Lani's Accessible Web Feeds

I put forward an invitation on 14 secrets yahoo group suggesting that if folks are interested in creating mini art retreats for themselves and their friends like our first annual Lost Sisters Art Retreat and Reunion they should join us at the Lost Sisters Art Retreat and Reunion Yahoo Group. My thinking is that this is a great place to keep information and to share ideas about art retreats we have attended, have created, or would wish to create.

Some of us have experienced Teesha Moore's ArtFest and have then gone on to create a sweet little retreat in Nova Scotia. Some of us felt that Nova Scotia is really beautiful and wonder-filled but really far to come.

So I got to thinking what if Long Lost Sisters created mini retreats all over the place and they talked about it here and you could find out if there was one near you or if there were folks wanting to make art in your area. One of my ArtFest/14 Secrets buddies meets with friends in a posh hotel in Chicago (I don't think any of them are
actually from Chicago) and they art it up for a long weekend (read about it here). They share new techniques, order in, play, laugh, relax, and end up
feeling really good about themselves and each other. Now how bad can that be?

Another ArtFest/14 Secrets buddy has art parties, where after a great sounding dinner friends share art materials and ideas (which you can read about here).

So if you dreaming about making art with your long lost sisters and want to share your ideas about art parties and retreats, this group might be for you! We are just feeling our way with all this, so there's no huge expectations, just fun and joy of sisterhood and art!

It's here and there's been a secret page added by Adela! If you can guess what makes Adela Happy I will send you a digital collage sheet as a gift.

More workshops for art therapists in or near British Columbia. They sound wonderful (I wish I could be there). If you are interested in the overlap of aboriginal culture, ecology, and art therapy you might want to take a look at these.

Kutenai Art Therapy Institute
#201- 601 Front Street, Nelson, BC V1L 4B6



SPRING WORKSHOPS


The MANDALA IN THERAPY
Explore Jung’s symbol of wholeness. Participants in this program will experience the therapeutic application of the mandala for therapist self-care, client assessment, intervention and treatment. All materials included. (15 hrs credit) Instructor: Lucille Proulx M.A., ATR is a registered art therapist & author with 20 years experience in Canada, USA & Thailand. $200
February 22: (6 pm - 9 pm)
February 23: (9:30 am – 4:30 pm)
February 24: (9:30 am – 4:30 pm)

ART & the SACRED, Self Care Through Symbolic Healing
Symbolic healing involves sacred art making practices that allow connection to our ancestry and contribute to our sense of belonging. This “Healing the Healers” workshop explores symbolic healing and rituals including; sacred space, story telling, visualization and relaxation techniques. All materials included.
Instructor: Christine Lummis B.A., DKATI, RCAT is a registered art therapist & author of the “Use of Art in the Treatment of Addictions”. (12 hrs. credit) $200
Weekend - March 8 & 9th: (9 am – 4 pm)

ART THERAPY WITH ADOLESCENTS, An Introduction
Art can be used to address difficult issues facing young people today. Through visual and clinical presentation participants will explore; teen self-injury, suicide ideation & identity confusion. Violent imagery will be an aspect of the workshop. Open to: Clinicians, teachers, outreach staff and art therapy students.
Instructor: Christine Lummis B.A., DKATI, RCAT is a registered art therapist & author of the “Use of Art in the Treatment of Addictions”. (12 hrs. credit) $200
March 19 & 20th: (9 am – 4 pm)


SPRING WORKSHOPS

ATTACHMENT ISSUES: ART THERAPY with Infants & Young Children
Theories of attachment, relationship and disorders of infancy & childhood. The parental-partnership role, tactile experience will be explored through art making, video presentation & role playing. All materials included. (12 hrs. credit) $200
Instructor: Lucille Proulx M.A., ATR is a registered art therapist & author with 20 years experience in Canada, USA & Thailand.
Weekend - April 12 & 13th (9:30 am – 4:30 pm)

FINDING YOUR FLOW, Art and Movement
Give your critical mind a rest. Discover how to let authentic creative expression come forward. This opening is followed by play, gestural & abstract painting. $80
Instructor: Christine Lummis B.A., DKATI, RCAT is a registered art therapist with 10 years experience.
March 30th: (10 am – 4 pm)

ACTION PAINTING, Personal Growth & Creative Exploration
Taking risks in art is metaphoric to finding creative ways to be in the world. Practice letting the art inform the outcome. No art experience is necessary. $80
Instructor: Christine Lummis B.A., DKATI, RCAT is a registered art therapist with 10 years experience, currently co-authoring a creative workbook for couples.
Weekend - April 20th: (9 am – 4 pm)

BODY AWARENESS, Through Creative Expression
Use art is a healing tool in understanding your relationship to your body and it’s stories. Participants will explore; color, personal symbols, body scanning and relaxation techniques. A body tracing chart, deep inner listening, writing and discussion will assist in mapping out inner territories and personal landmarks.
All materials included. $200
Instructor: Christine Lummis B.A., DKATI, RCAT is a registered art therapist with 10 yrs. experience and the author of: “Use of Art in the Treatment of Addictions”.
Weekend – May 3 & 4: (9 am – 4 pm)


