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To Be Still...
As some of you may know, I decided to move from Quebec to the Maritimes this summer. It was one of the most bittersweet decisions of my life. Even early on in the pandemic I knew at the bottom of my intuitive bone marrow level, that I would need to move, due to the stresses that the pandemic would bring to the lives of so many; my self included. It didn’t take much to see ‘the writing on the wall.’ Needing to put down my beloved furry companion ~ noble Border collie, Santiago ~ was the last straw. And so a new journey began, a new chapter in life. Like one of those lets stroke this off ‘the bucket list’ kind of chapter. I decided to move to Nova Scotia. What was I thinking?
So here I am. Living in a ‘lil’ village in Pictou County, in the Northern zone of Nova Scotia. I’m slowly reconstructing my life. I felt the need to move my art into new places, and spaces, and to experience another take of Canada’s various and diverse cultural landscapes. It was a calling to find the courage to be a ‘stranger in a strange land’ for a while. I was scared a lot of the time. I knew I was going to need to take some big risks. And there was no doubt I would grieve deeply. I began to understand what my faith was about in a different light. If not now, when?
I felt deeply compelled to consider my urgency to connect with nature in the deepest of ways that my humble boots and camera, and canvas, and words would allow. To push my passions to the edge of the ocean; while also taking stock as to what is truly important; present day needs for many seniors: affordable and sustainable living. And to wander as far as my little bohemian heart would take me. For if not now, when?
Pandemics come and go. Like wars. And people get traumatized. History does repeat itself. And trauma doesn’t know what time it is. And reality gets distorted. And sometimes, we are too numb to name the emotional paralysis we might be suffering with, we feel lost. Life feels hopeless. And that for me, is a place I wanted to avoid at all cost, if at all possible. For me, it is and always has been about hope. We need to find ways to cope with hope. This is the place I need to be. For without hope, who are we? And if we have any vital energy at all, that tells us that ‘all is good,’ and to ‘love this Earth,’ then well…sometimes we are called to take drastic measures to truly not only care for ourselves, but to care for Mother Earth, in whatever ways we personally, and collectively can accomplish. If we have any spiritual acumen whatsoever – it is to fulfill the call to care.
‘We,’ as ‘one people,’ however divided, are nonetheless grieving globally. I would think that in one way or another, we are all hurting right now. Somewhere inside something hurts. That’s grief. And your neighbour feels it too. The whole world is grieving. Perhaps, it is Christmas at last, as we find the homeless mother about to give birth to new life. In the most dire of times, we can be transformed by the power of a ‘brilliant star,’ to be directed. In other words ~ go within, and deliver your brightness – your gifts – into the world. Strive to reach out and engage, especially toward those who can’t, or who are struggling. There are many presently deprived and suffering. Find your eagle medicine. Take courage.
I’m often asked: “Why Nova Scotia?” My short answer is “I’m in search of the birds.” And there….I find what I am truly looking for: to be still….to be at peace.
I felt deeply compelled to consider my urgency to connect with nature in the deepest of ways that my humble boots and camera, and canvas, and words would allow. To push my passions to the edge of the ocean; while also taking stock as to what is truly important; present day needs for many seniors: affordable and sustainable living. And to wander as far as my little bohemian heart would take me. For if not now when?
I am here, downsized, and enjoying my little hermitage cottage of sorts. Come spring there will be news about upcoming retreats and workshops dealing with grief, and a resurgence of drum workshops, along with setting up space somewhere to continue with the SASWE line, along with the sale of my paintings, drums, talking sticks, etc. Not quite sure how all of this will play out, but…. time will tell! If not now, when?
If ever you are in the neighbourhood, feel free to reach out and join me for a walk along the Jitney trail. And I’ll take you to the place where the eagles sing.
Merry Christmas, and happy holidays everyone. May these sacred days fill you with an extraordinary peace, and may your heart be filled with inspiration, creativity, and love. And hope. Let us move forward together with hope. Until we meet again in 2022, take care, and thank you for your ongoing support. Blessings to all of you, and peace for your journey,
Vivianne
Magnet Project!
I’m going out on a limb here with a special request.
I am working on an appliance magnet project of sorts, as I try to find ways to fill the fronts and sides of a stackable washer and dryer. The machines are in my kitchen. Not my favourite place to have a washer and dryer. However, the house is small, and it is convenient. So….rather than bemoan the situation, I decided to fill as much of the white space with fridge magnets, as an art project/collage of sorts. How much fun is that? Further more… I would like to know if you would like to participate?
So, I’m doing a shout out for fridge magnets.
If you might happen to have some fridge magnets that you don’t want anymore or would be willing to part with to contribute to this ‘magnetic collage’ of sorts, I would kindly accept and mount your magnet to the fridge.
(Sorry though, I can’t pay for the postage.)
Fridge magnets are like photographs. They hold memories. Some are funny, cute, dippy, weird, political, to the point, sarcastic....it’s like reading the Saturday morning funnies when I was a kid. Needless to say, I am a fridge magnet enthusiast. So…if by chance you have a few wayward fridge magnets that your willing to part with, please mail to:
P.O. Box # 434,
Pictou, NS.
B0K 1H0.
My washer and dryer, and fridge will be very grateful, as will I! Pics to follow! Many thanks!
