My dear ones...May the spirit of a new year fill your home with an abundance of love, laughter, and joy! May the magic of the moment bring peace to your heart all year long! May your creativity take you to amazing places and may you experience the resulting bliss! Much love to all of you and your families....
I have been truly blessed since beginning this magazine a mere 12 months ago...I have deep connections with some of you and am developing new ones almost daily...I have people all over the world that I truly care about and I look forward to our daily contact. I thank each of you who come here to visit my little corner of the universe...my prayers and love are lifted for you every day...
I promised some big news today...I have a major life Announcement and a very special GiVEaway...the following came to me during a meditative period a few weeks ago...afterward I began to journal and the following flowed from my pen...
The Artist as a Spiritual Explorer
...I am led to discover how to let my divine intuition create without editing...I will let go of preconceived notions...I will play...I will find my unique, individual visual voice...and I will begin to use it powerfully....I believe that we are born into this world with our own special message...if we never find a way to voice it, the world stays incomplete...as we stay incomplete...so we must ask ourselves today...what is it that only I have to say...and do I have the courage to speak it?
What I know for sure is that I do not want to die with my artwork still inside me...be it my song, my dance, my book or my painting...I am compelled to bring it forth into the world...give birth to that voice only I can speak with, and make the art only I can create.
I have to stop being totally invested in the outcome...what I want or hope the result to be...and instead become invested in the journey itself...that gift of time when all external things dissolve away...when time seems to stand still or fly by...that spiritual experience known as creative flow...
We come into this world with a special piece of the universal puzzle...and if you don't find that piece of you that belongs outside yourself...that belongs to the whole of the universe...and if you never bring it forth, the universe is missing a piece...and you are missing that piece also...the whole will never be finished or complete without that special piece that is you...
I could not stop writing...it must have been three or four hours later when I became sensory aware enough to review my writings...contained within I had the foundation of a retreat, the scripts for a series of videos, and the outline of a book...
So I have walked through this doorway and we are off on this new path this year...one that promises many discoveries as we explore our intuitivity (intuition and creativity)...I invite you to come with me...
In honor of this very special day for me, I am gifting one reader with a print: "Doorway for a Spiritual Explorer" ...see the creation of this piece here... I have held this painting close to my heart since the day it was painted October 2, 2007, the second day of my Reinvent-tage Retreat...It will never be sold...and prints will be limited to 10...
My statement about the painting, "The figure is looking back into the darkness of what she is leaving behind...as she heads toward the light...she will never look back again...she is growing into herself an her destiny...becoming stronger and more brave with each step...her steps are sure...her path is glowing brightly for her to follow...she remains open to possibility..."
At the time this was painted, I asked if this painting was the result of "skill or serendipity"...I wrote about the process,"This painting just took shape...I allowed it to happen...remaining open to possibility...many possibilities presented themselves while I was painting...I stayed with them until they led me where this painting was supposed to go."
I am fully aware that this was serendipity now...this was the first glimpse at my life's calling...The Artist as a Spiritual Explorer...read more about how I have been led to this place in my next post...
The GiVEaway process... between now and 12 midnight Sunday...leave a comment on this post describing your creative journey...so far, present, or future...and I will choose one name from a drawing to be announced Monday morning...
Posts
46 comments:
Congratulations Rebecca, I remembered the painting well and I remembered that I had made a comment. I went back to reread my comment and I think I was right on. Your journey continues and the path will be so enjoyable I'm sure.
RE: my creative journey, all I can say is that I'm just going to keep doing it. And I'm going to feed the birds this year.
A wonderful painting for the beginning of the new year.
My focus on my creative journey has been hit and miss (raising family, working, troubled times) but something has always been in the works. I'd like to get back to drawing which has given me great pleasure at various times but something I've let lapse.
Whoever wins your work will be lucky indeed. We all have the gift of seeing it here tho.
Darla
HAPPY NEW YEAR SWEETIE!!! My girlfriend and I are starting back on our path to more knowledge of our dear LORD!!!and I want to create more angels and GOD inspired art too!!! Love and prayers, Cinda
My creative journey - is about writing. My first book came out a couple of weeks ago, I hope to finish one more this year......I try to write every day :-)
My journey has been one of discovery ... the experiences and the friendships I have made through the world of blogging... kindred souls who through their commitment and drive have been inspirations to me as I create paint and design for my boutique
HUGS
JO
I come here with a basket in my hand....inside of this basket holds wrapped gifts of friendship, joy, blessings, creative freedom, possibility, Peace, love, and a bright scented candle to illuminate your creative journey.
Happy New Year dear one!
XOXOXO
My creative journey has been one of working through phases and now I think I know what I want to do. Gosh, maybe I'm all grown up now! LOL! But, discovery, I've found grows easier and sneaks in when I'm least expecting it. So, each day is a day I try to live as though it is my last and live it fully for each second. Only then do I learn!
Happy New Year Rebecca. I love your painting. I'll be waiting for more of your spirituality to flow thru your pen/brush.
Happy New Year Rebecca!
This is a beautiful work of art and your words are so full of feeling and expression around your talent. I understand completely what you are saying here...I feel much the same way myself.