Register early to avoid disappointment 250 352 2264
Kutenai Art Therapy Institute
#201 601 Front Street, Nelson, BC, V1L 4B6



Awakening the Heart Through the Arts

CONNECTING COMMUNITY SPIRIT

MAY 13 &14, 2008
MIR CENTRE FOR PEACE
Castlegar, BC

This symposium will take the perspective of the medicine wheel to approach aboriginal issues in health with a focus on the value of arts and culture in prevention, rehabilitation and therapeutic treatment. The workshops & presentations will focus on all aspects of the medicine wheel looking at the essential needs of human beings as: a sense of spirituality, sense of mastery, sense of connection, and a sense of well-being. Aboriginal cultures have traditionally integrated arts and culture in healing practices and the contemporary use of Art Therapy has proved to be a very valuable method and traditionally appropriate in addressing many of the physical and emotional issues facing aboriginal communities today. The symposium is about establishing healing and reconnection through the arts and igniting a fire of compassion and community action and creativity.
This symposium will bring together aboriginal artists, art therapists, health professionals, front line workers, community & cultural leaders to share a vision of approaching health and healing in community through culture and the arts. It is hope that this symposium will provide an opportunity for participants to articulate a vision for a new approach to health and healing in community through culture and the arts.

For more information please see the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute website or contact them directly: 1-800-580-6388 / 250-352-2264 kutenai_art_therapy@shaw.ca

Presentations
Working with the Wheel
Presenter: Richard Campbell
This experiential workshop will introduce participants to the concept of integrating the Medicine Wheel as an empowering self-reflective tool in the art therapy process.

Building a Bridge
Presenters: Marie Anderson and Faith Louis-Adams
The workshop will provide individuals with the opportunity for self discovery through creativity in a group setting. Participants will be asked to create a self symbol with clay that will be incorporated into the group collaboration. Bridge building can provide connections between people through the sharing of ideas, decision making and problem solving.

ArtsCan Circle - Cooperative exploration of the Arts with Native Youth at Risk
Presenters: Mike Stevens and Tracie Harrison
Mike and Tracie would like to share with you their experiences making artful connections with Native Youth. Through a multi-media presentation you will learn how Mike first became inspired to link creative artists with youth in isolated Canadian Native Communities and how he and several artist teams now make journeys up North each year to collaborate in artistic endeavors with youth.

Blow on that Thang! Heartfelt Harmonica Expressions
Mike Stevens has played in the Grand Ole Opry 300 times with Jim and Jesse. He has won numerous awards for his recordings and was made a “Kentucky Colonel” for his accomplishments in Bluegrass music. In addition to his music career Mike conducts Harmonica workshops with schools, corporations, and professionals of all sorts to loosen them up and get them expressing themselves creatively. In this workshop he will share his love of the harmonica and have you blowing a tune and expressing your emotions in no time flat! www.mikestevensmusic.com
Video presentation
Presenter: Tracie Harrison
Videos produced for Native youth in Pikangikum, a fly in only Northern Ontario Native community, will be presented and discussed. The videos address issues of suicide, solvent abuse and grief.

A Window to the Soul
Presenter: Monica Carpendale
This presentation will show the art therapy process of aboriginal clients: issues of grief, trauma, abuse and the impact of residential school will be covered. The case studies will illustrate the awakening of the spirit and recovery of a sense of well- being through the art therapy process.

Spirituality in the Workplace
Presenter: Dr. Duncan Grady and Rosalyn Grady.
Spiritual practice is not a means to an end, but an end in itself. Work, as distinguished form activity, can also be an end in itself. It is tempting to be more focused on future results than what is happening in the moment. By being present in the moment of work you can be more at ease and therefore more creative. Are you curious how? Come to this workshop and find out!

Panel on Ethics Issues working in a Therapeutic Capacity in Aboriginal Communities
Panelists: Carrie Reid, Donna Wright, Audrey Ward, Michelle Reid, Marina Richards
Experiential Workshop on Ethical Decision Making
Presenter: Monica Carpendale & Panel members
A 7-step model for ethical decision-making will be presented and participants will workshop a variety of ethical dilemmas in small groups.
Searching for Joy in the Chaos: Vicarious Trauma
Presenter: Carrie Reid, RCAT, PHd candidate
For community-based helpers who live and work with Trauma Survivors, an overview of western theory about Vicarious Trauma as well as the Indigenous experience where many helpers are trauma survivors themselves. We will provide information, skills, and tools for helpers: not just for when the overwhelm happens; but strategies for prevention.
Understanding Oppression and the Value of Art Therapy
Presenter: Audrey Ward, BSW, DKATI, RCAT
This workshop will explore the use and misuse of power in understanding oppression and the value of Art Therapy as a culturally appropriate approach to healing.

