Category: Garden

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How do you feel about surprises?

Posted on by sue boardman

As the theory goes, some of us love them. Others… not so much! I’m kind of a one foot on each side of the stream kind of person. I really like the good kind. The safe, happy, exciting kind. The sad, scary, painful kind… not so much!

The surprise we’re going to talk about today is one of the good kind. Paint is part of the reason for that!

It was flower class in progress. I got all set up to start the new adventure. You know, blank canvas and all. Then, I watched the first video and started to hear another voice. My #wip known as #I Am Legend/#Threshold insisted on playing, too!

The glimpse you see, above, happened after a long night of tossing and turning. You may know the type… It’s SUPPOSED to be flowers! That’s not what I dreamed! But, you like flowers and you’re not really good at them, yet, so work harder!

You get the drift…

And, I did start painting, again, on an old, scrap canvas. Lots of buff colored paint. (Don’t ask me what all the lumpy stuff was from. I don’t remember!) Time to dry/dream. That was about the time that the paint started whispering.

Roses and lilies, of course.

Chakra colors!

Dots!!!

And, that was about the time I gave up any notion of being in charge and just joined in for the fun. And it is fun… in a mysterious sort of way.

The mini practice canvas which you glimpsed, above, was perched across from me as I took a break for lunch, when I saw the face! The teal-ish sort of paint near the bottom, and toward the left. Take a breath, please, and look deep. Eyes. Nose. Lips. Gazing downward.

At first they felt sad. Then I realized that I was being invited to pray!

Let’s just say that tea and tissues were involved.

INVITED to pray!!! Right in my studio. Deep in my heart. And that feels like a huge ah-hah at this moment in this world.

For this next moment… a nap is likely.

ps… when I woke up, and looked at the practice canvas again, I saw something new. It’s a #Filters thing… and feels like an even bigger blessing!

pps… there’s still a bit of time to check out our new year of #Red Madonna! It’s a water-y kind of thing, too… with huge space for wonder! (And for you being you!!!) Just click here for all the info…

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Hope… it’s a Mom-thing!

Posted on by sue boardman

May 10 is a big day at our house. It’s our wedding anniversary every year. (36 years so far, if you’re curious!) It’s also the anniversary of the day I graduated from Columbia Theological Seminary, the first time! And, sometimes, as it was in 1990, it’s also Mothers Day.

At the moment, I’m missing generations of Moms and Grammies. I’m missing my grands and their dear Mom & Dad. And, there’s part of me that’s missing the feeling of Hope.

Here’s the thing, though… Hope is not just a Hallmark-y feeling. Hope is a choice!

A choice I’m choosing! Even in the face of the all the chaos and news. And, I’m planting symbols of hope, like sunflowers. (We’re a smidge late, due to a couple of cold snaps but, again, I’m hoping.)

I’m hoping, with my painting friend, for Peace.

I’m hoping that, like the star glyph in the painting, we will rise from the chaos. And, if you squint a bit, you might notice that the phoenix is rising from love!

There are two more hopeful things going on in my world, today. Prayer dots, which are no surprise, I suspect, and also help me a lot.

And, soup! A body-mind-spirit thing for me. With huge help from my anniversary buddy. (In case you missed the recent easy version of the recipe, just click here!) Shopping with local, sustainable farmers spreads the hope even more!

For this moment, Mama Bear and I are sending you hugs and Hope!

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Of magic “they” didn’t cover in school…

Posted on by sue boardman

I learned a new thing this week. Well, ancient really, but new for me! You see, in all my years in school, we never covered Beltane! Just in case this is new for you, too… Beltane is also known as May Day, the ancient Gaelic festival marking the beginning of summer, especially in places like Scotland, Ireland, and the Isle of Man.

And, yes, I have ancestors from those parts of the world.

The painting you see, above, from a couple of years back, was feeling chatty on Friday night and I could hear her in my dreams, even though she lives way out in the studio. Some research was in order!

First, though, the Moon. I love fingerprint dots… especially for elements of nature. I think it lets me imagine what Creators must have felt when they looked out on the Moon that first evening.

Then, the being. Her name is Isla which is Scottish for moonlight or halo.

