latest group of atc's for the 14 Secrets for a Happy Artist's Life alphabet swap
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
direction to The Travelling Artist Guild Blog
This will be my last posting on my blog of my journey on the Travelling Artists. If you would like to follow my journey, please go to:
http://travellingartistsguild.wordpress.com/
You will also be able to read and view many other (22) artists writings and art at this Word Press blog.
Click on my name: Barbara Saint Jacques.... or..... Lavenda Kakabell..... both to be found on the right hand side margin of the page.
http://travellingartistsguild.wordpress.com/
You will also be able to read and view many other (22) artists writings and art at this Word Press blog.
Click on my name: Barbara Saint Jacques.... or..... Lavenda Kakabell..... both to be found on the right hand side margin of the page.
The Journey Begins
I placed my sundry belongings in the saddlebags and was about to mount Freedom, when I stopped dead in my tracks. How could I possibly have forgotten that I needed to leave my doll with the Guildmistress and to bid her farewell. I took a deep breath and assured Freedom that I would soon return. I quickly ran back towards my room to seek the Guildmistress and to retrieve my doll--when lo and behold, I ran into the Guildmistress rounding the corridor turn. "It's all right", I heard a voice speak, recognizing it as belonging to her. "I am aware of all comings and goings in the castle. You moved a little too fast for me to intercept your leaving, and I am happy to see you have returned. I am also aware of your allegiance to the Great Spirit and Council. I understand that obedience and loyalty are honorable traits; however, you must know how to use your own judgement, follow your own instincts, and use your own power." As she spoke, I could see that she was holding something in her hands. It was my doll. "I found your doll in your room, lying on your bed. Surely you must have been extremely preoccupied not to have taken her with you." I looked at my doll, and I felt sad. "No matter, all is well," she said. "Let this be a lesson for you. Using your critical thinking skills and placing allegiance to yourself is first and foremost, regardless of any authority. Stand here with me for a moment" she said, as she held my hand in hers. "I bid you an eventful and safe journey. If you are ever in need of assistance, know that you can always return to the Guild or get word to me at any time if you need my council. I will care for your doll, placing her alongside her sisters, keeping her safe." With that said, she gave me her blessing and bid me safe journey. I was relieved as I made my way back to the courtyard and to Freedom.
No sound other than a soft "whinny" from this most incredibly beautiful horse imaginable was heard. He nuzzled me affectionately, as I stood near him, whispering in his ear that we would be as one on our journey together. I mounted Freedom, settling into the soft leather saddle before touching his thick wavy mane. At the start, I felt that Freedom had a kind disposition and that he was charismatic and light on his feet. His head was finely chiseled made of solid bone and dynamic vision. Soon my internal compass guided me southward from the mountains and celestial skies of High Heaven, where the Guild castle was located. The river, Bevaqua, lay below, leading to Runehaven at the Place of Power.
Slowly we traveled, enjoying the flora and fauna along the way. Crossing the mountains presented no problems. The river lines were like tabs, indented every so often in a curvilinear manner. Freedom found it easily managed as we meandered downward. He appeared to be very athletic-- his movement being powerful and elegant.
Water was plentiful, and we drank whenever thirst demanded. Trees laden with fruits and berries sustained us along the way. Beautiful birds were in abundance...some cranes and flamingoes were wading in the water; parrots were perched in their nests, others soaring in the sky. Some birds I recognized. Strange, I thought, as birds are of the Spirit, and I thought I knew all birds. Their sounds are a part of my forever knowledge, but some were new to me. Perhaps this is part of my learning?
There were many nights spent beneath the stars, and I could see the constellations above, using them to guide us to our destination. Measures of velvet black sky followed the twilight of softened light before the heavy darkness of nightfall. The woods were scented with the whisper of pine and wild flowers. Soft moss cushioned our resting places, and each morning I awoke to hundreds of butterflies sailing through the air into the sky overhead. As I lay there, on the earth, I felt so strange. A grounding I never felt before (as I am a creature of the air~space~heavens~ and used to the ether. This "grounding" was carrying me--holding me--solid beneath my earthly body of flesh and bone. So very different than what I was used to. New,and accepted.
A new mind set enveloped me as I traveled with Freedom. I gave much thought to my impulsive departure from the guild, and my obedient allegiance to the Great Spirit and Council. Was this a test of sorts? Was I supposed to, as a human, be expected to follow allegiance or to act independently? Had I lost my spirituality by not following the directions given to me by the Gryphon--or did my earthly-ness fill me with an oppositional quality that spurred these actions at the final moment? Food for thought and grist for the mill. Perhaps the Place of Power would clarify some of these questions?
