A Different Way of Communicating

It's my birthday today and I wanted to share something meaningful and important. I recently read some extraordinary books by Gregg Braden. Many years ago, I began a journey exploring spirituality.And life became more - peaceful, stress-free, healthier. I have had some great teachers, read a lot of thought-provoking books and have grown a bit. It has been a slow journey though.

There was a time, when as a Catholic, I found no meaning in ritualistic prayer. Since then, I have found that rituals with intention and focus can be brilliant ways to center yourself. However, saying the rosary while my mind wandered or going to mass every day and day-dreaming just did not make much sense to me. Even more interesting were the hordes of Catholics who believe that they can behave badly, then go to confession and all is well again for the following week. Great excuse for not taking reponsibility. Somehow, I just don't think that that was what God had in mind when he came up with the whole confessional idea (grin). Anyhoo.....

I am drawn to Gregg Braden's books because he articulates so well how we have the power to heal ourselves and the world. Have you read any of his books? He is a Scientist, Philosopher and Author. He combines science with spirituality and has written several notable books. His latest book is "Fractal Time" about 2012.

My first Gregg Braden book was "The Science of Miracles". He talks about some revelations that demonstrate why we are not limited by the laws of physics and biology as we know them today. Why our DNA is a code that we can change and “upgrade” by choice. These revelations show us that we can reverse disease, redefine aging, create peace between nations, and even change reality itself through the focused power of belief and heart-based emotion. I have read Shakti Gawain's book "Creative Visualization" and practice it in my life daily. Braden's book, however, incorporates the science behind it and goes much deeper.

In a nutshell - we know that everything in our world is connected. That there is a subtle energy field that exists around us - an intelligent energy field. He shares 3 experiments conducted by physicists and the military that prove that our DNA actually communicates with this energy field. Princeton Physicist, John Wheeler believed that we live in a "participatory" Universe. He believed that there is a constant dialogue between us and the energy around us, that we create it as we live. Which means, we can change things.

Here is a teleseminar on Gregg Braden's book "The Science of Miracles". It is split into 7 parts, but if you take the time, it will change the way you see things forever. If not, at least a different perspective. I promise.

Some Wire & Left Over Leather

I have gotten to be really great at not wasting anything. Sometimes I find left over bits of wire or leather and dream of ways to use them effectively. Take this necklace and bracelet for example. In trying to use left over bits and pieces, I have come up with my new series of rustic and casual jewelry designs.

The necklace is made of leather cord braided with some silk cord (left over from my Kumihimo necklace). Wire is then used to attach a multitude of different gem stones to both the bracelet and necklace. Ah yes, I also used a left over button as the bracelet clasp. So, do you like? These days I find myself looking at just about everything as something to be used in making jewelry. Last week, I was about to toss an old pair of shoes when I noticed these round rings that were attached at the top. Yep, got those off the shoes. You never know when they will come in handy.

Hmmm.....I just realized something, I am sounding more and more like hubby these days (grin). The man who never throws anything away!

Exploitation Or Sending A Message

Have you seen the documentary "Farrah's Story"? It is about Farrah Fawcett's cancer journey. I watched it a few days ago. Boy, did it bring up many different emotions in me - sadness (at her pain), inspiration (at her strength to fight it), hope (for her recovery). I had some other feelings too - uneasiness at some very private moments on public display.

There have been numerous debates on blogs and websites since the documentary aired. There are some lawsuits and accusations against the show producers, Alana Stewart and Ryan O'Neal. I am not quite sure about that whole thing, so I won't go there. However, I will share my own thoughts as I sat watching the documentary.

I watch movies that have an uplifting theme. Even if a movie has excellent acting and won the Oscar, I do not watch it if the entire story is depressing. I like some fantasy in my movies, since reality already has a good dose of gloom and doom (smile). When I heard about Farrah's Story, I wanted to watch it. I figured if someone was willing to share such a painful journey, then their message must be strong and valid.

I heard that Farrah wanted to bring to light the alternative treatment she got in Germany. To focus on why the U.S. does not encourage such treatments here. Great idea, I thought, since celebrities have far better reach in getting the message across. For me, only one message came through - the fact that one should never give up when dealing with cancer. A good message no doubt. However, it would have been useful to know more about the treatment she received in Germany, to find out how she found out about such treatments, to hear scientists in the U.S. speak for and against such treatments, etc. Information that would have helped others dealing with the same disease find treatment options. Information that would bring more focus to the lack of funding for certain types of cancer in the U.S. But, none of that happened in detail. I was disappointed.

Two segments made me really uneasy. The part where I find out that the doctors were using chemotherapy treatments that spared her hair. It was only towards the end that she agreed to treatments that would make her hair fall out. I realize that Farrah's hair was a big part of her success. But really, your hair is not who you are, is it? It will grow back. The second was when they showed her son Redmond (who had been arrested for drug possession). He was allowed to visit her and he came in leg shackles. Farrah was in pain and incoherent. I am not sure about the message in that segment. Some things are just meant to be private.