Her hair insisted on being amethyst crystals, also made with fingerprint dots. Amethysts carry the energy of peace, clarity, and spiritual wisdom. Some consider them to be nature’s tranquilizer… soothing anxiety, enhancing intuition, and improving sleep. (And yes, I already found the biggest amethyst crystal in the house and placed it on the table beside my pillow!)

Then, there’s the crystal at her throat. Blue Kyanite is used in crystal healing for aligning all the chakras, aiding meditation, and enhancing communication. One source describes its power as helping to unblock, activate, and align our authentic voices. The biggest one I have sits by the chair where the writing happens!

Given the fact that the Legendary Husband and I had early-voted on Thursday afternoon, all that authentic voice stuff sure feels like it fits!

And you’re right, of course, if this conversation seems a bit far afield for a grandmotherly, USA public school educated nurse, teaching elder and pastoral counselor. Here’s the thing… I believe in learning new things. Even the really, really old kind! In fact, I’m working on a book chapter about the Dead Sea Scrolls and continuing to learn along the road. Continuing to learn and make choices!

For this moment, though, there’s a very important teal-colored line ready to join my #Apothecary painting and you can’t keep that kind of energy waiting!

This is one of those days when I’m pretty sure that creating is one of the very best ways to learn!

ps… my non-gmo, heirloom Mugwort seeds are making their way to the garden even now and, yes, there’s even more new learning going on! (Stay tuned!)

pps… there is, indeed, broth in the freezer which means it’s time to fire up the cauldron and make soup! Soup is magic, too! Ready for some magic in your world??? Just click here for my legendary secret formula! (I suspect you’ll love the title…)

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Of signs and wonders… and hope, even now!!!

Posted on by sue boardman

The awesome dude who helps wrangle the lawn/garden/downed tree limbs, etc. was here on Thursday, with his sweet puppy-buddy, Lily. We did a good bit of plotting and planning and made space for Charlie Brown and his friends because – you know – it wouldn’t be Christmas without them!

Rule #1 for this kind of magic is, support the environment! No chemicals. Leaves blown off the driveway and down the hill where they can happily compost without causing mobility challenges. More prep for new rose bushes. You hear me!

Similar tasks are in progress in the studio. Canvases stashed safely. Paint put away. Brushes cleaned. And 4 dining chairs reclaimed from the basement. Yep! Our kids are coming!!!

Let’s be real… there were already lots of things on our lists and this is – well – more. My shoulder dislocated, again. (It’s back, now!) And, then, there’s the news, which is decidedly less than jolly. Here’s the Red Thread that connects it all…

It’s all about the world our Littles are inheriting!!! And letting those leaves compost, etc. is a holiday gift, even without wrapping paper and bows!

Then there’s another sort of gift… the honeycomb you saw as we began. I found it, just at the base of the grape arbor, about 10 minutes after the garden guy left. Just laying there, face up, right by the driveway.

Now, I’m desperately allergic to bee stings and I’ve had enough practice to be really cautious, but that bit of nature was calling my name. I watched it for several minutes and saw no movement. I nudged it gently with my boot and nothing happened. And I longed to hear its message.

So, I brought it gently inside and searched on my phone for something along the lines of “preserving dry honeycomb”. It now resides, as directed, in a (re-used) plastic bag in the freezer, lest there be mites! (A couple days, according to the directions.)

I shared the photo with some wise on-line friends and one dear heart was curious, too. Here’s a glimpse of what she sent me, after a bit of research… (Yes, AI does have a few uses!)

Finding a dry or empty honeycomb often symbolizes a period of transition, the completion of a cycle, or a call to seek new sources of spiritual nourishment and wisdom. Here are some spiritual meanings associated with a dry honeycomb:

  • A Call for New Growth/Nourishment: The honeycomb typically represents spiritual nourishment and the “sweetness” of divine wisdom or pleasant words. A dry or empty comb might suggest a spiritual emptiness or a lack of fulfillment in your current circumstances, encouraging you to seek out new sources of guidance and enrichment.
  • Renewal and Rebirth: In nature, abandoned combs are often cleaned out by other creatures, leaving an empty cavity for a new colony to inhabit. Spiritually, this can symbolize the potential for renewal and the opportunity to build a new life or pursue a different path, free from past burdens.
  • Diligent Effort and its Rewards: The honeycomb is a powerful symbol of diligence, cooperation, and the rewards of hard work. A dry comb may serve as a reminder to reflect on your efforts; perhaps the rewards of a past endeavor have been fully harvested, or it’s a message to direct your diligence toward a new, fruitful pursuit.
  • Completion and Release: The absence of bees and honey can signify that a phase of life or a project, which once involved collective effort and abundance, has reached its natural conclusion. It may be a sign that it is time to let go and prepare for a new beginning.
  • A Search for Essence: The original honeycomb holds the essence of the bees’ labor and the sweetness of the honey. Finding an empty one might prompt you to look beyond the material or surface-level aspects of life and search for deeper, spiritual meanings or hidden truths (just as honey is “extracted” from the comb). 

