Category: Art Journey

I’m guessing you’ve had days like this, too. Days when it feels like you need a whole committee of you’s to get all the things done. Especially the processing things!

If they passed out crowns for Queens of Many-Me’s, I’m pretty sure I’d get one today. As it is, though, I’m probably going to need to be content with crossing things off the list! In fact, I’m starting early!

By the time you read this, I will have had quite the day with medical folks and big, loud machines. Information is in order. I like having information. Getting it isn’t always so much fun! Fortunately, some of the things I learned in my nurse days are still helpful. Mainly, the absolute permission I gave myself to ask ALL my questions!

And, yes… that same permission applies in other parts of my world, as well!

The legend, if you will, for the #Filters map I’m making is virtually complete. Actually complete, in a hold in your hand sense, will take some help and a bit more time but, for this moment, I’ve done my part!

Just between us, this is really exciting!!!

So is the upcoming painting and writing adventure with Mother Nature that begins June 21. You know me and questions…

Is Mother Nature Calling You Home?

Just click to find out!!! Especially if community and ceremony and creating sound good!

Here’s the thing… the world feels pretty much bat crap crazy these days. Odds are extremely high that some healing is – and is going to be – needed. And I mean to be on that team. I’m guessing you do, too!

That brings us to a sneak peek moment!

This is artwork for one of my #Filters cards. One of the ones that will appear along the road to the places where we are called. The Hebrew words mean both hand and power of Creator. (At least they’re supposed to. I nearly flunked Hebrew!) And, yes… there’s still time to join an amazing group of us live! For all the info, Just click here… (This 6 week adventure will also be recorded if you need to watch on your own time!)

And, just in case you missed it… here’s me, again, inviting YOU to stretch your Medicine Basket and set out on this adventure of Good Trouble! The world needs you!!!

ps… the painting at the top is deep under-layers from an earlier Red Madonna journey… my heart crying out in hope!

On Friday I was gathered in a virtual circle with some awesome, amazing women. It was a dip your toe in the pool kind of event. An experiential invitation to join a yearlong circle of wonder and becoming. I knew just what I was going to share.

And then the light came on! When it was my turn, there, in that moment, I reached for my Medicine Basket. (That’s a glimpse of the actual basket in the physical world, above. There’s also a whole lot of metaphor involved!)

And I looked straight into the camera (gulp!) and said one of the most true things I know:

If I could only have two tools in my basket, I’d choose Prayer Dots and #Filters!

Meet dots! Each one a sign of praying with a whole lot of our being!

I learned dots in 2017, on my first Intentional Creativity® adventure, known as the Black Madonna Pilgrimage. (You may have been there, too!) And, wow, did I need them! A dear friend in a Florida hospital with a brain aneurysm. Hurricanes and tornadoes. Those dots became a way I could be there, for and with her, until I could be there physically, and help a bit on her road to healing. She’s doing great. And I’m hooked on dots!

Then, #Filters. In some ways, they’re kind of everything else! Ways to sort and understand and relate to all the stuff the world flings in our direction… 2 to 3 BILLION bits of stuff in any one moment!!!

And NONE of us can handle that much, neurologically.

Here’s a personal example, with a bit of help from Dr. Seuss:

I do not like green peas… not even with ham. I do not like them, Sue I am. I do not like them here or there. I do not like them anywhere!

And, so – you guessed it! – I filter them out of my awareness. Of my consideration. Just not getting in. Not even to be polite… not since I was about five! (Sorry, Mom.)

Of course, the world is more complicated than green peas… thus the notion of #Filters, along with dots, in my Medicine Basket!

This matters. It matters enough for me to put my camera avoidance issues in the back of the closet and show up, believing that more and more of us adding this tool to our Medicine Baskets will be Good Trouble for the world… and for our Littles!

Yes! You’re invited, to either or both, even if you do like green peas!

Click here for all the info on the 6-week #Filters adventure!

Click here if you’re hearing Mother Nature whispering… we begin our year-long journey next week!

ps… Mother Nature is a huge fan of dots, too!!! Maybe, just maybe, she invented prayer dots!

pps… wish I’d known #Filters when my Dad still walked this world. I’m pretty sure he’d have been intrigued. For this moment, though… I’m still on it, Harry!

It’s been a complex sort of week in my world. You know… the kind that takes all the consciousness you can muster, along with a fair amount of beyond-consciousness, too.

Because many of you share big chunks of history with me, you may be aware that Dr. Walter Brueggemann walked on this week. He was my teacher. My friend. In many ways, one of the most empowering voices in my head. And, there’s a Walter-ism which very much wants sharing…

Back in the mid-1990’s, I was on campus at Columbia Theological Seminary for a Doctor of Ministry course in pre-marital and couples counseling. It happened to be November 1… All Saints Day on a portion of the liturgical calendar that often seemed overlooked in our tradition back in those days.

Walter was preaching in Chapel. For the first couple of minutes I was a bit perplexed.

I mean… Walter was a renowned Hebrew Bible scholar. Saints seemed a bit off the beaten path. Then, the punch line…

Saints, Walter said, were all the people who believed for us on days when we couldn’t quite believe for ourselves.

