The Sentence I Never Guessed I’d Write…

I dreamed, this morning, about John Lewis.

Yep. That John Lewis.

And music. And cameras. And paint. And a big, blank canvas.

And people – people I don’t know yet – everywhere. Watching. Me.

It’s not exactly as unexpected as it sounds. You see, yesterday I said YES!

Yes to a new friend.

And yes to painting, live, in an event known as Zocalo Zoom, which I’m only just learning about.

Here’s the short version… Musicians, activists, and me. Virtually gathered for some fun and community and postcard writing.

Yes, the political kind. And not just to our own Senators but to a bunch of pivotal Senators who need to hear our voices.

Primarily, at the moment, on a bill about fixing the filibuster so that the Senate can vote on voting rights. Civil rights. Human rights. Rights the late Rep. John Lewis spent his life on.

My job is to be the artist. I have a plan. Thankfully! But one of the things the plan depends on is me, painting John Lewis’s very recognizable face.

Live. Fast.

And doing it while painting the rest of the canvas, too. Layers to dry. Lot’s of dots to make. Background. Glazing.

Did I mention the dots?

And, you can join in, too!

Here’s all the information.

Phoebe and Luther, the resident Studio Angels, have already signed up and they’re really hoping you will, too!

So is Bella Mama!

And, just in case you might be wondering what Bella Mama, who was once so purple that Bill called her Elvira, is doing in this conversation…

She told me how to do it!

For this moment, some more layers for my Psalms painting. Quite possibly about courage!

And the contest entry to finish.

And, just in case you’re wondering, Why?… that’s easy. I have two granddaughters growing up in this world.

ps… the painting at the top is a Psalm of Creation in progress!

I want a ring!

Nope. Probably not what you’re thinking, though I’m so hoping you’ll stick around to find out!

Yesterday, Bill and I had our second Covid vaccinations. It was quite the adventure!

We went to a different vax site than the first round. Much closer, mileage wise, than before. The annoying woman in Bill’s phone who was navigating neglected to mention some type of major glitch with I-85 in Atlanta and, yes, to quote my West Wing buddies, that’s a road which generally gets used a lot.

We got there, though, and followed the big signs all over an abandoned shopping mall for where to park and how long to stay in the car. (It was 80 degrees yesterday!) Then, once we were inside, we followed green arrows on the floor and the vague directions of yellow-vested helpers until I began to hope we’d wind up in Oz, where I’m pretty sure a vaccine is not needed.

No biggie on the actual injection front. Just a gentle warning from the kind nurse that “some people were having more symptoms than with the first dose.”

We had been warned by my sister and son that this might well be the case.

So, what, you are probably wondering, does any of this have to do with a ring?

Well, this is a Great Grampie story!

First you need to know that we moved a whole lot when I was a kid.

It all began in the sixth house we lived in before I got to first grade. Early 1960’s. Split level “modern” house with an actual farmer in the backyard.

My sister, who was 2 or 3 houses less along, had trouble with her one year old molars. According to the pediadontist, they had no enamel and were in great danger of decaying and causing all her other teeth to move around.

So, the adventure of the stainless steel crowns. My dad and I spent a lot of time in the waiting room which wasn’t so bad for me because they had good toys.

They also gave every patient (and occasionally their sisters) a plastic bejeweled ring in an enlightened effort not to pass out lollypops.

Fast forward a bit and my dad was dealing with the need to have his wisdom teeth removed. Sadly, the pediadontist was a bit out of his league and a referral was made.

This time, Mom and my sister and I held vigil in the waiting room and listened to all the directions about sedation and soft foods for when he was finished.

After what seemed like forever, a nurse appeared with my dad in a wheelchair, face twice the usual size, yelling, “I want a ring!”

It’s been a family joke for ages. One that came vividly to mind this morning when some clueless but well-meaning soul woke me with a lawnmower. I was achy and a bit dizzy and the first thing that came to my mind was, indeed, “I want a ring!”

It’s entirely possible that Bill wants one even more than I do at the moment.

Now, I can almost hear you wondering why I’m telling you all this. Well, my answer is the same as it was last time.

President Biden asked me to.

And, after leading my wondrous new group of Soul Expression Breakthrough sisters before we set off in search of the vax place, there’s another answer as well.

I’m telling you this because, as nutty-crunchy a consumer of health care as I am, I went and had the vaccine for my girls.

