Just Give Me Peace

As you may or may not know, I have a humble little store in ETSY. While I am not yet a millionaire, I have made friendships and great connections through the ETSY Mud Team. A fellow blogger, JustGiveMePeace has also joined the ranks of sellers on ETSY. I have been a huge fan of her work since she started visiting my blog this past summer. Her work is fresh, whimsical and beautifully done. Plus . . . she is just a sweet, wonderful, peace-filled soul! Check out her work!
Namaste.

Take a hike

We live only minutes from a spectacular aspen forest. The leaves are beginning to turn in some areas. I imagine that the next couple of weekends will be breath-taking. We took a lovely hike today. So peaceful and energizing. I think I am ready to tackle my week. Hope you all are too!
Namaste.

Peace Man

I came across this pic a while back and it always brings a smile to my face. I have a printed copy in my classroom and my students love it also. Peace should make us smile. It should warm our heart and soothe our minds. I hope your week has been wonderful and hope that your find something to make you smile this weekend and warm your soul. I hope you find a moment to enjoy some peace.
Namaste.

everything in it's place

I've been in an organizing mood lately. I seem to go in spurts when I dig in and organize and purge things that are cluttering up my home. Usually when a drawer or door won't close on some piece of furniture or closet is an indication that I need to tackle this. Some times our minds get this way also. Take time and remember to breathe. Talk things out. Call on a friend.
I hope your Monday has been full of peace and joy. Mine has!
Namaste.

Peace Is . . .

I've been teaching this little song and my students love the words. I had a parent stop by my classroom today to tell me that her daughter taught this little song to her Sunday school class. Here is an example of a young girl spreading peace to others. It was a proud moment for me. Here are the words:

Peace is the world smiling.
Peace is a gentle dove.
Peace is sharing.
Peace is caring.
Peace is filling the world with love.

Namaste.

Beads on One String

I hope you have all found some place to enjoy a moment of peace today. I have a passion for children's literature and music. When the two of them come together, it can be very powerful. Today I came across a wonderful song called "Beads on One String" by Dennis Warner. Not only is it a great song, it is a wonderfully illustrated book. My copy is on order and I am looking forward to using it very soon in my classroom!
Namaste.

Turtle Charm 4 Peace

Today we spent a glorious day driving the high road to Taos for the High Road Studio Tour. Not only was the scenery spectacular, so was the art!! I could have done serious damage to our bank account! I have had my eye on these cute little turtle charms from Turtle Rock Studios in Truchas, New Mexico for a long time. Today I purchased this little guy from ceramic artist Samantha Decker-Hoppen. Check out the link to the turtle charms and the other wonderful items that Samantha and her husband have in their studio.
I hope you all have a meaningful International Day of Peace.
Namaste.

Sunday is International Day of Peace

Just wanted to send a reminder that this Sunday, September 21 is International Day of Peace. I encourage each of you to take a moment to do something meaningful that speaks peace to you: light a candle; offer a prayer; unite in song; sit in sacred silence; call a new friend; forgive an old "enemy; forgive yourself....
Namaste.

Life and Abundance

I love the symbols found in Native American art. I enjoy reading about the symbols and their meanings. Even more so hearing the artists speak about the symbols they choose to put into their works of art. I used the life spiral and corn symbol on this tile. Both of these represent life and abundance. Corn is a mainstay in many Native American tribes. This is one out of a set of four that art for sale in my ETSY store.
Namaste.

Hummingbirds

The weather here in Santa Fe is cooling down, especially in the evenings. I have so enjoyed the hummingbirds which frequent my yard in abundance. I have one that is particularly aggressive and dives after the others when they are near the feeders I have. You can hear this one coming because he makes a very distinct sound. It reminds me of the Jetsons space! I will miss them when it becomes too cold and they have to travel south. This spoon rest is an homage to my feathered friends.
Namaste.

