I’ve been working on this painting for almost a year. She’s Mother Nature from the Red Madonna journey I help lead, which began in 2025.
It took us a while to begin to get to know each other. Actually, it took me making space to notice and wonder, even in the midst of – you know – this world, now.
Something big shifted yesterday. I was writing about Red Thread Circles. Well, one circle in particular. My first, at Summer Camp, when I was about 12 years old. Our inquiry was all about how the different beings around us – plant and animal – were related to, and dependent on, each other.
It was like a big window opening in my awareness. How were ‘possum and Manatee connected? Alligator and poison ivy? You hear me… That day changed my world view. And it changed it again, today, when it dawned on me that a huge part of the chaos we’re living through is being intentionally created by powerful people who don’t get it. Or, don’t care to get it.
Blessedly, the paint did what the paint does. Small changes. Layer after layer. Bringing this forward. Adding light. And depth.
And, you know, none of it was really about the image, itself. It was about being along for the journey! It still is… lots and lots more journey.
It’s about trusting myself to notice and wonder. To wander, even, off the path and toward something not yet known.
There’s part of me that wants to pitch a tent and live there, in that forest which is emerging from me. Frankly, my literal neighborhood has felt scarier these days. More shootings in the news. More sirens in the night. Close. And voting coming close, as well.
There’s a John Lewis Good Trouble sign in my front yard. A woman I didn’t know was walking by with her dog and, as I rubbed the dog’s ears, she asked if I was afraid to have that sign out there, in what used to be Congressman Lewis’ district.
My intuitive answer surprised me.
Having it makes me feel less scared than I would feel if I didn’t put it out there just because it could be scary!
I suspect, if Mother Nature was the blog reading type, she might agree! She’d also suggest that the painting needs some grape vines!
All of which feels like it boils down to taking care of ourselves so that we can keep being part of the circle that connects all life. I suspect she’s been chatting with the owls, again!
And, I’m supposed to remind you that her hand – crooked and crunchy as it seems – is a symbol of power. Power FOR!
ps… Red Madonna is gearing up for 2026! Stay tuned!!!
pps… ready for some help claiming YOUR Magic and setting it loose in the world, NOW??? Let’s talk… Just click here and the calendar elves will hook you up with 45 min. My gift. You tell me your dream and I’ll tell you about some accessible paths to next right things!
