I have come upon some milestones in my life as a parent. My youngest daughter just turned 5 and finished pre-school, and my son just turned 10 and is about to embark on an out-of-state journey sans parentals.

The ceremonies of the birthday candles being blown out, and the procession and songs of the graduation ceremony mark these milestones with nice little rituals. But it is the camera’s flash that shocks me awake to the passage of time–each click capturing snapshots of my children as whole and capable human beings.

I am breathless. They are works of art. Who created them?

I have played only a small part. This realization sinks in subtly as my heart is softened by a trickle of tears.

I know all parents with grown children have survived these seasons. I also know it is just the beginning of a series of realizations that, yes, these little thunderclouds are not mine; they belong to life. I can only hope to be the best mother possible–to know when to act, what to say(or not say), and how to let go.

This TED Talk by Ric Elias titled “3 things I learned while my plane crashed,” offers inspiration and a poignant message for parents and humans of all kinds:

I recently received praise from a man at the coffee shop about my amazing children—their beauty, manners, vocabulary, personality…and the man who was complimenting them said, “Good job, Mom.”

“Thank you,” I replied. But I didn’t have time to tell him…

There are so many people who make up an endless web of support for my life as a mother, contributing time, financial support, taking my children on adventures, giving our family a borrowed cup of milk or sugar when we don’t have time to run to the store, a mug of coffee for a boost, wine for lunch (kidding), band-aids, birthday presents, laughs, and the ultimate gift of seeing my children in a different way that draws out new aspects of their potential.

It’s like Thich Nhat Hanh’s quote in his book, Peace is Every Step, “If you are a poet, you will see clearly that there is a cloud floating in this sheet of paper.” He is describing the interbeing-ness of all things.

The borrowed cup of milk came from a cow that was birthed by a mother cow that was fed by a farmer who was fed by his mother who was sustained by an endless interconnected web of love and support…

“I understand that it is necessary not to understand in order to understand the mystery of what must remain unknown…” -Toby Lurie

Understand?

Last night a lightning storm lit the whole sky–endless horizontal singes and long branching sparks electrifying a big bank of blue-gray clouds. I couldn’t “figure it out.” I tried to catch each lightning flash in my reasoning mind and predict the thunder that would follow. But there were so many flashes that I couldn’t keep up. I couldn’t define each flash with my eyes, I didn’t have time to count numbers in my mind. I couldn’t calculate the meaning of each bolt or the crash.

Just like I can’t predict what will happen in a day, find definite meaning to events, or make sense of life and death. I finally gave up and breathed in, letting the storm happen over my head (as if I had any control in the first place). I let the storm ride out while I sat feeling it all. Then the rain came down.

Today the morning sun shines on a fat pink rose.

~In loving memory of Dyal Singh Khalsa~

How many of you are keeping up on your New Year’s resolution on going to the gym, knocking out some fitness goals or dropping a few pounds? Don’t worry, it was a rhetorical question! Search within you!

I thought we’d all enjoy this video called “Don’t Be That Guy at the Gym”!

Happy workouts!

If you came here hoping for architectural information on Wood Bridges, I’m sorry, there won’t be any information here on that. BUT — you will find some fun with this Robert Mondavi wine! I personally think my Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi blog post is better than real wood bridges, but I’m not an architect!

Enter
Robert Mondavi
Woodbridge By Robert Mondavi Sweet White

I normally don’t review white wines here, mostly because I’m selfish and I figure if I’m going to buy my own wine – it’s going to be a red I enjoy. This white wine came to me from the wonderful PR people that work with Robert Mondavi Wines, so it was basically like the universe telling me “Try White Wine”. So listening to the universe whispers as Oprah Winfrey suggests … I dug my cork screw in and popped the cork on this one!

I’m certainty glad I did! This wine has a suggested retail price of $7.99/bottle which allows you to pick this up for your everyday white wine fix! While this wine boasts on it’s label that it’s a sweet wine, don’t worry, it’s not overly sweet; it’s just the right amount of sweet for a summer white wine!

