Living Our Dreams

Sheri Returns to the studio for Soul Sessions Sunday Oct 10th!

From my family to you, thank you for your heartfelt prayers, understanding, well wishes and support. To Laura Kirk, Toni Grenko, Shannon Bolona and Heather Craven...my heart to you for keeping the dream and energy alive in my absence.....

The Studio officially reopens with Sheri's arrival home, for Soul Sessions Sunday on Sunday, October 10th. 9:30am -12:30pm.  Please reserve your space. 

Please note: We will be open for First Friday's for a special artist reception for artist, author and cancer survivor Marlane Miller.  In addition, Marlane will be hosting a discussion and sharing her work Thursday, October 7th, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To download a flyer for Marlane's event, click this link:  View this flyer

To view upcoming workshops and studio events, here's a link to our October newsletter. 

 

Setting the Labyrinth

Setting the Labyrinth....Toni Grenko and Laura Kirk worked in the studio backyard today, setting the labyrinth in preparation for for tomorrow evenings luminaria labyrinth walk with Master labyrinth facilitator Jo Ann Mast. The walk is open to the public and the fee for the event is $15.00.

Saturday, Jo Ann will lead a day long workshop on Creativity and the Labyrinth. For more information and to register for both events click here. 

Initiation and Rites of Passage...

This letter was broadcast to the Creative Awakenings NING community today. It shares changes in the way postings and information for Sheri Gaynor and Creative Awakenings will now be consolidated for our beloved online community...

Hello to my Beloved Creative Awakenings Community,

I am writing to let you know that I will be closing the NING Salon as of September 30, 201. I have been in Florida with my mother for the last 10 days. She has a long-term degenerative disease and became very, very ill. We almost lost her last week and it has caused me to take pause and evaluate life and business priorities.  My mom is home now, but still very weak and we are currently sorting through options for her long-term care.

This incident has been an initiation for me...and with it, I have fully crossed the bridge into my life as crone. I am now in the 3rd spiral of life and as such, I feel compelled to make some changes that reflect this rite of passage.  The first is to simplify and to downsize my public persona and the time I spend on the internet.

Western culture offers many distractions. Very often these distractions are a way of keeping our true feelings at bay and with this recent incident, I made a conscious decision to stay completely and totally present. After receiving the call, I closed my studio doors and flew to Florida to be with my mother; and although doing so was terrifying-as I’d just opened the doors to my dream-nothing else mattered, she was the priority. I have not checked email for over 10 days and have had very little phone contact. It was not easy, being so present, in fact it was incredibly painful to stay with the process. Many tears were shed and there were moments of being completely in the abyss, yet I stayed in the dark, where I imagine she was and allowed myself to feel.  I recognize the stages I went through, as Elizabeth Kubler-Ross wrote about them long ago. I passed through each door and not always gracefully: Denial…Anger…Bargaining…Depression…Acceptance not once, but over and over.  A few days ago after the crisis had passed and my mother was home in Hospice care, I was able to hear the voice inside that had been calling for sometime….”Simplify….slow down….find what’s important…”

I am the first to admit I love what technology has offered to our lives in terms of connecting with a global community, the flip side for me are the countless hours it takes to maintain those connections and so I have made a decision to be downsize the places you will find me on the web. In many ways, this will make it easier for me to communicate with everyone and also to get you more in-depth information in relation to Creative Awakenings and the Expressive Arts.

The gratitude I feel for the time we’ve spent together here in the Salon is unspeakable. To me, it’s a miracle that anyone came at all to be honest! When I wrote Creative Awakenings and made a decision to put a web address and community hub for gathering, a community network had not been attempted by North Light Books author before. As an author, you write in the dark and you write because you are compelled to. There are times you wonder, ‘Will anyone ever read this? Will people relate to it? Will it be on the remainder table in a week?’ but you keep writing, because in the depth of your soul, you have something you need to share with the world and in the end, it doesn’t matter if one person reads the book….or thousands as in the case of Creative Awakenings, thanks to all of you.

As creative beings we are familiar with risk taking and what it means to take the leap.  The CA Salon was one of those leaps and when the first person found the trailhead and wrote the answer, “reading the book,” to our profile question, “How did you find us?” it seemed like a miracle to me.  Now we are over 900 strong and from all parts of the globe and the joy and deep sense of gratitude this brings me is beyond description!

