What a creative process in communion with community & Mother Mary! Here’s the painting that was inspired by my first visit and channeled meditation at the Grotto de Lourdes in Renews, Newfoundland & Labrador (see previous post). The name “Our Lady of Light” and this collaborative prayer/poem are thanks to the contributions of 51 of my Facebook and Instagram friends & fans. Enjoy the read all the way down to the final video.
OUR LADY OF LIGHT
Hail Mary –
Divine Lady of Light & Love,
Mother’s Grace,
Gentle Woman,
Madona du Mondo,
Reine des bois,
Sacred Devi,
Angelica,
Lady of the Portal,
Mother of Light,
Devine Grace,
She who goes by ten thousand names –
Blessed are you
For you hold the Light of the world
In your hands.
Blessed Saphira,
Light of Grace,
Magnetic blue jewel,
Exquisite radiance,
Inspirational Lady of Light & Peace,
Mother of Renewing Life,
You are the vessel,
The Light Bearer,
Virtue embodied,
Radiant all embracing loving Light.
Oh Serene Mother
Light of Life
Connecting with Pure Essence
You have birthed
Divine Vibrations of Radiance
The Essence of Light
The Christ Light
Brought forth from your very being.
Continue to light the way
to Sacred Stillness
I bow to you Radiant Mother,
Luminator,
Wayshower,
Seed Planter of Light,
Mother Goddess.
Glory be thy names.
May you shine your Immaculate Light
That I may see my own divinity
For I too am one
With Mary’s Light
A Particle riding the blue wave
To enlightenment.
I am Light.
So be it. So I let it be. Amen.
The Creation of “Our Lady of Light
Layer by layer this painting evolved over the period of a very focused week. What bliss. I was far from alone in the studio. Not only was my team of Divine Helpers there with me, so were those on social media fascinated by the process.
If my sharing can inspire something good in someone, then I’m thrilled!
After smudging myself, my space and the canvas with sacred Palo Santo smoke, I infused the canvas with a blend of sacred waters from the Chalice well in Glastonbury and the Lourdes Grotto in Renews.
The night before, I’d put my rose quartz crystal in this blend of holy waters on the windowsill to infuse it with an extra dose of love & compassion energies.
The initial layer was a wash of yellows, oranges, and golds.
Then came layers and layers of letting go, surrendering the concerns of daily life, the chaos, the details.
Getting lost in mark-making is more about finding myself, my alignment, my centre through non-attachment & play. Very cathartic!
Risk-taking is easy in intuitive painting.
You know that it’s going to keep on changing with every layer. You don’t know where it’s going, but that’s the beauty of it. You don’t need to know. You can simply embrace the mystery and enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
It was such fun that I decided to work on the backgrounds for 2 canvases at the same time. They separated ways after I harmonized the mark-making through more layers of transparent glazing.
The metallic bright gold paint I used for this one contains mica dust, infusing it with even more love & compassion supporting energy.
Inspired by Stained Glass Windows
The light streaming through the stained glass windows caught my attention as I sat with my father in Ottawa’s Notre Dame Basilica for the first time since my mother was moved into long-term care. We used to attend evening mass when I visited from out-of-province. The change in time and family circumstances offered a new perspective on this familiar context.
As I contemplated the narrative, symbolism, and beauty of these stained glass windows, I received the inspiration for a new collection resembling their style incorporating my spiritual journey.
Back in Newfoundland & Labrador, I immersed myself in the creation of the first piece in this style to meet the deadline for the provincial Arts & Letters Awards. That one’s top secret until the spring. “Our Lady of Light” is the 2nd in what I’m now calling my “Re-Connecting Collection”.
I designed Mother Mary on paper first. I made a design in my typical bubble style that represents the mix of physical and spiritual energy of which all is made.
The flowing veils were definitely inspired by Newfoundland weather. But you’ll notice that the flame is unwavering. At one point, I so loved the white that I was nervous about changing it to my envisioned blue. I’m glad I did though… And my heart rejoiced when someone pointed out that they were like waves – adding the element of water into the imagery.
The candle:
If you listened to the Mother Mary meditation I channeled at the grotto, there were 3 candles standing in a triple spiral at our feet.
We had brought one of those candles for Mary. One was either for or from a 3rd presence (different depending on your meditative experience).
The last candle was the one Mary brought to honour us, to help us see our love, beauty, light and value. This is the one I painted.
See how brightly it shines? She wanted her love for us to be an example of how to love ourselves. It felt amazing while channeling it and listening to it after.
The dress:
I had such fun scribbling spirals in the still-wet transparent zinc white paint of her dress. I’ve been scribbling spirals for as long as I can remember – the inward and outward movement of natural evolution.
From early on, I could see/sense a whole circle of people on her sleeve – as if she were carrying with her and reaching out to all those who celebrated her, prayed to her, felt with her.
I’ll admit that the very simplified version of my vision came into being because I simply couldn’t paint what I saw. The idea is there though – that she is of us and for us and we of and for her – part of the same big family.