Each year...each day...the desire to express what's in my heart through art and writing, becomes stronger and more focused. My spritual and creative expressions are so intertwined that it's impossible to separate them and I too have felt that I don't want to die without bringing them forth into the world.
I shall be so interested in watching this all unforld for you!
Happy New Year Rebecca.
Letting the art flow from the divine is something I aspire to do as well. My creative path has been lined with me getting in my own way
by overthinking and over editing.
Love this art!
Happy New Year Rebecca!
What a wonderful post to start the new year with! That painting is amazing! I would be honored to have a print of it.
My creative journey began when I was a child. I have always been interested in the arts. Acting, dancing, water colors, silk screening, pottery and mosaics. I have had my fingers in the pots of all of those. Mosaics entered my life about 8 years ago and I have not looked back since. I am so excited about this coming year. I have so many creative ideas for my work, I am almost jumping out of my own skin!! I hope we get a chance to meet each other this year, when you head to Greenville.
Hugs,
Penny
what a nice comment on creativity...just stopping by to wish you and your family a very Happy New Year and thank you for stopping by my blog the other day.
best,
carol
We just wanted to stop by and give you the warmest wishes of the season! Hope you have a wonderful and prosperous 2008!
smiles, kari and kijsa
You sweet sweet lady... what you said on my blog... wow tears... yes you brought tears to my eyes... goodness.. you are such a doll
HUGS
JO
Today, being the first day of the new year, I decided to take the risk and paint a face. I have been wanting to for sometime, but felt intimidated by faces...anyway- my creative process will be this year, to keep taking the risk and keep creating.
eBeth (the other E. Parsons!)
Wow Rebecca you have such a way with the written word, thanks for leaving your profound wisdom on my
doorstep...Hope you are healing well..love your pooch soo much..what a light they are...Here's to us in the New Year to take risks and trust ...all my best, Jennifer
Happiest of of new years to you, Rebecca!
Blessings in abundance for the new year,
Melissa
Hi Melissa
What an inspiring post. My journey began sitting in the yarn shop where my mother worked. It flowed through knitting needles into weaving looms and stalled in the publishing world. Editing magazines was very creative in its own way but meant little time leftover for the textile arts and water colors that I love dearly. Now, I've left the 9 to 5 to persue other prjects. Little by little I am regaining the sense that I can use time just to create. I look forward to this in the year to come. Thanks for nudging me along the way.
Barbara
~*May your creativity take you to amazing places and may you experience the resulting bliss!*~
someone oh-so creative told me this one time...
oh, wait...
it was you!
:-)
i knew i got this thought
from a good source!
[[ isn't life simply grand! ]]
Rebecca,
You are on the threshold of something wonderful!
I was in that very place almost a year ago after having undergone a surgery the previous year that freed me from over 20 years of excrutiating pain. It is true that each of us has a very special mission in this life. Finding it doesn't make life any easier, but it makes it much sweeter.
Blessings to you in the coming year!
Cindy at Rosehaven Cottage
Rebecca... what a BEAUTIFUL POST... you are so sweet to leave such a lovely comment on my blog. Your message is filled with hope and love. It makes me smile to read it.
Happy New Year to you, dear one!
warmly,
Tracie
Hi, Rebecca, thank you for always leaving such kind comments to me. And I wish you the best in your creative journeys for the new year. For me, I guess my creative journey is really beginning with quitting my job & staying at home to pursue those creative things that I love with decorating & home projects.
looking forward to a wonderful new year!
Rhoda
Wow, that is inspiring. So far this year Bossy has... um, yeah, anyway, how 'bout that painting!
Hi Rebecca, What a wonderful post and painting for the New Year!
My creative journey began when I was young as a dancer and has gone through many phases! From being a homeschooling mom and coming up with my own lesson plans to re-designing my kitchen. I try to use my creativity in all that I do from setting the table to working on some mosaic projects.
Manuela
Enjoy your artwork.
I'm having a little give-away on my blog my self. No gmicks, just my way of celebrating one year of blogging. Please come over and sign up.
http://organizeddoodles.blogspot.com/
Wonderful post Rebecca! I'll leave another comment in the next couple of days, but right now I wanted to let you know that I left a little something for you on my blog.
Happy New Year to you my friend. May it be sweet, colorful and blissful.
My creative process has come and gone and come again. I love to sketch, draw and cartoon... and then again, I love to write stories.
I am currently working on a "graphic novel" of a fantasy trilogy that I've written, which is why I'm hardly online any more!
:)
PS, sorry to hear about your foot! Get well soon, ladyfriend!
Hey sweet friend...stop back for my "second chance" giveaway
HUGS
JO
Rebecca
Happy New Year sweetie!
I look forward to a new year of blogging with you.
xo
Gillian
Rebecca, what an amazing and wonderful post. This year I plan on being closer to my authentic self, which includes CREATING more art. THank you for this truly inspiring post!
the joy of this post is practically jumping off the page! what a wonderful way to begin your new year...
i was particularly struck by your statement..."i do not want to die with my artwork still inside me." talk about a soul shake-up to read that!! thanks for a good swift kick in the creative pants :D
happy new year to you dear rebecca!!!