Bringing us a blend of Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Viognier, and Verdelho, this wine exudes bright citrus flavors of orange blossom, and grapefruit. I taste a little green apple in this one and find that it’s not tart on the tongue and softly mellows out for a smooth finish. Pairing this wine with some salty cheeses and fruits are recommended. Also recommended is pairing this with some spicy food.

But exactly what kind of food? … guess what?? I have got a suggestion! How about Spicy Crab and Corn Croquettes with a Curry Dipping Sauce? Yeeessss….!

Spicy Crab & Corn Croquettes Recipe

1 Cup just add water cornbread mix
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
2 (6 oz.) cans crabmeat, diced
1-2 teaspoons canned chipotles in adobo, chopped
1 egg
3/4 cup onions, finely chopped
1/2 cup panko
1 teaspoon sea salt
Vegetable oil (for frying)

In a medium mixing bowl, combine cornbread mix, 1/2 teaspoon curry powder, crabmeat, chipotles, egg and 3/4 cup oinons, panko, and salt. In a small bowl, whisk together all dipping sauce indgredients. In medium saucepan, heat oil to 320 – 330 degrees. Oil should be 1.5 inches deep. Working in batches, carefully drop bite-size spoonfuls of batter into oil. Fry until golden and cooked through, 1-1.5 minutes. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon; transfer to paper towels. Serve hot with dipping sauce.

Curry Dipping Sauce Recipe

1 egg yolk
3 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 tablespoon agave
1/4 cup onions, finely chopped
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
Salt to taste

So now that I’ve given you this great recipe … who is ready to invite me over for wine, dinner and great conversation!?!? Tell you what! I’ll bring the wine!

What do you think of this wine? Have you tried it? Used it for a wine spritzer or white wine sangria? Would love to hear your thoughts!

Long Series #1064 by Stephan B. MacInnis (from the art trade)

I have just completed an international trade–one of the most satisfying trades of all my life. I traded art with an artist from Canada. We had found each other through WordPress, went through a back and forth process, came to a trade agreement and shipped each other pieces of abstract art across borders.

This little transaction has made me realize the power of the internet in a down to earth and thrilling way. Ah! The power of connecting over great distances and sharing visual treasures, audio gems and inspiring ideas. Double Ah! The power of sending analog material via the POSTAL SYSTEM. It’s so mind-blowing how we can drop a package in the mail and it can end up halfway around the world.

I haven’t received any handmade matter in the mail for a very long time, let alone Art—with real paint, brush marks, texture and soul all laid down on authentic paper. The internet has made mailing most communication obsolete. And sadly, we are missing out on that magical feeling of receiving a real package from a real person, made from their real hands and delivered by a human mail carrier.

I encourage you to make a trade. Trade a doodle, a small painting, a collage, a purse, a 7-inch record, a typed poem, a handwritten recipe, a scarf, a puppet, pottery, …and send it out. Send it out! And feel the magic!

You could add a link to your website or tagline in your email signature about your desire to trade–like Delanie Holton-Fessler, who has a link to “Barter” on her artist website.

We spend so much time online making a plethora of quasi-connections that, at the end of the day, can leave us feeling disconnected and more strange than ever. This simple act of trading art across borders has made me feel reconnected to humanity.

Do you trade things you make? What have you traded? What was your experience?

Photo: Long Series #1064 by Stephen B. MacInnis

Orange Bubble Print, Traded for handmade kid play pants

Delanie Holton-Fessler creates abstract works on paper that combine watercolor and printmaking techniques echoing the natural and urban landscape. Her work is the result of an intuitive process of layering colored washes and marks created from a brush, stencil or everyday objects like bottle caps and spools of thread.

