Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Drawing in

 
I am going to take a wee break from my blog and interview postings. I am feeling a great need to take a step back and be more present in my own skin. With the cold weather here, I am not getting outside in the dirt as much and I am missing that tangilbe connection to the earth.

With that said, its time to draw inward.

After the new year I will be back in blogging mode with new interviews to inspire you and new posts that reveal the magic I am working on.

I wish all of you a very happy, blessed and safe holiday season!


Til we meet again!

Blessings,

Lindsay

Enjoy this beautiful song...

Monday, October 15, 2012

Hecate



This last week had tested me. Unexpected encounters that produce a negative result within. Dreary days that take me deeper inside the shadow realm. Lonely nights that seem endless....and lack of sleep carries its own weight.

This is always the hardest month. Always my favorite month. but this year, it seems darker, real, honest. I am taking my shadow work to the next level by finally really looking at what it is that regularly sends me to such a negative space.

Why is it so hard for me to soften and peel back the layers. To expose that vulnerability, to bleed my truth. I am in the dark and I am bringing you in to sit with me as I process these last 34 years.

We all have pain and struggle that guides us. We all have insecurities and doubts. The sutures on my emotional wounds will not heal unless I am brave enough to step forward and accept responsibility for who I am and what I have become. I need to surrender the burdens I carry for the things I have no control over.

Control. That word. I think if only I had more control over this situation or that person then life would be easier for everyone I love.

I don't have control over myself. That is what is making life hard. For me, the people I love. I place so much blame on circumstances and other people...I give up my power to them or it and I wonder why I am so unhappy. Duh.

This is shadow work. Painful. Scary.

We go to those places deep within ourselves where we hide the face we don't want anyone to see.

Today, I want to be seen. As a woman on the verge....of change.

I am using this blog post today as a gateway to release all my fears and anxieties. Do I care what others are going to think? Yes. Of course I do.
 But...
if they run screaming from the lunatic then they were not in my life for the right reasons and I say goodbye. If they stick around and can love me despite my flaws and my past mistakes then I unconditionally accept you for who you are and love you with all my heart.

The light within me is burning so hot. I need this release so I can come forth into my higherself and begin the next 34 years as being of light.

The moon is new and with it I am recharging the intentions I set many weeks ago.

To take inspired action
 
Make time for healing
 
Connect with my spirit guides
 
So mote it be.

Friday, October 12, 2012

With Sticks and Strings


I am excited to introduce you to Terra of Wood Lily Designs. A mother, wife and a new business owner! Terra is a sweet soul who crafts with sticks and strings creating beautiful knitted and felted wearables.

Her creations are an extension of her soul and are sure to warm hearts (and hands) during the cold months ahead.

Grab a cup of hot tea, warm socks and your favorite sweater and cozy up with Terra of Wood Lily designs!


1. You just launched a new business Wood Lily Designs. Tell us, what is the meaning behind the name?

Yes it has been a great adventure to launch my artwork to the world. As for the name I chose, Wood Lilies (otherwise known as Tiger Lilies) are my favourite flower. These flowers can be found in the mountains near where we live (and in my garden) and have always fascinated me due to their gorgeous colour. I felt that these flowers were very metaphorical for my creative process, as the medicinal uses of Wood Lilies are alleviating irritability and providing holistic healing. My hours in my studio creating are truly therapeutic to me!


2. How long have you been creating with sticks and strings?
I have been knitting for about 7 years, and have always found it very meditative. However felting has been something I've picked up more recently and I am loving how organic the process of creating with it has become.



3. You opted not to go the Etsy route. What was your reason for this?
I decided that I wanted to keep my little shop very personal and attract people through word of mouth and my own marketing. I wanted to carve out my own little piece of the web and be able to expand my website to include other interests such as e-books and perhaps one day even a blog. I felt this would be harder to do on Etsy in a really cohesive way. Things are going well so far, however I am still open to creating an Etsy shop if I find my website is not attracting enough clientele.