So I can hug them, for sure. But also so that we’ll learn about this whole pandemic thing and get enough in front of it that those we love won’t be counting empty chairs around holiday tables.

So they can feel safe in school. (And, yes, that one has other factors to work on, but this is what I can do today.)

And because I’m hoping that somebody, somewhere will read this story and realize that they, too, have some really big reasons for getting vaccinated. In the meantime, more tea and, probably, a nap.

Blessings for you and yours!

And thanks that there is extra soup in our fridge! This is definitely a soup sort of adventure!

Oh, Holy Wow!

You know how sometimes things are so amazing that just trying to tell someone about them doesn’t do them justice?

Kind of like the difference between a really nice picture of an olive tree in Tuscany and actually being there and smelling the air and feeling the ancient bark?

Well, this is one of those times.

Yesterday I was watching paint videos. At least that’s what I thought I was doing. Instead, I got something very different.

But first a quick trip in the way-back machine…

It was last summer and the wild fires were raging in California, along with power outages and evacuations.

My friends and teachers, Shiloh Sophia McCloud and Jonathan McCloud, were up to their eyebrows in evacuations. And there was a paint journey in progress. Adaptability was in order.

Shiloh was inspired to share a video for Moon 6 of the Psalms of Creation adventure, also known as Red Madonna.

I, a disbeliever in being behind, saw the video for the first time, yesterday, and all I can say is that the time was perfect and I am changed.

With thanks to the magic of YouTube, I can actually share the experience with you, instead of trying to tell you about it, which would probably involve more tears.

I have, of course, no notion of what it will say to you. It might push some buttons. If so, I hope you’ll consider hanging with the journey to see how it all comes out.

I’ve been saying this a lot lately, but it matters. And, as I write those words, I imagine Mama Cloud nodding.

So, with love and huge hope…

ps… For those of you beginning Soul Expression Breakthrough with me on Tuesday, I’m so hoping you’ll watch this before we start. If you’re interested, but not signed up, let me know. There’s a new group starting soon! suesvoice@gmail.com

The Muse is at it again!

I can tell it’s time for the next big thing to be born because the Muse woke me at about 5:30 this morning. (I think she lives in a different time zone!)

When she started whispering in my ear, I tried to soothe her back to sleep by obediently opening the book on the top of the stack next to the bed. Then I grabbed the pencil which lives on the nightstand for just this sort of adventure and scribbled her message inside the cover. Three words.

(Using a pencil for this job is easier than a pen on the flannel sheets in case it gets dropped, says the experiential learner!)

That worked for a couple of minutes. Then, more scribbling. And a bit more.

Then I gave in and got up.

A favorite sunny yellow mug of hot water and lemon. My current journal. And my Color of Woman Initiate Book.

Trouble was indeed afoot!

Trouble, as it turns out, that I’d really appreciate your help with. You see, I have homework to do. Well, it’s really more like what one of my teachers refers to as market research.

This is not an unfamiliar term in my universe. In fact, when I was about 5 years old, I used to help my dad with what he also called market research.

Mom would dress me in “cute” clothes and off I’d go with my Dad, to the nearest Kroger store. (Groceries, if you’re not from around here.)

Daddy would set up his little card table, complete with a plastic tablecloth, and set out the Dixie cups. (Remember the different colored ones?) My job was to play like any other kid walking by and, when he asked me to taste the orange juice, the red cup always had the Tropicana which was, of course, “the best” kind!

Just between us, I’m kind of missing the Dixie cups!

Instead, I have questions. Quite possibly, questions for you! (Yes, you, as long as you’re one of the first 6 wise women who email me! suesvoice@gmail.com )

Here’s the deal…

You agree to spend about half an hour with me (phone or Zoom) answering some questions about your journey to making a difference. To mattering. There are no right or wrong answers. Only yours. (Though there might be extra credit for choosing red!)

Then, as my way of saying a huge thank you, we’ll schedule a time for 30 – 45 minutes of a Super Power Self Portrait mini course! No paint required. All you need is a decent sized piece of paper and 2 or 3 markers in your favorite colors. And, if you like, we can chat a few minutes about some upcoming opportunities to continue on your mattering journey with some help from me.

