the still dance

Living Intuitively...

2007-05-30T21:52:00.002+12:00

My sister recently sent me a link to a transcript of an interview with Shakti Gawain. I love my sister...she sends me the best stuff!

There are some fascinating ideas in the interview, but a few of the things Shakti said really stood out for me:

"The basic premise that I'm trying to learn to live by, and helping other people to work with, is that we each have the truth within us, and that if we learn to trust, to listen to our intuition and to trust our own inner knowingness, and to live by it moment by moment, to learn to listen and act on our own intuitive knowingness, that then there's an inner guidance and intelligence within us that simply shows us every step of the way. And it's really very beautiful and in a way extremely simple, if we could only get ourselves uncomplicated enough to learn to do that. What you're describing is the fact that instead of doing that, what most of us have been taught is to learn to live by rules. We have a whole elaborate set of rules, and we try to follow those rules, but since most of those rules are really not very good for us, we often develop a rebellious part of us that then says the exact opposite of the rules. Neither one of those things is our essence, so what we have to learn to do is set aside all the rules, set aside the rebellion, and simply go for what's true, what feels right inside of us."

and this:

"To me, the more I understand the nature of life, the more I realize it's really meant to be easy, but we make it very complicated, and so it takes a long time to work our way back through all the complications and get back to the ease -- to just know that I have the truth within me, I can trust it, I can trust myself, I can act spontaneously, how I feel; I can do the things I love to do and not do the things that I really don't like to do; I can trust my heart; I can trust my gut feelings. It makes for an easy way of living; it makes for a very flowing way of living. But being the sort of neurotic Western civilized person that I am, I have a hard time letting it be that easy."

Trust

Flow

Ease

I have a hard time letting it be that easy too. Today, I chose to consciously remind myself to "allow", to stay in the flow. I found myself becoming centered more directly in my body, while the thoughts of worry and the need to control circumstances had to step aside.

I became open to moment by moment inspiration. Instead of trying to make decisions with my head, my heart took over.

Ease

Trust

Flow

Read the whole interview here

Purpose...

2007-03-09T21:56:00.000+13:00

It is enough that 'you are'. Stand in your own light, and you become a light for others.
Challenge the known.
Express the unknown.

If your deepest fears are embraced, they free the whole world of fear.
If your deepest desires are set free, they manifest a whole world of freedom.

what is your context?

it is love.

have you lost sight of Who I Am?
of who stands at the door and waits?

what is your purpose?

it is to know.

you know more than others can choose to admit is possible
you know of freedom against desire
and hate, living with dreams

what is your purpose?

it is to breathe. and trust. and listen

LISTEN

listen as I speak

make time for the words

make a space for this channel

you are a channel of truth, but do you listen?

when will you turn to this source of deep knowledge
when will you see I am Home.

what is your true purpose?

to show what others cannot - choose not to see.
to demonstrate that love exists to set the captives free.

you are a channel.

deep within lies a river of gold.

swim in this river
bathe
drink

Change...

2007-03-08T08:17:00.000+13:00

I felt Autumn move in last night.

I sat by my open door in the dusk, and knitted, surprised to find I needed a cardigan to keep out the chill.

Later, when the dark had completely arrived, I just sat and listened.

So quiet.

So quiet outside, as though the whole world had pulled away inside suddenly, shocked at the sudden onset of cold.

The only sound was the roar of the sea.

Constant.

Steady.

For All of the Dreams...

2007-02-19T13:42:00.000+13:00

I completed this piece this morning, and I am so pleased with it. Its small in size - 19x14.5cm - and I have had the canvas painted with the "earth", lying around on my worktable for MONTHS.
The only times I handled it, were to move it out of the way of whatever else I was working on.

So I had my canvas. I had my idea. I had the words I wanted to add to it. But I couldn't get started.

I love it so much, that I am wondering vaguely about doing it as a much bigger piece.

hmmm?

A New Look...

2007-02-16T20:39:00.000+13:00

I have Ditched the Dots, and Gone Green.

I like it.

However.

I have the Blues.

Trying to stay as focused as I can on things that feel good...

skimming along on my bike, feeling the pedals smoothly spinning under my feet, and the strength in my body as I ride.

working on my art, enjoying the process of creativity, and allowing myself to express the ideas bouncing around in my head.

curling up in my home, relishing the comfort, and cherishing the freedom it represents.

seeing a wood pigeon sitting on a power line in the evening light

feeling salt spray on my face, smelling the smells of the sea and the beach, and paddling my feet in the warm water.

gently sipping on a warm chai latte.

chatting to a seagull, who gives me a look that says, "yeah. I know what you mean"

getting good news from a friend.

"Its being nicer about this. Its being freer about this. Its smiling more about this. Its about loving this one more. Its about letting go of that grudge. Its about forgetting that embarrassing moment.
Its about activating the things about you and about others that feel good when you do it. Its about giving yourself a break. Its about patting yourself on the back. Its about loving other people. Its about forgetting the slights that people have given you. Its about understanding them. Its about giving them the benefit of the doubt. Its about giving THEM a break. Its about not beating the drum about it. Its about not digging up the past and trying to use it to justify why things are screwed up now. Its about acknowledging that I am where I am and where I am is okay. And everything that I am is as a result of everything that Ive lived. And Source ADORES me right now."

Abraham-Hicks Asheville, NC, 10/21/06

You know what?

I feel better already.

More Art!

