Contemplations

You know how, sometimes, you say yes and…

Posted on by sue boardman

…things get way bigger – and more extroverted – than you expected??? Welcome to my world!

What began as a project for an Intentional Creativity® journey called Animystica has become a storm of creative chaos in my world!

A Creation Poem… exists! Not only in my heart, but all over our house! And I did, indeed, get a booth at the Decatur Book Festival on Saturday. The Saturday that’s approximately 60 hours from now!!!

It’s been a long time since I’ve done something like this. Before Covid, in fact. (Hence today’s vax booster!)

The books look – and feel – fabulous! A batch of paintings have volunteered to come along. I have a new tap/chip thing to help with the whole adoption deal… as soon as I figure out how to charge it up. We picked up the banner and book marks on the way home from the vax adventure.

One of the things I’m most excited about is setting up a place for kids – and brave adults! – to make some dots on a community painting. Dots for things like Hope and Peace. And, not only will they be able to join in the project, they’ll go home with a new strategy for their very own medicine baskets, even though they may be to young to consciously comprehend all the magic.

And, yes, we’ll be making washable, non-toxic dots on a canvas like the one, above. (I got lots of hand-wipes!)

Just in case you’re wondering… Yes!!! All this is very scary!

The only thing I can think of that would be scarier is not doing it. All of us NOT doing what we can for our poor, aching world.

Which is, of course, a nod to one of my favorite author/friends, Frederick Beuchner. If you’ve been around for a while, you may remember one of my favorite brilliant things he said:

The place where we are called is the place where our great joy and the world’s deep need meet.

Booth number 325 at the Book Festival – and all that it represents – is that place for me in this moment.

And, after I catch my breath a bit, I’d love to help you claim your version of that place and map out the path from where you’ve been to there! There are lots of ways to get started, and the first step is easy!

You and I get in a Zoom room. My gift. And we explore where you are on the road to the place where you feel called, even if that place doesn’t quite have words, yet. We’ll take one next step together and talk about what the step after that might look like. (I’m a huge fan of choices!!!) Just click here, and the calendar elves will be delighted to hook you up with a time!

This drawing was a huge step on my path to this moment!!!

Contemplations

Perspective… the only thing we have control over!

Posted on by sue boardman

I’m not sure who came up with this observation, but I suspect they may have been in the midst of a hurricane when they did!

First, we’re fine… and grateful! And sad. And determined… but we’ll get to that in a bit.

Our tiny corner of the universe has been without power since Thursday evening. We are blessed with a bit of a boost from solar batteries. And some tube sky lights. That has allowed us to stay at home, with no air-conditioning, in very dim light, and essential meds still chilled in the fridge.

As I’m a bright light kind of person, even this has been a challenge. Kind of an experience in being frustrated and grateful all in the same moment. And I’m counting on the notion that Creator gets it!

Here’s the wild card, though…

The Decatur Book Festival! October 5. And, much to my amazement, I have an exhibitor’s booth!!! My inner Author-Artist-Activist is ecstatic! And terrified that the books won’t show up in time!

It’s a really, really small problem compared to what so many are going through.

It also seems to have inspired my Inner Critic to think that she’s in charge of my world! You’re probably familiar with conversations like this…

What the hell were you thinking??? Nobody will notice you, anyway! And Stacey Abrams is going to be there, for Pete’s sake. You can’t compete with that! Besides, all that setting up is going to hurt!

Blessedly, The Muse is right here beside me, even in the very dim light, with some other observations!

This book matters. And you can feel it! You birthed it and you want it to get all oohhh’d and aahhh’d over, just the way new moms and grammies do. And it will. Probably in ways you haven’t imagined yet! In fact, this is what creating is all about. You give them life and you set them free! And, maybe – just maybe – they make enough difference that some people will try to ban them, which could turn out to be a very good thing for the folks who need them most!!!

So, I’m squinting in the dark to write this – on Saturday – hoping that there will be more light, soon! You see, I have some art to take to the festival, too, and it needs edges finished and gold thumbprints in red circles on the back.

Mostly, though, I’m squinting in the dark to write this – on Saturday – because I need to hear it. To be reminded that we ALL matter and that sometimes putting ourselves out there in the world is scary and that our Littles need us to model doing the big mattering stuff, even when it’s scary.

And, yes, it feels like a pretty big adventure right about now!

There are a whole lot of things in this world that are scarier that showing up…. especially not showing up! Not speaking out for mattering. Not intentionally including people who have different stories and wisdom.

Ironically, as I’ve been typing away, the regular power has, indeed, come back on, which means the solar stuff is recharging, too! (You know… just in case!)

Still not anywhere near optimal on the internet front, but it’s a start!

And, I have a sense that the bears are on it!

