My inner scrap quilter/dreamer has been busy!

Recently, someone asked me why I paint! And, yes… there are at least a zillion answers, depending on which day you catch me. Here’s the easy one:

I paint because it’s how I learn!

It’s also tons of fun. And, yes, I’ve learned other ways, too. Here’s a quick example…

In January of 1989, just before the Eastern Block fell, I went to Hungary with a group of seminary students. If you’ve been reading along a while, you know it was cold and scary and mind-opening. (Except for the pig jello! That was just cold and scary!!!)

When we came home, I told our professor that I felt like all the separate boxes in my brain had fallen apart and everything had run together. Charlie put a hand on my shoulder, looked me straight in the eyes, and said, “Yes! That’s what Alternative Context is supposed to do!!!”

Turns out that paint is a different – and generally warmer – way to access Alternative Context!

So, why this story, now? Well, there are a whole lot of boxes falling apart in my head and, if you’ll pardon the mixed metaphors, quilting themselves back together into very welcome newness!

My recent #Legend2025 painting seems to have gotten the ball rolling. I painted. I learned. I cried. I learned. And, yes, I dreamed.

She had a new idea, which I’ve mentioned, but am understanding more and more, so hang with me, please. First, though, a reminder… It was two words – Fierce Compassion – that opened the door to my entire Intentional Creativity® journey, and I encountered them on an oracle card!

Let’s pause, please, for a bit of context…

The Legendary Husband and I just celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary. And, yes… he actually exists! A couple of days ago, we hung my first ever Legendary Couples® painting where it/they, too, can whisper from the walls while we sleep.

Last night – 35 years and 24 days later – it did whisper, in a voice I know well. Walter Brueggemann. Words he preached at our wedding! Here you go: Concrete Passion and Very Large Hope!

It was rather surprising, back then. And, all these years later, I’m hearing with new ears! It is, indeed, the message of that new painting. It is exactly what I needed to hear in the context of this time. And, it is the place where I am called, again. Now. These words: Map. Reason. Challenge. Comfort. In-Spir-ation!

And, perhaps not so oddly, the key to the Wisdom Card homework I’m doing, which now makes total sense!

There will be more, of course. For today, though, yes… this story is totally a #Filters thing!!! And, you’re invited! New? Great! Never painted? No worries! Wondering about your place in the world? Even better!

Whatever your version of Concrete Passion and Very Large Hope might be, I have the tools in my Medicine Basket to help you name it, claim it, and bring it to life!

ps… yep! Somewhere, deep inside me, there is still a voice muttering that I could be – you know – bragging. And, it might sound kinda like that. Mostly, though, it’s the real me, with 2 grandteens growing up in this world, which – when you get right down to it – is a pretty damn useful filter!!!

pps… in case you wondered, the Legendary Husband also makes dots!!!

So, I seem to have a new job description!

Actually, it feels like I have quite a few job descriptions at the moment and we’ll talk about some of them, shortly. For now, though, the paintings have quit preachin’ and gone to meddlin’ again!

The Intentional Creativity® adventure known as #Quickening is coming to a close. And, yes… that means – you know – homework!

That’s the #painting, above. And the piece of furniture known as the #alteringaltar. (Well, a glimpse of it!) And, no… these are not things I learned in nursing school or seminary! If you’ve been around for more than about 10 minutes, though, you’ve already realized that I am still learning!

In this place, writing often goes with painting. I find that hugely comforting, Kinesthetic and Auditory/Digital processor that I am. (Yep! Pictures come last!) And all of that is happening in the context of – you know – the world!

So, my job description summary of this adventure just appeared:

It kind of weirds me out to realize how true that feels! And, yet, I am, indeed, one of the women in the photo. Generation after generation of them… then, now, and one day.

What I dreamed last night, though, was a voice reminding me that carrying prayers means many things. One of those things feels a lot like opening doors. And I have a bunch of them opening in my world. Some for me, and a couple that might be for you, too!

