Showing posts with label Shande'nea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shande'nea. Show all posts

Friday, January 22, 2021

Sit With Her


Shande'nea Star Path - Legend 
Muses each have their own energy and timing, their own interests, inquiries and inspiration. Shiloh Sophia, the founder of our Intentional Creativity® community, has provided a wonderful format for inviting our  Muses to flourish, and encourage us to shine in our own special ways!


Since painting my first Muse Gabriella in 2014, I've danced between painting, journaling, creating cards and codxes and being in conversation with my paintings. 

You might wish to bring out your Legendary Lady, and Muse, plus your notes about them, and the intention you wrote on the canvases, and call council.
Pour a cup of tea and sit with your journal and your ladies. 

Put on some music, perhaps what you painted to, before, or something you currently love.
  • What messages and insights do your ladies carry for you?
  • Do they have suggestions for how to proceed?
  • Which of your other ladies carry messages for you and your quest?
  • What is your next step?
If you are in process on a painting, do this same exercise with her, as you consider where to dive in. Ask her! Sometimes I do a light glaze, then sit back and journal while it drips.
Rosa Mystica - Legend 2020
This may be a good time to clean up your painting supplies, and reset your altar. Get out a new candle, and maybe some flowers to welcome your muse! Is it time to create a new journal, or Oracle cards? Sweep the floor, open the curtains, it's time! 

Saturday, October 17, 2020

Vivid - Legend 2020

In the invitation to the newest Legend course, Shiloh Sophia invites us to examine what we are harvesting and what we've learned in 2020. In a bold move, she is offering Intentional Creativity® teachers the opportunity, after completing Vivid, to be licensed to offer this signature course to prospective students! 

As Shiloh began teaching the process we've come to know as Intentional Creativity, one of the first steps was a journey to reconnect with our Legendary Self in a several month course that includes journaling, visioning and painting. As the prerequisite for the Color of Woman teacher training, I first painted my legendary lady, Shanden'eah Star Path in 2105. 

Before taking Legend, I had the opportunity to take several local IC classes, from Elisabeth Friese-Mick and Heidi Moondancer; plus two online from graduates Flora Adobe and Jassy Watson. It was invaluable to have these in-person and small group experiences as a foundation for the course, and benefit from different teaching styles! And though I could include them in my initiate book, they didn't "count" toward the course.

Shanden'eah Star Path - 2015

Earlier this year, I again had the opportunity to paint Legend in the Oracle and Ally, and to help tend their online classroom. As in other years, some of the students began their IC journey in my classes. I'm excited at the prospect of offering the prerequisite course, both in person and virtually! 

Here are some of the students, and part of their stories: 

While I was still in Color of Woman, my friend Sepha Nisbet invited me to tea, to pick my brain about CoW. Long identifing as an artist, Sepha has taught watercolor, clay, and was offering Paint Night parties - but longed for the depth of creating with intention! She took my first Muse class and shared great practical suggestions for setting up and flow, and always asks the best questions! 
Sepha graduated from CoW 2016, and we co-facilitated many circles and classes before she took to the Road as a Travelling Artist

When it came time for Sepha to offer her 13 step class, Christy Cozby was one of the students, and I played harp and assisted. Christy came to another of our classes a couple of years later, then enrolled in CoW 2020, and will graduate November 1! 
I felt I'd come full circle to take Christy's 13 step class, Princess Silver Hands last month, virtually! I am so pleased with this small canvas and transformed princess! 

Linda AllenAngie Delaplain began coming to classes from several hours away, both in McMinnville and at my friend Margot's in Corvallis, before deciding to enroll in Color of Woman! Linda competed the Red Thread Circle Guide program first, then decided to take the plunge and do CoW. They both took my spring 2019 class, Embracing Mother Gaia just before their CoW Quest began. 
They graduated fall of 2019, and Linda took the 2020 Cosmic Smashbook course, with founder Catt Geller! Linda co-facilitates most of my virtual Red Thread Circle, and has led several, Angie will lead her first this week! 