The third eye:
I added a flower at Mary’s third eye. It’s not a Hindu bindi, although it has a similar meaning. The light shining forth from it is her intuition in action – her connection to the Divine.
The triple spiral in which the candles stood in my vision is called a triskele, or triskelion.
This is an ancient cross-cultural symbol of forward movement, representing 3 bent human legs.
It also represents the sacred trilogy. In some cultures, that’s the Father, Son & Holy Ghost. In others, it’s the mother, maiden & crone. It has also represented life-death-rebirth, spirit-mind-body, mother-father-child, past-present-future, power-intellect-love and creation-preservation-destruction.
In a transmission meditation I was doing for the 7 days of this painting, that trilogy was the Divine Masculine, Divine Feminine & Divine Inner Child. When I teach about intuition, I talk a lot about the divine masculine & feminine, but I’ve never included the divine inner child. I can see it now though – perfect!
This part of the painting changed many times in the process. It eventually included an orb around the diamond – it could be the moon, a crystal ball, or other. I leave that to you – didn’t get a strong message for that one.
Its outside ring is in the same cobalt blue as Mary’s veil to tie those two together. Can you see the pearl mica on top. In the semi darkness, all you’ll see is the sparkle of the 3 mica rings: around the candle, Mary’s outer halo and the glow around the orb.
The sacred trilogy is also represented in this painting through Mary, the stag in the background and the fawn in the foreground.
Did you know a newborn fawn is the size of a large house cat and the weight of a human baby? I had to look that up to scale this blessed creature at the feet of Mary.
It came from a vision and immediately resonated. When I first moved to Saskatchewan, a woman who saw people as their animal energies told me I was a deer. She’d never seen one before. That stuck with me. I think this is the first deer I ever paint.
Here’s some of the deer symbolism I found on the Faena.com website and elsewhere after I received the intuitive message to include them in my painting.
“The stag is the king of the forest, the protector of all other creatures. For the native tribes of North America, the deer was a messenger, an animal of power, and a totem representing sensitivity, intuition and gentleness.
It’s the personification of virtues.
In Buddhism, the deer symbolizes harmony, happiness, peace and longevity….deers are by nature timid and serene animals and their presence in a place represents the purity of a kingdom bereft of fear.
The deer, which is related in many traditions with kindness, softness and gentleness, is, in one way or another, an animal that is connected to the gods and the sacred. One of the reasons for this could be its physical characteristics – its stare, its agility, its speed and its antlers— which inspire those values and symbols in the imagination of humans and in its metaphorical nature.
In many cultures, the deer is a symbol of spiritual authority. During a deer’s life the antlers fall off and grow again and the animal is also a symbol of regeneration. In the Christian imagination, the deer is a symbol of piety, devotion and of God taking care of his children: men.
A sacred animal with the spirit of gentleness and softness, a messenger, a shaman; maize and femininity personified.”
A memorable part of the grotto in Renews is that it’s covered in ivy. Gorgeous! So I used this plant to tie the imagery together. It’s a symbol of eternity, fidelity, and strong affectionate attachment – immortality.
On the Thrive on News Spiritual Magazine, it says:
“The spiralling nature of the way Ivy grows is symbolic of the spiral of the self. Spiralling inward and outward, seeking enlightenment and companionship. Its characteristics include binding, restricting, attachment, freedom, uniting and linking with others. It is also associated with fertility because of its rapid growth.
Ivy lore is associated with the Goddess of rebirth. It is seen as a plant of the Otherworlds and communicating with them. It is also associated with the Greek God of wine and fertility Dionysus, often seen covered in ivy and grape vines.
If a girl carries Ivy in her pocket she will soon meet her future husband. It can be used to banish the negative things from your life, and eliminate toxic relationships. Look inward to find self-growth, but turn outward to find spiritual companionship with like-minded people. If Ivy appears in your life think about joining a spiritualgroup. ”
The original 24″ x 48″ is SOLD.
Acrylics & mica on gallery-wrapped canvas.
Prints of your desired size are available on paper, canvas, metal, wood, and acrylic by clicking here.
The Making of “Our Lady of Light” Video
3 Tips to Welcome In the New Year
/in InspirationHappy New Year!
Thank you for being a part of my 2018 and for choosing to journey with me into 2019.
It’s going to be a great one, I’m sure!
Our world is being shaken up for change. It’s all part of the transformation.
Opportunities are opening for our love & compassion to shine.
Life is asking for greater allowing and accepting.
Your soul is guiding you toward stronger alignment so that you can emerge more fully into your Self.
This is a time of rebirth, creativity, discovering your truth, and living your passion.
Are you ready?
3 Tips to Welcome In the New Year
1. Clean House
It’s time to get rid of what you no longer need, want, or care for. That’s how you make space for what’s in your Highest Interest!
First, imagine 2019 being a special guest in your physical space. How do you want to receive it?
What’s the energy you want to set the tone for this year?
This is a great time to de-clutter & clean so that energy flows.
Give/sell/ or throw out what you don’t need and purify the space with a good smudge.