So, let’s keep the spirit of community alive by finding a way to communicate in a less fragmented way.  Let’s build an even stronger community, one where we have the ability to reach out, share and cheer one another on with DREAM SPIRIT! As I write this, I feel a sense of relief and this always tells me I’m on the right path…yes…I am feeling…will you join me for the next stage of the journey we call life?

For the time being, I will be limiting postings, discussions and events, to two sites, sherigaynor.com and my personal Facebook page. Please make sure you subscribe to both today. More information will be shared with you in the next 30 days, as things progress. Please remember time is of the essence, as I will close down NING on September 30. 2010. There have been a few miracles in the last 10 days and I am hoping for one more. It would support my mom and I to double the number of friends and followers we have on our Facebook pages and my blog and to feel the love. Send her some love by friending her today....

Thank you for joining me here,  I look forward to seeing you soon on FB, sherigaynor.com or even better in person! Please feel free to leave a comment below or on my Facebook page. 

Hugs and purple boots,

Sheri Gaynor

CFO-Chief Feisty Officer and Author of Creative Awakenings: Envisioning the Life of Your Dreams Through Art

Website: www.sherigaynor.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sherigaynor?ref=profile

Labyrinth Workshop Begins This Friday...Join Us....

A reminder about our labyrinth weekend beginning this Friday September 24th. Reserve Your Space to Experience a  Sacred Journey... An Introduction to the Labyrinth: A Journey of Discovery Friday September 24th – 7:00PM -9:00PM Creative Spark Studio at the Third Street Center Cost: $15 if registered by September 22nd; $20 after the 22nd Reserve your space by email: bcf0531@aol.com call 970-618-9934     Join Jo Ann Mast Master Labyrinth Teacher on Friday September 24th for an evening presentation on the labyrinth. Drawing from more than 15 years experience with the labyrinth, Jo Ann will inspire us with stories of the labyrinth as a healing and meditative tool. After the presentation, Jo Ann will lead us on a labyrinth walk. We will have two labyrinths available for walking: a Chartres canvas labyrinth in the Round Room at the Third Street Studio and a temporary classic labyrinth outside the Creative Spark Studio. The Labyrinth as a Creative Tool  Saturday September 25th – 10:00AM – 4:00PM Creative Spark Studio at the Third Street Studio Cost: $75 if registered by September 22nd (includes the Friday night introduction); $85 after the 22nd, space available.  Reserve your space by email: bcf0531@aol.com call 970-618-9934   Join Jo Ann Mast for a workshop to deepen the experience on the labyrinth and to explore the labyrinth as a creative tool. Come unwind barriers to your passion and creativity; heat up the fires of ancient wisdom through creative-self expression and more. The spiral of the labyrinth is highly structured offering safety and freedom; it frees the mind to delight in the whisperings of our longings. The workshop will include journaling, creative exercises, and a guided labyrinth walk.  Click here for more information or to register on-line.

 

Studio Closed

The studio will be closed due to a family emergency. If you are in need of assistance or would like to book an upcoming workshop, please contact the studio manager Shannon Bolona at:

EMAIL: bcf0531@aol.com

TEL: 303-929-8649

For information about the upcoming Labyrinth Workshop, please click here to
 contact Laura Kirk

 

Labyrinth as Creative Tool by Guest Author: Laura Kirk

 I am on a labyrinth quest, and thus far it has been an amazing journey.  My desk at work is now surrounded by small scaled labyrinths: my coffee mug, my finger labyrinth, a metallic labyrinth sticker which sits at the base of my computer, and a photo of a labyrinth that I built a couple of years ago with two friends.  These mementos are reminders of the incredible sense of peace, joy, and self awareness that I find when I walk the labyrinth, and I have been blessed with the opportunity to walk labyrinths now in many different settings.

 

Most would describe me as quiet and reserved, but get me talking about the labyrinth and watch out, you might just need an hour to listen to my stories as I can barely contain myself. I was skeptical when I first walked; not sure what I was supposed to do, what would happen, how I would feel, but as I allowed myself to open to the experience and remain present, I found that with each walk I discovered a deeper sense of connection to myself, to my surroundings, to others. And now, I can’t stop walking.

