"The Peony: A Kiss of Bliss"

I am smitten.

Peonies.

Their beauty and presence intoxicates my soul...

...especially peonies like these:

voluptuous,

feathery blooms,

....with a flirt of pink.

Yes, they've cast a spell over me.

They transport me to an "other" place.
Imbibing them visually, experiencing their presence...
is a kiss...of bliss.
A meditation of...
embodied gratitude.
A prayer answered.

* * *

Double-click on the photos

to "experience" the heavenly vibration

of these gorgeous Goddess Flowers...

their life-size Presence is breathtaking!

They continue to sweep me away

to an "other" world....
It's a soul love affair.

* * *

If I were a flower...
I would be the Peony...
Delicate,
other-worldy,
heavenly fragrant,
grace & beauty endlessly-unfolding.
A short-lived bloom....
and yet...
long-lived in the minds

and hearts
of those who knew me,
...a kiss...of bliss.
* * *
So...what flower would be?

Lattices in Winter: "Anticipation"

My Art in Every Day walk today revealed these bare lattices.

They fill me

with anticipation

of what is to come:

beautiful...

blooming...

colorful...

cascading

flowers.

It reminds me of the importance of our foundation; and how we too are challenged in the seasons of our lives to stand firm as needed...to bear the winters so we can support the harvest of our flowering life-seeds...our intentions...which bloom into... beautiful, colorful, and cascading...flowers of our life - vivid with color and emotion...

passion and inspiration...

seed pods...and transformation...

reflections...and lessons...

and blessings.

I'm at the Oasis!

Come on over! ...visit me at my blog: the Mandala Oasis !

"Lovee" - Intention Doll

Once my friend Brenda heard about, and saw my Intention Doll... she ordered one of her own...custom with her specific intent. Words cannot express how rewarding it is to create these dolls - each one (2 so far...and working on the third ordered by another friend) - not only a unique doll...but a unique experience...it's like giving birth....I'm sort of ...the Stork... delivering the dolls to their new family ..after Spirit creates. By the way... Brenda loved her doll!

I just love this process, and I'm so glad that I found out about Lisa Sorce Schmitz, and the healing art she facilitates at her Studio, Whispers from the Moon...which you can read about here. She offers a banquet of goodies for the soul; one of which will be my SoulCollage workshop on January 24, 2009 - which you can read about here.

Intention Doll

What an amazing experience...creating this "Intention Doll" - at a workshop faciliated by Lisa, owner of Whispers From the Moon. The photos can't capture the charm and presence of this doll, but believe me...she is something special. The workshop was truly an experience of creative bliss. It's like 3D Soul Collage!

Speaking of SoulCollage....I'll be facilitating a SoulCollage Workshop at Whispers from the Moon on January 24, 2009! If you're in the Chicago area want to attend the workshop, - OR be added to my mailing list...send me an e-mail: cherylsworld at hotmail.com - I'll be happy to add your name.

Dialing it down...

Teri has inspired me to try more Haikiu, so...here goes:

Coming in for a landing
It's the purple path
Sacred balance is the way

In an effort to dial down the pace of my life...and create more time for simply being, as well as to further nurture and develop my creative dreams...I will not be posting here for a while. I will however, post from time to time on my Mandala Oasis and SoulCollage blogs; so please...come visit me there! And in case you don't know yet... I am overjoyed that we've created a creative & kindred community at the Mandala Oasis Yahoo! Group, which you are welcome to join us if you'd like to explore your creativity and inner-landscape in a spontaneous way.

Please know, it has been most rewarding getting to know you all over the last year; and your presence has enriched my life more than you might know. Take care...be well...be creative..and keep shining your light! I'll hope to see you at my Mandala Oasis blog.

Love,
Cheryl
P.S. The orange text is a live link

Do you know who this is?

Hi everyone - I sure could use your help. Do you know anything about this being? Or the language that's on the card? It breezed into the life of a kindred spirit while we were talking.. ...very synchronistic. We both would love to know more about it, and the language it's written it as well as what it says. I know, it's a tall order : ) Anything you can do to help is appreciated.

Arte y Pico Award

I have had a double honor....of having this Arte y Pico award bestowed upon me, twice! First from the lovely and creative Sue of Sacred Circle Mandalas . If you've not yet visited her blog...get ready! Sue creates some of the most incredible natured-sourced digital mandalas I've ever seen. Sue definitely has an affinity to the plant world, and for touching our heart and soul with her art.
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My friend Pattie of ...well now let's see, which one of her blogs should I mention :) - OK...Pattie of Artfully Yours! Pattie is an amazing, self-taught artist...that alone blows me away. She designs everything, but lays claim to "surface desinger". Pattie designs art for walls, ceilings, murals; creates items for swaps and, tranforms dollar store merchandise into priceless keepsakes. I can't even name everything that Pattie creates. She has also been freatued several times in numerous art publications.
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Both Sue and Pattie are members of the very kindred online community I started, called: The Mandala Oasis. Most of all - Sue's and Pattie's art and their presence in my life and our world makes everything a lot more beautiful. I thank you ladies for sharing this award with me.
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The Arte y Pico Award is meant to be paid forward to five bloggers who you want to recognize for their creative talents, interesting material, and overall contribution to the blogger community...helping to make the world a better place, one blog pots at a time! And now...the envelope please! (click to see their blogs):
Doreen
Anne Marie
Helen
Karin
Pilar