Besides being a brilliant artist, what is particularly intriguing about Delanie Holton-Fessler is her active bartering. On her artist website she has a link to Barter in which she clearly outlines her bartering policies. Based on the principle that “people and relationships are more important than money,” her bartering wish list includes food, cloth diapers, car maintenance, painting services, eyeglasses, seeds, bedside tables, wine glasses, and…

There’s going to be a lot more bartering going on. It makes sense based on the simple fact that so many people are struggling financially. Things are falling apart, really. (My family went through a layoff last year.) Barter transactions will become increasingly common as we transition into a more heart-centered world. Barter is more than trade. It is an exchange of energy and it makes sense.

Watercolor on paper, by Delanie Holton-Fessler (from the 100 Days series)

As a mother of two, full-time elementary school art teacher working at one of the city’s poorer schools, and a highly transparent blogger for Drawing a Blank, the Denver, CO based artist is truly inspiring. During her 100 Days series, she created one amazing piece of art everyday for 100 days. This level of commitment alone is remarkable.

Current exhibition: Hooked on Colfax (3213 E. Colfax Avenue • Denver, Colorado)

WEB: http://www.delanieholton.com
BLOG: Drawing a Blank http://delanieholton.wordpress.com/
EMAIL: art@delanieholton.com

As a child, no one ever explained to me the symbolism related to the Easter holiday. I didn’t really get the whole Jesus thing. We went to church and I remember “on the third day He rose again.” But having no clue how the Easter bunny tied into the God talk (is Pastor John actually the Easter bunny or is he God or BOTH???).

As an adult, in the Easter of 2005, I received a lovely lecture from one of my teachers at my yoga training near the Sand Dunes in southern Colorado. It was about sacred mathematics, the cross, the intersection of the divine with the flesh, and somehow it all tied together with the Resurrection and Jesus and it made me have an epiphany.

We do come into this life with the ability to resurrect. It is a combo pack of strong desire, prayer and surrender (the surrender part is key). I am not religious, but definitely live in awe and wonder at the strangeness and amazing-ness of life. I have hit rock bottom and have been reborn out of that darkness.

Watching my two children in their lightness and innocence, I see how when we are young, life lives through us just fine. Growing, changing, exploring, and dreaming. Then somewhere along the way as adults, due to fear, painful experiences, beliefs, and the annoying habit of Thinking we lose our pliability and natural surrender.

But that’s what Easter is for. To remind us that no matter how long the night, the sun will rise; that even if it’s super dark, the light will return; even if we feel like crap, we will feel better. In Zen Buddhism: This too shall pass.

In yogic philosophy: “Guru” is the eternal teacher within. In a very basic translation, “Gu” means darkness and “Ru” means light. Guru = that which delivers us from darkness to light.

It’s all same-same: just as the winter kills, so will the spring come and bring the flowers. Just as the bunny dies, so will Jesus return with the basket of eggs.

A kinda cool video about sacred geometry

image: ehow: How to Weave an Easter Basket Out of Construction Paper

I just watched this TED Talk by Brené Brown called, “The power of vulnerability.” The talk is wonderful and I highly recommend taking the 20 minutes to listen to the heartfelt, funny and genius presentation.

Brown’s talk delivers real insight into vulnerability and how, although it might feel scary and yucky (and is even yucky to say), it is a necessary part of being in relationship with others, feeling compassion, and taking risks in this life. Her talk also touched on how and why we chose to numb out in different ways when life has felt like it’s too much to handle.

The real gift I got from this talk was in relationship to being an artist out in the world.  Sharing things I create feels really crazy when it comes down to actually putting it out there. I feel extremely vulnerable and gross just before an art opening or install—disgusted and fearful that everyone will laugh, will wonder, “who does she think she is?”

I realize that everyone who ever shares anything in this world is accepting their vulnerability, and if no one ever let themselves be vulnerable, there would never be any art created or books written or any kind of real expression of the Self. Period. Maybe vulnerability is God-juice–the sticky elixir that coats all things human and deems them real and alive.

How do you let your self be vulnerable? What grand idea or creation is waiting to be expressed through you?