Living Our Dreams

Happy Holidays

My Town...The Giving Tree

Each year this beautiful tree magically appears on the corner of 3rd and Main St in my town. It is a reminder to me, of the true spirit-often forgotten-of the Holiday Season. 

This week, I watched a little girl pluck a baggie of marshmallows and graham crackers off one of the branches. Instantly her face lit up with a smile, as did her family's as they watched her open the bag filled with her gift.

We all know it feels better to give than to receive and this year, I wanted to get back to that feeling in my heart. I made a comiment not to purchase needless gifts, just because there is consumer driven pressure to do so. This year, it was an astrology reading from a dear friend for my husband, handmade New Years cards, handmade tin ornaments, home baked cookies and small loving gifts from the heart.

After all...what else do we really need?

Happy Holidays to you and yours...I look forward to creating art of intention with you in the New Year. 

Sheri

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

The Morning After...

Sheri on left dressed to the 9's, in an AWESOME outfit from Corky Woods. You girls made me look good!

The Super Model is coming down to earth and re-entering her Mountain Gal persona. WOW fellow Feisty Females, I have to tell you, this might have been the best thing I have ever done for my self-esteem. There I was on stage, with some REALLY high fashion priestesses and I felt absolutely FANTASTIC and VERY SASSY! 

I had a pretty rough week last week, with a lot of late nights-not my forte these days-2 floods on different days of the week and between clients in my studio from the restaurant above me and a crisis of faith when it became clear, we jumped the gun a bit and Living with Cancer Program likely won't be funded for the first 6-weeks of programming. Suffice it say that 4 hours before runway walk, I was in tears with my co-facilitator and wondering WTH I was taking on this enormous new studio. 

Yes gals, it happens to me too some days. I am not immune to the eventual break down of faith that comes with stretching out of the old skin, when making life transformations. My co-facilitator Diane, talked me down from the ledge-and reminded me of what is REALLY important-she is a breast cancer survivor newly out of treatment, which sure puts things in perspective. She told me that she believes in the dream, the work and in me. We all need people like Diane in our lives, so when those ledges show up, there is someone with a bull horn waiting at the bottom. 

Being authentic takes courage. I was surrounded in this event with about 6 current and former clients and many more in the audience. This took being my bona fide and genuine a WHOLE new level, including changing backstage in mass. 

As I walked on stage in my first line (see photo above) to the cheers and screaming of my community (and my cute hubby in the background) I was jolted awake, this IS what HAPPENS when community comes together. This is what HAPPENS when we BELIEVE.  

After the show, as we mingled, a client came up to me and said, "I shouted out, that's my THERAPIST!" Her friends said, "Wow, she really walks her talk! How cool!" If I am gonna preach it, I better be ready to LIVE IT!

Something new is awake within my heart this morning-and I don't think it's just the coffee...Let's take a moment today and IMAGINE POSSIBILITIES WE NEVER DREAMED EXISTED!!!

Remember it begins with, YES I CAN! and sometimes involves fakin' it till we make it!

Dare to be FEISTY...it ROCKS! 

2 

To the cast and crew of this extraordinary event. My heart to everyone for their efforts. To my dear SWIRL sister Lynn Aliya, thank you for making me a star and supporting my dreams all these years. To Amy Kimberly, Ro Mead and the rest of the wild tribe over at CCAH, I am in awe! 

Balancing Act

I hit the wall yesterday and right in the middle of a friend helping me with Cash Flow Projections, I burst into tears. It's been WEEKS of crunching numbers, looking at the BIG picture and growing programs. In between all this, there were clients, an online class, studio classes and home life to tend. 

So, what's the first thing that got cut out of the mind-body program? Creativity. Yes, true confession, right smack dab in the middle of our online expedition, I let go of my own creative process. So why am I admitting this embarrassing secret? Because it's important for you to know...it happens to all of us, if we don't make this part of our lives a priority! 

So after my tearful tantrum, I knew what was wrong. I was completely out of balance, from living in a world that does not "feed," my soul. After the tears, I could feel the familiar surge, that was literally ready to boil over.  I hung the Do Not Disturb sign on the studio door, got out my pastels, so I could work quickly and move the energy, and began this piece...upside down-which is actually how I felt. When I began working on it, it was from this angle. It wasn't intentional, just something I saw in my minds eye.