Congratulations you remarkable, creative, compassionate women! Now it's your turn...
If you have been selected for the award, please pay it forward, following the steps below:
1) Choose 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award based on creativity, design, interesting material, and overall contribution to the blogger community, regardless of the language.
2) Post the name of the author and a link to his or her blog so everyone can view it.
3) Each award-winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award.
4) The award-winner and the presenter should post the link of the "Arte y pico" blog so everyone will know the origin of this award.
5) Please post these rules! - Be my guest to copy and paste from here.
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The Arte y Pico blog is in Spanish. To read it in English, click here. The translation is not perfect.

Star Mandala

This star mandala is on it's way to Jillian Curtis and her sons in Minnesota for a memorial project they have created; details of the project are *here. I colored it specifically for Jillian's project using PrismaColor markers. The beautiful mandala design is by *Clare Goodwin . If you would like to contribute a star, or stars of any kind, Jillian can be contacted through her blog*. She would be delighted to hear from you. ~ Namaste.

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You can see my hand-drawn mandalas on this blog, as well as on on my new mandala blog, here* -- Thanks for coming by!

*(live link)

Mother Nature's Mandalas

Don't ya just love the way Mother Nature creates her own mandalas? And...I just love her flower mandalas, especially these - a series of clusters is quite unique.
A few days after my birthday...I opened my office door and this batch of potted mums...(did you know mums could be so beautiful?!)... greeted me like a choir! They were so perky & colorful ..and gorgeous...I swear they were swaying when I walked in! They were a gift from a thoughtful, sweet guy who waters my plants for me, long after I've forgotten about them.


There are so many things and reasons to be thankful, and natural beauty and color raises that "gratitude vibration"...family and friends raise it a thousand fold!

"Beauty is truth, and truth... beauty." ~J. Keats.

Oasis Mandala

Deep in the center, benevolent energy radiates from deep within the layers. Ripples shimmy-out and touch the whole...sending gentle shock waves from bud, to petal, to bloom...then stem...and...the entire bloomin' galaxy......calling back to itself all that is familiar......sounding to the kindred invitation:

"Come....let us gather and quench our creative souls together..at the Oasis."

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Hello everyone and mandala enthusiasts especially... My love of the mandala process, and a good friend, has inspired me to start an online community. You are invited to join us at the new and exciting Mandala Oasis - a kindred Yahoo! Community that focuses on the intuitve art of making your own mandalas...their inspirations and insights. In honor of this and the one year I've been on this mandala journey...I have created a new blog just for mandalas! I look forward to still seeing you here though, where I will continue to post other creative musings, insights and gratitude.

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"The only way to truly understand mandalas is to draw them." ~Michael Brown Ed. S. ~from Meeting the Mandala, by Clare Goodwin

Whispering Petals Mandala & the Creativity Club Sandwich (CED 2008)

The flower petals in this mandala twirl and reveal their whisperings of harmony and nurturance: grace, joy, trust, shadow, light, giving, gratitude and more. I find it a bit mesmorizing. It actually feels like the petals are twirling a litte, like a windmill catching a breeze. I'm transported to a place of slowing down, and being present to the moment.

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Being an "everyday creative", as Eric Maisel mentions in his, The Creativity Book - soothes my soul like nothing else. Creative expression creates a silent conversational dance between the greater part of me that stands ajar noticing what I'm doing, thinking and being - and the rest of me.

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My Muse, the guardian angel of my creative spirit, informs me of ways new ways to "sandwich" creativity it into my every day. The good news is it's a Creativity Club Sandwich! Isn't that great?! That means it's double...no, triple-decker creativity of many appetizing pieces! Sometimes the creativity is the main sandwich ingredient, and sometimes it's the condiments, or the garnish...depending on the nuggets of time and place that are available.

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A Creativity Club Sandwich...is a small yet, potent way we can be everyday creatives. This mandala was made that way, on dayplanner paper one bite at a time over a few days. So now, any impatience lessens while waiting in line, or at the drive thru, or at an appointment. Now...a seeming-delay becomes a Creative Oasis calling for you to dive in and take a bite (or a nibble) of the Creativity Club Sandwich that has materialized before you. ~ Yes...creativity one bite at a time and sandwiched into our everday life. Delicious!

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Like many of us, my artist-cyberfriend Leah is an "everyday creative" too. She's created her wildly successful and fun Creative Every Day 2008 project, which I am giddily thrilled to be a part of! - Leah's project has grown from being held once a year, to an ongoing project throughout 2008. Thank you, Leah! You can click on over to her site...and check it out!

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One more thing, can someone please help me...? Do you know why there's a bluish tint in the background of my photos? And, can you tell me how I can fix it? I appreciate any help you can give. Thanks!

Mountainous Whimsy! (CED 2008)

Oh what fun

"creating on the fly" is! Giving myself a limited time in the spirit of play...and who knows what will show up. This is another creation on blank dayplanner paper. So, now I'm caling these "Dayplanner Doodles".