Days after that documentary, I am still shaken. I realize that it is not my place to judge. Yet, I wonder about the purpose of this documentary. Money definitely played a part. I am sure Farrah had a pure purpose in documenting her journey, but as she gets sicker and is unable to make decisions, who then makes the decisions? Are documentaries like this exploitative or do they send the right message? What do you think?

I am off to sit on my acylic dock and do more pondering.....

All About Inertia

When I decided to take a hiatus from blogging, I did not realize how much I would miss it. Yep, what can I say? I missed it all. I missed logging in with my cup of coffee, missed visiting my blogging buddies, missed reading and leaving comments, missed being amused, inspired, provoked, shocked, saddened, appalled.....

OK, you get it, I missed you. Did you miss me? Or did I just disappear into the blogging black hole? Once in a while, I would find myself in someone's blog. After I have read something really interesting, I check the date and find that their last blog entry was in 2006. So, then I have to wonder, what happened to them? Why did they stop blogging? Did something big happen or did the daily grind of life just take over?

I suppose it is similar to having friends disappear from your real life world. Life is about making connections. Not just once in a while, but every day. Yet we get so overwhelmed with our lives that we don't make time for those connections, do we? I realized that that is what happens when I blog. I make connections. The other day I was at the grocery store and saw a friend. Someone I really enjoyed spending time with. Now why had I not called her? No good reason really. Inertia - that is the only reason I could find. According to the dictionary, "inertia" means " a feeling of unwillingness to do anything". Yep, that about sums it up. Ever feel like that?

As for not blogging, I blame that on inertia too. Let us hope that I get off my butt pretty soon and back into circulation. Meanwhile, enjoy these photos taken at my last art show, MayFaire. It was hot and humid, but the birds were spectacular as always. Especially loved watching the little boy feed popcorn to the birds, until the Swan started chasing him.

A Time To Rest

I am at a cross-road. Or maybe it is just a little jostle in this journey called blogging. The feeling has been slowly creeping up on me. Or perhaps it is the Mercury Retrograde that is about to happen in a few days. Since it is my home planet, suffice to say that I feel the retrograde more than others. I am exhausted - mentally, emotionally and physically. It is time to recharge the batteries.

I enjoy writing, so blogging has been fun most of the time. My followers have grown. So, has the thrill that comes from finding out that many people enjoy my musings. Yet, along with the thrill has come a sense of responsiblity to write better, to post frequently, to promote my blog and to not let my readers down. And yesterday, a new thought has entered the foray. How would I feel about abandoning my blogs? To just let go and be free of this responsibility.

Hmmm...something to think about. Or maybe just to leave it for a while, while I invigorate myself. I am going into hibernation mode, to focus inward. That means more sleeping, resting, reading and less talking, thinking and writing.

Meanwhile, enjoy some photos of pirates from the Shrimp Festival. A fun-filled weekend indeed! Reminded me of Tampa's Gasparilla Festival of the Arts and our own pirates.

The Shrimp Festival

I am off exhibiting my paintings at the Shrimp Festival on Amelia Island this weekend. The official name - the 46th Annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. Not my usual type of art festival. The focus is on the food, music and lastly the art. So, why am I exhibiting? Well, it was time for a little vacation. Nothing better than doing a little work while we relax at beautiful Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island. Amelia Island is just off the coast of northeast Florida. Apparently it was was recently voted #6 among the Top 10 North American Islands by Conde Nast Traveler's 2008 Reader's Choice Awards. Friends have been telling me all week that I am going to love it on Amelia Island.

And believe me, it is time. To pack the bags and get away from my studio for a while. Hubby and I are supposed to be "retired". When we left the technology industry, the plan was to laze around, relax, chill out, sleep late, read some good books, travel, more sleeping...you get the picture. Well, that whole scenario lasted for about 6 months. During which time the relaxing was of a different nature. We were immersed in remodeling our house in Hawaii. Fun indeed, but hard work nonetheless. Soon after, we got into our creative phase and it hasn't let up.

Having your own business means that these days we work every day, including Sundays. Well, at least I do. My creativity can sometimes be an obsession. I see hubby raise his eyebrows and say "sometimes?" The only way I know how to truly unwind is to get away from my studio for a few days. Though the last time I took a few days off, I took my jewelry kit and made this bracelet. What can I say, making jewelry is relaxing for me (smile).

This time around, I hope to do better at "relaxing" or doing nothing to be more precise. Or maybe I just don't know how to do nothing. My acrylic entitled "Timed Out" should put me in the right frame of mind, don't you think?