And, yes… I’m so convinced that, as Mama Caron McCloud helped us learn, I matter. You matter. We matter. And, mattering matters, that I’m going to invite you to consider those doors… again! (Okay, maybe urge you to consider those doors!)

First comes #Filters! which I’m leading through the Intentional Creativity® Foundation. Think of it like a really affordable 6-week cruise, coming home to a place you’ve never been before 😉 And your souvenir will, literally, be a whole new map of reality and some really cool art! An adventure that might just get you out in the world doing whatever it is that means this much to you… which, frankly, is the point! (The link to all the info is below.)

Then, there’s the 2025 #Red Madonna journey known as Mother Nature: ReMothering & ReWilding! I’m honored to be on the “Dangerous” leadership team again. A year-long painting adventure, complete with stories and poems, celebration and community.

Here’s a peek at one of my early #RedMadonna adventures, Our Lady of Blossoming Earth. Trust me when I tell you, she was a huge help in healing a major loss in my world! (And, yes… this link is below, too!)

Oddly enough, they all kind of come together, message-wise, in yet another painting… Our Lady of Good Trouble!

Her prayer is that you’ll read deep, and sign up for an adventure in newness. (And, yes… doing both is totally possible!!!)

Why??? Because this world needs YOUR Good Trouble! And sometimes we all need some others on the road with us!

This is the link for #Filters!

And, this is the link for #RedMadonna!

ps… if you guessed there might be a #Filters reference up near the top of the #Quickening painting, you’re right. And, ready!!!

pps… nope! You don’t need to be a painter, already! We’ve totally got you!

I do… I do… I do believe in magic…

… from the kind where a phoenix rises out of a stockpot, to the kind where truth rises out of a really, really new painter, to the kind where the secrets rise out of the brave ones and actually help the world!!!

The first two of those kinds of magic happened in the painting you’re witnessing, now.

The third kind is about to become real in two really powerful ways.

Here’s what’s behind door number one…

Yep… #Filters! A unique perspective on perception that I learned about 20 years ago and have been tending and seasoning ever since. And, like the gallons of actual soup I’ve shared with countless beloveds recovering from surgery or medical challenges or – once – twins, I am, in partnership with the Intentional Creativity Foundation, about to share #Filters with the world! And, hopefully, with YOU!!!

I’ll put the link below. For now, though, I’d love it if you’d read on just a bit before you click on it, please.

You see, there’s another kind of magic about to begin! It’s been called #RedMadonna for years. This year, is has a bit more added to the name… Mother Nature: Sisterhood and the Sacred Feminine… ReMothering & ReWilding!

We’ll be led in this Intentional Creativity® journey by Shiloh Sophia McCloud, and Havi Brysk Mandell. I’ll be on the team, along with Olivia Oso, Katie Leathers, and Hobby Parent. Doesn’t the very notion of ReMothering & ReWilding in this world, now, give you chills? The really good kind???

And, yes, I’ll put that link below, in a moment, too. First, answers to some frequent questions…

  • Yes! You can, indeed, do both!!!
  • No, you don’t have to know anything about painting, yet!!! (Honest!!!)
  • Yes, the supplies are simple and easy to get.
  • Yes, this is how life can actually change!!!

Now for the next right things… fix yourself a cuppa and go a-wondering! You can sign up, too 😉 😉

https://imusea.org/filters-invitation

https://musea.org/red-madonna-mother-nature

ps… that whole bit about life changing… I’ve been a counselor and guide for 30 years. Adventures like this are how we get more and more of our awareness involved in hopeful journeys!!! AND you do, indeed, have to take the first step and – you known – click the buttons! The Phoenix will be thrilled. Me, too!!! Deep breath…

If ever there was a time for a map to Wonderland…

Yep! This would be it!!! Can we be real? Really real???

I’ve been afraid of a lot of things in my life. Moving. Getting in trouble. Being wrong. Math. Failing. Getting any of the zillion “its” wrong.

