Blanket...

This is the yarn I picked for my granddaughter's first blanket. It matched some of the colors they are using in "Sweet Alice's" room. I say "first" because I'm also going to either quilt or applique a blanket for her too. Couldn't decide on one blanket, so why not both! But I'm most excited about beginning the process because it makes it really real. She is going to be here soon and working on the blanket(s) I will be thinking about her and crocheting and quilting with her grandmother's love in every stitch.

Ritual...

 

In the last couple of months, I've made it a ritual to light a candle each time I take time to honor my creative muse. It feels like a pause before I begin to make something that I don't know what it will be, but that I'm willing to show up and let the process speak to me.

Learning...

This is the beginning of the cooperative art journal I mentioned in an earlier post this month and I'm learning through my art that it is a lot about the unknown. The cover of the journal is not at all as I had invisioned when I had the idea of what I wanted the cover to be. But much like life, there is no "do over" and I can only make beautiful from what I already have. I don't know what the end result will be for my journal anymore then I know the end results for my life. But I can learn to trust the process and "know" no matter what it will be just what it is suppose to be. And yes... it may not be perfect but neither am I, but it is a special process because it is shared with a good friend and what couldn't be beautiful about that.

December...

 "We are all doing the very best we can, but doing isn't really what matters. It's the allowing of each day to move through us without getting caught up in the struggle."

As each day in December passes I find myself thinking about the new year and the intentions I hold to make each present moment a more conscious one, "When you are open to life, you create an energy force that says YES." I want to allow more and try to not get caught up in the struggle as much. I want to create more, and enjoy the process. I want to love and listen deeper to myself and all those in my life. I want to allow more energy to flow freely and hear the word " Yes" more often in my soul.

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Proud...

 The other day I attempted to can some broth I made to give as a gift to my sister. I had never canned before and I just did a lot of google searches and watching YouTube videos to try and piece enough information together to attempt it. I was a little hesitant, thinking I might blow up my kitchen but I learned it does have a escape valve on the top to keep that from happening... Whew! But I was so proud of myself because I have a really really hard time starting things, especially things like that I have never done before. And I don't usually even try things because I'm to scared of the process. It was a small victory in my personal growth to keep trying!!!!

Body...

I was thinking today as I did my regular yoga routine, how our bodies are run like a well oiled machine when taken care of. And I thought of yoga like the oil keeping my bones and joints moving ( kind of like the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz) and my thriving to eat healthy as the fuel in my tank that keeps me going strong. But for me it all stems for an every growing "self love"~ that is an ongoing process. Are there days when I wonder if I even ate a fruit or vegetable all day ~ absolutely, are there days when doing yoga and being still and meditating seem like it's to much work and it's easier to just skip it ~ absolutely! But my awareness of self care/self love brings me "back to center" and I start over again because I feel worthy...

Tested...

Trust is tested when what you had hoped and thought would happen is shattered. Now I must hold on to what I believe, which is "all is well and I am safe" and continue to trust that my path in this unknown will be just the right place for my children and I. There is comfort in knowing, I'm not doing this process alone. I had felt alone so many times in my life but life continues to show me over and over again... NO ~ you do not walk this path alone ~ so Trust in the process Nancy and you will be more then okay!

Creative Process...

This Christmas bulb in the picture is something I've been working on for a couple of days now. It's not perfect but that is okay and that is an unusual feeling for me when it comes to creativity. I just decided to wing it and see what I came up with. My oldest son got married two months ago and I wanted to make something using the invitation. Over my many years around this planet, I usually would not even attempt this project because I thought I might fail so I would never even start. So I have to say I'm quite proud of myself. I good feeling to close out another Christmas, another year!

Connected...

"I am learning to trust the journey even when I do not understand it."

Mila Bron

With each present moment that passes, with each encouraging word and help from a friend, with each piece of the process that falls into place, helps me "trust" in this journey that I don't understand where it's headed. And I think for the first time in my life I finally "know" that I am not going through this alone. I feel surrounded in love and that alone helps me to trust. We are not meant to walk this life by ourselves ~ we are all connected to the journey...

 Thanks for walking beside me as I continue to trust!

Croning Ceremony...

http://wildwomansisterhood.blogspot.com/2013/04/croning-ceremony-celebrating-wisdom-of.html

Tonight my friends had a Croning Ceremony for me and I couldn't have felt more LOVED. It was very special as each of them shared a part of themselves and just to sit among women honoring each others path in life was humbling. It was really neat as some of our daughters participated. My daughter was very taken with the whole process, to see the support and love that was shared and to witness a celebration that embraces a woman in their new stage in life. A truly amazing experience...

Thank you dear friends, you have given me a beautiful gift.

~ Namaste ~