You see, a wise indigenous teacher named Maria Yraceburu told me about being bear clan, or having bear spirit animals. Bears are a strong source of support in times of difficulty… providing courage and a stable foundation to face challenges… a sign that it is, perhaps, time to stand up for your beliefs or your truth.

And here are some thoughts on the book, from an Intentional Creativity® Sister…

A lovely, easy to read rendition of the story of Creation. Sue Boardman has been able to infuse a lilting, magical feel to this ancient story of how it all began. Her colorfully sweet illustrations invite us ever so gently into the wonder of this story. As a Reverend and ‘fiercely compassionate grandmother’ she is devoted to seeding much good into this world, so that not only her grandchildren but all children can evolve and more easily realize their potential. A delightful read!

Eásula  Sedlmaier – author, artist and coach

ps… stay tuned for ways to get your very own copies of A Creation Poem… and some cool stuff to go with them!

pps… well, we made it to Sunday, and a whole lot of MSNBC! And now I know my next right thing… I’ve sold a few books already and I sent a portion of those funds to The Red Cross in North Carolina today. Then, I’ll do the same for all book-related items, including original art, through October 15, which is the feast day of St. Teresa of Avila, reformer, mystic, and one of four women recognized by the Vatican as a Doctor of the Church.

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Between was and will be…

Posted on by sue boardman

Yep! That’s where it feels like I’m standing. And that’s a picture of what it felt like a couple hours ago!

For now, a bit of musing… sitting with my feet up, hoping the power doesn’t go out!

Sunday’s book launch was huge fun! Monday’s doc’s appointment… let’s call it progress. Tuesday – moving. (Joints and muscles!) And, today, hearth tending in the Red Thread Cafe Classroom!

I love hearth tending. It’s a lot like summer camp but without poison ivy and water moccasins! On this day, though, I seem to be channeling the suspended bridge over the Santa Fe River in Florida’s O’Leno State Park.

Exhilarating and terrifying all at the same time. And, according to the elves in my cell phone, closed today because of Hurricane Helene. It kind of sounds like my back yard should be closed today, too, as the early bands of Helene make their way north and it’s full dusk at 3:30pm!

Here’s the “betwixt and between” bit…

A Creation Poem… exists. There are copies upon copies headed here – which is another storm concern! I’m waiting to hear whether I’ll have an exhibitor’s booth at the Decatur Book Festival, on October 5. Not a whole lot of time to plan for something I’m not even sure I need to be ready for!

Just between us… I’m really hoping it works!

For today, though… Medicine Painting. (Which sounds like way more fun than homework!)

There are many notions of how Medicine Painting works and even more about what it looks like.

And, here’s the thing… you don’t really know until you do it! A notion that makes some of us anxious… or, used to!!!

Here’s my favorite part – instead of deciding what to put on the canvas, I get to sit with the canvas and discover what I see as it comes forth! It’s a lot like claiming that I do, indeed, have influence, while choosing to set aside control. Here’s what’s happened since this morning…

It’s been a long road! And the first step was setting aside the notion I learned early on that I was not the artistic kid. Which was a whole lot like realizing that Mom was right about a lot of things, but that wasn’t one of them!

The world feels a lot like that in this moment! And all I know to do is to show up being the me I am now.

So… I told the guy named Steve that I wanted a booth at the book festival if it works out. And then I asked what I needed to know! His advice had a lot to do with where to park and having as many ways as possible for people to pay for books. And art. And then he said the coolest thing…

Give people a way to engage!

You guessed it… dots!!!

So, non-toxic, washable dot markers. They’re round, like finger tips!!! Because if you’re going to write a book about including kids, you need a way to INCLUDE them! Probably a few extra paint shirts, too. And baby wipes.

And, if this whole thing actually happens, I’m going to have two choices about where to make the dots. On a spare round canvas which makes a great home for a peace sign. And, as the next layer of the medicine painting I’m deep in today!

Because more people making dots for Peace and Hope gets the world that much closer to – well – Peace and Hope. To believing that WE can do something to create and claim what matters!

And, you know what???

Even if this book festival doesn’t work this time, I’m already clearer on my Promise. And I’ll have two more books done for next year! (Really!!!)

Here’s the cover for the next one…

ps… just in case you have something you’re longing to manifest in the world, there’s still time – but not much! – to check out Shiloh Sophia’s new, year-long painting adventure called Abracadabra! (I’m so excited!!!) Just click here for all the info…

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I used to think I was supposed to be perfect!

Posted on by sue boardman

Blessedly, I’m (mostly) over it! Trust me when I tell you that it’s really not sustainable!

For me, this perfection hang-up has always had a lot to do with words. And I began to understand more about that when I was failing (literally) my first semester of Hebrew in Seminary. Let’s just say my brain doesn’t quite work that way. Nothing I saw made any sense. I didn’t understand anything I heard. And I felt doomed.