2007-02-12T21:13:00.000+13:00

I've had a burst of creative activity.

Helped my Mum finish a top that has been sitting around in a paper bag, since before her sojourn in the hospital. She had given it up as an impossible task..you know those projects that just seem to go wrong from start, to, I-can't-spend-one-more-moment-on-this-horrible-thing!!

Yeah. This was one of those.

And we sat down and sorted it. Done. Gorgeous. Forgot to take a photo.

But we were proud!

Then yesterday I sewed up a summer skirt for, again, my Mum. She loves it, and looks fabulous.

In the midst of all this seamstressing, I have been working on this:

Goddess of the Volcano.

I love her hair.

Madonna of the Blue Butterfly...

2007-01-31T21:37:00.000+13:00

Quiet...But Busy

2007-01-20T21:00:00.000+13:00

I have been an absent blogger - written a few in my head, but I haven't got around to posting them here.

Its been busy.
Week 8 of my mother's stay in hospital has rolled around and moved on by. I have visited her almost every day, and I am getting super fit as I trek across town on foot or bicycle.
There has to be silver lining, and maybe this is it!

The exciting news is my New Bike. I will have to take a photo soon so I can proudly post it here.

I live in a city that has been planted between a mountain and the sea.

We have hills.

And the hospital stands on top of a big one, but New Bike whizzes up them with ease.

OK, I am really red faced and puffing when I get to the top, but to me its just a miracle to reach the top without having to get off and push.

And in other news..in a moment of unconsciousness I seem to have agreed to participate, along with my bellydance troupe, in a performance at a multi-ethnic festival on Waitangi Day - Feb 6th.
Its an annual event that takes place at Ngamotu Beach.
A popular event.
Which means crowds of people.
Which means nerves for this inexperienced bunch of dancers.
Which means I think we must be nuts.

We are madly practising to try and get back into form after having done no dancing since mid November.

Wish us luck.

Free Spirit Angel...

2007-01-12T17:05:00.000+13:00

Pink Angel...

2007-01-09T21:37:00.000+13:00

A new angel. And for someone who isn't really a huge angel person, I seem to either create or attract a lot of angels. This one I made for a friend to give as a new baby gift. She requested pink, and then left me to play!

A friend gave me the wooden peg angel below at Christmas time. It has been made by Aotearoa Angels, and is wonderfully delicate with its paua shell wings and "birds nest" hair. I love it, and she hangs just inside my front door.

Another friend makes special bead and safety pin angels. I was lucky enough to have one of her new style of angel made specially for me. So wonderfully clever!

That's all an angel is .... an idea of God.
Meister Eckhart

I Love this Quote...

2007-01-06T22:36:00.000+13:00

When you're happy in the stream whereEVER you are, you've made peace
with where you are. And in making peace with where you are, you've
released resistance. And in the releasing of resistance, you're
flowing rapidly toward what you are wanting.

And it will feel to you --if you can maintain this feeling even for
a day or two-- it will feel to you like all of the things that you've
been wanting have been lined up outside your door.

And the door just opened.

And now they're flowing in.

Albuquerque, NM, 8-29-06B

making peace with where I am...not war.

A New Friend...

2007-01-04T11:37:00.000+13:00

This elegant creature is my neighbour's new kitten. She has taken to coming through my bathroom window and visiting with me...just like the cat that belonged to the previous inhabitants of the house next door.

She/He is a charming visitor - although we both got a fright this morning. I was brushing my teeth under the window, when this small cat suddenly landed in the pot plant beside me. Person, cat, and plant are all fine.

Abraham-Hicks...

2007-01-04T09:09:00.000+13:00

And so, it is helpful if you think in terms of the vibrational essence of the thought that you are thinking. You might not have assigned it a name, but if you are focused upon the absence of Well-Being in some area of your life and you have held your attention upon that, enough that you’ve, sort of, beat the drum of it, meaning, you develop a vibrational cadence; it’s where your thoughts easily go; it’s where your conversations easily turn; it’s just the way you feel about this or about this or about this...those practiced, conscious or unconscious, vibrations, then become your point of attraction. And what you’re getting matches that perfectly, every single time. So, it’s really a wonderful thing when you realize that, because then you can start watching for evidence of your vibration.

Now, there are two ways to watch for that evidence. You can wait ‘til something manifests and then say, “Oh yeah, I recognize that.” Or, you can pay attention to the way you feel and say, “Oh yes, I can feel what’s coming.”

Your emotions are these fabulous indicators that let you know what your vibrational content is. And your emotions feel the way they do because of two important vibrational factors: The factor of desire, which is the summoning power. And the factor of allowing – which is the letting or the not letting what you’ve summoned flow. If you really, really want something, you’re summoning Energy in a stronger way. If you’ve wanted it for quite awhile, you’re summoning it even more. If you think about it often, you’re summoning it specifically.

A Sunny Day...

2007-01-01T17:49:00.000+13:00

I came home to find this beautiful sunflower tucked inside my door handle.

Another gift from the Doorstep Fairy!

And a splash of colour to brighten the day.

Allowing...

2006-12-31T22:38:00.000+13:00

You have your hand on the switch. You are the allower or the resister. And your emotions tell you which you're doing right now. It's easy once you understand the formula: When you feel good, you're allowing good. When you don't feel good, you are not allowing good. We didn't say, when you feel good you are allowing good, and when you feel bad you are allowing bad (although it may translate into your experience in that way). There is only a Source of Well-being--which you are allowing or not.