Walking between Worlds
Presenters: Marina Richards & Jan Souza
This experiential workshop will explore the Western and Indigenous paradigms to demonstrate the commonality of goals and the similarities and differences in the way healing is approached. The presentation will discuss the Aboriginal Child & Youth Mental Health Plan and the importance of working with a wholistic approach.
Alternative Arts Therapies with Hard to Reach Youth
Presenter: Carrie Reid, RCAT, PHd candidate
Participants explore a variety of strategies for working with youth who have huge trust issues. She shares strategies that help and strategies that don’t. Carrie will talk specifically to some of the recent brain science AND how trauma and attachment are best served using non-verbal (art) strategies.
Practical Magic: Storytelling for people who live and work in their own communities
Presenter: Carrie Reid, RCAT, PHd candidate
This workshop is close to my heart. It is the opportunity for community-based helpers to tell their story. It is not a talking circle. It is not therapy. It is a poetry writing workshop… where we will share glimpses of our stories with people who perform magic.

Creation & the Artist: Rooted in a Contemplative Heart
Presenter: Jacqueline Fehlner Registered Art Therapist (R.C.A.T., O.A.T.R.) and Spiritual Director/Pastoral Care Worker
In this workshop, we will look at our roots that ground and connect us to a creative Spirit and to each other. We will take time to reflect upon the languages of love that have the potential to connect or distance us from each other. We will have the opportunity to create artwork from a contemplative stance.

Incarceration: Stigma or Refuge?
Presenter: Jean Tait
Utilizing art therapy within a Canadian correctional institution requires knowledge about security protocols, what to expect in a session, obstacles and surprises in a correctional environment, what isn’t advisable and other guidance about working in a women’s prison in western Canada.

Attachment Issues and Art Therapy Interventions
Presenter: Lucille Proulx
The presentation will introduce an effective method of working with the parent and infant or preschool child in an effort to resolve relationship problems. The information in this presentation will be invaluable to mental health professionals in prevention and early childhood fields. The participants will receive concrete suggestions about what materials and activities to use and then discuss the goals and meaning of the ensuing behaviors between the parent and child.

The Hoop of Life
Presenter: Kevin Locke
The workshop will explore contemporary challenges within a framework of traditional American Indian culture, history and values. Kevin will bring to the workshop his story telling, music, dance and humour to bring insight to the way traditional teaching address the four stages of life. Kevin’s Hoop Dance is a physical metaphor for the process of regeneration, which we are presently undergoing as one species within a planetary field of Life. Kevin's goal is "to raise awareness of the Oneness we share as human beings." His belief in the Unity of human kind is expressed dramatically in the traditional Hoop Dance, which illustrates "the roles and responsibilities that all human beings have within the hoops (or circles) of life."

Presenters

Marie Anderson McCarthy, BFA, completed her course work and an honours practica in 2006 from the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute. Marie is a band member of the Kehewin and for the past year and a half she has been the Counselor and Art Therapist at the Kehewin Community Education Center, in the elementary school working with students in grade K- grade 6.

Richard Campbell, BFA, DKATI (thesis pending), is an artist and practicing Art Therapist in Boston Bar. He is a member of the N’Lakapamux Nation and is currently working for his band in the schools. His connection to nature gives him a deep appreciation of life and an in depth understanding of the Medicine Wheel, which he has integrated into his practice of Art Therapy.

Monica Carpendale, BFA, DVATI, RCAT, BCATR. Monica is the founder and executive director of the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute and she has over 20 years of clinical practice in Art Therapy. She is the inventor of the Blue Heron series of nine therapeutic games to help children develop communication skills. She is currently excited about the development of eco art therapy and the relationship between art and poetry in self-exploration.

Jacqueline Fehlner, BA, D.T.A.T.I., R.C.A.T., O.A.T.R. a Registered Art Therapist and a Spiritual Director, has had a private practice in spiritual care since 1984 and in art therapy since 1993. She works mainly with those living with serious illness and with therapists and pastoral care professionals who support them. She works as an Art Therapist and Lay Chaplain at Highbourne Life Care Centre in Etobicoke, Ontario.

Duncan Grady was raised in the Siksika/Sauk Blackfeet tradition. Dr. Grady has studied and experienced native ceremony for years. He is a Buddhist practitioner, psychotherapist, hospice trainer and college professor.

Rosalyn Grady has a doctoral degree in Spiritual studies and is an educator, funeral celebrant and counselor. Rosalyn is a student of the International council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers.

Tracy Harrison, Visual Artist, Art Therapist, Child and Youth Mental Health Therapist, ArtsCan Circle Team Member and past Board member. Tracy has extensive experience working with At Risk Youth and has brought a variety of visual art experiences to the Northern Communities, which teachers continue to use today. www.artscancircle.ca

Marilyn James is the spokesperson for the Sinixt people. She is noted for her advocacy and her storytelling.

Kevin Locke (Tokeya Inajin is his Lakota name, meaning "The First to Arise") is Lakota (Hunkpapa Band of Lakota Sioux) and Anishinabe. He is known throughout the world as a visionary Hoop Dancer, the preeminent player of the indigenous Northern Plains flute, a traditional storyteller, cultural ambassador, recording artist and educator.

