tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50328444679312850602024-03-05T20:34:35.733-08:00Conscious Art StudiosEach piece of our artwork is inspired by story, for the story is what connects us all.The creations you find here are from us, a husband and wife Artisan team from the Appalachia. We offer Contemporary Folk Art Paintings,Native Flute Music, Eastern Woodland Style Flutes, Folk Art and Spirit Dolls, Gourd Art, Gourd Jewelry, Drums and Rattles, and Animal Totem Stones. Here on our blog you can find the symbolic meanings behind our artwork, and animal totem meanings.Jeanne Fry Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309637588335685628noreply@blogger.comBlogger208125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032844467931285060.post-87464189532879003402017-01-17T11:54:00.001-08:002020-12-04T07:41:00.385-08:00Sacred Tree Sacred Moon<div style="text-align: center;">
"Sacred Tree, Sacred Moon.....thank you for illuminating the path for me...for reminding me of what is truly important...and for helping me to keep my breath in step with the heartbeat. Thank you for melting my stress away when I come to sit beneath your boughs. Thank you for teaching me how every living thing is connected to Mother. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am grateful to you for teaching me to Stand in my power...to reach ever higher...and to be flexible in the winds. I am grateful for your Sanctuary, as your presence always give me comfort. I am grateful in knowing that while years of change can happen, yet you will continue to stand tall.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You are my, Sacred Tree Sacred Moon, always."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(c) Copyright Jeanne Fry All Rights Reserved</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixG7tknRYuYN-IDGhdQcXS37wwIBNq_yRhIN3c0as8bomzeGTMYlx8VOPKF4xtMlCEGOshtIZeProrKZMzHLjXWrLwtDGbKomcZXQJAVDLYbv32DT21tyPOr9kEdQQSs6dFhgTAW3E8WzJ/s1600/SacredTreeSacredMoonFullSmall.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sacred Tree Sacred Moon Original Acrylic Painting on Wood Panel 10x10 by Jeanne Fry" border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixG7tknRYuYN-IDGhdQcXS37wwIBNq_yRhIN3c0as8bomzeGTMYlx8VOPKF4xtMlCEGOshtIZeProrKZMzHLjXWrLwtDGbKomcZXQJAVDLYbv32DT21tyPOr9kEdQQSs6dFhgTAW3E8WzJ/s320/SacredTreeSacredMoonFullSmall.jpg" title="Sacred Tree Sacred Moon Original Acrylic Painting on Wood Panel 10x10 by Jeanne Fry" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The writing above accompanies my Original Acrylic Painting on Wood.</div>
Jeanne Fry Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309637588335685628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032844467931285060.post-56292455364089549552016-07-12T08:42:00.001-07:002020-12-04T07:41:57.817-08:00The Honeybee Tribe and their Inspiring Symbolism<div style="text-align: center;">
What most people don't know about me.....I am a politics and news junkie. I follow on several different sources to learn as much as I can, because while I know many people think it to be depressing...I believe that <i><b>Knowledge is Power</b>.</i> Between the state of our politics and the seemingly endless run of tragedies in the news, I am deeply saddened for us as people. Often I am shaking my head in disbelief, simply bewildered because some days it seems that we Humans haven't evolved at all. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I watch growing numbers of people allowing their Fears to take over their spirit, sometimes to the point that their authentic soul becomes unrecognizable. The <i><b>Scales of Balance</b></i> are tipping out of control, and <i><b>Kindness and Empathy</b></i> are becoming overrun by <i><b>Anger and Bigotry</b>.</i> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4ddXu_l4DgMeDDgjNpZjXZzLYqEiYqLsnmSuSAgRu1lIO1rNf9knDZuFNLsz7JCKdmuImz_ihGqxoyzASGrXMKw-L63enOz9OB6vVyiAp9dgWuoQqWrS17mZuO3NkScMIc8jcJYgRjDH/s1600/HoneybeeTribe2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Honeybee Tribe Original Canvas Painting with Red Trees" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4ddXu_l4DgMeDDgjNpZjXZzLYqEiYqLsnmSuSAgRu1lIO1rNf9knDZuFNLsz7JCKdmuImz_ihGqxoyzASGrXMKw-L63enOz9OB6vVyiAp9dgWuoQqWrS17mZuO3NkScMIc8jcJYgRjDH/s320/HoneybeeTribe2.jpg" title="The Honeybee Tribe Original Canvas Painting with Red Trees" width="260" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The other day I sat on the porch and was thinking on the Honeybee. I thought about them as a huge family...a Tribe..and how they all worked together as a collective for the greater good...for a purpose. As humans we often will say..."<b><i>What can I do? I'm just one person."</i></b> But, I just can't buy into that precept. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3lYui-UqbFC3hxUhb3JxYz4sfL7hV1M48fV7C8YLdhIBYBlWmOyk99H0qsjGKfiEGdsa_qG8R4xR5Tviyhjx6ohjCzMjH-nr0mBcFCTM_5mWNByor-YigNGzBT-Kez8T2NDgmXifiJ38/s1600/DSCN2458JPG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Honeybee Tribe Original Canvas Painting with Red Trees" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3lYui-UqbFC3hxUhb3JxYz4sfL7hV1M48fV7C8YLdhIBYBlWmOyk99H0qsjGKfiEGdsa_qG8R4xR5Tviyhjx6ohjCzMjH-nr0mBcFCTM_5mWNByor-YigNGzBT-Kez8T2NDgmXifiJ38/s320/DSCN2458JPG.jpg" title="The Honeybee Tribe Original Canvas Painting with Red Trees" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When you look at the Honeybees, yes, they do a vast amount of work as a whole....but each individual bee is busy making change, hard at work, and his work makes a difference in the world. We humans are the same. It may seem like "How could I possibly make a difference in the world?" but truly it starts with each one of us....doing the work...being kind...having empathy and understanding..and Love. We must not let the Fear and Anger steal the goodness in our hearts. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Honeybee Tribe is my reminder. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Jeanne Fry Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309637588335685628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032844467931285060.post-81103395361585202992016-06-05T10:22:00.001-07:002020-12-04T07:42:24.970-08:00My Return to the Abundant Earth<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes we step away from the things that are a core part of us - our rituals or ways of life - often not because we have abandoned them but simply because our spirit needs something different in the moment. I feel, in part, that this has been the case for me. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Over the past year I had stepped back from the intrinsic part of me who's spirituality and healing based from nature, my animal totems, and Earth Mother.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIyb2abadFXNCEt59uoS9MX_WdoN8GLVqiXWpfsFA5ObH33x8bkViylNbVevbCLKczQR0cJNilgWYqJxxemJ4bYrTXc37CoP1wNOSvDYrtJp5pHHMaR3eV__IllttpS83PmznO0Aw8oHX/s1600/dscn2126.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIyb2abadFXNCEt59uoS9MX_WdoN8GLVqiXWpfsFA5ObH33x8bkViylNbVevbCLKczQR0cJNilgWYqJxxemJ4bYrTXc37CoP1wNOSvDYrtJp5pHHMaR3eV__IllttpS83PmznO0Aw8oHX/s320/dscn2126.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For the most part I think this was on a subconscious level, for I was experiencing such loss in my heart that my soul urged me to immerse in the Feminine. I placed my heart within the Goddess's hands, needing to heal, to understand, and to be still. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Many lessons flowed, some sweet and with ease, and some painfully difficult. I was able to come to understandings about myself and how I walk in the world, along with even greater understandings about humanity. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I believe that healing and self growth are a lifelong process - that we reach levels of understanding and then continue to ascend. Now I feel that it is time for me to broaden my scope again, integrating my refreshingly, deep nourished Goddess sense with the balanced, grounded Nature Sage. It is time for me to reconnect the Bridge between Earth and Sky. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Outwardly I suppose that people will notice this within my artwork, which I feel will be turning, in some senses, to a more balanced feminine and masculine slant. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I return with excitement, for I have especially missed my strong focus on the animal totems, who are all chattering incessantly, like old friends catching up in a flurry. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My conscious thought on this spiritual and artistic transition came to the canvas a few days ago, creating "Abundant Earth". </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Symbolically the painting was satisfying, incorporating black lava medium, handmade paper, cotton canvas, liquitex acrylics, ink, gesso, textile, and clay beads - each component bringing outwardly meaning to the balance I spoke of. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nAemLGcE3hHSXILGKPq8NOe3869MCLeAy4IloXYAbYP_WC_S9kUeKkKAND3DOXYUmkuqCPWyrl-ECOlQt1xyH5biUZHRlg96yY94f8wOK7Miavs1Q4zs99Lf1sxkJ81IkL5FmuteOL6m/s1600/abundantearth.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nAemLGcE3hHSXILGKPq8NOe3869MCLeAy4IloXYAbYP_WC_S9kUeKkKAND3DOXYUmkuqCPWyrl-ECOlQt1xyH5biUZHRlg96yY94f8wOK7Miavs1Q4zs99Lf1sxkJ81IkL5FmuteOL6m/s320/abundantearth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYHkaVcQLp4bdcm8F0NS-5nc-C8B8bPwZfkXw-Y9OOsl5AGmSHcea4EaqCIDGYGRCywHHNQjzBn_iacYDqt5A1_hcRPagjHwrj8qS_RRTbIaYYyYW8RsA7SQxiUHHupt2Nvxkr6phNWA6/s1600/dscn2122.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYHkaVcQLp4bdcm8F0NS-5nc-C8B8bPwZfkXw-Y9OOsl5AGmSHcea4EaqCIDGYGRCywHHNQjzBn_iacYDqt5A1_hcRPagjHwrj8qS_RRTbIaYYyYW8RsA7SQxiUHHupt2Nvxkr6phNWA6/s320/dscn2122.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Jeanne Fry Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309637588335685628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032844467931285060.post-13700417568998157972016-02-15T12:59:00.003-08:002020-12-04T07:42:56.805-08:00Quail Totem Symbolic Meaning<div style="text-align: center;">