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Thank goodness for portable creativity! Some people carry books on their daily commute (which I alternate those :) but often I carry markers or colored pens, and blank paper in my dayplanner; and..I have an extra stash of markers at work for when I'm on the phone and on "hold". My friend Pattie calls those "Phone Doodles". It's a beautiful thing... to take a minute here and there to draw without mental investment in the outcome....to do it for creativity's sake...and to delight our creative spirit.

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Sometimes I look at this dayplanner doodle, and it feels a little creepy...like it could walk in all directions simultaneously...now that IS creepy!..yikes! And...at other times it feels like fun that has broken out all over....one big party! (What does it look like to you?) - And that eye at the bottom...it's watching over us to remind us...to have fun, be creative, take time to smell the flowers...and give ourselves permission for all of this ...and more. Give it a try...see what you come up with doodling a little bit here, a little bit there...and if you'd like to share it...I'd love to see it!

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This is entry #2 for Inspire Me Thursday, click here to see #1. This also doubles as an entry for Leah's inspiring project: Creative Every Day 2008 (click to see it).

The Color Purple

Now this is the Art in Every Day I'm talking about! This beauty welcomes our

appreciation of it. It was a wondrously, glorious and beautiful day to celebrate Nature's beauty at the Lilac Festival!

Who would have thought there are so many different varieties and shades of lilacs! The wind was blowing when I took that first photo...but even though it's a little blurry...it makes it easier for you to smell the lilac's windblown fragrance...right?















Appreciating and sharing Mother Nature's jewels is another way to honor being Creative Every Day*. The Lilac Fest donned bountiful, fragrant and numerous varieties of lilacs.
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We heard lots of "ooos" and "ahhhs"...and we were giddy as we stopped to "smell the flowers". The clear blue sky and Spring breeze werethe perfect backdrop to show off these lilacious gems!


Isn't this one gorgeous! Its color is a pinkish purple, and the flowers grow elongated on the branch vs. in clusters like the others.

Nature's beauty knows no boundaries... it overflows...and grows. What a gift to have such beauty around us.

Thank you God, thank you Universe, thank you Spirit, thank you Mother Nature, thank you Father Sun...thank you... thank you... thank you...for this captivating slideshow of your creativity.
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*Click that link above,or the badge on my sidebar to see Leah's "Creative Every Day 2008" project -

A Smile of Whimsy

Isn't it interesting that oftentimes the most quirky, fun and fun creative activity comes on a "whim"? You know...

when you decide in the blink of an eye to pick up a marker and squiggle something? ..or you let your hands do what they will and it delights your senses? ...without a left-brained thought? Now THAT..is fun!

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That's what happened with this "A Smile of Whimsy" mandala. I created it while doodling on a sheet from my Franklin-Covey dayplanner. It might've been while I was on "hold" during a phone call. I created a section in my planner with blank paper just for just the purpose of capturing my creative whims....and I'm so glad I did! And...it's a perfect fit for this week's theme of "Whimsy" at Inspire Me Thursday click here to see whimsical entry #2 - wow, this was fun!

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I find it delightful that certain shapes, colors and a feel of movement in a piece just makes me smile from deep inside. That's why this is "A Smile of Whimsy"...and I'm happy to share it with you! Here's to a day filled with whimsical smiles...from the inside, out!

Dancing Heart

Wow! Does it feel good to be back in the Land of Blog. I feel refreshed, and feel myself renewing more each day. You know how it is when you need a break from something...and the time away can sometimes allow you to appreciate that thing even more? That's what this time has been for me. Visiting your blogs during this time kept me plugged-in creatively; so thank you for blogging your creative pursuits and your lives...it's a beautiful golden thread that keeps us woven together in spriit.

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...And...what better way to re-enter the blogosphere than with the creative promptings of Muse Melanie of Inspire Me Thursday... with the theme of "Doors"....and what better doorway than the heart. Feeling it, listening to it, and heeding it. When I do that life's doors open to me...Life itself opens it's arms wider; when I push too hard...the door's opening isn't as wide. When I let the door of my heart bekon me to it's promptings, (i.e. nurturing myself) everything falls into place. The heart in this mandala is happy...it's an emerging, dancing heart! It's a celebratory, radiating heart...and its door is open...and for that I am thankful.

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Thank you to Krissie, Beverly , and Karin - your loving comments on my post yesterday opened my heart's door even more! You all are awesome!

Thank you - I'll be back!

Hi everyone,
I know it's been a while since I've posted...and my posting patterns have changed a bit...but I will be back! Thank you everyone who's posted a comment, or e-mailed me asking if I'm coming back :) I assure you that I am. Balance, harmony, wholeness, and being present to the moment, inner-listening...all of these I've been working with more intently in my off-line life; I'll be sharing that with you as I begin to post again, more regularly. Thank you all for staying tuned-in to me...and I'll continue to staying in touch with what you're up to via your blogs too. I thank you for your creative inspiration and kindred spirits that continue to share with me.

