Once upon a time, we were in Indiana for a visit with some of my dad’s family. My aunt asked if I liked Nancy Drew books. I didn’t know Nancy, at that time, but I liked LOTS of books. It took me about 10 pages to get hooked!
When we headed home, it was with a big box of those books in the back of the station wagon. I felt like a rich kid with her very own library!
Nancy, it must be clear, was different from most of my previous book-buddies. Mostly, I knew Betsy-Tacy books, because my mom grew up with them in Minnesota. And I knew Little House books. Also Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little, of course. Nancy seemed edgy. Out of the box I knew.
I think what fascinated me most about Nancy was all the thinking she did. You know, figuring things out. And the secret meanings of things!
In some ways, I’m painting a Nancy Drew canvas at the moment! Full of symbols, and clues to old, old stories. And, yes… that’s one of my favorite bits at the top of this page! A mythic collection of books. Representations of things most dear and empowering to me. There’s way more of this painting, which is about to be in a book. For now, though, let’s spend a bit of time in the library part, down near the bottom. The foundation, if you will… not of what I was raised with, but of what I’ve learned more recently. My chosen beliefs.
Many of the books carry dots to symbolize the prayers of those who preserved them.
The Red Book on the left represents an ancient Red Book that carries the energy and stories of Yeshua/Jesus and the Magdalene, along with those who carried on those teachings. I have not “met” the Red Book in person, but I believe!
Toward the middle, there’s a volume with one of my favorite “secret” codes that resembles a combined “T” and “K”. It came to me in one of my first Intentional Creativity® paintings and reminds me of how totally becoming a grandmother – identifying, if you will – as a grandmother changed my whole view of the world. And, is changing it, still!
The wee dove is in honor of my Cathar ancestry. Believers who taught the ancient truths together, as beloveds. Fairy tales used to pass on dangerous traditions to their Littles.
And, way off to the right, rather like a bookend, is a clay jar, representing Mary Magdalene and the women of that time who used holy oils for healing, anointing, and for burials.
As I mentioned, there’s a lot more of this painting. For now, this is the part that’s keeping me on the road. The road of more stories for our Littles, in this midst of this confusing time.
It feels like the world needs all the Love and Hope it can get! And I suspect Nancy Drew is cheering us on as we open to the mysteries! So, I suspect, is the moon!
ps… new spaces coming up for help claiming YOUR MAGIC! Stay tuned!!! (Or leave me a comment…)
Sue, you are truly special and clearly an artist. I’m proud to be your cousin and still a part of each other’s life. Stay safe in this oppressive time. This too shall pass 🙏🙏🎶🎶💕💕
Thank you, dear Bev! Love to catch up… The world needs lots of us! My love to all…