Conkers & Autumn Colours

Our chestnut tree has certainly changed since the last progress report in June...

Unfortunately, at the beginning of July we lost the two baby chestnuts that our bud produced, & already there was another bud growing from the base of the flower stalk.

11th July

Like ideas some fruits do not ripen. Perhaps they show promise & flourish for a while, but for whatever reason they fall by the wayside. There were, however many more 'conkers' on the tree- plenty of siblings willing to be photographed instead!

30 August

Perhaps there were too many for all of them to flourish, or they simply were not strong enough to reach their potential, but already the new growth gathers strength...

12 September

Just as the Horse Chestnut is one of the first of the 'big' trees to burst into flower, so are the leaves some of the earliest to turn.... daring Autumn to show her face...

20th september

And what a face... who can fail to be moved by the colours of Autumn?

As one cycle comes to an end, another begins.... new seeds...
ready to put down roots for new growth... promise for the future...

26th September

Touchstone Tuesday

Sharing a "snapshot of Joy" as mel describes it...

the feel of wet ink on handmade paper, spontaneous marks,
the discovery that "yes you can write on it!"

Silver Strands...

...thread light downwards...

Recognise these words? They're by a favourite writer of mine, and if you visit regularly you may recognise them from something I did earlier. Yes, the words written by mel continue to inspire me.

When i laid the plaster down for 'hear the ocean' i also put some on this black Hannemuhle Buggra Butten paper... it's designed for pastels, but at 120gsm i thought it may be heavy enough to take this technique. If you don't try, you don't know! The paper did cockle a bit with the wetness, but dried out ok. I used various blacks & silver, thinking about waves crashing at night in moonlight... the photo doesn't really show the depth that the 'rocks' give to the piece, but i'm pleased with the 3d effect in real life.

(click to enlarge)

I've used pencil for the lettering (6B i think)... quite tall narrow skeleton letters to convey the movement of light downwards... the use of pressure & release so the colour isn't solid. Pencil on black paper isn't the easiest to read or photograph, at some angles parts of the lettering seem to disappear, only to reappear as you move around... but that's the whole point.
We are talking about moonlight threading down... ebb& flow... weavings... magic... re-connecting.... and apart from that, there are layers of meaning within the words & the energy around them.


As it's pastel paper, it's only fair to use some pastel somewhere.... so i scraped a mix of white, black & grey through a stencil & smudged it with a brush. There's also a spattering of silver acrylic & silver powder in there too.... all those layers of light & shadow, thought & meaning...

Look deep into the spiral.... & re-connect....

Hear the Ocean

Hear the ocean, wild yet calm...

I hear the ocean at my feet
I feel the pain in your heart

waves crashing, thundering emotion
vast, unending, rolling gently
swim with the tide...

Let me engulf you, comfort, protect you

The power of the ocean can lift you again

I was once asked to make "something like a place-card with the word 'ocean' on it". Apparently it was a significant 'little something' for a bridal couple. I know I also wrote a few words describing the ocean on a wavy line... i'd like to think i added a bit of a pastel wave aswell, but probably didn't! Anyway, that simple little exercise led to these words.

Inspiration can come from the simplest ideas. There's a saying that "inspiration comes from doing"... and how true that can be. Of course we need to think about ideas, but it's easy to sit thinking about a great idea & not actually do anything about it except think & dream some more.

The act of focussing on a few words & writing them out set off a train of thought... a few phrases jotted down & left to simmer for a while... a few splashes of colour & a few more words...

I have written it out before but this idea has been slowly formulating... I've 'seen' how i wanted it for a while. When i did Cari's "dance the old ways" the idea of using plaster through a stencil seemed perfect for this version.

While i was at it i prepared plaster stones/rocks for a couple of other pieces aswell, this one is on a 36x24 inch canvas. (the different colours at this stage are just different tpes of mixture)
Next came the colour.... white all over then acrylic the rocks so they looked shiny & wet even when the paint dried.... splashes of acrylic, emulsion, ink & more water.... here's a close up, click on the pic to see the detail.... & finally the words....


Don't you think the characteristics of the ocean mirror the range of human emotion (or do we mirror the sea)? We tend to use emotional terms to describe these different qualities.... angry seas, tempestuous waves, tranquil waters.... the waves undulate, rise up & down like our emotions.... our emotions, whether positive or negative, ripple out affecting those around us. Virtually every emotion can be related to a movement or state of the ocean... and of course both are dramatically linked to the moon.

