author...illustrator...guerilla artist
author...illustrator...guerilla artist
I wrote to friends recently that I find myself without comfort right now (referring to life comforts of the kind that we all crave after a long day, a comfy bed, a hot bath, a sense of organization). But afterwards I realized that this is not true. The comforts are smaller for the time being, but have just as much impact (if not more), and they are all around me if I choose to see them.
…I find them in a backpack that I have filled with pens, and a thermos of tea, my journal. The portable comfort zone that goes with me everywhere.
…In the pages of the book I am reading, “the Spell of the Sensuous” by David Abram. The ablility I have to immerse myself into another world for a time whenever I need to. This week I have been to Bali to listen to a shaman speak of magic, learned the language of the birds from a native in Alaska, and had tea with the aboriginies in Austrailia (who taught me a new way of singing).
…in the poetry of Billy Collins,
“a book like this always has a way of soothing the nerves, quieting the riotous surf of information that foams around my waist.”
…in the new table I bought, (formerly owned by a ‘machinist’ and covered in spots of brownish black grease which I will clean off), actually the only piece of furniture we own right now, (after leaving most of our possessions at a goodwill in Portland on route to NY). Yesterday I pulled a few things out of boxes, (a cloth, a lamp, some candle holders), and arranged them on the table as if it was a permanent fixture, (or as if I was.) Taking things off, trying something else. Picturing it in the new house. Just the act of decorating something gave me a sense of having a home again. A foreshadowing. (only four and a half weeks until we move. It occupies my mind constantly.)
…wandering into a bookstore with a girlfriend and excitedly sharing stories about artmaking and life. Pouring over books, photos of beautiful houses painted in bright colours, with kids and dogs running through them.
…getting ready for a new dance class this evening. I have missed the movement, and feeling my body connected to the earth. Combined with that tired muscle feeling afterwards.
….sharing good food and conversation with my husband after being apart for many hours.
…finding a waterfall by accident yesterday and climbing down to the bottom to hear it’s voice.
It said to me, “you are here.”
oh! just found your blog this morning and this is the first mention anywhere of "Spell of the Sensuous". What a book! It would be a fascinating book group read. I may need to reread it.
I will be traipsing thru your blog to get a feel for it.
I've never given away most of my possessions. I could imagine it being free-ing.
I needed that
Posted by: Pam on September 7, 2006 10:16 PMI like the idea of portable comfort zones. Mine's an old blue zip-up hoodie, "old reliable." My non-portable comfort zone: definitely around the dinner table. thanks for giving me something to think about today!
Posted by: austen on September 7, 2006 05:04 PMVisiting your blog is like Christmas morning as a child ... there is always something unexpected to marvel at under the tree...
Peace your way...
Posted by: Richard on September 7, 2006 03:32 PMBeauty and comfort in the ordinary and everday.
Posted by: herhimnbryn on September 7, 2006 02:57 PMSelf created comforts are the best kind.
Posted by: beastmomma on September 7, 2006 01:39 AMWhat a simple and lovely drawing!
Posted by: Alina on September 7, 2006 01:01 AMKeri- you are a magical being, I'm convinced! After all the years and adventures it's still happening. Like being at the top of a ladder but then the ladder, it grows another mile. This journey you share is extraordinary and most appreciated. xoxo.
Posted by: bimacs on September 6, 2006 10:27 PMI have found myself in this exact same mindset as of late, and even wrote about it in my journal yesterday... to find comfort in the little things turns out to be so fulfilling :) I'm glad you're able to find this for yourself amidst the pure disorganization and chaos of a move! It says much about your character.
Posted by: Megan on September 6, 2006 12:49 PMYour green table sounds like an alter or shrine to me.
Posted by: Susan Jonsson on September 6, 2006 10:38 AMwhat inspiration! Just bought your book Living out loud and am having so mcuh fun with it!
Posted by: Lisa on September 6, 2006 09:58 AMwhoa, 4 weeks til you move....I went through that back in the Spring -- I know exactly what you mean about the move being on your mind constantly. Well, hang in there, the time will fly by before you know it, and how exciting to have a house to make your own!
Posted by: sheila on September 5, 2006 04:29 PMOh, my dear,
waterfalls have always had
such a way with words
as with all things in nature.
i do modern now, though I have done everything (except flamenco) it seems.
k.
Posted by: keri Smith on September 5, 2006 03:17 PMWhat kind of dance class are you taking?
I have been itching to take a tap class after many years away from dance. I miss it!
Good on you for recognizing and appreciate the "small things" that make life worth living. The dance class sounds like fun -- a good way to become one with yourself again. I can hear the waterfall in my head ....
Posted by: Lee on September 5, 2006 02:55 PMKeri,
Thank you for the visions of spiritual survival at its best. How about a preety watercolor of the waterfall? I too would like to learn magic from a Balinese shaman..
Blessings from the heart..
Old greyhair..Khani
How do you do it? You are so deeply inspiring.
Posted by: Alex on September 5, 2006 01:24 PMThank you.
Posted by: Amy on September 5, 2006 01:23 PMAhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...yes, you are. Great delight in that insight coming off the screen.
Posted by: Debra on September 5, 2006 12:54 PMBeautiful thoughts. I love the way you have managed to appreciate life even in the midst of a storm. The table took really cool!
Posted by: kristine on September 5, 2006 12:41 PM