Excerpted from the workshop in Ashland, OR on Saturday, July 20th, 2002

(tshirts courtesy of my lovely friend L. aka The Doorstep Fairy)

Taking some time...

2006-12-29T18:37:00.000+13:00

My neighbour's kitten came to visit today.

She lay in the sun, looking grand with her new orange leopardskin collar, and I decided to join her for a while. We settled into a patch of late afternoon sunshine, and just...relaxed.

I watched the breeze blowing the lavender flowers that grow outside my window.

And when she got up to go, I complimented her on how fine her collar was, and she came and lay next to me, resting her head on my arm...just for a few moments.

Moments that make up a day.

Moment by moment, may I take the time to stay aware.

A Pukeko in a Ponga Tree...

2006-12-25T07:23:00.000+13:00

to be sung, with feeling, on Christmas Day:

The Twelve Days of a NZ Christmas

On the first day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
A pukeko in a ponga tree

On the second day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
two kumera
And a pukeko in a ponga tree

On the third day of Christmas
....
and so on, until...

On the twelfth day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
Twelve piupius swinging
Eleven haka lessons
Ten juicy fish heads
Nine sacks of pipis
Eight plants of puha
Seven eels a swimming
Six pois a twirling
Five - big - fat - pigs !
Four huhu grubs
Three flax kits
Two kumera
And a pukeko in a ponga tree!

Happy Christmas Everyone!

Christmas crafting...

2006-12-23T21:32:00.000+13:00

A christmas flavoured notebook for the christmas season.

My Friend...

2006-12-17T18:39:00.000+13:00

I have a Doorstep Fairy.

Three times in the last week, I have returned home to find gifts at my door - a few oranges, some flowers, and last night I came home and discovered a bunch of bananas, a box of strawberries, and some chocolate!

One day I will be at home when my Doorstep Fairy arrives, and I shall invite her inside, and we will laugh and chatter together like the friends I know we are, but in the meantime, I am enjoying the little surprises she leaves.

Thankyou my Doorstep Fairy!

Words...

2006-12-13T10:16:00.000+13:00

Weep not for me - I have cried enough tears for us both.

Flesh of my flesh - separated only by sight.
Hindered only by degrees of insanity.
We are a prelude to a brighter tomorrow.

Tomorrow starts today, and will not be finished until the final bell tolls.
An announcement.
The end of uncertainty.

If you question this, you miss the point.

What does your heart say?
Quietly now.
Don't rush.

Gratitude is its own reward and dignifies the answer of a forgotten question.
She turns and walks away.
But the formless truth has already taken hold and will not be gainsayed.
A seed is sown.

Well now. Listen good.
You see, the truth repels the mind's own quest for glory, but in the end it rings out a very different story.

Had you not heard the good news? All questioning retires to a single point of light, whence comes, not an answer, but the end of the need to know. Wisdom lingers there, and frees the mind from it's hopeless insanities. This seems hard, but it is simplicity itself to the receptive soul.
You do not wonder really at what I say.
Understanding is present when you feel the heart of truth that dwells within these formless forms.

Words!
How they confuse and hide the truth.
Do you see now more clearly?
If you look beyond, you see the way forward.

I have spoken, and my words have rung out across many centuries, many times, but a single breath of wind speaks more clearly to a broken heart than any fine speech or profound statement.

Now listen.
What does that leaf say?
That flower?
That stone?

Yes.
Now you grow wiser.
Now you take that tired mind in hand, and say, "rest awhile."

Let the Truth take over.

Abraham-Hicks...

2006-12-10T23:29:00.000+13:00

If you have a subject that makes you uncomfortable when you think about it, it means there is strong desire related to it. Which means it really, really, really matters. So finding a way to think about it and feel good is your work. But it is equally effective to think about anything else and feel good, and let it in. You don't have to think about money in order to let in money. You just can't think about lack of money, to let in money --- Abraham

Excerpted from the workshop in North Los Angeles, CA on Monday, August 13th, 2001

The Beach...

2006-12-09T20:34:00.000+13:00

I live around the corner from the sea.

Yes, I know. I'm lucky.

Last summer I walked down there almost every fine evening - feet bare, while I kicked through the sand, or hunted for sea glass.

Tonight was my first proper visit of this summer season. Sounds crazy I know. I walk alongside the sea most days, I see it every day - can't help it really, its just there - and I hear it from my bed at night.
But during the winter-ish months I avoided the beach itself. And I dont know why.

I'm back now.

Live Your Greatness...

2006-12-05T13:00:00.000+13:00

Crochet Critter...

2006-12-04T12:47:00.000+13:00

My first crochet critter! Many thanks to Camilla Engman and her fabulous tutorial on WhipUp.

I have a lot of practising to do to perfect my techniques, but I love my new little buddy.

Missing my blogging...

2006-12-01T12:49:00.000+13:00

With my mum in hospital, everything else is taking a bit of a backseat. I am working on some Christmas presents (ssshhhhh!!) ...but the recipients might come in here.

hmmm.

What to do?

I am keeping on, and reminding myself not to worry about what lies beyond the next curve in the road.

"It is not a difficult thing to change the pattern of your vibration,
especially when you understand that you can do it a little bit at a
time. "
-Abraham-Hicks

For Audrey

2006-11-26T21:52:00.000+13:00

Somewhere within, the truth lingers.