The Quail Totem is a wonderful Animal Teacher, bringing lessons that focus on Self Care, Grounding, and the importance of doing so. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With the Quail being a bird that is widely hunted, he has much he can teach us humans about living and surviving symbolically in this big ol' world. <i>Awareness</i> is needed in order to not only see Opportunities, but to see where dangers and pitfalls lie. It is the calm, grounded soul that can be fully aware of their surroundings. If were are to make wise decisions in the face of adversity or crisis, those decisions must come from our<i> balanced</i> self. It is from this place that we know when to move forward and when to hang back, when to be open and when to protect ourselves. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In order to be at our best in balance, we must become a master in self care, nurturing the body mind and spirit. Eating well, sleeping well, having "me" time, and surrounding ourselves with healthy relationships...all can help us breathe deeply and calmly. Above all, Quail reminds us to listen to our inner voice, for there lies many answers that can be useful on this journey.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6ACP_1WqybyvzL6wo2lHkIUWhbIj6ohZ93UoOZEHk78OWcA6csZJW4-ERwgQwHl2lRfdvoJSUeFACmyrV6b024miGyIIj26zh7s0VziHoVZ7c8zFo5gO-1YMt6ms2EBJBevBwIqL3cGB/s1600/DSCN1376.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6ACP_1WqybyvzL6wo2lHkIUWhbIj6ohZ93UoOZEHk78OWcA6csZJW4-ERwgQwHl2lRfdvoJSUeFACmyrV6b024miGyIIj26zh7s0VziHoVZ7c8zFo5gO-1YMt6ms2EBJBevBwIqL3cGB/s640/DSCN1376.JPG" width="481" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Jeanne Fry Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309637588335685628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032844467931285060.post-56795777378220170512015-12-13T08:33:00.001-08:002020-12-04T07:43:13.009-08:00The Turtle Warrior<div style="text-align: center;">
I may be soft and vulnerable underneath</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I carry an exterior of Strength...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_U99fPFT4q4BzezvJB4d8ghVb7FQJqwQKkP-3oJPfLqvIPrJaBjVFB-L6ACyjsivW7AbQaGI82vMz54l-1xOuH_X9ZJIDMk5pAnET6nhYpaCVgR4PD4nhxyAcFKXmUSdMc_By1mxUJJy0/s1600/dscn0556a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_U99fPFT4q4BzezvJB4d8ghVb7FQJqwQKkP-3oJPfLqvIPrJaBjVFB-L6ACyjsivW7AbQaGI82vMz54l-1xOuH_X9ZJIDMk5pAnET6nhYpaCVgR4PD4nhxyAcFKXmUSdMc_By1mxUJJy0/s320/dscn0556a.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I may not be moving fast enough for you</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I am taking thoughtful caring Steps....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I may appear to be an empty shell</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but inside this vessel I have the capability of producing bountiful life</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am delicate</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am a warrior</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am a mother</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am a woman</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am a Caretaker of the Earth.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am Life. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Jeanne Fry Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309637588335685628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032844467931285060.post-16289076061765494972015-11-09T08:58:00.002-08:002016-06-05T11:21:53.946-07:00Ancient Dreams - Tribal Grandmother Art Doll Sculpture<div style="text-align: center;">
"Ancient Dreams" was created to be symbolic for those who walked before us, our ancestors, our Grandmothers. She serves as a reminder of what our grandmothers taught us in honoring our traditions. She wants us to remember that as this world changes so rapidly and technology grows so fast, to still take those moments that we need to stay grounded and connected to our roots and Mother Earth. In our dreams we have a vehicle for connecting to our most authentic selves, our strong intuitive sense, and to be able to hear the messages that are sent to us. We are divinely guided and always surrounded by our Guardians, and "Ancient Dreams" is a daily reminder of that. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWn7wDX4cRIBYbGube8DP3vSHUeks_iYeOigqHP7YtYJLE5XboGnjE4sCUwjHBbuiik-JEul6FFabbFgoE_9B5HT_YjuGRdJU_5ps1UF_K-y8Zp6Xfxczy3ogPHWwvOzQAfLuLogFP7vG0/s1600/ancientdreamsfrontleftfacepromo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ancient Dreams Tribal Grandmother Art Doll" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWn7wDX4cRIBYbGube8DP3vSHUeks_iYeOigqHP7YtYJLE5XboGnjE4sCUwjHBbuiik-JEul6FFabbFgoE_9B5HT_YjuGRdJU_5ps1UF_K-y8Zp6Xfxczy3ogPHWwvOzQAfLuLogFP7vG0/s320/ancientdreamsfrontleftfacepromo2.jpg" title="Ancient Dreams Tribal Grandmother Art Doll" width="304" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We know that when we are overwhelmed, simply taking a few moments outdoors can bring a balanced sense of peace to our soul. We often neglect taking the time for ourselves, placing so much importance on the seemingly never ending list of things to do, but sadly taking care of ourselves is not often on that list. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vEeyc93bhwyEEUGaR-kKgMrxp_bxq52VWoqyUQJxSfjjonTvrz35raDLxbwRoD9zsQeUhKYaeF87uBP2vFP_hXkyJR00o0vVQSffYV91GB13B0cyX65FfI_C6zoub9Tc3vYlJxng0s-i/s1600/adrightpromo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ancient Dreams Tribal Grandmother Art Doll" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vEeyc93bhwyEEUGaR-kKgMrxp_bxq52VWoqyUQJxSfjjonTvrz35raDLxbwRoD9zsQeUhKYaeF87uBP2vFP_hXkyJR00o0vVQSffYV91GB13B0cyX65FfI_C6zoub9Tc3vYlJxng0s-i/s320/adrightpromo.jpg" title="Ancient Dreams Tribal Grandmother Art Doll" width="182" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This grandmother wants to impress on us that "quality" time is needed for healing, not just time in the nothingness in front of the television, listening to the negative noise. She wants us to take the utmost care of our spirit in order to stay connected - time outdoors, with animals, in prayer, and with our families. When we have done so, those moments in our restorative sleep bring the dreams filled with the most healing and loving qualities. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
SOLD</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Jeanne Fry Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309637588335685628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032844467931285060.post-4274570311034379472015-10-26T16:11:00.001-07:002020-12-04T07:43:45.622-08:00Polar Bear Totem Symbolic Meaning <div style="text-align: center;">
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">I've painted Bear Totems for years, so many Black and Brown bears in my creations, but over the past few months I have been attracted to the beautiful Polar Bear. My first was a custom requested Polar Bear Gourd Ceremony Rattle which motivated me to start learning more about them. Since then I have worked with and learned more and more about their energy.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="background-color: #ddd0b6; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;">
The Polar Bear is a very special animal teacher. They are known for<i><b> pure spirit</b></i>, exceptional <i><b>strength</b></i>, and make choices based on their <i><b>inner knowing</b></i> and never their fears. They are resourceful, even when it seems as if there are no resources, which when coupled with their perseverance and adaptability makes them a motivating survivor. They can go the distance, able to attain their <i><b>vision</b></i>. </div>
<div style="background-color: #ddd0b6; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;">
They teach us the importance of making clear choices that are based on our highest good - the choices that can lead us toward following our calling -not the choices that can keep us down.<br />They represent<i><b> cycles</b></i>, and moving through them, and allowing them to flow from beginning to end....<b><i>and</i></b>to have the wisdom to know when a cycle is absolutely complete and needs to be let go.<br /> The Polar Bear can teach us much about <b><i>Energy</i></b>, how to conserve it, and how to spend it.<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #ddd0b6; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;">
They remind us that when we live our life with a pure and honest heart, our spirit has open communication with Source.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Their <b><i>white fur (purity in spirit</i></b>) is their camouflage, allowing them to hunt in a way that they can <b><i>stand back, watch, and listen</i></b>. This combined with their focused <b><i>patience</i></b> makes them highly <b><i>effective hunters</i></b>, lending to <b><i>decisiveness and strategic planning</i></b>. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">They fully <b><i>utilize their senses</i></b> and capabilities, able to smell a seal (their primary food source) up to 1 mile away. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">They are "sure-footed" on ice and slippery terrain, having dermal bumps on the pads of their feet for traction - symbolic of<b><i> ability to navigate difficult circumstances with balance and a confident spirit</i></b>. Their claws are deeply "scooped" for digging in ice, which symbolizes an aptitude in <b><i>searching for answers and meaning in life. </i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Their skill in the water allows them to swim for days at a time, up to 6 mph. In fact, they spend more time in the water, then they do on land. Their scientific name is Ursus Maritimus - which means <b><i>Maritime Bear</i></b>. This strong bond with the water is symbolic of a <b><i>balance of emotions</i></b>. While the Polar Bear is a strong effective hunter, they are also extremely nurturing and protective of their young. They are not territorial as one might think, and often choose to escape instead of fighting. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Often the Polar Bear will lead a mostly solitary life, though I don't consider this lonely, but symbolically <b><i>in a place where one is happy and content with themselves and who they are.</i></b> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPeWfM6e6QTCCsinjbseA4Bg-hviDJFVqUZ5SY21dfzWQZiGHBi3SR5kLi3nSiJwzvpdo4oInkj35Ou66FO7XNsXB7RjurdDXBngeugyUNEw4aLa2TKikQPXON301MB7T-Y8bNO7xiRol8/s1600/PolarBearRattle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPeWfM6e6QTCCsinjbseA4Bg-hviDJFVqUZ5SY21dfzWQZiGHBi3SR5kLi3nSiJwzvpdo4oInkj35Ou66FO7XNsXB7RjurdDXBngeugyUNEw4aLa2TKikQPXON301MB7T-Y8bNO7xiRol8/s400/PolarBearRattle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEeI5p6jVXx6mS0qBxjtzbph_Grty9nm7pH0M7I1SNOdfBk1rw1fj0ahj9HFiUam-utKPk8uroHQ1_Q-NvfZSAeuvrPP-e_R7SbS3zKUNMoulLBCIkaofcAo2HM0ipHiLJ5ZWsqExIA8L/s1600/dscn0213a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEeI5p6jVXx6mS0qBxjtzbph_Grty9nm7pH0M7I1SNOdfBk1rw1fj0ahj9HFiUam-utKPk8uroHQ1_Q-NvfZSAeuvrPP-e_R7SbS3zKUNMoulLBCIkaofcAo2HM0ipHiLJ5ZWsqExIA8L/s320/dscn0213a.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Jeanne Fry Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309637588335685628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032844467931285060.post-39130970734857154902015-05-09T17:17:00.001-07:002020-12-04T07:44:08.438-08:00The Lizard Keeper<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