Five years ago, I’d never walked a labyrinth and now the labyrinth turns up in my life in all kinds of ways. I’ve been to labyrinth workshops in Denver and Morgantown, Indiana, yep the heartland of America. I’ve walked alone and with 400 others; in an urban setting and by a small mountain creek; on all kinds of labyrinths painted on a canvas, mowed in the grass, made out of pavers or masking tape or bundles of sticks or carefully placed rocks; inside a building and out in the landscape.  I’ve walked with friends and I’ve walked with strangers. I’ve walked to celebrate birthdays or just settle my head. And I can honestly say that there’s no right way to walk; every experience has been fulfilling and enlightening in its own way. I have met so many new and interesting people along the path and I look forward to meeting many more.

In three weeks, Jo Ann Mast will be coming to Carbondale to host a workshop on the labyrinth. Jo Ann is a Master Teacher for Veriditas, which is a California, based not-for-profit dedicated to introducing people to the healing, meditative powers of the labyrinth. Jo Ann was my teacher at a labyrinth facilitator training, and I am so excited that she has agreed to come and share her labyrinth experiences with our community. In addition to her teachings, Jo Ann will be bringing her canvas labyrinth, which we will unfold in the round room of the Third Street Center. For any of you that have ever been in the round room, it’s a fabulous space all on it’s own and I can’t wait to feel the energy hum with the labyrinth canvas centered on the floor.

 

So if you’ve walked before come join us to deepen the experience. And if you’ve never walked, but have been wondering what’s all the buzz, come and walk with us. There’s always something new to learn on the path. And if you don’t know who I am, I’ll be the one dancing through the labyrinth unable to contain my joy as the lights die down.

NEWS! A New Creative Awakenings: Online 30-Day Guided Expedition is forming...

 

NEW ONLINE 30- Day EXPEDITION BEGINS 

Wednesday's October 6 - November 3, 2010

Expedition Participant LUV note:
 "This has been the best by far spiritual journey I have ever gone on. My companions all were so unique and shared so much creativity that I hunger for more. I thought I knew something of myself, but, this journey made me really focus and take a look at my soul from the inside. This will be a permanent change for me and the start of New Beginnings...." Mindy, R., Pennsylvania

Wooo hooo! Are you ready to ride your dreams into the sunrise? So many of you have written and asked for the Creative Awakenings on-line coaching workshop, so I put on my purple boots and designed this program just for you, so you can begin to live a more creative and intentional life! Let's saddle up and get your life moving in the direction of your True North! 

Perhaps you are reading Creative Awakenings and wondering how to integrate the practices and principles into you life. Perhaps you have already embarked on the journey, and lost your way, and feel that a group of fellow travelers would be just perfect to keep you on track. No matter where you are in the Creative Awakenings journey, or on your life path, this adventure is for you. 

EXPEDITION Participant LUV note: 
 "The Creative Awakenings expedition has been a wonderful experience. Specifically, it has introduced me to the world of acrylic painting (LOVE IT!), and most importantly, it has brought me back to myself. The expedition has awakened many things within me: What I REALLY want for my life; putting a plan in place to make it happen; returning to the Jungian dream-art work I have done in the past which helps me conquer toads and dream bandits; and just enjoying expressing myself through writing and painting." Marie-Clare P., Texas

"What is calling YOU?"

Expedition: The Level One Guided Adventure: We will be filling out our Visa's for the 30-day Level One-Guided Expedition. This workshop is not for the feint of heart, as we will be exploring unchartered territory that can sometimes cause us to feel a little tentative. Don't be afraid, as your FEISTY and FEARLESS guide, I've walked many miles in your shoes. I feel confident that I can lead you through the deep woods, clearing the path to find True North, so you're ready to step fully into the possibilities for your life. 