...

It could unfold like a flower in a purple dawn.

Your choice.

My conviction.

Which way will the wind blow on our journey home?

There is a lot going on...

2006-11-24T11:33:00.000+13:00

And I am taking courage from this little geranium:

Somehow it has managed to bloom, despite the wind, lack of sun, and my sporadic care.

Its leggy and pale, but oh so delicate and beautiful.

Abraham-Hicks...

2006-11-22T18:06:00.000+13:00

If all you did was just look for things to appreciate you would live a joyous, spectacular life. If there was nothing else that you ever came to understand other than just look for things to appreciate, it's the only tool you would ever need to predominantly hook you up with who you really are. That's all you'd need. --- Abraham

Excerpted from the workshop in San Antonio, TX on Saturday, January 26th, 2002

And We Danced...

2006-11-20T17:57:00.000+13:00

Our first dance of the evening was a Hagallah, and for this we wore a beledi style dress - long and loose with a sash around the hips, plenty of jewellery, and a veiled headdress. It is traditionally performed by a solo female, but this variation was for a group of women, celebrating and having fun together.
It is a dance of celebration, and we had to bring that atmosphere into the dance - despite our nerves.

And I did find this the hardest of the dances on the night. I enjoyed practising it immensely - it is rhythmic and energetic, and you can dance it a little loosely and have fun interacting with the other members of the troupe - but those first moments of stepping out into a group of people all watching you, even if they are smiling, was scary!

The rest of the first half was taken up with solo dances, and frantic changes out the back. We all came out for the last number of the first half and dragged the willing up to bellydance with us, and once they were enthusiastically shimmying their way around the floor, we slipped off to change for our Classical veil dance.

Ahh, this was my favourite. The photo of the costume doesn't do justice to how gorgeous we looked, but if you can imagine seven women, dressed entirely in white and silver, from head, to wrists, and toes, floating around with white veils...
It is a long dance, and our arm muscles groaned at us for weeks in practise session. Amazing how heavy a chiffon veil can seem when you have to hold it at shoulder height for minutes on end. On the night though, we looked - I hope - graceful and elegant. I certainly felt that way.

Our final troupe number was a Cabaret number, and we switched our silver accessories for red glamour. Straight, high slit skirts and gauntlets in sparkling red sequins helped us end the night on a high.
This was a fast dance. So fast, most of us thought we would never learn it. Our teacher assured us that the music would "slow down", and I have to say she was right. One minute I was in despair at my inablility to keep up, and the next minute, something clicked into place and I never looked back. And the more we practised it, the more we were able to bring in the light, sexy attitude that it called for.

Thank goodness for the drills we did in class, repeating a movement over and over until we were thoroughly sick of it. And then repeating a dance over and over until we were sick of the music and dizzy and tired.
Because of that, the night went smoothly, the dances felt like second nature, and the steps had become automatic. Then the only thing left to think about was remembering to smile!

A Fabulous Night...

2006-11-20T08:43:00.000+13:00

Our guests were wonderful, and they hooted and cheered and seemed to love every minute judging from the smiles I saw on everyones faces.

The day started at 8am with an hour of running through the show, and then some of us dashed off to the venue to arrange the lighting and sound, and decorate the tables and "stage".

Camels hide the mirror at the rear of our stage area:

By 2.30 we were back, and although we had thought the afternoon might drag, it sped past as we fluffed around with seating plans, and makeup, and the delicious early meal that was prepared for us.

By 7 pm we were dressed, and nerves were beginning to take hold. Rescue Remedy was being swigged back, and we took turns to pace around the tiny kitchen we used as our "backstage". That last half hour seemed to go on forever...

Bellydancing Goddess...

2006-11-16T17:21:00.000+13:00

An end of year gift for my bellydancing teacher:

Plus a funny, rough little box that I made out of the most delicious handmade paper. It is heavyweight, but almost flexible and bouncy. And the colour, which doesnt show so well in these photos, is beautiful. And the shine...And the texture...
And I need more of it....!!!

The Southern Stand...

2006-11-14T09:26:00.000+13:00

I have been fascinated by this memorial sculpture that was dedicated by the Queen in London over the weekend.

My tv blew up a couple of months ago - ok, it didnt actually blow up, but there was a loud noise, and smoke - and I haven't bothered to replace it, so I watched most of the dedication ceremony on a 5x5cm screen over the internet.
I really wanted to see more of the detailing of these "standards", and I hope there will be extra images available sometime for those of us here, and not there.

I have found a great site all about the construction process, and all the images and quotes below are from that site.

"This memorial commemorates the enduring bonds between New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and our shared sacrifice during times of war. It is a symbol both of our common heritage, and of New Zealand's distinct national identity.
Dedication text on the memorial"

"The memorial consists of 16 bronze sculptures of varying heights set out in formation...calling to mind soldiers in procession, … Pouwhenua markers around Māori ancestral sites, or Celtic remains"

And I love this:

"...six standards are positioned beyond the main group and are arranged to form the shape of the Southern Cross constellation. At night, their tops are illuminated so that the crosses appear like the southern stars, indicating the compass direction south … and pointing the way home for wandering Kiwis."

Five More Sleeps...

2006-11-13T12:36:00.000+13:00

Dress rehearsal down, and only five more days to the concert. The dress rehearsal went perfectly, with just enough mistakes so that we wont feel too comfortable leading up to the night.
Thats my theory anyway.