She walks with Lizard Medicine, the wisdom she carries from
her life-long totem the lizard. The lizard has taught her to trust in her
dreams and in her intuition, for she alone has the best answers for the life
she lives. The lizard has also taught her to watch over and protect her highest
good. She now understands and can recognize when something no longer serves her
and with that she has learned how to let those things go with grace and moves
on. She knows that she needs to tend to her own needs first, before she can
help anyone else. She is the Lizard Keeper.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYVEJ4YUGc_XvDNyzRWshFUKJJ3fiCSceLq5DSZWOiApppM77_uUUdbb-hTx6Le43a31Kowmyr-2HWEUUvqil73kkAjBIOICol5Kn6gv4IHo-XP_MjWaq5WpfWLfTtjJednO9izTTj_2J/s1600/dscn8639.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYVEJ4YUGc_XvDNyzRWshFUKJJ3fiCSceLq5DSZWOiApppM77_uUUdbb-hTx6Le43a31Kowmyr-2HWEUUvqil73kkAjBIOICol5Kn6gv4IHo-XP_MjWaq5WpfWLfTtjJednO9izTTj_2J/s320/dscn8639.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
This painting, “The Lizard Keeper”, is a contemporary folk
art painting by Jeanne Fry. It was created with acrylics on a 12 inch x 12 inch
canvas. The background is layered with primitive spirals done in yellow ochre,
titanium white, and burnt orange with hints of turquoise under the layers. The
head and shoulders of the native woman can be seen amidst the spirals, her face
raised slightly towards the sun and it’s brilliant rays. She wears two feathers
in her hair and a bone choker around her neck. Her lizard totem is painted
embraced around the side and top of her head. A spiral sun is painted on the
lizard. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZI64jyvZvKGtfhNtC6GjRW_nptkreWoQivRVGyb7YsWDvGJT6hvArhuaW0oPUgoOlwlJc_5NDF46n9y7w8JzpyoCz_ny-fcn3YxKsLaOn5LxOhfZO_tKmeSUMpEuzyohoFoIAAox8x9_P/s1600/dscn8642fix.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZI64jyvZvKGtfhNtC6GjRW_nptkreWoQivRVGyb7YsWDvGJT6hvArhuaW0oPUgoOlwlJc_5NDF46n9y7w8JzpyoCz_ny-fcn3YxKsLaOn5LxOhfZO_tKmeSUMpEuzyohoFoIAAox8x9_P/s320/dscn8642fix.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
**You can read more in depth about the Lizard Totem on one of my previous posts dedicated to the Lizard here on my blog <a href="http://consciousartstudios.blogspot.com/2012/02/lizard-totem-and-its-symbolic-meaning.html">http://consciousartstudios.blogspot.com/2012/02/lizard-totem-and-its-symbolic-meaning.html</a> <br />
<br />
The painting is signed on the front, signed and titled on
the back, and sealed with a satin finish. The sides of the canvas are painted
black to give it a clean contemporary feel. Gallery wire is installed on the
back for ease in wall hanging. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
© Copyright Jeanne Fry<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All Rights Reserved</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Jeanne Fry Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309637588335685628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032844467931285060.post-14910596384568983372015-03-31T16:23:00.002-07:002020-12-04T07:45:33.515-08:00Space Clearing Techniques with Gourd Rattles<div style="text-align: left;">
Your home is your Sanctuary, a place of Renewal, Hope, and Healing. It reflects who you are, what you believe, and your aspirations.When our homes are in harmony, they are a center of energy that we draw from. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Space Clearing helps us to readjust the energy of our homes and can be a beneficial tool to: </div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Clear negativity</li>
<li>Balance energies</li>
<li>Cleanse after illnesses or arguments</li>
<li>Increase vitality </li>
<li>Attract abundance and prosperity </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Many tools can be used for Space Clearing such as : Smudging Herbs, Bells, Gongs, Tuning Forks, Singing Bowls, Wind chimes, Drums, Rattles, Clap Sticks, Clapping, Chanting, Singing/Music, Flutes, Salt, and Aromatherapy are some of the most popular. Today I am going to talk about using Gourd Rattles as a tool, and the technique that I use for Space Clearing. There are no "absolutes" when space clearing, as much of the process is focused on intention, but symbolism is beneficial. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVEIomXohhRAifOKMqaV7vlvbZE8_axuJpjZnsa3aSGJAeQPYHvrnLdpKGJ7fi8npU85wO30fCYXT_4uSInKVnenJR41_zWLOCWfF_MMD2q4X219ToXW_F-76syYD7petPV9lYr6NitSEA/s1600/DSCN1548.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVEIomXohhRAifOKMqaV7vlvbZE8_axuJpjZnsa3aSGJAeQPYHvrnLdpKGJ7fi8npU85wO30fCYXT_4uSInKVnenJR41_zWLOCWfF_MMD2q4X219ToXW_F-76syYD7petPV9lYr6NitSEA/s1600/DSCN1548.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhur_Qe333eU1qnNlkBFEv81Bzjhp0DKZSd7L1-sXIqn6zfP8I-__PXqNCQvkQ8Bbe6rUi6-D5eCY-JMCx96IpuhD3FKtM4jdMybbizQ1rdNOk8rI_hIhWXkZyDLhKqERBzAZHVpeJRoYHc/s1600/DSCN2193.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhur_Qe333eU1qnNlkBFEv81Bzjhp0DKZSd7L1-sXIqn6zfP8I-__PXqNCQvkQ8Bbe6rUi6-D5eCY-JMCx96IpuhD3FKtM4jdMybbizQ1rdNOk8rI_hIhWXkZyDLhKqERBzAZHVpeJRoYHc/s1600/DSCN2193.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Rattles come in many shapes and sizes and can be created out of many different mediums, although we create our Ceremony Rattles out of Gourd and Wood, with Wrapped Handles. Whatever tool you use for Space Clearing, will bring a different aspect in the cleansing. Gourd Rattles create a gentle energy field and help the use stay Grounded with its connection to the Earth.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>My Personal Space Clearing Ceremony ~</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>The Day Before</i>: Clean and Straighten Home</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>The Night Before</i>: Prepare Tools, Choose and Cleanse (I decide which tools I will be using to Space Clear and will cleanse them, either by smudging with Sage or Incense)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>The Morning Of</i>: I Bathe, eat lightly (usually fruit and granola) and drink plenty of water</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Setting Intentions</i>: This is when you Offer Prayer - Clearly state your intentions for the Space Clearing (i.e. clearing negativity or blockages, attracting prosperity, etc). </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>The Cleansing Pass</i>: </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Using the Gourd Rattle in your right hand in a continual shaking motion, use your left hand to "energy-feel" as you are walking. Be aware of areas that energetically feel dense, thick, or muffled. Pay extra attention to corners or darker areas, as negative energy can gather there. Work your way through each room, starting in the East and working clockwise through the room until finished. Space Clear each room until complete. (You can spend extra time in areas where someone has been sick, or where there has been an argument)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Calling in or Setting Positive Energy</i>: Many different tools can be used for this. Particularly beneficial ones would be flutes, wind chimes, small bells, sweetgrass smudge, or aromatherapy. I will often create a Lavender Room Mist, being one of my favorite tools. Room mists can be purchased, but are quite easy to make using a few drops of Lavender Essential Oil diluted in water in a dedicated water mist bottle. You work through each room, just as you did during the cleansing pass, and mist occasionally.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When finished, you can set the ceremony with prayer. The following is one of the prayers that I use, or you can create your own.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
"I
ask that the Creator bless this home so that it may continue to be a
Sanctuary for my family and me, that it be filled with inspiration and
positive thoughts that foster positive actions. May it hold Sacred
Healing and Comfort for our bodies and our spirits, allowing us to stay
balanced, healthy, and content. May it Nurture us to be beings of Light
and Love that can attract our Wants and Needs easily. We ask this in the spirit of Gratefulness and are thankful for our Guardians and Angels that continue to watch over us." Aho<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There are many many ways to Space Clear, and you can be creative with your process. Again, it is focused on Intention.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We create Gourd Ceremony Rattles that can be used for Space Clearing, Prayer or Meditation. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Jeanne Fry Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309637588335685628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032844467931285060.post-76099870780634017252015-03-26T08:51:00.002-07:002020-12-04T07:44:34.984-08:00Fox Totem Symbolic Meaning <div style="text-align: center;">
The Fox is often misunderstood and is an amazing totem to work with. I consider them the teachers of "street smarts", useful when you know where you want to be but need to figure out how to "get there". This beautiful world is full of miracles and opportunities, but that does not take away its ability to be challenging and competitive. We also learn when we get out into the world, that not everyone thinks like we do, and that there are people who do not live with every one's higher good in mind. The Fox totem can help us learn to navigate those waters, not by changing the essence of our own spirit, but by using subtle tools. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWklkr7ssqaiPgC1vvY_1SHOiBVcDwoubOPEMd-o3CFQ2Dn93Ip77xQiaRd1rpOhj6n9z7DrC52PqX_ViAhqxxNqDTnEzQf_YKbjrjuUps9I2PQQFqwipZ0jMhmovIJtSKfZ_FNrew4M4g/s1600/DSCN7997FULL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWklkr7ssqaiPgC1vvY_1SHOiBVcDwoubOPEMd-o3CFQ2Dn93Ip77xQiaRd1rpOhj6n9z7DrC52PqX_ViAhqxxNqDTnEzQf_YKbjrjuUps9I2PQQFqwipZ0jMhmovIJtSKfZ_FNrew4M4g/s1600/DSCN7997FULL.jpg" width="309" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For instance, the Fox is symbolic for camouflage and blending into his environment. Sometimes the act of being still or quiet and blending in allows us to be able to see and hear things that we might not notice otherwise...things that are important to know about our journey. It takes us out of our "me" oriented mode and fosters an opportunity to see the bigger picture or more aspects of a situation. