Living Our Dreams

Dreaming Awake....

 

My friend Robyn Hubbard has been teaching a Dream class in the studio.

During each 4 week session, I join the last week and share how I use the creative process to find deeper meaning in my dreams.

 

Finding symbolism through writing is powerful,

finding metaphor through image, moves us beyond the linear mind,

into our unconscious and becomes what I call

DREAMING AWAKE.

 

This is an image from a dream I had several months ago.

I had two dreams back to back with black panthers in them. 

Somehow that felt important,

so yesterday she and I met in the studio and worked some dreams together.

 

It was profound to share the process. 

Creative Awakenings: Online 30-Day Guided Expedition

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 2010 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. 

"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 Monday 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. 

The workshop includes: 

• Personal interaction through a private NING site with author Sheri Gaynor through video introductions to the weeks adventure.
• A Dream Ally to partner for the adventure, to help you stay accountable
• A video showing you how to use the EnVision Process to create the Art of Intention in your Book of Dreams Journal  
• 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

 

Travelers Advisory: Space in this first 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 registration opens on February 8, 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. 

Your Ticket to Adventure...PRICELESS! 

 

Full 30-Day Adventure Package Price 
$ 125.00

Discounted price if paid in full on February 8, 2010
 $105.00

or 

Travel Budget Plan:
 $31.25 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 February 8, 2010 to save your seat and get started on the adventure of a lifetime!

 

Creative Play

This weekend was devoted to rejuvenation. I find myself torn between the pull of the business of running the studio and answering the call to the reason I am an artist. For those of you who have chosen art and creativity as your profession, I'm sure you understand the challenge. And so I have given myself a treat by taking Susan and Misty's classes. Replenish...ahhhhh.....

I was fortunate this weekend, my friend Wendy came from Boulder for a quick overnight visit. This morning, we sat with our coffee, looking at YouTube footage of some really inspiring artists. Kiki Smith, Rauschenberg and Chuck Close. By the time we headed out for breakfast, my heart was pumping madly, and I could barely wait to get down to the studio to play. 

I am still not oriented to being in such a large space and my beloved kitchen cart is still at home, as it's SOOOO heavy to move. I decided to rummage through some old paper bins and found an old tissue paper transfer I made from one of my Mississippi photographs. I pasted that down first and the house grew around it. I then found some vintage photos from my grandfathers album and the story began to unfold. I kept seeing the roots under the house, but resisted painting them. I know when the resistance shows...it is my soul speaking to me..."lean in, this is important." I don't know why they are there, but it's not for me to decide. The raven drawing came next, influenced perhaps from watching Kiki's video this morning, but I knew it was in flight and not "dead," as her animals were. The strings came last and felt the most important in the end. 

People often ask me, "What does it mean to you?" It's so difficult for me to put into words my pieces. They aren't always meant for words. I often respond with...

"What does it mean to...you." 

That feels as important. 

 

Digital Expressions

 

I am so proud to be featured in Susan Tuttle's fabulous new book! If you work with photographs, this book is a must have! It's available now for pre-release! Woooo HOOOO!

I am taking her online class Visual Poetry, for a little ME time and it's a blast. If you can't wait for the book, you can contact her to see when her next online workshop begins. 

 

Tonight...Creative Awakenings Online!

Follow your True North and meet us at the trailhead! Alison and I look forward to dreaming with you. 

Register here!

The Art of Intention

Remember this created October 5, 2009? 

 

It has manifested to this....The Mandala Studio: A Center for Expressive Arts and Transformation! 

EDUCATION.....COLLABORATION....COMMUNITY! 

Opening with a special Soul Sessions: Painting Your Heart Out, Harvest Blessing, Sunday Nov 8th! Join us and Rock Your SUNDAY!  

Creative Awakenings Video Tutorial Series!

Are you ready to answer the creative call?

We've heard you...we're listening...we are busy getting the tutorial videos ready! 

Here are some of the highlights:

Bonus: It's like having a workshop with Sheri, but you don't have to travel! The video tutorials will take you step by step through many of the Creative Awakenings concepts as well as offer you the ability to connect with others using the process.

Bonus: When you purchase the video you will automatically be registered as a special member of the Creative Awakenings Salon which will entitle you to a different level of membership and special privileges. 

Bonus: And best of all the videos will be able to be viewed in the comfort of your pink PJ's in your home or studio!  

This is just a little teaser to get your heart beating faster!

Registration opens October 7! 

Would you like to be notified when registration opens? Please fill in this form for us and know that your information will never, ever, ever be bought sold or traded. It's for our eyes only! 