We practised squeezing into the tiny kitchen we will be using as a changing room on the night - and got told off for chatting too loudly. Funny.

We had troupe photos taken, but I did take a few photos with my little low pixel camera. Unfortunately it wasn't up to capturing a swirling veil, but I kind of like these photos anyway:

And the view out the window at the wet world outside, with the Waiwakaiho River rushing just beyond the trees:

11pm...

2006-11-11T23:07:00.002+13:00

Last stitches placed on costumes.

Dress rehearsal tomorrow.

And I think to myself tonight, this time next week it will all be over.

Gasp!

Coptic Binding...

2006-11-10T12:17:00.000+13:00

A finished photo album and guest book for the wedding of a friend's daughter:

I found the gorgeous fabric tricky in some ways to work with - it was fairly fine and I had to be careful as I laminated the back of it with tissue. The crumpled nature of the fabric was great though! No dramas about trying to get it smooth. The crumples and folds are part of the fabric, and so became part of the look of the cover.

I first discovered coptic binding early on in my bookmaking when I stumbled on this book:

Making and Keeping Creative Journals by Suzanne E. Tourtillott.

It is a wonderful book, and one of my favourites, since it inspires the artist, the writer, the bookmaker, and the spiritual person in me.

There are a couple of beautiful coptic bound books in here, and I was so inspired by the multi-coloured spines and the prominent stitching. The books I have shown here, are for a wedding and so were kept simple, but there is so much potential to get creative with this binding.

This is essentially a simple binding technique, but since we are so used to casebound, or "perfect" bound books, it looks funky and different...and "hard", judging by the comments I get to books I have bound using this method.

It truly isn't.

I have found a couple of links to sites with tutorials.

AlteredBook.com

Volcano Arts

Treasure Hunt continued...

2006-11-09T10:23:00.000+13:00

Just a round-up today of these gorgeous creatures I spent so much time playing with as a little girl.
I am so glad I have kept them. It got me back in touch with that much younger Stephanie, and the world she lived in - the good, the not so good, and the downright hard.

Barbie, and her fabulous wardrobe of over the top outfits:

Check out the patchwork dungarees!

Yellowstone Kelley, who was a seriously fab seventies chick:

Yes! to the pink flares:

Denim Deb. Quietly conservative, but I have to confess, she was my favourite. I am also noticing a hair theme. Perhaps an attempt to boost my self consciousness about being a redhead?

And on to the last two in my collection. Completely different in style, these two maybe reflect what I saw as the "romance" of the past. A different time to escape to. A different kind of glamour.

Daisy:

And little Holly Hobbie, sweet, delicate, and much loved:

Treasure Hunt...

2006-11-08T11:05:00.000+13:00

Another brand new book from the library:

"Artful Paper Dolls", by Terry Taylor.

I am having so much fun browsing through this. Check out this page:

"Winnie's Wardrobe Doll Book - with stencils" It included a 10 1/2 " paper doll, 14 stencil clothes patterns, and 8 pages of "fabric like swatches and trimmings".

Now that is hours of happy fun right there.

Reading this book got me thinking about my old paper dolls, the remnants of which I knew lingered...somewhere.

So I went hunting for them.

First up, and probably the most special of all, is the only paper doll drawn by my sister that I still have, plus her specially designed wardrobe of outfits:

I also found a selection of clothes created by both of my sisters. The dolls for these are long gone:

to be continued....

TIME to get this finished...

2006-11-07T09:13:00.000+13:00

One week to dress rehearsal, and my bra is still a work in progress!

Esmeralda doing the modelling for me:

See that lovely halter neck strap?

It hasnt been sewn. I just tucked the fabric into the bra to inspire some action. TODAY.

As for the beading I plan to do...

Come...

2006-11-06T18:38:00.000+13:00

Hiding in plain sight

- do you like the view?

Or do you too wonder if the whispers are about you?

The jewel in the lost one's crown.
Ego draws it's bow and shoots you down.

Can you accept the challenge of each new day

- to stand, and to stride, and not fall away?

And the voices question on and on.
Will you follow the path they have put you on?

Disabled by commitment to a view not of your choosing

- your energy fragmented by anothers purpose.

Do you not see?

When I speak, I speak only of what I know to be so.
When I laugh, I rejoice at the joy that I feel.

I am.

And my way is unconquered by another's shadows.

Disappointment rests at the heart of each intrusion. The falling away of dreams and the destruction of desire.
Even the slashing of word-shaped whips and flesh-formed swords.

And the dance of love goes on.
And the spirit of Truth remains the same.

Come!
The quiet voices cry out your name, gladly bearing the royal cloak and crown of freedom.

And you heed them not, though they are standing in your shoes.
And you see them not, though your eyes are the same as theirs.

Come!

And you turn unto the shadows of Mind's own creation.
And you weep.
Rivers of tears forming floods of sorrow.
The land is decimated and the fires will not burn.

Come!

Still they seek you.
Standing patient and still

- for never has the outcome been in doubt.

And never has any question needed an answer.

I am.

And I throw out my arms to encompass the world

A Gift from Florence...

2006-11-05T19:44:00.000+13:00

Friends returning from Europe brought me back this exquisite gift.

I have considered trying calligraphy from time to time, but have never got round to it. No excuses now.

Except...

Can I bear to break the beautiful green seal on the bottle of ink?

Live As If...

