I write it over and over wherever we find shelter. I write of what I cannot speak- the truth. I write all I know of it and then I throw the pages to the wind. Maybe the birds can read it. – Moira Buffini Ah, Molly is speaking. Sitting here with me. What an incredible time…
Category: Meditation
it should be a nightmare, but somehow, it isn’t. Instead, I am filled with curiosity…
I am a bit lost these days. Spinning in place the last few weeks. I know the spinning comes from diving into the past for a certain personal project. The triggers pull the rug out from under me. And so I freeze, bite my nails, feel exhausted. Yet at peace… strangely. For I am ready. I…
For me, art has no end- there is no end product… A drawing by my father.
I was staying over at my brother and sister-in-law’s place the other day, spending delicious time with my niece and nephew. I went to the downstairs washroom to wash my hands after Halloween costume mayhem… … and came across a drawing my father, Roar Thorsen, had done in 2011: Oh, how I adore this piece. It…
Turning point: reflections on triggers. Part 2- (re)discovery
This week I have been exploring triggers in my life– their roles as fodder for creative work, their potential to help in self-development and their ability to create turning points. Recall: Part 1- archives Part 2 (RE)DISCOVERY As I mentioned in Part 1, a random journal entry may bring me to my knees. I was organizing my studio the other…
Turning point- reflections on triggers. Part 1: archives
Last New Year, my brother and I brought home all my journals and artwork from storage. We recently brought home all the family photo albums and objects. I love being the family archivist. I love seeing the heirlooms showcased in my kids’ collections and in the extended family’s homes. I love that the next generation…
Mindmap Tutorial Week Part 7 of 7: Reviewing
I have been diving into a much-needed new mindmap this week, so I thought I’d create a tutorial during my process! Tutorial so far: Introductory blog post- mindmap tutorial week Part 1: What is a mindmap? Part 2: the Big Vision Part 3: Stream of consciousness mapping Part 4: Prioritizing/consolidating/connecting Part 5: Enhancing Part 6: Addressing…
Mindmap Tutorial Week Part 4: Prioritizing, consolidating, connecting
I am diving into a much-needed new mindmap this week, so I thought I’d create a tutorial during my process! Tutorial so far: Introductory blog post- mindmap tutorial week Part 1: What is a mindmap? Part 2: the Big Vision Part 3: Stream of consciousness mapping TODAY: PART 4 OF 7: Prioritizing/consolidating/connecting So once you have…
Mindmap Tutorial Week Part 3: Stream of consciousness mapping
I am diving into a much-needed new mindmap this week, so I thought I’d create a tutorial during my process! Tutorial so far: Introductory blog post- mindmap tutorial week Part 1: What is a mindmap? Part 2: the Big Vision TODAY: PART 3 OF 7: Stream of consciousness mapping In your journal start writing out…
Mindmap Tutorial Week Part 2 of 7: the Big Vision
I am diving into a much-needed new mindmap this week, so I thought I’d create a tutorial during my process! Tutorial so far: Introductory blog post- mindmap tutorial week Part 1: What is a mindmap? TODAY: PART 2 OF 7: The Big Vision You may recall my journey with mindmaps using: Right-brain entrepreneur Jennifer Lee…
Mindmap Tutorial Week Part 1 of 7: What is a mindmap?
I am diving into a much-needed new mindmap this week, so I thought I’d create a tutorial during my process! Recall: Introductory blog post- mindmap tutorial week Today: Part 1 of 7: What is a mindmap? Mindmaps (or mind maps– but I prefer the one word version) are essentially visual diagrams. Wikipedia definition: A mind…
Mindmap tutorial week on the blog!
Getting ready to dive into a much-needed new mindmap this week, so I thought I’d create a tutorial during my process! What to expect: Part 1: What is a mindmap? Part 2: The big vision Part 3: Stream of consciousness mapping Part 4: Prioritizing/consolidating/connecting Part 5: Enhancing Part 6: Addressing Part 7: Reviewing What you…
Recycled sock craft: dead crow. #Graphicnovel fundraiser.
The crow guides my healing journey. It gives me the courage to enter the darkness of the unknown and to let go of fear. The crow reminds me to laugh, live and love fiercely as I embrace my life’s mission. According to folk lore, finding a dead crow implies good fortune awaits. I feel they…
10 Tuesdays. 10 Fridas. Frida No. 9: Frida and the magpie portrait
I’ve been celebrating my blog with an art event. The event honors the woman who inspires me to keep it going as an artist: Frida Kahlo. — For 10 Tuesdays, I have been creating/posting 10 different portraits of Frida Kahlo (plus some additional posts here and there) in some form/medium or another. It may be a…
Limited edition hand-embroidered print sale #graphicnovel
— I am making available 10 hand-embroidered prints entitled Who is it that can tell me who I am? featuring an original image from my graphic novel, Molly. — — The print captures the moment a crow, the magician of the forest, adorned by a child’s skull as a crown, looks, with intense curiosity, into Lost Lagoon…
Happy birthday, Frida! Frida No.7: Fetal Frida Sock Doll
Frida Kahlo b. July 6, 1907 See Frida No. 1-6: LINK
Pay attention to the birds: Part 6- Starling
Ah, the birds— and their delightful ways— this time of year in particular. I just LOVE watching them! And I love when I feel something extra special in a particular moment that makes me stop and pay attention. The other day, I observed a flock of starlings. I know many people call them rats, greasy…
“Dear me…” Write a letter to your younger self.
