Sedona Shadow Shots

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Known as Red Rock Country, Sedona, Arizona is one of the most remarkable spots to be found in the U.S. A small and cozy town, it abounds with art-filled shops and warm people. A day’s visit is not enough…one could spend weeks wending down rugged dusty trails, visiting the many galleries and museums, and exploring its metaphysical 
possibilities. 

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Long recognized as a sacred site, Sedona is said to contain four vortex points whose concentrated energies are conducive to meditation, prayer and healing.  If one remains open and accepting, the palpable energy that charges the air can revitalize a tired spirit and renew one’s joy.

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Another sacred space in Sedona is The Chapel of The Holy Cross, built right into the high rocks that overlook the valley below. In this land of bright red sandstone, wide-open sky and sweltering heat, stepping into this chapel is to experience instant peace and a clear sense of spirituality, no matter what your religious beliefs may encompass.

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I have rarely experienced the
complete sense of ease that
came upon me whilst I sat quietly
in this small chapel.
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 My thoughts stilled, my body
relaxed, and I was able to
simply be in the moment
…not a condition we experience
often enough in our
technologically driven
world.

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These pictures take

me back to that quiet

centre, and the

celestial shadows

seem a perfect

match for

Sunday Shadow Shot.

 

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For more shadow

 shots, do stop by
Tracy's meme

at the link

below...

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http://heyharriet.blogspot.com/

A Family Haiku

Anne and Jack

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Now I too have walked
down roads that led me astray…
and found my way home

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Our family is our home, in the hearts of those we love, and in the bonds we build. Family is not only blood but is forged through the sharing of lives…I have friends I consider to be family as much as I do my brother and sister...
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I made a shadowbox to celebrate my mother and father, and the hope with which they started out. If mine was not an ideal childhood, I have to believe they did the best they knew how to with what they were given, as I myself have done. I’ve learned that family travels best with a liberal dose of tolerance and forgiveness on board…with lots and lots of love…and a healthy ability to laugh at oneself. I can only hope my children will continue to celebrate the journey we’re taking together….

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I'm linking this post to Poets United Thursday Think Tank prompt. For more poems about family, do click on the link below...

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http://poetryblogroll.blogspot.com/2010/11/thursday-think-tank-23-family.html

Serendipitous Friday

In art, as in life, serendipity often plays a part...

On a prowl through local thrift shops last Friday, I came across a chunky picture frame. It had no glass, but was the colour of fresh cream, and was beautifully and intricately carved. At the price of two dollars, I considered it a bargain. In the next shop I visited, only a small bag of sphagnum moss caught my eye. As it was just ninety-nine cents, I decided to buy it, though I had no plan in mind to use it.

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I’ve developed a passion for chubby brown birds, so upon finding this lovely girl in a third store, I was quick to pay the dollar she cost, and nestled her into my carry bag with the frame and the moss. The beginnings of an idea began to form in my head…

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Since it seemed a meager day for treasure hunting, I headed home, stopping by a little nursery on the way just to have a peek.
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As I went by the counters, my eye caught sight of this adorable baby. Instantly, I knew I had a project! At four ninety-eight the tiny bird was more than my other three purchases of the day combined, but worth every penny.
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Once home, I gathered up coordinating paper to cover the edges and insides of the frame. A seedpod picked up from under my neighbour’s Japanese maple tree, and my standby matte medium were all I needed after that.

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In no time at all, this shadowbox came together. To finish it off, I wrote ‘fly’ in scrabble tiles over my little family, demonstrating the compelling mix of pride and sadness we all feel when it’s time for our own little ones to leave the nest!
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My nine dollars spent gave me a fun project to make, and brings a smile to my face each time I pass it.

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It is also a good reminder that not only do children have to fly; we momma birds must also spread our wings and soar as high as our imagination can possibly take us…
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