Category: Contemplations

#Magic!ContemplationsFeminine Frequency FestivalGrandmothersMedicine BasketWisdom Cards

She Takes Her Place Among the Matriarchs…

Posted on by sue boardman

You know how, sometimes, things that were familiar in the past seem to carry new meaning when the context changes???

This is just such a thing. My #Insight painting from 2021. And, yes, she appeared, in a dream early this morning, ready to meddle again!

#Insight is one of those painting adventures that’s supposed to mess with your mind! (In a good way!!!) Different strokes and shapes and positions. Symbols everywhere. A way to externalize and claim some of what matters on the road we call life. And, in my case, lots of prayer dots!

Turns out that hearing them in a dream can be just as influential as creating them in the first place!

I want to say this next bit as gently as possible… a bit of intentional vagueness, if you will…

There’s a whole lot of wild stuff going on in this world… in this moment… and it’s pretty much bound to shift some of our internal notions of always and never! And that, dear heart, takes some adapting to. Preferably of the conscious choice sort, rather than the frantic, reactive sort.

Part of my deeply personal adapting is practicing for my upcoming Feminine Frequency offering on December 21. If you’ve been hanging out a while you’ve probably heard me mention that there were some things we didn’t cover in nursing school or seminary. Solstice was, indeed, one of those things!

A literal – and symbolic – turning from dark to light. From death to rebirth, renewal, and hope. And I’m claiming it!!!

In fact, I’m calling you to join me! Let’s turn fear into courage, scraps into wonder, and calling into a path you can actually walk!

And, yes… I have a medicine basket overflowing with tools to do just that! Here’s the thing, though – I can’t do it for you. YOU have to show up for yourself. And for the world. And, yes… it can feel scary to claim our truth!

That’s why I put some blank cards in Grammy’s MetaMod Wisdom Cards! They look like this:

And, yes, the flip side is intentional space for you to claim you! In fact, we’ll make a draft of your first card in our Feminine Frequency circle! You’ll want a cuppa, and something to write on and with.

Where do you long to take YOUR place???

YOUR first Next Right Thing is to click here! Go ask to join the Facebook Group, which might take a day or two. And mark your calendar! Sunday, December 21 at 4:40pm ET. Think of it as claiming light, wherever you might be. And carrying the light forward!

We’ve got this!!! And, it’s free!!!

#Magic!ContemplationsFeminine Frequency FestivalFiltersGrandmothers

Let’s get real! (And it’s NOT easy!)

Posted on by sue boardman

So, 6pm ET on Saturday night. The Legendary Husband and I had enjoyed a lovely lunch date and a busy afternoon. Having received the inspiration I was counting on, I was busy telling folks about the upcoming Feminine Frequency Festival. I’m really excited to be presenting. Excited enough to – you know – post actual photos of me!!! (Gulp! And, read on…)

Then, I turned on the news. The MS NOW folks were ready to spend the next few hours on likely protests at the Army-Navy football game. Instead, there was a shooting at Brown University, in Rhode Island. I am, intentionally, skipping the still scarce details. It is enough to say, here, that not everyone will make it home for the holidays.

I am livid! Also terrified. Our older grandteen received her first college acceptance this week. (Yes, that is totally a #Filters thing!) And it’s so utterly NOT supposed to be this way!!!

For this moment, though, I am taking really deep breaths and intentionally shifting my attention to the glimpse at the first layer of my (very!) new Intentional Creativity® painting. It is, officially, #Alchemist. Or, will be. Yep… that’s it, above!

In my heart, though, it’s already begun to dance in my dreams with memories of this painting…

There I was, leading my 13-step Workshop in 2018, the first time I did #ColorofWoman. The title of our adventure was Who Put the Honey in Your Heart? My dream-travels took me to a place where old learning meets new learning, in a radically new context, and I woke this morning in a whole different world!

And, yes, in this moment, there are 12 more layers to go. I’m trying to let go of expectations and be open to even more surprises. I can tell you that magic will be involved!

The surprising thing is realizing that – even in the midst of all the unknown – I’ve totally got this!

I’ve also totally got the Feminine Frequency Festival thing and I’d love to have you join us. (Actually, there are lots and lots of us who would love to have you join us… and it’s free!!!)

I’ll be sharing on YOUR Feminine Good Trouble Magic!

The first step for you is to click this link and ask to join the group, which may take a day or so. Then, put December 21 at 4:40pm ET on your calendar! Think of it – in fact the whole Festival – as a Solstice Practice, if you like. We’ll be taking it easy… journal, markers or colored pencils, a cuppa…

This world NEEDS many, many, many of us… on the road of Light!

ps… prayers, also, for victims and loved ones of the anti-Semitic mass shooting in Australia, at a Chanukah gathering.

pps… I’m with Gabby Giffords!