I promise… no obligation to me. It is, however, just possible that your Muse will have other ideas… especially in these days!

ps… That’s my Muse, peering at you from the watery depths, at the top of this post. Her name is Anemone, a symbol, according to some, of discovering new opportunities in alignment with you, new doorways worthy of actively stepping through…

pps… This is Luther, one of our official studio angels, with one of his very favorite girls. Luther thinks it would be really helpful of you to decide to email me and help with my homework questions. Luther thinks anything that helps us matter is a really good plan! suesvoice@gmail.com

Memories of Easter

When I was a kid, we spent a lot of Easters with my Dad’s family in Indiana. One year my sister and one of our cousins snuck most of a bag of the little, foil covered chocolate eggs into an older cousin’s bed where the three of us had been sent to sleep. Apparently Molly and Shirley didn’t eat all the eggs because we woke up covered in melted chocolate. Joe, the regular occupant of the bed, was unamused!

Then, there was Aunt Bea’s carrot cake. Yum!!! And the peonies blooming in her yard.

Bill and I, being only half way through the vaccine journey, are hanging out at home this Easter. Wow, do we miss the kids! But, there are dogwoods blooming across the street and frittata with actual Italian truffle shavings for dinner. And, as much reminding as it seems the world needs, Easter means, as the old stories remind us, what it has always meant… new life.

One leg of the big table in my studio fell on my foot yesterday. (You kinda had to be there!) It hurts but isn’t nearly as bad as it might have been. I’m holding out for paint time tonight in terms of major exercise like walking.

For now… remembering. Kenzie was about 2 1/2 and Taylor a very new baby the first Easter I made my version of Aunt Bea’s carrot muffins, taking into account some of the food quirks in our family. Here, with much love, is the recipe…

The Carrot Muffins Aunt Bea Would Have Made if She’d Known!

Ingredient Note: Because this recipe is made with sprouted grains, it may be well tolerated by some gluten-sensitive individuals. The body perceives sprouted grains more like vegetables than ordinary grains and flours, making them a good choice for diabetics, as well.  There’s way less sugar involved in the fabulous icing, which would also work for Red Velvet Cake, if you’re into that. And, they’re delicious!

Equipment Note: A food processor is handy, but not necessary for this recipe. If you like muffin tops, you may wish to use either a 24 c. muffin pan or two 12 cup pans so that you can spread them out. 

MAKES:  8 large muffins

Depending on room temp. and desired baking time, remove 8 oz. organic cream cheese and 8 oz. Mascarpone cheese (preferably organic)  from refrigerator and allow to come to room temp. on counter, up to 8 hours. 

Adjust oven racks so that muffins will bake in the center of the oven. 

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Using the grating disc on your food processor or a hand grater, coarsely grate:

1 ½ c. scrubbed and trimmed organic carrots, peels left on if possible.   (About 2 med. carrots.)

Melt ½ stick (2 oz.) organic, salt free butter and allow to cool slightly.  

Beat together in glass measuring cup or small bowl:  

3/4 c. buttermilk, preferably organic, 1 good egg, and ¼ c. honey.

Add cooled, melted butter and mix. 

To large mixing bowl, add and mix well:

1 c. organic sprouted grain flour.

1 c. organic sprouted multigrain flour mix.

¼ c. light brown sugar.

1/8 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg.

 ½ tsp. cinnamon.

1 tsp. grey, Celtic sea salt, finely ground.

 1 tsp. aluminum-free baking powder.

½ tsp. baking soda

To dry ingredients mixture, add and toss to coat:

2/3 c. organic walnuts chopped to med. sized pieces.

Add grated carrots and mix well.

Add 2 Tbsp. freshly grated orange rind, preferably organic, or washed well! (Reserve oranges for juice to serve with muffins!)

Grease muffin cups with butter, or line with paper liners as desired. Just before ready to bake, mix:

Wet ingredients with dry ingredients. Stir quickly with a silicon spatula until just mixed. Do not over-beat!!!

Scoop batter quickly into prepared cups. Bake 30-35 minutes until muffins smell nutty and are starting to pull away from tin. Allow to cool, tipped in tin or on rack for about 30 min. 

While muffins are cooling, prepare icing. Cream together:

8 oz. organic cream cheese.

 8 oz. Mascarpone cheese (preferably organic).

3 Tbsp. confectioners sugar (preferably 10x). Really, only 3 Tbsp.!!!

Ice muffins and enjoy! 