Dear Rebecca
Thank you for such a strong and holy message. To follow the way of the true artist, to be the gift we are, to share what we have been given.
You are inspiring!
The New Year is brighter with you keeping us centered!
I am pretty much wordless now. Your post and painting say everything. My journey continues to unfold and daily I pry my hands open to let go control and allow Spirit to work through me. I am excited at the thought of watching everything open for you and I look forward to everything you have in store for us. Hugs to you.
Thank you for your wonderful post and surprise.
Your prayers have found me and I am healing and back on my feet.
I have one treatment to do and soon this will be all behind me.
Thank you so much!
Happy New Year to you and your Family!
Cheers,
ally
My creative journey began as a young adult, but has only recently blossomed into what I term a "frentic mania"...I delve into all forms of art, from formal drawing to mixed media, from beaded art dolls to jewelry and back to fabric and paper arts. I will linger with one for a bit longer than the others, but it seems I am always creating something new as repetition bores me and offers little in the way of a challenge...
I have learned myself well enough to know that I can never repeat things or remain stagnant...I just dive in and create and play and enjoy the process!
I can't wait to see what you develop as you create!
Darling Rebecca! What completely touching and wonderful ideas for your path... Reflections and understandings... A while ago, I had this feeling that, nothing mattered anymore, nothing exept for the fact that I needed to live each day in its own moment... Creating, embracing and living in little baby steps. I was getting so caught up in "Life" and all my preconceived notions of what it should be, that I forgot to enjoy the now. Today I spent three hours in the studio making one tiny thing. But, I was without pressure, happy and free. Free of my own hardness on myself. It is not an easy thing to do. To live one day at a time, and actually feel lifem and feel happiness... But, wow, it sure makes a difference. I can tell that you know this, and that you are embracing it wholeheartedly!! Thank you for this lovely post! xoxo
Rebecca-Your words are so heartfelt, and your painting speaks for you. My journey seems yet complex. I am the puzzle piece, I am searching for. While I have enjoyed my journey so far, I am anxious about what lies ahead. There is still much work to be done, both spiritually and artistically. I need to let go of the fear, of what I don't know. Enjoy this leg of your journey as it unfolds. Happy New Year!
I was just contemplating the idea this morning from Wayne Dyer that "there is a force greater than one's ego always at work in one's life" I read this and thought I really need to give my creativity over to the Divine. Stop struggling. Stop looking back. In a way, it's like a light bulb went off in relation to my creative path - Let go and let God.
Then I stumbled back into your lovely blog while sorting through my overgrown email box - hard believe you only started 9 months ago - it feels like you've been doing this lovely blog for years.
I'm very intrigued to read future posts and someone will be very lucky to win a print. I'm off to put your link on my blogroll so I don't miss out on future posts.
Happy New Year!
Rebecca, what a very inspiring post! I wish you all the best on this important journey on which you've embarked! Much love to you, Tara xo
Oh Rebecca, first of all...I love the redesign of your blog..it is so soul soothing and blissful!!! And your work of art? My spirit is singing just looking at it.
My creative journey took a side route. I was creative as a child and spent hours making things, inventing stories and pictures to go with them...some I told in my head, some I committed to paper. I developed this as an adult and explored different mediums to express myself, but never fully put "me" into the process. The things I created were lovely, but there was no heart, no soul. And then came breast cancer in 2005...an experience I wasn't thrilled to have but found the joy in...I found myself. I was returned to "me" and explored the journey of what life is, where I haave travelled and I've walked into the most precious aspect of what life is...through my spirit. My forward journey will take me far...with colour and texture and rich jewel tones...muted or bold, whatever my spirit tells me needs to be told.
I cherish your words, your work and your heart. May this coming year be filled with inspiration and wonder for you.
Hi Rebecca. It's a beautiful painting. October 2nd was my anniversary and hubby and I were in Galena at that time so I must have missed your initial post. It has indeed been a spiritual journey for me these last 6 months. I've posted about alot of it through December but I'll sum it up with this: God has been showing me how to not be afraid all the time. Have a wonderful new year and a great weekend. Blessings.. Polly
Merry belated Christmas and Happy belated New Year!!! You are such a kind giving soul!!!! What you are offering really is outstanding! It is also very inspiring!
My creative Journey is just like many other artist's I suppose.I am learning new ways of creating everyday! To create and give is in itself a journey to me.
:) *HUGS*
Angela
aloha Rebecca,
It's nice to be back and visiting friends again.. Your blog is lovely and made me smile today, it's a good way to start the year..
On a journey.. :)
Peace, Kai
oh my goodness... how lovely your blog looks!
Hello Rebecca,
Stopping by to wish you an amazingly wonderful 2008!! Thank you SO MUCH for sending me the beautiful angel. She is here watching over me now. You are the best!
Keep the creativity flowing!
xox
Constance
What a lovely piece of art work. My creativity this year is leading me to take a painting class. I'm itching to get some paint on my hands. I've always liked the saying "do not look in the rearview mirror as that is not the direction we are going." Happy New year to you and yep, I'd like to be the lucky winner. ~~ Mary Lib in Florida
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