With love...
Cheryl

Ladders to the Sun

Hi everyone! I miss you all! I'm ridin' the waves of my many creative passions. Once again my mandala medicine is my North Star. I made this one in November, and several days later I noticed the ladder-looking image...leading to the sun...to greater illumination, health, joy, order and beauty...whatever I am needing.

Whew! I'm determined to balance my creative passions as well as other facets of my life...so many things I like to do! Barbara Sher says those of us who like to do a million different things that we are "renaisssance souls" and talks about this in her book, "Refuse to Choose", which is on it's way to me now! Anyway, I am in SoulCollage® mode now (you can see one of my latest cards here) and loving it. It's what my soul is thirsty for right now. I am making it more a part of my daily/weekly life: making cards, doing readings, discovering more about myself and working through parts that are challenging or try to dominate my life. For instance my "creative/artist part" has been dominating for a long time, and it's time let the part of me that is supposed to handle the business/home-caring of living take center stage. SoulCollage® is unique and helping me balance that out, so I'll be making a card to honor that part of me...and allowing those two parts of myself have a conversation; it's so interesting to work it out this way! I've become my own art therapist!

Creating mandalas is still a part of my menu of practices. Their illuminating power is invaluable...plus, as you know they're relaxing and fun to just let go and "color and play inside the circle". Please keep me posted on the mandalas you make! Just in case you need a refill, here's my prescription for mandala medicine. Happy creating!

Marvelous Moon

For me, the words
"marvel-
ous" and
"moon" go hand in hand. My daughter's first name means
"like the moon" and her middle name means "marvelous", in Swahili. So, this week's creative prompt - "Faces" - at Inspire Me Thursday was the perfect opportunity to share the face of my Marvelous Moon mandala. Her face is pretty cool to me, and...she has a mystical feel...like she's rolling along in space, sight-seeing the universe and in awe of it all. I suspect I'll glance at her one day and I'll hear volumes of insight. Her journey is indeed a marvelous one...just "like the moon".

Believe! ~ Defying Gravity!

Whispers from my heart gently, yet strongly sing out...

"Believe". Yes,

"believe" is the guiding intention that's trumpet-

ing me into this new year; and in its wake I hear the words..."dream bigger"..."believe in the possibility...infinite possibilities. Just believe, Cheryl!?
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What a gift! I know that living in and from that consciousness..allowing it to further blossom within my Being...yields an abundant harvest of love, health, well-being, joy and creativity. Years ago Emily Dickinson wrote, "I dwell in possibility". That's wise counsel even today. To dare to dwell in the possibility of what can be. Ahh...the anchoring contentment of living from that space of infinite possibilities, and "allowing" life to unfold. My heart speaks to, and teaches me from its sacred spaces of non-resistence and possibilities. Yes...we're beginning a new chapter in our Book of Life...365 new pages...each day a blank page of possibilities to fill.
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This mandala invites me into its mystical center, beckoning me to cross its threshold and enter its exhilarating, transformative Realm of Pure Potentiality...where Infinite Possibilities await our acceptance. So...here's to living in and from our personal Land of Oz...Defying Gravity along the way. I invite you to join me; and..to get us off to a soaring and roaring start, here's inspiration for Defying Gravity...direct from the spell-binding cast of Wicked! click here.

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So, I ask..."How will you defy gravity this year?" As for me, I'm allowing myself to really believe! ~ Believe I can: restore health & balance, get to bed earlier, balance my checkbook, dance in the rhythm of life...and create my home as a portrait of my heart...and my art; and to remember to "dwell in possibility" of what can be, believe in myself and the goodness of others...in each moment. Here's to us - defying gravity - and traveling as light as a feather.

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

I AM THE NEW YEAR. - I am unused, un-

spotted, without blemish, I stretch before you 365 days long. I will present each day in its turn; a new leaf In the book of life for you to place upon it your imprint.

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I AM THE NEW YEAR. - Each hour of every day, I will give you 60 minutes that have never known the use of man...white and pure I present them; It remains for you to fill them with 60 jeweled-seconds of love, hope, endeavor, patience, and trust.

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I AM THE NEW YEAR. - I am coming...but once past, I can never be recalled. Make me your best! ~~(Author, unknown, but very appreciated!)
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This is one of my favorite declarations/poems/inspirations (this is one of a few versions). May we all receive from this what what speaks to us the most...and may these whispers be our companion as we begin a new page of a new chapter in the book of our lives...one day, one moment, one breath at a time. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!

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(P.S. As usual, the Mystical Mandala Medicine continues to inform me of my inner-life. I had no idea this mandala would evovle into a Christmas-ornament/holiday spirt energy. Hmm...I've got more of the Christmas spirit that I realized. -- This mandala. I created this in early December. -- (Submitted to Inspire Me Thursday "Holiday" prompt.)

Meet Kamaria!

I'd like you to meet Kamaria. She's my beautiful, generous, witty, courageous daughter that I talk about in the "Tag!" post below. So.. here are a few quick morsels about her:

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1. She's a stitch! She's very funny...and will have you laughing before you know it, whether she's discussing real life, or telling a funny story.. it's that no-nonsense, quick-witted-clarity that is just so genuine and fair-minded...you can't help but love her.

