September 2024

Yep! The book-baby is coming! And transition is definitely the word!

You see, by tomorrow the book-baby will be on its way to the printer so the proof copy can – you know – breathe! And there’s a whole lot more that needs to happen before then!

The kind of more that’s a challenge for me because I can’t yet see it in my head so trying to figure out what will fit where is – well – frustrating! Especially since I will freely confess to being one of those people who want things the way we want them.

Fortunately, I have a wizard on my team!

I also have a Zoom meeting to shepherd and several paintings in progress, and I really need new glasses! (I also need a new eye doctor, which is more complex.)

Sometimes, though, I catch a new knowing in the midst of the busy. Take, for example, the image at the top…

I took a photo late last night of my work-in-progress painting. It’s Wednesday, and I’m hearth tending! Then, I listened to my Critic and my Muse bicker all night about posting it.

It’s too soon! It’s trying to speak!

Nobody will get it! It might help somebody!

I’m betting you know the feeling! And, yes… there’s a perspective shift involved!

I posted the photo this morning, in the land of Intentional Creativity® (It’s what hearth tenders do!) Then I added an inquiry and pinned the post. Then I scrolled down a bit, to see what else was happening. And I saw it! (You may be way ahead of me, but stick with me, please…)

The face! Which is where the squinting comes in…

I don’t know who they are, just yet, or why they appeared. I do know there’s a message. And my job is to wait. To listen. To trust.

While we’re waiting, though… a peek at a book-baby preview, from an Intentional Creativity® sister…

A lovely, easy to read rendition of the story of Creation! Sue Boardman has been able to infuse a lilting, magical feel to this ancient story of how it all began. Her colorfully engaging illustrations invite us ever so gently into the wonder of this story. As a teaching elder and ‘fiercely compassionate grandmother,’ Sue is devoted to seeding much good into this world, so that not only her grandchildren but all children can evolve and more easily realize their potential. I could feel this in her book, A Creation Poem… A delightful read!”

Eásula Sedlmaier – author, artist, and coach

And a link to all the baby-party details… You’re invited, Sister!

All those who will come after us are counting on us for choice and voice and sovereignty. For belonging! Now is our time!!!

ps… You’re also invited to a virtual Musea art show on Tuesday, Sept. 10. Just click here for details and free tickets! (Three of my paintings are so hoping you’ll join us and meet their friends!)

She’s still there, on the campus of Columbia Theological Seminary. We “met” last Spring, though I’d no doubt passed by her hundreds of times!

And, yes… it’s a Filters thing! You see, I was working on a new painting and engaged in a conversation about living in Creation, as part of the miracles. And, there she was!

She actually showed up in my dream last night. Reminders were in order! Back to hippo spirit animals… yet another thing I didn’t learn in 5 college degrees!

Here’s the short version… The hippo is considered a spirit animal that symbolizes strength, power, fertility, and healing.

And, there are about 3 million reasons why The Muse might be sending me such messages in the context of this moment in time!

All the ones on MSNBC, of course. And a more personal one…

The Book Launch!!! (And a mockup of the cover…)

Here’s one of the things I’m most excited about…

Many friends and colleagues have been generous with book blurbs/reviews and I am hugely honored. Some of those dear souls are children!!! Kids, grandkids… joining in the journey! My Fiercely Compassionate [Rebel] Grandmother heart is overflowing! (And, yes, my tear ducts, too!)

Not simply because it feels good! It also gives those young people a chance to see their words matter and we’re all about that around here!!!

Here’s the thing, though. The virtual book launch is happening in the context of this moment in time! And we’re going to use that for a learning experience in the launch event! A big step in the direction of that place where YOU feel called…. where your deep joy and the world’s great longing meet. Just click here for all the juicy details…

Here’s what one of those book-reviewing Littles had to say…

I love this book! The lyrics (yes, it is songworthy!) are vivid and the paintings are fun and colorful. I know people of all ages will enjoy this.

Renae Sharpe, age 13 (Pen-name, used with Renae’s permission and the concurrence of their adults!)

And here’s a bit of what Renae’s Grandmother said:

What a gift! My youngest grandchildren explored the paintings, simply transfixed, while the teens delighted in the inclusive language. The use of the plural, “They” for Creator was not lost on them, embracing as it does a Creator who welcomes all genders…

For this moment, I’ll save Renae’s Grandmother’s name, and just include her initials! MD, MDiv, PhD

Here’s another peek… this photo is of a painting that was created intentionally for A Creation Poem… The Cardinal, toward your right in the dogwood tree, is a reminder of my Gramma Elsie who taught the 6 year-old me that Cardinals are our ancestors, coming back to check on us. (Just – you know – in case!)

ps.. here’s that link, again. We’re not goin’ back!!!

pps…tomorrow is Grandparents’ Day! Check out that link and get the coolest gift ever, for yourself or someone you love. Helping empowered women weave dreams into being! Love to have you at the launch, with comes with a hand-autographed book!

Month: September 2024

8.5 cm & squinting!

I went to visit “my” tree, again!