Embrace

December is here, with rain and grey skies in the Pacific Northwest. 

I'm again blessed with Tending Hearth for Maestra Shiloh Sophia's Power Creatives TV series, EMBRACE. Today's guest is Any Ahlers, of Mama Truth Circle.
In Shiloh's words, "power Creatives are edge dancers. Pattern makers and breakers. Mystics and Musés. Poets and Entrepreneurs. .... Gathering of great minds and hearts can shape the future." 

Support station

Each session begins with an hour "morning café," tea and contemplation, at no charge. The optional afternoon session is paid programming (scholarships available) with a project, and support in our online classroom. 
That online support is where I come in, checking in frequently, fielding questions, and stopping by the Red Thread Classroom over the next several days for continued encouragement. 

December also marks the official beginning of the Intentional Creativity Guild. I am delighted to be a Guild Member, and look forward to this new phase of our community. I dance with Color of Woman teachers around the world as journeywomen, sharing life enhancing creativity with those ready to Embrace transformation!

Happy PPF! 

Artists for Love

On Friday, I was the Heath Tender for Shiloh and Flora's Power Creatives TV EXPLORE, which was a wonderful offering! Women from around the world joined virtually for café, and then an afternoon of painting! With so many telling in the aftermath of the recent U.S.election, it was a much needed respite. 
Sepha and I set up in her dining room Atelier, and used 16x16" canvases, so we'd both fit at her dining room table!

Paint station

I was so please this morning to see this Journal 52 prompt and tutorial on a spread for standing with community and diversity! 

Art heals! 

Phoenix Rises

Explore with Shiloh Sophia and Flora Aube

Over the last 20+ years, Shiloh Sophia has been exploring intention, creativity, community and the divine feminine. Last summer, she added Power Creatives TV to her generous offerings. 

In 2014, shortly after being introduced to Shiloh's teachings through that life changing class with Elisabeth Friese-Mick, I found an online offering by one of the Color of Woman Graduates, Flora Aube - the Art of Allowing. You can read about my first painting with Flora Here & Here; & my second, firey Sekmet.

Sekmet

Over the next year, Flora continued to explore, develop, and to found her own school. Today, Shiloh and Flora will join forces, with a morning Cafe (free!) beginning at 10. In the afternoon, they will paint together (paid portion - scolorships available!) - what will emerge?? You can sign up for either or both on the Power Creatives TV site!!

Happy PPF 

2016 Graduation

I'm so proud of the 47 women from around the world who will graduate this weekend from the 2016 Color of Woman Teacher training, either in person, or virtually! I took the trek to California for graduation last year, and it was magical ! 
Sepha and I will join via computer, with classes Saturday, and the graduation ceremony taking place Sunday. And I'm proud of each of the 13 women who began the quest last spring, and have decided for whatever reason to take another path, they are all Sheroes!

With Carmen Baraka, 2015

Each of the graduates brings her own insights and creative voice to the teachings, and will share this method of creating with intention in her own community, and with the larger tribe. Some will teach in person, others virtually. Some work with horses for healing, some with youth, others with elders, with families, the variety is unlimited. 

80 women have already submitted applications for next year's training, and a number have been admitted, with others awaiting their phone interview with Shiloh, to see if this year's quest is a "match." (Registration may reopen early next year, if space is ) 

We are holding the Red Thread for each of them, as they hold it for us. 

We are blessed!

Sepha, Nadya and Shiloh 4/16

On the weekend, my daughter and I painted faces for a lovely school district Dios de los Muertos party that was a fundraiser for a safe grad night party at the end of the year! Two of her daughters danced "Thriller," and there were several cultural dance groups. The Azteca group was wonderful.

Painting my middle granddaughter's face

I did a little painting for the silent auction. Her blessing is protection and awareness of the issues surrounding the Water protectors at Standing Rock. One of my daughter's co-workers was the happy recipient.

Our Lady of the Shining Light

.

Sharing with Paint Party Friday 💞

PRISMs

Last week I attended a lovely organ concert as part of the 150th anniversary celebrations at our church. We have a marvelous pipe organ, and it was a treat to hear it in all its glory. During the concert, I found myself sketching on the program, something I've done since childhood (the best are those with lots of empty space!) 