We can use the ocean as a powerful meditational focus.... swim with the tide... imagining gentle rolling waves to bring our breathing under control... visualising turbulent emotions crashing themselves out onto rocks... until they are spent, then gently soothed back into calmer seas.... perhaps basking by moon or sunlight.... we can plunge deeper & deeper into the depths of the ocean & our soul to uncover hidden currents of hurts or inspiration, depending on our intent.... we can imagine ourselves as a pice of stone carried by the ocean, our troubles or illness being soothed & worn away... we can ride the waves & surf with our dreams, empowered by the ocean spray.... we can return to land, refreshed & grounded by the feel of sand & lapping waves, ready to return uplifted to our lives... let the power of the ocean lift you again....

Rose + The Alchemist = Blog Candy

Take 2 strips of card (one side decorated with pastel, the other with watercolour & gold powder)
add some quotations from The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

fold it into a book, (not just any book but a double concertina/accordion fold)

and there we have a present for the lovely Rose for her Blog Candy! (she has some more pics)

Sounds simple doesn't it? Hmmm?
I've cast around for ideas for what to do for Rose ever since we signed up for Blog Candy, luckily we are allowed a year to send our gifts, so that took the pressure off! I had an idea or two which would have been adequate, but i’d basically decided to wait until i hit on something that felt right. I knew something would come.

You’d never guess from the work she does that Sue- creative spirit- is partially sighted, but one bonus for me is that sometimes she gets books & I get to read them for her! I then give her the low-down & she decides whether it is worth the effort reading herself… well, you try holding an optic lens 2 inches from the page & see how comfortable you are after a couple of pages… & then try scanning down the page to skip the boring bits… or find the end of the last sentence when you move or look away…. very difficult & time consuming!

When Sue asked if I wanted to read ‘The Alchemist’ for her the penny dropped… oh, Rose likes this guy… in fact i’m sure she said this was her favourite of them all…. there’s bound to be something in here i can write out for her…

A bit of an understatement as I now have pages of quotations from it & the next decision was which to actually use. Then i wasted time trying to use colours that i thought she would like rather than letting the words & the piece speak to me… alchemy…. gold…. pretty obvious really.

I decorated 2 strips of paper… pastel on one, watercolour on the other…. decided i liked both & would have the back decorated aswell as the front…. so, now i had a spare in case i messed up… it was going to be something to hang at one point…. then it was going to be an extra long concertina book…. then i had ideas that would have taken 6 months to complete…. then i knew i wanted lettering on both sides…. then i wondered if i could interlock the two strips of paper… and decided i could…

I haven’t made one like this before, tho’ i’m sure there will be pictures & instructions in books or on the internet all over the place if i looked…. but i never….so i folded & made the cuts & panicked cos i thought they were in the wrong place & sighed with relief when it worked…. & talked to myself all the while & told my self off & laughed at myself too…. the idea is to make a mock-up first...

The lettering was done after the folding, in gouache, with ruling pens & broad edged nibs, then finished off with a mulberry paper on the cover & gold thread to fasten…. now, i’m sure i set off with the idea of a nice simple tiny accordion book….

Quotes from The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

-Each day in itself brings with it an eternity

-Everything on earth is being continuously transformed because the earth is alive and it has a soul. We are part of that soul, so we rarely recognise that it is working for us.

-Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.

-If what one finds is of pure matter it will never spoil and you can always come back. If what you found was only a moment of light like the explosion of a star you would find nothing on your return.

-Listen to your heart it knows all things because it came from the soul of the world and it will one day return there.

-The soul of the world is nourished by peoples happiness... to realise ones destiny is a persons only real obligation.

-And when you want something all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it.

-Never stop dreaming follow the omens

-Intuition... a sudden immersion of the soul into the universal current of life where the histories of all people are connected and we are able to know everything because it is all written there

Playing catch up!

Fingers crossed i'm back in the blogosphere. After months of frustrating internet connection i think i've found a network that actually stays connected & worked without hours of phone calls to call centres in foreign lands! We've been in the same place all year & should be staying for some time... the thing is our caravan site is in an internet black hole. I've seen the maps showing a pretty pink area of "good" signal all around....apart from one white square of "borderline to none" slap bang on top of us!

I've happily meandered through summer & read more than i have for a while.... this blogging lark does tend to eat up the time doesn't it?! I'll probably never get to catch up on everything from everyone I usually visit...I was already waaay behind anyway, lol... and somehow the stuff I wrote intending to post but couldn't, doesn't necessarily seem so urgent now. But hey, that was then & this is now.... see you all around xx

Shocked....

... to actually be able to get into blogger. I've had c***p internet for ages, then when I can connect I hav'nt been able to access blogger or yahoo emails. I thought it might be computer virus, even tho i can access other sites I can never get into these two. Perhaps its some universe conspiracy to stop me spending too much time here, lol.

Thing is, now i'm here I'm a bit taken aback by the fact & havn't the time available to 'do' anything! I've loads of bits half written (or even 9/10ths) i'd like to post sometime, & no photos uploaded ready to go...

