Moss Hill Studio

Renewing of The Creative Muse

There is nothing more frustrating to me than when I know I'm a Creative but suddenly, the desire to create is diminished.  Life itself can cause this, stress, lack of money, friendships gone bad, health issues, the list goes on.  For me, what affects me the most, first, when Ron, my husband's health turns sour.  You would think I'd have this totally under control, dealing now for 13 years, but I don't.  Reasons: I worry, I feel spent, or I feel I'm at my "wits end".  What also blocks me is when those you think love you, turn against you, because their own hearts are undeveloped.  It frustrates me to no end when others are cold hearted and void of compassion.  

I am really enjoying reading Julia Cameron's book right now, The Artist Way.  She has helped me identify the "crazymakers" in my life and how they cause blockage in my creative flow.  I love that I am gaining strength to move forward with much anticipation.  Recently many new friends have entered my life, and for that I am so grateful.  It is making Arizona feel like home now.  And all these new friends are Creatives too.  How cool is that!!!

This is Dreamer.  Something felt different inside of me while creating her.  I sensed a new kind of freedom within.  A freedom to validate who I am and what I am called to do.  In Julia's book, The Artist Way, she encourages you to write morning pages every day for thirty minutes.  I have been doing this now for almost a month.  It is amazing to see what comes out in just those thirty minutes.  I've been getting answers to my questions.  It has been an emptying of the "junk".  My heart feels as if it is getting a spiritual bath, being repaired, stronger and better than before.  This very change even reflects in the change of my handwriting.  I am really enjoying the journey even though my circumstances have stayed the same.

I named this sweet little one, "Let Love In".  As I am letting love be the dominance of my heart, I am "letting" OUT the opposite - resentment - bad seeds - the back-bitters bad works - unkindness - lack of compassion, etc. etc.  It's a work in progress, but I'm feeling lighter having jumped on the train that is leading me upward.  It takes action, and work, but it is worth every moment spent aiming for the destination I am determined to reach.

This big girl is named "Create Life".  I've decided to keep her.  She speaks to me right now and down the road, she may be ready to travel her own journey, but for now, she is my reminder - that we need to Create Life.  It takes a conscious effort to do so.  I watch my dear husband roll around in his wheelchair, room to room, almost aimless.  I desire deep inside to create a life for him, but I can't.  We each have to do it for ourselves.   No one else can make our life for us.  We have to take control.  I am stepping out now and doing just that.  It is a big huge change for me, but that's where I am feeling the "freedom", becoming who I want to be.

Are you stuck?  You don't have to be.  Be willing to do the work, and changes will come.  You will find yourself rearranging your life, for the better.  You will be happy that the "bad seeds" are no longer involved, creating upset for you and for others.  You come up to take a breath and you will notice how good the air feels, and how comforting the warm sun heals, and in those cloudy days, the little patch of blue that peeks out is a message of hope.  It's all good!!!

I have one doll left in my Etsy Shop, if you so desire to have her fly home to your heartnest.

Happy Beautiful Weekend Everyone!!!

 

Beach Side Workshops June 2012

Us west coasters call the ocean "the beach",  east coasters call it  "the shore".  I have often wonder why that is, but either way, any where next to the ocean is my haven.

I was thrilled to be invited to teach in Coronado, California next month.  Coronado is an amazing magical place.  Ron and I use to go there just to visit the famous Hotel Del Coronado and sit on their amazing deck, gazing out onto the ocean, while listening to live music as we sipped our beverages.  A wonderful art retreat next month will be across the street from Hotel Del, and it too looks like another magical place, The Glorietta Bay Inn, a charming boutique hotel.

Please visit Vivi Magoo Presents "Art Retreat by the Beach"

How I would love to see you there and join me in my workshops. We will definitely find time to stroll along the beach and make every minute count. 

"Summer Play"

"Olde Soul"

 

Art Dolls In The Making - Who will they become?

Hello Blogland Friends.  It has been quite awhile since I've posted.  From here on out, I am going to make every attempt to post on a consistent basis.  With Ron having to go through another surgery, this time to add to his existing shunt in his brain, my life came to a stop as I know it.  Now life  is back to another "new" normal.  His brain experienced some intense swelling and it is as if he had a stroke, unable to walk, talk well, chew and he still can't smile.  Each day we look for little glimmers of change and have hope that his brain will bounce back.  It takes time as we wait and see.  I keep telling him he has a really "good" brain, it just has taken such a beating with so many surgeries and complications.  Ron always seems to bounce back from each one even though more of him is taken away every time.  This time more so than ever.  He feels horrible all the time.  Because we are "one" in marriage, I ache for him all the time.  I want to fix him, but I can't.  I can only meet his immediate needs and keep trying to nurse him back to health.  It is always hard to find myself in these times, but I am trying.

Meanwhile, my creative muse took a vacation.  I've been trying so hard to find any desire to create, but it has been a struggle.  Yesterday I painted up some doll heads and I'm feeling something starting to change within.   I really miss creating and find it completely frustrating that I can't just turn on the switch.  Our emotions have so much to do with being creative.

I mentioned this on Facebook, and found there were others in the same boat.  The other day I created a private group so that we could try and inspire each other to ignite the fire.  If you are interested in joining, find me on Facebook.  Just putting our heads together caused my juices to start flowing already.  It feels good. 

Today I have a gal coming to take an ART Doll Necklace class with me.  I'm really looking forward to today, spending time with her.  Hopefully she will let me take pictures so I can share them here with you later.

Anyway, just wanted to say hello and let you know I'm still breathing, along side Ron.  Thank you so much for so many of you who send prayers and for your loving support.  God knows who you are and I pray a special blessing on each of you. 

