June 13th, 2010
Photo – Courtesy of Casa Dresden
“Let us start our process of reawakening with just a few simple concepts: Thoughts increase by being given away. – The more who believe in them the stronger they become. Everything is an idea.” – A Course In Miracles
The questions and “yes buts” are coming through loud and clear, along with the judgments. Forgive it Forward is NOT a radical idea it seems – it’s a CRAZY idea!
How do we forgive what we don’t know?
WELL …
How do we spend money we don’t have?
We may have to go back a few generations on this one but if our ancestors saw us swiping a little piece of plastic to pay for a dinner instead of using cash they would have thought we were insane. AND, if they knew we were all doing that on faith that we would have the money to cover that swipe at some undetermined point in the future?
Need I say more?
And yet, extending credit based on future gains opened the door to a more gracious lifestyle shared by a larger mass of people. Luxuries reserved for the wealthy in our ancestors’ day are now available to most any workingman and woman – as well as the non-working man and woman (and teenager) who manage to attain a credit card.
How did we pull off that idea? We all agreed to it.
We’ve extended WELL into the future with credit, why NOT with forgiveness? Forgiveness certainly won’t bite us in the !#@! like our recent economic crunch Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: forgive it forward, forgiveness
Posted in Forgive it Forward: LETS TALK | 11 Comments »
June 11th, 2010
“When most people think of forgiveness they look to the past. Past events. Past people. Past gripes. Forgiving the PAST is a lot of work. Tedious work. Painful work. So, it’s easy to see why we tend to push it to the back of the closet to be sorted and dealt with another time.”
When I think about issues of forgiveness, I think about clutter clearing and closet counseling sessions with clients. For those of you who don’t know, closet counseling is what happens after we unearth a challenge from a closet, attic, garage or basement. A deer-frozen-in-the-headlights gaze generally announces this challenge, at which point clutter clearing shifts to counseling with “tell me about this” followed by “how is this serving you?” and ending with “are you ready to release or reactivate this?”
We can pack a lot into the darkened recesses of closets – and memories. Stuff attached to hopes, dreams, disappointments, frustrations, judgments, resentments, guilt, fear … That entails a lot of work and why many people cannot do it alone. It’s overwhelming.
So, I’m stepping out of the closet now. Lets talk about forgiveness.
What if we gave forgiveness a break from being the clean-up crew? If we let Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: forgive it forward, forgiveness, relationships
Posted in Forgive it Forward: LETS TALK | 13 Comments »
June 11th, 2010
Title: The Journey of the Red Umbrella
Muse: Ray Smith
Gift Giveaways: Fine art giclee print of pastel painting with double matt. Image size is: 7 x 9 3/4 • Matt size is: 11 x 14
Muse-Creations for Our Forgive it Forward Giveaway – Because forgiveness and creativity go hand-in-hand for us, Ray and I thought it would be fun to spice up our 35-day Forgive It Forward project with a focus on the arts. So, we sent a call out to the muses among us for a little assist and some inspiration.
Between June 14th and July 19th, we introduced artists, sculptors, potters, musicians – and more – who forgave it forward with us by donating a gift for a random drawing giveaway.
Ray and I asked each muse to answer two questions and share with us a little bit about their creative process and passion. We hope they will inspire you.
Obviously this muse post is going to be treated just a little differently … Ray says he has to do his part to represent the guys being that all the muses who stepped forward for our forgiveness project were women. Well, except for Andy Irwin who is a singer-songwriter-storyteller-performer. He offered a CD in the first ‘call for all muses’ but we haven’t been able to catch up with him since!!! (As for all the other guys, don’t worry. Ray forgives you forward!)
Let’s start with a few words from Ray about his gift:
Architecture that reveals a history, that tells a story through distinctive texture and character inspires me. I found inspiration for this painting in Savannah, GA, a city rich with these qualities and in my memories of Savannah as the place Bernadette and I chose for our first artist escape after the experience described in her book.