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Getting a handle on it

I didn't take this image, but I hand colored her in PS. I've had it in my morgue for awhile. I REALLY love it! It feels like me these last two days as blast away the "I can't do it myself," Toads and ride off into empowered blogland!

So, I apologize to everyone that you're actually witnessing the transformation as it occurs, from the outside in as it is, but maybe that's a good thing as you can see what is shifting and what's possible in the realm of your blog-as-website!

So yesterday, I learned how to create a horizontal nav bar. From what I understand I can still jazz it up a little with some code, but I am going to hold off on that to get some other things off the list.  

Here is a list of my intentions in creating this new blog-site:

1. BEAUTY-STILLNESS-CLARITY with a bit of FEISTY thrown in through good measure. Reflective of me, my life, nature and my art. Photos of classes and workshops, my art etc....

2. Classes, workshops, events and simple effective class registration

3. MOST IMPORTANT I can manipulate the site almost plug and play

4. Promote the book/press

Today I am all about Paypal buttons with Typepad. Apologies to Lynne who got caught in the crossfire yesterday and lost the link to the Guided Imagery CD rom. I hope to have that fixed by the end of biz today. I have to thank Heather over at Blogs by Heather, for her AMAZING and SIMPLE-YES WE CAN-tutorial. Stop by and congratulate her on her new baby boy Luke. 

Your comments and feedback would be great during this process! Oh yeah, that leads me to the main question...so why doesn't anyone comment?

Much Blog Musing

 

This is one of my favorite photos from last summer. I put it up because I am heading back over to Dava's this Sunday for brunch with my SWIRL girls sisters, writers-eaters group. 

So after months of musing on the topic...or maybe I should say chewing my nails to the quick, I just attended an online Typepad seminar with blog rock star Andy Wibbles.

As you know, I have been attempting to figure out how to create a useable-meaning I can maintain it myself-website that has a solid blend of coherency, professionalism and creativity. I spent a bundle trying out Word Press. Can I tell you how much I dislike it...YUCK! There, I said it! I have been a Typepad user for a long time now, figuring it all out the old fashioned way, through hair pulling and cursing at the computer screen, but for better or worse, so far, it really seems to be the way I need to go for now. 

The seminar was helpful as the focus was e-commerce...the next step to my small but growing biz. Looks like I can integrate what I am already using-Paypal. I am sure there are a million other things that I can do including TP Widgets I don't already know about, but I am determined to figure this out.

My next step is going to be how to figure out how to make changes on the back end and then load the finished product.....if that is possible... I highly recommend the free seminars for you ladies looking to increase your blog presence and yep...I know blogger and wp are free, but I am going to stay loyal for a little while and I am stick with TP professional level for now. 

Stay tuned...I'm off to figure out horizontal nav bars...isn't this web world interesting.

Home Again

There's nothing more wonderful than coming home after 2 weeks on the gypsy spirit trail. The IEATA conference was just incredible! I am re-energized and blown away by the powerful explosion of my field. I met some amazing people doing all kinds of work in arts and healing, from researchers who are quantifying data, expressive arts therapists and consultants, therapists looking to bring the creative process into their work and artists who are using their gifts to bring the power of creativity into other people's lives and MEN!!! FINALLY!!!. WOW! 

This is from a day spent with RAW a non-profit that supports "youth in the struggle," by giving them the power of creativity to change their lives.  We engaged in several experiential exercises and were ablt to meet some of the RAW chiefs, kids who have worked their way up in the program and are now mentoring and teaching other kids.

To my right is my new friend Fena who is now a member of the Salon. She is one amazing woman and I am so grateful I met her at the conference. In the background is one of the RAW staff. She was very insistent in sharing that she is "not a therapist, I am an artist who heals." I loved her ability to stand in the power of that truth. 

Weaving the silk together.

Laura and I took off one evening to visit and old friend of mine, Susan Rodgerson, director of 

Aritsts for Humanities.  Susan and I have not seen one another since 1994 when she had just started the program and I went to work with her and some of the kids. We've kept in touch over the years, so I knew that this was high on my list of Boston priorities. HOLY COW am I glad I went! I can't believe what Susan has created with this program. She is a dynamic, go-getter who does not have the word "no," anywhere in her vocabulary. I also got to reconnect with the students who were in the program way back then and who are now full grown adults and teachers for Artists for Humanities. I am determined to find those photos of them from 1994. Can you say AWESOME! They were getting ready to go to their first NY gift show with products the kids have created and we were able to see the display and the line of furniture. 

Here's Susan and Laura looking at a painting one of the kids sold for....$3000.00! YES I said $3000....

I posted the full IEATA album on my FB profile and will be posting it also on Flicker for those of you who aren't FB members.