“And suddenly you just know…it’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.”
-Meister Eckhart

When it is time for a new season, you can just feel it to your core.  No matter how hard you try to ignore it or put it on pause, there comes a time when you have to say "yes."  It is the time when the choice of not walking towards the new is more frightening than the choice to take the steps of faith towards your dreams.

That moment happened for me about 2 months ago. It was a moment when I decided it was time to turn my "cant's into cans, dreams into plans."  The awakening has been happening for a while now, the journey towards "becoming" has be one I am grateful for. There were a few losses and pains I could have definitely done without, but the journey has truly awaken my soul. For that, I am thankful.

Excited, happy, anxious, alive, uncertain and grateful- I step towards this new season in life where I live fully into my life as a creative.  As I go, I must say I am thankful I do not have to go it alone. One important part of this transition is partnering with local artists to cultivate spaces for creativity and beauty. Community is a gift.

One of my first collaborations is with my studio mate and friend, Abbie Preston of Boxsparrow Studio.  On Saturday, September 27, we are hosting a mixed media workshops, where we will guide participants in creating art using stamps and stencils they create. Both of us utilize stencils and stamps in our creating, and we are looking forward to helping others figure out ways to express themselves using some of the techniques we have learned along the way.

If you are going to be in the area September 27, definitely register to join us.

If you know people in Houston who would find life in this experience, do share. The space is limited, so the sooner you register the better. To register click HERE.  A good time should be had by all.

Also, keep me in prayer. First time in my life when I was choosing to step into a season of so many unknowns, without the security of a job or paycheck. I am trusting the One who has been nudging me to start living fully from my core, and I do believe all matters of things shall be well.

“Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery it is. In the boredom and pain of it, no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it, because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace.” 
― Frederick Buechner, Now and Then: A Memoir of Vocation

July 7-19. I had the pleasure of serving as an artist-in-residence at the Texas Youth Academy (TYA) of the United Methodist Church.  TYA is a two-week summer program for selected high school students to live in intentional Christian community with adult mentors, artists and leaders on the campus of Southwestern University.   For two-weeks we shared life together, days patterned by the sacred practices of our faith with the intent of growing in love and understanding of God.  

Each morning began with morning prayer in the chapel before heading to breakfast.  Every evening we worshiped together and shared in the Great Thanksgiving/Communion.  In between we delighted in table fellowship, recreation (lots of frisbee),  theology lectures by professors & teachers from around the country, rest, service, silence, creativity, holy conversation, story sharing and so much more. 

TYA was modeled after the Duke Youth Academyn(DYA), which I had the privilege of serving as a mentor for in 2008 and 2009.   I was delighted when I was invited to TYA as an artist-in-residence, because I remember at DYA being intrigued by and deeply drawn to the artist role... wanting to embrace my identity as artist/creative, but fearful of it and insecure about it at the same time.
 
Without a doubt, I had a great time being apart of this community again this year.  I led 5 Mixed Media/Encaustic workshops, collaborated on an experience of workshop-through-art (I invited people to help create a community graffiti prayer wall... loved it!),  shared some insights about being a good neighbor to those are experiencing homelessness and gave part of the lecture on New Creation.   

Loved every part of it, especially the drive along 290 (hence the horse, cow and sunflower photographs) and cultivating space for everyone to tap into their creativity through an art practice that has meant so much to me on my journey with God the past few months.  

 It was a time of being still, listening, healing, delighting, crying, tending, remembering, affirming, resting and claiming... it was good. 

 I even got an opportunity to go to "Hope Outdoor Gallery" on Castle Hill in Austin, Texas, to view the graffiti art there and even paint some words onto the wall myself. I included some photos below, but will blog more and share more later.  That time, as well, was very good. 

While at TYA I was introduced to Bless the Space Between Us by John O'Donohue.  It has been my daily companion.  I prayed these words through tears the first time I read his "A Morning Offering," and I continue to pray them still today...

... May my mind come alive today
to the invisible geography
that invites me to new frontiers,
to break the dead shell of yesterdays,
to risk being disturbed and changed.


May I have the courage today
to live the life that I would love,
to postpone my dream no longer
but do at last what I came here for
and waste my heart on fear no more. 

I met Mr. Henry last Saturday.  He was avoiding the rain about 1/4 of a mile away from where I typically park at the studio.  I noticed him immediately. 

In his crisp whites and smooth tan leather shoes, sitting so peacefully under the grunge of the city bridge... my eyes were captivated and my curiosity peeked.  I took a few photographs from my parking space, but I wanted to... needed to get closer, so I did.

We spoke about art, the neighborhood, he gave me some warnings about the area, physical insecurities, the weather, photography and a bit of our mutual story before I had to get going.  He offered some words of encouragement and I was on my way.

I look forward to the day our paths cross again. You better believe I will be looking for him.