PRISM in transition

A new "download" for PRISM was the result, and this week I brought some of that to the canvas. I've been enjoying watching the Wildheart Entrepreneurial series with host Shereen Sun (just begun, and free!!) I loved the first interviews with SARK and Dr. John Mills!!
Stirring their delightful interview, she identified the triad we deal with in varying degrees:

• Inner feelings
• Inner Critic
• Inner Wise one (Musé) 

PRISMatic Light Emerging

SARK suggests we identify and acknowledge our feelings when they arise, which can help us return to center more quickly than if we try to surpass them. Simply saying, "I see you, I hear you, I acknowledge you," invites softening and relief.

For the Inner Critic, she suggests reassignment. She called hers Scarcity Girl for some time, (critic did NOT like that!) 

So shifted to targeting to  Miss Preserver of Resources. Since California has been dealing with drought, SARK have Miss P. a new job assignment, to work for the State of California Water Bureau, and help out! If Miss P. pays SARK a visit, she is gently reminded of her (much!) more important job!! 

And of course we engage the wise Musé when we engage our creativity!

What's on your creative table this week? I'm continuing to play on the PRISMatic light, and prepare foot my weekend Playshop, Return to Innocence.

Happy blog challenge and PPF!

PRISMatic leadership

For the last several weeks, I've been engaged on a quest, utilizing the interface between quantum physics & intentional creativity to design and fuel leadership projects! This leadership lab with Shiloh Sophia & Jonathan Lewis is called PRISM, after the physical prism, which utilizes the angle of refraction, which "bends" white light into the visible short-term (colors of the rainbow). 

That angle is 42 Degrees, which is also: 'The Answer to the Great Question.... Of Life, the Universe and Everything... Is ... Forty-two,' said (the computer) Deep Thought, with infinite majesty and calm.' 
- Douglas Adams, the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Gallexy
 

PRISM beginnings

We've been working with colors, assigning properties to each (from several systems including chakras), with concepts associated with spirals in nature, in our solar system, on our galaxy and with inquiry, examining old paradigms and dominant World views. We generally operate out of these familiar frames, unless we get them conscious, and make a shift! 

Beloveds

So much of our work in Intentional Creativity is about just this bringing old stories conscious, and using creativity to make shifts; "changing stories, changing lives! Over the next several weeks, I'll continue this exploration, painting and writing, both on my canvas, and in a watercolor project book.

PrRISMatic Greens

What are you called to cause and create? What old stories have you been bringing to candidates? Are they ready to be composted?

~ Sharing as part of the Ultimate Blog Challenge ~

Into the Dark

On the weekend, my friend Sepha offered her two day workshop at a farmhouse retreat, what a wonderful way to spend a rainy weekend! We met the night before in the Wine Bar next to the studio for community, then moved into the studio for a little red Thread project.  
Saturday we went out to the refurbished turn-of the century farmhouse and set up for the weekend adventures. We brought soup and salad, tea and wine, and of course chocolate! 

Paint stations

Sepha's theme was Baba Yaga, "Fall is traditionally a time we look within. Sometimes we confront that shadow side, your Wild Woman. Learn how to embrace that dark place inside and use her teachings to open a new door in your conscious."

• What are some of the dark places coming forward for healing?
• What do you release to compost?
• What joys does this slow season bring?
• What gifts does your wise woman offer for your medicine Basket?
• What seeds are you saving, to plant in the spring?
• What treasures keep you cozy and warm?

My lady, "For a Breath I Tarry" (title from the poem by A.E. Hausman) WIP.

For a Breath I Tarry 

                           

First and Latest

Recently, Maestra Shiloh Sophia issued a challenge to post pictures of the first painting we did using Intentional Creativity methods, and the latest! I had just taken a workshop with one of the current Color of Woman teachers-in-training Tina Gain, and painted a sweet lady during her two day offering, "Caregiver, Heal Thyself!"

This seems a perfect time to reflect on that first class in February 2014, when I painted my "Musé of Creativity" Gabriela in a similar maiden voyage IC class, offered by my friend Elisabeth Freise-Mick. 

Gabriella, end of workshop

       At the end of class, (just one day!) Gabriela was still rather raw, and I later spent time developing her, filling her hair in, evening out her compassion, adding ribbons and details on her harp. 
       Elisabeth tried to get me to leave Gabriella "as is," as reference point for later work, but as an Artist, she felt unfinished! Several students have asked to see my early work, and now I see the value of keeping some ladies in a less finished state. 