Using sweet grass, sage or my favourite, palo santo smoke, walk through your space singing, praying, or simply asking your Team of Divine Helpers to help cleanse the space of all that no longer serves you to welcome in what does. Put your heart into your intention.
If you’re doing it with someone else, add candlelight or instruments in the mix and parade through your space with love, appreciation, and cheer.
Then look at your life. Where do you need to clean house in your schedule, habits, social circle, etc.
The tone you set in the first few days will open up to attracting more of the same in the months to come.
2. Raise Your Vibration
What lifts you up? There are so many ways to spend New Year’s.
Do you love to party, immerse yourself in family, or spend time in solitude for reflection and intention setting?
Give yourself the time to do it your way. Everyone else will be better for it if you nourish yourself with what you need. That’s how you can shine brighter this year.
New Year’s Day and the days that surround it are perfect to look at the different roles in your life.
Ask yourself what your best version of each would look like in the year to come and write that down. Then read it at the beginning of each week as you plan your schedule.
Don’t forget your role in your own life. Make a commitment to being, doing, and having what truly raises your vibration. What opens you to the self-love that lights you up so you can shine brighter in the world?
I offer you this 42-minute meditation – probably still my favourite of all those I’ve channeled – as it offers you a chance to connect to your inner guidance, love yourself, and set intentions for the year to come.
3. Tune In with an Intuitive Vision Board
Do you know what your heart truly desires? Are you looking for guidance, direction, and fun?
A great way to start the year is by creating an intuitive vision board. It’s my favourite of the many kinds out there.
Your intuitive vision board is a spontaneous tool to tap into your intuition.
It’s not only a visual representation of your inner guidance, but also a highly practical manifestation tool.
Transition times like the start of a new year is a powerful time to do one – on your own or with friends. Just follow my instructions on my page: 7 Easy Steps to Create an Intuitive Vision Board ,
Happy New Year Dear One! May 2019 be the best yet – whatever that means for you!
With Arms Wide Open – Mary Christmas!
/in Paintings, Re-Connecting CollectionMary Christmas Dear One!
Nope, that’s not a spelling mistake. It’s an invitation to join me in yet another celebration of Mother Mary presented here in the painting “With Arms Wide Open”.
If you’re in need of a hug this Christmas, it’s coming right at you!
Enjoy the embrace!
Note: Keep scrolling past the poem to read about a second grotto visit, get a glimpse into the making of “With Arms Wide Open” and learn about some of its symbolism.
With Arms Wide Open
– A Collaborative Poem –
Thanks to all those who contributed name suggestions on Facebook! This is your poem as much as mine!
(The inner child speaks:)
“With Arms Wide Open” – Original (SOLD – 24″ x 48″) & prints available.
Holy Mary Grasped Anew,
Our Lady of Wisdom,
Guiding angel in the know,
Universal Protector,
Mary Magnificent,
Carry me within your
Open heart –
Oneness,
Assurance,
Wise love,
Mystery joined sacred,
Divine wisdom.
*
(Wisdom Mother answers:)
Rise up Beloved!
I see you, divine creation
Welcoming the Universe
With open arms.
Fly with me in wisdom wholeness
In this holy shower of love.
Welcome home.
This is your Heaven on Earth
Elevated consciousness
Love & freedom!
Transcendence.
Much love & peace to you.
All is calm.
As above so below.
Ripples of consciousness flow from the divine
like waves of the eternal life-
Blessings on healing wings
Here to help you maneuver within
The realms of the unknown.
Open to the divine within.
Welcome home to yourself.
Arise!
Spread your Radiance
In the Light of Love.
Embrace the divine ascension
Embrace the wisdom of Spirit
For you are doubly blessed.
Glory in the highest.
Heaven lives above the mother
Guides in waiting,
Divine Helpers,
Radiant Clarity
Universal wisdom
Life Force is here within
The offer & acceptance…
The wisdom of love is
An amazing experience.
*
(The inner child replies:)
Mary the Cosmic Matrix
Divine Lady of Radiant Wisdom and Protection
Owly Mary, mother of…
Revelation
Thank you
***
Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Flatrock, NL
A few weeks after our visit to the Renews Grotto and the painting of “Our Lady of Light” , a small group of women made the 30-minute drive to Flatrock.
I’d parked there many times, but had been more interested in the beauty and energy of where the waterfall meets the ocean on the East Coast Trail. That’s the strongest land energy vortex I’ve felt in NL.
This time, we spent equal time at the shrine to Mary and the coast.
It was cold, snowy, and windy, so I didn’t record the meditation I channeled for the group.
That meditation was all about embracing the inner child, that divine child within every one of us.
A Bit of History
In 1954, the parish priest in Flatrock was one of millions of pilgrims to traveled to Lourdes in France. The pope of the time had declared 1954 the Marian year. Four years later, this shrine graced the community of Flatrock and has since received visitors from around the world.
Eight days before I heard him speak in Ottawa, Pope John Paul II had been on the island of Newfoundland to bless the fleet and pray at the Lady of Lourdes shrine in Flatrock.
