Category: Filters

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All the “me’s” have bizzy brain!

Posted on by sue boardman

I’m guessing you might, too! News… much of it of the lunatic persuasion.

Metro DC going through massive chaos and dragging way too much of the world along.

In my own calmer and considerably more intentional way, things are also shifting. Part of it is the normal course of endings and new beginnings. A year’s worth of community and work completing even as the next artful adventure takes form. (Stay tuned!!!)

Yet more painting adventures beginning, as well.

The Book-in-Progress is taking over my world and I’m thrilled! The individual stories pretty much existed from the beginning. The structure – the flow – the voices – are appearing magically in my dreams and, in the context of this world, my Grammy Heart is overjoyed.

All of that newness leads – at least for me – to new awareness of things which aren’t yet optimal. And, as so often happens in our world, that involves moving things. You know… being body comfy while having easy access to books, tools, light, etc.

I think our magic friend, Glinda, must have invited the Feng Shui books to join in and – wow! – did that help!

Here’s an example… as much as it made sense and I tried to make it work, the whole nesting thing just wasn’t going to work in the studio. So, the most adaptable chair is back in the room now known as Sacred Skills & Knowledge, so that I have a better chance of being able to create deep and be something which loosely resembles comfortable. And, yes… that will mean moving books!

The paintings, of course, all want to be new places, too. Inspiration. Energy supportive colors. Even a sleep supervisor dedicated to healing and abundance! She’s the one up top… a mythical shape-shifting Selkie in charge of useful things like intuition and unblocking trapped potential!

There’s another painting going on in my world, too. #Threshold. If I believed in being behind, I would be. Instead, I’m going with being exactly where I’m supposed to be to be, hearing what I need to hear! My big ah-hah, so far, is to discover… instead of expecting! As we used to say back when, that’ll preach!

For this moment… an invitation!

If you’re a real human reading this, instead of some AI mystery being, and you have dreams about putting your magic to work in the world, let’s talk! 45 min. My gift. We’ll name a next right step for your path and explore what it could look like to work together… you, me, and Glinda! Hurry, though! It’s about to get book-busy around here and I only have space for two brave folks like you. Just click here and the calendar folks will set you up!

ps… now would also be a great time to check out all the magic at WingedEye Wisdom! Just put 2 sets of my really cool wisdom cards in your basket and save 20% on them!!! Great gifts. Fun for travel. Best of all, a doorway into wonder and wisdom! (And you don’t even need a secret code!) Oh! Browse around while you’re there… everything from art prints to kids’ books, many items on sale!

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The walls have taken to singing!

Posted on by sue boardman

Today, in many traditions, is Pentecost Sunday. It’s also a planning nightmare when it happens to occur on Memorial Day weekend! Just between us, I’m kind of okay with having a different role these days! Kind of more free to set aside the Lectionary’s notion of what story goes with which day and open myself to inspiration which, in many ways, was kind of the original point!

Clearly, my song leader friend agrees! This is what I heard…

Deep and wide… Deep and wide… There’s a fountain flowing deep and wide…

Deep and wide… Deep and wide… There’s a fountain flowing deep and wide…

Now seems to me like a really good time for that!

According to my late seminary professor, Dr. Walter Brueggemann, Pentecost can be seen as a revolutionary rupture of the status quo in which the outpouring of the Holy Spirit dismantles hegemonic power structures, shatters psychic numbness, and actively subverts the homogenizing, empire-building impulses of the world.

Walter goes on to contrast Pentecost with the Tower of Babel which represents a human society driven by fear and a desire for hegemonic power, seeking to impose a single homogeneous culture. By miraculously allowing the gospel to be heard in native languages, the Spirit affirms God’s will for radical diversity, ethnic pluralism, and localized variation… not a soothing comfort, but a disruptive “wind” that upends society’s comfortable routines and privileged arrangements… and makes way for new, just, and inclusive communal realities… in which every single person has both a voice and a purpose.

My painting friend and I offer these whisperings in full knowing that your tradition may be different. Your teachers may have shared different wisdom. And, if you hang around here, you’d probably stand beside me in claiming equality and radical hospitality, in this world, now. Deep and wide!

For now, I join the the prayer from Ephesians that we, whatever our traditions, might grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of the Son of Creators. That’s what all those dots are for… healing wounded hearts!

And one last thought from an episode of The West Wing… It’s season 7, episode 8. Presidential candidate, Matt Santos, is speaking in a predominantly black church, just after one of their teenagers was killed by an hispanic police officer. He begins with a quote from Dr. King:

If we could find compassion… if we could express compassion – if we could pretend compassion… it would heal us.

As the congregation begins to hear… to respond… Santos goes on:

We are tired. Tired of understanding. Of waiting. Of trying to figure out why our children are not safe and why our efforts to make them safe seem to fail. We’re tired. But we must know that we have made some progress… and slowly… too slowly, things will change.