Gabriella, Muse of Creativity

Star Song emerged out of the cosmos, during Tina's 10 hour workshop  weekend  (And yes, I'm still working on her!) I loved learning a new way of doing stars, and the appearance of her Dragon companion. I love the focus and depth of Intentional Creativity!

It is fun to view these ladies side by side, and see how my style and techniques have developed. Each carries a message of shining our light.

Star Song - 2016

Changing stories, changing lives

Do you feel the call to explore who you are, and share your unique gifts? Imagine gathering with a tribe of women who seek access to their own internal guidance system through creativity. Intentional Creativity is a process incorporating journaling, visualization and painting to develop deeper self awareness. In communities around the world, women gather with others to share these teachings and insights, joy, laughter, tears, and self discovery.

Hearts and Dragons

What stories run your life? What story is burning to be told? As we connect with our Musé, our creativity lights up, and the stories begin to align with our true essence. The voice of the Critic recedes into the background, and some of the things we always thought were true are seen as whispers and myths. 

When asked if they are creative, 95% of young children say 'YES!' ... by middle school, that's dropped to about half, and by late teens, only about 5% see themselves as creative! What changes? 

Sometimes it's a thoughtless comment or criticism, or a comparison with someone more 'talented.' In reality, Creativity is a birthright of all humans! In Intentional Creativity, the process is more valued than the 'product,' though chances are you - yes YOU - can create something that brings you and those around you pleasure and joy, and looks good to boot! And like any other 'muscle,' the more we create, the more skillful we become. 

And ... then there's the intention!!

Our friend and fellow teacher, Bejeweled Baroness Elizabeth Gibbons writes, "By creating with intention, we create a cosmic portal, a quantum field where we can explore our potential and possibilities. We shine the divine light of our higher self into the darkness of our shadow self. We are able to heal and integrate all aspects of our psyche and to access a miracle field, the space between the thoughts where our divine spark lives."

Intentional Creativity exercise: Take a few deep breaths, and ask yourself 'what am I passionate about?' What upsets me - what brings me joy? Take out a pen and begin writing ... you can use a simple composition book, or fancier art journal - or .... write. Write what comes to mind. Write fast & all over the page - cross your word with others, change colors .... 
Take several minutes with this process, then write a simple prompt or prayer - asking for information on the exploration, 'show me... help me ... guide me ... give me insights' 

The next step is to smear gesso or paint over the page. I like to mix in a couple of colors - perhaps just putting dabs on the page, and spread with a junk 'credit card' (save those from your junk mail!) If the paper's thin, you may want to glue a couple of pages together. 
Let the gesso or paint dry, then begin to doodle with oil pastels or paint on the paper ... play with the texture of the paper. You may want to trace your hand, or draw circles and sprials. Just play with the paper, & let the feelings transform. 

FireKeeper, Owl Woman

Welcome to the Creative Heart! The collective will embrace, applaud, and celebrate you and the unique gifts you bring to share. We delve deep and shapeshift with laughter, connection, and joy (blessed with glitter, and a bit of dark chocolate!)

Journey with the Woman who Journied

Today is the Feast Day of Mary Magdalene, 'the most sought after female messenger of the last 2000 years.' My teacher Shiloh Sophia will be joined by her guest Kayleen Asbo for a day of ritual, story & painting, followed by a 22 day novena with chants, rituals & prayers. Not able to join today? You can still register for the class, & paint when you're able. 

One Magdalene devotee writes, "Mary TRAVELLED! She didn't just sit around in one

Mary of Magdala

place, there are stories throughout Southern France, Languodoc & Provance, of her journies, her presence, the sacred objects she carried & her teachings." Of all the disciples, she is likely to have continued her ministry the longest, over 30 years! 

Mary's gospel was rediscovered in the last century, & is finally available in print. Her main message? Peace & loving kindness! She was well educated, & is likely to have helped fund Jesus' ministry.
Through our art and stories, Mary is still on her healing journey - Is she calling you?  

Mary is called the 'Apostle to the Apostles,' & was the first to share Jesus' message with the other disciples. This year, Pope Francis declared her day an official feast day, and the role of women in the early days of the church is being recognized more frequently. 