 

She then evolved into the image you see at the top of the post, and I finished the piece "right side," up. I have titled it, "Seeking Comfort," as the yellow figure appeared to embrace and hold her. As with all my expressive arts work, none of this is planned. I allow the work to spill from my soul and evolve. There were times while creating this that I heard, "Oh, you screwed it up but putting that arm around her neck," but I know better after all these years then to let my "Venomous Toad Committee" run the show. As I continued to work, the figure behind appeared and it all made sense to me. 

In the end, how long did this take me? About one half hour, which tells us that we CAN fit this into our life if we keep it simple. Sometimes, these quick "sketches," are just that, places I can return to if I want to develop it into a larger piece or painting. I always hang my images up, so I can look at them for awhile, and let them whisper to me. That's how I know where to go next...
 

The beauty of the expressive arts is allowing the image to unfold. Getting out of our own way, out of our "mind," if you will and letting the muse speak TO us. I have to say, I feel much better today, and ready to go in to the studio and work from both sides of my brain! 

 

Paint Brush to Calculator...

As we move through this business decision during the 2nd Great Depression-yep, let's get real about the terminology-I find myself trading in my paint brushes for a calculator most days. This doesn't bother me too much as I know this is part of my 2010 intention, that of truly stepping into and embracing financial consciousness. 

I know we talk a lot about dreaming, here on my blog, and most of you know that I am also of the mind that it's important to take calculated steps toward your dreams, so you feel a sense of both liberation and foundation as you leap. This is where I've been the last week. Crunching numbers, trying the spaces on, and doing a lot of writing of business ideas and plans. YEP! I said it, I have written up my first business plan. The only piece left is the numbers and I will be working on plugging those in with my accountant. Now that is really FEISTY for a dyslexic artist-social worker don't you think?

A few months ago, we created a Council of advisors. This is not your ordinary board of directors by any means. We are doing things in a different way and our meeting begin with crayons and plenty of tissues on the table. We begin from the emotional and creative realm, as a way of tapping into what is underneath the surface, and clearing the path for truth, minus projection. Don't get me wrong, these women are STRONG business women, they can put the muscle to the corporate world if need be. I feel grateful to have them by my side and they have spent many hours with me as we move toward paths that have no current tangible outcome. The cool thing is that I've even got my accountant in on this idea and Toni and I gifted her with her own traveling set of crayons! But she's no ordinary accountant, she can live in both worlds and that's why she's by our side! 

I began this Sunday's meeting by asking the question, "Where are you today in our decision?" This is what showed up. 

 

We each took turns speaking about our images and how we felt in the moment. The images helped us to by-pass the left brain to some degree and tune into the emotional world. 

The image below, shows where I was that day-and to some degree, still am-I am split between my head and my heart space. Sound familiar to anyone? The spiral symbolizes the way my mind feels most days as we make the decision. Not a pretty picture is it? 

The heart space shows the truth of what I feel when I visualize the space and the vibrant community we are building. The black around the image shows the void...the Mystery...the UnKNOWN, and that is the place where fear burrows it's way in the door, if we let it.

 

As I look at the image as it is cropped in this photo, I see SHE is also surrounded with the blossoms of growth. The flowers created by one of the members of my Sacred Council. It's as if the flowers are reaching out to my uncertainty and inviting me to bloom with them.

Our Valley is about a year behind the rest of the country in terms of the economic crisis. With the current state of economic uncertainty, and with so many of our friends in our community losing their jobs now and having no work, this decision is a REAL one. Yet we don't have to make it from a fearful place, we get to make it from an educated place, and that is all I have to do today. We have to stay with our hearts and to some degree as Ed Mills of the Abundant Mystic series-which I highly recommend-said the other day, "It's not your job to know HOW, it's your job to take action!" This is exactly what I believe about creating intention...when we take action, we can feel better about moving toward our dreams...

How have you worked through a split between your heart and mind lately? Feel free to share...we'd love to hear from you. Your story might just support someone else!
 

I Am Ready...again!

Photo from Creative Awakenings: June 1,  2007-Me on top of Red Hill overlooking Mt. Sopris

In the first blog post entry, on Page 34 in my book. I share a moment on June 1 2007, when I climbed Red Hill, which overlooks our sacred Mt. Sopris, here in Carbondale. I was waiting to hear back from the publishers and had spent the last 72 hours working like a wild woman, to give them the last pieces of the puzzle so they could make a final decision. It had been a roller coaster ride up until that point-seems like most of these BIG LIFE things go that way for me-and I needed to do something to release move the energy I was feeling inside.