#Magic!Art JourneyContemplationsWisdom Cards

Of nearly dry paintings and core identity!

Posted on by sue boardman

Today is brush washing day! That’s always a biggie around here because it means something is complete. At least on the canvas. In my experience, the work goes on, inside, pretty much forever!

This is the Intentional Creativity® painting known as #Artisan. Or, #Talisman. Or, for some of us, #Taliswoman. It’s an exploration of core identity and, in my case, the way that identity grows along the road.

The big surprise for me is the intensity of stories and symbols in my notion of me. And not just the way I’ve always been, but the way I am becoming!

Just in case you’re curious, a spiritual talisman is an object imbued with perceived magical or spiritual power to bring a specific benefit, such as good fortune, love, or protection, and is created with intention and symbolism.

And, yes… we – the painting and I – are writing another book and plotting an adventure! Well, two adventures!!!

The biggie, on the calendar for February/March is a 10 week adventure with Glinda Good Trouble® (aka The #Alchemist) full of real-world ways to claim the magic we’ve been carrying all along. Think of it as the even more empowered version of #Filters! (And, if you’re feeling that tingly, curious thing, now would be a great time to put the annoying pop-up thingy to work and join the blog list!) The whole adventure will be focused around tools for creating what you desire!

The much nearer adventure is known as The Feminine Frequency Festival! It’s led by Jessica Hadari. We begin on the Winter Solstice (12/21/2025) and continue through New Year’s Day (1/1/2026) I am honored to be sharing on 12/21 at 4:40 pm ET, with a lot of help from Glinda Good Trouble®!

This will be a chance to connect globally with women working to shape the future! Presentations will be 20 minutes in length, like TED talks, and happen in the Feminine Frequency Facebook Group. (There’s also still a bit of time, if you’re interested in presenting!)

ps… yes! Glinda is about to become a painting, too! In fact, we start today! She’ll be known, officially, as The #Alchemist!

pps… there’s still time to shop! Put 2 sets of Grammy’s MetaMod Wisdom Cards in your basket and the elves will gladly award you a 20% discount on them! Just click here! (Hurry! Quantity limited to in-stock supply!) And wander a bit… From original art and museum quality prints, to awesome gifts, good deals abound, and it’s way more fun than MartMart shopping!

#Magic!Art JourneyContemplationsGuardiansMedicine BasketWisdom Cards

Setting aside the fear of fear!

Posted on by sue boardman

Tuesday is often a rough day in my world. You see, Tuesday is usually physical therapy day. You know… the not so much fun stuff that keeps my body on the road, around the next curve. Blessedly, I’ve found my people!

My hands, arms, and shoulders have been greatly unamused lately. This does not help with the art making! (It doesn’t actually help with much of anything…) But, there’s much art to make and a new book in its figurative second trimester! So… we made a deal, my PT and I.

I figured I could probably sit still for like three dry needles. She agreed to wander and pick three really relevant spots. (Don’t you just love healing folks who listen???)

I’ll skip the gory details. Let’s just say we persisted! And, it helped!

It also helped, metaphorically, later… when my inner child got just a bit overwhelmed with the magnitude of what’s coming next! Planning for a Feminine Frequency speaking gig. (Stay tuned!) Juggling techy things that make me want to give up. You hear me.

So, after I’d painted as far as my wrist would go, and asked for strategy/tech help, I decided I needed a break. Feel free to laugh… it was time for Princess Diaries!!! Like, as in, Alexa… please play…

Let’s just say that, for me, it’s a really good reminder that scary things can get less scary when we face them!

It’s a lot like claiming that what we need to stay on the road is okay. Kind of a becoming our own grandmothers kind of thing, even!

For this moment, my hand has spent enough time cupped around a cacao mug that painting is an actual option and I’m off to take advantage of that!

Then, a very welcome #RedMadonna sister circle. Some more tech help. And a promise to keep capturing and treasuring all the bits of encouraging stuff in my awareness! (It likes to be noticed!!!)

ps… it’s Wisdom Wednesday in the shop! Put 2 sets of Grammy’s MetaMod Wisdom Cards in your basket and the elves will gladly award you a 20% discount on them! Just click here! (Hurry! Quantity limited to in-stock supply!) And wander a bit… From original art to awesome gifts, good deals abound, and it’s way more fun than MartMart shopping!

#Magic!Art JourneyContemplationsGrandmothersWisdom Cards

Of rain and pronouns and hope…

Posted on by sue boardman

I woke to a noisy morning! Rain dancing assertively on the metal roof. The furnace running, with some help from batteries, charged by the solar panels on that same roof.

And Mother Nature, a #work-in-progress canvas from way down the hall, with a lesson on pronouns! Specifically, her preference for WE, rather than ME!

