tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-239701052024-02-06T20:35:56.777-08:00........ Art ~ Writing ~ LifeShena Meadowcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15851623544915474662noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23970105.post-44172179956505615712014-05-30T09:45:00.002-07:002015-12-14T21:54:10.458-08:00I have spent many a wonderful hour here at blogger and I am so grateful for this space to have learned as much as I did about having a blog, but the time has come to move my blog onto a website and so from now on I will be writing under SoulSpeak Studio at the following address:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.soulspeakstudio.com/" target="_blank">www.soulspeakstudio.com</a></span></h2>
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I would love to have you join me there ~</h2>
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Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey</h2>
Shena Meadowcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15851623544915474662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23970105.post-92170156107197683982014-01-25T12:42:00.000-08:002014-01-25T13:12:20.456-08:00365 Paintings by Niya ChristineIn January of 2013, Niya Christine set herself the challenge to paint a watercolour a day, every single day, for the entire year. Her only stipulation was that the painting had to be done in under an hour, and she had to post it on her blog as soon as it was done, regardless of how good or bad it was. She started with the theme "coffee and tea," with the intention of staining her paintings with the beverages. What emerged were a bunch of cheeky coffee beans lazily sunning themselves on the shores of Mexico. Further paintings told other stories and each month a new series was born.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistaGYU1gxuhfgMGgWhehWKeDBzfxnGGWGu7YKlurQoExCv1Z2I8MaI1M50IC8mTU4FUaNDkG4ddGXuiRcO_HsQZn-Fe33sQD77wcOMGIrX28KWiwZ2MspeFMbCHbG6wJ6pDPZzw/s1600/Loungechair-beans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistaGYU1gxuhfgMGgWhehWKeDBzfxnGGWGu7YKlurQoExCv1Z2I8MaI1M50IC8mTU4FUaNDkG4ddGXuiRcO_HsQZn-Fe33sQD77wcOMGIrX28KWiwZ2MspeFMbCHbG6wJ6pDPZzw/s1600/Loungechair-beans.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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One year later, the challenge met, Niya is publishling her work. The book not only contains the 365 paintings that were accomplished, but detailed notes on the process of building a long-lasting and productive creative practice. Within it are principles and creative-thinking approaches that she hopes will be useful to any body of work.<br />
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<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/niya/365-story-paintings-book" target="_blank"><img alt=" https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/niya/365-story-paintings-book" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWsdVyKlT7gpJDl9l2isJftBceo5KYlxBfI30sMW0RjSzJZ5MZfHVAcA2eagboRtKL8j_Rcu1FNkpy5qvP_zq5zI5SUmvZ8wqTSxtb_QG6pJ67JsNBtQtAQofigTrQvbMdnKLjw/s1600/b79cddf862774205500ac30993645805.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/niya/365-story-paintings-book">https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/niya/365-story-paintings-book</a></div>
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Niya has turned to crowdfunding to fund a limited edition book print run for the full
color beautiful book she has in mind, including practices, tools and her story.<br />
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<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/niya/365-story-paintings-book" target="_blank">Here is a video of the kickstarter program in question.</a> There are many different ways to help fund this amazing project and I hope that you would consider doing so. If nothing else, let's help Niya get the word out there, because this is one inspiring piece of work that we are all going to want to have on our shelves as soon as possible!<br />
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For a full length interview:<br />
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<a href="http://www.gresik.ca/2014/01/niya-christine-interview/" target="_blank">http://www.gresik.ca/2014/01/niya-christine-interview/</a></div>
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Shena Meadowcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15851623544915474662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23970105.post-9097112365180824212014-01-21T12:28:00.003-08:002014-01-21T12:33:28.600-08:00And the winner is....<div style="text-align: center;">
CONGRATULATIONS </div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;">SARAH CORBETT MORGAN from Costa Rica</span></b></div>
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is the winner of the <a href="http://byshena.blogspot.ca/2013/12/fairy-tale-notesketchbook-giveaway.html" target="_blank">New Year's Giveaway</a> </div>
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helping me to choose what notebook I should use</div>
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for my Year of the Fairy Tale online class this year.</div>
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A "Butterfly in Spring" notebook</div>
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(pen not included) </div>
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and a</div>
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Wild Thing! in a colour scheme of your choice </div>
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will be mailed to you as soon as possible. </div>
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THANK YOU EVERYONE</div>
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for playing, liking, sharing and suggestions</div>
Shena Meadowcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15851623544915474662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23970105.post-71443591074494348632014-01-20T22:01:00.002-08:002014-01-20T22:09:00.015-08:00That perfect sketchbook search...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's Day One of <a href="http://www.carlasonheim.com/2014-year-of-the-fairy-tale-online-class/" target="_blank">Carla Sonheim's 2014 Year of the Fairy Tale</a> online class and the work begins... as did my process (some might call it neurosis....) of what usually entails me spending an inordinate amount of time trying to decide which sketchbook/notebook/journal (all plural) to use! So often in the past I have wasted days... weeks... dare I say months... of
valuable time doing this, when I could have been actually (heaven forbid) been doing
something... like the exercises... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKk_uoXTQuGo4UvzoZOrpvXtZRxntYhs6FFeKMRgpxnBd7wMgVzKvBOyuMwzk8roxqG0-uJ5TgV9M3edZtBkC4jemx2OgSVLusvaQ8Jb88KMZT4tUZ9T-Wr26GkALAcuLF9lP5g/s1600/Spiral+sketchbooks+009.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKk_uoXTQuGo4UvzoZOrpvXtZRxntYhs6FFeKMRgpxnBd7wMgVzKvBOyuMwzk8roxqG0-uJ5TgV9M3edZtBkC4jemx2OgSVLusvaQ8Jb88KMZT4tUZ9T-Wr26GkALAcuLF9lP5g/s1600/Spiral+sketchbooks+009.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I have only recently understood that the reason I do this, is because the most
important thing for me at the end of the day <b>IS</b> the complete story... It <b>IS</b> the sketchbook/notebook/journ<span class="text_exposed_show">al
that houses the work that I do that matters to me. I derive so much pleasure from these houses... containers of all
that I have learned and experienced during this time. And as a writer, editor and past publisher of others work, the love of the published page still burns strong within me... </span>for it is truly where I belong.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnJVLfD_g4LNO1B3vInzgoN4SMsLO4YJfOuUQyEc6q7HIUbBgurQrTby458cwRpzr7M46ndJqz9i4fvbHdiWP9zzRngCgsfVNmqGbYI894PJTFYtjqRx7MUvQBhKjvHiyMYqG8w/s1600/Sketchbook+012_edited.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnJVLfD_g4LNO1B3vInzgoN4SMsLO4YJfOuUQyEc6q7HIUbBgurQrTby458cwRpzr7M46ndJqz9i4fvbHdiWP9zzRngCgsfVNmqGbYI894PJTFYtjqRx7MUvQBhKjvHiyMYqG8w/s1600/Sketchbook+012_edited.jpg" height="400" width="340" /> </a></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">I figured out what I needed for this year-long project:</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show">(1) some scrap paper (or rough sketchbook) to let rip within, and
sketch/notetake to my heart's content...</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show">(2) a small portable sketchbook to
have by my side at all times, of the same calibre and for the same
purpose...</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show">(3) a journal/sketchbook that RECORDS my journey through all
this year in which I can glue pages from (1) and (2) if I want, as I
go...</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show">(4) possibly a lined notebook if I decide to write stories by hand... </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">I piled up a variety of sketchbooks
that I had on hand... and suddenly it all came together! Carefully,
checking to make sure, I lined them all up again. I grabbed some more
from my bookcase. Great paper, lined paper, large, small and smaller,
sketching paper, watercolour paper... it was all there. And the spirals
ALL LINED UP!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSgGm6iR9gvy6DmwFK9g_iuV4AhnNjWFoRn7Kc9K7weVu2oVLF-JDU_C2WtuREOjsg4XK0Uwr2pvLB3AnHKjzq1kEssVyMfK2D79ziarbDWwIR-8slyfnPRhTYBK0sZSLPRIPBg/s1600/Spiral+sketchbooks+008.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSgGm6iR9gvy6DmwFK9g_iuV4AhnNjWFoRn7Kc9K7weVu2oVLF-JDU_C2WtuREOjsg4XK0Uwr2pvLB3AnHKjzq1kEssVyMfK2D79ziarbDWwIR-8slyfnPRhTYBK0sZSLPRIPBg/s1600/Spiral+sketchbooks+008.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">All
I had to do was grab whatever book I need at the time and use it...