Now, I don’t know about you, but I’ll take a boatload of that, just now! In fact, I’ve spent the last few days exploring just such an opportunity which happens to have a whole lot to do with wonders of the natural world!

And, yes… there’s more to come!

For this moment, my unhappy shoulder and I re-scheduled our Feminine Frequency Festival offering to December 31, at 1:20pm ET. Think of it as Magical New Year Prep!!! YOUR first step, still, is joining the Facebook group where the wonder is beginning on the Solstice. Just click here! And, stay tuned! And, spread the word! Love for you to share this post with friends and family…

ps… maybe she brought the beginning of this unfolding wonder! May we have ears to hear!

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Plant more roses!

Posted on by sue boardman

When I graduated (the first time!) from the life-changing adventure known as #Color of Woman, the leader of our band, Shiloh Sophia McCloud, asked us what advice we’d give to others beginning the journey. My response was immediate…

Plant more roses!

Today, as I’m about to begin that adventure again – because I’ve learned enough to have whole new questions – I have a bit more advice. Not just for artists, but for all you serious, thinking, creative people everywhere who want better for our world!

Are you ready???

#Filters!!!

Yep… really!!! This world needs what you have to share. Sharing our hearts – our visions – can be scary and hard because most of us didn’t learn how. Instead, we learned truckloads of We always and We never which are, occasionally, helpful but they’re nowhere near all we need! Some of those beliefs weren’t all that helpful, either!

So, YOU’RE INVITED!

Step 1… Click the link for all the info…

https://imusea.org/filters-invitation

Step 2… HURRY! There’s a great discount if you sign up by Friday, May 23.

Step 3… Share this email with somebody you believe in!

Step 4… If you’re still on the fence, watch this video from The West Wing. (Really.)

I’ve been down here before and I know a way out!!!

ps… nope! You don’t already have to know how to paint! I’ve got you!!!

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…and ANOTHER great question!

Posted on by sue boardman

Okay, I know this will be a shock, but I was painting last night and making prayer dots – the fingerprint kind! Dots for a dear friend and her dad, who is having some health issues.

Communication with the hospital has been a bit of a challenge. (Well… more than a bit!)

She was, quite understandably, worried. And, if we’re being honest, I was worried about her.

As she and I touched base back and forth, I had an inspiration. A question I had never thought to ask, before…

What can you do to take care of yourself while you worry???

Telling people they shouldn’t worry never seems to do much good.

Telling MYSELF not to worry never seems to do much good.

In fact… and this is another new thought as I’m literally typing these words…

Worry feels somehow deeply related to compassion! Even – or perhaps, especially – fierce compassion!

I don’t know who James Redfield is but his name is the one that popped up when I searched for an old quote tickling my consciousness…

Where the attention goes… the energy flows.

It sure works that way for me. Not always, I should add, in a productive or nurturing kind of way!

Which brings us back to worrying. And the wild notion of what we might be able to do for ourselves while we do the worrying that sometimes just is.

You know me… often I boil bones. Even the aroma in the house is soothing for me. And, often, I can give the broth to the beloveds I’m worrying over.

And, dots, of course. Kinesthetic, auditory-digital, and visual processing. Whole person praying. Like walking a labyrinth. Or celebrating communion. Prayer knitting works really well, too, though it’s pretty hard on my hands these days.

And, yes… had I been raised right by other people in other places, I might mention that this whole conversation is a pretty good argument for rosaries, too.

All of which brings us to cookies. Really!

Specifically, the shortbread cookies that come clear from Scotland in wee plaid packages. They are whole-person comfort food for me, with remarkably whole-food ingredients. I love the aroma when I tear open one of those packages. And the barely sweet crunch. They make my teeth happy… especially when dipped in a smidge of flakey sea salt. And my ears!