That I understood! There have been quite the tribe of those in my life. I imagine there have been some along your path, too.

Ever since that day, I’ve stopped, each year, to make my list. And, more recently, to add an intention. To be one of those people – those believers – for others.

Much like another of my teachers, Dr. H. Steven Glenn, who helped me claim this huge bit of hope:

If a teenaged child has 5 adults who will listen to them, take them seriously, and not shame them or blame them for their questions, that child is practically immune from ever attempting suicide.

As far as I know, Walter and Steve didn’t know each other, in this life. I suspect, though, that there’s a possibility of a whole lot of hope if the two of them get acquainted as they walk on.

Just between us, I’ll gladly take some Saints helping me believe in these days! And, I’m totally convinced that being one of those 5 people for others also means being one of them for myself!

I’m also pretty sure that Walter is getting a good chuckle out of the Wisdom Cards I’m writing for my #Quickening journey, as his voice in my head – and heart – is doing a fair amount of meddlin’! Then, there are both (!) of my new #Legend paintings which also hold much of what I learned from him.

And, no… I can’t explain the timing of all of this. I can only say that I’m grateful.

Then, there’s the other thing I can do. I can invite YOU to see – to experience – some new things along your road! Soon!!!

A one day retreat with Mother Nature…ReWilding the Hungry Heart! An Intentional Creativity® gift to you!

Click here for all the info & to enroll!

Or – even AND – 6 weeks of a whole new way to interact with the world… REALLY!!!

Click here for all the info & to enroll!

Somewhere, deep in my memory, my mom is shaking her head and warning me about not pestering people.

Then again, I’m counting on a bunch of those people called Saints cheering me on for – you know – putting it all out there!

Maybe it’s time for you, and me, to be one of those 5 people for ourselves!!!

ps… happy heavenly 90th birthday, Mom!

pps… may the Spirit – the Advocate – walk among us and guide us, this Pentecost day, and forever!

Yep! This would be it!!! Can we be real? Really real???

I’ve been afraid of a lot of things in my life. Moving. Getting in trouble. Being wrong. Math. Failing. Getting any of the zillion “its” wrong.

Here’s a deep example… I’ve been afraid of being afraid. Turns out, that’s where STUCK lives. And, if ever there was a moment when the world needed us to be less stuck, it’s now!

The problem is that most of us are really used to stuck. We’re good at it. It feels safe because it’s familiar. And, it isn’t working. Not for the things that really matter. Not for the things our world full of Littles need us to get right!

So, let’s change things! Let’s set out on a journey to a mystical place known as WAY LESS STUCK.

Blessedly, there’s a map! And I want to share it with YOU!!!

Yep… #Filters! (Often, real commitment requires persistence!!!)

And, if you have a vision, I’m hoping you’ll CLICK HERE and read on… then, come back, please. There’s more!

You may have heard my story about walking out of the eye doctor’s office, when I was ten, with my first pair of glasses on. I could see leaves on trees!!! Actual, individual leaves. I had no clue!!!

That was, indeed, a change in one kind of filter between my brain and the world, even though I had no notion of all this back then. And virtually all of us could use some filter shifting! Not the visual kind, so much, as the perceptual kind.

Here’s an example I’m actually living at this moment…

Many of us have been painting #Legend in the land of Intentional Creativity®. I’ve loved #Legend six times already, and learned new things each time. And, I thought I was complete with my current guide.

Then, I realized – consciously – that the #Legend process could be a very effective tool for couples’ work! So, #7 is in the works, with participation from The Legendary Husband! Mostly, he’s consulting – enthusiastically! He’s also ready to make some dots.

Things have already shifted!!! And that doctoral dissertation I wrote in the late 90’s is hopping up and down on the shelf!!!

So, if you held yourself back from clicking the info link before, you’ve got another chance, now, with a big gold bow!

CLICK HERE

And, yes… we’re going to paint. And, yes… you can do it! REALLY! Take it from the “not artistic” kid who took a big risk and traded a limiting belief for a life changing one!

ps… if you’ve got questions, let’s chat! 30 minutes. My gift. Just click here and the calendar elves will be glad to hook you up! And bring a red thread, if it’s handy!

pps… in case you’re new around here – or wisely curious – there’s bio info if you click here!

What channel to watch… Who to work for… What your kids want to wear to school…

What we’re trying to accomplish…

I mean – SERIOUSLY!!!

And I’m ready to help! In fact, I just got some good advice from a virtual friend named Stacey Abrams. She was a guest on Ali Velshi’s MSNBC show on Saturday. Yep, Ali’s Banned Book Club! And, the Hebrew word on the red ribbon in the photo means both I am here! and I am ready!

You see, Stacey’s book, Our Time Is Now: Power, Purpose, and the Fight for a Fair America, was recently banned from the U. S. Naval Academy Library as part of larger removal of nearly 400 titles!

I haven’t read it, yet, though it’s definitely on the list. What I was most intrigued by, though, was Stacey’s conversation about doing what we can, where we are, now… especially when it comes to helping make sure people can vote… to which I’d add speak and create!