Faith Louis-Adams is of the Samson Cree nation and was born in Hobbema, Alberta. She is a graduate of the Alberta College of Art & Design and recently graduated from Kutenai Art Therapy Institute in Nelson, B.C. She is currently working as a Youth Drug and Alcohol Addictions Counselor/Art Therapist and as an STV Outreach Worker in the community of Nakusp, B.C.

Lucille Proulx, M. A. ATR is a registered art therapist with many years of clinical and private practice experience. She has recently returned from a 2 -year assignment in Thailand, training mental health professions to work with abused children using art. She is an instructor at the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute, and the author of Strengthening Emotional Ties through Parent-child-dyad art therapy. Interventions for Infants and Preschoolers.

Carrie Reid, DVATI, RCAT is a Coast Salish woman who lives and works as a registered Art Therapist in her own community. She is currently completing her PHD research in Expressive Arts Therapies and loves to play Nintendo. She believes strongly in good friends, healthy elders and monthly doses of chocolate.

Michelle Reid, MSW, is an instructor at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology. She is completing her training as an art therapist at the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute.
Marina Richards is a Metis woman, raised by her Cree Grandmother, who delights in helping people connect to their gifts, potential, and personal power. She is a facilitator with both contemporary and traditional skills, who uses the Medicine Wheel as a contextual framework in order to support people on their journey to joy and wellness. Marina is the Aboriginal Wellness Coordinator for the Aboriginal Peoples Family Accord: Kootenay Zone and has worked with Native people both on and off Reserve for over 15 years. She lives in Nelson, British Columbia.
Jan Souza, MA, DKATI, RCAT, is a Registered Canadian Art Therapist and the Team leader for Child & Youth Mental Health (MCFD) in the West Kootenays. She has over 30 years of experience as a child and youth clinician. Jan is a clinical supervisor, and instructor at the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute.
Mike Stevens, World Class Musician and Harmonica Player Extraordinaire and Founder of ArtsCan Circle. Mike has created unique ways to work with Youth At Risk. He has successfully developed musical instrument lending libraries in many communities and recently he accomplished another Northern dream – installing recording studios in Northern communities to facilitate the musical expression of Native Youth.

Jean Elizabeth Tait, DKATI (thesis pending) is a First Nations Artist/Art Therapist who has exhibited her “medicine” paintings and prints since 1992. Jean runs an open art studio, which has a high inner city client population in downtown Edmonton. Jean has run workshops and a women’s healing circle for several years. Jean pioneered an art therapy practica for 2 ½ years at the Edmonton Women’s Institute, a medium security prison.

Rene Therrien is the Minister of Culture for the Metis Nation of BC. He is an exceptional fiddler and will be bringing his music and energy to the symposium.
Audrey Ward, BSW, DKATI, RCAT, is from the Okanagan Nation. Audrey Ward is a registered art therapist with 10 years of clinical art therapy experience. Audrey has been an instructor at NVIT and she is noted for her workshops on oppression and the intergenerational impact of residential schools. She is currently working for the Aboriginal Peoples Family Accord as a Wellness coordinator.

Donna Wright is a family support worker at Nelson Community Services. She is aboriginal liason person for the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute. She is a Metis grandmother that has been working and advocating for her community for many years.

Over at 14 Secrets we did an altered book round robin. Lore had found a great old board book on dinosaurs which she very kindly donated to my art room. Thank you Lore. Since the first book had gone missing somewhere in Michigan, I thought this one should have a little Art Therapy MOJO, so I found this old photo of Edith Kramer as a child and started the book. The 14th secret of the 14 Secrets for a Happy Artists Life has to do with creating your own list of secrets for a happy life. So participants were asked to do a page on their favorite secret or secrets. And now it's home, making me very happy! Thank you Carol, Lore, Christine, Gioia, Jan, Joyce, Maria, Dee and Adela for contributing a surprise concluding page.

A question came up about using UTEE so here are some resources:





And this blog has some good ideas.

And here's another way of using UTEE. There sure seem to be lots of possibilities with UTEE!

Mountain Moments

The earth exploded
leaving behind
hundreds of pale lavender crocus
a sea of flowers
blooming among yellow green brown grass
life blossoming

Carol Ingram Moore
http://www.grannysarthouse.com
Take time to play, create, and have fun!

Marilyn's Altered Tin


Gioia hosted this great Altered Altoid tin swap, a gorgeous vintage funky shrine altered Altoid tin with a Valentine's theme! She asked us great questions and I'll put the answers here. You will have to guess who wrote what. I'm not telling!

One thing I'm grateful for today is...

My one of three surviving companion dog-I just lost the other two in the last month from old age.
family/ friends
for my grandmother in law who made us dinner tonight
Warm weather
my health
my lovely little family
Just one thing? Oh, ok, this group!
Sewing wings on a fairy doll
my sight
I woke up!
a steady hand
the ability to think of a hundred things I'm grateful for

One thing I like to use when altering stuff is...