then every few weeks or so open up the spirals and place all the used
pages in the order I wanted them to be in...into a continuous, flowing
record of the work that I was doing. Slowly, as the year progresses, I
will be telling my own story as I go... Perfect!</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show">NOW I can get to work!</span><br />
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(anyone else notice the little guys at the bottom of this photo? </div>
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I'm thinking they could be sketchbooks fairies...)</div>
Shena Meadowcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15851623544915474662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23970105.post-44453725487339290572014-01-18T18:22:00.004-08:002014-01-18T18:22:55.609-08:00Playing with Intuitive Art BackgroundsThere is something to be said having on hand a whole series of unfinished pieces, or in my case, class samples for my Intuitive Art workshop series...<br />
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In my <a href="http://byshena.blogspot.ca/2014/01/playing-with-paper-dolls.html" target="_blank">last post</a> I talked about the sheer fun of making paper dolls for <a href="http://www.carlasonheim.com/2014-year-of-the-fairy-tale-online-class/" target="_blank">Carla Sonheim's 2014 Year of the Fairy Tale</a> online class which begins January 20.<br />
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If that wasn't fun enough... being able to put re-positionable tape on the back of the paper dolls and place them on different backgrounds was engrossing and truly magical. Here's what just a few of the pieces turned out like when my mt forgotten fairy found herself in a myriad of places:<br />
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Background: Intuitive Art - Tissue Paper </div>
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Background: Intuitive Art - Tissue Paper & Collage</div>
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Background: Intuitive Art - Cornflower Paper </div>
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(misread instructions - another story...) </div>
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Background: Intuitive Art - Watercolour and Distessed Silk Fabric </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFeZX75oJZeE6aRAX3jKm-BaygHD9p_tPs0eADayQQ4gwZ8IAPJxFtTmijN3pbrBgbGrVipSHvwTucdBRnO1vk1Com-108ixxnUtDMvEl9QjfMkQmQPBDDs5mVW4N7mY2sDFh7fg/s1600/Paper+Dolls+2+010.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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Background: Intuitive Art - Mixed Media</div>
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Background: Intuitive Art - Watercolour</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-Z6aKOgstbdPdANlc3JVpKrJwfpkOKZ3Q3XWHS3gJVFDasmeNM4JTXDe2LO7obJYJDhmbyVPWxDdn1CXRlKqYCIW4q_ATLWjlI65xp2lpM4mUrZhs-_X2-Pk5odJTgCf6ygzAw/s1600/Paper+Dolls+2+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-Z6aKOgstbdPdANlc3JVpKrJwfpkOKZ3Q3XWHS3gJVFDasmeNM4JTXDe2LO7obJYJDhmbyVPWxDdn1CXRlKqYCIW4q_ATLWjlI65xp2lpM4mUrZhs-_X2-Pk5odJTgCf6ygzAw/s1600/Paper+Dolls+2+013.JPG" height="400" width="300" /> </a></div>
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Background: Intuitive Art - Plastic Wrap </div>
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So which one do you prefer so far... Leave me a comment... I'd love to know... Thank you! <br />
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<br />Shena Meadowcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15851623544915474662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23970105.post-30015827484721662962014-01-18T18:15:00.002-08:002014-01-18T18:16:47.120-08:00Playing with Paper DollsI've been laid up this last week with the H1N1 influenza at high risk due to complications with asthma. A seriously frightening time. What kept me calm and my mind off terrifying scenarios, was to engage in more exciting and enjoyable ones...<br />
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<a href="http://www.carlasonheim.com/2014-year-of-the-fairy-tale-online-class/" target="_blank">Carla Sonheim's 2014: Year of the Fairy Tale</a> officially begins January 20th but in
the last week participants have introduced ourselves online and gorged ourselves on a feeding
frenzy (in the best possible way) of making paper princesses which Carla showed us how to do in
a short video as an fun introduction to the year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7ZTkfGZLGX2AGuMlgvKOJeN1lx1uLtsFTT6nGYR9hYrsc-DudCYLmOgqoKmg27lIN46ntf2vGO7y_QbWqhyphenhyphenJLCWyeYQzOQZueCNqatJT5S6H9QCK0moXl_pxVVI_HiCCJjuTkQ/s1600/Paper+Dolls+2+002.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7ZTkfGZLGX2AGuMlgvKOJeN1lx1uLtsFTT6nGYR9hYrsc-DudCYLmOgqoKmg27lIN46ntf2vGO7y_QbWqhyphenhyphenJLCWyeYQzOQZueCNqatJT5S6H9QCK0moXl_pxVVI_HiCCJjuTkQ/s1600/Paper+Dolls+2+002.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hundreds of women around the globe have gathered to share their
love of fairy tales and magic, drawing, painting, writing and
storytelling. From all walks of life: scientists, Jungian psychologists,
fashion designers to tax collectors... From every country: Russia,
Japan, Brazil, China, Europe, North America, Iceland... I cannot imagine a
more amazing group of people to spend this year with!<br />
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As ill as I was, I
decided to have a go. Bedridden, trouble breathing, I did have my art
bag by my side. It was 3 in the morning. Tony lay sleeping on the floor
in the other room, one ear listening for any change in me, my knight in
shining armour more than even this past week.<br />
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I
tentatively sketched a princess... found some Art Bars and my
waterbrush, and painted her in. Not bad! Scissors to cut her out... Her
dress looked like sea foam and I immediately reached for the brush
again... she needed some starfish to dance at her feet! I lay back,
delighted at what I had done...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9qL9bonvkYObdLNDnds8Oy7dGWKfxm3zMfUlCMGPyDfyh_3fccVK3mx12TgpBSkNinX9hLtYC5vkVTzC-Lb6HHiZQvekt6A7rK6net_D-VUzDOn-gdkxwcfFmoTKX1SCVoWOUw/s1600/Paper+Dolls+025.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9qL9bonvkYObdLNDnds8Oy7dGWKfxm3zMfUlCMGPyDfyh_3fccVK3mx12TgpBSkNinX9hLtYC5vkVTzC-Lb6HHiZQvekt6A7rK6net_D-VUzDOn-gdkxwcfFmoTKX1SCVoWOUw/s1600/Paper+Dolls+025.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The next night I
couldn't sleep again. I thought about how much we have abandoned magic and left mystery so far behind us, and imagined a
fairy, lost, back in time, forsaken... perhaps for ever .. I picked up my pencil and started to sketch her but another princess appeared, and it seemed like she was looking for something... or someone...<br />
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A frog hopped right into my mind! I have NEVER sketched a frog and hadn't a clue
how. But I could see him, all forlorn and not just a little fed-up, mind. He was
sitting on his upturned crown, all dejected-like, arm on folded leg, hand holding up his head... I
drew, and redrew, and redrew again and again until the picture in front
of me told the story I saw in my mind's eye. I was amazed! Out came the
paintbrush again, the scissors following swiftly.<br />
<br />
Last
night the forgotten fairy returned and wouldn't go away! So I painted
her into being... Apparently there are a whole lot more beings that want
attention... I could spend the whole year just doing this alone!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzV5vr3b8PRkHbaD80akjgWVOi6K_Kwx-b1CZXBbttiVjwriK4WwhbG5utyHlHHuZS8D5xAWHHDk5Rlu4iNN4fDKsDNMnyQhvowRdUippd0u5-AIKj4gDuZQ_c9bWCaGIi_I2YHw/s1600/Paper+Dolls+2+010.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzV5vr3b8PRkHbaD80akjgWVOi6K_Kwx-b1CZXBbttiVjwriK4WwhbG5utyHlHHuZS8D5xAWHHDk5Rlu4iNN4fDKsDNMnyQhvowRdUippd0u5-AIKj4gDuZQ_c9bWCaGIi_I2YHw/s1600/Paper+Dolls+2+010.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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My house is a complete tip but I knew I had some re-positionable tape in the desk drawer. Today I grabbed some class samples for my Intuitive Art workshop series and photograph some scenes using
them as backdrops. What happened was a whole other type of fun! Just in
these few photos alone I can see how valuable this is going to be for me in
terms of layout design for book or card illustrations (see next post.) Once I am mobile and can
get to the studio there will be no stopping me!<br />
<br />
Good grief! And the class hasn't even started yet!!! There's still time to sign up, but don't say I didn't warn you!Shena Meadowcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15851623544915474662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23970105.post-21500031331732581462014-01-16T00:45:00.000-08:002014-01-16T00:56:39.908-08:00My Year of the Giraffe<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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One of the first emails I received from <a href="http://www.carlasonheim.com/" target="_blank">Carla Sonheim</a> for the 2013 Year of the Giraffe online class last year was a
link to the meanings behind the giraffe as a spirit totem. While I cannot put
my hands on the exact words now, the general description stayed with me throughout: <i><span class="babynametext">Giraffe's medicine includes seeing far into the future,
having an uncanny ability to reach things that are unreachable to others, with
excellent communication skills, intuition, and an ability to keep one’s head
above the mire when required.</span></i></div>
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<span class="babynametext">Well that got me right between the
eyes… I had never, really, even, well, thought about giraffes much up until that
point, but working as an Intuitive Counsellor and Consultant this, even for
someone who lives, breathes, and teaches synchronicity, was a one heck of a coincidence!</span></div>
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<span class="babynametext">Because it turned out, this was what my year was all about. Relinquishing a whole lot of mire that I had got so bogged down
in for a year or so previously (taking on bullies and abusers in our local community, much
to my own detriment and allowing it to affect me very badly health-wise.) It was a year of remembering, once again, <b>thoroughly </b>who I am, embracing my
intuitive and communication skills, both written and artistic, and recommitting
to my life of sharing what I know with others in the years ahead.</span></div>
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<span class="babynametext">What does this have with drawing giraffes?