This is the message of my heart for this day…

#Magic!ContemplationsFilters!GrandmothersMedicine Basket

Creation Continues!

Posted on by sue boardman

I’ll bet I’m not the only one who’s noticed that the world feels bat-crap crazy! In fact, I’ll go so far as to be pretty certain that you wouldn’t be here if you weren’t feeling it, too. And, just between us, I’m not enjoying it!

I can’t help in all the ways I’d like to. Marching on No Kings Day is not a practical option just now. Neither is demanding leaders who actually care and think, though supporting the ones who do helps. Food bank contributions. Also, prayers. The kind where everybody has a choice to matter! And the constant connection reminder of the Red Thread on my wrist.

Here’s a thing I noticed, today. Learning – intentionally – helps! Making space for useful newness.

Earlier, I was watching a video discussion that talked about the on-going nature of Creation. Not just the violets and dandelions blooming out front, or the wonder of making it clear to three spears of asparagus.

Instead, claiming that we – as created ones – are still in progress!!!

I’m not sure I even have words for how much that helps! I did hunt up some words, though, that are helping me share it, wandering in the Gospel of Mary Magdalene.

This is why the good has come into your midst. It acts together with the elements of your nature so as to reunite it with its roots.

(p. 7, 20-22)

I am receiving that assurance with huge thanks. You, of course, are hearing through your filters, and I’d love to know what arises for you!

For this moment, my canvas is calling again. Creation of a different sort. Two owls beginning to appear amidst the cypress trees. And, blessedly, bringing hope. Hope for wisdom. Even now.

ps… want some company on the road? Let’s talk! You and me and an amazing new take on a favorite tool! Just click here and the calendar elves will hook you up. 45 min. My gift. Your adventure!

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Surprise! (Well, kinda…)

Posted on by sue boardman

It’s been a bit of a week, in my world. I’m guessing you can relate!

Paintings hatching. Yay! Tech challenges. Less Yay!!!

Garden “springing” into life. World bat-crap crazy.

Yesterday, while my physical therapist buddy was busy sticking needles in me and mashing on things that hurt, we were chatting about things that feel good, even in the midst of the crazy.

Baking came up! Specifically, pie!!! Pie is very much a comfort and belonging thing in my experience. One of those ways we’ve always done it in my mom’s family. And, you know… even remembering that made both of us feel better! So, just for you… and there’s another gift at the end!

Authentic Key Lime Pie (with a Gluten-Free Variation***) MAKES: One 9 inch pie, about 8 servings

This is the real deal – yellow colored – Key Lime Pie. Better yet, with the Oatmeal Pie Crust shell variation, it’s gluten-free! And everybody loves it! This is the recipe right off the Nellie & Joe’s bottle of Key Lime juice. You can order it from Amazon or try Whole Foods or Publix depending on where you are. Sometimes the DeKalb Farmers’ Market even has some! Did you know that the pie has sweetened condensed milk in it because the recipe was developed before Key West had dependable milk delivery or refrigeration? Really!

Equipment Note: You can use a food processor, hand or stand mixer to do this, but a wire whisk will do. A mixing advantage is handy if you opt for homemade whipped cream. I often use an Eco-foil disposable pie tin with the domed plastic top when I make this. 

Arrange oven racks so pie will bake in center of oven. Preheat oven to 350 F. 

In a suitable mixing bowl, combine and mix well:

            One 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk

            3 good egg yolks. (Reserve whites for another use.)

Add and blend until smooth:

                        ½ c. Nellie & Joe’s Key West Lime Juice

Pour filling into:

                        One 9 inch prepared Graham Cracker pie shell***

Bake for 15 min. Remove from oven and place on rack. Allow to sit 10 min. before refrigerating.

Chill several hours or overnight.

Optional: Add to mixing bowl, preferably metal:

                      1 pint organic, heavy whipping cream

                        1 Tbsp. 10x powdered sugar, if desired. 

Whip cream rapidly by hand or with mixer, until soft peaks form.

If not using immediately, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. 

Just before serving, top pie with whipped cream. 

***Fabulous Gluten-free Oatmeal Pie Crust with Vegan Variation

Equipment Note: A food processor or Vitamix-type blender is used for this crust recipe.

I found this magical crust option on an old, yellowed index card, in my mom’s handwriting, when I went through her recipes. I don’t remember her ever making it. What a gift for Bill & Taylor who avoid gluten! See how many ways you can find to use this like you would use a graham cracker crust, but better!

Into the bowl of your food processor or carafe of your blender, place:

            1 c. gluten-free rolled oats

            ½ c. brown sugar

            ½ c. flaked or shredded coconut

Pulse until ingredients resemble a fairly fine meal. Add:

            1/3 c. melted butter 

Continue to pulse until all ingredients are evenly mixed.