Wow...I love it all.. I use whatever it takes to get the look I want. I guess a good glaze medium.
glitter
the new alcohol inks I got for my birthday
found objects (literally picked up off the ground)
whatever grabs me in the moment
fabrics
Bees wax and gold... that's two things. Sorry
Alchol inks and found objects
distress inks
Tags
fabric
chalk

One thing I love, love, love is...

Art art and more art, food, art supplies, reading.
creating stories
reading children's books to children
miniatures!
having time to myself to putter
Finding new ways to make art and use materials... makes me all tingly.
Kicking horse coffee Chocolate Bars (google it - mmmm)
the ocean
cozied in bed with a good book
My granddaughter!
plaid, plaid, plaid
tiny surprises

One "altered art" steriotype I will not use in my shrine is...

The dark, grungy, dirty, look.
pointed hats
I'm going to hold back on the wings
can't say- stuff just comes out the way it comes out for me
not really sure
scrabble tiles
Frida Kahlo
cutsie things
stickers
Grunge or Gothic
the words "create" and "believe"
?

One time I will host a swap is...

After I retire and have more time.
handmade paper
when I get inspired and energized with an idea
one of these days when I have a good idea
I have no idea, but hopefully soon
The next AB RR. What do you think Gioia?
I am hosting one Healing dolls!
when ever it strikes
Summer
maybe summer when there is no cub scout leader training and no girl scout troop meetings
late winter/early spring

One secret no one knows about me is...

I have tatoos...from 1960's. No, I will not show them!
now sometimes I dream about running away to Miami Beach
I'm so shy, I start to perspire when I'm about to interact with anyone I haven't known for years
that I used to be a middle eastern dancer
Now if I tell you I won't have a secret anymore will I? :)
I first became interested in puppets as a kid in Taiwan where puppets danced in the street to exorcise evil spirits and cholera.
I never put blond hair on dolls because as a child with black hair I never had a doll with black hair cuz they did not make them!
I am MAD for red shoes
Then it wouldn't be a secret!
there is actually one person (only one) to whom I would cause harm if I had the opportunity
I've never taken an art class

One thing I wanted to say about this group is...

You are all so awesomely supportive.
creative supportive souls
thanks for being "here"
Thanks for keeping me wonderfully connected and opening my eyes to the variety of ways to stay creative!
I am glad to have the creative connection
Love this group, you guys are amazing
Thank you, we are a delight!
WE are all blessed by each others creative spirits, thank you all!
How present we are for each other, in the most creative of ways. It is wonder-full!
A talented, PATIENT, group of artists!
uplifting and inspiring (two things)
the vibes, fun, sharing make me believe that my finding this group was no accident!

There's never been anything false about hope!



Let there be hope!

Do see jaihn's related post!

Mountain Moments

I lifted back my shoulders
to look at the night sky
streams of gossamer clouds
silver white with golden tinges
flying by the startling white moon
clear black sky
shimmering stars
I found I was holding my breath
in awe of the beauty of life

Carol Ingram Moore
http://www.grannysarthouse.com
Take time to play, create, and have fun!

JoAnnA's purse with her kind permission.
So over on 14 Secrets we are cooking up some creative ideas. Many of us are either cancer survivors ourselves and/or have friends who are. All of us know people that are now no longer with us because of cancer. So we are thinking of books and bras. Some would like to do an altered book round robin by invitation only where the theme would be related to our various experiences with cancer. The bra challenge is being discussed and here are some wonderful links and ideas.

The image and first link is from JoAnnA Pierotti. I first met JoAnnA through Paper Whimsy (a favorite of both of us!)

Anyway, she's a wonderful writer and artist and I'll let her speak for herself. Here's her blog entry about the altered bra purse:
http://mosshill.blogs.com/joannas_journal/2007/10/breast-cancer-a.html

And her cancer support group in Amador County, California:
http://justbeginagain.typepad.com/

And you can find her cancer story here:
http://mosshill.blogs.com/joannas_journal/2007/10/my-breast-cance.html

"My heart goes out to all women who have experience breast cancer. It is not a fun ordeal and it does change you, and for me, I believe was for the better. I cherish life and I cherish those around me every day. I enjoy the simple things in life like I never did before. I am living until I die, whenever that might be. I hope not for a long time...too much to do...to much art to create!

To LIFE!!

Love to all...JoAnnA"

Here's JoAnnA's favorite instructions link:
http://www.sewing.org/enthusiast/html/efs_bra_purse.html

Thanks so much JoAnnA!!!

Here are some more links of altered bras for charity:
http://www.wtww.org/
http://www.wtww.org/2007_exhibition_bras.htm


Deb Gilchrist's Grandma's links for bra purses:

Here are some links to instructions for making bra purses. It appears they can be assembled either by hand-stitching or using hot glue. I think I'll opt for stitching, but I'm including the directions I found for both methods. The last link has photos (scroll down). What amazed me is that some actually look like evening bags and you'd never know they started out life as undergarments.