I first painted Mary with Shiloh in 2014, & my friend Lora is offering online-support for this class.  I've written several posts on Mary of Magdala, beginning with that first online class, & the most recent, in March of this year. (you can find all the links by clicking on 'Mary Magdalene in the sidebar) 

My current 'Work in Process' is Diva-X, uncoiling! It will be fun to see how she evolves - I've reclaimed a $7.50 canvas from Goodwill, that's 26 x 60" !! It was covered with paper collage, so I began with a layer of gesso - white over the pale areas, & black with some gold acrylic mixed in over the darker central panel. 
And I was at the Fairgrounds with my son & middle grandkids this week, watching their 4-H events; with sketchbook in hand for some 'doodles' ... fun inviting my 10 year old grandson's contribution.

Posting to Paint Party Friday - happy painting!  

Creating With Intention

For several years, I have been using Intentional Creativity to "change stories and change lives," both my own and assisting others as they change theirs. I have shared a number of these adventures on this blog. The question often arises, "What is Intentional Creativity?"

My teacher Shiloh Sophia says, "We are a tribe of creative beings causing our own movement in art and

Dancing Between the Worlds

image created with intention. I have worked in this creative technology for close to twenty years and thousands of women have participated in this work through making their own images and stories. A gathering is happening….the image of the feminine is changing in our own hands. A movement can happen when a quantum mass of people begin to gather and create around a specific theme or intention." 
So how do we go about this quantum field process? 

Shiloh, "I believe that story lives in image inside of our memory banks. So when we experience trauma or beauty, it ‘lives’ there and can be replayed by us by choice, and also not by choice. The ways memories rise for us is often out of control and we form negative thought patterns around these loops, which over time get even more ingrained in US." .... By bringing these stories to consciousness, through a process including inquiry, journaling and art, "We can change how our stories live in us. That is what intentional creating is about – first we get the story conscious and then we ‘move’ how it lives in us. To do this we need to change our relationship to the story physically, spiritually and through ‘form’."

That process of giving the new story physical form can allow us to have breakthroughs without breakdowns. through creativity, the old stories lose their hold, the pattern shifts, change occurs, healing occurs. "Connecting your intention, is like finding a clear signal on a radio that is tuned to a specific frequency that opens channels to the subconscious and unconscious that we are ready to deal with. The layers of consciousness then yield up into the creative process that which needs to be worked with next. Layer by layer new space is created. Once the story is transferred to canvas it lives inside of us differently – the way it used to operate is now dis-lodged and we can consciously choose what to do to work with the space we have now cleared up inside of our internal story pattern."

Now, we can consciously choose what to do to work with the new space created. And the shifts may be quantum! 
One of my "old stories" has been about belonging, about tribe. An only child, I sometimes flounder when figuring out where I belong, if I belong. I've been "voted out" of a woman's group, and have moved away from other loved and loving communities. Part of my healing has been learning to listen more deeply to others' stories of loss, of learning to invite and to create heart home for the new tribe that is forming. To follow hummingbird, seeking to discover the beauty in others, and to match their pace. And to recognize the ebb and flow of friendships, to detach from places I feel unseen as I become more visible. 

I invite you to view one of your old stories, what new space are you creating, as you loosen its hold? 

Xxx 
Happy Paint Party Friday and Express your Creativity 

Roots & Wings

The invitation to this Month's Red Thread Circle read:
'It is often said we need to give our children roots for grounding, and wings to give their visions and dreams flight! Our creativity also thrives with roots and wings! 

Come explore what gives you stability, & vision into the dreams you'd like to give wings. We'll play with paint and paper and you'll leave with an altar piece to remind you of your own Roots & Wings.' 

Natasha's Tree

What gives you Roots? What grounds you into your body, your home, your community? What do you - and your surroundings need to thrive? Where do you yern to spread your wings? 

What bogs you down - old baggage, old stories that 'it's about time' you tossed? We drummed & rattled to connect with our roots, the things that give us stability. 
Our images shared commonalities, trees, earth, sky, greenery. We played with acrylics, tempra, a leaf stencil, collage to create our images of well rooted trees, and words for both the stability, and the dreams we want to give wings.
We shared chocolate, tea, stories. We remembered loved ones who have gone on, our friends & mentors, wise Reita & Lucita, grandparents, parents. 

Suzanne's, Wendy's, mine & Sepha's

I really enjoyed offering this session, and making my tree - our project coincided with this season's Sage Woman Magazine theme, Roots & Wings, & I read one of the poems as part of our opening Circle, Chani Zqibel's "Under the Tree." 

What things nourish YOUR roots?
What in your life needs new wings?