I hiked up to the top and as I walked, reviewed the weekend I had just spent putting together a different perspective for the publisher. I felt confident and somewhat exhausted. What I knew in my heart was that I had done everything humanly possible in the physical sense to make the book a go, the rest was up to...well...you know... 

As I hiked, a plan began to simmer. It was time to let the WORLD know I was ready. It was also time to let the BIG U know too. When I reached the top, I walked out to the rock cropping. As I sat down on the rock, I looked back at the trail to see if anyone was behind me. I closed my eyes, said a prayer, took a deep breath and shouted from the top of my lungs to the Valley floor below, "I AM READY!!!" My biggest fear in that moment, was that someone would think I was getting ready to jump! Once my heart stopped racing, I was able to feel how incredible it felt to shout my intention for all to hear, a bold, announcement of my readiness to put myself out there in this way...as an author. WOW, I have to tell you, as I write this, I still find it hard to believe it was that long ago, as it feels like yesterday!

Fast forward to today...January 16, 2010. It has been an incredible couple of weeks stepping into this new decade. So much has transpired over the last 3 months, we are in our new space, I am learning to work in partnership, I am teaching again and LOVING IT and we have started to attract vibrant teachers to our space. A lot more was going on behind the scenes, that I have not shared. All of it good...but quite the wild ride! 

I am standing at a cross roads in my life with a BIG decision before me. It's been weeks of number crunching and putting my on my Big, Feisty, Business Woman Panties! It has been challenging to stay positive among the daily economic forecasts, a bombing attempt at Christmas while I traveled home, and now the heart breaking devastation in Haiti. Yet, I kept walking forward, working with my Venomous Toads, keeping them happy by gathering information, all the while knowing a decision was looming. 

And suddenly, the most amazing miracle that occurred. The dream space for the permanent for our studio opened up!!! AND...R U READY...wildest thing is that I DREW IT INTO MY JANUARY ART of INTENTION as it wasn't in the picture!!!!

The issue remains a fiscal one and as we are all aware right now, that is no small issue. What is so strange dear readers is that I have seen myself inside that space looking out the window all along, and I can't get it out of my minds eye!!! It won't let go, for weeks now. I see the bustling energy, I see others in the space, I hear laughter, music, drumming and so much love and healing. I FEEL the vision in the depths of my SOUL! 

What I came to today, is that in this decision it boils down to two things....staying the same... or GROWING! My tendency is to play it safe. As those of you know who have worked with me, I am an advocate of small baby steps toward your dreams. Build the foundation, then leap. And here I stand on top of the mountain and what I am realizing is that I am at a crossroads. One path that lies before me is the comfortable, and well worn path of safety. The other path is different. It's going to involve bush wacking through some very new territory and require courage to step into the unknown with faith, sweat equity a butt load of TRUST! It's going to require that lean into FEAR and uncertainty and give myself permission to expand from the contracted, warm, cocoon, and embrace the possibilities I SEE already in my minds eye. 

And so today I knew it was time to revisit the Mountain. This time I was not alone, Blue was at my side. Together we climbed Red Hill and with each step I took, I looked inside and asked myself to SEE through the illusion of fear, and to step into truth, integrity and WISDOM which feels much different. We got to the top, and once again I walked out to the outcropping. Interestingly, this time I felt much calmer inside-except for moments when my little black, billy goat was looking over the edge! 

This time there was a prayer of gratitude, recognition for what has manifested since my last visit. I then whispered a new prayer, asking for guidance, strength and releasing my ego. And then I shot this photograph. 

I don't know what decision I will make in the end, nor will I have any judgement about it, as I will trust that I've made it with all the information I need. My only desire is to make the decision from an empowered position and not from fear...

Stay tuned...I'll let you know soon, which path I am traveling....

 

This is 50!

Drumming, labyrinth, soul sisters wisdom
Diamond Stud, sassy dress, dinner and hugs 
shakin' it with my guy, to the Heathens
in a House of God
in Community

Cooking with Akal Jeet
to Bombay Beats,
the sweet scent of Indian spices
wafting through the house

Remembrance, grief, celebration,
saying...Goodbye
moments are precious
live them...FULLY! 