Here’s a deep example… I’ve been afraid of being afraid. Turns out, that’s where STUCK lives. And, if ever there was a moment when the world needed us to be less stuck, it’s now!

The problem is that most of us are really used to stuck. We’re good at it. It feels safe because it’s familiar. And, it isn’t working. Not for the things that really matter. Not for the things our world full of Littles need us to get right!

So, let’s change things! Let’s set out on a journey to a mystical place known as WAY LESS STUCK.

Blessedly, there’s a map! And I want to share it with YOU!!!

Yep… #Filters! (Often, real commitment requires persistence!!!)

And, if you have a vision, I’m hoping you’ll CLICK HERE and read on… then, come back, please. There’s more!

You may have heard my story about walking out of the eye doctor’s office, when I was ten, with my first pair of glasses on. I could see leaves on trees!!! Actual, individual leaves. I had no clue!!!

That was, indeed, a change in one kind of filter between my brain and the world, even though I had no notion of all this back then. And virtually all of us could use some filter shifting! Not the visual kind, so much, as the perceptual kind.

Here’s an example I’m actually living at this moment…

Many of us have been painting #Legend in the land of Intentional Creativity®. I’ve loved #Legend six times already, and learned new things each time. And, I thought I was complete with my current guide.

Then, I realized – consciously – that the #Legend process could be a very effective tool for couples’ work! So, #7 is in the works, with participation from The Legendary Husband! Mostly, he’s consulting – enthusiastically! He’s also ready to make some dots.

Things have already shifted!!! And that doctoral dissertation I wrote in the late 90’s is hopping up and down on the shelf!!!

So, if you held yourself back from clicking the info link before, you’ve got another chance, now, with a big gold bow!

CLICK HERE

And, yes… we’re going to paint. And, yes… you can do it! REALLY! Take it from the “not artistic” kid who took a big risk and traded a limiting belief for a life changing one!

ps… if you’ve got questions, let’s chat! 30 minutes. My gift. Just click here and the calendar elves will be glad to hook you up! And bring a red thread, if it’s handy!

pps… in case you’re new around here – or wisely curious – there’s bio info if you click here!

Plant more roses!

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!!!

You know how the world seems more complicated these days???

What channel to watch… Who to work for… What your kids want to wear to school…

What we’re trying to accomplish…

I mean – SERIOUSLY!!!

And I’m ready to help! In fact, I just got some good advice from a virtual friend named Stacey Abrams. She was a guest on Ali Velshi’s MSNBC show on Saturday. Yep, Ali’s Banned Book Club! And, the Hebrew word on the red ribbon in the photo means both I am here! and I am ready!

You see, Stacey’s book, Our Time Is Now: Power, Purpose, and the Fight for a Fair America, was recently banned from the U. S. Naval Academy Library as part of larger removal of nearly 400 titles!

I haven’t read it, yet, though it’s definitely on the list. What I was most intrigued by, though, was Stacey’s conversation about doing what we can, where we are, now… especially when it comes to helping make sure people can vote… to which I’d add speak and create!

There are, however, a few other things on my own helping list for today… things that have a lot to do with grandmothers!!! And, yes… all the painting and writing going on around here has helped! For this moment, though, I’m going to play tour guide, just a bit!

There are links to some cool things ahead. I’m so hoping, though, that you’ll read the rest of this post and then come back and click links to explore. It’s kind of one of those adventures where one thing leads to the next…

First, as you may have read, I was interviewed for a podcast and it was a blast! And, it definitely counts for a thing I can do, where I am, with my friends, now! There’s a link, below!

And, the podcast conversation also includes the #Filters thing! As you’ve probably guessed… I’m excited!!! Please hear why…

The number one thing, in my personal – and global – medicine basket, is the quote you’ve heard from me a zillion times, with huge thanks to my dear teacher/friend, Dr. H. Stephen Glenn.

If a teenaged child has 5 adults who will listen to them, take them seriously, and not shame or blame them for their questions, that child is practically immune from ever attempting suicide.