Have fun!
Deb

http://www.sewing.org/enthusiast/html/efs_bra_purse.html
http://www.craftbits.com/viewProject.do?projectID=1165&print=
http://www.lubbockredhats.com/brapurseinstructions.html
http://www.lubbockredhats.com/brapurse.html

Buy ... the book "Crazy, Sexy Cancer" by Kris Carr. You wont regret it, and she will love it. There are resources in the book for alternative healing to work in conjunction with modern medicine or alone, as well as Kris's own story of survival. - Jodie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmjcKqXHJSM (a trailer for the film version of Crazy, Sexy Cancer)

Jeannie K. reminded us about alternatives to the medical approaches to cancer, like caisse's tea (sometimes called Essaic). It's just four herbs that you can combine yourself, take a third cup a day.

The history and recipe are here:
http://www.healthfreedom.info/Cancer%20Essiac.htm


Then another idea came in from Nell which is very exciting:

keys to the lock..... I am wondering what you do to unlock your creativity when you find yourself at a creative deadend?
Watch birds fly.....Stand before the big lake (or sea) and let the
power of the waves wash your mind clear.......

Maybe this would be a good tag swap? We could each share a Key to the
Lock on a tag (make as many copies as there are traders) and in the end
we each end up with a series of tags to make our own tag-books, based
on collected ideas and wisdoms. -Nell

Altered Golden Book by Lani

A friend asked me about being disappointed in art mail swaps. She'd said she had put so much effort into a piece she did for a swap and she really felt as though the receiver didn't understand or appreciate what went into her art/gift. She also admitted that the art she received looked as though it didn't have the same care put into it that she had anticipated. So her question was what to do with these somewhat yucky feelings.

As I gave this some thought I remembered an email from a nervousness.org artist. I had admired her work and asked her how in the world she could part with such beauty. She said for every swap she would make two objects. One to send and one to keep.

This struck me as perfect because whose art is going to be the most meaningful to you? Your own, right? Who will understand all the layers of meaning in your art work? You will. Who will chuckle at the in-jokes, cry from a touching memory, and just be so glad that you can create art? You will.

A woman I worked with in New York said that art making was for her a way to learn who she actually was, and learn to love herself more every day. As time goes by and I participate in more artist's swaps, I'm finding this to be truer and truer. I love art swaps because I'm always surprised by what emerges, and I do enjoy the process, and now I make two of everything, one to swap and one to keep. Then I never have to worry about who may or may not appreciate my work, and who may or may not put as much effort into their own work, since I can always enjoy what I do myself.

Mountain Moments

Lone bird flying across the mountains
as the sky
changes from gray
to gray with sunlight filtering through
dense clouds
Early morning soft white light
awakening life to a new day

Painting by George de la Tour
What can I tell you, I like candle light, rooms dimly lit, mysterious paintings with faces lit by candles and awe. I loved the big old temples of my childhood, also dimly lit, incense burning, the Buddha or Kwan Yin gazing downward with suggestions of smiles on their lips. The thing about these early childhood experiences in art and culture was you could make up your own story about what you were seeing. I loved doing that, trying to figure it all out, knowing that I'd never really know. So naturally when it comes to blogging and website design I've been remiss and not very thoughtful for people who might not feel the same way that I do about places dimly lit. So now I'm feeding this blog and the 14 Secrets Blog into a SuperGlu website where the lighting is bright, the words stand out in black from a light background with at least 70% contrast. If you are reading this from the dimness of Lani Puppetmaker's Blog Spot you can always click on the link at the top right hand corner to find the more accessible SuperGlu site.
You can read more about visual accessibility here.

Old postcards fiddled with in PhotoShop by Lani

Lore sent me this short video as an e-card. She said it reminded her of Nova Scotia. Well, Prospect really but a lot of Nova Scotia looks like this. No wonder the Irish ancestors loved this place!

Our hills are a little lower and we have quite a bit of snow right now but otherwise this could be home.

Just a peek. Soon all shall be revealed!

Patti of 14 Secrets asked me about an art retreat that I'd not heard of yet, so I thought why not create a list of links for a variety of art retreats with a little bit about them, quoting from their websites. If you all send me links I will add to this list.

http://www.artandsoulretreat.com/home.htm

Art & Soul is a paper, fabric, jewelry and fiber arts retreat taught by internationally recognized instructors. We are thrilled to bring such a wide variety of skills and artistic talent together for a 6th year!

Choose from dozens of mixed media workshops taught by internationally recognized instructors—designed to energize your creative spirit and reveal the secrets of your soul. (various places, check website)

http://www.donnadowney.com/event.html

Donna Downey presents
Inspired. Artist Workshop: a creatively inspired experience
April 10-12, 2008
Embassy suites 5400 John Q. Hammons Drive NW Concord NC, North Carolina 28027

http://www.teeshaslandofodd.com/artfest2008/workshops.html

This will be our 8th anniversary of doing Artfest at Fort Worden and attendees continue to say that it just gets better and better every year! We are excited to welcome back 23 previous teachers who we love & adore as well as 13 new teachers who promise even more unique projects & techniques. While our workshops are incredible, it is our extracurricular events, the location and the attendees who come that sets Artfest apart from other events. People leave with brand new friendships that last for years, new groups that they stay involved with long after the event is over, a renewed sense of their artistic selves and a full battery to take back with them to their normal lives. It is a very nourishing event for your creative selves. There is magic that happens in Port Townsend during the event that no one can explain, but everyone feels.