The Making of “With Arms Wide Open”
When I returned home from our own mini pilgrimage, I continued working on the 2nd yellow background I’d started at the same time as “Our Lady of Light”.
This stained-glass-inspired frame was all about dots. Dots upon dots upon dots – like the layering of prayers.
I find dot-making so relaxing, so meditative, so blissful!
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Why the Owl?
I’d forgotten about the owl that had flown in an infinity sign in front of our car when we drove back from the Renews Grotto. It was a barn owl.
It had swooped down in front of the car, around a tree and back in front of the car – showing itself twice during our daylight drive.
A few minutes later, we stopped at a craft fair and owls were everywhere – carved owls, beaded owls, etc.
We knew it was a sign.
Owls are companions to seers & mystics – soul-spirit animals linked to spiritual persons through a special bond.
It seemed befitting to paint one with Mary.
They’re great guides in times of transitions, helping us to see clearly through the shadows and darkness.
They come from wholeness, pure energy – messengers of wisdom carried on wings of change.
As I was waiting to go to a Christmas concert after finishing the archway of this painting, I saw a vision of the owl coming through the portal over Mary’s head.
As I said, I’d forgotten about it. It was back!
Together they swept into our lives to lift us up and hold us in their embrace. Magical!
Can you feel it?
In my research, I learned about its special feathers: tiny comb-like serrated edges that allow the owl to fly silently through the night.
Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace…
In this case – we are the infant being reborn into Christ Consciousness – a deep spiritual bliss and union with the Divine.
Why is Mary White with Blonde Hair?
I made this choice after my house-sister forwarded me a few pages from the Book of Urantia that talked about Mary’s ancestry. I owned that huge tome twice in my life but have never read it. In it, it’s written that Mary was blonde with brown eyes.
Curious for more? Click here to access those pages on Mary, Joseph, and the birth of Jesus.
As for why she’s so white, it’s not to represent the caucasian race. I tend to paint many of my figures that way.
This colour that holds all colours (white light is composed of all colours of the spectrum) honours the Spirit-self, the Divine Light within all of us.
“With Arms Wide Open”
24″ x 48″
Acrylics on gallery-wrapped canvas.
SOLD
Prints of your desired size on paper, canvas, wood, acrylic and metal are available by clicking here.
Mary Christmas Hugs & Thanks for Hugging Back!
Collaborative Poetry – inspiration begets inspiration
/in Inspiration“Ammonight” – 6″ x 6″ – Acrylics & ammonite on cradle board.
You’re invited to reflect on how today’s creative process mirrors your life?
Around the time of the October full moon, I started working on this painting with leftover paints & mediums from 2 other paintings.
A full moon circle ceremony later inspired its subject. Layer by layer, it evolved into what it is today – perfect in its many imperfections.
Since the painting didn’t whisper its name to me, I was then inspired to ask my Facebook Friends for suggestions.
44 people contributed names overnight.
From these, one spoke softly to my heart. Thanks Annie Parrell for the name “Ammonight”.
And thanks to all who played with me – your contributions were all incorporated into the poem below.
Nothing is created in pure isolation. We’re all connected and contributing to the creative flow. Inspiration begets inspiration.
Enjoy the results as we head towards the Cold Moon (Dec. 22nd) on the morning after Winter Solstice.
Ammonight
The Painting
So many different Golden professional paints & mediums went into the creation of such a small jewel – fluid colours, GAC 800, Crackle Paste, Clear Tar Gel, UVLS varnish.
I was also moved to incorporate an ammonite fossil. It symbolizes continual change and evolution. It’s a powerful earth healing fossil for health, prosperity, success and life path activation.
It’s all about intuition into action!
“Ammonight” (6″ x 6″ on cradle board) – SOLD
See all original paintings available here or go here to order prints of some of my work.
Our Lady of Light – painting & prayer
/in Paintings, Re-Connecting CollectionWhat a creative process in communion with community & Mother Mary! Here’s the painting that was inspired by my first visit and channeled meditation at the Grotto de Lourdes in Renews, Newfoundland & Labrador (see previous post). The name “Our Lady of Light” and this collaborative prayer/poem are thanks to the contributions of 51 of my Facebook and Instagram friends & fans. Enjoy the read all the way down to the final video.
OUR LADY OF LIGHT
“Our Lady of Light” – Original (24″ x 48″-SOLD) – prints available.
Hail Mary –
Divine Lady of Light & Love,
Mother’s Grace,
Gentle Woman,
Madona du Mondo,
Reine des bois,
Sacred Devi,
Angelica,
Lady of the Portal,
Mother of Light,
Devine Grace,
She who goes by ten thousand names –
Blessed are you
For you hold the Light of the world
In your hands.
Blessed Saphira,
Light of Grace,
Magnetic blue jewel,
Exquisite radiance,
Inspirational Lady of Light & Peace,
Mother of Renewing Life,
You are the vessel,
The Light Bearer,
Virtue embodied,
Radiant all embracing loving Light.