Happy Paint Party Friday 
 

Creative Community

This week my friend Lora offered me the role of lead Organizer for our NW Community MeetUp group. She's moving, so focusing her energy on the move rather than on classes for awhile. An organizer can have up to three groups under one subscription, and I only have one other; so it was a simple addition. 
With three students in this year's CoW teacher training, there are now10 IC teachers in the NW, so I've invited the others to join the group and leadership team. Shiloh Sophia encourages us to build community, and is excited for us. I'm working on guidelines for offerings, as wee may include a couple of teachers from different backgrounds; stay tuned!

In our Facebook circles, we continue to challenge ourselves to think of new ways to connect and share the offerings. To dream and vision.

Paperclay on chip brushes

Last weekend's we had class each day. On Friday, I invited past students to bring projects for an open studio, to coincide with the second session of a small class, it worked well. 
Saturday's adventure was Sepha's Magic Paintbrush class, and we had a great time! My "magic wand" fell on the ground as I was getting out of the car, so I needed to redo it with a new Crystal. I used paperclay around the handle and painted the clay before wrapping with the waxed linen, and actually like it better! The charm is Mexican silver, from our bead store field trip.

On Sunday, we offered a sweet class for friends of a woman who's terminally ill. She and several of her co-workers had done "Paint Night" events with Sepha, so invited her to offer a Private party! They all worked on a large piece, and did a smaller version on 10 x 10" canvases. I brought my harp Tuilleadh, and played for the visioning. That was one of my visions for my classes, and I really enjoy offering the meditative background!

And, Ta Då!! This is my one-hundredth blog post!! Mägic & CreativiTea are flowing!! 

Mägic Wand Brush

 Happy Paint party Friday  & Express your Creativity

#intentionalcreativity #Nadya'satelier #magicwand

Daily Practices

For over thirty years I've worked closely with clients as an energy worker and healer. Over that time, I've seen thousand of individuals, and as many shifts of mood, energy, emotions and physical aches and pains. I've also had the opportunity to study with some awesome healers and learned a number of methods to help keep my own energy clear and available. 

Some individuals are very sensitive to energy, and find being in a crowd extremely difficult, while others seem to float through energetic «muck» with little disturbance! If you are in the former group, learning and issuance some of these practices may help! This is ment as a reference and jump off for building your own favorite set.

AM: 

• Ground yourself. Stand with a tree, and practice sending your "roots" through the soles of your feet down into the center of the earth.
• Aura (the biofield around your body) imagine this as an egg shape, stretch your arms out, and turn in a slow circle, to define the boundaries of your bubble. You can imagine the outside of your bubble as gold, your true essence color (or silver) I like to imagine a rainbow of iridescent, like a soap bubble!.
• Have tea or cafe with your Musé and your journal
• Invite any angels or guides to be with you as you move through your day.
• Choose a story card affirmation for the day, and put it on your altar or carry with you.

Throughout the day: 

• pay attention to how you feel, what thoughts flit through your mind, etc. Notice where old stories arise, and feel into how it tells address to your affirmation
• Activity: qigong, Tai chi, a walk, yoga, put on music and dance... even if you take just a few minutes for conscious movement, it will build your energy. 
• Remember to breathe! And take breaks throughout the day.
• Drink water, batteries need water to hold a charge, so do we!
• Treat yourself to fresh flowers, bodywork, creative practices, lunch with a friend, find ways to bring more joy into your daily life.

In Public:

• Make sure you're grounded (stand by a tree for a few minutes if you can) and refresh your Aura bubble. 
• You can experiment with the color violet around your Aura, which transmutes energy, both yours and that of others.
• Sit facing the door if you're in a group (place of power) if you can, especially in your own office!
• Invite anyone else's energy to be processed in your field, not your body, and released. You can imagine "vacuuming" your energy field with a giant rose.
• Wash your hands with warm water and soap for herbs, with cool water for an energy clearing.
• Imagine bracelets of light around your wrists and ankles, if you feel like your energy is being drained. 

Food: 

• whole food, including lots of vegetables in season are most nourishing. Different bodies have different needs, so observing yours can be a great ally.
• Bless your food before eating, and invite your body to use it well. 
• My African teacher Erik Vormanns suggested beaming "rainbows" into our drinking water.
• If you drink tea, sofa, cafe, or wine, remember to drink water as well..