Frankly, the world is even more in-our-faces-complicated that it was when Steve taught me this and I think we all need as many of those people as we can get… beginning with being one of those 5 people for ourselves!

The obvious next question is, HOW???

Well, that brings me back to the second thing in my medicine basket! Yep… #Filters! And I would be thrilled to help you add this perspective to your medicine basket!

You see, I was almost to the Grammy phase of my journey when I began to explore the notion of #Filters as a way of understanding the world and finding our place in it. I’m grateful to Bill Harris for helping me dip my toes in that stream. And I’m so excited about all the things I’ve learned since then!

And, yes… there’s a class coming up where you can learn, too! Complete with the third thing in my medicine basket… paint!!! I’m thrilled and honored to being doing this work in partnership with the Intentional Creativity® Foundation and – if you click here – we’ll tell you all about it!

In fact, if you click here to experience the podcast, you can hear me talk about it in what my grands would refer to as my “real voice” and find all the sign-up info, too!

ps… it should also be mentioned that Stacey did not say she wasn’t considering a run for Guv!

pps… one of the paintings from my children’s book is so hoping you’ll come check out our recently up-dated shop at FierceArtWithHeart. There’s everything from A Creation Poem… to share with your Littles, to original art, and some very cool mugs! Just click here!

The way we’ve always done it!

Once upon a time there was a scared young mom named Mom. She and the dad named Dad moved a lot because of the thing called work. Mom and Dad had two young daughters. One of them was named Me! Mom worried a lot – whether consciously or not – about those young daughters feeling like they were home. Like they fit in and belonged in each new place.

Because she was worried, Mom spent a lot of time explaining those young daughters to new people. The older one, named Me, was always introduced as the smart kid. The younger one was the artistic kid. And, because kids need to be able to depend on parents, each of those growing girls believed that Mom was right.

Time passed, as time does. About 40 years passed, in fact, before – one day – the one named Me had a new thought! What if, she wondered… maybe, just maybe, it was possible to be both smart and artistic??? So she picked up a brush and painted the dingy white kitchen cupboards in different colors to match the Fiesta Ware dishes that made her feel happy! It was huge fun and she really was thrilled with the way it looked. Even more, she loved the way it felt!

But, more things were true! There was a whole lot of smart kid stuff clamoring to be done in her world and it was close to 10 years before she picked up a paint brush again.

Then, she was invited on a magic journey called The Black Madonna Pilgrimage, in the mysterious land of Intentional Creativity®. She didn’t know then – and still isn’t quite sure – why she said yes, but she did! (Divine inspiration may have been involved!!!) And, with the help of a whole lot of wise people who’d been on such journeys before, she made art!!! In fact, she made the painting you caught a peek of, as we began. And she claimed a whole lot more of herself!

She even realized that she was both smart and artistic!!! And, ever since that day, she has learned and painted and helped others learn, too. The world is a complicated place and the she who is Me is absolutely convinced that if more and more of us learn what she has learned – and is ready to share – we can make the world safer and more welcoming for many, many, many more of us. For now, though, she has paintbrushes to wash and more dots to make! (And a very special thing to share with you, in just a moment!!!)

Here’s a glimpse of my #wip #Quickening painting. There’s still some finishing to be done but this is the piece we need now…

Yep! #Filters!!! Coming soon, to the land of Intentional Creativity® ! My first class for the Foundation and it’s about to start. You are invited!!! This is the place to bring all your questions… all the what next? and how will we make it? and what can I do? mumbo jumbo keeping you up at night!

My part is questions. And a whole lot of practice. Your part is claiming new possibilities… new paths to familiar dreams… and new tools for your medicine basket. Together, we CAN head out to the places where we are called!

I know… it sounds huge, and it is a lot to take in. That’s why there are lots of details, right here! Just click the pretty colored link to learn more. To HOPE again!!! (And, yes… there are pictures!!!)

ps… the shop elves have been busy updating at FierceArtWithHeart! Come on by to see all the fun and inspiration! It’s a great place to find encouraging Graduation gifts for your beloveds!

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