Friday, January 16, 2009

Living with Dragons




A gift from someone very dear to me..Jill, a friend. She and her mom, Josie and I would occasionally travel to Carmel Valley and Big Sur to spend time letting these phenomenal areas speak to our lives, refuel and regenerate.We, of course, had a fair amount of laughter, good food and conversations but it was the sights that each of us returned to and so loved. Jill sent me this dragon hand puppet for many reasons but especially because of the wonderful fun and sheer artistry. She has an outrageous generous spirit and I'm the better for having her in my life! The dragon sits on this shelf above my computer desk and greets me day and night with his benevolent smile and glassy eyes. Down by his tail sits my prayer bowl. I made it of paper mache' attached to an assortment of bracelets and old coaster, wire and collage. Inside, I place written payers folded and hopefully released to the Universe. I like surrounding myself with my keepsakes, it gives me strength and sometimes just a smile.

I'm having a long and trying time in the studio....I'm off , tilted , upside down and I'm needing to right myself. I could take a break...the sun is shining! I could go to the movies..."Last Chance...Harvey" looks like easy going diversion but no, I'm a stubborn type and I'm going back into the studio to find out when the fun stopped and regroup and regain my higher spirits back, then I'll go to the movies later today. Have a fun weekend.

20 comments:

  1. We all go "off" from time to time. Lose inspiration or creativity. Nothing like a stubborn streak to get back on track.
    Jean

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  2. Eek! A dragon - this is fun. Well I hope you aren't too hard on yourself. Maybe have a glass of wine - that always gets my thoughts loosened. In moderation of course or your thoughts will be like jello at a 4th of July BBQ. Ha!

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  3. Your dragon is wonderful and reminds me a bit of a lobster. I love the prayer bowl, a wonderful idea. I love to surround myself with special gifts from friends and keepsakes too. Little rocks and feathers and leaves. sometimes creating is a struggle that's for sure. Sometimes it's good to take a break and reapproach but other times yes, it is right to be stubborn and dive in again right away. Hope you have surfaced. I want to see that movie too. My WV is hopega

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  4. I dread those off, tilted times. It often means I'm bored with what I'm doing or that I need to replenish....though there are a few times when I sense that pushing through the resitance would be the best thing to do.
    Your prayer bowl is such a great idea! What do you do when it's full?

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  5. aww.. your description of how you and pablo met is so adorable...

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  6. Isn't ist true that we need to figure out ways to bolster ourselves even to accomplish something we want and like? I think you have a wonderful idea and I hope the studio work becomes fun again soon!

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  7. What a fun dragon! Yes, I agree with Karen, have a glass of wine and don't force it. If it doesn't come...go to the movies! :)

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  8. Jean, You are so right about stubborn streaks...mine has served me well most times!

    Karen, A glass of wine is a good remedy for sure...I've switched to champagne, the trouble being it doesn't keep so long...oh well somebody has to drink it!

    Suki, Thank you, the dragon is just so "out there" in gold and red and white fluff?! I collaged a map of the stars on the inside of the bowl.

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  9. Robyn, It's hard to know when to stop or when to push on, isn't it!
    I empty the bowl when the prayer has been answered and then I bundle up the prayers and put them away. I might do another ritual for these when it's time.

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  10. grrl+dog, Yes Pablo and me...I like that..adorable.Not too often one's life gets to be adorable!


    Cynthia, Yes, I do like this work and I'll be so happy to get my heart back into it...thanks for your support.

    Willow, I missed the wine but I did go to the movies and "Last Chance, Harvey" was perfect. The story was formula but these actors are so good they made the story bloom!

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  11. I've had the art blahs lately too. Blah weather causes that for me sometimes. Usually, getting online and browsing other art work helps.
    Love your prayer bowl.

    Here's to your muse wending it's way back!

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  12. I too, love having my precious things around me. They bring such joy.

    Sounds like a short break is definitely in order, and a glass or two of your favourite drop sounds fabby. :D

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  13. Hi Mary Ann - personally I like when things don't go well - it makes me pay more attention and when I have to pay more attention, I usually find something I wouldn't have noticed before! and champagne is always a good idea I think!

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  14. lol, i'm laughing at what jean wrote, "nothing like a stubborn streak to get back on track." (are you a virgo, jean? you're talking about my basic approach here. ; ) i'll bet you're back on track by now... and if not, soon... i love that you made your prayer bowl from paper mache. xo

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  15. I find that when I can't get to "go", something is brewing and it it not done yet. So, something big is in your future, I hope we get to see it.

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  16. I love your dragon and the title of this post
    "Living with Dragons." I understand that stubborn feeling. Last week I worked so hard on an encaustic piece but finally had to give up... it was so horrible. Finally I just scraped all the wax and layers of color off. That felt good! Roxanne

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  17. Hi Blue Sky,

    I love your dragon and what it represents. Like you, I like to have my special things around me...and love your idea of a prayer bowl (I may steal it, if you don't mind).

    Seems going off of art is going around these days...my prayer is we come out of it soon. Sometimes you just gotta follow your muse!

    Here is a HUG for you!

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  18. Babs, Hope the blahs have passed you by... I'm close to losing my major blahs!
    Everyone should have their own prayer bowl...don't you think?

    Natalie, Thanks for stopping by...yes the treasures are nice to have around...spirit lifters!

    Lynne h, I'm taking a break from the work, had a friend over for some feedback and generally feeling a little more clear headed. Stubborn is good!

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  19. Pat, I so like your prediction of something good ahead...I'll take it as good omen!

    Rosanne, Your experience was mine, that determination to keep working and the resolve finally to scrape it off...over is over and then go on! Good reminder when reading your words.

    Kim, I'm at the stage of looking and willing to come back with a fresh spirit. This weekend I'm going to movies, exercising, watching Obama and I even made chicken soup...so my spirit is definetly on the mend!
    Yes, make a prayer bowl...we all need one!!

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  20. A walk around the block often works for me when I'm in a creative funk. I hope you managed to wriggle your way to the surface again.

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