The Light Returns!

I've been facing some inner storms lately as I navigate the waves of change in my life.  But just over a week ago I found myself in the midst of a real hurricane! Yes, Matthew paid me a visit during what was supposed to be a big family celebration at the beach for my 50th birthday.  Most of our family bailed due to the weather forecast.  Can't say I blame them.  We lost power, got flooded, the wind howled and the house shook.  But we survived...and we even celebrated.  We took in the energy of the ocean and waited for the light to return--and it did!  The electricity inside our house was still out, but the light outside was definitely back and in a big way! The day after the storm, I walked down the wooden path towards the ocean and like magic a dozen or more monarch butterflies flew out onto the path before me.  When I reached the dunes, this is the sight I saw.  Breathtaking beauty (God rays as we call them in my family)--light breaking through the clouds and illuminating the ocean, the earth, the spirit!  A not-so-subtle reminder that whether we are facing storms on the inside or storms on the outside, the light will return!  Bask in it's beauty! All will be well!  Blessings to those still recovering from the damage of Hurricane Matthew and those facing their own personal storms.  May your light return soon!

October Oracle Card Making Class!

Join me on October 30th at Rising Phoenix to create your own oracle card deck and set your intentions with the new moon!  Click on the link below for information and registration!
http://www.risingphoenixhc.com/workshops.html

Spread your Wings!

"Spread your wings"

Allow your transformation to begin as you unfurl your bright, beautiful wings!

Making Waves!

Once again the ocean is calling me!  Here are some new wave inspired paintings I've recently created.   Hope you enjoy!  Try not to get caught up in life's undercurrents, but instead ride the waves! Original waves and prints available for sale :)

"Oceans of love"

"Waves of joy"

"Rip curl"

Leaving the Nest...

As many of you know, I just returned from dropping off my oldest daughter at college for the first time.  It’s been a very emotionally challenging time for me.  I created this painting several months ago, but feel it sums up this summer perfectly and is a follow up to my earlier post and painting “holding on and letting go.”  

I knew this summer would be about preparing my daughter for college and preparing myself to let go.  I knew I wanted to spend as much time with my daughter as possible before she left home.  What I didn’t know is that my younger daughter would injure her knee and require surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation.  Although I was not happy about being “grounded,” perhaps it was a blessing in disguise.  I got LOTS of extra time at home with two of my favorite people in the world—my daughters!   For us, the summer has been all about nesting, resting, healing.  It has been about strengthening our roots and our wings before taking flight.  

I was worried that I was neglecting my art biz this summer and not working towards my goal of getting my ART out into the world in a bigger way.  Then it hit me—That’s exactly what I’ve been doing all summer long (and for 18 years)!  My daughter Autumn’s initials are A.R.T. (yes, on purpose) and she and my daughter Zoe are by far mine and my husband’s greatest works of art!  This summer was in fact, all about getting my A.R.T. out into the world (and to Art School in New York to boot)!  Mission accomplished—time to SOAR my baby bird! You’ll do great!  Love you!

Beach Treasures!

So happy and grateful to announce that Beach Treasures in Duck, NC (OBX) is now carrying my artwork!!! There are several original pieces to choose from as well as copies of my Beach Blessings book.  Thank you so much Lisa, Mary Anne, Mom, Mrs. P, Aunt B. and Paul for giving me this opportunity and helping me get my artwork there!  Thank you April for spotting my art while you were on vacation! Be sure to check it out next time you are in the Outer Banks (Beach Treasures, Wee Winks Square in Duck, NC)!

Holding on and letting go...

"Holding on and letting go..."

Today I am posting a painting inspired by the upcoming graduation of my oldest daughter, Autumn, from high school and her journey to Art School in New York!  For me, this time of transition has been a roller coaster of emotions and a lesson in finding the balance between holding on and letting go.  

I am happy, nervous, scared, excited, sad, and everything in between and often all at once.  As I sort through thousands and thousands of photos (no exaggeration here) I am reminded of all the happy memories we have created together as a family.  I cherish our time together and I will hold onto these memories as I let her go and send her off into the world.  I am hoping she knows how much I love her and how much I believe in her!   How proud I am of her for working hard and staying true to herself, even when that meant flying solo.  And though I will miss her, I am looking forward to watching her blossom as her dreams take flight!  I love you Autumn Rose!  

Congratulations to all the graduates out there and their loved ones!

This painting went through several transformations to become the painting it is today.

On our journeys, we may set off in one direction and then somewhere down the road, change course and find ourselves facing a completely new horizon.  We may go through several changes along the way, overcoming obstacles as we move forward.  This painting started out as a heart with wings.  I originally called it “together we soar.”  I thought of it as a “work in progress” and sat with it like that for several months.  

"Together we Soar!"

Then one day,  I saw mountains on the canvas.  At the time, things were very unclear for me and I was trying to remind myself to “trust that the fog will lift and all will be revealed.”   And thus, a transformation took place and a new painting was born.  This new painting hung on my wall for a couple months and then my vision changed again.  

"Trust that the fog will lift and all will be revealed"

This time I was dealing with the upcoming graduation of my daughter and her leaving home.  I envisioned her gently floating over the city, lifted by a bouquet of balloons. One hand holding on and the other letting go as she drifts away from home and soars closer to her dreams.  And so, another transformation, the birth of another painting and the beginning of a new chapter!  

"Holding on and letting go..."

I love that in the final version of this painting, you can still see some of the under layers. They not only add depth, texture, and contrast, but special meaning as well.  I love that there is a heart with wings and a mountain of strength just below the surface supporting Autumn on her journey!  I love that the word “trust” is still visible in the sky.  I like the subtle arrows pointing up as well as the less subtle arrows (former mountains) pointing in different directions. I like the faint outline of an abstract bridge below Autumn as she makes this important transition and celebrates this special milestone.  As I am writing this, I now remember that beneath the heart with wings, lies another bridge--the very first layer of this painting.  It really has come full circle.  I guess it's time to cross the bridge!  It's time to hold on and to let go!  It's time to SOAR!