Somewhere along the line, about 3 million flash cards later, the magic happened. Almost literally! Somebody explained that a word my ear recognized – abracadabra – could be translated as, for I create from the word. Or, even better, I will create as I speak!

How utterly cool is that???

I’d been writing for a long time before that. In that moment, though, I think I became a writer!

I’ve written a whole lot since then. Sermons. Magazine & news articles. A dissertation. Editorials. Books. Blogs. And, now… another book!

In fact, the first actual hold-in-your-hand copy arrived Saturday. (And, yes, that was a bit close for comfort!)

It feels good. It smells good. It looks great!

And then the old anxiety kicked in! As in, what if it’s not perfect???

I’ve been here before. There’s a typo in my 269 page long doctoral dissertation. One.

It was around that time that I learned a helpful old story. Legend tell us that the people who hand-tied Persian rugs in days gone by always included an intentionally mis-tied knot because they believed that only Allah is perfect and they should not attempt perfection.

I’ve always found that comforting! Comforting enough, at least, to put my work out there in the world. Now, more than ever!

First, there’s me modeling the notion of showing up and doing my best for my grand-teens! (Who helped, by the way, with the new book-baby!)

Then there’s the even more important – and also urgent – notion that all our voices matter. That it’s okay if not everybody hears what we meant to say in the way that we hoped they would. That a big part of life is learning to make our choices even though some people think their way is the only way.

So… A book launch party!!!

Today. (Sunday) In honor of all the women who came before us and risked their safety – their lives, many of them – to choose. To use their voices. To claim that they mattered. All wrapped in an ancient story of beginnings and belonging. An ancient story told, intentionally, so that all our Littles might learn that they, too, are part of the story of love and hope and inclusion.

And some new ways to think about setting ourselves free from limiting beliefs!!!

I’d love for you to join us! The adventure begins at 1pm PT/ 4pm ET. Just click here for all the info.

ps… It’s also possible to pre-order copies of the book at the same link!

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‘municating! (Really!!!)

Posted on by sue boardman

Dear Heart, have you ever had one of those stories you’re so excited about that you tell it 20 ways and think everybody will surely understand it just the way you do?

Well, I seem to have paid a visit to that place! And the story I’m trying to tell has enormous years of history behind it. For today, though, we’re going with the current events!

First, we’re putting the Com- back in -municating! As in information going both ways! Kind of old school journalism style, but updated!

You probably remember the list of questions, too… possibly from Yearbook staff, like I do! Now we know more, though, so we’re starting with WHY? This is the big one! I’ll let the book-baby speak…

My Fiercely Compassionate Grandmother’s heart has called me to tell the old, old, story of Creation again, with words and images, in this moment, and I’ve answered that call with fear and trembling, with deep honor for those who have told this story, often at great risk, since the time of campfires in ancient deserts. Our Littles – ALL OF THEM – need it, still, in this world battling over whose voices matter, if they are to learn that THEIR voices matter! Perhaps we need it, too.

Now for the rest of the details…

Who? You. Me. My right hand tech director. And a circle of awesome people who care about kids… and the future of the world!

What? A Zoom gathering. We’ll explore the book-baby and do a bit of our own growing with some of the best transformational magic I know… which you can put to use in your world, right away. (I’m guessing you have big hopes, too!) Each registration includes a hard-cover, hand autographed copy of the book!

When? Sunday, September 22 at 1pm PT/4pm ET. (Plan on about 90 minutes.)

Where? Well, Zoom… anywhere you happen to be. Preferably someplace that feels safe & comfy!

How? I’m so glad you asked!!! Just click the link, below, and sign yourself up!

ps… here’s what one preview reader had to say about A Creation Poem…

Sue had me at the bear on the cover! Rich, bold art illustrates this story as ancient as time. A Creation Poem… joins many origin stories taught to children around the world to help them make sense of their place. We know this story. But we haven’t heard it told this way, with inclusive language, progressive theology, and captivating images familiar to the Littles we love… Natalie Moyes, Interim Family Ministries Leader, Bedford United Church, Bedford, Nova Scotia, Canada.

pps… as I mentioned, I’m working hard to keep this circle feeling safe. You are welcome to bring a plus one kind of person as your guest and I’d be honored if you have a safe place – like a private facebook group – and would care to share this post there. You can also email the link to wise beloveds!

ppps… I’ve promised my Great Aunts, and a whole lot of women before us – and after us! – that we’re really not going back!

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When minor miracles lead to bigger ones…

Posted on by sue boardman

Okay, sleeping in a bit doesn’t necessarily count as a miracle but it sure felt like one on Saturday! There’s a whole lot going on and The Muse is a very early riser!

Wonder of wonders, though, I made it clear to 9:00am, which was a perfect time for a cup of cacao. Then, on to checking all the various sorts of messages.