Oh Serene Mother
Light of Life
Connecting with Pure Essence
You have birthed
Divine Vibrations of Radiance
The Essence of Light
The Christ Light
Brought forth from your very being.
Continue to light the way
to Sacred Stillness
I bow to you Radiant Mother,
Luminator,
Wayshower,
Seed Planter of Light,
Mother Goddess.
Glory be thy names.
May you shine your Immaculate Light
That I may see my own divinity
For I too am one
With Mary’s Light
A Particle riding the blue wave
To enlightenment.
I am Light.
So be it. So I let it be. Amen.
The Creation of “Our Lady of Light
Layer by layer this painting evolved over the period of a very focused week. What bliss. I was far from alone in the studio. Not only was my team of Divine Helpers there with me, so were those on social media fascinated by the process.
If my sharing can inspire something good in someone, then I’m thrilled!
Getting Started
The night before, I’d put my rose quartz crystal in this blend of holy waters on the windowsill to infuse it with an extra dose of love & compassion energies.
The initial layer was a wash of yellows, oranges, and golds.
Then came layers and layers of letting go, surrendering the concerns of daily life, the chaos, the details.
Getting lost in mark-making is more about finding myself, my alignment, my centre through non-attachment & play. Very cathartic!
Risk-taking is easy in intuitive painting.
You know that it’s going to keep on changing with every layer. You don’t know where it’s going, but that’s the beauty of it. You don’t need to know. You can simply embrace the mystery and enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
It was such fun that I decided to work on the backgrounds for 2 canvases at the same time. They separated ways after I harmonized the mark-making through more layers of transparent glazing.
The metallic bright gold paint I used for this one contains mica dust, infusing it with even more love & compassion supporting energy.
Inspired by Stained Glass Windows
The light streaming through the stained glass windows caught my attention as I sat with my father in Ottawa’s Notre Dame Basilica for the first time since my mother was moved into long-term care. We used to attend evening mass when I visited from out-of-province. The change in time and family circumstances offered a new perspective on this familiar context.
As I contemplated the narrative, symbolism, and beauty of these stained glass windows, I received the inspiration for a new collection resembling their style incorporating my spiritual journey.
Back in Newfoundland & Labrador, I immersed myself in the creation of the first piece in this style to meet the deadline for the provincial Arts & Letters Awards. That one’s top secret until the spring. “Our Lady of Light” is the 2nd in what I’m now calling my “Re-Connecting Collection”.
Our Lady of Light
I designed Mother Mary on paper first. I made a design in my typical bubble style that represents the mix of physical and spiritual energy of which all is made.
The flowing veils were definitely inspired by Newfoundland weather. But you’ll notice that the flame is unwavering. At one point, I so loved the white that I was nervous about changing it to my envisioned blue. I’m glad I did though… And my heart rejoiced when someone pointed out that they were like waves – adding the element of water into the imagery.
The candle:
If you listened to the Mother Mary meditation I channeled at the grotto, there were 3 candles standing in a triple spiral at our feet.
We had brought one of those candles for Mary. One was either for or from a 3rd presence (different depending on your meditative experience).
The last candle was the one Mary brought to honour us, to help us see our love, beauty, light and value. This is the one I painted.
See how brightly it shines? She wanted her love for us to be an example of how to love ourselves. It felt amazing while channeling it and listening to it after.
The dress:
I had such fun scribbling spirals in the still-wet transparent zinc white paint of her dress. I’ve been scribbling spirals for as long as I can remember – the inward and outward movement of natural evolution.
From early on, I could see/sense a whole circle of people on her sleeve – as if she were carrying with her and reaching out to all those who celebrated her, prayed to her, felt with her.
I’ll admit that the very simplified version of my vision came into being because I simply couldn’t paint what I saw. The idea is there though – that she is of us and for us and we of and for her – part of the same big family.
The third eye:
I added a flower at Mary’s third eye. It’s not a Hindu bindi, although it has a similar meaning. The light shining forth from it is her intuition in action – her connection to the Divine.
The Triskele
The triple spiral in which the candles stood in my vision is called a triskele, or triskelion.
This is an ancient cross-cultural symbol of forward movement, representing 3 bent human legs.
It also represents the sacred trilogy. In some cultures, that’s the Father, Son & Holy Ghost. In others, it’s the mother, maiden & crone. It has also represented life-death-rebirth, spirit-mind-body, mother-father-child, past-present-future, power-intellect-love and creation-preservation-destruction.
In a transmission meditation I was doing for the 7 days of this painting, that trilogy was the Divine Masculine, Divine Feminine & Divine Inner Child. When I teach about intuition, I talk a lot about the divine masculine & feminine, but I’ve never included the divine inner child. I can see it now though – perfect!
This part of the painting changed many times in the process. It eventually included an orb around the diamond – it could be the moon, a crystal ball, or other. I leave that to you – didn’t get a strong message for that one.
Its outside ring is in the same cobalt blue as Mary’s veil to tie those two together. Can you see the pearl mica on top. In the semi darkness, all you’ll see is the sparkle of the 3 mica rings: around the candle, Mary’s outer halo and the glow around the orb.