PM:

• Receive and embrace what the day has brought, and receive the gifts into your heart
• Journal a bit, and notice anything that came up for clearing, insights, something you'd like more insight on.
• Reflect on your word/affirmation, any insights about it today?
• Take several deep breaths, imagining your cells and DNA expanding into the new vibration.
• Express gratitude for the blessings of the day

Before sleep: 

• Thank your angels and guides for their support and blessings
• If you wish, invite insights while you dream, or to attend "dream school"in the Green Jade temple or other favorite place
• Imagine a beautiful gold or blue bubble around your bed (or whole home)

These are the bones of daily practices; I'd love to hear which you find useful, and ones you use! 

Blessings of May

May is a beautiful month, full of promise and flowers. When we walk  to Playschool, my granddarlings love to see what's blooming, and checking for fragrance.

Our art is full of blossom and potential as well! In the Color of Woman training, the students are discovering the Keys of their Artist archetype, Talisman.

My talisman
as she began to
emerge,
and later
in the process. In Intentional Creativity, we work with symbols and intention to bring old stories to Lïght, and to feel into our visions and dreams.

HáPpŸ Paint Party Friday !

Spreading the Word

While having tea with my Musé this morning, I was pondering promotion.

When we have offerings, how do we go about sharing the information, the Who, What, When and Where? Where will our beloveds find it? In this technical age, we have so many choices, where to begin?

I have several entry points, my MeetUp group, my artist FB page, Nadya's Atelier, and events created from that page. On Sunday, Sepha and I met, and created a couple of physical flyers, I found my thumb drive, and had some printed! Woo hoo! 

What are some of the ways to use Facebook? 
While this changes, there are some basic guidelines: 
I love Ann Manatt's tips on creating your fan page. She has lots of other quick videos on utilizing FB. Hot of the press, Ann just posted this one on increasing the effectiveness of your posts! 
And this one from Ann, on how to have your fan page show up on your personal page is awesome! I love these simple videos, that walk is through the steps!

Here are tips from Sophie Mahir oncreating your event invitation that's catchy and relays necessary info in a few words!

I'd love you too share your favorite tips! How do you and your beloveds connect?

Prismatic Mägic

It was such a treat to head into Portland yesterday with Sepha, for a wonderful Artist date with Shiloh!! Maestra and Jonathan are leading a workshop on Quantum Physics and Intentional Creativity called PRISM, and their Portland event was filled within 24 hours! Several of my classmates and other alumni were also there for our informal time in the hotel lounge.

Sepha, Nadya and Shiloh 

The photos of the paintings in process are stunning, and the participants shining. I will participate in the May class via livestream, and can feel the vibe amping up! There's still room in the Healdsburg offering, so if you live in the Bay Area, check it out!! 

With the three from Sepha's class, there are now 10 of us offering Intentional Creativity in Oregon! Three of my classmates, Katherine Whiteman, Olivia Uso and Katy Morse (down from Port Townsend) are in the workshop, and Uma from 2013. My friends and alum Heidi Sequoia Moondancer and Elisabeth Friese-Mick also came just for the evening.

And I met my FB friend Brenda Carolan «in person » for the first time!! It was fun to touch bases! Brenda just completed Artist Flora Aube's facilitator training, and is delighted to be taking PRISM! We "met" online 2 years ago, in Flora's Art of Allowing, and dance parallel paths! 

This post marks the end of this month's Ultimate Blog challenge, I hope you'll stop by again soon!! 
#intentionalcreativity #Nadyasatelier

Red Thread Story Cards

Do you have some Old Stories and Beliefs running your life? Stories that make you "play safe" rather than dream big? Do you engage in negative self-talk? 

Most of us do! With Intentional Creativity,® we have many processes for unlocking the negative beliefs, bringing them conscious, and then writing new stories in living color! The creative process alchemises true shift, and freedom from outdated beliefs.

One of my favorite ways of shifting the stories is Soulful Story Cards, affirmation cards which offer an antidote to the old stories! In the past, I've written affirmations, then processed "what comes up;" ... here we identify the old beliefs first, then seek an antidote, which becomes our affirmation. The next step is the fun part, paint! Markers! Glitter!!

Story Cards and cover

There are many other possibilities with these personal card decks: choosing favorite quotes, or guidelines like the Reiki or Breema principles, cards for ideas and dreams, prompt cards. One of my students in this year's teacher training told me she's created «Well over 100 card decks, ... mainly for insight and process." Wow! 

Red Thread Circles are ways to connect with our community, in respect and in support for transformation. We often include an activity that is simple, and bypasses the "I can't do that!" "I'm not creative, ____ is the creative One!" "I'm too (old, out of shape, uncoordinated)"  one that is non-threatening, colorful and fun (& maybe messy!) 

