Archive for February, 2009

Embrace the Wavering

When my yoga teacher invites us into a balance pose, she reminds us to "embrace the wavering."  She says that it is in the subtle movement that happens while trying to balance that actually strengthens our muscles and our pose. So rather than trying to remain absolutely still, balance is about embracing the small (and sometimes [...]

Prayers for Petunia

My sweet Abbess Petunia needs to have another surgery today.  Back in November she had a tumor removed that was cancerous but tested as low-grade and they thought it had all been removed.  We discovered another small lump near the same spot last week and so they are going back in to remove it.  I [...]

Ash Wednesday: Beginning the Lenten Journey

Lent What will you give up for the season, To help life along In its curious reversals? As if we had a choice. As if the world were not Constantly shedding us Like feathers off a duck’s back – The ground is always littered with our longings. You can’t help but wonder About all the [...]

Visual Meditation: "the soft animal of your body"

You only have to let the soft animal of your body Love what it loves. -Mary Oliver Photos taken while in Sooke, BC, top photo is of course the lovely Abbess Petunia doing what she does best. (and yes, the Golden is for you lucy) ** Make sure to visit this week's Poetry Party! ** [...]

Invitation to Poetry: From Dust to Dust

Poetry Party No. 32!  I select an image and suggest a title and invite you to respond with your poems, words, reflections, quotes, song lyrics, etc. Leave them in the comments or email me and I’ll add them to the body of the post as they come in along with a link back to your blog [...]

Photography as a Sacred Practice

A week and a half ago I participated in a Blog Meme Interview and I asked if readers had any other questions for me.  kigen asked me:  "Is it, and if so, what makes the doing of photography a sacred or religious practice for you?" The answer is, of course, an unqualified YES! :-) Mythologist and [...]

Sacred Artist Interview: Shiloh Sophia McCloud

I am not certain how I first discovered Shiloh Sophia McCloud's work, I am just grateful that I did.  I find her art inspiring, invigorating, captivating, whimsical, and utterly delightful.  She describes her art below as "images of what is possible for our lives" — and I say amen! On her website it says that Shiloh has [...]

Visual Meditation: "A journey can become a sacred thing"

For the Traveler Every time you leave home, Another road takes you Into a world you were never in. New strangers on other paths await. New places that have never seen you Will startle a little at your entry. Old places that know you well Will pretend nothing Changed since your last visit. When you [...]

i carry your heart with me (Valentine's edition)

I dedicate this poem to my beloved husband and to Abbess Petunia, the two persons who wrap me in perfect love each day: i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart) i am never without it (anywhere i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your [...]

Sacred Artist Interview: Liora

I was connected to Liora's work through another artist (I love when that happens) who sent her my way.  I loved her vibrant images on her website, especially the mandalas she has created and the way she integrates Buddhist and Hindu symbolism into her work. She teaches art and creativity workshops down in the Florida [...]