Sending love...Jo

Turn My Tears Into Rainbows

Streams In the Desert by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman

George Matheson, the well-know blind preacher of Scotland, who recently went to be with the Lord, said: "My God, I have never thanked Thee for my thorn.  I have thanked Thee a thousand times for my roses, but not once for my thorn.  I have been looking forward to a world where I shall get compensation for my cross; but I have never thought of my cross as itself a present glory.

"Teach me the glory of my cross; teach me the value of my thorn.  Show me that I have climbed to Thee by the path of pain.  Show me that my tears have made my rainbows."

Today, my devotional reading really struck me hard and I realize I cannot  change the circumstances of my life, but I can change how I approach them.  I can't change peoples hearts or the way they think.  I realize some filter situations through their own cold hearts, while others filter it through their loving and compassionate hearts.  I'll stick with the ones who help make me a better person, and not bring the worse out of. 

Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.  2 Cor. 12:10

The literal translation of this verse gives a starling emphasis to it, and makes it speak for itself with a force that we have probably never realized.  Here it is:  "Therefore I take pleasure in being without strength, in insults, in being pinched, in being chased about, in being cooped up in a corner for Christ's sake; for when I am without strength, then am I dynamite."

Here is the secret of divine all-sufficiency, to come to the end of everything in ourselves and in our circumstances.  When we reach this place, we will stop asking for sympathy because of our hard situation or bad treatment, for we will recognize these things as the very conditions of our blessing, and we will turn from them to God and find in them a claim upon Him.  A.B. Simpson

Ron's 4th ventricle was collecting CSF with no way out of his brain.  This is called Hydrocephalus (water on the brain).  Ron already is shunted, but the shunt needed to be extended into this ventricle, as it became extremely enlarged. 

AFTER SURGERY- Now that the shunt was extended, his ventricle immediately reduced to normal size.  Upon doing so, the brain stem in a sense, swallowed the catheter, pushing it into the brain stem.  At this time, they are waiting and watching, hoping the brain (in shock) will on it's own, release the catheter.  Meanwhile, Ron is unable to show expression in his face, both eyes won't close completely and he has a hard time chewing food or talking.  One eye is rolled upward.  He is starting to walk with a walker.  Tomorrow he starts intense in-house neuro rehabilitation.  Each day I see tiny little changes for the positive.  I am keeping the hope.

DECLARING IT SMILE WEEK

With Ron unable to smile, it really made me realize how I've taken for granted the fact I can just smile at free-will.   I am now making an extra attempt to use my smile whenever possible.  I would love to encourage you to also celebrate the smile you are able to give.  Will you join me?

Smiling - xoxo JoAnnA

Happy Blessed Easter!!!

 

 

Winner of my 1000th Sale is...

    # 24

Antonia

Dear Antonia,  I am happy that I'll be sending to you, a bracelet I made pictured below.  A big Congrats to you!!!

Thank you everyone for your sweet comments and entries.  It always warms my heart and I'm ever so grateful for the opportunities blogging has brought to my life.  I feel blessed that I have been able to sell my creations and plan to continue as long as I am capable.

I haven't been good at blogging lately, or creating for that matter, as Ron has has some major setbacks.  As the journey hasn't been an easy one, we continue to find our way.

I'll be back...til then, Create a good day!

 

Seth Apter, Friend, Artist and Author

I am writing to you all this morning under the beautiful skies of Southern California, though a little overcast at the moment.  The true brightness of this day for me is to announce the release of "The Pulse of Mixed Media Artists..."  by my dear friend, artist and author, Seth Apter.

The first time I found Seth's blog was back in the early part of 2009, when he put out a call to join in on "Disintegration Manifestation".  At the time I was living in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and felt it was a perfect project for me to participate in.  Unfortunately, my husband became ill and I had to pull out.  I will never forget Seth's graceful response to me, and his encouragement that there will be more to come in my future, fulfilling my artistic appetite.  He was right, but little did I know my future would include being one of his highlighted artists in his first published book. 

One of my highlights teaching last year at ART-Is-You was meeting Seth in person and seeing his table of art.  Seth is one of those kind of persons who makes you feel as if you have known each other all your life.  He is a very gentle and kind soul, my kind of peep.  I look forward to meeting up with him again this coming October back in my home state of Connecticut.  Seth will also be teaching this year.  How wonderful is that!

Since I am away from home right now to bury my dear mother-in-law, I am unable to have my hands on my copy of the book that will be waiting for me upon my arrival home. The anticipation is great.  Maybe I should try and sneak out and find a copy here at a local bookstore.  I know Seth's book is filled to the brim with thought provoking questions, art, and more. 

Here is a peak at my two offerings.

SELF PORTRAIT

Lots of symbolism in this piece and I share what it all means in Seth's book.

My second piece titled "Thoughts That Breathe"

I created this piece with Seth's question to me:  Is there an emotion that shows up more frequently in your work than others?

So these are two of the questions Seth had asked me that I had to respond with creating my answers.  There are twelve more questions Seth asked of the 31 featured artists plus many more for the over 100 other artists who participated.  Thank you Seth for your labor of love creating this publication.  Thank you for inviting me and mostly for being my friend.

I will now leave off with a question for Seth.  I know you don't sleep, so maybe sometime soon you can take a few and answer this:

Please give me 31 words that say something about YOU, as a person, artist, etc.  Smiling - Jo xoxo

Seth's Answer

Amazed by the opportunities, ready to take chances, seeking those moments. Hoping to make a difference, make it matter and make it better. Knowing that forever is a very long time.