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When the Fox runs, his tail extends straight out from his body. This is an aspect of Balance. It allows the fox to run and turn with and ease and flow, while staying on course...no distractions, no breaking of the focus, just determined on the "getting there". </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They are perceptive and keen, relying heavily on their senses and their intuition. When they combine this with the capability of camouflage, they can be a mighty hunter. Their hunting mode is also one of their unique aspects - being a smaller animal they can use a "charming" technique, that throws their prey off. While they are part of the canine family, their mannerisms are more likened to the feline family and the feminine. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHExfl2P7IgfI1LHojCi5x05z_V7C7SQXf7qiv4f7KOfYDvRcE7q85gxUVc04M2pHUaD0xvEiaaWMQaSdZJMgwEB-aFAGrdVdcgKlDRZmOWkw-4nxctSLicYkoMvsO70v1NhVm_6ud9yx/s1600/dscn8005.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHExfl2P7IgfI1LHojCi5x05z_V7C7SQXf7qiv4f7KOfYDvRcE7q85gxUVc04M2pHUaD0xvEiaaWMQaSdZJMgwEB-aFAGrdVdcgKlDRZmOWkw-4nxctSLicYkoMvsO70v1NhVm_6ud9yx/s1600/dscn8005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Fox protect themselves with their large fluffy tail, wrapping it around themselves to guard against the elements. This symbolism can be taken further teaching one to be diligent in protecting themselves from the harshness of others by creating a protective field around themselves. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All of these things that define the Fox allow him to reach his wants and needs, doing so in a bit more subtle yet defined manner, focused on the goal while being aware, being immensely creative and intuitive, and all the while knowing when they need to shield themselves. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Jeanne Fry Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309637588335685628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032844467931285060.post-40522685902007574172015-03-18T19:09:00.001-07:002020-12-04T07:45:13.683-08:00The Spiritual Journey - Gourd Art Vessel<div style="text-align: center;">
This week as I was creating a new Gourd Art Vessel, my mind was drifting. I was painting a geometric design on the front of the Gourd, in soft soothing colors of dusty periwinkle and cream. As I painted the shapes I noticed they began facing different directions. Along the side of the Gourd I had adorned the lacing with a strand of oval wood beads. While the wood beads hung in a straight line, the geometric shapes had a more diverse path. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9lI1PjGSj4ZOpeFt1F2BFMknFxyR_RtriNPgwWhCquoApSwWiE-G6nMvRL9E3MLRq90wXaZ2B8y3FfRItjnJTII5R80fX7gHAJtTvtkNEy7m-BAPteLc4VkcivEA1h7kBsN2uPk9M9K9/s1600/DSCN7866.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9lI1PjGSj4ZOpeFt1F2BFMknFxyR_RtriNPgwWhCquoApSwWiE-G6nMvRL9E3MLRq90wXaZ2B8y3FfRItjnJTII5R80fX7gHAJtTvtkNEy7m-BAPteLc4VkcivEA1h7kBsN2uPk9M9K9/s1600/DSCN7866.JPG" width="260" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It made me think of our Spiritual Journeys, and how each one is our own. There is no right way or wrong way....when they are focused on the Higher Good for all. It is a journey of twists and turns, learning and growing, compassion and love. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wNLZlgat6pIxlVCoKHF3QI6n_JumoD2zQnUdgMyeyG3Dh26QvVT5bGvg59pCB7FOeo0aIGtoAev-UEqHRE4z7Neai2Zd_WVHxqATlO5LRhyS4tG167rsvLy8H1sDjBgM1ls5QqHlCna3/s1600/DSCN7868.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wNLZlgat6pIxlVCoKHF3QI6n_JumoD2zQnUdgMyeyG3Dh26QvVT5bGvg59pCB7FOeo0aIGtoAev-UEqHRE4z7Neai2Zd_WVHxqATlO5LRhyS4tG167rsvLy8H1sDjBgM1ls5QqHlCna3/s1600/DSCN7868.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And along the way, reminding ourselves to enjoy each and every Moment.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Jeanne Fry Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309637588335685628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032844467931285060.post-49317939370952087382015-02-26T08:50:00.004-08:002020-12-04T07:44:56.704-08:00Re-visiting the Red Tailed Hawk and Soul Purpose Symbolism<div style="text-align: center;">
I recently spent some time re-visiting the Red Tailed Hawk and his importance connected with our Soul Purpose. I have studied on him before, spent time in connection and creation with this totem, but this week he has come back to me. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQg-p7NXoF6YtW6H2tDWYqgR9ljOY39axA27HH3_4DfvUOxre-xbDbIaH7m0xu6SzfRgQHvn9rhwuDGFrLavBewj7IuvnXg5YElC99w-twBfTYYRccR3aPphT-EXDhDkVr5Ak6uxFhTMBI/s1600/DSCN7532picm2fuze.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQg-p7NXoF6YtW6H2tDWYqgR9ljOY39axA27HH3_4DfvUOxre-xbDbIaH7m0xu6SzfRgQHvn9rhwuDGFrLavBewj7IuvnXg5YElC99w-twBfTYYRccR3aPphT-EXDhDkVr5Ak6uxFhTMBI/s1600/DSCN7532picm2fuze.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When the Red Tailed has shown up as a totem for you he is forever connected, for he usually appears when you are making strides in your life toward living your true Soul Purpose. As we strive to live the life were meant to live there are times when we feel that we have reached a plateau...not necessarily "stuck", but may have the feeling as if we are just "dog paddling". Frustration can set in as we can sense when the next level is right at our fingertips, yet can seem unattainable. When that frustration is left unchecked, our visionary perceptions become dull. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsImXfnfMO6nSKdpKo21YccetvCYwgNYaZX07fnZUpGZuhXgEy0jf6Tc3nvIryPc3BzFgmDgc3vEEE8_6Jz-2xdQuaevSkV7ISUY_WETELwRLFCyk3EOQypm5ZIszbQ5RLTvKxQDbgUdme/s1600/DSCN7528picmfuze.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsImXfnfMO6nSKdpKo21YccetvCYwgNYaZX07fnZUpGZuhXgEy0jf6Tc3nvIryPc3BzFgmDgc3vEEE8_6Jz-2xdQuaevSkV7ISUY_WETELwRLFCyk3EOQypm5ZIszbQ5RLTvKxQDbgUdme/s1600/DSCN7528picmfuze.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the time to reconnect with the Red Tailed, for he can help us remember that balance between reaching for the lofty heights and remaining strong and grounded. He can help us recognize when others around us may not have our higher good in mind, thwarting our efforts. He reminds us to draw our boundaries and protect our sacred self. He knows that stepping to the side for a moment, protected in our sacredness, allows us to access the situation more fully and find creative ways to move forward. It is that moment of remembering who we are and what we are seeking. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He can guide is in utilizing our power, reminding is of the strength we carry, and to use our power with care. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As I get ready to move from the Winter's quiet time into the the New Beginnings of Spring, I am grateful for the reminder from the Red Tailed - reminding myself of who I am and where I am going. And for the knowing that I am Divinely Protected and Loved.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwlgmz0_NgZOaFkRW1y9nL8CAAH04Em2lf-tBHsdFf_buNsjZPMKBJa6Hyr1KemH4yaGl2EGJgs3iBtjDsdyMjfOQ8sTFZi-yaSJH6fEk8EHkgoFaIdMk-pjbqw5_g7tiE69gzE1paPAo/s1600/rsz_hawkcollage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwlgmz0_NgZOaFkRW1y9nL8CAAH04Em2lf-tBHsdFf_buNsjZPMKBJa6Hyr1KemH4yaGl2EGJgs3iBtjDsdyMjfOQ8sTFZi-yaSJH6fEk8EHkgoFaIdMk-pjbqw5_g7tiE69gzE1paPAo/s1600/rsz_hawkcollage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"> </div>
Jeanne Fry Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309637588335685628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032844467931285060.post-10631498894078406112015-02-22T19:22:00.004-08:002020-12-04T07:46:00.731-08:00Sunrise on Sacred Lands - Visionary Folk Art by Jeanne Fry<div style="text-align: center;">
Being fully connected with something bigger than yourself....when every moment of your being breathes in sacredness, effortlessly....when one is committed to living<i> consciously</i>....These are the feelings that I wanted to portray in my newest painting, "Sunrise on Sacred Lands". </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As an original piece of Visionary Folk Art, it speaks of the spiritual soul on their journey.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2DwaVw0sosheJKlIt97S1shqX9ZLgOr5S2wYir3whTHIanFQvhPUE7ErbUqyqWOz-DPL9XEliOhci7PR3Le1aNIfv-0hMUnYWa0MJyRNsoDDAfx1CLCYrs12LZItrK0JTaSsABvq7ZyQ/s1600/dscn7428.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2DwaVw0sosheJKlIt97S1shqX9ZLgOr5S2wYir3whTHIanFQvhPUE7ErbUqyqWOz-DPL9XEliOhci7PR3Le1aNIfv-0hMUnYWa0MJyRNsoDDAfx1CLCYrs12LZItrK0JTaSsABvq7ZyQ/s1600/dscn7428.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The native woman's connection with Mother Earth is shown by her waking from her sleep, lying nestled in the rolling hills as if they were warm woolen blankets. Her frame drum is her pillow, referencing her connection with the heartbeat of life and ability to stay in the present moment. She is encompassed within the lightning bolt path (energy) that leads her to the Tree of Life and seasons of her spirit. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQjkrdT4Akxy3e4_D3iZ7QdboCWhbnaXAxXHqw3FNq5oLINVurOzG9kXxx2TCESLWoZ9wtLHpJlDtxVnYitstTFjq2OoduGWknfqSr_BfY5s_DwefypWU8CZMtc5MmOaYiAqtCH1St3pe/s1600/dscn7434.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQjkrdT4Akxy3e4_D3iZ7QdboCWhbnaXAxXHqw3FNq5oLINVurOzG9kXxx2TCESLWoZ9wtLHpJlDtxVnYitstTFjq2OoduGWknfqSr_BfY5s_DwefypWU8CZMtc5MmOaYiAqtCH1St3pe/s1600/dscn7434.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Turtle Totem (symbolic of Motherhood) is shown climbing the tree, watching over Earth's children. The majestic Eagle can be seen flying over the water and through the glow of the sunrise. Its importance here, for Creation and the evolution of the Soul. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Faint tribal designs, like etchings, can be seen blended into the background, it subtlety like the wisdom we carry...engrained in our blueprint from our ancestors. And lastly, the prayer feathers standing in the soil next to the woman...for her morning prayers and gratefulness. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As she wakes she is aware of <i>All</i> this, soaking in every detail and thankful for her part in it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVp_We-iLSQSbMqSxslXu3RDb4z6-BATq_P_HPISUP6JNZmqiLexLepURNsvjA1lfpXoUb_hu0xEZyNyIduEn7euSuxcT_pURQNo6TcDsvozQZkpoL_8fQUsnAG6yisAz5CYfCxSZhgPZ1/s1600/18241141_13572617-bagtote16_pm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVp_We-iLSQSbMqSxslXu3RDb4z6-BATq_P_HPISUP6JNZmqiLexLepURNsvjA1lfpXoUb_hu0xEZyNyIduEn7euSuxcT_pURQNo6TcDsvozQZkpoL_8fQUsnAG6yisAz5CYfCxSZhgPZ1/s1600/18241141_13572617-bagtote16_pm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /><br /></div>
Jeanne Fry Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309637588335685628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032844467931285060.post-47154554062672871192015-02-14T09:29:00.001-08:002020-12-04T07:46:20.003-08:00Sacred Mountains, a Painted Gourd Ceremony Rattle Symbolic for Grounding, Balance, and Connection<div style="text-align: center;">