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2. She's creative, in an "inventor" type of way. At age 13 she created a pully-device in her bedroom which she could operate while lying in bed. The purpose of this contraption? To turn off the light switch without her having to get out of bed! She and my dad were bosom buddies...and often made things together in his wood shop. No wonder she loved the movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!..that Dick Van Dyke was always inventing something!

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3. Oh my gosh, Kamaria is really good a paradies! She comes up with them in the blink of an eye. In Jr. High, whenever there was tension with a classmate...she'd come home and write a parody based one of the popular songs of the day...using one of the trouble-makers names, and creating lyrics that would just make them...back-off! They were so stunned, they had no come-back...(it kinda messed with their mind)...so they just left her alone. Oh, how powerful our mind is...using words and ingenuity as a neutralizer.

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4. Kamaria made it her business to graduate from college in three years, she's now wrapping up her Masters in Corporate & Mass Communications. Her undergrad was in Radio, TV and Film, with a minor in Spanish.

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5. She likes music, puzzles, bowling, trying new things; she likes to create/build things, do stuff around the house i.e. cutting the grass, and...she & friends recently layed laminiate wood in her living room; and she's always fine-tuning her vision of what she wants to do in her home...and her life. These are just a few things that she likes.

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6. Kamaria is family oriented. When I visit her...I hang out with her and her friends...we have a good time!

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What I'm most proud of is...that she's a good person. She's a caring, giving, thoughtful, compassionate Soul. I am so thankful that we've been so blessed to be in this life together, as mom and daughter. I just love her!

Tag! ...I'm "it"

My friend Megan, of A Month of Todays has tagged me..I don't normally do these...but..what the heck....'tis the season. Here's how this works...I post 7 random tidbits, fact or fiction, about myself... and then three tag others to do do the same...

OK...here goes:
1. I have a beautiful, creative, witty and courageous daugter...she'll soon be 25 years of age.
2. I always wanted to be a school teacher, but was discouraged by another teacher in the 70s due to the surplus of teachers. I would've specialized in English/Language Arts...
3. I'm a Certified Empowerment Coach (aka Life Coach) - a 2003 graduate of IPEC; added to that in 2006 with Jill Badonsky's Creativity Coaches Training; however, my day-job is in broadcast advertising with the ABC Television Network.
4. I've written about 20 poems
5. I majored in Clothing & Textiles in school
6. In 1998 I ran a half-marathon, 2 hours, 12 minutes
7. I'm a homebody
...The End...
So now..I'm tagging: Krissie of Message in a Bottle, Karin of Creative Chaos and Annie of Journey Through Life, and Beverly of Embrace Your Gifts & Soar!
If you decide to participate, here's the way it works: In a post on your blog, link to the person who tagged you (that would be me) and share 7 random and/or weird things about yourself...or make them up(!)...who would know? Then tag 3 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs, along with "the way it works." Let each person know that they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog. Hope you find some fun with this.

Intentions: In Living Color

Once again...I'm inspired by Krissie's post at her blog, Haiku in a Bottle...I just love it! So I decided to share a Haiku of mine too. Thank you Krissie...and the creators of Haiku Therapy, and Haiku: One Deep Breath.

As the sun rises in this mandala, I reflect on my perinneal intention to live a loving, healthy, fulfilled, joyful and creative life. One that is filled with beauty, color and fun...sprinkled with an abundance of "loved ones"...family & my family of friends...this means you! Ahh, I am indeed...wealthy. Life is good..
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"Our intentions are
the atmosphere in which we
live our truth out loud"
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So...here's to living out loud!!...and in living color!

Now You See it, Now You Don't

Inspire Me Thursday's "Paradox" Challenge:
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Creating intuitively...heck, living intuitively is my prefered way of travel while on this this yellow brick road we call... "life". -- I began this mandala with a few random, intuitive strokes the other night ...just to do a little something creative and colorful before going I went to bed. -- The second night I decided to add a dab of red in the middle..just a few strokes...then off to bed. -- The next night it caught my eye while reading...so I added more red...first on the lower-right. Oooo! I liked that! And...then the upper arc...then the lower-left portion begged for red's attention. The next thing I knew I had the red planet, Mars...peaking from behind geometric windows of apple green, indigo and shades of violet....or did I? Where'd it go?!! It was there a minute ago! --Arrrrgg!! -- Oh..there is is! "Now you see it ...Now you don't"...Must be a paradox!
Soooo...what do YOU see?

The Bottom of My Heart

Art Every Day Month ~

"Love...

from the bottom of my heart."

This mandala puzzled me at first. Since my mandalas are

"stream of

conscious-

ness" creations,

I remembered to trust the process, even though I didn't like the black; and in trusting...this mandala revealed much to me.

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So...tonight as I pondered "The Bottom of My Heart" mandala I now see that its center it's alive and well and robust and red! And, that is the case no matter what...that's the core, the Eternal Truth of the matter; that...no matter what seeming-darkness comes into life...vibrant life is at the center; burning away any clouds, misunderstandings, negative emotions, restlessness....whatever might get in the way of well-being. And...like the Pheonix Rising from the ashes, new life prevails..."renewed life". The black is a reminder of those ashes...and the Phoenix principle, and THAT is a blessing. To quote one of my very first spiritual teachers (whom I think the world of), Louise L. Hay..."Deep at the Center of my being there is an infinite well of love*..." so...may we realize, acknowledge and be guided by it, and feel and live the love, joy and peace it gives. May you be well.