I’m with her! I’ve been consciously with her since my early years. Loons on Minnesota lakes. Bobcats on moonlit paths at summer camp. Manatees in the springs. The year-round cardinal birds in our yard. All of them, my family, with an unexpected new reminder in the context of this moment.

Politics is a lot like nature!

Really!!! As in WE the people works a whole lot better than the currently prevalent notion that ME is all that matters.

I know… I can’t fix it all!

What I can do is make choices through the magic filter of WE. You and me, for sure. All our beloveds. Those who will come after us…

So, the new books whispering in my ear, on the way, as I figuratively quilt more and more #Magic… from a small, independent seller, two of them used. It will take a couple days longer. I’ll manage!

Drops of rain-prayer on my canvas. Please don’t judge… I do, indeed, know where we’re headed, finally! And new learning is involved!

Now, a bit of #Magic of a different sort… the invitation of an old song, in this moment…

Keeping the light lit is, indeed, up to us! And I’m so glad to be on this road with you!

ps… yep! I did, indeed, add rain to the paint water, today, because every little bit of reminder helps!

pps… my cousin, Linda, has walked on to the place where pain is no more and the light shines on. If you haven’t said, “I love you,” in a while, this might be a good time. And I’m bettin’ that Linda is helping our story Gramma, Elsie, feed the cardinal birds! Lots and lots of them!!!

ppps… in the mood to shop cool gifts with real artists??? As the photo says… Here I Am!

Contemplations

Prayer Soup!

Posted on by sue boardman

By the time you read this, you will probably have learned that three people were shot near the Capital in DC today. Two of them are West Virginia National Guard members, whose condition remains unclear.

Reagan airport is shut down.

And, somewhere, the spirits of the Pilgrims are, I suspect, appalled.

The only thing I know to do is to invite you into the spirit of Prayer Soup. You know, the favorite cauldron. All the bits and pieces of goodness I’ve been collecting. Anticipation of comfort and nourishment. Togetherness.

If you’d like to join in, I’d be thrilled! Just leave a comment, below, about what you’d like to add to the Soup. Prayers for… Hope… Healing… Peace… Sanity… you hear me!

And, if you’re able, consider a contribution to your local food bank. The need won’t disappear by Friday! The Atlanta Community Food Bank says each dollar donated helps them feed 3 people!

I’m also adding huge thanks and blessings for you and yours.

ps… Glinda Good Trouble says she’s all in and we’re busy hatching the #Magic that’s coming soon!

Contemplations

This particular ah-hah might have gotten me kicked out of theology class!

Posted on by sue boardman

I’m guessing you’ve noticed that the world feels pretty chaotic these days, too! There’s news, of course. Hurricanes. Measles. Demonstrations. Threats. Fear. Hunger. Greed. You hear me…

Loved ones in the hospital. Opinionated neurology. Friends too far away to hug. So many things I can’t fix.

Just between us, I’m really grateful for all the whispering coming from the walls! You probably recognize the painting, above. Cover art for A Creation Poem… and one of the chattiest ones!

This morning’s big thought, as I woke with her in my gaze, was that I might be beginning to understand just the tiniest glimmer of how Creators feel about us, in this world, now!

And, then, another big thought… we are still being created!!! Now. In the midst of all the news and fear.

So, I listened some more… and what came next was even bigger!

A choice. To do what I can to walk in the way of Creators, even though it feels terrifying and infuriating and almost hopeless…

So, the Legendary Husband and I worked on the Studio… making intentionally supportive space for inviting others to create, too. Let’s just say that progress is among us! And part of that progress is the result of letting my body help with the choices. Comfort. Accessibility. Inspiration. (And much dusting!)

There’s a lot more to do. (I imagine Creators relate to that, too!) And, yet, there is HOPE!

There’s also soup. The actual kind, simmering on the stove, and the kind that means new wonder out of odd, alchemical bits and pieces of learning and experience.

For this moment, though, I’d like you to meet an old friend… one who’s feeling quite chatty just now!

She’s my Good Trouble Angel! (Can’t you just feel her plotting???) And, when the world “out there” is doing the old Black Friday thing, she and I are going to be doing the Good Trouble thing… as in how to live YOUR kind of Good Trouble in the world, now!

Let’s just say that #Magic and #Filters and cool #Medicine Basket tools will be involved!

Think 1:1 time. Your vision. Your questions. The magic you’ve had all along, in a world that needs it! And, yes… her name is Glinda! Glinda Good Trouble, as a matter of fact! And, wow, are we plotting some of that!

ps… wee bit of shopping on your list? I have a great suggestion! Put one copy of my original art children’s book, A Creation Poem… and one set of Grammy’s MetaMod Wisdom Cards in your basket and the elves will automatically take 15 % off! (Hurry! Offer is limited to in-stock items, only!) Awesome gifts and support for a grateful artist! It’s a win-win! Just click here to be magically transported to all the fun!