No sound other than a soft "whinny" from this most incredibly beautiful horse imaginable was heard. He nuzzled me affectionately, as I stood near him, whispering in his ear that we would be as one on our journey together. I mounted Freedom, settling into the soft leather saddle before touching his thick wavy mane. At the start, I felt that Freedom had a kind disposition and that he was charismatic and light on his feet. His head was finely chiseled made of solid bone and dynamic vision. Soon my internal compass guided me southward from the mountains and celestial skies of High Heaven, where the Guild castle was located. The river, Bevaqua, lay below, leading to Runehaven at the Place of Power.
Slowly we traveled, enjoying the flora and fauna along the way. Crossing the mountains presented no problems. The river lines were like tabs, indented every so often in a curvilinear manner. Freedom found it easily managed as we meandered downward. He appeared to be very athletic-- his movement being powerful and elegant.
Water was plentiful, and we drank whenever thirst demanded. Trees laden with fruits and berries sustained us along the way. Beautiful birds were in abundance...some cranes and flamingoes were wading in the water; parrots were perched in their nests, others soaring in the sky. Some birds I recognized. Strange, I thought, as birds are of the Spirit, and I thought I knew all birds. Their sounds are a part of my forever knowledge, but some were new to me. Perhaps this is part of my learning?
There were many nights spent beneath the stars, and I could see the constellations above, using them to guide us to our destination. Measures of velvet black sky followed the twilight of softened light before the heavy darkness of nightfall. The woods were scented with the whisper of pine and wild flowers. Soft moss cushioned our resting places, and each morning I awoke to hundreds of butterflies sailing through the air into the sky overhead. As I lay there, on the earth, I felt so strange. A grounding I never felt before (as I am a creature of the air~space~heavens~ and used to the ether. This "grounding" was carrying me--holding me--solid beneath my earthly body of flesh and bone. So very different than what I was used to. New,and accepted.
A new mind set enveloped me as I traveled with Freedom. I gave much thought to my impulsive departure from the guild, and my obedient allegiance to the Great Spirit and Council. Was this a test of sorts? Was I supposed to, as a human, be expected to follow allegiance or to act independently? Had I lost my spirituality by not following the directions given to me by the Gryphon--or did my earthly-ness fill me with an oppositional quality that spurred these actions at the final moment? Food for thought and grist for the mill. Perhaps the Place of Power would clarify some of these questions?
Thursday, December 2, 2010
The Dream
I found myself in the great void, a thin veil, soft as silk, enveloped the dreamtime. An essence of Jasmine filled my nostrils, creating a feeling of free-floating faintness. Suddenly, I became aware of a denser atmosphere as I neared the earth plane. Hearing what sounded like a great rush of wind, in a half-turn, I found myself looking at the frontal figure of a Chryslon Gryphon, who has the body of a lion and the head and forefeet of an eagle. Traversing the void is a natural ability of gryphons, who act as powerful guardians of the Higher Spirits. I welcomed this great gryphon and felt honored in its presence--as gryphons work for the Great Spirit and the Council, delivering their messages and carrying out their orders.
The gryphon spoke to me telepathically, communicating the knowledge of my impending journey granted to me by the elder Light Beings to investigate "all that is" as part of the round. He expressed their wishes that I take leave of the Guild Castle to begin my journey immediately upon its leave. The gryphon was expressly sent to deliver Blessings, along with several gifts: A precious miniscule bird having bodacious colors was placed on the top of my head. The gryphon reported that one of the bird's supernatural abilities is to "mesmorize" with its song, any creature or being--human or otherwise. I was to understand it would be a great advantage to have this member of the aviary family to accompany me on my journey. Its added attraction is its ability to appear as a tattoo on my shoulder and to come forth when needed, to perform its magic (just like my wings). A bag made of soft golden mesh containing clothing and soft leather boots was placed on the bed. The gryphon told me that a stallion, as dark as the night sky, would be waiting for me outside of the south door of the castle in the courtyard. I thanked the gryphon for being the messenger and gift-bearer then bid it farewell. Before leaving, the gryphon told me a valuable item would be mine to receive sometime during my journey. I would know it was near upon hearing the ring of a bell. In the blink of the eye, the magnificent gryphon vanished. I took this moment to thank the Great Spirit and Council for holding me in such high regard, knowing they would receive my thanks as soon as my thought was formed.
I awoke in a heartbeat from the dream, remembering the wish of the Great Spirit and Council--that I depart as soon as possible. I readied myself, my wings, and my bird, Precious (who was now contained as part of my skin), and found my way to the outer courtyard at the south gate, where my horse awaited. As soon as I saw him, I knew his name...Freedom! The moon was new (in Sagittarius) and a perfect time to begin my journey.
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