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* "Deep at the Center..." is the title of a written piece, consisting of wonderful, uplifting, flowing affirmations of self-love, created by Louise L. Hay. It's been a part of my life since 1990, and reading it aloud creates beautiful shifts within me that I cannot explain. I dare you to read it and not feel good! :) -- You can read it here. - Enjoy...

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Celebrating "Art Every Day Month" (click here) - or at least "posting" some art in some of those "every days" LOL!!

My Unique Way

Art Every Day Month -- Out of this world! -- at least in my subconscious. These lines and angles keep showing up!! What's up with that? I'm not usually drawn to them...but here they are! Hmm...I'll have to let this sit with me...incubate a while and invite Insight to come. What flashes in my mind as I write this is: I normally have a difficult time following a "straight and narrow" structure of doing things; although I know it has it's advantages, it not "my way"...it's not the way that energizes me.
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My natural way of being and doing is the scenic, meandering route....letting myself gradually get into the spirit of what "I" need before I tend to outside needs of the day. This usually includes a leisure cup of tea, gently waking up, consciously breathing, inner-time....a little time with Ike..."easy does it" is key for me. Then...my energy and focus build naturally from that and I'm on my way, otherwise it can be too jolting, unsettling...discombobulating.
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What it boils down to is recognizing, acknowledging, valuing... and giving myself permission to do things "My Way" as Frank Sinatra would say. Now I get it! That's what the lines and pathways in this mandala are about... they symbolize me staying "my" course, staying on "my" path...and embracing & celebrating "my" unique way of doing things...and to not allow things in my periphery to distract me from following "my" unique way. And what a bold, colorful way it is! Today, may you acklnowledge, embrace and celebrate your unique way...and unique you!

The Cutting Edge

Art Every Day Month:

Thank you for hanging in there with me during my blogging slow-down, and I love the wonderful comments you left for me :). I've been enjoying creature comforts of the season: a slower pace, staying warm, puttering and enjoying home. I've also been contemplating a crochet/knitting project, and cooking more than usual...but still not that much (ha ha)!

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Now...about this mandala. I realized after making it that it's about me realizing my Cutting Edge of awareness, and of "cutting through static"...whatever that means on any given day; be it internal or external static. Actually, it's a reminder to me that "static on the inside = static on the outside", and when it's neutralized within there's no static without, just beautiful life reigns and a deeper, more expanded dimension permeates my experience of living...everything around me is...plush. When that happens my surroundings having a depth that's almost magical...or is it me? That's the amazing experience I have after participating in a community drumming circle where everyone is a kindred spirit. I did that with a friend this summer, I swear...there's something about drumming ...its rhythm vibrates within our bodies and surroundings and a force field of healing, protection, love and peace is everywhere! It is awesome! The power of drumming is a Cutting Edge...and a greater vibration lingers in its wake. Truly an amazing experience. I thank this mandala - #80 - for reminding me of that.

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This post is a part of Leah's Fifth Annual Art Every Day Month! Thanks for the inspiration Leah. Although I won't be posting daily, I will be working on something creative every day and will post it through out the month. Maybe you'll join us? Check it out here.

Green Oasis Mandala

This Green Oasis Mandala provides respite for my soul. Its colors and shapes, and its Center Oasis, or eye, invites me to go deep into its presence of wholeness, freedom, peace...and bliss. I hear whispers beckoning me to "just let go" and rest. This mandala is a haven for me, and of all the mandalas I've made, this is the first one that has affected me this way. This intuitive art-making is truly a fascinating journey. I never know what's going to show up on the page, and I find that refreshing and gratifying. Yes, Intuition knows just what she's doing... so I curtsy to her as well as the the Oasis inside this mandala...and the Oasis inside of me...and I say thank you. Yes, I let the mandala medicine have it's way with me...I just Let it Be.

Mandala #77

Inpire Me Thursday: Hats Off!

This week at Inspire Me Thursday we are prompted to put on our creative caps and be inspired by...HATS! "Make a hat, alter a hat, draw a hat, paint a hat, or whatever else your creative genius may conjure up."

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I immediately thought of the fun, easy, breezy hats I love to wear during the summer...and while on vacation in sunny places. This photo was taken not that long ago while in Jamaica with friends...in Ocho Rios to be exact. That's me in the floppy hat and jeans shorts, and Deb in black wearing her very cool baseball cap. Boy did we all have fun on that trip! One reason I like summer hats is because they help shield us a bit from the hot sun**. And, I don't know why but wearing summer hats stirs up fun, freedom and yes...playfulness within me. So, here's "hats off" to all three...and to you too!