So.... this is a friendly wave to everyone....been missin ya! i'm around & everythings going fine, just not able to communicate with folks as i'd like... 'fraid i can't catch up right now either, but to use those immortal words "I'll be back"

Love & hugs all round, fingers crossed it will let me in again next time! xxxx suzi

How do you learn Reiki?

The ability to 'do' Reiki is not something that is learned in the normal sense. Rather it is something that is activated or awakened within the individual through a process of Initiation (also referred to as an 'Attunement') by a Reiki Master. It is a relatively simple process, a bit like being given the keys to a door, or tuning in a radio that gives the ability to access & use Reiki. The learning begins after the attunement… it’s a bit like downloading a computer program; you can switch it on & use it…. But it takes a while to get used to & learn to use it fully!

The Reiki attunement is special… a sacred, spiritual initiation that connects with higher levels of consciousness & the unlimited Source of healing energy. It is a powerful spiritual experience enabling Reiki to be channelled by the initiate. There are no requirements for spiritual purification necessary in order for it to work or for a person to receive attunements. This includes the Reiki III attunement where one can go on to become a Reiki Master/Teacher. Thus the term ‘Master” in Reiki does not carry the same meaning as “Spiritual Master” or imply any level of enlightenment.

Anyone, regardless of the level of spiritual development can receive the ability to pass Reiki on to others. The level of spirituality may vary from person to person, but the quality of Reiki Energy remains the same. All Reiki Masters/Teachers may be equal in that they all have the ability to pass Reiki on to others. However the level of understanding & ability to teach varies greatly, depending on how a person has been taught & upon their own personally developed skills & experience.

This then is the unique value of Reiki; anyone can receive the ability and if they wish, progress to become a qualified teacher. This makes Reiki a healing technique of special importance for the period of development in which we presently find ourselves on earth. The collective consciousness of the planet is advancing so quickly that there is a greatly increased interest in spiritual healing.

In addition to the healing benefits to yourself & others, Reiki often helps to develop your psychic senses too.

SO… What is Reiki anyway??

Reiki is a system for healing & self- development created in Japan by Dr Mikao Usui in the early part of the 20th century. ‘Rei’ is often translated as ‘Universal’, referring to something sacred or spiritual. ‘Ki’ is often translated as ‘Life-force energy’ and implies spiritedness or feelings. So, the generally accepted definition of Reiki is “Universal Energy”. Although the emphasis is more often placed on the healing aspect of Reiki nowadays, it was also intended as a method for spiritual self-development.

'Universal energy'... from the universe, for everyone... regardless of religion or belief system... it works in harmony with your beliefs & with other treatments & medicines. How it works defies explanation, it just does. But because it is 'universal' it fits alongside so many ways of thinking, so that people blend their way of thinking with it & adapt it to suit them. Remember you too are an individual that can take or leave what you hear, to use, or discard, or file 'til later if relevant. We all learn & grow & change…

A Reiki Treatment is such a relaxing experience…. A client remains fully clothed & may sit or lie down as the practitioner lays their hands on or just above the clients body… all you need to do is relax & be open to the healing energy of Reiki. Reiki can also be “sent” over a distance too.

Some people may experience heat or cold, or become aware of tingling or pulsing sensations, some ‘see’ colour or light- at the very least you feel incredibly relaxed, which in itself provides the climate for healing- as the healing Reiki energy radiates from the therapist's hands. The energy immediately begins to effect positive change, and restore balance, throughout the recipient's whole being & continues to manifest for some time after the session ends.

Most descriptions include something like “Reiki is a gentle, yet profound, non-invasive therapy, which can facilitate stress-reduction and relaxation, support effective immune-system function, enhance the body's self-healing mechanisms, and replenish and nurture vitality. Rather than acting solely on a physical level, Reiki is holistic in its effect - eliciting a healing response across the entire spectrum of ones being - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.”

‘A wave of loving, healing energy…. Gently lapping on the shore of your being… soothing the hurt and pain…. Connecting to universal healing energy, helping you to re-build and strengthen and heal…”

It is something that can not really be described… it must be experienced, and even then it is only a beginning.

Candy from Mel

Look what the postman brought....

...the most lovely collage/painting created especially for me by mel at creative clutter

The more I looked the more I saw.... oooh, real bark.... are they rowan berries? yep, (peers closer) they are... and a spiral shell....mmm, liking the words (she says as she tries to prise the top layer up a bit to read more, sorry mel, didn't damage it tho).... I can't read it all, but it's about connection to nature.... the last line is complete "And this prayer I make, knowing that Nature never did betray the heart that loved her..." from Tintern Abbey by William Wordsworth
Thank you mel.... it's perfect....full of energy & love.... love it xx

Water Quotes & Canvas

It has no colour, yet it forms the bluest sea, the greenest pond, the blackest loch, the whitest surf….