Another student in the Gaia class, Carol Fairbanks, has taken at least 4 classes with me, and attended numerous circles. An older student (78) Carol also has extensive art experience, and her paintings are phenomenal. She has taught paining and yoga, and is a dedicated environmentalist. She took my Harvest Queen and Wonder Woman classes last fall, shortly before enrolling in CoW 2020.
She chose Harvest Queen as the theme for her virtual class, which I also attended, and offered one of her other events via our RT Circle. She is graduating Nov 1 as well. 
Carol at Harvest Queen - 2019

In the summer of 2017, my friend Glenda's sister Sherry Rueger Banaka and I chatted on the way to Glenda's book reading, and the next week, Sherry contacted Shiloh for early enrollment! 
Sepha was one of the Art Doctors for Legend 2018, and with our local friends Sherry, Angie and Rema in the class, we decided to offer an open studio for those finishing recent paintings or in Legend. Gals loaded paint, brushes, and their big canvases in their cars to join us. Sherry graduated in 2018, and last fall we co-facilitated Grief to Gratitude. 
Sherry, Nadya, Rema and Angie 2018

Rema Tillet began coming to Red Thread circles several years ago, graduated from the Cosmic Smashbook training, offered by CoW graduate Catt Geller.

My cousin Leah Hankins has been a steady attendee of the Red Thread Circles, and also took Harvest Queen - she completed the Red Thread Guide certification in the summer, and I look forward to her presence and facilitating local circles soon!
 
I found it invaluable to have had in-person experiences as a foundation for the training, and have gotten wonderful feedback from the students who have gone on to take trainings themselves. There's a benefit from smaller classes, and experiencing different teaching styles! I am delighted at the opportunity for graduates of Color of Woman to "refresh" with Legend, and have the opportunity to be licensed to teach MYSTIC! 
 
    

Saturday, January 13, 2018

We are Legendary

For the past 10 years, Maestra Shiloh Sophia and her sidekicks Jena and Stella Mac have led a group of amazing women on a journey to discover their own Legend, and discoverong what it means to lead Legendary Lives. This course is the prerequisite for the annual Color of Woman teacher quest'
Several local RT SiStars are enrolled with over 115 others in this year's Legend. One will be going on to CoW 2018, and another is enrolled in the new Red Thread Guide course. In March, we'll host an open studio for them to paint together!

When I registered for Legend in 2015, I intended to do CoW sometime later,... But then Shiiloh opened a few more slots, and (gulp!) I was on the quest! Each year, a new group of women journal and paint their way out of old stories, and discover new pathways. We vision our symbols, and see where they fit, support each other through laughter and tears, and embracing new ah-has.

Color and shapes from earlier layers peek through, each building on the last, as our lives build on the stories of our families, and herstory, we sift through for those which inform our choices. What are we building on? Where is the foundation solid? Where does it require digging out and shoring up?

When I embarked on my Legendary journey, I gathered flower essences for a bouquet of support: Lady's Slipper Orchid for stepping out in joy, Star of Bethlehem for lighting the pathway, ... Symbols came, a dragon, dancing maid, a key in the heart of the labyrinth ...and my legend, Shande'nea Star Gate was birthed. (Read a bout her symbols and the journey here)

Shande'nea Star Gate

How can you doubt your Soul Purpose?
You were born for this!
You hold a gift, a treasure, 
a King's ransome that is such a blessing for your companions

Arise and Shine!
Do not worry, consider the liles of the field - you are blessed beyond measure
It is time for you to SHARE those blessings
The time you spend in Circle hones you for the Next Steps

Will you step through the gateway?
The dragons know the way, and hold the keys
Open your eyes and ears: see and hear
Make way for the Messages to flow
To glow and mark the spiral path

Breath with new breath
The sweetness of the journey
As you Dance Through the Stargate

Last year I participated in the journey in paint and story, holding space for the exploration. As our sistars embark on Legend 2018, my classmate Kendall Scott has assembled Legends from the SiStarhood for a Legendary SlideShow. Shande'nea is there with many others, gateways to our personal Legendary Lives!