Our newest Painted Gourd Ceremony Rattle is titled "Sacred Mountains". It is an honoring of the life force of the mountains. Its symbolism represents the ability of being Grounded and Balanced on an earthly level, while at the same time the mountains allow one to be closer to the Sun, the Moon, the Heavens, and Spirit. This blend of being more fully connected with the Earth and the Sky, (Self and Spirit), fosters our intuitive senses and heightens a trust in our "<i>knowing</i>". Our balanced self becomes a better listener, to our own inner guide <i>and</i> of our guardians. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5L2UbM3QyuCWFm3INZCFn2CHgKZYzXYUzWsIBQwFc5vX3KH717xCcLFzhhl0AmkpQJw4OqWvkPQg3Fw0JEgYLCKUEPuvsCRv5OQFQc6X6E1ezp0PysgGTfkZCzfrxNupZ5L6zE0uL05W/s1600/BestRattlea.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5L2UbM3QyuCWFm3INZCFn2CHgKZYzXYUzWsIBQwFc5vX3KH717xCcLFzhhl0AmkpQJw4OqWvkPQg3Fw0JEgYLCKUEPuvsCRv5OQFQc6X6E1ezp0PysgGTfkZCzfrxNupZ5L6zE0uL05W/s1600/BestRattlea.JPG" width="304" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The gourd rattle was painted to reflect the mountains, the layers of Earth graduating from the deeper browns until they meet a terracotta. The tip of the gourd brings in a teal blue, symbolic for the Sky. A beautiful Pink Agate is attached at the tip of the gourd rattle, symbolic for strengthening intuition and compassionate relationships with Self and Others.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-O3sTFtUx67OXYBNiKtRYuHHY2_Ouf7w03LVIt6KumZ2LbNdqwf7NdOXQpauI7_lvcPCeuRFJ5e6DH0uCmEN3uX_BVGimdqt_bFMCks2yhWmYTFdLDqf7XlBei5NGTo-SLJ0vko4J4Yya/s1600/DSCN7324a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-O3sTFtUx67OXYBNiKtRYuHHY2_Ouf7w03LVIt6KumZ2LbNdqwf7NdOXQpauI7_lvcPCeuRFJ5e6DH0uCmEN3uX_BVGimdqt_bFMCks2yhWmYTFdLDqf7XlBei5NGTo-SLJ0vko4J4Yya/s1600/DSCN7324a.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghegsMtvqS3WOSU2HtAbNYZz31xcIwZ_Vlar7a4db97SlF-pjm4DwaRNGd5uxDYSmSePeqbyxBZdv938BRkQW6Z_Y5wBDemM7x_5LwnylX9VNqlqwK_x1BJM6M3lH5GQ558ca2RzJASce-/s1600/DSCN7311a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghegsMtvqS3WOSU2HtAbNYZz31xcIwZ_Vlar7a4db97SlF-pjm4DwaRNGd5uxDYSmSePeqbyxBZdv938BRkQW6Z_Y5wBDemM7x_5LwnylX9VNqlqwK_x1BJM6M3lH5GQ558ca2RzJASce-/s1600/DSCN7311a.JPG" width="236" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Jeanne Fry Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309637588335685628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032844467931285060.post-82547077560574617532015-01-27T01:01:00.001-08:002020-12-04T07:46:39.957-08:00Sweet Dreams from the Ancestors - Gourd Art<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fear seems to continue to be commanding life as we know it, and affecting so many tender spirits. After a while it changes who you are, how you think and make decisions, and how you relate to others. There are so many violent and bullying acts, oppression, and intolerance, and Fear always seems to be involved. It's a tough world out there, but it is also a very beautiful one. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves to break it down to ....taking One Day at a Time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTmMVnl_Clw-2DxHcLM6gZ0LcjVdZdz_hN70bD3md08GYphPkeN2Up23M_oZAzXHQoX7p8rrHjMeMWx4dBMJHtPLguwVarJ2EQ2T0RvquUQxgfSonpyd7FR75PY6DAgbub8dcC5clP-2o/s1600/DSCN7001a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTmMVnl_Clw-2DxHcLM6gZ0LcjVdZdz_hN70bD3md08GYphPkeN2Up23M_oZAzXHQoX7p8rrHjMeMWx4dBMJHtPLguwVarJ2EQ2T0RvquUQxgfSonpyd7FR75PY6DAgbub8dcC5clP-2o/s1600/DSCN7001a.JPG" width="221" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Those days of struggle are what inspired my newest gourd art creations, "Sweet Dreams". </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wanted to create a reminder, a new focus, a little piece of mind....an artwork that would remind you at the end of the day that everything is going to be okay. That you are loved. That you are cared for. And that tomorrow is a New Day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKy6rIxZbPhv3iXYmovtwkzKYhR_TK-tZkKG8tJjHMRDpK12FbJ7IP-KMtE-IWHDP2lrqxoN9v28QjRgeTQF5hmroqVe7ALX7cj5XJ_CCly19pBsrMxUl_bNYwulYjtKV82XM3TAAKU2d/s1600/DSCN6988a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKy6rIxZbPhv3iXYmovtwkzKYhR_TK-tZkKG8tJjHMRDpK12FbJ7IP-KMtE-IWHDP2lrqxoN9v28QjRgeTQF5hmroqVe7ALX7cj5XJ_CCly19pBsrMxUl_bNYwulYjtKV82XM3TAAKU2d/s1600/DSCN6988a.JPG" width="268" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She bids "Sweet Dreams", bringing wishes of a healing respite while you sleep and building your strength for the new day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifT_aaqJWAH_MAEUbXPwuwKvQ89L6kRADctMTOUWgVuJwhfU-HKirodBjY8KC6TPnZsK5VKTiIrmK3q3UZrLLdU4lqkvVXTmdTDsTUPmNRaE8FcxcEhLcV_if2cPtIThWHh-XgFOkK_gqq/s1600/DSCN6995a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifT_aaqJWAH_MAEUbXPwuwKvQ89L6kRADctMTOUWgVuJwhfU-HKirodBjY8KC6TPnZsK5VKTiIrmK3q3UZrLLdU4lqkvVXTmdTDsTUPmNRaE8FcxcEhLcV_if2cPtIThWHh-XgFOkK_gqq/s1600/DSCN6995a.JPG" width="163" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Jeanne Fry Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309637588335685628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032844467931285060.post-19693012488208953022014-12-31T23:00:00.001-08:002020-12-04T07:47:01.526-08:00Working with the Otter Totem for the New Year<div style="text-align: center;">
There's not enough Happiness in the world today. Yes, there are pockets of people who are happy or at least content, but if you truly look around......there is such a huge amount of sadness, stress, anger, and negativity. Wars, hate crimes, bullying, and violence spill over our communities and touch us all. These atrocities are not just happening across the oceans, but are right here in our sights. Sometimes you never know how close.....like the girl in the coffee shop who is frustrating you by making you a latte when you asked for a cappuccino. While you get stressed that you're going to be late for work, she hurriedly starts over, while her mind keeps flashing back to the beating she endured from her husband the night before. Or the boy who lives next door, the trouble maker on the block...while his parents stand over him, screaming at him for breaking the neighbor's windows, his mind is somewhere else thinking of the bully at school who embarrassed him to tears in front of their classmates.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our hearts, souls, and our Earth are all being affected by this.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMmkf9K12QKPLT3ppSDzeikJG3egkfSmrB7BiDBeE86W4Fcim-ymNd4DxSV9NL9tQX6YR_GPSkywqEpRBDe-9jfplyQCg-6cGepTe8x_XgKaMUCigXlRFoePrguGNOIuOcAqh0Y0nnvWz5/s1600/DSCN6247.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMmkf9K12QKPLT3ppSDzeikJG3egkfSmrB7BiDBeE86W4Fcim-ymNd4DxSV9NL9tQX6YR_GPSkywqEpRBDe-9jfplyQCg-6cGepTe8x_XgKaMUCigXlRFoePrguGNOIuOcAqh0Y0nnvWz5/s1600/DSCN6247.JPG" width="254" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our happiness has to begin with ourselves, so we can then spread that light to others. What better animal totem to learn from but the Otter.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Otter represents a pure joy. Their character is one of curiosity and living in the moment. Even though they have work to do, they are able to infuse their playfulness and make those times full of smiles. They tackle each action as if it is the first time, symbolic of Life being an Adventure. The Otter emits Happiness, changing the energy of those around them. <i>Everyone </i>could learn from the Otter's wisdom. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxKmgohg2AAtn-70wz8lfGA88XkM8Qkam8Hpg8-GLtqnsrq-eFzTe8nLJgqp3ODF8c7nBXsxE-TpO5QKORuwxB1ZKY7ojGXbscLTuMzBp7hyphenhyphenXEONxIit7SM0MVA28MBxMIJhWa8JaVdnO/s1600/DSCN6253.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxKmgohg2AAtn-70wz8lfGA88XkM8Qkam8Hpg8-GLtqnsrq-eFzTe8nLJgqp3ODF8c7nBXsxE-TpO5QKORuwxB1ZKY7ojGXbscLTuMzBp7hyphenhyphenXEONxIit7SM0MVA28MBxMIJhWa8JaVdnO/s1600/DSCN6253.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Jeanne Fry Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309637588335685628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032844467931285060.post-17700685593077115072014-12-11T12:34:00.002-08:002014-12-11T12:34:50.983-08:00New ways to Connect the Writer and the Reader<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/10551455/?claim=tvtftvcbgwy">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a><br />
<br />
I love reading blogs, especially those that are artistic and inspiring, but I have to admit that many times I lost track of those favorite ones. I am now using Bloglovin to follow the blogs that I love.Jeanne Fry Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309637588335685628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032844467931285060.post-26230045011467267372014-11-29T10:54:00.001-08:002020-12-04T07:47:39.794-08:00Root Bound No More - Space Clearing for the Soul<div style="text-align: center;">
When the seasons arrive, each have their own special meanings in our hearts. They conjure up memories, urge us to look at the past and the present, and prepare us for different phases of our growth. When Fall arrives I feel myself go into a "nesting" mode, instinctively getting ready for the Winter's "inward" time. It prompts us to do a Fall cleaning, or Space Clearing if you will...a cleansing of the prior activity and get our house ready for our journey of quiet contemplation.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This Fall, as all the others for the past several decades, I began my space clearing. This time though I was adamant that I needed to work with my plants as well. I decided that certain ones were going to be pulled up from the ground and potted to be brought indoors, and others were going to be re-potted into larger containers. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I set up my garden table on the deck and worked first on all of the herbs I was going to have in my Winter's kitchen garden. Then I decided to create some new sacredness for my indoor plants, giving them an opportunity to grow in new ways. I foraged through my many planters, choosing just the right ones for each plant, cleansing and prepping them, then started filling them with rich organic soil - healthy surroundings just as our own spirits need in order to flourish.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My peace lilies, patchouli, sage, philodendron, and zebra plants were ready to be transformed. I was in a sense shocked when I began releasing them from their old residences...finding that their root systems were bound so tightly that they couldn't even creep their way out of the drainage holes on the bottoms of the pots. I softly loosed their roots and dusted the old impacted soil away and I could almost hear a sigh of relief......"Ahhhhh I can Breathe". </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-SRSHjLFcS3caPGVAgnqIvPBBaw2Bd5raS8JME5jleQz44kx-EyXvw0P6LhtysW7PJCBtZHjUFxVqse9yCzL8rfeYU_RfOXlkQ71PAHOdq7Whx2Nzi8cC30KLkHPhnaN6DbNcAqSkzTV/s1600/DSCN5504.