Showing posts with label Peace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peace. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

A Mom's Inspirations

Today just happens to be the birthday of someone we hold near and dear to our hearts, Mom Lewis. I think it's time she got a little shout out from us.  She is the thread that holds our family's fabric together. What a sweet, humble, beautiful lady she is. We have always appreciated her words of wisdom and encouragement all through the years. She exudes sunshine from her pores, and has been there for all her children in good times and bad. She continues to inspire us with her loving ways and kind thoughts.

Mom and Dad Lewis with some of the family celebrating their birthdays a few years ago
We believe Russ got his artistic abilities from her.  She has always had a talent with painting for as long as we can remember. Something you can't teach, it's just in her. We lovingly recall her many days of experimenting with oils and acrylics, and still proudly display her beautiful works of art throughout our home. 

One of Mom's inspirational paintings

The piece below was made just for her a while back. She loves butterflies and anything to do with Nature. She is the Matriarch of the family and I think it is safe to say all of us, young and old, children and in-laws, look up to her in so many ways. Happy birthday Mom, you continue to inspire us every day. May you continue to have days full of butterflies and flowers, and peace and contentment. 

Fused Glass flower with butterflies

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Classic Creations

Glass reflections of an Idaho sunset

The view out our studio window last night was awe-inspiring, I never tire of our sunsets, and thought our readers would enjoy another beautiful majestic view from the studio window. We display our "upcycled" bottle chimes, along with a happy glass sun collage hanging with a planet, moon, and stars there. Some of our "classic" creations.

Just as my partner for life, Russel, has had epiphanies behind the torch on many occasions, I have come to find that I too, am having "Ah-ha" moments more all the time. (It helps to tune into the Alan Silvestri channel on Pandora, as these classical soundtracks evoke so much raw emotion that don't necessarily come to the surface of my brain when I go about the typical daily grind.) Today is one of those days I "get it" and have the urge to write it down before it flees my aging brain. So, if you're not into the philosophical musings of a middle-aged woman, read no further. I am self medicating with this particular blog, and maybe, just maybe,  I can help someone else out there in the blog-o-sphere who needs validation in their life.

While listening to the powerful orchestral renditions I realized how important it is to "Let Go".  Let go of painful childhood memories, negative self talk, prejudice and resentment, harmful eating, fear of my husband's Leukemia, and on and on.  And what a joy it is when you "get it". There is a beautiful calming peace that has come over me, like the long lasting winter sunsets in Idaho. There is something about entering the 1/2 century mark that is causing me to contemplate what direction I am going in life. Hindsight is indeed 20/20. I do seriously think it's time to let out my inner "Hippie" and start living the life I was meant to live, one of spreading peace and enlightenment to those who would receive it.  That kind of awakening only comes when you've been around the block a time or two, and experienced a type of evolving thought process, from all the "oopsies" or mistakes you've made in past situations.  I wish I had the intuition to realize this many years ago, while I was raising those four children, because I would want them to have the knowledge I'm just now absorbing at a much earlier age. How much richer their lives will be if they know this one important concept of  "letting go" of the small stuff, in order to be the great human beings that we are all capable of becoming.

In fact, I believe everyone deserves to have this "Peace of mind" as they make their way through the mire and muck and this grand adventure we are all experiencing called Life. Of course, when I look at those children of mine who are all now men, I see them acquiring a great deal of life skills I hadn't even thought about when I was their age. So maybe there is something to be said for our parenting skills, as I see them having so much more confidence than I ever had at their age. They are carving out a place for themselves and their new found loves. They have growing families and are in the prime of their lives. All a parent could want for a child, and they are blessed with overall health and  happiness. This brings joy to my heart.

Blue glass globe

Another thought I've been thinking about lately, is that living in this age of social media, what is absorbed can either be enlightening or harmful. It depends on how you apply it in your daily life. Sometimes I think that it can expose maybe too much information. Information not needed to lead a productive and meaningful life. The truth of the matter for me is to let go of that which does not feed my soul. Just like taking out the trash, I will discard that which has deterred me from "living" in the past.  I plan to enjoy the peace that comes with this wisdom. I will laugh more, sing often, tinker on the piano until a joyful tune comes out, enjoy walks with my darling more, take the time to help others when the need arises, and overall try to enjoy the beauty of  life while creating in the studio. After all, the clock is ticking, if not now, when? I will take flight like the swans at Harriman Park, Idaho and spread good thoughts, visions, and works to all those who would receive them. Now on to the next great creation, this philosophy helps get the gears moving in my line of work. Namaste.
Swans in Flight

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Adding a Light for Peace

Lighting a candle for Peace

One day after my last entry, one of the most horrific tragedies ever imagined occurred in our country. I am trying to wrap my head around this senseless loss of innocent lives. I lit a candle out of respect for the children and the brave adults who went out of their way to protect these innocent babies. I am at a loss of words and feeling immense grief for all who lost their children and family members. Praying for Peace now more than ever.