Friday, July 14, 2017

Holistic Practices

Years ago, I overheard a college professor chastise several women students he felt were spending "too much time" on things other than their art. One was a single mom, who did amazing Susan Seddon-Boulet style shamanic work, another joined her sister who was in theater; both performing and producing a play her senior year, AND carrying off a brilliant Senior art show! But they weren't "one point focused" on their art, so would "never get anywhere" ...

I recently discovered this lovely little clip from the BBC, featuring Merritt Moore, a professional ballerina and student of quantum physics. She talks about trying to give up ballet, but finding it feeds her, and enhances her work with physics. 


Shande'nea
This ability to draw from many experiences and synthesize them as we create art is holistic and enriching. It is wonderful to have time and space to focus in, it's also lovely to have multiple experiences which feed your spirit! 

Happy Paint Party Friday!



Thursday, April 27, 2017

Legend 2017

Two years ago, I joined Maestra Shiloh Sophia and a group of our SiStars as we embarked on a journey around the inquiry "what does it mean to live a Legendary Life? Legend is Shiloh's core course for women drawn to the 9 month Color of Woman quest and teacher training. After painting my Legend Shande'nea, I went on to join the quest, and graduated from Color of Woman, at the end of 2015.
Shande'nea© 2015


Shiloh revisits this core course periodically, and this weekend we are beginning another Legendary round. The theme this spring is "She's a Piece of Work!" (Have you ever been told that?!) Yes you are: a masterpiece, a legend, a wise woman!  
This year's quest includes painting a self portrait (lots of women artists have!) Writing your legendary story, creating a chapbook with Shiloh's mama, the poet Caron McCloud, and lots of juicy journaling and painting.

I'm excited that CoW graduate and Guild Member Jassy Watson from AU will be in the studio painting with Shiloh! I took Jassy's e-course to Paint Gaia in 2014, Ooo, was that fun!  She will also be Shiloh's guest this Friday's on Power Creatives TV, season 2. 
For our legendary journey, Mary McDonald and Jenafer Joy will be on board with writing prompts, painting and sweet support. The course is offered both in person at Musea Sophia in Sonoma CA, and online. 


Lady Gaia© 2014
I'm thrilled to be on the virtual support team, painting along with this weekend's Livestream, and connecting with the Legendary group via Facebook and group calls over the next three months. (The painting videos will be available through the end of the year, so those joining will have lots of time to complete.) I'm resetting my altar, and getting out my Legendary Essence from the last voyage.

I need to prepare my painting panel with a coat of GAC and then gesso. During the Color of Woman training I painted two of my ladies, Taliswoman: Songs of Light; and Alchemist: Firekeeper, on Birch panels, and love working on that surface. 
My son-in love Matt was a great help, attaching the cradle board onto the backs of birch plywood from Lowe's! This was quite cost effective, but we don't have time to craft panels this time. 
I'd love to have you join us; Happy Paint Party Friday!

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Wisdom from the Council

Last summer (2014) Jeanette I met in an on-line painting course and wrote notes back & forth as we painted & processed. In early summer, she set all her paintings around, got out her drum & 'called a council' for insights & information. I loved that, & on Summer Solstice, called my own 'council of ladies.'

Times that I wrestle with 'what's next,' Jeanette will gently quire 'have you asked your ladies?' ... um ... not yet ....

So just before my phone interview with Shiloh, determining my entry into the Color of Woman Teacher Training, I 'called council' with the paintings at home, including my (then) 'In
Shande'nea & Dragon
Process' Legend, Shande'nea, & this was the message they gave:


"How can you doubt your Soul Purpose
You were born for this!
You hold a gift, a treasure, a King's ransom that is such a (blessing/gift/treasure) for your community!

Arise & shine!
Do not worry, consider the lilies of the field - you are blessed beyond measure!
It is up to you to SHARE those blessings -
the time you spend in circle (hones/ blesses/ prepares) you and those with whom you journey for the Next Steps!

Will you step through the gateway? the Dragons know the way & hold the keys!
Open your eyes - ears - Heart
Breathe the New Breath
as you dance through the doorway
Yes! Yes! YES!!