The workshops are full day, 6 hour sessions designed to provide not only several techniques learned throughout the day but time enough to actually work on what has been learned so that it can sink in. The teachers come from all over the United States & Australia and represent some of the best in their fields. (Near Seattle)

http://www.valleyridgeartstudio.com/default.asp

With a primary emphasis on Book Arts, Valley Ridge Art Studio also provides workshops, retreats and creative resources for mixed media, mixed media, metals, fiber and other art forms.

Big changes are in the works for our 2008 season. In addition to our winter Open Studio series, weekend retreat art programs, which give students time to fully explore an art form in the relaxed and beautiful setting of our studio, we'll begin offering Master Classes, intensive, five-day programs featuring world-class instructors. Valley Ridge will also being offering limited on-site accommodations for our participants, classroom rentals for your special events and online art supply sales. (South Central Wisconsin)

http://europeanpapers.com/Merchant5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=EP&Category_Code=ART
European Papers of Columbus Ohio sponsors an art retreat (see below) and ongoing workshops in Columbus, Ohio.

Artiscape - An Artist's Retreat
Join us April 11-13 for a fun weekend of paper arts, bookbinding, collage, art stamping, calligraphy, jewelry, metal working, altered books, polymer clay and more... We’re excited about our new venue at Kalahari Resort, with its Nia Conference Center and award-winning service and design. Be inspired by the beautiful surroundings of this unique, African-style resort and the wide variety of workshops with some of the country’s top instructors!

At our unconventional “convention”- there’s something for everyone: more than 60 workshops of all levels, a Welcoming Gala, the wonderful Marketplace at Artiscape, a fun Night in Casablanca party, the beautiful amenities of Kalahari and much more! Take a full schedule of workshops or just a few and relax with a book and a fire. Come for the weekend or just the afternoon. The goal is a fun, educational weekend among friends- old and new! I’m very pleased to welcome you to Artiscape...
Located near the shores of Lake Erie, Kalahari Resort & Conference Center is the perfect setting for Artiscape-An Artist’s Retreat! This unique, African-style resort is located in Sandusky, Ohio, in the midst of Ohio vineyards and wineries.

http://www.art-is-you.com/pages/schedule.htm

Art Is - a new art workshop venue in the Northeast - It will take place October 10-13 at the Crowne Plaza in Cromwell, CT.
Art is waiting for you.

Teachers:
Marilyn Gattinella
Loretta Marvel
Pamela Huntington
Cheryl Strait
Lesley Venable
Susan Ferraro
ArtGirlz
Monika Shedden
JoAnnA Pierotti
Loretta Marvel
Alma Stoller
Janette Schuster
Melissa McCobb Hubbell
Susan Tuttle
Terri Ventura
Annie Hesse
Taryn Reece
Jennifer Paganelli

Location:
The Crowne Plaza Hartford/Cromwell
100 Berlin Road
Cromwell, CT
Hotel Front Desk: 1-860-6352000 / Hotel Fax: 1-860-6356970

http://www.raevns-nest-art-retreat.com/home.html

October 16 - 19, 2008

Attend RAEvN’s Nest Art Retreat and immerse yourself in an artistic adventure.
The nesting site for this art retreat is downtown Cedarburg , Wisconsin . Conveniently located 20 miles north of Milwaukee

Teachers:
Bernie Berlin
Jill K.Berry
Michael deMeng
Karyn Gartel
Laurie Mika
Opie and Linda O'Brien
Judy Wise

http://theartnest.net/

The Art Nest Summer 2008 retreat promises to be the most incredible Art Experience ever! Come spend four days at the Washington School Inn tucked away among the wildflowers in the mountains of Park City, Utah with Stephanie, Carla, and Alma creating art, making dear friends, dining on gourmet food, and being pampered in every way.

The dates for the retreat are June 25-29, 2008. Registration will open Friday, February 8th at 12 noon mountain standard time. To sign up fill out the on-line registration form and send it in. If space is available, we will email you a confirmation and a link to pay online.

Teachers:
Alma Stoller
Carla Sonheim
Stephanie Lee

http://www.artunraveled.com/

Welcome to ART Unraveled, the mixed media art retreat where the mysteries of art are unraveled for you by the finest, internationally known art instructors. Experience the joy of spending 7 days surrounded by like-minded spirits immersed in art, camaraderie, contests and lots of fun! Come "discover your muse". Registration opens February 15th.