The Deer
The sacred trilogy is also represented in this painting through Mary, the stag in the background and the fawn in the foreground.
Did you know a newborn fawn is the size of a large house cat and the weight of a human baby? I had to look that up to scale this blessed creature at the feet of Mary.
It came from a vision and immediately resonated. When I first moved to Saskatchewan, a woman who saw people as their animal energies told me I was a deer. She’d never seen one before. That stuck with me. I think this is the first deer I ever paint.
Here’s some of the deer symbolism I found on the Faena.com website and elsewhere after I received the intuitive message to include them in my painting.
The Ivy
A memorable part of the grotto in Renews is that it’s covered in ivy. Gorgeous! So I used this plant to tie the imagery together. It’s a symbol of eternity, fidelity, and strong affectionate attachment – immortality.
On the Thrive on News Spiritual Magazine, it says:
“The spiralling nature of the way Ivy grows is symbolic of the spiral of the self. Spiralling inward and outward, seeking enlightenment and companionship. Its characteristics include binding, restricting, attachment, freedom, uniting and linking with others. It is also associated with fertility because of its rapid growth.
Prints Available
The original 24″ x 48″ is SOLD.
Acrylics & mica on gallery-wrapped canvas.
Prints of your desired size are available on paper, canvas, metal, wood, and acrylic by clicking here.
The Making of “Our Lady of Light” Video
Mother Mary Meditation
/in Guided MeditationsMy spirituality has expanded from my Catholic roots to a more Universal philosophy. But Mary and Jesus are still very much a part of my Team of Divine Helpers.
I’ve felt a painting of the blessed mother germinating for some years. But it’s almost as if I’d taken this part of my foundation for granted.
When I went to Ottawa in September, I attended mass at the Notre Dame Basilica. It was my first time there alone with my father since my mother moved into a long term care home.
The light was shining through the stained glass windows in mesmerizing ways. We used to go in the evenings, so the morning light here was new to me.
During that hour, I felt a whole new body of artwork calling me. And I knew that Mother Mary was going to be an integral part of it.
Mother Mary Grottos
A month later, I went to a panel discussion called “Walking and Healing: on feminism, spirituality, land”.
One of the presenters talked about the Mother Mary grottos here in Newfoundland and her doctoral research on their role in their communities.
It stirred something within me.
The Grotto in Lourdes, France
I remember visiting Lourdes in France as a young girl. I’d had a little booklet on the story of Saint Bernadette and her visions of Mary in a cave in the mid 1800s.
Although I was partly overwhelmed by the touristy aspects surrounding the sacred site, I remember feeling touched by the evidence of healings and miracles.
The sacred was palpable through the commercial veneer of this pilgrimage site.
Having said that, I did go home with 3 big plastic Virgin Mary bottles full of holy water that I kept for another 20 year. I wish I still had them now.
The Grotto in Renews, Newfoundland & Labrador
The weekend after the discussion panel, 4 of us traveled to Renews-Cappahayden to hold ceremony at the Grotto de Lourdes on Mass Rock. You can read more about its interesting history on Canada’s Historic Places website.
As I placed my hand on the Mass Rock, I connected through my heart to people throughout history and around the world who have had to hide their spiritual beliefs for fear of prosecution.
Still, they believed and gathered in secret to celebrate as they did here in the 1700s when the colony of Newfoundland fell under England’s Penal laws.
I’m so glad I live in a part of the world where I’m now free to be and believe as I do.
Having learned at a young age to be quiet about my own visions and some of my spiritual experiences, I’m amazed at how open the world has become.
I feel so grateful for the increasing acceptance of what I’m being called to channel or participate in for the service of others.
Our time in Renews – open to each person’s background and contributions – was a part of that.
We took in the energy, held a beautiful collaborative ceremony, drank the waters, remembered the stories of how significant this place was to the local community and walked on Midnight Hill.
In our closing, we each offered names in prayer. I included my mother, Rita.
Not 2 minutes later, one of the women in the group found wind chimes on the ground, likely blown down in that week’s 140km/hr windstorm that literally shook the island. On its pendant was written “Rita’s Chimes”.
We all recognized the undeniable sign. It took 3 of us to fix the clasp and hang it back in its tree, symbolizing the support needed and manifested so that Rita’s chimes, my mother’s voice, can still be heard.
Mother Mary Meditation Video
As part of our ceremony, I channeled this meditation. We stood in a circle holding hands, closed our eyes, and journeyed together within the visions I was being offered.
When I got home, I added the music and photos to create the video below.
I recommend you listen to this Mother Mary meditation with your eyes closed the first time and then re-experience it with the photographs afterwards to anchor your internal journey and any messages you received along the way.
I’ve also included the audio-only track below and the photographs for you to contemplate at your leisure.
May this post help you connect to your Divine Feminine, to Mother Mary, and to self-love.
Next week, I’ll share the painting that was born from this experience.
Note: You can find this and other meditations on my YouTube channel.