It was all about exploring new avenues and ways of interpreting a concept
through paint, mixed media, fabric, sculpture, writing, photography and motion…
it was taking an idea and finding different ways to say the same thing,
appreciating that each way has a language all of it’s own, and a means to reach
another person on their own terms. It was about exercising our muscles that
tend to settle into one way of expressing ourselves, thus relinquishing the
potential of touching another through a way that would make more sense to them,
than to us. It was being willing to make mistakes, and try again, one more
time. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixN_-yk-FM6KTKeUMeurv4UXzDx-6jO0B5ax-1smdG8dZ0UIiQzSHJ5CUHyq8iQvgU17bOPJTHkr3t4pMQBP2B3hb6hWvfEtaZtIynjuKFf-vuwCcI4YC12FUA0ilFBsiPsMGBWw/s1600/SD536197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixN_-yk-FM6KTKeUMeurv4UXzDx-6jO0B5ax-1smdG8dZ0UIiQzSHJ5CUHyq8iQvgU17bOPJTHkr3t4pMQBP2B3hb6hWvfEtaZtIynjuKFf-vuwCcI4YC12FUA0ilFBsiPsMGBWw/s1600/SD536197.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="babynametext">The first of each month I would wait up till
just past midnight, awaiting the new video, and share quiet moments
with Carla doing what she does the absolute best: letting each and every one of
us watching know that we matter, that us having fun and learning and
sharing her love for art matters, that she really does give a damn about
whether we enjoy and learn or not.</span></div>
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<span class="babynametext">And I would be inspired… SO
inspired. As my year unfolded, an different priority reared up, took over and my own work was abandoned (Never again... that in itself a valuable lesson thoroughly learned.) I took forever
to get going on the tasks, getting further and further behind. Three months in, out of desperation I confessed to Carla on the phone one day my neurotic
tendency to procrastinate over choosing the “right” sketchbook for the project, only to come
off the phone and find some pieces of cardstock trapped under my
chair…. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="babynametext">Look what the wheels created….Great sense of humour, that
Universe!</span></div>
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<span class="babynametext">I did do some fun drawings one day... </span></div>
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<span class="babynametext">painted a little sketch I was happy with...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWsyVIpePP2HsT9aZkgY1L5sCoGZwnlUIWUjp53C98T_hNMi9XWMTOgba8ccMNPhQnTVCuJ-xTexmco3W0GC4bbFztl_s9gwX7n8h3Oq5uS05b0lZO_5Nyt-BxpM8zNBNJjA7aw/s1600/Wonder+Book+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWsyVIpePP2HsT9aZkgY1L5sCoGZwnlUIWUjp53C98T_hNMi9XWMTOgba8ccMNPhQnTVCuJ-xTexmco3W0GC4bbFztl_s9gwX7n8h3Oq5uS05b0lZO_5Nyt-BxpM8zNBNJjA7aw/s1600/Wonder+Book+04.jpg" height="400" width="276" /></a></div>
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<span class="babynametext">and am still inordinately proud of a quick, memory sketch, </span></div>
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<span class="babynametext">which is still one of the more honest pieces I’ve done...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvV-XlBrxVR0g3R_ABXw3raJVcMvOaZW2EJMSk2oq6CKIPd9I5_RqzwU30yw95Ekzo8FNP0P3kBXgylffXoQ8z1-zgTuaC0nfWbK2Q3jdBRtUSA1i-qUejYGjZY-w9lIUF2JfZg/s1600/SD536202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvV-XlBrxVR0g3R_ABXw3raJVcMvOaZW2EJMSk2oq6CKIPd9I5_RqzwU30yw95Ekzo8FNP0P3kBXgylffXoQ8z1-zgTuaC0nfWbK2Q3jdBRtUSA1i-qUejYGjZY-w9lIUF2JfZg/s1600/SD536202.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="babynametext"> I
had a wild time photographing a grape that looked like
a giraffe </span></div>
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<span class="babynametext">(work with me here...)</span></div>
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<span class="babynametext">discovered several pieces of driftwood mascarading as giraffes right in my backyard...</span></div>
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<span class="babynametext">and
started a series of accordion collage booklets </span></div>
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<span class="babynametext">(I got distracted when looking for paper to do the timeline project at the end) … </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="color: purple;"><span class="babynametext">Soulfelt thanks to Carla Sonheim for an amazing year... </span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="babynametext">a
wonderous, magical, caring and talented artist we are all the far better for
knowing.</span><span class="babynametext"> </span></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="babynametext">So much learned, so much understood
and gleamed from the process.</span></div>
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<span class="babynametext">So much fun! </span><span class="babynametext"><span class="babynametext"><span class="babynametext"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="babynametext"><span class="babynametext"><span class="babynametext">So much more to see if only we are
willing to look further… </span></span> </span></div>
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<span class="babynametext"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicf1FQKFwK54ITzVpkWS0gnWbnTm24PmxB37lLJR9ZIumy3cVJgTxq6NPaROlh2nGrmJTCVAcINWc9GG8vIcm7b0PGyWsAlLAX0B7PnVV_rJEbemSQXYv2IYL8YSWwZYcU-v_W9Q/s1600/153.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicf1FQKFwK54ITzVpkWS0gnWbnTm24PmxB37lLJR9ZIumy3cVJgTxq6NPaROlh2nGrmJTCVAcINWc9GG8vIcm7b0PGyWsAlLAX0B7PnVV_rJEbemSQXYv2IYL8YSWwZYcU-v_W9Q/s1600/153.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span class="babynametext">It begs to wonder what would
have happened</span></div>
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<span class="babynametext"> if I’d actually done any of the exercises fully!!!!</span></div>
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<span class="babynametext">I have that to look forward to in the future... </span></div>
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Shena Meadowcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15851623544915474662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23970105.post-59374052495359818952014-01-09T00:34:00.000-08:002014-01-09T00:35:17.972-08:00One Stitch at a Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For the longest time I have been watching the mindful and talented artist <a href="http://spiritcloth.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Jude Hill</a> from afar, creating stories with cloth. I wanted so very much to take the time myself to sit and be with cloth and thread once again. But life, as it is wont to go, got in the way.</div>
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You see, cloth and I have had a long term relationship for many years. As a child, the only reason in my mind to have dolls, was to make clothes for them. As I grew older, I made began making clothes for myself. I took a diploma in Fashion Design in Brussels, Belgium and learned the foundations of design and pattern making. Over the years I have made kits, clothes, house furnishings and fabric art. I supported myself very well in the process as a fabric artist. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFimdXCT2XTxoncW921CSsKxMDNkMMTmOXK2Ony5ZTCEiqqsAifhn2UoY89akzzPCkrWXXBY3Z3nSKNsisglj1QSqe-rapZm2bHlEQybDID9v-XILdTmYnYARKAnqSmS64sAQ_Gw/s1600/January+2014+057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFimdXCT2XTxoncW921CSsKxMDNkMMTmOXK2Ony5ZTCEiqqsAifhn2UoY89akzzPCkrWXXBY3Z3nSKNsisglj1QSqe-rapZm2bHlEQybDID9v-XILdTmYnYARKAnqSmS64sAQ_Gw/s1600/January+2014+057.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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But what I yearned for was something different, something that involved just me, the cloth and the needle. To take one piece of fabric, and add another. To explore line, form and design. To have absolutely no preconceived idea of the finished project, simply to let each choice unfold one after another, trusting that a language would emerge along the way, and that through it all, something worthwhile would be said at the end of the day.</div>
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Yesterday I started such a piece. I only had a short time in the studio and had no intention of doing this at all. But I picked up my basket of linens, and flax and silks and cottons and beautiful old embroidered napkins and tatted or crocheted handkerchiefs that I cannot bear to leave abandoned at the bottom of thrift store bins. I played with my embroidery threads, hand-dyed silks, linen thread found in an old stitchery store in a countryside village on my last trip to England many years ago. And I began to pull colours and textures that spoke to me, even though I still do not know what they have to say.</div>
