creative faery

Boot Camp Torture

Usually, my blog is about art with a splash of poetry...but since I've not been as inspired, I thought I would talk about the torture I've been through lately...

BOOTCAMP!  Now, when I started this adventure, I KNEW it would be hard...but I thought it would be a good way to start getting back into shape and giving myself more time...You see, as a teacher, my time and attention go to those beautiful little angels...all worth it!  But the years are catching up, and if I want to continue to give my best to those angels, I have to take time for me...so, hence, bootcamp...

When I walked into the "Y", the greeter, whose been there awhile and knows me by name (still a good sign) says "Hi Marie, what are you doing?"  I said that I was doing bootcamp, and she said, really, you?  (not a good sign)...why?  I asked curiously....there's a lot of running!  Well, I'm used to running...no problem...first guy shows up, 20 years old, runner's legs...no problem...2nd guy and 3rd guy, 20 years old, runner's legs...okay, so maybe a little sweat...a couple of girls...all runners...a little bit older...slender...heart racing...the REST of the class, 3 triathletes and a couple of sprinters...not one fat chick (well, there was only one- me!)...I knew there'd be a few token athletes, but this?  They were ALL athletes working on form!   Still, I paid my money, I had to be there...huffing and puffing and all...not enough wind to blow anything down.  I'm slow...I'm overweight..I'm almost 30 years older than they...BUT!!!!  and that's a HUGE BUT!!! (not butt)...I'm still there...this is my 3rd week, and I'm getting better.  I haven't quit...I haven't given up...still tired, and still the slowest...but not as huffing...the young ones ask if it's getting easier.  They think it's my muscle...my muscles are strong and my determination, stronger...but my joints...that's another story...my mind was definitely writing checks my body can't cash. 

Today, they asked for the oldest to go out front to be "the horse."  and they tried to put another guy out front - he's not 40 yet...I said, I'm definitely the oldest, I'm almost 50...they looked shocked and started giving me more credit...that was kind of cool!  They even cheered me on...(easy to cheer the chubby old girl...ha ha)...Though the weight dosn't come off like I think it should, I'm certainly feeling better, and I'm learning a lot...He makes the class fun and interesting...no two days are alike.  AND, like a true teacher, everything we do goes towards making our test results better at the end.  I like that...he truly thinks through what he gives us...

Thursday is the end of my 3rd week...I think I'll tell you about the kind of things we are doing...I think you will find that they're fun, AND easy access to most...you don't need a gym!

Have a fantabulous day...Marie  :)   super jock!   - I will get you a picture of me with the instructor!

Summer poem

 Well, my friends, it's been an incredibly long time for me...not sure why I haven't been around...I suppose one would say a writer's slump or being overwhelmed or thinking I had nothing to say...or even somewhat depressed. I would say it's a combo of all...The sun has finally come to Idaho...after much, much rain and really cool weather.  I LOVE the sun and feel it's power and joy...so needless to say the rain killed my spirit...even when the sun would peek out, it was difficult to be ecstatic because it would soon be zapped by a big ole fat gray cloud!  Don't get me wrong...I appreciate the rain...but I need my sun more...

so in honor and tribute to the beloved Mary Oliver, I am recopying her poem.  She's is so incredibly amazing with each and every detail.  If you've not read her poetry, then you must!  She's inspiring and gets me to see and look at things in new ways.  The picture and copy of the poem came from Poetry Daily...you too can subscribe to get an inspiring poem on a daily basis..

 

The Summer Day
 
Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper?
This grasshopper, I mean--
the one who has flung herself out of the grass,
the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,
who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down,
who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.
Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.
Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.

 

I don't know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?
 
 
~ Mary Oliver ~

 

(New and Selected Poems, Volume I)

 

I shall try not to be gone so long again.  I will recover my summer enthusiasm and find things to be joyful and songful about.  See you soon my friends!

Marie

The Happiest Mother's Day!

I had the happiest Mother's Day of all!  Yes, I was so excited I couldn't wait to tell you about it!  (I just got home too late yesterday.)

First thing, my husband gave me a card and made my car gorgeous.  It was in some need of special time and attention.
Then, my daughter came over about 2:00 and gave me this!
 
It's a fold out book that I got and she asked if she could have it...Then she took an image from an old Amy Brown calendar and added her creative touches...I took the picture too close to see some of the great things she did on the front...but the back looks nice.  She melted crayons and did those fancy ribbons...each page on the inside has a set of wings because she knows I wanted a place to put my poetry.  It was the most thoughtful gift. 

Then, she stayed the entire day and we played together and arted together and just laughed and talked...it's the little girl I remember that I remembered as a six year old.  Then, my other daughter Kelci came over and brought me a card...she was a little tired, so we didn't talk as much, but we hung out and it was comfortable.

Yes, indeed, the best day ever!  But I'm off to work now...I'll write more later.