4. When creating, where do you seek your inspiration?
I live a very diverse life right now as I split my time between raising a toddler, being a wife, creating as an artist, working as an Environmental Scientist, as well as teaching and practicing yoga. We love to spend time in nature as a family every single day and our outings are a highlight for all of us. I seek my inspiration from all of these experiences as is evident in my chakra designs (yoga), flower designs (nature walks), and many designs are even inspired by whatever my little guy is fascinated with. I recently made him a felted hat with stars and moons on it, he has such a love for the moon
right now!

5. Was it hard for you to launch yourself as a
designer/ artist? What steps did you take to overcome any fears of putting yourself out there?
One of the main reasons for doing Wood Lily was to overcome fears. I have needed to overcome fears that people will judge my work negatively and be critical of what I was pouring my heart and soul into. I was also afraid that there would be no interest in what I was creating and that it would be hard on my ego. Luckily the experience so far has been incredibly positive and I have been overwhelmed and grateful for the support and interest that my pieces have generated.

As for overcoming, I would say jumping in with two feet has been very instrumental, and letting go of my inner perfectionist has been key. Seeking guidance through some amazing online courses has also been great. The support of family and friends made the initial fear much easier to overcome.

6. The cool season is upon us, what is your must have item in your shop?
Yes the leaves are most definitely turning and the nights are getting pretty chilly where I live. As for the must have item in my shop, I would say that would be my felted cuff bracelets and my kerchiefs. I am really enjoying the process of working with customers to design custom felted cuffs with various themes they are inspired by.


7. What fiber is your favorite to work with and why?
All of my work is done with wool. I love wool as it is a natural fiber and it is so versatile. Wool has amazing properties; it is antibacterial and keeps it's warmth even when wet.

Yarn, felted sweaters and roving all make their way into my pieces. I also love that I can source all of my materials locally which allows me to feel good about supporting other entrepreneurs in my community.


8. What hope do you have for the future of Wood Lily Designs?
I hope that I can start selling my wooly goods at local markets and meet all sorts of people and artists in my city. I hope to stay inspired and have my creative learning be present in whatever I do for Wood Lily Designs.

One day I would like to run some courses for felted creations and perhaps write some small books to sell on my website. One e-book I am itching to write is a book on simple ways to connect children with nature.

You can connect with Terra and Wood Lily Designs here:

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Home

 
I feel like it has been forever since I have sat down to blog. I have been focusing my time and energy on my most important creative priority...my family.

Making cookies, watching Halloween movies, having dance parties in our pajamas! Sometimes we  need to take step back from social media, video games, dishes, laundry, etc. and just be in the moment with our loved ones.

This past weekend was full of spontaneous adventures. A trip to Seattle to play in the tides pools along the sound. Eating pub food at my favorite brewery. Running with the kids and dog along the beach at Golden Gardens. It was exactly what was needed for all of us.

Since Spring we have been so busy tending to our farm duties, nurturing the growth of seedlings and harvesting the abundance of their growth. Adopting 30 new chickens and hand raising new ducks and chicks. Any spare time was devoted to naps and cold brews on the porch.

 
Last week after some heated and emotionally intense conversations about family, marriage...life!
We had an unexpected visitor bless us with a reminder about love, family and home.

"Pigeon comes to teach us how to find our way home again; he is the foundation of the family the nurturer, protector and teacher that provides for the young in every way that is necessary. He helps us to return to our roots, using them to keep clarity and focus. He guides us in learning how to harness the energies of our home and family in order to get through the tough times and find our way again. With pigeon in charge, we won’t be lost and vulnerable for very long. He shows the value of family strength, stability and how to utilize it properly. From Pigeon we also learn to set and work towards our goals in life; to focus and persevere through anything."  http://www.helium.com/items/2008695-animal-totems-pigeon

Married life and blended family can get really challenging at times. The message Pigeon provided was a good reminder to find our roots and the heart within our home.