**** We held the interview, both Shiloh & I said "YES!!" and in April the training commenced. ****
Recently, one of the Art Doctors commented on this post, "I am very interested in this idea of 'Calling a Council with The Ladies'. How wonderful to consider this as a way to journey as a group into inquiry for insight and information."

It is, indeed, a great way to tap our own insight & inspiration, and information!
Happy Paint Party Friday!

Sunday, May 31, 2015

Legend & breaks

Shortly after my last post, I fell & broke my left arm, just above the wrist!!
Ouch!
As a self-employed massage therapist & harpist, it was a double whammy, time for healing & off from work (I wanted a vacation, ... not a brea-cation!! sigh
So I was in the hospital, with surgery (! First since my tonsils came out when I was 6!) & a few weeks later, began the Intentional Creativity (Color of Woman) teacher training Quest! 

This is a 9 month program, moving around a compass of inquiry, with the center our Legendary self - Here's my post from our online classroom about the completed painting (end of April)

 I used to be - a lonely only child, entertaining myself, unsure of whether I was *invited* to participate .... responsible - and yet ... wanting to step back, & let someone else invite, include, decide ... I used to live within a broken heart, not sure if I was wanted/ chosen ... I was gifted with music, dance, literacy, love of stories, wisdom of the elders, but still, at times, uncertain of my place within it all ...
Now I am Welcome & invited to participate in the dance of live; I have a place in the circle! he Red Thread invites me to take responsibility for my piece, I share space & my many gifts & talents with joy!
Dear Storyweaver; as I am invited, I invite you to fully inhabit my life & being! We dance in the garden of joy - I invite you to join me!
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Connected to the Strories and the tribe; Called to take her place with the elders, the youth, poets, dancers, artists, dreamweavers; I am She who dances with the Stars, through the StarGate - Shande'nea Elthia
Voice of Wisdom and vision, let me see beyond the little stories & mundane journey to the BIG story, the Big picture.
Way shower, Vision Keeper, Storyweaver, Rainbow woman of the inner places.
In the wilderness, watching stars dance & moon rise, I come home to myself.
Shande/nea, Lightweaver
Weave the threads & webs of life, ever changing - shimmering shifts
as we move beyond the stories, Light weaves and informs our very beings
My magic carpet & Magic wand bring me places I never imagined, but dreamed when I was starbound and glistening.
Shande/nea Elthia, light bringer, Star Lady, Dragon wisdom, Crystal light, star singer, StarGate!
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
The symbols: original symbols were: star, crown, heart, dragon, spiral

Scroll on Rt cheek: written in time, herbal formulas & healing nectar/ three remedies balance three tears/wounds. Sound, Flower essences, Essential oils (& herbs in other forms, other remedies)

Crown/Trees - the stars & crown were two of the original symbols, bringing wisdom of the Pleiades, downloading information & insights. The stars remain, but the crown morphed into trees, the standing ones who weave their own web of interconnection & share information through their roots, through the soil of mama earth. The base of the trees has become a crown of shell & rubies, encircling & holding a gentle, powerful wisdom.
"And our roots go down, reaching for the water, & our branches soar, shining in the sun - and the seasons turn, springtime into summer, autumn into winter, our spirits dance as one!"

Stars - Starlight - let my light shine, illuminate my path & call my beloveds! I also sprinkled my birth chart around the background, bringing in the planets to dance with the stars!

Dragon - 'the dragons of your fears - you have been blessed, so blessed & protected! The recent 'medical emergency' & breaking, being repaired is bringing so many hidden blessings (still unfolding). You are surrounded with many gifted healers.' I am Safe & protected, the Dragon infuses the Voice with Truth & Wisdom
I love the magic & wisdom of dragons as well, & the magical stories that surround them. The dragon nourishes the trees as it inspires & infuses my spirit, with information, intuition, insight, deep knowing

Eyes - are open to the new possibilities, and shine light that reminds others of their OWN light. Awake & conscious

Broken heart/Vestal priestess - The Hearth/heart fire has long been a symbol. My heart is transforming with this work - out of old breaks, gold fills & the clearing is complete - love without fears & without old rules/teachings binding'/ constricting. She hears the stories, doesn't give herself away; claims space & time for herself, fills her own cup, and hears the call of the community.

