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August 1st, 2020.
These last weeks of California summer always have me in a nostalgic mood….the trees rustling in the dry wind, the tiniest hint of fall in the smell of dry grass. One of the things that filters back is a sense of solitude that by August, has deepened into a magical stillness. Now that we are all on a lengthly stay-cation, it is even more so.
The solitude and quiet are a gift. This is a good time to sort out priorities, and nudge myself a little closer to what I really want out of life, and who I really want to be. It’s an opportunity to tune out the cacophony of noise that the world surrounds us with - so much input, constantly.
When I started the Theatre of Dreams, 25 years ago, I had a saying that I would write to myself: I want to live my life from the inside out. I don’t want to let the demands and expectations that are banging on the doors and windows of myself drown out my own secret voice.
Sometimes it’s a struggle to find that private voice - the daily business of life cannot be ignored - and I have lost it many times - but it is always there, waiting for me. As soon as I sit at my table and spend an hour spinning things out of my imagination, she is there, sitting on my shoulder, my muse, my voice, my magic.
I am also feeling a breathless anticipation of the coming holidays!
My hands cant keep up with the new design ideas. I feel a small euphoric thrill when I think of Halloween and Christmas!
Right now, I am making Halloween reliquaries. These tiny shadowbox vignettes are historically called “Memento Mori”. This translates into memento of death - which sounds quite gruesome, but was not. In Victorian times, they were composed as a remembrance of someone much loved who passed away. For me they are a reminder that darkness can be beautiful.
My reliquaries always start with a pinwheel rosette of paper for the background. You can make these easily at your own desk - they are useful in so many craft and decorative projects. Use antique letter paper, antique newsprint, wallpaper or journal paper - something with interesting print on it.
You can use the original, or make an ink-jet copy for multiples. Beautiful and easy to make.
…..FOR A MORE MAGICAL LIFE:
Turn off the TV and the awful news….and turn on an audio book! It will transport you to a wonderful place! My favorite listen right now is Cider with Rosie, by Laurie Lee, recommended to me by Lisa, and I have listened to it four times! LISTEN! It is pure magic!
