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!















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.
.
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.
.
*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!

.

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!

.

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.

.

...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.

.

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".
.

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.
.
This mandala invites me into it's mystical center, beckoning me to cross its threshold and enter its exhilarating, transformative Realm of Pure Potentiality...where Infinite Possibilities await our invitation. 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.

.

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.

.

(As synchronicity would have it, this post coincides with this week's Inspire Me Thursday creative prompt. I look forward to 50 more weeks of Thursday Inspiration...thank you Melanie!)

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.

.
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.

.
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!)
.

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!

.

(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:

.

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.

.

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!

.

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.

.

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.

.

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.

.

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

.

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..
.
"Our intentions are
the atmosphere in which we
live our truth out loud"
.
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:
.
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.

.

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.

.

* "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...

.

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

Anne Marie's Portable Affirmation Altars

Partaking of regular

"quiet time" to be still, reflect, write, and create is just one way that I take care of myself each day. And...

having a sacred space in which to do this is important to me; my sacred space is ever-evolving and consists of creative, sensual and symbolic objects I love, and that support and deepen my inner-journey. This is a photo of a uniquely creative and beautiful mini, Portable Affirmation Altar which will soon be a part of my sacred space. It was created by my good friend: artist, writer and Sister SoulCollage Facilitator Anne Marie Bennett of KaleidoSoul. It's just gorgeous!

.

Anne Marie's Altars are hand-painted in beautiful, contrasting colors and collaged with love and mindfulness. Each one of these palm-sized altars features an affirmation or quotation, chosen to remind you of your inner beauty, strength, love....etc. (you pick your own quotation when ordering). They're small* enough to pack in your suitcase when you travel, or tuck into your purse or tote bag. These gorgeous go-anywhere Altars look beautiful on your desk at work, in your creative/sacred space, beside your bed, on the kitchen table, or anywhere you need a sweet little reminder of who you really are. You can see more of Anne Marie's Altars here. ~ Enjoy!

.

*Closed: 3" X 3.5" - Opened: 6" X 3.5"

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.
.
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.
.
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)!

.

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.

.

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."

.

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!

.

.

**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.

.

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.

.

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.

.

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.

.

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! : )

.

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!

.

** 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.

Living Strong Mandala

I have an affinity to trees. I especially love them in the Spring and Fall...my favorite seasons... when I can still see their branches before they become filled with leaves. Trees have a grace and allure that calls to me. Their cycles, and the fruits & leaves they bear, are an inspiring metaphor for living - as is all of Mother Nature. Trees are another perfect expression of just being. They're not trying to do anything, they simply allow their essence to blossom.

They're a wondrous example of letting go...cooperating...allowing natural unfoldment. They teach a wonderful lesson about life, and living...each one of them in their grand uniqueness.

.

There's a tree in a park in my neighborhood that is ages-old. As it began to grow it adaped to the seeming-limited condition by growing through and beyond the wire fence that was in it's way. That fence is now a part of that tree... and it's still flourishing! Talk about adaptability! Whenever I feel limited by a challenge I think about how living things...us included...have a built-in survival mechanism...a built-in healing system. I think about that tree, or one of my favorites: the flower springing to life from beneath rubble or concrete ...which isnt' the idea environment in which to grow, yet it does.

.

I remember years ago my parents were visiting me, and as my mom puttered around my house she noticed that one of my plants was "bone dry" as she used to say; yet it wasn't dead. It was still green and not limp. I said to her "Isn't it amazing that it's still living"...she said, "Yes...it's still living 'cause it's afraid it was going to die!" I was puzzled for a minute, and i don't think it really, really hit me until years later... that It chose to live...to muster up whatever it had to express it's innate nature: growth. Yes, something in us kicks-in on our own behalf...and I believe the key to its activation is our awareness of that Energy within us, and our saying "yes" to it....and like the tree...allowing it to happen.

.

When I drew this mandala, the strong core...the trunk... came to mind. It's our strong core, our trunk, that allows us to "live strong" a Lance Armstrong would say...even when or if we feel we don't know how...something in us does...and it's waitng to serve us; and for that, I am very, very thankful.

.

Mandala #52 -- Update: Thanks to Annie & her comment below, I can share this beautiful post on Advice from a Tree...so very fitting with my message. Thanks Annie!

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.