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One such piece was a fine linen shirt with buttons and a <span style="color: #0000ee;">pleated</span> front. Another was a soft piece of fresh cotton fabric with muted stripes on it. Lines and circles... Somewhere to start... And so I began. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTbjTmV5swi1Rqh4-710GIBucvmHh58nJxGvpyGWIg1lu8F0RhKduIXaZCl6zWdcRWPUOO5L7T6lWS6lkgRm_jAsd4PzSVqBm2w5oY0RZSKFlQX97FY83E5wZcfgNtndqOqQUVA/s1600/January+2014+067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTbjTmV5swi1Rqh4-710GIBucvmHh58nJxGvpyGWIg1lu8F0RhKduIXaZCl6zWdcRWPUOO5L7T6lWS6lkgRm_jAsd4PzSVqBm2w5oY0RZSKFlQX97FY83E5wZcfgNtndqOqQUVA/s1600/January+2014+067.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Today I added another piece of fabric, lining up the straight lines. I like where this is going...</div>
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To replicate the shape of the buttons I cut a large circle. Too big! I cut a circular strip around it and placed the smaller circle on the background. Thread into needle, needle into cloth, starting at the centre, and the timeless spiral of healing has begun.</div>
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The cut-off strip lay against the cloth, forming a shape all of its own. I didn't have the heart to remove it. I will follow its curve, see where it takes me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcelqelV87XrRxDeYehuVjbQKNKBeMzuxad_4ToL1cg_emxcw_FmoROeRTmvFraH7DxNtcmsPGmqu8R1J4zqvnSUc6R9TMXZYCE3FYmYfP9129klZgckC53RiTT0ysE25OveA8bA/s1600/January+2014+071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcelqelV87XrRxDeYehuVjbQKNKBeMzuxad_4ToL1cg_emxcw_FmoROeRTmvFraH7DxNtcmsPGmqu8R1J4zqvnSUc6R9TMXZYCE3FYmYfP9129klZgckC53RiTT0ysE25OveA8bA/s1600/January+2014+071.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Each stitch is a breath. A silent meditation. Just the cloth, the needle, the thread... and I. There is no need to rush. After all, look how far I have come in only two days. One step at a time.Shena Meadowcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15851623544915474662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23970105.post-8914480688686885012014-01-08T14:12:00.000-08:002014-01-08T14:12:52.868-08:00ROOTS: 30 day Journal ProjectIf you know anything about me at all, it is that I live, breathe, teach, preach, love journalling... so when an offer came through my email box late December to spend 30 days on creative journalling with <a href="http://www.lisasonora.com/about/" target="_blank">Lisa Sonora Beam</a>... resistance wasn't even remotely a possibility, let alone futile.<br />
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I was familiar with Lisa's work though her wonderful book called: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1592534597?ie=UTF8&tag=thecreatentre-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1592534597" target="_blank">The Creative Entrepreneur - A DIY Visual Guide for Making Business Ideas Real.</a> Her series of exercises marrying one's skills, abilities, weaknesses, strengths, morals and values to what one loves, were some of the better ones I have ever come across, and besides, she had me at doing a colourful, artistic business plan!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRbMjP5JudOX-OyMPv7T1leV4lUOXa6gocU_KW-yQYqDpzoMudHh3iDZC8LpkWehaq6exedX3QsscK-OR-tr7z7IzYzkTVgYtveesNC9qNF9L8UXa806PmEIgbFIq7bjZ0tpjkg/s1600/January+2014+053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRbMjP5JudOX-OyMPv7T1leV4lUOXa6gocU_KW-yQYqDpzoMudHh3iDZC8LpkWehaq6exedX3QsscK-OR-tr7z7IzYzkTVgYtveesNC9qNF9L8UXa806PmEIgbFIq7bjZ0tpjkg/s1600/January+2014+053.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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What I have discovered within the first week days of this 30 day Journal Project has completely astounded me. Each night, when the day is behind me and the night is quiet, I snuggle down in bed with my journal and art bag, and immerse myself in a journey to the very core of who I am, using the prompts provided, some writing, lots of collage and occasionally art to uncover things about myself that have been dormant for a very long time.<br />
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I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of this amazing journey, where Lisa is holding sacred space with people who are flocking daily to join her with others who are already in session. There is no deadline, no cost and above all, no comments allowed. You are free to follow, engage, share or remain private.<br />
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<a href="http://www.lisasonora.com/blog/root-30-day-journal-project/" target="_blank">http://www.lisasonora.com/blog/root-30-day-journal-project/</a> </div>
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In a cyberspace chock full of varying journalling, art journalling, visual and creative journalling courses that traditionally tend to kick off a new year, this quiet and gentle challenge is a welcome change, a steady beam from a solid lighthouse, which, when followed, could quite possibly lead our souls back home again to who we really are.Shena Meadowcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15851623544915474662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23970105.post-24964581955892401412013-12-31T00:34:00.002-08:002013-12-31T01:23:24.731-08:00Fairy Tale Note/Sketchbook GiveawayI am so excited to be a part of <a href="http://www.carlasonheim.com/2014-year-of-the-fairy-tale-online-class/" target="_blank">Carla Sonheim's 2014 Year of the Fairy Tale </a>online class, and have begun gathering some of the supplies we will be using. But I'm going to need some help making a choice and that's where you get to play!<br />
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Imagine my delight when I came across a wonderful green linen portfolio with a clipboard and solid backing to sketch, write and drawn on, AND four separate roomy sections to store finished artwork or work in progress. A magnetic closure holds it all together. It is in beautiful condition and only cost $ 2.99 at the thrift store!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uJrn263AJDQkDl-PP0LIxnFc3tCyzUP_oayyqCEdZO8Lpx_w8IfciMeKV7N-OJ0eMByijx_bsLB1l-k9gpeGBcEMJwBFq9mWfuaShxBTpILclhHqqSwwa3f1i_abeKRNnff4ug/s1600/Christmas+2013+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uJrn263AJDQkDl-PP0LIxnFc3tCyzUP_oayyqCEdZO8Lpx_w8IfciMeKV7N-OJ0eMByijx_bsLB1l-k9gpeGBcEMJwBFq9mWfuaShxBTpILclhHqqSwwa3f1i_abeKRNnff4ug/s400/Christmas+2013+048.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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THIS PHOTO REPRESENTS THE REAL COLOUR GREEN</div>
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I began to look through my stash of note/sketchbooks for something that would complement it. I figured at least one for notes would make sense, and pulled out a simple one that looked very efficient and matched the portfolio perfectly. Slim, lined paper... it would do the job.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jRlzIQq60ih1GOv3SuFzKUyyE39TXLRaMvbVfmmu7B6rYKVd6-eBiPAJoN7Q6EQPMeBo8gJpG01I37WyQEbt-i2_pVv9SCtPeI9qIfmMC87339BKHzg46RSDc8hp7g1Jw6J6cg/s1600/Christmas+2013+053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jRlzIQq60ih1GOv3SuFzKUyyE39TXLRaMvbVfmmu7B6rYKVd6-eBiPAJoN7Q6EQPMeBo8gJpG01I37WyQEbt-i2_pVv9SCtPeI9qIfmMC87339BKHzg46RSDc8hp7g1Jw6J6cg/s320/Christmas+2013+053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I found a "Butterfly in Spring" note/sketchbook with smooth, unlined cream paper that takes writing and sketching well. A ribbon acts as a page marker, there is an envelope at the back for keepsakes and a sturdy elastic keeps it all together.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZrFvoc1zFbcjUE_y2g8yf79NGOrgqnmJ3re5nd_41GYvfOiuta0W_PuBI_ofG8TTvFpawcGMUTcDb9mbFv845plVS-2gYMfKG366fOFJmqO9PH1DZDDO1mT0295yR9KMdPf2jg/s1600/Christmas+2013+051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZrFvoc1zFbcjUE_y2g8yf79NGOrgqnmJ3re5nd_41GYvfOiuta0W_PuBI_ofG8TTvFpawcGMUTcDb9mbFv845plVS-2gYMfKG366fOFJmqO9PH1DZDDO1mT0295yR9KMdPf2jg/s320/Christmas+2013+051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I came across another one a friend gave me quite a while back simply because it reminded them of me (a lovely thought and much appreciated.) It has a thicker, smooth, cream lined paper, and a ribbon to mark the pages too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1FU-gXmvlNwYVA-avBjx653knvCF8trQ-WGKgbOZvwUvngkIO4SH8ObXXsNyWw2t86kuDET0Fbpqa6-yCcVPSubeCevNzRJSWzsnMLgIFUs6uOUQS6M0hVmV9NE51XCLW755dQ/s1600/Christmas+2013+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1FU-gXmvlNwYVA-avBjx653knvCF8trQ-WGKgbOZvwUvngkIO4SH8ObXXsNyWw2t86kuDET0Fbpqa6-yCcVPSubeCevNzRJSWzsnMLgIFUs6uOUQS6M0hVmV9NE51XCLW755dQ/s320/Christmas+2013+054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Last but not least is a 2013 diary another friend gave me last Christmas. The paper is lined, cream, acid-free, rich and velvety to write on. It has an sturdy envelope at the back and two ribbons to mark the pages.<br />
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I'm spoiled for choice! Which one do you like the best? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHOp-0GaGmPObzLnIg1LV4_LBIqh2l6cr-jVqxG7r-ZICNXXYL4rQ_TmwnUOPX73elCuLq9AuLz0oTNKyEg887mDrOzhg2M8iCMIP_EgWRcIg3pZ3u7Mh6TCfa0nLsZa-FfX5Fg/s1600/Christmas+2013+059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHOp-0GaGmPObzLnIg1LV4_LBIqh2l6cr-jVqxG7r-ZICNXXYL4rQ_TmwnUOPX73elCuLq9AuLz0oTNKyEg887mDrOzhg2M8iCMIP_EgWRcIg3pZ3u7Mh6TCfa0nLsZa-FfX5Fg/s400/Christmas+2013+059.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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GIVEAWAY:<br />