Photo Contemplation
Feel free to click on the first photo to scroll through them one at a time.
Peace Garden II -the painting
/in PaintingsTraditional gardeners are creative nurturing people with a mix of vision, knowledge, and passion for the outdoors. They ground themselves in the earth and connect to Nature as they plan, observe, listen, weed, allow and cherish the results of their co-creative efforts.
Creating your inner peace garden is much the same. The tools, layout, colours, and textures will be as unique as you are, but the results identical – peace. It all starts with intention and a passion for your inner world.
What do you need to create your own Peace Garden?
What nurtures your soul? What grounds & connects you? What do you thrive in watching grow? What needs to be weeded out to allow for healthier expression of who you really are?
“Peace Garden II” (24″ x 24″) –– Buy here.
Painting the Path to My Peace Garden
I smile when people say “You’re so patient!”. They can’t imagine the time and concentration it takes for the amount of detail in some of my pieces.
I can’t imagine my life without it. There’s a reason I call part of my process dot-therapy.
There’s nothing quite like being in the zone for 12-16 hours nurturing my soul in the co-creation of a painting.
Layer by layer it evolves at the same time as I do – with whatever cathartic process, energy work, exploratory play, or meditative technique inspires me in the moment.
Intuitive painting might not be your thing. It’s not for everyone.
The trick is finding what helps you grow your inner peace – on your own or with others.
The seeds of peace have always been present at your core. It’s that Divine Essence at the heart of you.
May the labyrinth of your life bring you back to your core to re-discover your birthright.
Peace Garden II
Painting is my sanctuary and the themes of many of my paintings reflect that. This one is no different.
Folks often ask how long it takes to create my paintings.
This one took 30 hours + a lifetime of practice, training & living.
Enjoy all the details – like the chakra-coloured dots around each glass-bead covered triskele fountain.
The triskele is an ancient symbol of earth-sea-sky, body-mind-spirit, of the holy trilogy. It’s about motion, momentum, action.
Notice the perfection of their imperfection – how some of the triskele symbols are off-centre – reminding us to accept our “flaws” and ever-changing process as we align with peace.
I knew I had to lengthen the passage to the labyrinth at the heart of this mandala. It’s an invitation for you to accompany me on the journey – that sacred discovery journey that brings you to your centre so you can come back out again with greater peace.
Does it speak to you?
Note: “Peace Garden II” comes with a soft paintbrush that can be used to gently navigate your way through the labyrinth – on the wall or on a table.
2 New Trees in my Forest Family
/in PaintingsThank God for trees! Don’t you just love them? Grounding through their roots and connecting through their branches, they’re constantly growing into the light.
They may have to twist in the wind, lose a few limbs, morph with the rhythms of the seasons and aim for the light in unusual angles. But they keep on growing, accepting, adapting, and giving in so many ways.
All the while, they give of themselves to help us breathe. They nourish us in body, mind, and spirit. And they provide shelter for so many blessed creatures.
They have so much to teach us about being.
I can’t imagine a pine enviously comparing itself to a maple or a weeping willow feeling superior to a bamboo.
Each tree just is – being what it is in all its stages.The blueprint for its full potential was there when it was still a seed or an acorn. Every day it just grows into more of itself – naturally and in divine timing.
Is it any wonder I can’t stop painting them?
Here are 2 more in my growing Forest Family. Let me know if you’d like to adopt one of them for yours.
1) Rooted in Community
(9″ x 12) – SOLD
Acrylics on gallery-wrapped canvas .
2) Vitality
(9″ x 12) – SOLD
“Vitality” is about the daily recovery of our zest for life through challenges and experience.
Our true beauty isn’t diminished by the wrinkles and cracks. Our colours are simply more seasoned – layering the everlasting wonder and curiosity at our core with an evolving multi-dimensional character and wisdom. We shine with the accents of love & compassion.
This painting honours the Life Force flowing through the rivulets of our very being.
Vitality (9” x 12”) – SOLD
Acrylics, mica (love & compassion) & red aventurine (re-vitalizing through action, increase flow of Life Force) on canvas. No framing required
Which speaks to you more? Why? Comment below.
Peace Evolution
/in PaintingsThe best thing we can do in any situation is find our peace. From that peace is born unconditional love, inspired action, connection, and so much more.
The painting “Peace Evolution” was born from pours of iridescent colours that are sometimes only visible from some angles. Its shine and play on colours makes it a hard one to photograph – take a look at the photos below to see what I mean.
The creative process for this piece called for me to embrace the mystery as patience and time revealed its subtle beauty, inspiring whatever came next.
Two nautilus shells, almost transparent white from some angles and iridescent violet & blue from others, spiral in different directions. These symbolize the evolution of peace from turning inward and then back outwards into the world.
The triskele (triple spiral) is an ancient symbol of the triple goddess, Saint Brigid, earth-sea-sky, the holy trilogy, and body-mind-spirit. It’s all about movement and action. Peace is a verb as well as a state of being.
As for the peace dove, it just felt right during this pre-Christmas season.
All we do for own our peace eventually shines in the world.