Girls Only - collage weekend

Last week was my birthday, and because my husband was rock climbing in a Jeep, I got to visit my sister in Utah and play!   It was awesome getting a chance to play the whole weekend...of course, there were many pleasant interruptions of family coming over...even family joining us!  My sister took pictures!  The best part was that our projects were taken from a book my sis gave me called Taking Flight to give your Creative Spirit Wings.  It has my blog name, creative spirit, and it has wings! (my mantra and creative spirit)...how fun the whole weekend was...I definitely need more time to do this kind of thing...rock on girls!!!!
 

Amazing grace and Easter

How appropriate for the day of Easter to be a day that I get feel the most amazing grace and acts of forgiveness....not to mention how awesome it is to be surrounded with family and friends.  I only wish I had a camera to take all those pictures!

To start, my friend Angel invited us over for crepes.  This is a woman who can make anyone feel calm and comfortable in their own skin.  She is laid back and enjoys each person for who they are and what they bring to the table.  Her kids are loving, kind, incredibly smart, and of course, just as laid back and easy going as she is!

Then, people started arriving at our house.  My baby turned 20.  My how time flies.  But here's the cool part, she invited her grandparents...her dad's parents...and we haven't been married for almost 20 years. ...grandma and I have always been friends, but grandpa, who used to be my friend until I could no longer be in relationship with his son, (definitely the most irreconcilable differences I've ever known), came too!  There wasn't an ounce of being uncomfortable.  We hugged; we celebrated; we talked and laughed.  It was AWESOME.  My daughter never thought twice to tell me they were coming, which means she was comfortable in inviting them...this made me incredibly proud that I had been open enough in building these relationships so long over the years, that this event could happen.  I never talked bad about their dad or anyone on his side of the family.  Because I wanted her to have what I never did, a loving caring family.  Time does heal wounds...and grace, indeed, is amazing...several other people who had difficult relationships came to dinner as well...all in the interest of this beautiful, wonderful girl, who loves everyone and wants everyone to be happy.

We had an Easter egg hunt...even the grown kids played...my table was the fullest it ever was...people dropped by that I never expected...we ate to our hearts content and we laughed more than I ever have.  Warmth...peace...understanding...abounding love...
Maybe pictures couldn't capture that...I am blessed.

The joy of Swings

              This photo, Next Destination, comes from Flickr,
              uploaded by pensiero.

Today when I read the prompt for READ WRITE POEM, I almost cried.  I remember when the carnival would come to town or the little street fairs with swings, and my daughter Kendra would stare...stare in awe...stare in amazement at the beauty of swinging so high...she always loved going high...there's a freedom in the air, much like I would imagine wings would make me feel...much as I've felt when I've skydived...I remember that when she was 3 she wanted to go so badly, but she was too short to ride the ride...but the carnie saw how badly she wanted to ride and asked me to come back later.  He let her ride special by herself for more than the allotted time.  I never saw a child more delighted...more joyful than in that moment.  To this day, it's still her favorite ride.  I wonder if it still gives her the same joy at 20, that it did on that day.  I hope so...because a mom has no greater wish than to see her children SOAR!!!

April - Poetry Month

So my friends, March slipped wayyyyy past me...spring was more
Winter, dreary, cold and somewhat lifeless...it even snowed yesterday - blizzard like flakes, it was the craziest thing!  And today, there's sun.....so I think I can get the writing groove going!

But my dear friends at Read Write Poem decided to do a poem a day and gave some awesome prompts...and though I probably won't be able to do a poem a day, I might be tempted to do a lot more due to these awesome prompts!

Today's prompt was to go to an on-line paint center site and use some of the colors to free-write, and take those ideas and create a poem from them.  It was fun!  Maybe the paint center colors will inspire you.  Click on their link to read the prompt and go on the Behr site.

Here are some fun colors I enjoyed and started a fantasy place:

Treasure Isle and Mermaid Harbor.  I have a cool tale I'm weaving and hope

to post later. 

In the meantime, I feel inspired and hope you visit too!  There are several posts that are very worthy of reading, especially Scarecrow's Dream.  ENJOY!

Sunday Blessings and some art

Yesterday, we were blessed with sunshine!  This sunshine girl needs her sun. I sat out on the porch and ate my lunch and we went for a walk...I sooooooo needed that.  But alas, today is more of the same dreariness....inversions cause great havoc in our valley.  Despite not getting enough sunshine, it just brings the mood down.  But I am hopeful.  We should get the sun back by the end of the week.  I'm ready for SPRING!