2006-11-02T14:40:00.000+13:00

"Live as if you already know. Imagine that you have access to all the answers you seek and trust your inner wisdom. Then you won’t have to ask anyone for the time, for all your time will be your own."

Alan Cohen

Bellydancer Style...

2006-10-30T18:35:00.000+13:00

I am loving my new scarf sent to me from Jordan.

A closeup...

As for the ongoing saga of the costumes, well, may I present to you

The Bra.

A work in progress, yes. But at least I have started it.

Wings...

2006-10-29T09:32:00.000+13:00

There are thousands waiting for their wings.

They wait in vain.

All waiting waits for no one
All searching searches for what cannot be found.

Do you see?

The answer lies here, in this hand, or in that.

But not over there, or written in that forgotten language.

I speak in riddles not to confuse, but to reveal.

Your wings are opening. Dare to believe.

Well, do you dare? Do you take the step towards the realisation of Now Is?

Simplicity is not about possessions, but the inner language of the Soul.

Release your wings. Open them and fly.

The literal mind must place itself aside and humbly acknowledge it's ignorance.
Rest child, you say. Rest.

This is a quiet way, but don't be fooled.
If you think little be achieved you have taken on the mantle of selfness again.

The ego strains.

The eye reveals what already exists in utter completeness.

Unity discourages gain. For what is left to be gained?

You have all if but you only knew where to look.

We finish where we began.

Do you take the step forward the realisation of Is?

All is well...

2006-10-26T21:31:00.000+13:00

In all the busyness of preparing for the concert, I don't feel I am keeping up with things very well. And you know what?

It's ok.

Abraham-Hicks says, "You are loved. All is well."

Not often enough do I live my days with those words within me.

Or, I remind myself of them and I am swamped with buts.

But...

But...

No buts.

I am loved. All is well.

An Angel...

2006-10-24T09:08:00.000+13:00

This one was scrambled together, in between stitches.

Yes. I am still sewing. A pile of underskirts waiting to be sewn up for all the non-sewers in my class.

Abraham-Hicks...

2006-10-22T11:51:00.000+13:00

You need to say, "I'm going to find a way of softening my discord. "
Coming in, all of you knew that joy was going to be your choice at every
step. Give up the idea of needing to control any other. Make YOUR feeling
good everything.

Notes from Abraham Workshop, Silver Spring, MD, 10/14/06

Goodbye to Max...

2006-10-20T17:25:00.000+13:00

Tonight "Max's oldtime movies" will screen for the last time. Max is shutting up shop as he and his 11 year old son are heading North for a while.

And we will miss them.

No more wriggling uncomfortably in the creaky old seats, or giggling our way through some outdated not-so-classic flick. Sitting in the dark listening to the rain pelting on the roof, or the teenagers burning rubber in the main street outside. Snuggling under a blanket during the winter months, or sacrificing the darkness so we could open a window and let some fresh air in during the summer.

Sighing with resignation when another elderly film reel would lose the plot - literally.

And loving, loving, loving the great movies we saw. A small group of strangers, become comrades, through the intimate atmosphere of the theatre and the joy in what we were watching together.

Then afterwards, we would drink the tea and biscuits provided by Max.

So thankyou Max. It's been grand.

Preparations...

2006-10-18T22:48:00.000+13:00

are taking over!

Sew. Dance. Sew. Dance. Dance some more, and then sew.

Ah, but its worth all the work. It is coming together, and I am starting to feel like a DANCER!

Abraham-Hicks...

2006-10-18T17:00:00.000+13:00

"The river never stops flowing. Just stop railing against things that are wrong and you will feel relief.
You will feel the difference.
Just relax and continue to be aware. Release the negative
thought again and again and again."

The Call...

2006-10-16T21:56:00.000+13:00

Channels of wisdom in a world not our own.
We come to bring light, but are so often trapped in ways unknown.

Diversions on our path.
Choices made.
Truth not obeyed.

Nothing lost -

yet sorrow falls.

And falls.

And dies away.

Do you heed what I say?

They call it Nature's tears, but it is only the man-made illusion that knows such pain.

What of your calling? What of the gift?

Have you so soon forgotten?

Time is but an instant calling you home.

We stand.

We fall.

But where is the inner light that speaks, beyond the illusion of night and day.

Yes. This is another way. But do you not hear the call?

I have stood, and stretched out my hand, and watched the ocean's cry take form and walk upon a marble earth.

This make no sense to the literal mind, but your soul shivers.

Awaken.

My call goes out. Awaken.

Do you know who I AM?

Knitted fabric bag...

2006-10-14T17:16:00.000+13:00

Here is the finished bag!

It's finished and it's pretty...!

2006-10-13T10:38:00.000+13:00

I am longing to show a photo of the new fabric-strip knitted bag I have made, but the person it is for hasn't seen it yet, and she might, just might, come in here.

So, in order to appease my excited self, I shall celebrate the making of the handles.

Perle cotton macrame'd over round pink ribbon. I like to leave the knotting just a teensy bit loose so that the colour of the ribbon peeks through.

Its mindless stuff, this half-hitching, but I stop often to appreciate the colours and the gentle precision of the knots.

Soften, soften, soften...

2006-10-11T12:22:00.000+13:00

A timely reminder for me today, as I sent this Abraham-Hicks quote to a friend:

"You can take a belief that you've thought all your life and soften, soften, soften ...and the evidence will change!....the belief will change!"