Press into bottom and sides of a 9 inch pie plate.  Cover with plastic wrap or lid to pan. Chill.

(Vegan Variation – Replace butter with 1/3 c. melted coconut oil)

From all of us – including Our Lady of Fierce Compassion (aka Mary Magdalene) who feels much needed in this moment!

ps… what’s calling you forward, now? You know, even beyond fabulous pie? Could you use help with a new kind of recipe… the kind from here to there? I have a cool new adventure offer and you’re invited to check it out! Just click here and the calendar elves will hook you up with 45 min. My gift. You bring a cuppa, journal & pens, and a glimpse of a dream!

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The stories we carry…

Posted on by sue boardman

Oh, dear friend… the memories are insistent this day!

Tuesday, August 7, 1990. The beginning of the first Gulf War.

And the need, in my personal, very new pastor universe, for something to put in the church bulletin for Sunday. Yet another thing they didn’t cover in Seminary! Or, maybe they did, and I just didn’t have a filter for it yet! Let’s call it a huge lesson in CONTEXT!

I don’t remember much of what I actually said. Probably something somewhat related to whatever the Lectionary passages were for that day. Here’s the part I pray that I will never forget…

It was time for the benediction, at the close of the service. The usual choices seemed out of place. I scrambled, deep inside, to find my voice and all the truth I knew:

May God have mercy on us all.

I’m going with that now, too. Along with some other voices in my soul, in this moment of diverse spiritual holy-days…

One of my name unknown Jewish Grandmothers, from 2,050-ish years ago, is whispering Sabbath prayers:

Blessed is the Lord, Our God, King of the Universe…

My Beguine Grammies, Begga and Itta, and all the Aunties, including the ones from Salem, are praying and working for the person-hood and rights of women and girls.

My Cathar Grammies are whispering fairy tales to their Littles, passing along precious stories of Hope in the midst of persecution and terror.

And there’s another story I’ve learned… my Intentional Creativity® ancestors have long said I Matter. You Matter. We Matter.

In January of 2025, I dreamed the next line…

Mattering Matters.

For me, and I think I can say for us, the kind of mattering we’re talking about is inspired by the Great Mother. It’s not about gold-plated bathrooms and feeling ludicrously cool on the world stage.

Instead, it’s way more about mercy. The Hebrew word suggests a mother’s instinctive, womb-like compassion for her children.

Let’s matter like that! In fact, if you’d like some help along that road I’m ready, with tools and em-power-ed questions and deep faith that YOUR journey matters, now! Curious? Let’s talk. 45 min. My gift. Just click here and the calendar elves will hook us up!

For now, though, Glinda, my #wip, is calling for more prayer dots and I’m taking tomorrow off! Mattering also involves rest!

ps… Destiny Joan wants you to know that now would be a great time to sign up for this mailing list. Just go back to the bouncy thingy at the beginning and the elves will be delighted make it so. (Changes are afoot!)

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All the parts of us…

Posted on by sue boardman

You’ve probably met them, before, these old friends of mine. They live on a wall near my writing chair, in a room where there is often the noise called news coming from the TV. It turns out that they want to join the conversation!

We’ll skip the swearing and crying. I’m guessing you’ve got your version of all that covered. Let’s do introductions, instead.

Aslan. Matilda. (Or Boudicca!) And a cardinal bird named Elsie. Not so much intentional as demanding. And I’ve needed their messages a whole lot, lately!

You know Aslan, I suspect, from C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia. Wise and powerful. Benevolent, but formidable. You can probably guess why I find him appealing in this moment!

Then, Matilda/Boudicca. (The painting hasn’t made a firm decision yet, and she could assuredly be both!) Powerful women leaders in times when women weren’t permitted to be powerful. Matilda of Tuscany was my cousin. She is often described as one of the most important governing figures of the Italian Middle Ages. She was also a spiritual leader and a huge supporter of the arts.

Boudicca, hundreds of years before Matilda, was a warrior queen in ancient Britain, also considered a symbol of the struggle for justice and independence. It’s likely that she, too, was a relative.

The bird is named Elsie after my grandmother who told me, when I was about six, that cardinals were ancestors who’d gone on, coming back to check on us and encourage us.

And, yes… they’re livid about a whole lot of the news.

Here’s the thing that I’ve realized… these stories and images are powerful #Filters through which I’m engaging the context of this moment!

For today, I am claiming their wisdom and strength… still alive in my being and spirit. I’m also claiming their #inquiry…

What can you do – what do you need to do – so that what you love to do works better???

Yep! You. Now. In the midst of this context.

And, I have a plan, though it needs to wait until Friday. Watch for a special email! In fact, if you’re not on the email list just now, use the pop-up thingy and get the elves to fix that!

ps… Fairy Tales coming soon. And more Wisdom Cards! (It pays to listen to the walls!)

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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!