One that really called out to me was from Shiloh Sophia McCloud who is busy with a whole lot of newness in her world, too. And, like me, Shiloh has been known to switch from preachin’ to meddlin’ on occasion. That’s one of the things I love best about her!

The short version of her message was, Make one much needed change today.

And, yes… that particular message set off a cascade of ideas in my consciousness!

Kind of surprisingly, I’d done the first step Friday night, without even being aware of where it was headed.

Here’s the intention that insisted on being the beginning…

When I’d made enough progress Saturday morning for the thinking to kick in, I claimed my personal plan for much needed change. Before I tell you what it is, though, you need to know that I’m up to my eyebrows in the kind of tech challenges that go with new book-babies. And, my right hand is really grumpy which makes the tech stuff even harder.

So, kind of predictably, I started my much needed change by editing a filter!!! A strategy filter!

Here’s what it sounded like…

Me, to my Inner Critic: Oh! I just learned that Saturday is the new official Critic’s Day Off. That means you can go down by the lake and watch the swans. Or go window shopping at Kudzu. Or go to the library. Yay! Have fun! No need to hurry back!!!

Then, I enlisted The Muse’s best buddy, my Inner Fiercely Compassionate Grandmother, and put her in charge of getting the word out, in whatever ways it could be heard, as easily as possible, by the folks I want to reach. We weren’t going to worry about everything matching. We were just going to tell our Beloveds how excited we are about the book-baby! Because this world needs to hear what the book-baby has to say. Now! And, yes… the photo we began with is a big hint!!!

Just in case you’re new around here, or we accidentally missed you, just click here for all the details. We’ve saved a seat especially for you!

Now, even in the midst of this story, which might sound a bit woo-woo around the edges, I suspect I’m going to need some more practice with this new strategy of mine. Especially the part about enlisting my Inner Fiercely Compassionate Grandmother when things feel hard and I’m afraid of not getting it right enough.

The thing is that now I have a new strategy to choose. Consciously. Intentionally. Frequently!!! Some of which might just come up at the book-baby party! 😉 😉

For this moment, though, a new being is appearing on my canvas. I’m already learning new things!

ps… if you hurry really fast, you can still sign up for Abracadabra, Shiloh Sophia’s new year-long course. And, yes, much needed chosen changes will be involved… Click here… and hurry!!!

pps… there’s a pet portrait challenge going on at Dick Blick! Click here if you’re curious…

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I almost changed my mind!

Posted on by sue boardman

There’s a moment for many women, somewhere in the pushing phase of labor, when they declare that they’ve changed their minds and they’re not having the the damn baby, after all!

That was me, somewhere in the wee hours between Monday and Tuesday.

Blessedly, it doesn’t work!

The PUBLISH button has indeed been pushed on the book-baby!!!

And, the Intentional Creativity® Purple Passion virtual art show was a world full of wonder and em-power-ed intentions! (Even if you weren’t there live, you can still join the amazement with the link, below.)

Just between us, those are about the only things from Tuesday that feel accomplished. And, yes… I waved my magic wand and turned the “debate” into a re-run of The West Wing! Turns out there is a point where the context can get too crazy for even prayer dots to help!!!

Here’s the thing, though… there’s external context, like – well – news. And weather. And storms. And fires. And school shootings. And remembering. So much remembering. All of which feels like it’s trying very hard to out-shout new babies and bowls of homemade soup and the wonder of finding unexpected meaning in spilled paint.

New meaning in this moment.

For me, noticing has a whole lot to do with making meaning. What gets in, amidst the chaos. Here’s a thing I noticed…

Angela Davis…a notable woman I don’t recall from Social Studies – though she should have been there! And, a cousin! Really!!! Angela and I share a Mayflower ancestor… a story which seemed to be an even bigger surprise for her, as a guest on Finding Your Roots, than it was for me, watching!

And then the stories started re-arranging themselves in my mental library, as I slept.

Stories about my French Cathar aunts, uncles, cousins, and – quite probably – grandparents. Victims of an autocratic papal crusade against Christians, some 800 years ago. People of peace, and love, and learning… women and men teaching as partners.

I have no idea what the artist intended when they formed the statue, above, and placed her at Kudzu to find her home. To me, though, she is a courageous Cathar guardian of sacred stories and just community. And a powerful reminder that it is our job to carry on!

Somehow, in the context of this moment, all those stories live on in me. And they birthed the book-baby, because Creation goes on, even now, and the story is for all of us… especially our Littles!

I’m really glad I didn’t change my mind!!!

So… we’re going to need a baby shower of sorts. A book launch event! And it wouldn’t be the same without you! All the details, along with some new ones, are here, eager for you to click the big, bright link just below…

We’re not going back!!!

ps… don’t miss the amazing art show! (And the artists‘ stories about their work!) Just click here…

Sue Boardman, Certified Intentional Creativity®
Color of Woman Teacher & Coach