Join us beginning on Sunday, August 3rd to MEET THE ARTISTS, 7-9 pm in the Salon Ballroom at the Embassy Suites Hotel at 4415 E Paradise Parkway S, Phoenix, Arizona. After our Guest Speaker kicks off the evening, enjoy talking with the artists, taking an up-close and personal look at their art as the excitement builds. Workshops will begin on the morning of Monday, August 4th and will continue through Sunday, August 10th.
Teachers (way too many to list here but here are a few)
Barbara Natoli & Bett York
Jill Berry
Rebecca Brooks
Cory Celaya
Josie Cirincione
Michael deMeng
Donna Engstrom
Anne Grgich
Cindy Kovack
Jane LaFazio
Juana Martinez-Neal
Doris Arndt
Jill Berry
Traci Bunkers
DJ Pettitt
Traci Bautista
Jane Wynn
Judy Wise
(Go take a look!)

And of course I'm working on the 2nd Annual Lost Sisters Art Retreat and Reunion some time in September here in Prospect Nova Scotia, and appearing in venues near you. Check out our yahoo group if you are interested.

Thank you Gioia for hosting this swap! I can't wait to see which one is winding its way to Nova Scotia! I know, I gotta wait!!

Collage by Lani

I thought I'd start at the beginning of Gretchen Rubin's blog The Happiness Project just to see what great things she has discovered. So in March of '06 she was working with the classic bad-parenting move: denying a bad feeling. The day had started with one sibling claiming, “No one’s paying attention to me. Everyone pays more attention to the Baby...”
Gretchen started to snap back with the usual, “...how can you say no one’s paying attention to you?” and started to give her lots of reasons why she shouldn't feel the way she was feeling.
But just in time she remembered the principle she'd read in Faber and Mazlish’s How To Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk. (Gretchen says it’s a parenting book but the principles apply equally well to dealing with other adults. Well read on, because I think it applies to our inner dialogue as well)
Faber and Mazlish say: Don’t refuse to acknowledge someone’s feelings of anger, irritation, or reluctance; instead, name the feeling and articulate the other person’s point of view. Of course this is really hard to do, because the urge to correct a bad feeling is very strong: “you can’t really feel that way” or "you don't really want to do that" etc.
So Gretchen tried it out that morning. “You wish people would pay more attention to you? You’re feeling neglected?” And the sad little sibling nodded. “Come here,” Gretchen said, “let me give you a big hug.” As simple as it was, it did the trick. Both mother and child felt much happier.

Well I got to thinking, I'll bet I constantly deny my own "bad" feelings, just the way Gretchen was going to do in her "bad-parenting move." I'll bet a lot of my own inner chatter comes from an inner parent scolding an inner child whose having some momentary silly feeling. And of course feelings pass but if you deny them then you get caught up in an argument with yourself and you really put yourself into a mess. Better to tell the inner child, "Are you feeling such and such? Let me give you a hug." I'm going to try that. Then I'll be freed up to practice being here now!!!

Collage by Lani

"Immediate experience is everything. I will seek to overcome barriers that stand between myself and the recognition of my inner life, the reality of those around me, participation in society, and contact with the more than human world."

I'm going to play with these principles of the Burning Man web site, because they make so much sense. The best moments in life are the ones where that inner chatter, the monkey mind, just drops away and you are in the moment, experiencing everything around you with a feeling of your heart being wide open. So what ever will move me towards those experiences... well I'm all for them.

Adela sent me a couple of links the other day which I believe are perfect for this immediacy principle. Do you know about the slow food movement, or Adbusters Slow Down Week? There's a rebellion brewing about the fast pace of life today. So here are Adela's links: Slow Time: Recovering the Natural Rhythm of Life by Waverly Fitzgerald is a wonderful book, which you can either download of purchase through Amazon.com. But this website offers the Introduction as a free PDF file so you can read some of it for yourself. Very thoughtful. She has a wonderful stories and exercises to help the reader become more aware of their own natural rhythms. She has a great story about how she was preparing for a class, writing her lecture the day of the class (panic, panic) and she looked out the window and saw a crow hopping along the street being pursued by a cat. In the process of saving the crow, she stood with the crow as her daughter fed it, then continued watching the crow with a friend. Finally another friend arrived and took the crow away, having always wanted a pet crow. So she ended up having a little crow adventure and never got the lecture written.

Although I had spent a fraction of the time I thought necessary in preparation, the class went as well as any other and the students loved the story of how I spent my afternoon. My encounter with the crow shifted the way I perceived time. I realized that I was not making any progress, trying to corral time into neat little boxes on my schedule. Time was much more fluid and mysterious than I had imagined.

She's also got a wonderful website all about "living in season." You'll find lots of information here about senses, time, seasons, nature based holidays, and amazing links. She also has a blog with all her current activities.

So as part of my adopting the immediacy principle, I'm going to get slow starting right now! Stay turned.

Mountain Moments

waiting for the muse
taking deep breaths
I notice a black gray branch
laying on the red shingled roof
bits of dry brown leaves
snippets of twigs
hanging in the gutter
it has lived on this roof
for months
not moving
through winds, rains, snow
holding onto the slanted roof
squirrels have pranced around it
birds perching on it
blown from the tulip poplar
finding a settling place