Vintage Purse Strings

A small, worn travel suitcase with the silver strings of a vintage purse draped over the side appeared in my dream as if a photo shoot. The image captivated me—camera shot hugged up close and angled towards a vanishing point. I rolled over in the dark and groggily sketched a crude reproduction onto journal pages. …

Pencil-Thin Purposes: When Dreams Disappoint

I peek through a windowpane on this frosty February morning in anticipation of a velvety blanket covering the road to work. Yet last night’s weather broadcaster’s boastings of severe snow conditions fell far short of my expectations; in fact, not even a pencil thin layer of puffiness materialized. “No snow day.” I pout. My husband …

My Funny Valentine

It is rare in one’s lifetime to meet someone with whom your soul feels safe; someone who enlarges your heart and diminishes your fears and makes you laugh until your sides ache. We are two imperfect people, my Valentine and I, stumbling along life’s path with clasped hands. Sometimes we wrangle over home décor (both …

A Recipe for Creativity

The rumbling inside bubbles; a brook of new beginnings beckons. Creativity’s call to contemplate and create. Newness surges, rushes over obstacles I’ve allowed to stymie me, to close my art room door, when I’m on the wrong side. So I wrestle with all of my realities, I’m too busy…need to go to the gym…fix up the house …

The Magic of Christmas

The magic of Christmas is in the air, crisp pitter patter across crunchy snow captured in tiny white lights, sparkling messengers of hope peeking out of garlands and over tree branches. I sit and sigh, knowing, once again, why I adore this holiday so. Mysteriously, Christmas stirs the part of my soul that always stays …

Moment-by-Moment Magic

Living a spiritual life can be a moment-by-moment magical experience. One never knows when God’s Spirit will reveal a priceless treasure eyes do not see until the veil of rushing lifts. An uncurled rose, a baby’s toes, a covey of quail feasting. Sometimes this magic appears as whispers ears hear while eyes seal with sleep: …

Befuddling Directional Shifts

Have you ever been befuddled by a directional shift? One moment you’re whistling a happy tune, rambling along your usual way, when POW! Circumstances send you off on an unexpected diversion, or something new calls to you and you just can’t seem to help yourself. Off you go to explore an unfamiliar path. READ THE …

Criticism: Raven of the Soul

I’d rather be a dove of peace than a raven of criticism. In fact, I often think…there is already so much wrong in the world, why point out the obvious, over and over again? I also wonder at what point personal beliefs end and another’s free will begins? Is there a fine line between standing up …

Edie Kynard: Frazzled, Fearless & Free

Art is a fruit that grows in man, like fruit on a plant, or a child in it’s mother’s womb. - Edie Kynard “Driving along with my Nikon on the seat beside me, I was content with a cup of coffee and scenic views of a foggy morning in St. Augustine. The lake looked surreal …