You are both a masterpiece and a work in progress ...

 

“You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and 

a work in progress, simultaneously.” 

 

Sophia Bush

Peace, Virginia

Let's be brave this month ...

 

Courage doesn't grow overnight. 

It can be a long process. 

Greta Gerwig

peace

Ahhh August ...

 

“I suppose that’s the way we humans are, thinking too much and listening too little. Paying attention acknowledges that we have something to learn from intelligences other than our own. Listening, standing witness, creates an openness to the world in which the boundaries between us can dissolve in a raindrop. The drop swells on the tip of a cedar and I catch it on my tongue like a blessing.” 
― Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants

Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer is one of my favorite books, my desert island book, a book I return to, often.  This month I am beyond fortunate to go see Kimmerer teach, in person - a wish come true!! 

Her thoughts and words are so timely now, as we are blindly racing toward environmental disaster.  Kimmerer speaks of respect and reciprocity, for ourselves, our surroundings, our world and others.  

I highly recommend this book to all!!! 

click below to learn more on Goodreads:
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
Robin Wall Kimmerer

click here to find an independent bookstore to purchase Braiding Sweetgrass

happy reading and peace, Virginia

Everything is better with polka-dots!

“After all, well, moon is a polka dot, sun is a polka dot, and then, the earth where we live is also a polka dot.” 

Yayoi Kusama ~ queen of the polka dot!

This felt like an appropriate collage for this summer month - colorful and playful.  I think it would be such fun to wander around this wacky landscape. would you join me??

Lately I have been attracted to polka dots. And there is an inspiring and prolific artist known for putting polka dots on most everything - herself included.  That is the amazing Yahoo Kusama.  

Click here to watch a fun video of Kusama's career from the Tate museum for Kids!!

https://www.tate.org.uk/kids/explore/who-is/who-yayoi-kusama

Yayoi Kusama is a Japanese contemporary artist who works primarily in sculpture and installation, and is also active in painting, performance, video art, fashion, poetry, fiction, and other arts. Wikipedia

link to post

Yahoo Kusama was one of the prompts for the instagram

challenge that I did last year: 

#cupfull2022

to see my contribution to the challenge check out:

#vacupfull2022

"The challenge is ~ to create a cup!! 

Cups represent comfort, gathering, and nourishment. 

And each prompt is a variety of favorite women artist/designers to inspire."

Lastly -  but not leastly - I have added this collage,

 'for the love of polka dots ...' 

to my @Society6 shop 

AND 

they are having a 4th of July sale!!!

(hope to add it to @redbubble soon)

art print link

society6 coasters link

acrylic tray link

Forever is composed of nows ...

 

“Forever – is composed of Nows – (690)


Forever – is composed of Nows –
‘Tis not a different time –
Except for Infiniteness –
And Latitude of Home –

From this – experienced Here –
Remove the Dates – to These –
Let Months dissolve in further Months –
And Years – exhale in Years –

Without Debate – or Pause –
Or Celebrated Days –
No different Our Years would be
From Anno Dominies –”

― Emily Dickinson, The Poems of Emily Dickinson (Goodreads)

a month to love and be loved ...

feel free to print and use for your personal enjoyment ~ peace

There is only one happiness in this life, 

to love and be loved.

George Sand

George Sand, pseudonym of Amantine-Lucile-Aurore Dudevant, née Dupin, (born July 1, 1804, Paris, France—died June 8, 1876, Nohant), French Romantic writer known primarily for her so-called rustic novels.

https://www.britannica.com/biography/George-Sand

wishing you a joyous, blessed and peaceful new year!!

feel free to print and use for your personal enjoyment ~ peace

 Happiness lies not

 in finding what is missing but

 in finding what is present. 

Jean Smith

As we head into a new year, let us be present for where we are and what we have, not waste our precious time here with what we believe is lacking. 

happy new year & peace ~ 

T'is the month for self-love!!

 

for your personal use - peace

“When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.”

 Jean Shinoda Bolen

I felt that this was a good quote for this month of love, as we must remember to be kind to ourselves, and shower ourselves with love as we would a valentine !! Self-love and self compassion are so important as only when we love ourselves, truly love ourselves, can we really love another.  

and remember that YOU are ENOUGH! 

as is! full stop!! 

sending love, Virginia