Facing truth, 
self-care, testing
and good news..

Milestones on life's highways,

I am choosing this 
next half of life,
To LIVE
Fearlessly, fabulously, FEISTY
and Fifty! 

What a journey it's been...I can't wait to see how the rest unfolds...

Thank you for all your birthday wishes, songs, messages and love, you are all a big part of the reason it feels fantastic to be FEISTY FIFTY! xxoo

Scenes from the weekend...

 
Birthday Sunrise on Mt. Sopris

 
My new drum. Buffalo...Prayer and Abundance. A gift from Toni (middle below)

Soul Sisters...Partnership in the true sense of the word. 

"This is 50" Self-portrait at the labyrinth

Birthday Altar 2010

Cookin' with Jeet and "ta da"..a new life simmers...

Healing and saying goodbye... 
 

 

Meeting our Teachers in Unlikely Places

© 2009 Sheri Gaynor-www.sherigaynor.com

Note: This post was written in my journal yesterday as I traveled from Colorado to Florida...

Today I was a traveler on the adventure called life

UNAFRAID

OpEn

SEEING

and a SEEKER...

What lives within me is to listen, to collect and hear people's stories. Today I met a man who in the most loving of ways told me, "You're not ready yet." 

This statement came on the heels of an enlightening conversation with a complete stranger who's empty chair I had inadvertently stolen after standing at the crowded gate for a half hour. When I realized what I had done, I offered to move, but he sat next to me as another seat opened. We chatted and laughed amidst the Holiday chaos and weather delays. As we talked, his story unfolded. The conversation led me to unexpected places, inspiration, hope and questioning. This man had clearly LIVED his dreams. Not only did he live them, he MANIFESTED them in extraordinary ways. He shared with me photos on his phone, taken with celebrities and even the Dali Lama...yes, the Dali Lama. 

What is most impressive about this man is that not only has his life been rich in terms of monetary gain, but more importantly, his life was RICHER through giving, kindness and generosity. He is someone who "knows." He also appears not to just spout the talk, but clearly has his feet on the path. During our conversation, I had the sense this meeting was no accident. I stayed open, open...open. I listened...What is this about? And then I knew...

As our conversation deepened and turned to the spiritual and financial realm, the old fears presented themselves. With a few simple NEGATIVE comments, this man was able to see RIGHT THROUGH ME. 'Oh, see, did you hear what you just said? Why would you think that?" He looked directly into my eyes and then he asked, "What are the only two things you can't control in life?" Thankfully I was able to answer that question correctly, as it felt like a spiritual pop quiz.  I felt my throat clench with school trauma..."SHIT...What if I don't know the answer...I am going to look like a fool!"

It was at the end of our inspiring conversation, after he had given me a gift of one of his beautiful products, that the harsh words came again. "You're just not ready yet," he declared with a giggle and a big smile, yet the words cut me like a sword. I felt myself SHUT THE DOOR. We shook hands, I thanked him, and we parted ways. As I stood in line to board the plane, and played the words OVER AND OVER in my mind,  I felt that familiar feeling of shame rising and then ANGER, a old defense reaction to the PERCEIVED insult. "Who the hell does he think he is telling me I am not READY." And then, SHAME...again. The shadow showed itself...and I heard, "I'm never going to be GOOD ENOUGH." As I walked down the jetway to my seat onboard, I played the tape over and over and I began to feel depressed. REALLY! Remember, this is exactly the opposite of what I screamed from the mountain top while waiting to hear about the book proposal (see the book intro), so it really hit hard. 

But as I sat in my seat and looked around at the faces boarding the plane, the smiles, service men and women returning home and people helping one another with heavy luggage,  I was able to SEE again. Suddenly I could shift the focus, get out of my head, out of my fear, out of my self-judgement and suddenly I heard the word EGO---and there it was--a glimpse of the TRUTH. My mind heard what it wanted to hear, in that old familiar story, "You will NEVER be GOOD ENOUGH." In this realization, everything shifted. I saw the meeting for what it was, a powerful reminder and opportunity to practice transformation. I realized I had met a teacher on the path, someone who became my mirror of negativity and uncertainty for that day. Someone who was much further down the road than I....a wise man if you will. And suddenly I felt GRATITUDE! 

And with this realization, I began to relax around the the truth and actually began to laugh! "Of COURSE I AM NOT READY, I am only beginning this journey of awareness!" After all...in the end...don't we begin each day with Beginners Mind...right here, at the very beginning, doing the best we can in the moment? 