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Leave me a comment below, and tell me which note/sketchbook you would choose, and why. On January 15, 2014 I will randomly select a name as the winner and send them the following as a "Thank You" for joining in the fun ~<br />
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* "Butterfly in Spring" (approx 3 1/2" x 5 1/2") note/sketchbook </div>
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(the one of the left of the photo) </div>
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&</div>
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* One of my "Wild Things" (in the colour scheme of their choice)</div>
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because inside each and every one of us, </div>
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there is still a wild spirit... dancing</div>
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!</div>
Shena Meadowcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15851623544915474662noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23970105.post-76463916145238974342013-12-27T12:30:00.001-08:002013-12-27T12:34:42.519-08:00Time between the YearsI love these last days between Christmas and New Year's - quiet, gentle days of nothingness, of introspection... what I call the "time between the years..." when I look back on what this past year has been, and gaze forward into the delicious possibility of the year ahead.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1QGb1uPGlP3mujSq5qWCfnxKjd-Cw-jC8I4VrMfF1MdzpbxFNuLuC8O3fYQ_G08RV6gcBQK0ks54FfTjOIAGVM7c0hFAo1EWjywxJWNjREi8OO4Nk58oQ4jbpvy12OwW_O_lWg/s1600/OCT+2013+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1QGb1uPGlP3mujSq5qWCfnxKjd-Cw-jC8I4VrMfF1MdzpbxFNuLuC8O3fYQ_G08RV6gcBQK0ks54FfTjOIAGVM7c0hFAo1EWjywxJWNjREi8OO4Nk58oQ4jbpvy12OwW_O_lWg/s400/OCT+2013+037.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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What do I want 2014 to be about? How do I want it to feel? Some of the year is already scheduled: the first two months a hard slog to bring to completion eight months of bookkeeping that took over my life last summer. It will be good to have that behind me (and I am still working on being grateful for all of the many lessons and insights it has given me...) <br />
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I am signed up for <a href="http://www.carlasonheim.com/2014-year-of-the-fairy-tale-online-class/" target="_blank">Carla Sonheim's Year of the Fairy Tale</a> which I am beyond excited about, thrilled to devote an entire year towards illustration and story telling with a wonderful teacher and some fun and inspiring fellow artists. It may be just what I need to finish my Children's book now...<br />
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I am fine-tuning some other art goals, returning to some, expanding on others. Keeping a Visual Journal of the year as usual, which in turn helps me improve my sketching skill I'd also like to re-learn the basics of watercolour painting for sketching purposes.<br />
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I'm considering working through all of Julia Cameron's books back-to back, starting again for the umpteenth time "The Artist's Way" while all the time acknowledging the sheer enormity of the task I am considering setting for myself... still one of my greatest life lessons... pacing myself...<br />
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I am still searching for my word of the year... although I know that HEALTH is ultimately what it will be about. But the word alone feels incomplete, it doesn't have enough action in it. I still don't own it and thankfully I have a few more days to deliberate. Walking, stretching, juicing, drinking lots of water, and healthy, homemade meals are just a few of the things that will inform my days.<br />
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Yes, there are still priorities to set and decisions to be made. Thank goodness I have five more days... <br />
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But in these in-between days, when one year is undergoing completion and the other not yet begun, I am deliciously suspended in time, and free to let my thoughts wander and pick and choose from the myriad of possibilities of how I want the next year of my life to unfold, while all the time knowing, whatever plans I make, none will be as wonderful as what life truly has in store for me in the year ahead...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4pT3bjca1ElekNuhExUEkLe-rcSasCMqmI6yGZQK6kuurZaMJWlEUw4siG9dO1ybfvdnai3hln_y253uBDeGJ-KtmSc0qzmPTk11uVVOl11TCi9Lwb6W4ecfD4Lxx-pl72CWDA/s1600/OCT+2013+053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4pT3bjca1ElekNuhExUEkLe-rcSasCMqmI6yGZQK6kuurZaMJWlEUw4siG9dO1ybfvdnai3hln_y253uBDeGJ-KtmSc0qzmPTk11uVVOl11TCi9Lwb6W4ecfD4Lxx-pl72CWDA/s400/OCT+2013+053.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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What lies ahead for you? What are your dreams for 2014? What do you want to feel?</div>
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I'd love to know...</div>
Shena Meadowcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15851623544915474662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23970105.post-26087487936759877552013-08-13T06:47:00.000-07:002013-08-13T06:47:16.118-07:00Summer Art CampThese last three weeks I have been playing in <a href="http://www.carlasonheim.com/store/" target="_blank">Carla Sonheim's online Summer Art Camp</a>. Immersed in creativity, inspiration, ideas, exercises, amazing teachers and fellow artists. Sheer, wonderful fun! It has awakened the part of me that has been laying dormant as I slowly re-learn how to regain my life in a healthier, more balanced way.<br />
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Not only am I looking at the world through wide-open artist's eyes again, my mind is brimming with new ideas, enthusiastically embracing new art forms and best of all, gradually bringing order to the chaos that my loft studio has degenerated into since it was abandoned last winter.<br />
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I am organising in a completely different way now. Gone are the days where everything has to be in sight. Everything is being sorted and housed away, labelled for easy access. Surfaces are being cleared completely so that I can begin any project, in any medium at a moment's notice. Boxes are being brought out of storage and used for specific purposes. I picked up two old metal tackle boxes yesterday, one at least to be repainted and requisitioned for art supplies, the other for sewing tools and accessories.<br />
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I can't wait to share with you what comes out of this space, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually...Shena Meadowcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15851623544915474662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23970105.post-17179325709506466742013-05-16T11:10:00.002-07:002013-05-16T11:10:57.972-07:00Growing Old Graciously<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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A while ago Tony brought me back a magnificent bouquet of tulips from
the garden of a client where he was working. The tulips began as tightly
closed buds and transformed, day by day, into luscious opulent blossoms
basking in fully glory in the sunshine streaming through the window. </div>
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Each
day brought a new beauty, until slowly, one at a time, each flower, having
held itself in complete openness for what seemed like would be forever, gradually began to shed its petals, one by one. And
in the latter days a newer beauty emerged from the skeletal lines created
by the stalks and the starkness of the remaining petals drying on the
stem.</div>
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I will leave the flowers on the table until their life cycle is done, because, as I myself begin to become more aware of the changes in my body and the signs of aging take place amongst myself and my friends, I am acknowledging that we too have a certain beauty at every stage of our lives. Maybe not the expectancy of youth, or the bursting forth of our stellar years, or the bloom as we come into maturity, but still a quiet and majestic beauty all of our own, if we are willing to see, and celebrate, it.</div>
Shena Meadowcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15851623544915474662noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23970105.post-35732352783392427132013-04-22T09:12:00.001-07:002013-04-22T09:15:04.537-07:0020 Steps Outside my DoorAs the early dawn light chases away the shadows of the night, there is a far away look in the old gnomes eyes. seeing back into the world he left behind...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhMBCz5Z4MzaIacHmtj0NIg0e4wf2h9PsBsTPzsZ-4nJqVrkf_YSu9Nn9VTOgDbBUlRgH6UFOP30iWZjHfhAVuIR-ywgjVr45kPjkexTIVuQ2fXPSX89Knnv9o6cc79qWeywCVg/s1600/SD536365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhMBCz5Z4MzaIacHmtj0NIg0e4wf2h9PsBsTPzsZ-4nJqVrkf_YSu9Nn9VTOgDbBUlRgH6UFOP30iWZjHfhAVuIR-ywgjVr45kPjkexTIVuQ2fXPSX89Knnv9o6cc79qWeywCVg/s640/SD536365.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> "There is another world,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>But it is in this one."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