 

Amazon Reader Book Reviews: 

"I highly recommend this book to those Feisty Females out there who are ready to kick up their heels, shout "Wooo Hoooo," and stomp all over the Venomous Toad Committee that always has pins poised to prick their dream bubbles. Gaynor is right on the trail with us, spurring us on. You can't miss the shine glancing off her vibrant cowboy boots, or the invitation she is holding out, for a life filled with passion and purpose." Carol Weibe, Artist, Silver Springs Studio, Ontario, Canada
 

Sheri Gaynor's book Creative Awakenings is wonderfully accessible. She clearly lays out a fun way to access your dreams and create your best life through art and intention. Lovely images and inspiring creations abound. The book offers many techniques and prompts - but it's so much more than a "how to" book. Sheri invited a dozen artists to engage in her process and share their resulting art and narratives. It's a book to read and use and read some more. Creative Awakenings has nudged me to be more playful in my art and more intentional in my life. On top of all of that, Sheri is creating a community of artists who are using this book as a common ground. If you have any interest in expanding your creativity, envisioning a better life, or connecting with like minded folks, then I highly recommend Creative Awakenings! Calax Harris, North Carolina

The Expedition Itinerary:

On Wednesday each week, you will receive an email in your box with a randomly chosen card from the Deck of Transformation included in the book. This is where you will begin. The card invites you to work with the Guiding Principles of the EnVision Process. 

The weekly email will have instructions that guide you to the trail head for the adventures and activities for the week, so you can work on your own at your own pace. 

The workshop includes a private blog address, video tutorials, personal interaction with me, and other travelers on the journey. There will be activities between sessions to support you in deepening you understanding of the book and process, to encourage you to incorporate this practice into your daily life. 

EXPEDITION Participant LUV:
 This adventure is one of the best gifts I have ever given myself. What I had hoped would be a pleasant diversion, turned out to be a major transformational experience, setting me on a path I had long waited to walk. Creating my art of intention pieces, chatting with my Dream Ally, and being part of a community of extraordinary women, was my anchor during a particularly challenging time of my life. I am grateful for the support I received, and feel honored to have been a witness to the process of my fellow adventurers. I am forever changed by their presence in my life. Sheri ~ I can't thank you enough. blessings, Lisa, B.

The Expedition includes: 

• Personal interaction through a private blog site with author Sheri Gaynor through ROCKIN' video introductions to the weeks adventure and a weekly group Dream Spirit coaching call. 

-Featuring videos such as: 
-A Personal Welcome to the Expedition 
-How to work with the EnVision Art of Intention Process
-Tilling the Soil of the Soul 
-Color Washing 
-Dancing with Synchronicity  
-Milestone Passport Cover!!!! 
                                -WOW! That's a lot of inspirational JUICE!

• A Dream Ally to partner for the adventure, to help you stay accountable
• An amazing built in DREAM TEAM to help you stay on the trail
• A complimentary copy of the EnVision Guided Imagery Download
• A free Goodie for your journal each week

Week One: Beginnings 

 
Week Two: Tilling the Soil

 
Week Three: Dancing with Synchronicity

 
Week Four: Personal Spirit Statement

 

and MORE.....

 

Travelers Advisory: Space in this 30-Day guided tour is limited. Your commitment and engagement in this process will allow us to have a successful workshop. I encourage you to look in your heart and make sure you can fully commit to the adventure at this time. Remember, there is perfect timing for everything. To support you and your fellow travelers in this way, I am requesting that you Download Participant Questionaire stating your interest in joining the adventure at this time. Please return it to me before SEPT 22, 2010

Please contact me with any questions you might have, that's what guides are for!

Once you've been accepted for this particular adventure, you will receive your Passport which includes: Flight plans, packing list and payment instructions. 

EXPEDITION AND VOYAGER PARTICIPANT LUV NOTE:

I have so enjoyed working with you both over the past few months; it has been and will always remain, I know,an unforgettable season in my life.  Perhaps the most, as I feel so poised over the brink of everything good about to happen.  

And have never felt happier or more solid in myself, my work, and my place in the world.  It is as if all of my dreams are literally coming true, and I am so grateful to you both for Being There, for listening so beautifully, and for reminding me 

to come home to myself over and over again.~ KZ, California

 

Your Ticket to Adventure...PRICELESS! 

 

Full 3-Day Adventure Package Price 
$ 275.00
 (less than half the cost of working with me individually)

Discounted price if paid in full on September 22, 2010
 $265,00

or 

Travel Budget Plan:
 $68.75 per week with credit card pre-authorization form

So...what IS calling YOU? Let's find out together!
Download Participant Questionaire return it to me by September 22, 2010 to save your seat and get started on the adventure of a lifetime!