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**I must share this healthful tip with you in case you want to give it a try...plus, you know I can't keep good stuff to myself! (You can click on the purple text, which is linked to the site) -- As you know hats don't protect us from the harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun, but MelanSol® 100% Natural Sunscreen does. And better yet, MelanSol® does NOT contain any of the harmful cancer-causing chemicals that are present in many (if not all) of the popular, mainstream sunscreens. A bonus is that I'm enjoying its anti-aging benefits, and since the sun's harmful rays are ever-present rain, overcast or shine, I now use it as my year round facial moisturizer. My skin has a healthier glow and I feel good that I'm providing natural, healthy nourishment for it. Others notice too, as I frequently receive compliments! Most important, MelanSol® is one more essential ingredient I've added to my recipe for healthy living. ~ It's primarily available online at the offical MelanSol® website from which you can receive a free sample here. "Hat's off" to enjoying the sun, safely.

Squiggly Sunburst Mandala

Ahh...

these emerging squiggles always delight me! This was the second mandala of this kind. The first one was the Diamond Drum. They both found their way into my mandala journal this summer. I love the way they energize me with their their exuberant & colorful bursts of energy. Each one wiggling and then bursting mid-stream...popping with life! Seeing this reminds me of the radiant energy that's at my center...and yours, and it feels good! It brightens me up and makes me smile. So...here's to my smiles & yours....and to letting our true colors shine through...in every day...and in all seasons.

Mandala 69

Mystical Mandala Journey

It's been five months since I began my Mystical Mandala Journey. I'm 76 mandalas deep into this soothing and revealing soul-homeopathic remedy that I call Mandala Medicine.

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In this time I've seen recurring symols and themes in the mandalas I've made, which I've linked to as follows: There're the eyes, the V-like symbols, the squiggly lines, color explosions, as well as fun & games, to name a just a few...all of them revealing more insights into myself, more opportunities to see and grow, and listen; more chances to share, inspire, and to be inspired. I've witnessed Mandala Medicine make a difference in the lives of people, as mentioned in the wonderful comments, and in my post on Making Your Own Mandala Medicine.

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It's been a fascinating journey. I appreciate every single one who has come and joined in this Mystical Mandala Journey, for it is truly "Our Journey"...and I'm blessed, honored and thrilled to be sharing it with such talented, caring, generous, creative, supportive and inspiring people. YOU make it fun and inspiring for me; and I look forward to the next 76+ mandalas, mine and yours...as well as whatever your heart and soul decides to create, and share.

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I also want to thank Muse Melanie, creator of Inspire Me Thursday. Melanie, through your vision and commitment to living a creatively inspired life, you have broadened the horizons of my life exponentially with an opportunity to expand, be inspired, and be a part of a growing family of art-inspired friends and muses from all over the world! Thank you for opening the portals of your imagination to us.

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Godspeed...and I thank you all for being in my life...indeed, this means YOU!

(Mandala #49)

Mandala 48 - The Enigma

Usually I have an idea about the message, or symbolism in the mandalas I make. This one is more of an enigma. I sense the "centered sight, and connection" but that's about it. So, this is yet another ingredient of Mandala Medicine: Sometimes it's about expressing and releasing, and understanding comes later. It's a lot like SoulCollage® in that way. So, when I'm ready I'll quiet myself and dialogue with this "Enigma". Hmm.. perhaps it symbolizes that part of me I've yet to discover or understand. Now there's some food for thought...huh?

Almost a Square...

Inspire Me Thursday's creative prompt this week is "Square". I know this isn't exactly a square, but hey,

considering I normally make mandalas...this is close enough for me! In my "mandala mind" anything with angles can qualify as needed: a square, a rectangle, or a triangle..LOL! : )

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I do like this bright, boldly-colored, blooming flower, which evolved over a few days. Back in the summer I wanted to try my hand at something other than mandalas, just to see how it felt; plus I was trying out my new Prismacolor markers. And...even though I'm pleased with how this came out, I realize that I just don't resonate with straight lines and angles as a defined area to create in. If I get too many lines and angles in my mandalas, I get the heebie-jeebies!** I have this vibe going with the mandala...so I'll continue to honor that. And every now and then, as the muse moves me, I'll explore other shapes to work within, but for now I'm happy to be a mandala girl!

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** And I can't argue with what comes up though, since it's created in the "stream of consciousness" state. I'll just stay tuned to what the lines and angles have to say to me when they do show up.

A Purrr-fect Evening

My Sacred Life:
As a part of winding down tonight, after a rather hectic day at work...and as my kitty, Ike, was meowing away for my attention...I realized that giving him the attention he needed could also serve me as well...and it did. I grabbed his brush and we sprawled out in the living room floor...by the way he "luuuvs" to get brushed... and we just had a little Purr-fest. I'm brushing and he starts purring...my mind relaxes and I feel an inner-hum myself. It was a sacred, synchronistic dance. It was our "we time". It was rather meditative...the only sounds were that of his purring... oh so soothing...it was music to my ears and heart. A beautiful way to end the day. Thank you Ike.

To visit other My Sacred Life participants, click here.

Women for Women International

Being able to share what I have be it ideas, knowledge, patience, food or money, etc. ...pleases my soul immensely. A while back I decided to sponsor a "sister" through Women For Women International. Many of these women live in war-torn countries, have no electricity or indoor plumbing, and live in fear for their lives, and their children's lives. Women for Women Int'l provides these women support and education to create a better life.