There are, however, a few other things on my own helping list for today… things that have a lot to do with grandmothers!!! And, yes… all the painting and writing going on around here has helped! For this moment, though, I’m going to play tour guide, just a bit!

There are links to some cool things ahead. I’m so hoping, though, that you’ll read the rest of this post and then come back and click links to explore. It’s kind of one of those adventures where one thing leads to the next…

First, as you may have read, I was interviewed for a podcast and it was a blast! And, it definitely counts for a thing I can do, where I am, with my friends, now! There’s a link, below!

And, the podcast conversation also includes the #Filters thing! As you’ve probably guessed… I’m excited!!! Please hear why…

The number one thing, in my personal – and global – medicine basket, is the quote you’ve heard from me a zillion times, with huge thanks to my dear teacher/friend, Dr. H. Stephen Glenn.

If a teenaged child has 5 adults who will listen to them, take them seriously, and not shame or blame them for their questions, that child is practically immune from ever attempting suicide.

Frankly, the world is even more in-our-faces-complicated that it was when Steve taught me this and I think we all need as many of those people as we can get… beginning with being one of those 5 people for ourselves!

The obvious next question is, HOW???

Well, that brings me back to the second thing in my medicine basket! Yep… #Filters! And I would be thrilled to help you add this perspective to your medicine basket!

You see, I was almost to the Grammy phase of my journey when I began to explore the notion of #Filters as a way of understanding the world and finding our place in it. I’m grateful to Bill Harris for helping me dip my toes in that stream. And I’m so excited about all the things I’ve learned since then!

And, yes… there’s a class coming up where you can learn, too! Complete with the third thing in my medicine basket… paint!!! I’m thrilled and honored to being doing this work in partnership with the Intentional Creativity® Foundation and – if you click here – we’ll tell you all about it!

In fact, if you click here to experience the podcast, you can hear me talk about it in what my grands would refer to as my “real voice” and find all the sign-up info, too!

ps… it should also be mentioned that Stacey did not say she wasn’t considering a run for Guv!

pps… one of the paintings from my children’s book is so hoping you’ll come check out our recently up-dated shop at FierceArtWithHeart. There’s everything from A Creation Poem… to share with your Littles, to original art, and some very cool mugs! Just click here!

Once upon a time there was a scared young mom named Mom. She and the dad named Dad moved a lot because of the thing called work. Mom and Dad had two young daughters. One of them was named Me! Mom worried a lot – whether consciously or not – about those young daughters feeling like they were home. Like they fit in and belonged in each new place.

Because she was worried, Mom spent a lot of time explaining those young daughters to new people. The older one, named Me, was always introduced as the smart kid. The younger one was the artistic kid. And, because kids need to be able to depend on parents, each of those growing girls believed that Mom was right.

Time passed, as time does. About 40 years passed, in fact, before – one day – the one named Me had a new thought! What if, she wondered… maybe, just maybe, it was possible to be both smart and artistic??? So she picked up a brush and painted the dingy white kitchen cupboards in different colors to match the Fiesta Ware dishes that made her feel happy! It was huge fun and she really was thrilled with the way it looked. Even more, she loved the way it felt!

But, more things were true! There was a whole lot of smart kid stuff clamoring to be done in her world and it was close to 10 years before she picked up a paint brush again.

Then, she was invited on a magic journey called The Black Madonna Pilgrimage, in the mysterious land of Intentional Creativity®. She didn’t know then – and still isn’t quite sure – why she said yes, but she did! (Divine inspiration may have been involved!!!) And, with the help of a whole lot of wise people who’d been on such journeys before, she made art!!! In fact, she made the painting you caught a peek of, as we began. And she claimed a whole lot more of herself!

She even realized that she was both smart and artistic!!! And, ever since that day, she has learned and painted and helped others learn, too. The world is a complicated place and the she who is Me is absolutely convinced that if more and more of us learn what she has learned – and is ready to share – we can make the world safer and more welcoming for many, many, many more of us. For now, though, she has paintbrushes to wash and more dots to make! (And a very special thing to share with you, in just a moment!!!)

Here’s a glimpse of my #wip #Quickening painting. There’s still some finishing to be done but this is the piece we need now…

Yep! #Filters!!! Coming soon, to the land of Intentional Creativity® ! My first class for the Foundation and it’s about to start. You are invited!!! This is the place to bring all your questions… all the what next? and how will we make it? and what can I do? mumbo jumbo keeping you up at night!

My part is questions. And a whole lot of practice. Your part is claiming new possibilities… new paths to familiar dreams… and new tools for your medicine basket. Together, we CAN head out to the places where we are called!

I know… it sounds huge, and it is a lot to take in. That’s why there are lots of details, right here! Just click the pretty colored link to learn more. To HOPE again!!! (And, yes… there are pictures!!!)

ps… the shop elves have been busy updating at FierceArtWithHeart! Come on by to see all the fun and inspiration! It’s a great place to find encouraging Graduation gifts for your beloveds!