And, like so many things in our world, few is often better than many… though it looks like more when they break! So…

Staying fresh. Nearby. A conscious choice, rather than something along the lines of I’m walking by the big box on the shelf in the kitchen so I should just grab some! (Especially when part of my deal with my Physical Therapist involves going “the long way around” on my path from here to there!)

Will cookies solve all the problems of the world. Sadly, not!

Does having a medicine basket with multi-sensory strategies for comfort help? It does! Especially when it helps us honor all of who we are and what matters to us.

In my world, this is all about seeing consciously, so that we can get from if only… to I am! Curious??? Let’s talk! 30 min. My gift. It could well be your next right thing!

ps… some of my best advice for Intentional Creativity painters is plant lots of roses!

pps… there’s still time to join the amazing community known as Red Madonna… Celebratrix. A year-long adventure in medicine painting and claiming our lives! All the info is here! The doors open Friday! (And you can do this… even if you’ve never painted before. Really!)

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Where IC® meets M Sec!

Posted on by sue boardman

Or… symbols of many sorts!

Things are a bit crazier in my studio than usual. In my head, too, I suppose. You see, many things are wrapping up on my calendar. And a whole lot of new ones are about to start. (Stay tuned!!!)

You probably know how new things are… Long before they officially begin, there are lots of things clamoring for attention, like hatching and bread rising and soup bones bubbling.

Which is kind of a reminder that births, of many sorts, take a while!

Just between us, I feel more than a bit like the tortoise who is appearing on my Red Madonna Prophetess canvas. We’re making progress, she and I. She’s considerably bigger than when we began, and I’ve pretty much got the puzzle pieces of her shell blocked in.

I seem to have gotten braver with time. You see, she’s not my first tortoise. The first one was born when I took a black & white photo of a concrete garden statue, re-sized it, printed it out, and decoupaged it to the canvas. (It works!!!)

This one insisted on being painted, like the banyan trees she’s standing amongst. And we’ve got some more painting to go. The first attempt at facial details turned out likely to terrify small children, which is okay because it’s #wip Wednesday!

I love Wednesdays. Thousands of Intentional Creativity® artists from around the world get together and claim that on-the-way is sometimes even more helpful than finished!

For me, it’s like celebrating all the things to be learned on the path to where we thought we were going. And sometimes we wind up there. Sometimes, somewhere else.

It kind of all boils down to the very em-power-ing realization that I like choices!

And, when it’s time for paint to dry – or my hand to commune with essential oils or ice – I frequently hang out in the land of Madam Secretary! It’s different neighborhood full of women choosing choice and voice and sovereignty. A lot like Intentional Creativity® and requiring considerably less wall space!

To be honest, those are not really concepts I grew up with.

They are, however, concepts I’m doing my best to spread like dandelion seeds, all over this world my grand-teens are inheriting.

For this moment, though… another new choice I made!

Here’s the thing… I have a freezer full of bone broth, which is great. In order for it to be lunch or dinner, though, it needs some more stuff. Often leftover roasted veg and wild rice. (Yum!)

Sometimes though, we’re short on leftovers and time and energy. I know… this probably doesn’t happen at your house 😉 😉

But, since my recent adventure with the “blasphemy” of Instant Pot broth, I learned some more!

Way more veg, even on hard days! (Or days when the easel is calling!!!)

Here’s what I’m doing so far… about 1c. of broth and 1/4 – 1/2 c. of miracle dehydrated veg. (They’ll grow!) Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until veg are done to your liking, 20 min or so. Season as desired… it probably won’t need much! Enjoy! (And congratulate yourself for upping your comfort level and nutritional density!)

Choice and Voice and Sovereignty are all pretty yummy, too!

ps… here’s a choice I’m really excited about! And you’re invited, too!!! Click to check out this FREE opportunity to paint with Shiloh Sophia and get a taste of what’s up in the land of Intentional Creativity® And, if you get excited enough to join the big adventure, please mention my name!

pps… the dandelions are growing abundantly in my yard and on a canvas with some very cool friends! The original of that 24×36 inch mixed media painting is available for adoption! If you’re curious – or a button freak – let’s talk before this gets listed in my shop! suesvoice@gmail.com