- William Butler Yates</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Here are some of the other bloggers doing the same challenge...<br />
why not check them out and join in the fun !</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.nvalentine.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Nicole Valentine</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ourtreehousedesigns.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Mixed Metal Mimi </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amywaldmansmith.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Amy Waldman-Smith</a><a href="http://amywaldmansmith.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank"> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.zuludog.ca/blog" target="_blank">Ken Miner</a><br />
<a href="http://terrirodstrom.blogspot.ca/2013/04/a-challege-put-out-by-artistic-friends.html" target="_blank">Terri Rodstrom</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://marticsclay.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Marti Conrad </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://angazabychanges.blogspot.nl/" target="_blank">Dini Burisma</a></div>
Shena Meadowcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15851623544915474662noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23970105.post-71173556043444355252013-04-21T19:59:00.002-07:002013-04-21T20:01:38.066-07:00From one Journaller to AnotherSometimes the most beautiful gifts come to you when you least expect it, and you had <b>no</b> idea until they do, how much you need it. Sifting through Facebook this evening a post came up with my name on it. Below was this photograph:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCgbpyq2JZ_6gk6zxYFz9apuadtyAML5m1yEkIzZnOgqnxj9RBcVSrJbpGliznyEbdgq3QeLKkqbsPTG4Oja2TXQIcn8PZE_iENFyTjjjlrJFt-EX64BR-tXuqVlXEnOjD-1Y5A/s1600/Teagan's+journal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCgbpyq2JZ_6gk6zxYFz9apuadtyAML5m1yEkIzZnOgqnxj9RBcVSrJbpGliznyEbdgq3QeLKkqbsPTG4Oja2TXQIcn8PZE_iENFyTjjjlrJFt-EX64BR-tXuqVlXEnOjD-1Y5A/s320/Teagan's+journal.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Strangely enough I recognized the kind of notebook immediately. They were the ones I used to teach my Journalling classes to kids. As I read what was written, tears began streaming down my face... and then I started sobbing. I don't even know why, but I couldn't stop. <br />
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Journalling has always been my saving grace over the years. It's where I go to write about my days, to plan and organise, to make lists of things to do, to capture images and ideas. But it's underlying purpose is a safe place to go to discover what I feel, to sift through the confusion, try to figure things out, pour out the pain and a haven to shelter from life's storms. It's where I go whenever I am lost and I need to find me. My journal is my most precious belonging and it goes everywhere with me, and is always, always there for me.<br />
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That a seven year old's first entry into her new journal twelve years ago be about a nice lady that she met at a garage sale, is quite lovely. That the nice lady that she met happened to be me... I don't have the words to say what this means to me today. But I know that it is precious beyond belief.<br />
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Thank you, Teagan, Thank you. You will never know how much I needed to see this. I didn't, but I do. I would be lying if I said that I completely remembered you. My fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue has put paid to many finer details of my memory these last ten years. But I can promise you that I will never forget you now.<br />
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And know that I will be writing about this, tonight, in my journal.Shena Meadowcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15851623544915474662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23970105.post-79387954885990655162013-04-19T15:53:00.001-07:002013-04-19T15:54:14.202-07:00Herb GatheringWandering around the property, foraging for young, tender dandelion leaves and digging roots, gathering pepper cress for tonight's salad and looking for the elusive yellow dock for tomorrow's class. Time for some lemon balm tea...<br />
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<br />Shena Meadowcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15851623544915474662noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23970105.post-11019978825141379752013-04-15T20:59:00.003-07:002013-04-16T07:37:20.284-07:0020 Steps Outside my Door<div style="text-align: center;">
"Can also be used as a Finger Bowl..."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Any guess as to who's the culprit???</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroumAn101caIuPjbY9exOsV6YL8nZdHYIOmXPkFm0tCfWgwIrydLU4ULiqLQBu_NA8MVEU9EaYBMDlszRVgzIKNetVqvphFf6efBNbxkKz4jE1hcnZ0gSjmaFRM_RWKZTuf2QGQ/s1600/Heron+and+Raccoon+Paws+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroumAn101caIuPjbY9exOsV6YL8nZdHYIOmXPkFm0tCfWgwIrydLU4ULiqLQBu_NA8MVEU9EaYBMDlszRVgzIKNetVqvphFf6efBNbxkKz4jE1hcnZ0gSjmaFRM_RWKZTuf2QGQ/s400/Heron+and+Raccoon+Paws+009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> "There is another world,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>But it is in this one."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
- William Butler Yates</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Here are some of the other bloggers doing the same challenge...<br />
why not check them out and join in the fun !<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.nvalentine.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Nicole Valentine</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ourtreehousedesigns.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Mixed Metal Mimi </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amywaldmansmith.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Amy Waldman-Smith</a><a href="http://amywaldmansmith.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank"> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.zuludog.ca/blog" target="_blank">Ken Miner</a><br />
<a href="http://terrirodstrom.blogspot.ca/2013/04/a-challege-put-out-by-artistic-friends.html" target="_blank">Terri Rodstrom</a> </div>
Shena Meadowcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15851623544915474662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23970105.post-91318468105330933252013-04-10T14:38:00.001-07:002013-04-15T20:54:02.094-07:00Nature's AbundanceIn the last few years I have often thought fleetingly on the sheer glut of food that nature provides free for the taking. Just here on the small island I call home, succulent blackberries, elderflowers, salmonberries abound. Huckleberries are prolific. Apple laden trees display their fruit to people passing by. Plum trees hang swollen, ripe for the picking.<br />
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Yet seldom do we take advantage of it. Preferring instead the ready-made, vacuum-packaged items at our local supermarket, or occasionally buying from farmers' markets and roadside stands.<br />
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I used to wonder at what point Nature, so ignored, would simply not bother anymore. But I know better. Nature, unlike us, keeps giving. Regardless. Season after season. Year after year whether anyone notices or not.<br />
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As I wander further along my path of learning about the medicinal properties of the wild plants of Coastal British Columbia, I am amazed at just how much more giving and abundant nature is than I first imagined. It's impossible to learn about the medicinal properties of a plant without venturing into its nutritional aspect. All of a sudden, the much-maligned dandelion has tremendous health benefits, it's young leaves delicious in salads, its sunny yellow flowers a culinary delight as pan fried fritters!<br />
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The nasty nettle, cursed for its sting, is much sought after for many medicinal uses. The leaves provide an abundance of healthy dishes from soups, to steamed greens and scruptious nettle spanakopita. And that's just the beginning.<br />
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Venturing into edible plants of the area, weeds become gourmet salad, the budding maple trees food for the table, and then there is the ocean, full of nutritious seaweed.<br />
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There is so much to learn. So much to explore. And so very, very much to be grateful for...<br />
