Peace.

Although I am going through this terrible divorce that tore apart my family, I am finally finding peace again. I had to redefine what a family is to me and learn that my "family" will NEVER leave me and that I can find so much peace in that. My journey has been so hard but I can't tell you how grateful I am for every step. Good and bad. I have been quiet in the last year. I find it better not to vent my angry and ugly emotions on a public blog...and there have been lots of ups and downs. In this new year....the word "tribe" was whispered in my ear one morning. I KNOW that this word will have a lot of meaning for me in the new year...it already has. I just want you all to know how much I treasured the thoughts of kindness that were sent to me and the words of encouragement given to me in the last two years...the days when I felt paralyzed and the tears didn't stop flowing. The kindness given to me when I couldn't give anything in return....I am so grateful and thankful. xoxo

The first piece in 2012

Just a quick pop in to say hi and catch up. I promise to write more soon.:) xo

Rubbish: Creations made from mostly paper!

Despite the 70 degree weather today...it is starting to feel like the Christmas season. I have been working on new stuff I am really excited about and looking forward to adding more.:)

Fall Shows!!!

I really, really LOVE Lani's painting!! I am proud owner of a hex sign and box!!!

Lani's scarves and her hand painted tree skirts.:)
My booth.





OK, Here it is, November already!! I am FINALLY getting back to creating again. Here are a bunch of pictures of some new things and a show that one of my

'bestest" and extremely talented friends in the whole world did together. It was so much fun!!! Lani does the most wonderful hex signs made from old barn wood that she found on her own property, woolen goods such as pillows and felted purses and beautiful scarves. She is an amazing quilter and seamstress. Her house is inspiring and amazing. We are both going through similar situations in are lives and are learning to spread our wings together.:) Also, I am looking to do some more shows if anyone kindly thinks that some of my wares would fit into any shows you know of, please I would LOVE to know and meet some kindred spirits. I have two sick kids home today on the couch. We have been going through lots of tissues the past few days. :) But, we have already had our first big snow and I am inspired to make some Christmas ornaments!!! Hopefully, I will be a more faithful blogger soon!!!! xo

Roses, Radishes,Rubbish and a redo

I am in a flurry to FINALLY take the step to put a few things up on etsy. I promised to have Forgettn Friends Friday and I still will. This will take some pressure off of me so even if I only list one item on Fridays my shop will be stocked a bit. Working on some personal art and it feels great!!! After listing the teddy bear and puppy painting I realized I wasn't happy with it. I painted in the background a bit and added a border. I felt like the toys seemed to blend into the background too much. Also, my camera is a struggle and I am taking my pictures outdoors and they seem to be sharper. So, taking a deep breath and stepping ahead. :)

Who am I?

This was the question posed for week one of the Chopra Center's 21 days of meditation. To kick off the event, I did a little personal retreat reflecting on the question. This is a finger labyrinth. You pose a question at the beginning of the labyrinth and follow your finger along the winding path. Through prayer and meditation and in your own stillness, it helps to center you in prayer. I have found great comfort in walking a full size labyrinth as well as using a finger labyrinth. I will use this labyrinth for the question, "who am I?," only. I have made others for general use as well. Here is what I ended up with. If you would like to "try out" this labyrinth, click on the very last picture to enlarge and use your mouse to follow the path. Find some quiet time so you can concentrate and open up to the possibilities. I would love to hear your experience if you give it a try. :)

I guess I am no longer afraid to admit that my heart is broken, tattered, torn and ripped apart but I am also completely open now and ready to heal. The first one represents where I feel like I am right now. The second is the building of many new layers in my life through the guidance of God and the universe. The last is where I want to be in the future after the 21 days. I am working on samples for several spiritual retreat workshops and on Sept. 22 I will share my mandala technique with cancer survivors and I cant wait. I have an amazing artist friend who will be teaching a collaborative workshop. If you are interested in our process just "friend" me on Facebook under Amy Derubis. I have tons of pictures under the title, Mandala Workshop. As always I am grateful that you take the time to visit my blog. :) xo

Cooling Down!!

Finally, some cool weather has arrived and I am busily working on some new stuff. Somehow I uploaded the same picture three times and I can't figure out how to get rid of the extras! Sorry about that.:) xo PS..Thanks, Suz for the help!! The extra pictures are now gone.:)