I caught a few minutes of Sylvia Brown today on Montel Williams. This woman had shown her a photo of herself taken right after her mother's funeral service that looked almost identical to this one (except for the subject matter). Sylvia informed her that this was her angel watching over her. Check out the rainbow colored wings wrapped around us. This specific one of us was taken just before Sandra pronounced us husband and wife. The next shot was much sharper. I didn't enhance this photo at all. It's one of our originals. I'd wondered about it at first, but then figured it was just the sun, though felt connected enough to leave it in the slideshow.
Rather significant I thought.
We're going to Seaside for the weekend to rest up. Has been so chaotic around here for the last few months or so. Should be nice weather.Click on image to enlarge
A Journal I created out of creamy leather, bronze clay and mixed media.Click on image to enlarge..
I attended my friend, Sandra's Croning the other evening, which had a profound effect on me for some reason and I decided to put into writing my feelings after this amazing event.
Sandra had presented me with a lovely wand that she had crafted out of owl feathers. There was a little blue feather stuck in between the bigger ones that appeared as though it were "hiding" -which her and I both felt was rather significant.
I had responded that that's probably because I do indeed tend to hide at times.
I woke up in the night after that, and reflected for a long time about my past/present relationships. Then I did a deep meditation and a releasing ritual.
Here is the metaphor that I wrote in regards to the little blue feather.
My Cloaks
Every now and again, when I'm feeling especially vulnerable, I'll wrap myself up in the cloak that I wove many, many years ago out of sharp thorns, barbed wire, icy winds and regret.
It's painful when I wear it, needless to say, and rather unattractive, but it keeps people at a distance and also provides the illusion that I'm safe.
I don't wear that bitter cloak as often these days. Just once in a while -when I'm feeling especially vulnerable, as I mentioned previously.
I wove a new one over a dozen years ago out of colorful rainbows, laughter, moonbeams and golden light.
I was forced, kicking and screaming to come out of the shadows. Forced by the Universe and by my own basic truths. Forced by the pain of yet another failed relationship and by my own essential "Self" to Awaken and to cast off the heavy dark cloak of anger, depression and despair.
This awakening was a rather painful experience in itself. But necessary for my own survival (and for those poor unfortunate innocents around me).
The light hurt my eyes at first, and I didn't want to open them. I was afraid of what I might see. I was afraid of the changes that I would most certainly be required to make. I was afraid that I might trust again and be betrayed... once again.
But this is life on planet earth. And so be it.
Yes, I trusted. And I also suffered more woundings after that, some of them very deep indeed, but I finally realized that none of these wounds were actually fatal.
Dawning this new cloak was ultimately a more joyful experience than I can ever hope to express in mere words.
Like sleeping beauty waking up to her happily ever after, it makes me feel beautiful, and joyous. People stop me right on the street to admire its radiance. They've even been known to jump out from the bushes and try to yank it off of me, wishing to bask in it's wonderful healing rays.
I wrap it around me as I spread the word that we All are blessed with a certain amount of free will to make personal choices.
I don't wear that bitter cloak as often these days. Just once in a while -when I'm feeling especially vulnerable, as I mentioned a few times previously.
One of these days I just may throw it away for good.
This is a new, totally original piece I completed a few weeks ago called "Awakening Crone". She's emerging (bursting) through the illusions. Casting off her ego and her mask
Think I'll try to create happier faces on the next ones. She looks rather disillusioned at this point. Coming into her wisdom. She's 9" wide and 12" high with the tassels, though I can make her any size. She hangs flat on the wall over my alter on a little nail. She's formed of creamy, luxurious hand dyed (by me) 100 per cent Leather -front and back with sculpted clay/bronzed and painted face. Papier mache highlights (for color and texture), as well as a felting fabric I created (my own secret recipe). Completely weather proof. Hang her inside or out.Click on image to enlarge.