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<br />Shena Meadowcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15851623544915474662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23970105.post-43014808891561769532013-04-08T15:42:00.001-07:002013-04-08T15:53:46.679-07:0020 Steps Outside my Door<div style="text-align: left;">
I just got back from being away on Mudge Island for 3 1/2 weeks and the first thing I did today was take a walk in my garden. When I am working amongst the plants with the sun on my back and my hands deep in rich, fertile soil I feel I am in another world.</div>
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</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> "There is another world,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>But it is in this one."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
- William Butler Yates</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are some of the other bloggers doing the same challenge... why not check them out!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.nvalentine.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Nicole Valentine</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ourtreehousedesigns.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Mixed Metal Mimi </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amywaldmansmith.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Amy Waldman-Smith</a><a href="http://amywaldmansmith.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank"> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.zuludog.ca/blog" target="_blank">Ken Miner</a> </div>
Shena Meadowcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15851623544915474662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23970105.post-19973919763543736202013-04-04T16:18:00.000-07:002013-04-04T16:24:06.004-07:00A Year of Healing with West Coast Herbs Last Saturday I attended the second month of<a href="http://www.stonecircleherbfarm.com/index.html" target="_blank"> Heather MacLeod's </a>"A Year of Healing with West Coast Herbs." What a simply amazing day! We came together over nettle and blackberry leaf tea, sharing our previous month's experiences, and how already the course was having a profound effect on each of us. We then looked over the excellent handout detailing the wild plants and homework for the month ahead. Weeds were on the menu, in more ways than one.<br />
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Piling into Anne's van we took off, high in spirits and drunk on the sunny weather, in search of the perfect nettle patch. A kind gentleman had offered his land for the taking. Gathering nettles in the sunshine, sharing feelings with fellow gatherers, to the gentle sounds of Patsy Kline coming from the landowner's radio, will not soon be forgotten...<br />
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Bags filled to the brim, we made our way back to class. Heather had
suggested a pot luck lunch this time around. While snacking on goat's cheese and Anne's honey
wafer crackers, and Linda's delectable smoked salmon, capers and cream
cheese pita breads, we chopped and sliced, sauteed and stirred. </div>
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For the very first time I learned the proper way to use Phyllo pastry. Seven women in a kitchen and not a cook too
many! Soon the Nettle spanatopika was ready to go in the oven. </div>
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Back outside into the sunshine, this time to learn about, identify and harvest common weeds for a nutritious salad.<br />
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Lunch was simply delicious... I had brought a coleslaw to which Heather
added a delicious dressing made from Anne's blackberry
vinegar...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dNbsiloMbNGiLcD-A9eNmPe1NYLseFLhvBN3zuJq_ge_flaIAR0lUJl4fW6f-noTKrP8nKL0iP2SshK7kfHpWjNxJzBY9euCqLIlHoS5kSlQ7jtAsgNiPjdy2y5dxz4eq4S0hA/s1600/SD536170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dNbsiloMbNGiLcD-A9eNmPe1NYLseFLhvBN3zuJq_ge_flaIAR0lUJl4fW6f-noTKrP8nKL0iP2SshK7kfHpWjNxJzBY9euCqLIlHoS5kSlQ7jtAsgNiPjdy2y5dxz4eq4S0hA/s400/SD536170.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Judy brought homemade pie casing with a jar of her mother's homemade lemon curd, a perfect end to a perfect feast! Unfortunately I didn't get a photo, so maybe she'll make more for next month... we certainly hinted enough...<br />
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But the day was not over. Gathering the plants we had harvested during the previous month we learned how to put together the makings of a tincture, and then all worked together to make a wonderful, soothing healing salve.<br />
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Just like the day was to my spirit...Shena Meadowcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15851623544915474662noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23970105.post-87891894627067294602013-04-03T21:15:00.001-07:002013-04-04T16:30:54.630-07:00Part of my ProcessAt the beginning of the year I joined <a href="http://www.carlasonheim.com/" target="_blank">Carla Sonheim's</a> wonderful "2013 - Year of the Giraffe" course - an amazing opportunity to immerse ourselves all year long on one subject, exploring it in as many different ways and with as many different mediums as we could. I was beside myself with excitement. I couldn't wait to get started...<br />
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Blind Contour</div>
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Gesture Drawings </div>
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Then, true to form, I deliberated. A lot. Okay, an awful lot. This time it was months... For the
right sketchbook. I freely admit that this is a particular neurosis of
mine, and finally, after a very long time and due to the kindness of a
my dear friend, Janie, have come to accept that it is in fact, in her words: "part of
my process." </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQYxsPwfSjDevfb1LKrXyfQ6Ztmj-TdcIJkYIVeiSYPrjnDmzhw3NpgkUHIQekU07d8oRihKqVpH68Lu2boTIvAM58pVzDmGc9HVSCwYZDSz1Uq2aH6zDasr-lQ1J_nMni0kfXg/s1600/SD536201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQYxsPwfSjDevfb1LKrXyfQ6Ztmj-TdcIJkYIVeiSYPrjnDmzhw3NpgkUHIQekU07d8oRihKqVpH68Lu2boTIvAM58pVzDmGc9HVSCwYZDSz1Uq2aH6zDasr-lQ1J_nMni0kfXg/s400/SD536201.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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One Liners</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHFT02q0zPvUArWR_gzGixbxnG7aYwqPA9rDr9j8EpOk_eMJTynX8MpIOM2iGwnu8natb1n94oOH1tLRLskDhmBXFrCXd32b9nqjyZSf8M_a05qaLLDOQDaUzxVKVk-rIzvvgiQ/s1600/SD536199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHFT02q0zPvUArWR_gzGixbxnG7aYwqPA9rDr9j8EpOk_eMJTynX8MpIOM2iGwnu8natb1n94oOH1tLRLskDhmBXFrCXd32b9nqjyZSf8M_a05qaLLDOQDaUzxVKVk-rIzvvgiQ/s400/SD536199.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Contour</div>
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During the previous three months, a few odd (please note this is a figure of speech... and <i>not</i> a critique of my sketching skills... I hope) sketches did find their way into some of my pre-existing (and equally deliberated at the time) sketchbooks and journals, but honesty dictates that I cannot really count them as they were not, as such, in THE Giraffe Sketchbook. But thought I would include them, you know, as "part of my process."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfdpNjUj5C8osYZQ1cRmcEQGtFmG1nu4skiP6j4ulMpTsKQN7_OfEFWq3uYXF-Vez1sG9L_F2l6NncNBrurNUA8xpGXzSU3Eni5Rb1uFk470QpJzI270YJd-Wv1x4n7E2CHUIDQ/s1600/SD536203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfdpNjUj5C8osYZQ1cRmcEQGtFmG1nu4skiP6j4ulMpTsKQN7_OfEFWq3uYXF-Vez1sG9L_F2l6NncNBrurNUA8xpGXzSU3Eni5Rb1uFk470QpJzI270YJd-Wv1x4n7E2CHUIDQ/s320/SD536203.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i> Random One Liner a.k.a. "So <u>that's</u> where the Xmas lights went..."</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcR0xGi-9GHMGIMcLZfNGWGdYYHN85phWgNzfHn1xJOnoxTw5ZyN5DsyEi-rnvcfydcOjSazSAbPwX-QUZWPLIhtIncFYJShKFmt5kE9wOFCkvSzO_hL6wkkZ4b3qR7kO3iWM4Q/s1600/SD536209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcR0xGi-9GHMGIMcLZfNGWGdYYHN85phWgNzfHn1xJOnoxTw5ZyN5DsyEi-rnvcfydcOjSazSAbPwX-QUZWPLIhtIncFYJShKFmt5kE9wOFCkvSzO_hL6wkkZ4b3qR7kO3iWM4Q/s320/SD536209.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<i> </i> <i>So how long are their necks, anyway?</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmEdNT3btTaqYRBpNbsFDiCUySgGeb2C3l07WRpvKQ-a2nFU2qX9rsvI7inC3zYo1ClJYKv0Xqrf0bcdhgxGuHeMfrx8ElnDh4N97yi7DwKvWdCVdVtmdraVT7a28_DzBa61NDQ/s1600/SD536205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmEdNT3btTaqYRBpNbsFDiCUySgGeb2C3l07WRpvKQ-a2nFU2qX9rsvI7inC3zYo1ClJYKv0Xqrf0bcdhgxGuHeMfrx8ElnDh4N97yi7DwKvWdCVdVtmdraVT7a28_DzBa61NDQ/s400/SD536205.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<i> When in doubt... add another one!</i></div>