As I walked home this morning, I felt my mood drop, and my mind start to drift into thoughts of sadness and disconnection - as they have been doing on and off for the last few days.

Then those words came: "Soften, soften, soften."

And I did. Just a little change in my thoughts. A small alteration in how I chose to see myself, in order to bring a great deal of relief.

Here's another great quote from Abe:

"If you will make peace with where you are you'll lock onto your signal. In
other words, if you'll say, "OK here I am. Here I am. Good for me. Not bad
for me. Good for me. And from where I am I now choose this and this and
this."

If you make peace with where you are, meaning you stop beating up on
yourself about it, you stop feeling regret about it, you stop letting it
suck the life out of you, you stop letting other people make you feel guilty
about it, you stop being defensive about it.

Feel the difference between "here I am on my way to over there" and "here I
am; I've been here so long."

Or "here I am; I shouldn't be here" and "here I am; it's your fault I'm
here."

"Here I am and I don't really want to be here, but here I am and it's all
right."

and

"Here I am and it's temporary." (ooh that feels good doesn't it?)

Here I am in this temporary place on my way to better and better.
Here I am, pleased with who I am on my way with greater clarity to who I
really am.

In other words, you've got to find ways to soften your personal perspective
of where you are because where you are is the signal that you're beaming.
And you've got to lock on to the signal. You have to find a way of linking
up with this Source Energy. When you don't, you're off the signal."

Abraham-Hicks, Asheville, NC 10/24/04 A

Break out the sewing machines...

2006-10-10T16:39:00.000+13:00

and THEN dance...

Here is my pile of costumes.

The finished, the unfinished, and the no-I-haven't-started-that-yet.

We had a group sewing day at the weekend.
I love to see how the sparkle and shine and sheer sensuality of the fabrics, give a glow to each face.
And the sexy shapes of the outfits flatter each figure, no matter what shape the figure is.

We feel like gorgeous goddesses in these clothes. So maybe, just maybe, we can take a bit of that feeling and bring it into our daily lives, our homes, and our workplaces.

But back to the sewing.

And when did I say these costumes have to be ready by.....??

This moment...

2006-10-09T11:52:00.000+13:00

You spend too much time looking outside, where all you see are reflections.
We each see a different picture.
We each hear a different story.

Yes, you long to be understood, but understanding comes from within.
The images of life are illusions - interpretations of a story unseen.

Grab them, and they vanish in chaos.

Sit still, and watch as you dream.

It all starts here in this moment.
What qualities do you choose to accept?

Lift yourself up to the highest. Vibrate to the rhythm of Life.

The silence reverberates in wonder.
The laughter resounds through the skies.

You choose the point that you start from.

You give yourself the deeds of the day.

Sit still, and watch as you listen.
You'll hear the clouds drift away.

Abraham-Hicks...

2006-10-07T22:00:00.000+13:00

"Tell everyone you know: 'My happiness depends on me, so you're off
the hook.' And then demonstrate it. Be happy, no matter what
they're doing. Practice feeling good, no matter what. And before
you know it, you will not give anyone else responsibility for the
way you feel - and then, you'll love them all. Because the only
reason you don't love them, is because you're using them as your
excuse to not feel good."

Asheville, NC - 4/30/05

An Angel...

2006-10-06T20:51:00.000+13:00

Mixed media/Collage Angel.

Rest.

That is the quiet word that resonates most for me tonight.

Rest. Letting the rhythm of the night wash over me and soothe me into sleep.

Rest.

Today is a day...

2006-10-05T09:59:00.000+13:00

for rejoicing!

For rejoicing in the small things, that are really BIG THINGS.

And for realising, that what we focus on expands.

For seeing beauty, abundance, freedom, expansion, and joy wherever we may be.

A Light...

2006-10-02T15:35:00.000+13:00

There is a light ahead of me...

I see it clearly.

My inner eye perceives the light of my soul's presence.

Lighting the path before me.
Lighting the way I will travel.
Speeding my journey with it's radiance.

The light is not far from me.

It is here.

It is I.

I dwell in the light, and it shines, illuminating all that lies around me.
The within, and the without.

I am the light.

I am the glorious light of presence.

Do you see it?

Rejoice in the light.

It is our assurance that all is well with us.
It never leaves.
And though you may close your eyes to it, it will continue to shine.
And though your eyes shall grow dim, the light still shines.

We stumble in darkness.
Eyes closed.
Blind in the dark.
Blind to the glory of our own selves.
Our own Self.

A radiant self.

Rejoice, I say.
Do you not see how the light illumines each step you take?
See, truly see, what it reveals, for that which dwells in thedarkness is no longer your concern.

Masks...

2006-09-30T15:44:00.000+12:00

What is that mask you wear?

What is the gold that glimmers beneath the cracks?

A whole world encompassed within the lines on that face.

A dimension of love and truth untold.

Unheard.

Touch the center of your being.

Touch the emptiness where Truth dwells.

A whole world encompassed within that emptiness.

A dimension of love and truth

Unfettered.

Untamed.

This Bellydancer...

2006-09-29T11:33:00.000+12:00

needs to practise!

Its official.

Group practise three times a week from next week, and with three choreography's to learn, as much practise at home as I can fit in.

Do you think my sessions of listening to the music while I knit, and occasionally muttering "One, two, three, step, arabesque...", or "Four camels left, four camels right, shimmy...", count as practise?