What would you write to younger you today? There is so much I want to write to that little anxious girl. I haven’t written my letter yet, but it will come. For now, I give that little girl a knowing nod and whisper- you are perfect as you are. We have outgrown our container and…
10 Tuesdays. 10 Fridas. Frida No. 5: “I have wings to fly…” coloring page
I’m celebrating my blog with an art event. The event honors the woman who inspires me to keep it going as an artist: Frida Kahlo. — For 10 Tuesdays, I am creating/posting 10 different portraits of Frida Kahlo in some form/medium or another. It may be a drawing, an object, a doll, whatever… A surprise. I…
IXQUEL: interpretation through drawing and embroidery. Deeper portraits.
Certain people in your life– even though you may not have met them in person- only through the ether- get right into your heart. Ixquel is one such person. What a pleasure to dig a little deeper and to interpret her exquisite beauty and spirit through drawing, embroidery and symbolism. To let the process unfold…
“Crime Scene” creative process #graphicnovel
— “CRIME SCENE” Testing chapter heading visuals for: Molly, my graphic novel. Creating on nickels and dimes. “… even if I had to paint my pictures with my wet tongue on the dusty floor of my cell.” – Pablo Picasso I can’t stop despite money worries and fatigue-inducing insecurities… Can I pull this off?…
Little Brown Mouse Journal Ramblings
Little Brown Mouse Journal Ramblings I have been told in the past that I think TOO BIG. But I have come to realize, I may not be dreaming BIG ENOUGH. * why, oh why do I question [everything]? * *so embarrassed * I have been too timid, too small, too local, too shy… I…
Sock sparrow. #recycledcraft
My personal therapy is randomly picking up an old scrap, grabbing needle and thread and seeing what happens. In this case, I was donated a cozy pair of wooly socks and their color just told me- make a sparrow. Recall: Pay attention to the birds: SPARROW “The sparrow reflects self-worth. If a Sparrow totem…
Pay attention to the signs. Badger. #alignment
The image of the badger has been playing in my mind the past few weeks. I really have no idea why. But in the spirit of trusting the signs, I play along. Badger symbolism: (SOURCE) The badger symbolizes aggressiveness, reliance, self-expression, holding ones own, link to the underworld and the magic and…
What happens when you open yourself up? #journal #truth
April 28, 2015 What happens when you open yourself up and share some painful truths? Say that you are with a (safe) person and the door opens to have the conversation. What happens first? The heart beats a little faster. And your breath gets more rapid and shallow. Perhaps the bile rises a bit in…
Pay attention to the birds: Part 5- Sparrow
— Bliss- walking my old dog slowly, oh so slowly, in our West End neighborhood listening to the sweet song of the white-throated sparrow. Miraculous. I walk with a smile on my face. I am filled with self-love for truly the first time in my life. I know my own worth and I can sing…
Write for 10 minutes without stopping. #journalexercise
I feel tired, excited, more peaceful- but tired and worn. I am indeed— worn out. Maybe it’s muscle memory. Anniversary grief catching up. This time last year- JEEEEZUS. Accepting, surrendering, packing, moving, bankruptcy, no money. That week with no home. The incredible support from family and friends. “You need to finish your book here,” the…
Why receiving a NO from @writehedgebrook was a YES.
December 19, 2014: Dear Katarina, Thank you so much for applying for a 2015 Hedgebrook residency. We received 1,466 applications for 2015 and are able to offer 40 residencies. Though your application did not advance into the final round this year, we want you to know that your work resonated with our reviewers. Sending your work…
Touch me life, not softly. #journalentry
How will you take on this week? Last week was truly full of too muchness, too fullness, too many extremes, but at the same time, I was grateful for the intensity. It helped me clarify what was truly important. There was output and connection, there was trauma and fear, there was despair and elation, and…
A week of triggers and difficult conversations. And authenticity.
There were many triggers this week, both personally, professionally, and financially, that led to a multitude of emotions- most especially anxiety. Triggers that give rise to deep-rooted memories and default reactions. Anger directed at self. But I was delighted to find that I also defaulted to the “don’t know mind” technique and that I allowed…
As I walked the labyrinth, I repeated the mantra: the question is…
Journal entry- at Xenia Retreat Centre inside the Sanctuary after walking the labyrinth on December 29, 2014 [unedited] @ Xenia with Laura. What a treat! Thank you! She picked me up at 7:10 –> Ferry –> breakfast at Snug Cafe. My hands now cold, limbs frozen, toes frozen, numb and painful. Reminds of being on the…