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I do this... I take forever to get started on something, and I quite often abandon projects without giving them a further thought, mid-stitch or stroke. Ignoring them blithely for weeks, months, even years on end. Then one day... they resurface and give birth to a myriad of inspired pieces without further ado. It's "part of my process..."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYLX5k4S6xNCvXY1075XZ21_Y4EA8879p7GVAmbjyZSVlTJoLLI0Lvx3IxnWQdsr79OSSRDPlZHdudJ5up_32temEH5GxnX3VA87DBvQ74lAMSThWG2gEAUWdWnFPlZhM3XQ2uyA/s1600/SD536202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYLX5k4S6xNCvXY1075XZ21_Y4EA8879p7GVAmbjyZSVlTJoLLI0Lvx3IxnWQdsr79OSSRDPlZHdudJ5up_32temEH5GxnX3VA87DBvQ74lAMSThWG2gEAUWdWnFPlZhM3XQ2uyA/s400/SD536202.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>"Just checkin' in..."</i></div>
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Anyhow, today I sat outside on the deck in the sunshine and started my Year of the Giraffe... I will, as I have with everything in my life, go at my own pace, doing things in my own way. And I will learn, and enjoy and be inspired again... and again... you see, it's part of my process!<br />
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What's your part of the process?<br />
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<br />Shena Meadowcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15851623544915474662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23970105.post-61865843617489010632013-04-01T18:31:00.000-07:002013-04-01T18:31:38.304-07:00Picking weeds for supperI spent last Saturday having a wonderful time with an amazing group of women led by Heather Macleod teaching the second month of my <a href="http://stonecircleherbfarm.com/" target="_blank">"A year of Healing with West Coast Herbs" </a>course. I'll write about it in more detail later, but tonight on the way back from the beach I thought I would pick some young dandelion leaves to put in my salad. The search led me to some Pepper Cress... and there right beside it I found some Miner's Lettuce! Lo and behold in searching for more I soon came across some Chickweed... and suddenly I had a bunch of nutritious, tasty, mineral filled greens for my supper...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaLEL3pnZJGOOdv1GKNZbcdEqzBPS5tjZAWYiChpg3rRZlXxoONA-sbCDhNDtJfiCc2Wrj73mlMbshCTX33bZIBPcSZactMTKovvpOhPQVQCr7weLIIIgNdi6FtT4sHHr6bsX0Q/s1600/SD536188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaLEL3pnZJGOOdv1GKNZbcdEqzBPS5tjZAWYiChpg3rRZlXxoONA-sbCDhNDtJfiCc2Wrj73mlMbshCTX33bZIBPcSZactMTKovvpOhPQVQCr7weLIIIgNdi6FtT4sHHr6bsX0Q/s320/SD536188.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Last night we had steamed nettles with olive oil, pepper and grated Asiago cheese... I could get used to this wild crafting and eating!<br />
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<br />Shena Meadowcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15851623544915474662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23970105.post-50424996480033379212013-04-01T16:10:00.002-07:002013-04-08T15:47:08.959-07:0020 Steps Outside my DoorI have decided to continue with the theme of <a href="http://byshena.blogspot.ca/2013/04/20-steps-outside-my-door.html" target="_blank">last week's blog photo challenge</a>, here is another world I found when stepping outside my door, here on Mudge Island which is my home... my world, for another week.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWVf8YksVz1-ZdpyjOW39b2AOLAzrCJIlW2EwSpVqhn3zC9LhfxWpzwIamMRDzV9dODUZ4WQ8a2F8Q-4yh4hDwfg58JdYO7SJnHBT4BOxu7pRWjSGNRFhG2uPIYAcMMrCAntwtg/s1600/SD536140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWVf8YksVz1-ZdpyjOW39b2AOLAzrCJIlW2EwSpVqhn3zC9LhfxWpzwIamMRDzV9dODUZ4WQ8a2F8Q-4yh4hDwfg58JdYO7SJnHBT4BOxu7pRWjSGNRFhG2uPIYAcMMrCAntwtg/s400/SD536140.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
...<br />
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<i>"There is another world,</i></div>
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<i>But it is in this one."</i></div>
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- William Butler Yates</div>
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Here are some of the other bloggers doing the same challenge... why not check them out!</div>
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<a href="http://www.nvalentine.blogspot.ca/2013/04/20-steps-outside-my-door_1.html" target="_blank">Nicole Valentine</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ourtreehousedesigns.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Mixed Metal Mimi </a></div>
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<a href="http://amywaldmansmith.blogspot.ca/2013/03/20-steps-from-my-door.html" target="_blank">Amy Waldman-Smith</a> </div>
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<a href="http://zuludogk9services.zenfolio.com/blog/2013/3/20-steps" target="_blank">Ken Miner</a> </div>
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Shena Meadowcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15851623544915474662noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23970105.post-65851513510434363822013-03-28T13:33:00.005-07:002013-03-28T13:47:09.586-07:00A Year of Healing with West Coast HerbsA little over a month ago Tony and I were at our local library and I noticed that there was a Herb Talk beginning shortly. The speaker was Heather Macleod, the wonderful teacher who I spent evenings with in her home last winter <a href="http://shenameadowcroft.blogspot.ca/2012/01/natures-healing-herbs.html" target="_blank">for a series of talks</a> about the healing properties of herbs. Tony and I decided to stay for her talk. We had a wonderful evening and, before I knew it, two days later I was attending the first in a year long series of workshops designed to learn about, identify, harvest and process 50 wild plants of the West Coast of Canada.<br />
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One of my life-long dreams has been to <a href="http://byshena.blogspot.ca/2013/01/making-connection.html" target="_blank">connect more fully with the land</a> and learn how to treat and feed myself, my family and later on, those in need. And here it was, opening up for me. And I remember: Good things take time... Great things happen like lightening.<br />
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Each month, we learn about new plants, go on a walk to identify them, learn when to harvest them for their strongest properties, and how to do so ethically to ensure their continued growth for future generations.<br />
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We learn to dry and store them for later use, making teas, infusions or decoctions.<br />
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During the month we harvest our own plants and then learn how to process them into tinctures, salves or creams at the next class.<br />
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The last week I have spent foraging to gather what I need for this weekend's class. I head off into the forest, savouring the fresh earth smalls all around me, the dappled sunlight on my body, the breeze in my hair. I marvel at the sheer glory that nature reveals when we take a moment to pause, and wander, and appreciate. An hour or two passes. Unnoticed. I am where I belong. At home with myself.<br />
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<br />Shena Meadowcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15851623544915474662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23970105.post-72157323436624195302013-03-25T23:34:00.001-07:002013-04-08T15:45:33.773-07:0020 Steps Outside my Door<div style="text-align: left;">
A couple of very talented artists, who belong to the same <a href="http://www.coastcollective.ca/">Artists Collective</a> that I do, have started their own blogger challenge and I thought it would be awesome to join them! (Thanks Nicole, for starting this, and Mimi, for inviting me to play along!)<br />
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One day every week I will take 20 steps outside my door and take a photo of something.<br />
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For the next couple of weeks, I am house sitting on Mudge Island, a tiny island accessible only by a very small boat from Gabriola Island, which is a larger island accessible by a bigger boat from Vancouver Island, which itself is a considerably larger island which... well you get the idea... every time I take a boat to a smaller island, I step into another world.<br />
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So, I thought it fitting that I would start with this photo and quote.</div>
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<i>"There is another world,</i></div>
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<i>But it is in this one."</i></div>
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- William Butler Yates</div>
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Can you guess what the photo is, and who might live there?</div>
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Please visit other "20 Steps Outside my Door"</div>
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<a href="http://www.nvalentine.blogspot.ca/">N Valentine Studio</a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.ourtreehousedesigns.blogspot.ca/">Mixed Metal Mini</a></div>
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Shena Meadowcrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15851623544915474662noreply@blogger.com4