Surely they do!

Wings of Light...

2006-09-27T09:41:00.000+12:00

How can I explain the contentment, the passion, and the power that arises...

I cannot demand its presence, but in the release of Self it bursts forward.
Beyond the rainbow.
Beyond the music of a thousand notes.

Free.
At last.
Free.

And its expression is knowing the joy of oneness.

This is my purpose and destiny...

The endeavour to release the exotic wings of light and meaning.

Too long contained.
So long afraid.

When all wonder dwells within.

Such power in freedom

A symphony of meaning contained within a few white lines.

The courage to Be.

Where to Start...

2006-09-26T12:31:00.000+12:00

I am buzzy with excitement.

Brand new books waiting for me at the library today, and I hardly know where to start.

On second thoughts, yes I do!

Beads and yarn. Two of my favourite things.

Colour and sparkle. Shine and richness.

And this:

Spirit Box.

The author of "Bead Crochet", Bethany Barry, says "The physical act of writing the situation down and giving it away (to the spirit box) helps one detach from it"

Its a wonderful idea, but also a special little box that could be used for any number of treasures - or even just to have the joy of looking at it.
This is going on my rapidly growing list of 'things I must make'.

A Beautiful Day...

2006-09-25T21:45:00.000+12:00

And we all blossom under the gaze of the Sun.

The Silence...

2006-09-24T20:47:00.000+12:00

The Silence is complete.
You do not choose it; instead it chooses you.

But it is choosing you every moment.

You do not create it, for out of it you unfolded, and when you return, it is a returning to your Self.

Truth and the Silence are One.
For Truth is not formed of words and cannot be spoken.

Rest in this.

Let your mind rest.

If you seek you have returned to the confusion, and you will not find answers there.

Nuture the Seed...

2006-09-22T16:13:00.000+12:00

Wrapped inside,
safe from prying eyes and careless tongues,
lies a babe.

Can you watch it grow?

Do you have the courage to take responsibility for the surroundings in which it may flourish?

Keep quiet.

Maturity is gained in the silence of contemplation.

From this small seed, this tiny beginning, will come the saviour of your world.

Reflection...

2006-09-21T12:07:00.000+12:00

I do not need to speak of things unknown, or whisper the lies told by man.

I can stay where I am, and see the world in a glass mirror, for reflection is all that I know.

I can pause for a moment,
and hear truth in the waves, or meaning in the fall of a leaf.

I can dream
I can ask
I can question

Stay perfectly still.

Let the solid earth stop.
Allow the illusion to disappear.

Listen beyond hearing.
Look within sight.
Abandon the dreams of your home.

Walk without motion.
Dance without movement.
Sing without a solitary note.

Restore your soul at this fountain of Life.
Drink of the cup overflowing.

Ask nothing
Venture nowhere

Then see the world at your feet.

The circle grows smaller, contracting to this moment -

Explodes

And releases silent truth.

Reveal...

2006-09-20T07:51:00.000+12:00

Distance can be travelled in an instant of attention.
We are not separate, but one continuous whole
that
breathes
and sways
in a deeper rhythm.

Lose the voice the says, "maybe tomorrow".
Listen within and cherish the silence that beckons you home.

Not far away is the trial of contentment. No distance at all to the pain of love.

....Or would you not have it so?
Does this not reflect the choices you make?

No. You understand this reasoning.
So seriously do you question when the answer lies at hand.
Dependable is your frustration when salvation is already at your command.

I jest, and I jest not.
I speak, and I speak not.

If you could bear to settle in silence and allow the clouds to lift, you would see such wonders unknown to man.
Life is an illusion when lived from the standpoint of your seeing and garners only suffering as its prize.
But, once to let your sight be quiet, you gain a prize worth winning.
Understanding will not beat down that door, but waits for the unspoken invitation to enter and show more.

Reveal Thyself.

I'm Seeing Stars...

2006-09-19T08:51:00.000+12:00

No one can say what path I will follow...

My way is my own
My dream is my own
My life is my own

Its a love affair with beaded stars I am having!

A coptic bound journal I made for a friend. She loved the star! I wrapped the spine of each section with a coloured strip to achieve the striped effect.

And more beaded stars...

You can find the (pdf) tutorial for the 5 pointed star here.

The tutorial for the 7 pointed star/mandala is here.

Free!

2006-09-18T20:38:00.000+12:00

A piece of the sky just flew by, and the trees are turning over and over.
I reach up to the earth, and down to the sky with my feet firmly planted in the clouds.
A kiss from a friend, and a rose to my love....

Let the beginning be as one with the end.

If we all hold hands and sway in the dance,
If we choose to accept what we dream.
If we nurture the child, and nourish the seed...

We shall find we no longer believe.

For belief is cast into the shadow by the knowledge that is born of Wisdom released.
The form partakes of such understanding and beckons you to explore further in the realm of the Soul.
Set your feet upon a new earth that no longer conforms to the limitations governed by man

We are free.

And freedom speaks not in words or in symbols, but is experienced beyond the creation's thought.

who we are...

2006-09-18T07:25:00.000+12:00

and what is god,

but our true self,

that is joyful,

and free.

we are the wisdom in the wind

we are the spirit of the sea

we are the substance of all that takes form as light

we dance like a cloud

and sing the harmonies of the earth

we are dust, rock, and flame

The Beginning.....

2006-09-17T20:31:00.000+12:00

I'm here!