my banner on this blog, and that I don't have a proper website, or that my new etsy store hasn't been completely put up or announced even though the web address has begun to seep out into the world. 

All these little details that fill in the gaps to a larger picture I still haven't taken the time to check out and actively design.  Sure, I have notions, and ideas, and desires and dreams about what the larger picture will look like, but its so fluid right now. 

And as I continue to swim in a sea of book binding, canvas arting and paper tearing, I have started to play with an entirely different medium of expression that I want to dive into!  Its exciting really.  And I find myself so grateful that I get to do this.  I am living my life in exactly the way I want.  And my only stressor is that there isn't enough time in the day for it all.  All being the art, the massage, the cooking, the loving, the making out, the hanging out with friends, the resting and long slow bathing, the dancing, the painting, the journaling, the picture taking.... the cuddle time with Tucker and Chloe...

I just reread the above paragraph.  "I am living my life in exactly the way I want."  Thats not entirely true.  There are details, snags that I hit.  I don't like those, and they are always created by me.  But the whole of my life is good.  The snags that are my lessons are good, because they are part of my evolution, and they are the key to my complete freedom.  I am so aware that I am on the verge of moving into a bigger version of my life.  And I have also been aware of the anxiety that comes from stepping forward into the world and making myself available for more.  I continue in my intention of remaining conscious of this and trying not to limit myself in an attempt to remain in my habitual safety.

Its been a good week.  I have stepped further into my creative life and into my life as a Business Woman  (this is a big big big thing for me).  And now this week that approaches is bringing with it even more opportunities.  So for today, I am taking it slow and gentle.  Sitting on my cozy couch, writing and editing, sipping some ginger tea I just made, and letting the day flow.  Just a moment of quiet before the slip stream of next weeks activities begin.

Here is a picture of my journals in their very own display case!  It isn't all put together here, but this is the image I have.  There is a sign on the top of the display case and an story board missing from this. 

Isn't it exciting?  :)

Quick update!

I'm busy busy busy! Much is happening and I have a list of things to share and many things coming up. I have to run, but for now, I wanted to leave this mini etsy for you to check out! I have some lovely new postcards available at my shop! Muah!

Long Beach WomenSpirit Faire

I participated in a biannual faire last weekend.  It was quite a bit of fun and work.  Loads of work!  I feel in some ways that I am still recovering from it.  I sold journals and goodies that I still have from my trip to India.  The lanterns in the picture are from India and they danced overhead in my tent from every corner and in between!  They add such a sense of the magical as they swayed and twirled all day.  We were definitely the most colorful booth there!

I've sold at this faire may times in the past.  Its equal parts sales oppurtunity and social gathering as I know so many people from different aspects of my world that attend. This year sales were ok.  Better then last time, but not by much.  And this is where things begin to get challenging for me.

I am really struggling with this dual role of artist and business woman.  In a perfect world I would spend my days creating whatever it was that wanted to be created, and lose myself in the process.  I wouldn't have to train my brain to think in terms of profit margins, weekly budget, and marketing strategies.  Trying to figure out if something like the fair is cost effective and profitable in many ways takes away from the experience for me.  It also changes how I create.

Recently, I met a man who owns a store in Big Bear, California.  He loves my journals and would like to have about 25 of them along with a story board display to sell in his store.  He loves them so much he will pay retail prices for the whole thing!  I am floored by his confidence and overwhelmed by such volume.  Its a great opportunity. 

There is a time factor of course, along with the set amount.  I am aware that even through my excitement, there is a bit of hesitancy, even a sensation of being a bit stifled.  Rather then create out of whatever impulse is wanting expression within me, I now have to create that 25 times!  Am I making this more complicated for myself then it has to be?  I wonder if this is really just an "upper limits" block I have and not an artists' sensibility and commitment to the authentic spontaneous creative process?

I dont' know.  But this really came up for me at with the fair.  I found myself calculating how many journals and art pieces I had to sell, compared to the time spent preparing, and money invested in participating with what needed to be sold in order to not only cover my time and invested money, but also create a profit.  :/

Taking all these things into consideration... I did not make a profit.  And I am trying to really learn that making a profit is just as important as the experience, and the fun, and the socializing.  I am finding this to be a challenge, particularly on how it colors my creative process.  I don't know how to create with free abandon while having all these considerations and calculations in my head.

Are any of you creatives hitting up against this?  How do you work with it?  I would love to get feedback and hear how you are all doing with this.

Immersed

Its been so so long since I have paid any attention to my poor lonely blog!  I have been in all sorts of projects.  I can't seem to sufficiently compartmentalize my different tasks in a way that allows for everything to get equal attention. This is a story I either need to embrace or find a way to shift.  Not sure which quite yet...

I'm learning things.  Continuting to slowing get comfortable with a digital SLR, and exploring my visions while wielding such an amazing tool.  And Photoshop!  I love Photoshop!  Everyday its a new discovery.  I long for those days in my early 20s when I could stay up all night completely immersed in some project or another.  These days, I'm immersed until sleep demands my presence, or another responsibility yanks me away.  My head swirls quite a bit these days though.  I find myself making lists not to keep track of what needs to be done, but to remind myself of what it is I am actually in the process of working on.  Does that make sense?  Its as if my brain can't hold it all.

Just typing this makes me want to create a list again.  Its like an itch on my brain.  Is it age, do you think?

Ok... here goes:

Sacred Pregnancy Book Project
Preparation for WomanSpirit Faire
Is It In My Eye Art Exhibition
Summer Zine Issue
Photo Transfer Project
3 Custom made journals
Learn everything there is to know about InDesign!

This list isn't helping me.  I was talking to a friend today and she mentioned getting a huge white erase board that I can outline every project on so that I would have a visual of it all as each project progresses.  I like the idea but have absolutely no room for something like this on any of my walls.  We are at capacity here!

I need to practice the balance.  And still savor the many details of my life and options right now.  I miss my blog.  I miss all of you, and I miss visiting your beautiful corners of this wonderful Web we have woven.  I am dancing about... and will continue to poke my head in as often as I can!