The young character ‘journeyed’ from a previous pastel I had done for her. The human form always introduces a distinct energy to any painting. The raincoat and red umbrella are rich in spiritual metaphors and I love the anonymous innocence and questions this character brings to this piece.
Then let’s go to a few words from Ray about his creative process: Okay, we copped this copy from his gallery page. We knew you’d forgive us forward for not writing something new.
In 1965, after completing my Christmas shopping, I came upon an art store and found myself just standing and gazing in the window. I followed the impulse inside and walked out with $50.00 worth of basic art supplies. That New Years Eve I sat alone and drew my first pictures. I will never forget the experience of following my creative instinct. That new way of seeing the world around me led down many creative paths but did not honor my true nature as a fine artist. I was always at the party but never took the floor. Now, to dance with Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: art, art therapy, forgive it forward, forgiveness, Ray's Art
Posted in Muses Among Us | 21 Comments »
June 11th, 2010
Art Form: Jewelry
Muse: Anandi Devi
Gift Giveaway: A single angel wing dangles from each earring surrounded by hand-curled wire. Silver feathers drip from chains adorned with clear quartz crystals … Find dimensions and description of this prize on Anandi’s etsy page.
Muse-Creations for Our Forgive it Forward Giveaway – Because forgiveness and creativity go hand-in-hand for us, Ray and I thought it would be fun to spice up our 35-day Forgive It Forward project with a focus on the arts. So, we sent a call out to the muses among us for a little assist and some inspiration.
Between June 14th and July 19th, we introduced artists, sculptors, potters, musicians – and more – who forgave it forward with us by donating a gift for a random drawing giveaway.
Ray and I asked each muse to answer two questions and share with us a little bit about their creative process and passion. We hope they will inspire you.
Artisan: Anandi Devi
I’m a nomadic jeweler, a hoop-dancing healer, a feral fashion designer, a Jill of all trades, a worshipper of the One. I live and love in Florida with my loving partner Keith and our two cats.
Exaltation is my favorite project because it’s all about using gnosis and the gifts of the land (crystals, stones, metals) together to create something both beautiful and powerfully healing.
I love experimenting with all the gifts for ascension that we have been given to play with on this planet: Healing tones like Solfeggio Frequencies and binaural beats … Astrology and how to use both natal and transiting planetary positions as a guide for spiritual growth … Nutrition and the path of sanctifying the body temple through the highest quality raw living foods, herbs, water, air and sunshine … Feng Shui and how to see and Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: forgive it forward, forgiveness, jewelry, upcycling
Posted in Muses Among Us | 9 Comments »
June 11th, 2010
Art Form: Music
Singer-Songwriter: Cindi Hall
Gift Giveaways: CD, “Sleepin’ with the Window Open”
Muse-Creations for Our Forgive it Forward Giveaway – Because forgiveness and creativity go hand-in-hand for us, Ray and I thought it would be fun to spice up our 35-day Forgive It Forward project with a focus on the arts. So, we sent a call out to the muses among us for a little assist and some inspiration.
Between June 14th and July 19th, we introduced artists, sculptors, potters, musicians – and more – who forgave it forward with us by donating a gift for a random drawing giveaway.
Ray and I asked each muse to answer two questions and share with us a little bit about their creative process and passion. We hope they will inspire you.
Cindi Hall: Singer-Songwriter
Music has been a constant in Cindi Hall’s life. While other little girls were carrying around baby dolls, Cindi could always be seen holding a small microphone that came with her parents’ portable cassette player, the first piece of equipment used to record her voice.
Cindi grew up listening to her dad and uncles play guitar as her mom sang along. That family hobby turned into a college curriculum for Cindi, who studied music therapy, voice and classical piano at Radford University and Averett University in Virginia.
Active in her church music program and community musical theatre, the Covington, Georgia singer-songwriter has just released her first full CD, “Sleepin’ with the Window Open.”