DNA shifts - the DNA ear-rings symbolize internalizing the alchemical process, shifting our very DNA with this work/play/ ritual

Key & labyrinth - this is the Cretan labyrinth, the path in & out of the labyrinth are transformative - we change our stories as we move through the cycles - the winged key in the center sets us free!

Spirals - ancient & magical, power, cycles, shifts & changes

Little dancer under the hill - when I was a little girl, a 'little blue man' stood by my door at night (about as tall as the doorknob) ... whether I saw 'him' or dreamed him, .... she is connected to the stars, dancing within the StarGate

* * * * * * *

This has been a powerful journey of bringing the stories forward, into the light for re-examination. Along with the old stories that can be laid to rest, there are the sweet stories & gifts that belong in the medicine basket!
Falling and breaking my arm midway through March brought up old fears around abundance & lack, financial security, ....and brought a deeper compassion for those in pain, wounded, uncertain of their path ... information is still coming in on that - & healing still progressing! I am excited to have the cast off, & to be typing with both hands!

While I could still paint during the time of active injury, I felt off kilter, & it took me awhile to get back into the flow of my Legendary self. I found myself more tired, & in 'licking my wounds' for a time. Hard not to go into 'guilty' mode - I had extra time, for heaven's sake!! And .... worked on NOT feeling guilty, but sitting with it ...
I am still listening to what Shande'nea has to tell me ... (her hair needed more blue, so we shifted that!)


I love the process of intentional creativity, seeing each woman's beautiful paintings, & seeing what is coming forward! 

Are you ready to transform some old stories, & shift some energy? Break through (without the trauma of a breakdown)! ... let me know!

Blessings!

 

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Legendary




A year ago, I painted my Muse Gabriella with Elisabeth, & began on a Red Thread Journey (follow the link to Join us Sunday May 3, noon PDT, for a free introduction to offering Red Thread Circles wherever you are in the world!!)
.... but the journey had really begun in 2013, when I saw the blurb for the 'Red' show at Currents Gallery, & decided to do a couple of paintings. Or it began .... well, I've been on the journey all along!

Arieadne's Red Thread (2014) ... cretan labyrinth
Ariadne's Red Thread - 2014
The idea for painting Ariadne's Red Thread, laid as a trail through the Cretan Labryrinth for Theseus to follow came shortly after reading the call for artists, & I pulled out little used acrylics, picked up a canvas & began painting ... Neither piece (the second was a small heart) was accepted for the show, & I set them aside .... 

After painting with Elisabeth, I revisited Ariadne's legend & the canvas, glazing the picture, & finding hints of some of her symbols - an early goddess figure, the double headed labrys or axe, a butterfly ... and tipped the spider web with silver paint ... 
Shande'nea and dragon, a bit more dark and Biofield
Shande'nea 3-2
Painting our Legendary Lady is an integral part of the Color of Woman journey, part of teaching the teachers. A number of powerful women have gathered to hold space for the unfolding.
Jenafer Joy gives Journal prompts, Stella Mac asks questions, guides our Conference calls, & Maestra Shiloh Sophia offers wisdom, laughter, & the painting videos ...

As we work with the questions & prompts, we uncover the stories that have been running us, & begin to write a new story, ... we play with symbols, & see where they fit, we support each other through the trials & tribulations, the laughter & the tears ...

And our Legendary Self comes forward ... Shande'nea wanted a dragon (you can see a hint of it in the pic on my last post!) & now the labyrinth ... it is always intriguing to see how new elements often follow a stroke or pattern in the underpainting. 


Shande'nea with Labyrinth and dragon
Shande'nea with labyrinth 3-11
And allowing those bits of colour & pattern from earlier layers to show through is one of our goals! What is the painting built on? What is the foundation, what stories are we re-writing? Re-telling?

Symbols, colours, stories ... what stories have been running your life? Are you ready to step beyond them ? 

Happy 4th BD to Paint Party Friday!!