At our last circle, a friend who teaches kids art said she realized SHE doesn't engage in creativity as much as she'd like! In our May Red Thread Circle, we'll create a cover and several cards, and offer suggestions use. I'm curious to see what beliefs tag along, and the variety of cards that will be created! 

Happy Paint Party Friday!

Sacred space for creation

Toward the completion of our Color of Woman Quest last fall my teacher Shiloh issued an invitation:  "I would love for you to finish your painting if you haven’t, and then to clean your studio. Reset your altars. Make new room for the sprouts to come up through the ashes. You need space and time to see what’s coming up and what wants to be shared and prepared for...."

Whatever your creative project, giving time and attention to this reset will often inspire you and give access to new ideas and insights. While cleaning, follow the basics of «keep, redistribute, pass on or throw away.» Wipe surfaces, empty trash, rethink uses of objects. Marie Kondo's inquiry "does it spark joy?" can help you determine what stays, is placed in another area or tossed. I like to set a timer for 15-20 minutes, which is often enough time for a small area. Open a window, sweep, clear the air (a few drops of an essential oil in water in a spray bottle is one option)

When you are ready for your reset, Pinterest is good for inspiration, my Atelier board has

Atelier

studio ideas.

Here are a couple of Videos - Maria Munar on setting up a studio (starting from scratch!)

Ann Manat: Setting up your studio & supplies (for acrylic painting) 
(Ann also has a series of videos on setting up face book pages & other helpful tips!)

Ah! Sit back with a cup tea, and your journal, what's coming? What is being shared and prepared for?

Join the Blog challenge!

Visions & Dreams

This year, sixty women from around the world have embarked on their Red Thread Quests, the Color of Woman teacher training. Over the next six months, they will discover more about themselves and their creativity, and how to encourage others to use creativity for both self expression and healing. As a Reader and trek guide, I am privileged to their stories, discoveries, and beautiful creative projects as they come in. And I love it!

I joined my friend Sepha, who's on this year's Quest, to paint Musés with the Livestream the first weekend in April. It was a fabulous spring day, so we were able to paint outside! With the completed paintings due at the end of this month, the finished ladies are beginning to appear in the online classroom. The second p
art of the assignment is to hand the Musé the pen, and receive a message. 
Last year, my Musé Gypsy Rose said, "Sweet Nadya, We bring wisdom voices from the stars and ancient pathways. You are so loved, so appreciated, so honored! We invite you to atune to your senses and enliven your Spirit. 
Sparkle and shine, share the joy you know deep inside. In attending to your own joy and in doing the little things, a-tend-ing, that you will bring them (your beloveds) home to themselves."

Sepha with her Musé

There are several forums for connecting with the Color of Woman offerings, both online and in person. Some are group sites, others, my SiStar's personal blogs and websites. This week I decided it was time to update my blog links to reflect current interests (and active blogs!) Check them out in the sidebar! 

You'll find links to sites and classes when you click on "contact ___" as you view a teacher's profile on our Intentional Creativity website. Click on the map to find teachers closest to you. Here's the link to my profile! 

Painting Musé with the online group

The Red Thread Nation site has a calendar with class offerings from many of us, click on the links to discover more information and register! Shiloh's blog has juicy food for thought, and links to her offerings.
Facebook presences include Shiloh Sophia's Artist page, the Red Thread Cafe Classroom, Sepha's and my artist pages. Many of my SiStars have artist pages as well.

Our beloveds can find some of our offerings through out MeetUp groups. Here are links to Heidi's, our NW group page, Cynthia in Australia, and mine. 

Amber, Denise and Jassy offer online teachings thought the year, and often, introductory glimpses into one. Several of my classmates will launch online courses this fall, so stay tuned! 

Today would be our Art matriarch Sue Hoya Sellars' 80th BïRtHDäÝ! She departed her Earth body in 2014, to dance among the stars. She is loved, she is missed! These teachings were part of her dream... Blessings, beloved!

"Whether I am doing studies of deer in my meadow or painting an angel moving between dimensions,there is always a glimmer of the cosmos showing through their bodies and parts of the landscape. My work has one primary concept: exploring the formation of our bodies from the cooling of gaseous material originating from the beginning of the universe."

~ Sue Hoya Sellars ~

Linking to Paint Party Friday