Boardman,  Grandmothers Are In Charge of Hope, 82.

ps… It seems to me that the world needs all the love it can get right now. This is a good day to remember that. (Okay, every day is a good day to remember that. It’s just that today I’m not simultaneously remembering and swearing at CNN.)

pss… Next week, big changes on my painting! In the meantime, some available for adoption here!

A Sadder Artist but Wiser, Now…

It’s okay. I’m really NOT going to start singing. And, even though many of you know the first part of the story, I truly hope you’ll hang around for the what happened next part!

Yes, as reported in Facebook, I have spent a couple of weeks muddled up in an art scam that almost worked. And I’ve learned some new things. It’s been the old things, though, popping up in my dreams last night, that have been what I really needed and I’m ready to share.

This is, other than paint, some of the best stuff I know!

It started like this…

Somewhere a being capable of email with a woman’s name approached me about buying a piece of my art in a backchannels sort of way. (Unrecognized clue #1!)

We went back and forth for a while (U.C. #2) about payment and postage, etc.

There seemed to be an estate somewhere in the mix. (U.C. #3)

Skipping along over the dull stuff… I finally got a check that was for considerably more money than the price of the original painting. (U.C. #4)

Then – and this is the big clue – lots of pressure about time and some event and blah, blah, blah…

By this point, I was mad. And, blessedly, my kids were here so I wasn’t in the mood to be hassled. Then (You guessed it!) the check was returned by my bank. The $12 this cost me was a tremendous bargain. And, yes, I sent the somewhat redemptive kiss off email.

Then, the dreams…

The primary voice was that of my long term teacher, Dr. H. Stephen Glenn of Developing Capable People fame.

Steve, who spends lots of time sitting on my shoulder, whispering in my ear, reminded me of some things I already know.

  • I stuck with me.
  • I listened to my heart.
  • I remembered that I matter.
  • There’s no such thing as failure… only opportunities to be learned from!

Those are the things I’ll use later today to put new healing energy into my painting and it will be an even stronger witness to what I believe – to what it was meant to be – than it was the first time it was finished.

This, dear friends, is good work! Especially in this world, just now.

So, just in case you, or someone you love, ever has a moment like this, when your Inner Critic seems to be whispering the Why didn’t you…? stuff, I’m happy to lend you Steve.

And, because I believe in all this so much, I just said yes to a chance to do live painting during a virtual post card party for a very cool group of activists known as Envoys for Humanity!

We’re still working on the details, but my Muse is thrilled and I’m totally curious, which Steve would remind us is our best state for learning! (I’ll keep you posted!)

ps… my canvas still needs a bit of touching up, but it feels a lot better now. Just in case you have a project that needs a bit of energy tidying, I’m happy to tell you how I’m doing mine! Just holler. suesvoice@gmail.com

ppsin this moment, it’s back to mountains of laundry, an awesome bowl of scallop soup (!) and some more time exploring how to be my best me.

Bless the beasts and children!

Our kids are here! It’s been almost a year and a half and I’m close to weeping with the joy.

We’re being as wise as we can be. The adults are fully vaccinated or half-way there. Masks abound. We’re even using a bigger table for eating so we have more personal distance. And there’s lots of hand washing going on!

We are, of course, painting.

We’re also heavily involved with the new family bonding adventure known as dog brushing. Phoebe and Luther are in huge beast heaven!

Swiffering is an excellent form of quiet exercise.

Our kitchen is packed full of willing chefs. Tonight, a truffle risotto experiment. I miss Italy, and the girls are adventurous eaters.

I am at peace in a way I haven’t been since the pandemic started.

Well, almost. We’ll leave Georgia state politicians for another day.

There’s a line for the shower. I have no idea where the kitchen mandoline may have run off to. Pollen is taking over the world. Not sure we’re going to have time for planting seeds as there is way more weeding to be done than even a couple of days ago.

Full disclosure: I was tempted to type, just a moment ago, the old statement:

All manner of thing shall be well.

Then I stopped myself, deeply conscious of all those in our world who are feeling like very little will ever be well again.

And, somehow, both of those things have truth in them.

More truth, in fact, than I’m sure what to do with.

Here’s what I do know… I am blessed to be able to feed my family. And shelter the dogs. And share groceries with a friend in need.

Tomorrow, the plan is for the girls to help me write postcards to encourage voters in a Congressional run-off.

And there are, of course, more dots to be made.

You and yours are on the list, too.

ps… Watch for my new Shopify store coming soon to a web page near you!

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