And in a single droplet there is every colour of the rainbow… to be seen in one moment & then gone in an instant.

Lately some of the words on this piece have been floating around my mind....

I think it's time to re-work the idea, or maybe use some of the verses individually. It's about 5 years since I was asked to produce this piece. The brief was "water quotes, but this colour with a bit of texture"... Are you sure about the colour? No blues or greens? "No, it's got to be this... maybe a hint of green, but just a hint" Any particular words? "No whatever you want... we know we'll like it" It is lovely when someone is prepared to put their trust in me like this.

This was done on MDF board (which I was using a lot at the time... I hadn't made the jump to canvas), with plaster used to build up some texture before I painted it. The lettering was just a metallic gold pen, using either skeleton or built-up letterforms.

I sat & stared at the board for a long time before I began to write... I had read through various 'water quotations' but was unsure what to actually use.... nothing was 'grabbing me' for this one. So I sat... & stared... & sat some more trying to 'feel' the piece... to connect with the water element & with the couple it was for. Eventually the colour became irrelevant & words began to flow... the flow of water, the elements were working with me.... Once I had a phrase I would select the area to work on, writing directly on the board, trusting that the right words would come to fit the spaces.

It is a very deep meditative process, working like this... it's something I just found myself doing at some point... this wasn't the first time, but it was certainly the most complex at that time.

I did eventually re-work it a couple of years ago- on canvas with silver lettering...

I quite liked this one.... I think doing this led on to the "waterfall canvas" here if you want to see...

Well, they say pride goes before a fall..... it fell.....

.... shades of "wreck that canvas" don't you think.....

I've kept it & started adding collagey bits to it last week.... not entirely impressed with my efforts yet, but will share the process at some point!

Here are the words....

WATER

Cascading dreams…. Eternally

Flow with the river… the river of life.

You will never step in the same pool twice. The waters are constantly changing, replenishing, renewing. The source never empties, the pool never fills.

Ocean pounding…. Never ending, feel the waves against my feet.

Water is life, as vital as breath.

Dream of a river- it signifies life. From the spring to the ocean it carries a hope that keeps moving forward relentlessly. It twists & tumbles on its way to the sea. Does the river itself know the purpose of its journey?

Seen in the mirror of a tranquil pool,

Clarity lies in the reflected sky,

Thoughts dance like ripples chased by the breeze….

Feelings run with currents unseen,

an image of everything that’s ever been,

the power to nourish & nurture & heal.

Water is softness, fluidity, yet it wears away the hardest of stones.

It has no colour, yet it forms the bluest sea, the greenest pond, the blackest loch, the whitest surf…. And in a single droplet there is every colour of the rainbow… to be seen in one moment & gone the in an instant.

Dreamy water calm & deep, here I lay my soul to keep. Let me drift on the tides of my dreams, immerse my emotions in layers of peace & soothe my mind in your tranquillity.

A babbling brook or lazy river, a tranquil pool or a gushing torrent, a tinkling rivulet or a thundering fall… an un-definable everything that is vitality.

Purity & power, calmness & strength.

Canvasses sold....

...before I even took them to the shop! Well, sort of... I havn't got the money yet!
A girl at work asked to see them before I delivered them....

The young lad on work-experience gazed at 3 black & silver ones & asked how much...
"oh" was all he said, so I offered a deal.... & weekly installments....

... then could he please owe me for another one... for his girlfriend...?! How sweet... of course you can.... but I want money off you every week... understand?

Girlfriend loved her present, so, before he's even paid the first installment he orders another 2 to go with hers.... Bless him! Meanwhile...

... the other girl wants these two, plus another one or two in the same colours....

... apparently they will match her toaster & kettle!

So... nearly 3 weeks later I have 6 more 'pinks' painted, waiting for the 2 girls to come & choose which they want, I've got 4 canvasses less (& technically 4 or 5 more are spoken for)...& I've had £10 so far!! I'm not worried tho' I know he'll pay, and his girl friend is away so she'll be here eventually... The other girl will get here sometime soon too (she's a bit skint cos she's just paid for her holiday!)... At least they are all quite small, so they're not taking up too much space!

Wanderin through the rushes...

...just wanderin...

...whats that I see...

....there, near that tree looking back at me....

I could hardly believe it... i was just leaning against a tree (again), and this little chap wandered out... he spotted me, but kept coming closer for a better look.... until daft dog decided to try & play with him, at which he scarpered....

Poppies

The poppies have been filling the fields lately...

I wish I'd caught these two while the rape was still in flower...
the red & yellow would have been really striking...

They're gorgeous & I'm making no apologies for the amount of snaps!

This oak is the "Dark Oak" mentioned earlier....