      (the other tryptic wouldn't photo)  

Last weekend was mah-ve-lous!  Got to spend Saturday and Sunday with my sister just playing with art.  What I love about her is she helps me think things through.  We made a tryptic for my black and white room that is filled with photos of my family.  The simpleness of the project made my imagination go wild.  What I understand about myself is that sometimes when I sit down to do art, I have too many choices or too many things I want to do.  The best part of this is all I have are small choices...not piles of choices.  This is a project she's been wanting to do for awhile, so it was good for me to focus on this one thing.  First, you choose 12 x 12 craft paper you really enjoy...it can be one special piece of paper or a pile of papers you collage.  I went simple.  I found three that I adore.  Then, you paint the canvas the color of the room you want to put the artwork in.  In my case, either black or white.  After that, you glue the paper down, either overlapping the edges or trim down.  My sister had small embellishments to add a hint of color or areas of interest.  How awesome is that?  Wah-la!!! DONE!  The pictures don't do the artwork justice. You can add a different kind of finish or more embellishments.  I LOVE words and texture, so I combined them and got something simple and interesting.

The best part?  This process taught me a few things I'm really drawn to, and a couple of things I want to try.  Again, remembering simplicity and adding just a few things.  I notice I tend to want to do it all now and be an expert when I have little to no experience.  In this scenario, I got to enjoy the process as much as making the art, and it gave me a bajillion ideas!  Isn't it interesting how something so simple can give me direction and so many ideas?  It was awesome1  Now, just have to focus and narrow...go simple or don't do it...right?

Next, we started on my new altered journal.  I decided a theme, "freedom," a focus I've been having with my poetry.  I think I'll save that for tomorrow to show you... 'kay?

For now, I want you to know I feel happy and blessed to live here and to have family that loves me.  My water is clean, and I have food.  Also, I am hopeful that next week will bring my spring I'm so longing for.  Until then, my friends, have a blessed week!  Nemaste.

Random thoughts and some Sunday Blessings

My quote for this week:  If I were to wish for anything, I should not wish for wealth and power, but for the passionate sense of the potential, for the eye which, ever young and ardent, sees the possible.  Pleasure disappoints, possibility, never.  Soren Kierkegaard

My dearest friends, I must admit that the reason I haven't been posting is I'm totally lost in expressing myself these days.  I feel stuck and often sad...and me, being the sunshine I like to be, don't want to post negativity.  But the sun came out today, so I'm desperately seeking to push my own soul out of the clouds.

I think part of what happens is that Boise is in the valley, so we get inversions...the clouds get trapped and we don't see the sun for weeks!  And, me being a sunshine girl, gets so sad without my sun...so I walk around extremely tired and unmotivated (so unlike me)...and I must say I wander...and wandering causes me grief because I have no focus or direction...and I end up wasting this precious time I've been given. So, to you, I'm shucking this blanket of woe, and I shall find the sun peaking through my day...

This week, I did a Community Education class with my daughter in altered books.  I actually tore a page out of a book!  You laugh, but it was really difficult, as I LOVE books so much.  But my husband promised me that the book was really in need of an alter...We actually played with paint and messed it around.  The part that felt the best to me was that we did something called a ROUND ROBIN.  We each tore a page out of our books and chose a theme we wanted it to be, painted and added a little something; then at the 5 minute mark, she had us switch pages with someone.  My daughter was my partner, so it felt safe.  Besides, she makes everything look great anyway!  Then after another 5 minutes, we switched again.  This made me nervous, because now I was working on a page of someone I didn't know and I was worried I would ruin it....when I was done, I actually gave it to someone else to give to her so she wouldn't know it was me...but honestly, I heard her say how much she liked it...hurray!  What did this teach me?  I have to put myself out there and take chances...and that if my art goes through an "ugly" stage, to have faith, because even writing has ugly stages, and I can get through it.  My page turned out pretty cool...it stills needs some things...but this was a quick job with no materials but a few scraps!

The other thing I learned?  Is I'm afraid of ruining these great collections of pictures and quotes I have.  I "might" someday "need" them for something or I might ruin them and not create something great with them and lose them forever, then what?  Isn't that silly?  You know what it makes me?  a pack rat!  YIKES!  That's my dad, not me...but alas, I've realized it is me...so yesterday, I actually took some magazine pages and pasted them IN MY BOOK...and painted...it was cool!  Thanks for listening to my art adventure...hope to have more, and even more successes.

ENJOY your blessed Sunday...thanks for being my sunshine today.

Under the influence of writing - another fun activity for you

I love fun activities for writing and creativity...gets the juices flowing and makes you discover...sometimes it just makes you smile like this exercise! I did this with a group of teachers this week.  They had so much fun!  I could hear their giggles and laughter...yet, I found it interesting that they didn't want to share with the rest of us because it was too silly.  Why do we always feel what we write has to be significant or "AWE" some?  Sometimes it is just a way to enjoy the great beings we are.

Click to enlarge..

Directions:  choose some of your favorite words (use these or some of your own) and write a 4 or 5 sentence vignette or short story....hey, if you're inspired write more!    OR - use some of these words to write a greeting to someone - try a Scroogy person in your life...see how it makes you think of them differently...   OR randomly pair the words "whirling cherub" , etc. to see if it inspires you in any other way.  Remember, the purpose is to enjoy...nothing more...nothing less!  May you feel blessed today...be kind to you!

Some more words to play with!