I am but a TRAVELER on this road of life

STILL WRESTLING

my DEMONS

STILL insecure

STILL GROWING

and GRATEFUL

It's about the JOURNEY...not the destination

 

She Rises-Weekend Bliss....

As I get older, I find that truly profound experiences leave me literally speechless. Words cannot express the feelings and emotions.  This was my experience today, as I tried to understand the experiences of this past weekend attending the XI Encuentro Indigena de las Americas-XI Native Gathering of the Americas.

I have incredible gratitude to the Delegates, Elders and Tribal Members, who shared their rituals, stories, dances, and hopes and dreams with those of us non-indigenous people in attendance. To allow us to be a part of your conference, was an incredible honor, and one I will always hold sacred. 

Kiauhi de Mexico, and her Mother dress for the evening dance 

 

What is truly amazing is how complete strangers can form deep bonds, even when there is a struggle to speak one another's languages. Perhaps it is just this part, the willingness to try and understand and learn from one another, that creates the intense connection.  

My heart was heavy, as I said goodbye early to the Delegates we hosted-Humberto de Puerto Rico and Alejandro de Costa Rica-due to a winter storm warning. I have so much gratitude to both of them for letting me practice my broken Spanish and to Humberto and my friend Anne (who also hosted Delegates), for helping me to communicate, when needed. If you look at the smiles on both these GENTLE-men's faces, you will know their hearts. Both of them are fabulous story tellers, with a wonderful sense of humor. 

Alejandro Y Humberto. We woke to snow yesterday, which was a treat for both of them! 

This morning, I felt as if I was in a fog. I was not completely grounded and knew that I needed to head into the studio to work through my emotions. I was grateful to have the time, as I had not booked clients, expecting to still be hosting. The familiar internal tension was present, an urgency of sorts, letting me know that the simmering had begun. So many feelings were stirring inside, I tried to write about the experience, but nothing came; only single words. I knew it was about trusting the images to help me integrate. 

The time spent preparing the paper and the studio, is almost a ritual. The act of preparation allows the images to stew, eventually surfacing, revealing the images. As I put things in order, I know if I relax and trust, I the images will appear. Once the canvas is ready, I reach for the first color, pick up a brush and...LISTEN. 

This is what appeared today. It is the beginning of a story...

  

 

Growing Edges

It's been a week of growing and stretching into new places. As most of you know I have recently moved from my home studio of 250 sq ft into a BIG YUMMY new space of about 1000. What you might not know is that in doing so, I am no longer a "solo-creative;" I have two new studio mates. OH BOY can you say growing edges, I have a little sticker on my car visor that says, "Does not play well with others," that might tell you something!

Two of us have been used to working alone for most of our lives and one of us is more tuned into the group-work  environment. I never knew how good threes could be until you have some things to work out. With all the mooooving, I had, had no time to create. The first day I did this in the studio, one of my studio mates was there and I could NOT WORK! It's was crazy. I felt so exposed and vulnerable. Mind you, it's not like I haven't taken workshops and created in group environments, but this was different. 

In expressive arts work, we tap into some pretty deep spaces and places. When alone, I am very comfortable accessing those shadow worlds and allowing what needs to present itself a place to be "seen." When there is someone in the room, this can be VERY challenging for me, as I truly go into a trance like state and allow the fertile soil to do it's magic. 

Each week, my studio sisters and I meet and have dream meeting and have also created a time for discussion around studio issues. NOW I HAD TO TALK! HOLY you know what. CONFLICT and it was only week 2.5!!!! I actually brought a book one of my studio mates had given me a few years ago, called The Magic of Conflict, in case we need to read the index! So with quivering voice, I did it and you know what...I wasn't alone! Each of us was finding a way to create a private nest within the vast expanse and so we spent the rest of our meeting time creating just that! 

That afternoon, my studio mates gave me a HUGE gift. The gift of being heard and reaching into those scary places and knowing I could trust them with my heart and feelings. So feisty readers, the moral of this story....TELL THE TRUTH even when it rattles your bones!

Above you see a background created that afternoon. This month I decided to take a couple of online classes to feed MY soul. This is for Misty Mawn's Painting with Layers, which is one HELL of a workshop! If your new to layers or an old pro, your creative well will be filled.