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-SRSHjLFcS3caPGVAgnqIvPBBaw2Bd5raS8JME5jleQz44kx-EyXvw0P6LhtysW7PJCBtZHjUFxVqse9yCzL8rfeYU_RfOXlkQ71PAHOdq7Whx2Nzi8cC30KLkHPhnaN6DbNcAqSkzTV/s1600/DSCN5504.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I continued this process with each of the plants, saddened that I had waited so long to help in their growth. As my hands gingerly worked with their life source, I began thinking of the process on a spiritual and philosophical level in relation to our own lives. I thought about how we as humans so often put our own needs aside and procrastinate on doing the things we need for ourselves to flourish and grow. I thought about how this little bit of meaningful time can have such a long lasting impact on our own personal growth. I reminded myself that I needed to be sure that I put my own needs first on my priority list, and how my not having done so may have prevented my own spirit from evolving to higher levels. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I made a promise to myself that I would ensure that I always had enough room to grow, and to make sure that there was always time and space available for the exploration of my soul.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These events on this cool breezy Fall afternoon inspired my new painting, "Root Bound No More".</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRJyO7OE15RkryAnnQmgiRLA6cJw1n0PxlDq89yN5YyA2EUblOCgzWMxU-ElfCQcAQxTOedUmfCWssuZy_WlbOpxmFxru243MEbVOB9Qxt6EHggHrWdEkW3j7QNaOaO0N7QO-vnvDWavO/s1600/DSCN5703.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRJyO7OE15RkryAnnQmgiRLA6cJw1n0PxlDq89yN5YyA2EUblOCgzWMxU-ElfCQcAQxTOedUmfCWssuZy_WlbOpxmFxru243MEbVOB9Qxt6EHggHrWdEkW3j7QNaOaO0N7QO-vnvDWavO/s1600/DSCN5703.JPG" width="244" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvOA_rfrYX-7U6TfI3BkgcvqjhXCNIyc3WqwtfQjMP6BAIyWAFX89Z0HOLBjG7TH9m57TLAHRiA29gRGEOUE9Im-hp14z8Umz89tKCUEBpy1DEsg-jNfvJNPeeC2t56G4MUV95ofnyFi5/s1600/DSCN5705.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvOA_rfrYX-7U6TfI3BkgcvqjhXCNIyc3WqwtfQjMP6BAIyWAFX89Z0HOLBjG7TH9m57TLAHRiA29gRGEOUE9Im-hp14z8Umz89tKCUEBpy1DEsg-jNfvJNPeeC2t56G4MUV95ofnyFi5/s1600/DSCN5705.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWJ5Jt3pHGBlsURNx2NLpgOGj3scsqcb2hbDZ2StJ4oBkHgxdybS67WsxmT27zLWVXs3Yi5-9A2lbT_OqEuHSTAeClMvFEJfXEKu4kAG4IzohqqaigMQHML6vdRrdzwtJLePTExm35RMq/s1600/DSCN5710.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWJ5Jt3pHGBlsURNx2NLpgOGj3scsqcb2hbDZ2StJ4oBkHgxdybS67WsxmT27zLWVXs3Yi5-9A2lbT_OqEuHSTAeClMvFEJfXEKu4kAG4IzohqqaigMQHML6vdRrdzwtJLePTExm35RMq/s1600/DSCN5710.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]--><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The painting
brings the Tree of Life forward in a symbolic tone, portraying Personal Growth
that allows one to overcome challenges, reaching out of the conforming self
limits that we sometimes place on ourselves. <br />
The canvas was textured with a Golden product medium, swirled in a large circle
and painted deep rich colors of burnt umber, brown, and burnt sienna, to be
symbolic for the self created limits we put on ourselves. The Tree was painted
rising through the circle, its swirls of roots reaching not only below but
above those "self limits", allowing it to grow beyond its wildest
dreams. An abundance of small detail work was done in the many leaves of the
tree, as new and vital growth. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Jeanne Fry Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309637588335685628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032844467931285060.post-65634646941549831802014-11-19T09:02:00.000-08:002014-11-19T09:02:38.894-08:00Selugadu Festival 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
Last weekend was the annual Selugadu Festival, a Native American celebration, at the Hagood Mill Historic Site. This has been a special event we attend every year, not only because of the theme itself, but because of the relationships. It's a time when we get to see many of our friends (artist, dancers, drummers, and demonstrators) although it's even more special when we get to see the people that come to visit us year after year that often we don't get to see otherwise. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iJGkHioHw2uRpvkPg-kh5Lh9FddFBXQWQaMz6x_a_FElHvgsJeFm8FtPpl8dw-kAQeiQIyiEp0WGy_yvAW3TSDGtZWBvfs_1W5wPEKboWmzpOz00pfmsg52I87iVEOTPA6cajx05xjc1/s1600/DSCN5636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iJGkHioHw2uRpvkPg-kh5Lh9FddFBXQWQaMz6x_a_FElHvgsJeFm8FtPpl8dw-kAQeiQIyiEp0WGy_yvAW3TSDGtZWBvfs_1W5wPEKboWmzpOz00pfmsg52I87iVEOTPA6cajx05xjc1/s1600/DSCN5636.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This particular time it was bittersweet, being the first Selugadu without the presence of Ed Bolt, long time curator of the Hagood Mill site. Ed was like the Father overseeing the family at the Mill. He was the glue that held it together, and that kept a relaxed and homey feel to the space that made me as a demonstrator never feel like it was "work" but a family get-together. He worked hard creating this family and was always a man that was respected and endeared. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Since Ed's passing, the Mill is still in operation...evolving into what it now will be. The things that need to be done are done and it will continue to grow. I do miss that family feel, but as in life we all grow and change, and a new family will be created.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EMbazjRuAXmEj9PC30fZqWKmQAjtCMALUQw72I_QxSZwo-bipE_ZP8EFyQQz_ja_MeLCHoMhTcW1Zg4aqTnTinFUn3dGHwtQl510nZKwZUmARfnWAohUkgxqEye6_i7xQ1XUgZx41wWZ/s1600/DSCN5634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EMbazjRuAXmEj9PC30fZqWKmQAjtCMALUQw72I_QxSZwo-bipE_ZP8EFyQQz_ja_MeLCHoMhTcW1Zg4aqTnTinFUn3dGHwtQl510nZKwZUmARfnWAohUkgxqEye6_i7xQ1XUgZx41wWZ/s1600/DSCN5634.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This year many of the dancers and storytellers were new to the Mill. The Nu Nu Hi Warriors (Immortal Warriors) representing the Eastern Band Cherokee came and offered the main event performance, along with the "Order of the Arrow" dance team and the "Keepers of the Word" drumming group. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYi9Ld8kFu_k_DH7dheSjBH4W4De5oTGAjQTq2CHc022w0CN73jcK4jeX54JrSK_44kM4acjFn-rSq7zggGvoahq9lkyF7L6eRV26FAnNprror8X7pkge2wSFd_PklBT_n-FHC8k2aP7F/s1600/DSCN5624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYi9Ld8kFu_k_DH7dheSjBH4W4De5oTGAjQTq2CHc022w0CN73jcK4jeX54JrSK_44kM4acjFn-rSq7zggGvoahq9lkyF7L6eRV26FAnNprror8X7pkge2wSFd_PklBT_n-FHC8k2aP7F/s1600/DSCN5624.JPG" height="205" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsnyENMBv6HtQ_7h6ZBU8J2Sr4R5R6r0xwRY6S43iIUpe4Zr6k0fGB8T3kEQoNLWDFgIYcWQrzZb2PKD6B5aB_1wHh_0bnRg71b9uXpA2fe3MgoMySBTadb86YuOwN7s9eLHRZx33AaJf5/s1600/DSCN5617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsnyENMBv6HtQ_7h6ZBU8J2Sr4R5R6r0xwRY6S43iIUpe4Zr6k0fGB8T3kEQoNLWDFgIYcWQrzZb2PKD6B5aB_1wHh_0bnRg71b9uXpA2fe3MgoMySBTadb86YuOwN7s9eLHRZx33AaJf5/s1600/DSCN5617.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Flute playing, storytelling, blow-gun demonstrating, and basket making filled the day, while at the same time the Gristmill was turning grinding cornmeal and flour. But I have to say that the one thing, my favorite thing, that speaks to my Spirit are the Horses.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Dan Buckheister family and the Twelve Mile Indian Horse Association were present with their Spanish Colonial Horses. (Their horses are descendants of the first horses brought to this continent by the Spanish)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrohKwfHYN9Y4PQ7A58lu53hEk7klSQCqsD9IEtryIL8EFTJ4uPHnRZw-7Zi1aDGAoYGtLCf4T0qzWUNXayKzmXpE__E3c2CmM0Hd4b9SNvaW845BPszMgLp2fR1vPLhEC2vEXnnIIFtl/s1600/DSCN5637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrohKwfHYN9Y4PQ7A58lu53hEk7klSQCqsD9IEtryIL8EFTJ4uPHnRZw-7Zi1aDGAoYGtLCf4T0qzWUNXayKzmXpE__E3c2CmM0Hd4b9SNvaW845BPszMgLp2fR1vPLhEC2vEXnnIIFtl/s1600/DSCN5637.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The children are allowed to paint their hand prints on the horses throughout the day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Visiting the horses is a must for me. It is the one thing throughout the day that speaks to my spirit so deeply and authentically. Stroking their mane and looking in their eyes, brings such a strong connection with this animal, that just emanates freedom and riding the wind. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even though events, families, and life changes.....Spirit always remains the same.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpOyNPPi9glqsnfOpm95lV4F1oQHlnv4volWcUXPwy3ODibD1y_-7CHvW-_KhDAF0JSy7XpdHNnF56-YbS7XA0_7D-pgiR7QBTxke90w43sfXyUvj3JXm4bHvIsbVia40MfcFTc7gB0qm/s1600/DSCN5639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpOyNPPi9glqsnfOpm95lV4F1oQHlnv4volWcUXPwy3ODibD1y_-7CHvW-_KhDAF0JSy7XpdHNnF56-YbS7XA0_7D-pgiR7QBTxke90w43sfXyUvj3JXm4bHvIsbVia40MfcFTc7gB0qm/s1600/DSCN5639.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Jeanne Fry Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309637588335685628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032844467931285060.post-4584547507951616192014-10-11T07:19:00.003-07:002020-12-04T07:48:37.121-08:00Monarch Migration - Advocating through Art to Raise Awareness of their Decline<div style="text-align: center;">
The existence of one of Mother Earth's most popular and well known creatures, the Monarch Butterfly, is in danger. The delicate little beauty has amazed us with its endurance and ability to travel its 3000 mile migration to its winter habitat in Mexico each year. Their arrival coincides with the widely celebrated Day of the Dead festival, symbolically being said that they represent the ancestral spirits that are being celebrated. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4rHz-RVT5zit8nUpCgEvRYhi3YsuW9yb4Df6pjCkKmJtBfi7vDzPH9wgQvoKwti1ioTl9Sq090KP52FrwRb7IZ935f-Y7n3LRurTXruVOoXpCu_d81HBsLhgVSyEXbejFkl1fFb-peRpx/s1600/DSCN4233.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4rHz-RVT5zit8nUpCgEvRYhi3YsuW9yb4Df6pjCkKmJtBfi7vDzPH9wgQvoKwti1ioTl9Sq090KP52FrwRb7IZ935f-Y7n3LRurTXruVOoXpCu_d81HBsLhgVSyEXbejFkl1fFb-peRpx/s1600/DSCN4233.JPG" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Monarch Migration" Original Painting by Jeanne Fry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Monarch's numbers have dropped drastically, one study showing a decrease from 1 billion of these orange beauties, down to 35 million. Several factors are being attributed to this decrease, notably an increase in logging in their Mexico habitat as well as a decrease in Milkweed. Milkweed is important to the Monarch and is in decline because it is treated as a weed by farmers. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