Peace be with you! Peace be with us all.
See all my original paintings for sale by clicking here.
Nature Break – Fall Kaleidoscope
/in Photography ProjectsThe busier you get, the more you need nature breaks. There’s nothing quite as grounding and connecting as a walk amidst Mother Nature’s ever-changing beauty. And oh, how that fresh air nourishes the body, mind & spirit.
But if you can’t get out there, I believe the energy from nature photographs has its own nourishing effects.
Today, I offer you a nature break online through this Fall kaleidoscope of Newfoundland colours.
These are some of the pictures I’ve delighting in taking & sharing in the last few weeks – from a stretch break in my backyard, a walk on the neighbourhood trails, a bike ride by the ocean, and a cross-province road trip to teach at a spiritual retreat.
Sunday’s 120km winds pretty well took care of all the leaves, so I’m glad I took advantage of Mother Nature’s offerings before that.
Enjoy, until your next heart-to-heart, face-to-face date with nature.
To see them larger, click on the first and use the arrow to scroll through.
“Wisdom of the Matriarch” – the painting
/in PaintingsThere’s a new relationship in my life. It’s with a whole species of trees – the weeping willow.
My new painting, “Wisdom of the Matriarch” is both a tribute to my communion with these magnificent beings and to my mother.
The Weeping Willow Connection
This willow tree stopped me in my tracks as I was walking from the bus stop to her nursing home. I was in awe. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen one. They’re definitely not common on the rocky island of Newfoundland, where I live.
I’ve always loved trees. I’ve hugged them, photographed them, painted them – even had an exhibition called Treedom to honour them.
But I’ve never felt as strong a connection, a communication, an attraction to a species as I did to weeping willows during my 2 weeks in Ontario.
You see, it wasn’t only this willow that held me in its dancing breath every time I went to visit my mother. It was every single weeping willow during my road trip to southern Ontario with my father to visit the land of his ancestors.
We passed millions of trees driving. No matter if it was close to the road or off in some field, every weeping willow turned my head and joined me in spirit to my mother.
I was even called to deviate from my father’s bucket list by going for a short walk at the deserted Guelph Lake Conservation Area. It turns out its weeping willow trees have been a draw for years. No coincidence, I’m sure.
There’s more to it, but I’m still discovering the layers of our connection.
One link became clear as I shared all this on Facebook. One of my friends reminded me that willow branches are used to make dreamcatchers.
I was still in the process of writing the Dreamcatcher Prayer to go with the painting I’d finished right before my trip – see previous blog post.
So I knew this was an evolving relationship – a connection with one of our planet’s sacred Treedom communities.
The Creation of Wisdom of the Matriarch
When I returned to St. John’s, I knew I was meant to explore this relationship further through an energy-painting featuring a weeping willow.
It was an intuitive process. I painted the background not knowing what would come next.
It evolved layer by layer from the intricate structure of the trunk to the many depths and shades of leaves.
As I kept painting, I knew I was covering up its iridescent frame, but every layer called for another. And I listened. It was a deeply meditative process – much slower than shown in the video above.
It wasn’t about the look. That was getting so methodical and busy. Still, I kept layering weeping branches, eventually adding 3-D leaves.
After all that intricate work, I came into the studio one morning inspired to cover the whole structure with 3 colours of opaque and transparent pours.
I wish I’d taken a video of that freeing, liberating stage. It didn’t even occur to me in the burst of creative energy and satisfying release.
Ahhhhhh……
So much paint went into this piece, like with many of my pieces. Layers were lost but are still energetically present. It was as much about the co-creative process with Spirit as it was about the final look.
Naming of Wisdom of the Matriarch & Its New Home
Once it was done, I received an intuitive message not to price it as I do other 24″ x 36″ paintings. I was told I’d receive an offer for it and to accept it. I was also told not to name the painting – to let the customer do so.
Part of me was hesitant as this was a tribute to my mother and I wanted the name to reflect that. It couldn’t have turned out better.
The day I posted the photo of the final painting, one of my clients sent me a Facebook message saying how she cried looking at it. It reminded her of her friend who had just passed.
She came to see it and later made me an offer to be paid over the span of a year. I gladly accepted.
On her way home, she received its name. “Wisdom of the Matriarch”. It’s no coincidence that the name also honours my mother and our connection through weeping willows. It’s part of the divine plan.
Weeping Willow Symbolism
The weeping willow – Salix babylonica – is from the watery realm of emotion and intuition. It’s also a symbol of creativity, patience, and adjusting to the seasons of life.
According to Avia from my favourite symbolism website :
It also encourages flexibility – to adjust with life rather than fight it.
I got to witness this on the afternoon that the tornado hit Ottawa. As I left my mother’s residence, the winds had picked up dramatically. The willow was dancing wildly as I watched it shake off a few branches that someone was harvesting. But its core was strong, bending and swaying – alive with resilient energy!
I can see how all this relates to my mother – her strength over the years, flexibility, intuition, and acceptance of the rhythms of life.
I love you Maman! I feel you Maman!