So, tell us Cindi …
R&B: What does ‘Forgive it Forward’ mean to you?
CH: Forgive It Forward means, for me, to first forgive myself. That is not easy for some of us. Many people find it difficult to let go of past mistakes. Showing kindness to yourself puts you in the mindset of realizing most people really are just Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: forgive it forward, forgiveness, music
Posted in Muses Among Us | 8 Comments »
June 11th, 2010
Title: Healing Grace
Artist: Kerry Allor
Gift Giveaway: A butterfly lifts off this matted print of mixed media artwork created by Kerry, a 13-year cancer survivor who knows a lot about healing grace. 8 x 10 image size.
Muse-Creations for Our Forgive it Forward Giveaway – Because forgiveness and creativity go hand-in-hand for us, Ray and I thought it would be fun to spice up our 35-day Forgive It Forward project with a focus on the arts. So, we sent a call out to the muses among us for a little assist and some inspiration.
Between June 14th and July 19th, we introduced artists, sculptors, potters, musicians – and more – who forgave it forward with us by donating a gift for a random drawing giveaway.
Ray and I asked each muse to answer two questions and share with us a little bit about their creative process and passion. We hope they will inspire you.
Kerry Allor: A Multi Media Artist
Kerry Allor is an artist, photographer and cancer survivor who produces her art under the name of Hopesrising Studio. She graduated from CCS (Center for Creative Studies) in Detroit majoring in Advertising Design. Her home studio is based in Roseville, Michigan where she resides with her husband and two sons.
So, tell us Kerry …
R&B: How do you feel art enriches your life and helps to heal our world?
KA: For many years, I enjoyed doing artwork as an artist. When I found myself battling cancer that is when art as therapy entered the ‘picture’ and my life was changed. I have experienced the healing power of others as well as deep friendships through sharing art’s process. In taking art classes with a group of cancer patients through Gilda’s Club in Metro Detroit, I became a published artist Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: art, art therapy, forgiveness
Posted in Muses Among Us | 23 Comments »
June 11th, 2010
I HAVE A LITTLE CONFESSION HERE.
If you’ve spent any time in Ray’s gallery, you know his medium of choice is pastels. (Chalk, as some of you call it.) If you’ve seen any of his pieces “in person,” you also know that he paints with great deal of detail that is not typical among pastel artists and that his subtle way of layering pulls you energetically into his work. His fans say he is extraordinary at what he does and I agree. He says he has much to learn – that he has not yet mastered the “it” factor that he wants to experience with pastel.
So, when he said his muse was leading him to try his hand at oils, I thought “Why?” Well, actually it was not that simple and that is the confession part. It was more like, “Why the #@!&! would you want to start at the beginning with oils when you Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: art, Ray's Art
Posted in Art in the Making | 3 Comments »
June 11th, 2010
Muse-Creations for Our Forgive it Forward Giveaway
Because forgiveness and creativity go hand-in-hand for us, Ray and I thought it would be fun to spice up our 35-day Forgive It Forward Project with a focus on the arts. So, we sent a call out to the muses among us for a little assist and some inspiration.
Between June 14th and July 19th, 2010, we’ll post articles on artists, sculptors, potters, and musicians who are forgiving it forward with us by donating a gift for a random drawing giveaway.
All you have to do to be eligible to win is COMMENT on a “Muses Among Us,” “Forgive It Forward Giveaway,” or “Forgive it Forward: Lets Talk” post during the contest period.
The more posts you comment on the better your chances of winning!
- This ‘in-process’ Angel Puppy sculpture by Karla Zdroik of Kamansa Korner Studio is just one of the muse-creations that will be offered in our Forgive it Forward giveaway. Come back June 14th to see what this little guy looks like finished – as well as what all the other muses are creating!
Ray and I asked each muse what it means to them to Forgive it Forward and share with us a little bit about their personal creative process and passion. We hope they will inspire you. (And perhaps one of THEIR muse-creations will land in your home.) Good luck!