People ask, "What can I, a single person, do to change the decline of the Monarchs?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdZmVMSz5gg39YgLbA4G5ZzORyOQlql9vo1V2t7x5I1r0rmlTWiJQ56IdqKBuQC-g3BVs-ZXRfZAupSs_CQ8myeTmH2nhyuiVUYsXR9U7dJFZ-yj0HGTn1FWipAmPFCRiTi46IWlhyGrC/s1600/DSCN4237.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdZmVMSz5gg39YgLbA4G5ZzORyOQlql9vo1V2t7x5I1r0rmlTWiJQ56IdqKBuQC-g3BVs-ZXRfZAupSs_CQ8myeTmH2nhyuiVUYsXR9U7dJFZ-yj0HGTn1FWipAmPFCRiTi46IWlhyGrC/s1600/DSCN4237.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>One</b></i> simple remedy that can help save the Monarchs is to alter our behavior in the destruction of Milkweed as a nuisance. Thanks to an article from National Geographic I was able to find some Milkweed Resources.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.xerces.org/milkweed-seed-finder/">Milkweed Seed Finder</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The National Resources Defense Council has a funded project that provides Free Milkweeds to schools and non-profits, an excellent social justice program for children to be involved in. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://monarchwatch.org/bring-back-the-monarchs/milkweed/free-milkweeds">Free Milkweeds for Schools and Non-Profits</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Monarch Watch</i> is another valuable resource for this effort</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://monarchwatch.org/milkweed/market/index.php?function=show_static_page&id_static_page=1&table_name=vendors">Monarch Watch</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can also look to see if there is a Training Center near you, with a Monarch Larva Monitoring project. You can find more information about a program near you here</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mlmp.org/">Monarch Larva Monitoring Project</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Butterfly Totem Symbolic Meaning:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Butterflies represent Change and Transformation, the Joy of life, and Presence in the Moment. They help in reminding us to Keep it Simple, and look at what is truly important. The Butterfly encourages us not to <i>fear</i> change, but embrace it, for Life IS change. </div>
Jeanne Fry Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309637588335685628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032844467931285060.post-80787373996724990872014-10-01T20:30:00.001-07:002015-03-07T10:34:03.137-08:00Giraffe Totem and its Symbolic Meaning<div style="text-align: center;">
The Giraffe Totem is one of the most unique,beautiful and graceful mammals. His symbolism is deeply meaningful, representative of one being balanced and trusting in themselves in order to "see" where they are going and how to get there. The giraffe's tall height keeps his head in the skies, lending to a stronger connection with his higher self and the Divine, while his long legs keep him grounded and balanced in his decisions.The act of sight is indicative of being perceptive, aware, and intuitive. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LeFfLv92tkrXILX-F3xkL2ZKU_PVCMzqOwiwi7vVLaZlDZUZcw-IzmfxavJfYWz2quJy08bhTusl_CMbx_cqpqKVd146UnytVEPZU484LgiCNo2oxVeSvU4VUm1EMBZ1wKRFQJuX7bf6/s1600/DSCN4332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LeFfLv92tkrXILX-F3xkL2ZKU_PVCMzqOwiwi7vVLaZlDZUZcw-IzmfxavJfYWz2quJy08bhTusl_CMbx_cqpqKVd146UnytVEPZU484LgiCNo2oxVeSvU4VUm1EMBZ1wKRFQJuX7bf6/s1600/DSCN4332.JPG" height="320" width="159" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They are social creatures, affectionate, and enjoy being near one another. They are mostly silent, only occasionally making any sound, but will communicate with others through their bodies and actions. This is especially true of the mother and the baby giraffe. She will often extend her love, bending down to nuzzle and be close to her young one. Their bond and expressiveness are symbolic of close families and relationships. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrsvdvnUMLHi1_ZY90fg2Tk0jVR0Wd7hDFjLqbKhLlmLMlyKCGkWUV3tpswuxW5nqikpB4Vv2PIhAZF3udC6EgGcbzUP0mqMiOkj5IDyfEiSENH4pxtfXE1bXHFlP4IKSSlqM-qRlUKZZq/s1600/DSCN4339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrsvdvnUMLHi1_ZY90fg2Tk0jVR0Wd7hDFjLqbKhLlmLMlyKCGkWUV3tpswuxW5nqikpB4Vv2PIhAZF3udC6EgGcbzUP0mqMiOkj5IDyfEiSENH4pxtfXE1bXHFlP4IKSSlqM-qRlUKZZq/s1600/DSCN4339.JPG" height="320" width="285" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Giraffe totem is a very useful totem to learn from for those who have goals and dreams they are trying to realize, or are trying to formulate new directions on their path. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This painting has SOLD, but you can order a Print of it from our Fine Art America Shop here<br />
<a href="http://fineartamerica.com/featured/mother-and-baby-giraffe-jean-fry.html">Mother and Baby Giraffe Art Print on Fine Art America</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTygbpxq4ZkmHpW_yQV6VEtnl0MB_q78GIn-bHB1MRf8_hwJAbT8edyzF82oP-zoUFnpkG4eCC4wbVeryvbc26znhaue_i3Iog2LEe81rEHXHtsaoWu6ujLyh0ttAjb3-ucsTsDytmTdf/s1600/DSCN4336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTygbpxq4ZkmHpW_yQV6VEtnl0MB_q78GIn-bHB1MRf8_hwJAbT8edyzF82oP-zoUFnpkG4eCC4wbVeryvbc26znhaue_i3Iog2LEe81rEHXHtsaoWu6ujLyh0ttAjb3-ucsTsDytmTdf/s1600/DSCN4336.JPG" height="320" width="219" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Jeanne Fry Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309637588335685628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032844467931285060.post-79404970979078476292014-07-27T12:25:00.006-07:002020-12-04T07:49:14.431-08:00Symbolism of the Female Mallard, a Totem for Personal GrowthI am very conscious about my personal growth. As I grow older and change, I reflect on the lessons from my past and look at where I am now. In some of my life lessons I see a wonderful progression of evolving and am proud of myself for the learning and applying. And sometimes I look back and I will still see a lesson that continues to resurface. Those are usually times when I understand the lesson and the changes that need to be made, but am having a problem with consistency in applying what I have learned. When that happens my ultimate response is to not be too hard on myself. That's when I look to my animal totems, in particular the Female Mallard.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENw5sENevyBD__hREterEiB0DjoO2dtUZYliU-hlxGAemhixHM1XdrvqsB6CqH2WRvs8F83OcUamVSxBItEpp9SChwwijJH5iliP5R1w9mS3ycI2R74yr2M2c93y9mNjux1MOwi0AM77y/s1600/dscn3756.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENw5sENevyBD__hREterEiB0DjoO2dtUZYliU-hlxGAemhixHM1XdrvqsB6CqH2WRvs8F83OcUamVSxBItEpp9SChwwijJH5iliP5R1w9mS3ycI2R74yr2M2c93y9mNjux1MOwi0AM77y/s1600/dscn3756.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
We need encouragement and nurturing as we grow and change. Beating ourselves up over our choices on our journey is self defeating, for we are all truly students of life while we walk on this Earth. During those times of struggle we need to take extra care of our selves </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Female Mallard, associated with the Water element, revolves around Emotions. Her symbolism and wisdom can teach us how to move through our emotions with grace and balance, for those times of upset and imbalance can influence us to make choices that we would not otherwise make. She is loving, affectionate, and nurturing, reminding us that when we take care of ourselves first.. we can then love those around us to a greater level. Mother Mallard is a social creature, happy when surrounded by others. This urges us to reach out and surround ourselves with others, especially when we are feeling low, to help heal the spirit. Her wisdom also reminds us that when we are feeling a bit lost on our path to immerse ourselves in those things that make us feel safe and comfortable to build up our confidence. Taking respite is just as important as forging ahead, again all in Balance.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmvZLZc384xQyXQhuTTYWQTGg7BvEN6EqqRS_ItwOXszo3uqL4Z4laBdCSmHrA9-4bctr5ddyxV8YH9Iz_FzIoPmmlXdUiO8Rh3q5hseGkCT5E3Ine8nurUgwjTIVAhUBtIGHyuzdxeIx/s1600/dscn3759.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmvZLZc384xQyXQhuTTYWQTGg7BvEN6EqqRS_ItwOXszo3uqL4Z4laBdCSmHrA9-4bctr5ddyxV8YH9Iz_FzIoPmmlXdUiO8Rh3q5hseGkCT5E3Ine8nurUgwjTIVAhUBtIGHyuzdxeIx/s1600/dscn3759.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As I thought on the female Mallard this weekend, I painted her on a Greeting Card. Above her is a Circle, symbolic for the circle of life and the cycles that we navigate through. The circle was painted using the Mallard foot tracks, reminding one to walk their path in balance and peace. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Jeanne Fry Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309637588335685628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032844467931285060.post-87908625922952068322014-06-01T17:04:00.004-07:002014-10-11T08:30:40.018-07:00White Swan Symolism in an Affirmation Gourd Art Bowl <div style="text-align: center;">