Over the summer my first sponsoree/sister graduated from the program. She writes to let me know of her progress and success since she started the program. Her life has improved in the following ways: the general health of her and her family, ability to get timely medical care, sense of self-confidence, support network, relationship with husband, role as community leader, ability to decide which children got to school...and to send them; as well as her economic situation. That's a wonderful dividend for a heart-investment, and it's less than a dollar a day per month. Giving, indeed is the gift... to the giver as well as the receiver. Another ingredient of my sacred life.

Tangerine Mango Mandala

Inspire Me Thursday's creative prompt this week is using a "Limited Palette". We were asked:
"What colors surround you most… what colors repeatedly draw you in… what colors symbolize what is going on in your life right now?"

Well..."mango" has resonated with me for over a year now. It's been "cantaloupe mango"...and these shades feel like a "tangerine mango" to me. I've been so passionate about Mango that I named my home creative space my "Magical Mango Studio". It's sweet, furry mascot is my Mango Kitty, Ike. And...my fabulously talented artist-friend Pattie Mosca created Magical Mango Kitty to grace the wall of my mango-colored studio (oh, be sure to see the 2nd photo of the finished kitty). So...there was no doubt what my choice would be for this Thursday Inspirational prompt... Mango Mandala Madness! After partaking of my mandala medicine, I found it very interesting and amusing to look at this mandala "all the way around" so I posted three more views separately, below. This one is what resonated with me most, although the horizon view, as I call it, was a close second. May you enjoy this bit of tangerine-mango today.

(Using Prismacolor markers is a completely different creative experience vs. using my Crayola Super Tips...which I love those too. Mandala #74)

Tangerine Mango Mandala~ Triple-play

Hmm, a different way...








...of seeing...





...possibilities...

My Sacred Life: Surrender

"The creative process is about surrender, not control."
~ Julia Cameron

And, since living is a creative process... I honor the principle of surrender. It's funny that this quote came to me today since I just wrote about surrender two days ago. I love it when that happens, it's like the Universe is blowing me a kiss saying: "Here sweetie, this one's for you"! Yes...the release and power of surrender is indeed a haven, for that's when I get to flow with life rather than against it (i.e. unconsciously trying to impose my will on situations, people, places and things). Yep... "Row, row, row your boat gently down the stream"... It's the only way to go. Realizing this makes the moments that are my life... more full, textured and rich...and yes, sacred. Yes...life is good!
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To see all the Sacred Life participants click here.

Making your own Mandala Medicine

Creatimg mandalas is fun, easy, and reveals ourselves to ourselves in one way or another.

I love, love, love making them, sharing them, and encouraging others to do the same. That makes them an essential ingredient in My Sacred Life. They are my spirit medicine...my "mandala medicine" as I now call it. Although, nothing needs to be ailing for me to benefit from this relaxing, and energizing form of creativity and self-discovery.

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I've written my personal prescription for creating your own Mandala Medicine, at the end of a few posts, but today when I received the following e-mail from sister-blogger Kelly...I knew I wanted to make the Prescription a separate post so others can begin making their own and join in the fun, creativity and sharing of insights that come from this creative prescription. Kelly writes:

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"Your mandalas really inspired me. You can tell yours are dancing and open to Spirit. That's what made me want to sit down and do one... the idea that there are no rules except to keep it kind of circular. :) Other mandala sites made me feel intimidated, but your site is encouraging everyone to try it. Thank you for that."

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Thank you Kelly! I love it when things work together like this... inspiration begets inspiration! ...and "thank you everyone" who comes and shares your kindred spirits here.

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Within the last few days I became aware of three people making mandalas who have stopped by this blog at some point. I was thrilled when Patti of Welcome to My Universe, left a comment saying she was going to make mandalas, and did she ever! That same day she made three, and then two more of late. From her blog I found Kelly's Kikipotamus the Hobo, (you must read her profile re: her blog name!)...she just made her first mandala a few days ago! And Annie of Journey Through Life loves the meditative experience of coloring mandalas, which I've not yet done..oh my goodness the possibilities are endless!

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Here's my personal prescription for making your own Mandala Medicine..

Just draw or trace a circle (I use a CD)... and color, paint, or draw inside of it without giving it much thought...just choose what to do moment by moment....have fun...just play...you'll get a feel for when it's complete. Be detached from its outcome...an unintended mark or blob becomes another message; there are no mistakes. When you're done ...put it where you can see it and look at it every chance you get. Then make another one!! ...and put it so you can see it too. Repeat. Sooner or later they will speak to you in some way. Allow yourself to journal about your insights...and observations of the symbols, colors, how you felt in your body, and even what was going on in your life while creating your mandalas. Just let yourself be a vessel. All of this, especially in retrospect will be very revealing...like clues to a mysterious, hidden treasure...which is YOU! - Also, you can dialogue with your mandala, as I've done with Sabrina. The mandalas we make offer insights beyond what's apparent to us. It's yet another form of intuitive creativity...so have fun!

Check out the comments from bloggers below...they're having a good results from making their mandala medicine!

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By the way, the above photo shows some of my mandala making supplies, along with a mandala in-process which is for a prompt from this week's Inspire Me Thursday.