Click here to see the 3-minute video that started it all!
Contest is now over. Check back though … we may have another!!!!
CONTEST RULES:
• All you have to do to be eligible to win is comment on a “Muses Among Us” post or a specially designated “Forgive It Forward Giveaway” post during the contest period between June 14th and July 19th. Multiple chances to win. The more posts you comment on the better your chances of winning.
• You may comment as many times as you like on one post but only one comment per Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: art, contest, forgive it forward, forgiveness
Posted in Muses Among Us | 7 Comments »
June 11th, 2010
Pottery Vase
Potter: Jacquelyn Allen
Gift Giveaway: An empty vessel that needs the love of a human. A vase, to hold that which is precious or the liquid of your choice. (5 1/2″ high, 4 1/2″ wide at opening, 3 1/2″ wide at base)
Muse-Creations for Our Forgive it Forward Giveaway – Because forgiveness and creativity go hand-in-hand for us, Ray and I thought it would be fun to spice up our 35-day Forgive It Forward project with a focus on the arts. So, we sent a call out to the muses among us for a little assist and some inspiration.
Between June 14th and July 19th, we introduced artists, sculptors, potters, musicians – and more – who forgave it forward with us by donating a gift for a random drawing giveaway.
Ray and I asked each muse to answer two questions and share with us a little bit about their creative process and passion. We hope they will inspire you.
Jacquelyn Allen: Potter
So, tell us Jacquelyn …
R&B: What does “forgive it forward” mean to you?
JA: They say when a person starts the process of healing the soul we help the 7 generations before us and after us. What a wonderful motivation to know that the work I do on me, to be of better service to the G-d of my understanding so I reach my highest good, is also for those I love and will love. The energy created from this action is magnanimous and the healing possibilities endless.
R&B: How do you feel pottery enriches your life and helps to heal our world?
JA: I am a potter and the feeling of co-creating with mother earth is amazing. To take the earth and mix with water to come up with a substance that can be manipulated and molded into a piece of art that can not only be beautiful but also functional is Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: art, forgive it forward, forgiveness, pottery
Posted in Muses Among Us | 12 Comments »
June 11th, 2010
Art forms: Astrology & Aromatherapy
Muse: Shellie Enteen
Gift Giveaways: Astrology • One natal chart reading.
Aromatherapy • One custom blend consultation. (Includes the blend.)
Muse-Creations for Our Forgive it Forward Giveaway – Because forgiveness and creativity go hand-in-hand for us, Ray and I thought it would be fun to spice up our 35-day Forgive It Forward project with a focus on the arts. So, we sent a call out to the muses among us for a little assist and some inspiration.
Between June 14th and July 19th, we introduced artists, sculptors, potters, musicians – and more – who forgave it forward with us by donating a gift for a random drawing giveaway.
Ray and I asked each muse to answer two questions and share with us a little bit about their creative process and passion. We hope they will inspire you.
Shellie Enteen: Astrologer & Aromatherapist
Shellie Enteen, RA, BA, LMT has been a practicing astrologer for over 30 years and an Aromatherapist since 1987. She is the author of several articles for trade publications such as The Mountain Astrologer, The Aromatherapy Journal and Massage Today magazine (which can be viewed online). She teaches nationally approved continuing education classes for Massage Therapists and a Professional Level Aromatherapy course. Shellie has lectured for the South Florida Astrological Association and teaches healthy lifestyle classes in several holistic modalities in her current hometown of Greenville, South Carolina. View her monthly astrology forecast on her website www.astralessence.com.
So, tell us Shellie …
R&B: What does ‘Forgive it Forward’ mean to you?
SE: Forgive it Forward gives me the idea and feeling of recognizing that forgiveness is the only true response to events and circumstances in the world and in our lives and that we can choose in advance to forgive rather than condemn. It is a Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: aromatherapy, astrology, forgive it forward, forgiveness
Posted in Muses Among Us | 11 Comments »