As we grow and change over the years the concept of Self Love becomes richer, deeper, and more authentic. While we have always known the importance of caring for ourselves and spent time grooming our self esteem, it often wasn't to its full potential. Those years of exploring life (developing relationships, marriages, divorces, having children, building careers) are the layers of wisdom that we accrue that teach us what we are made of. Venturing through our life's lessons gives us a peak inside our soul to truly see our own authenticity. It is then that we can see the Beauty of our existence, and upon that realization we open ourselves and allow our vulnerable spirit to shine for others. We don't need to fear that openness, because just as our souls seem to have the delicacy of a feather ...they are also strong as steel. We can stand in our convictions and move through life with Grace. This space is our Personal Power, and it in itself is paradise. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the wisdom that the White Swan teaches.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCWQwlDUsq23n4GctkwNwrZKS6O9c6_IhKcAplXKYC-iJYjTfyoKYYG_7AlmXccxBF2nxcf7Ktdo5UVEtyz-dUOdgAg9wmK_boZcKDAety-5jU6EcASK5hsafg78d2udI6UVG7kyXxQ4v/s1600/dscn2977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCWQwlDUsq23n4GctkwNwrZKS6O9c6_IhKcAplXKYC-iJYjTfyoKYYG_7AlmXccxBF2nxcf7Ktdo5UVEtyz-dUOdgAg9wmK_boZcKDAety-5jU6EcASK5hsafg78d2udI6UVG7kyXxQ4v/s1600/dscn2977.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This weekend I created the White Swan Gourd Affirmation Bowl from the Earth's beauty of the Gourd. The bowl was meant to hold positive self love affirmations, treasures whispers of wisdom, so that on those days when you are feeling less than Beautiful and Powerful you can pull out an affirmation to meditate and focus on for the day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wrote three affirmations on handmade paper and have included them inside the vessel. You can then add more affirming quotes so that it filled to the rim with pick-me-ups for your Spirit. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtUTF2YAfV3DZ9O3ZrDrbjoRcgjWmW5Q-KegQ_NtEUekXlqnLbqNf_GF31i3SKhf5pCTNCgI9uCgChn66bTal2rjwbPv4wYtxGVn4qxtug_DcZthNdtHFwochQGR_sMvulWsXEMZfpj_C/s1600/dscn2961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtUTF2YAfV3DZ9O3ZrDrbjoRcgjWmW5Q-KegQ_NtEUekXlqnLbqNf_GF31i3SKhf5pCTNCgI9uCgChn66bTal2rjwbPv4wYtxGVn4qxtug_DcZthNdtHFwochQGR_sMvulWsXEMZfpj_C/s1600/dscn2961.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqo57w1hYpW0Jh1aGRhRj11VMFG8BR1685GWOxuBBngbqsaIyirPqou1OHmcPXNSVh94UC0NrfgImp-aAoSDAvnXNiQBh2HL0Qz6wq0MQJEjQkg18gZfJYXWkbyyeZALhehf0s6UthAUYK/s1600/dscn2960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqo57w1hYpW0Jh1aGRhRj11VMFG8BR1685GWOxuBBngbqsaIyirPqou1OHmcPXNSVh94UC0NrfgImp-aAoSDAvnXNiQBh2HL0Qz6wq0MQJEjQkg18gZfJYXWkbyyeZALhehf0s6UthAUYK/s1600/dscn2960.jpg" height="400" width="312" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
SOLD</div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhca60_WPvEbzFU0NDK2O9u7zuQqyz4XRvGlSQbgdFRT27TT4Egs_h08uegDwhyphenhyphenp7_hk_hjsusmDmKmY66Kt91OxjIxZQDKzbyDFKlb1LxqLxQUkkMI4LqIdSaPzqFFkf8nSmebCUYSYFGB/s1600/dscn2971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhca60_WPvEbzFU0NDK2O9u7zuQqyz4XRvGlSQbgdFRT27TT4Egs_h08uegDwhyphenhyphenp7_hk_hjsusmDmKmY66Kt91OxjIxZQDKzbyDFKlb1LxqLxQUkkMI4LqIdSaPzqFFkf8nSmebCUYSYFGB/s1600/dscn2971.jpg" height="204" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0u30eV_6n_QSbW4r6v_Ctc9kZj0A-uHLzFcCIekI5lFebAvjtOwFfF1T-t9VTuvxX8ZElgMRVa8XMc231fna780zAIPATAJsAOjZk7_Nvz_srG2tkhjMcadFe18U1wICvzeXJrKy-mwk/s1600/dscn2972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0u30eV_6n_QSbW4r6v_Ctc9kZj0A-uHLzFcCIekI5lFebAvjtOwFfF1T-t9VTuvxX8ZElgMRVa8XMc231fna780zAIPATAJsAOjZk7_Nvz_srG2tkhjMcadFe18U1wICvzeXJrKy-mwk/s1600/dscn2972.jpg" height="168" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXl_UMkvN0EZp6msyW2O8APj25PAAMPTza4OWZPqE2XNS7RWg_kUnhNzxhAzU-OAzpFdSwOXjkLkvDJYAYJRGRW9dzzl_ngSW3G949LRZaBNNkblFzbwDbrROzNPVf5T7JqN_-QZWm-BU2/s1600/dscn2973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXl_UMkvN0EZp6msyW2O8APj25PAAMPTza4OWZPqE2XNS7RWg_kUnhNzxhAzU-OAzpFdSwOXjkLkvDJYAYJRGRW9dzzl_ngSW3G949LRZaBNNkblFzbwDbrROzNPVf5T7JqN_-QZWm-BU2/s1600/dscn2973.jpg" height="231" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Jeanne Fry Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309637588335685628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032844467931285060.post-34848602631194697432014-05-22T08:35:00.001-07:002014-08-23T11:53:56.760-07:00Turtle Moon - The Creation of the Sky <div style="text-align: center;">
I am intrigued by the Sky. Every element of it brings me joy and wonderment. I sometimes sit in the evenings gazing at the Moon and the Stars and my imagination will wander. Fragments of stories will flow on how things could possibly <i>"be" </i>in that realm. I often drift away from the science part of it and entertain stories of how things might exist there otherwise. That is how my painting, "Turtle Moon" came to be.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIaiPqYSX12elO6fMFQ2w9uJoLevjJaR7sh-sCEFlRBTY_O8oVHJU9cPA7ED-JJJTxV0F9Yc6k5or3y60cjMGBC7HQ0QLLzpNEMC4NsLb6p8VYC2WT82FXOn36hU7jWjVgdo1d2YhCHdO/s1600/DSCN2834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIaiPqYSX12elO6fMFQ2w9uJoLevjJaR7sh-sCEFlRBTY_O8oVHJU9cPA7ED-JJJTxV0F9Yc6k5or3y60cjMGBC7HQ0QLLzpNEMC4NsLb6p8VYC2WT82FXOn36hU7jWjVgdo1d2YhCHdO/s1600/DSCN2834.JPG" height="400" width="341" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One evening the Moon was as large as it could possibly be. The child-like part of me started thinking about how heavy it was and how it could just hang in the sky as it does. Surely it was being <i>held</i> by something. A vision of a very large turtle came. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I could see Mother Turtle walking along the edge of the Earth. Her shell was translucent and you could see the stars twinkling through each section. As her feet slowly stepped along the Earth, the tip of the Moon was resting on her back. I thought "My goodness, Mother Turtle, isn't the Moon too heavy for you to be carrying?" She replied "No, certainly not. The Moon needs help glowing her magical shine on the Earth. I'm happy to help." </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZ4rg106-ZopWvRXkIeYEZoSHCNu2_m_dwztxwLszGNNfA9apszV9CGxO8X5JOL8UotrbJ1M5tuyx3dKiTF4p1OV8ID4YToQyjEvtnvHKi4z6UEcyTraPpXiHe2nSOr6NK48_R__NtZAD/s1600/DSCN2836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZ4rg106-ZopWvRXkIeYEZoSHCNu2_m_dwztxwLszGNNfA9apszV9CGxO8X5JOL8UotrbJ1M5tuyx3dKiTF4p1OV8ID4YToQyjEvtnvHKi4z6UEcyTraPpXiHe2nSOr6NK48_R__NtZAD/s1600/DSCN2836.JPG" height="320" width="267" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then I thought about the portrait of the sky scene and how that could possibly be hanging for all of us to see. Mother Turtle whispered to me "Look closer,dear. All will be revealed". As I squinted to look harder, I saw her children helping her. Her son and daughter, one in front and one behind, were holding large bundles of black balloons and the stars were inside them. Again I exclaimed, "Oh my, don't they get tired holding all of those balloons in their mouths while walking through the night?" Mother Turtle said "No, they don't get tired. It brings them joy and they are happy to help." </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwKE0Pg5yg8pzkyx1mDghN9E-Qcj2op-bmFkIpxTYyGPBVcO19k5XhS5B92TycmHcgNB1xuJvw_at5JtEnjoq2-tOBsHX16l5GGxL83dEPfJGlQuCWMnGEFqk8DTtytVjvr1wo0Cr96Vq/s1600/DSCN2840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwKE0Pg5yg8pzkyx1mDghN9E-Qcj2op-bmFkIpxTYyGPBVcO19k5XhS5B92TycmHcgNB1xuJvw_at5JtEnjoq2-tOBsHX16l5GGxL83dEPfJGlQuCWMnGEFqk8DTtytVjvr1wo0Cr96Vq/s1600/DSCN2840.JPG" height="320" width="257" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I closed my eyes and thought about all of the beings who's unseen actions go unnoticed while they do their part to create our World. They continue to do so everyday, because they are happy to help.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And so it is. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you for letting me share my story with you. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This painting has been sold.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Jeanne Fry Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309637588335685628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5032844467931285060.post-8542687644173836512014-05-21T21:46:00.005-07:002020-12-04T07:51:14.179-08:00The Great Horned Owl Symbolic Meaning - Under the Terracotta Moon<div style="text-align: center;">
I was recently inspired while camping at a mountainous state park to create "Under the Terracotta Moon". I sat and listened one evening to the call of an owl. There were five syllables in his call, a common trait of the Great Horned Owl. I had my painting satchel with me and some wood canvases, and soon began to paint.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was dusk when I began, and under the light of the lantern I brought forth a blue purple sky to give it a spiritual mystical backdrop. I meditated on the Great Horned and visualized him sitting regal on a branch, the Strong Warrior that he is. I could imagine him as a "warrior" because of his great strength and skill at hunting. Even though he is a Winged One associated with the Sky, he has an important connection with the Earth allowing him to hunt such a wide array of prey.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5KSRXKeFG6W6rrZ_BTbWkNkAo756EnGPTuadxW848Od6UKMNDZm9ctID0GccVqH3Yu2EigpG5ixZJ0MplXAQLgoEw-kFsFBYypcJeZDsYQislIpIbpi5F1axWa659HsAt_C0JF4So9lE/s1600/DSCN2859.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5KSRXKeFG6W6rrZ_BTbWkNkAo756EnGPTuadxW848Od6UKMNDZm9ctID0GccVqH3Yu2EigpG5ixZJ0MplXAQLgoEw-kFsFBYypcJeZDsYQislIpIbpi5F1axWa659HsAt_C0JF4So9lE/s1600/DSCN2859.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This Earth Connection was related in the painting by the color scheme used in his feathers - of terracotta, raw sienna, and shades of brown. The moon that shone above him was adorned with four of his feathers. The silhouette of a dream catcher was painted over the moon, accented with pieces of turquoise, symbolic for keeping the sleeping mind focused on positive adventures. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wanted him to represent being comfortable in his space, as the Great Horned Owls become permanent residents of their territories once they have mated. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The following morning I continued with the painting, working on the detail in his feathers and his insightful eyes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhKQpAD9cpYlVZs_kQ5YEsWo7f-p3yw1-VABCu6AyZtr2jBMAGZ8ReozFAdZwREUBK45y50xls4aVfn0CRP-lEqWA0D0b1zdZt5MWt_Bp-l6cz7pAz79CmQMfqV01C6Afd3T9CHh7xB3wN/s1600/DSCN2862.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhKQpAD9cpYlVZs_kQ5YEsWo7f-p3yw1-VABCu6AyZtr2jBMAGZ8ReozFAdZwREUBK45y50xls4aVfn0CRP-lEqWA0D0b1zdZt5MWt_Bp-l6cz7pAz79CmQMfqV01C6Afd3T9CHh7xB3wN/s1600/DSCN2862.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Great Horned Owl is a beautiful animal totem to work with for those that desire the wisdom needed to become a Master of their own life, to obtain that which they seek, and to have a balanced confidence in doing so. The tufts that are on top of his head are not ears nor horns, but are feather tufts. Still they are symbolic for being able to "hear" what is not being said. This makes one more successful in their seeking by being aware of their environment physically and spiritually.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfGn0wCgKfrYSPo_z6ahwnwjcCSxFqrCaq3r7aOQknIPgxxOfpwWfRTLnXGC85l_pu_IRAaY0Y4PUumcsRHx8qZh6UDQoFz0afHLErykw0juhiq2xkr422txz9c2SgpiMDSNixF2Zi0IF/s1600/DSCN2860.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfGn0wCgKfrYSPo_z6ahwnwjcCSxFqrCaq3r7aOQknIPgxxOfpwWfRTLnXGC85l_pu_IRAaY0Y4PUumcsRHx8qZh6UDQoFz0afHLErykw0juhiq2xkr422txz9c2SgpiMDSNixF2Zi0IF/s1600/DSCN2860.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Jeanne Fry Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309637588335685628noreply@blogger.com0