stay

stay wild

stay sacred

stay playful

stay flexible

stay open

a moment in my day

how things are

"Conserve your energy until the time is right; be observant of your surroundings.

If Owl has silently glided into your life you may need to remove yourself from the noise of life and become the still silent observer. After slowing down and becoming stable you will be amazed by the wealth of information and meaning that surrounds you. It may be bringing you the ability to see what others may miss. Open your eyes and truly examine how things are, you will be surprised that suddenly you can see things that are normally hidden from view – like the motives of those around you. External appearances will give way to the truth and meaning hidden beneath.

Alternatively Owl is often thought to come to those who need to let go of some part of their life that is no longer needed. Listen carefully to that inner voice and be guided to recapture the knowledge of your true path in life. Owl’s senses pierce through shadows, beyond fear and darkness, through to the other side that promises light, happiness and knowledge."

- Spirit Animal Totem 

owls have been appearing to me as messengers this year 

baptized with sacred snowfall

Close family came together from near and far to celebrate a special day. The lovely church was still aglow with the magic of Christmas. The dear bishop conducted the ancient ritual with wisdom, sweetness, wonder, joy and humor. Baby wore an antique linen and lace gown, a family heirloom. Mother Earth baptized us with sacred snowfall...

excerpt from my journal

con tus virtudes, con todos tus errores

"Te extraño -

como se extrañan las noches sin estrellas, 

como se extrañan las mañanas bellas, 

no estar contigo, por Dios que me hace daño.

Te extraño - 

cuando camino, cuando lloro, cuando río, 

cuando el sol brilla, cuando hace mucho frío, 

porque te siento como algo muy mío.

Te extraño - 

como los árboles extrañan el otoño, 

en esas noches que no concilio el sueño, 

no te imaginas Amor, cómo te extraño.

Te extraño - 

en cada paso que siento solitario, 

cada momento que estoy viviendo a diario, 

estoy muriendo Amor porque te extraño.

Te extraño - 

cuando la aurora comienza a dar colores, 

con tus virtudes, con todos tus errores, 

por lo que quieras no sé, pero te extraño..."

- Armando Manzanero 

detail from mixed media on canvas, work in progress 2017

te invento a veces con mi vanidad

"Tengo la convicción de que no existes

y sin embargo te oigo cada noche

te invento a veces con mi vanidad

o mi desolación o mi modorra

del infinito mar viene tu asombro

lo escucho como un salmo y pese a todo

tan convencido estoy de que no existes

que te aguardo en mi sueño para luego."

- Mario Benedetti

detail from mixed media on canvas, 2013

a fearless mother

"The fastest way to break the cycle of perfectionism and become a fearless mother is to give up the idea of doing it perfectly - indeed to embrace uncertainty and imperfection."

- Arianna Huffington

snapshot: my mother and I received similar gifts over the holidays, Papaya (mine) and Chanel (hers)...

reconnecting to the celebration of life

"As we heal, the Earth Mother feels our joy. We are like cells in and on her body. The power of love, the power of healing, the power of compassion, the power of unity, and the power of knowing are our abilities. These are the gifts our Earth Mother seeks to share with us at this time. Through reconnecting to the celebration of life we are able to let go of our grief and fear. When we Walk in Beauty, we acknowledge every aspect of the Self. The Power Places of our planet are those that have seen the joy of our Earth Mother when her children have grown toward wholeness, celebrating life."

- Jamie Sams

snapshot - a recent selfie with my baby girl 

undercurrents

women, goddesses, candlelight and owls...

"The owl has been worshipped and hated throughout the world, but always it intrigues and fascinates. It is the epitome of mystery, magic, vision, and guidance.  It is also one of the most ancient signs for spirit contact. The owl is the silent guide, teaching us to trust our instincts and silent impressions, especially in regards to spirit communication. Its appearance now is alerting you to much spirit activity around you.

The owl is also a creature of the night, and night symbolizes the darkness within — the places where great secrets and great treasures are hidden. Spirit is around now to remind you of this and to help you uncover these treasures.

The owl provides guidance through heightening your senses — physically and spiritually. Its eyes are adapted to see the subtlest of movement with the least amount of light. Because of this, when Owl appears, you will hear undercurrents in the voices of others. Owl is telling you that help and guidance are available to you, but it is still up to you to act upon its guidance."

- Ted Andrews

snapshot - detail from a work in progres

anointing Mother Earth

she wears feathers in her hair,

she dances barefoot with a babe at her breast, 

sacred milk drips down and anoints the earth

Mother Earth

selfie 

2016

This year swept me off my feet into wild dances that brought me to my knees in sacred surrender.

I have savored the sweetest moments of motherhood this year which shall remain engraved in my soul.

I carried and birthed a blessed daughter who is already teaching me so much. She is a JOY.

My beloved, angelic children empowered me with the courage to face and slash demons...

Too many "friends" and family members have been absent from my life this past year. I am grateful for their indifference for it has shown me some true colors I have been unwilling to see. I am grateful for the opportunity to practice the art of forgiveness.

I am grateful for all of the blessings, especially those which may still be disguised. 

I open my heart, body, mind and soul to the NEW YEAR which I welcome with curiosity...

excerpt from my journal

the truth is, my sweetheart

"Nothing can shatter this love. For even if you took another into your arms, the truth is, my sweetheart, you would still be kissing me." - my beloved HAFIZ

the last new moon of 2016

we prayed and set seeds of intention amidst healing sounds, fire, crystals, dance and more...

mothers and daughters

I loved these images I found online...

8 months

my darling daughter is eight months old today...

she says "DADA" and simply adores her father...

she loves bananas and sweet potatoes and her new high chair...

she has two bottom teeth that show when she laughs and sings opera...

she devours books, quite literally...

she knows what she wants...

she has the most wonderful wild hair and she leaves her bows on...

she makes me laugh every single day...

she is in love with her older brother...

she is fiercely feminine...

my blessed baby girl...

excerpt from my journal 

his gifts

"Are your pants from outer space?

Cuz your butt is out of this world..."

xo xo xo

my elf

a merry little christmas, indeed...

baby's first...

Noche Buena

- vintage snapshot of my grandparents' home -

Tonight families gather to celebrate each other and to honor Christ’s birth.

Those who are far away are missed more than ever.

Those who have passed away are always remembered.

A feast is prepared and enjoyed amidst laughter and song.

At midnight, bells ring to announce La Misa del Gallo, midnight mass with choir and candlelight.

Esta noche es Noche-Buena
Y no es noche de dormir.
– old Spanish verse

my lips next to your cheek

- 2013 watercolor from the series titled "A Thousand Kisses Deep" -

"I saw you last night at the gathering,

but could not take you openly in my arms,

so I put my lips next to your cheek,

pretending to talk privately." - RUMI

remembering Gurudev

Sri Gurudev playing with me, circa 1973-1974

His Holiness Sri Swami Satchidananda was born on December 22nd in 1914.  I celebrate beloved Gurudev, today and always...OM Shanti, Shanti, Shanti...

guides from beyond on the winter solstice

"This being human is a guest house.

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
As an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond."

- RUMI