A Mind of Peace

Here is a tile I made last winter. We have a beautiful Buddha statue in our hallway. I used the peaceful face of that statue as my inspiration. Today was a challenging day in the teaching world but I think I made a special connection with a young lady who is having difficulties fitting in. We talked about what inspires her and what she would like to do with her future. I got her to smile and open up a bit. We found out we have something in common! These moments are what makes the teaching profession so wonderful and rewarding. I hope you found something to inspire you today.
Namaste.

Marigold Peace Chains

These lovely strands of garland were made by some local artists who sell their lovely wares at the Santa Fe Farmer's Market. I always admire them when I pass by. If you look closely they have a handmade bead from Bolivia between each flower. I have thought about making these myself but I never seem to get to my marigold plants until the blooms are spent and gone to seed. The artists Bryan and Victoria Adams have wonderful rustic pieces that are handmade for your home and garden. It is so soothing to have beautiful things around you. I love natural rustic pieces and may have to purchase one of these Marigold Peace Chains sometime in the future.
Namaste.

Green Train

I really wanted to title this post Peace Train after that great Cat Stevens hit song. However it is more of a green train. Green in the sense that soon commuters and travelers between Santa Fe and Albuquerque will have a more green mode of transportation to take when traveling between cities called the Railrunner. It is exciting and a great feather in the cap of New Mexico. I am excited to take a ride someday and admire the sweeping views that I can't normally take in when driving myself.
Peaceful Sunday to you all.
Namaste.

Drummer for Peace

Today was an exciting day in lovely Santa Fe! The new Railyard Park opened and residents welcomed the new commuter train called the Railrunner into the Railyard. There was lots of great energy in the air and people were very excited. This lively band pictured above provided music and smiles to people who were in attendance. I like the message that this drummer put on her drum.
Namaste.

Peace at the end of the work week

This one of my first tiles that I made when I began this journey into the addicting world of working with clay! I'd like to think my work has evolved since then. Whether it has or not . . . . it is the journey that I am enjoying.
I hope this finds you all well at the end of the work week. I find something gratifying about being tired at the end of the day. Glad, however, that I have the weekend to recharge, reflect and re-energize myself for teaching next week.
Namaste.

Let there be Peace on Earth

Peace - English
Paz - Spanish
Shanti - Bengali
Paix - French
Erligsnek - Eskimo
Usalama - Swahili
Heiwa - Japanese
Frieden - German
Maluhia - Hawaiian
Shi-nu-mu - Hopi
Salaam - Arabic

Just a few ways to express the word, PEACE.
Let's hope our country's leaders and future leaders
can help move towards peace-filled times.
Namaste.

New Mexico Sunset Bowl

I made this bowl a while back (it's is listed in my ETSY store). I was inspired by the crystal clear blue skies here in New Mexico. I am constantly amazed by the gorgeous blue skies here. The sunsets here are spectacular. I make it a point to look out my window each night to see the colors of the sky at sun down. Take some time soon to enjoy the sunset. It's such a lovely time of day for reflection and finding your peace.
Namaste.

Peace Under Fire

Here are three of my pieces (two of them peaces!) waiting to go into the kiln for a bisque firing. I love the process that get to this point. The two peace signs are for sale in my ETSY store . . . . see the link to the left. The mug was made for someone special.
I hope you have had a peaceful Monday and are sharing it with your someone special.
Namaste.

Does this mug make my coffee look big?

How I love coffee . . . I have since I was young. It's the one real addiction I have (besides pottery) and it doesn't show any signs of stopping. I also love big coffee mugs. I've been trying my hand at making coffee mugs. But they are HUGE as you can see in the picture above!! Good size for me but perhaps not good for those trying to cut back on caffeine. There is nothing like heading down the stairs and smelling that fresh brew and the taste of that first sip of coffee in the morning. True peace . . . .
Namaste.

Give Peace A Chance

Today was the final day of FIESTA! The annual Historical/Hysterical Parade was part of the days activities. These Santa Feans were walking and riding, carrying handmade signs and singing, "Give Peace A Chance." There were young and old side by side. Nice! I wonderful how I can become involved next year!
I hope you have a wonderful week and remember to give peace a chance.
Namaste.

Viva Mariachi!

Mariachi Buenaventura is based out of Santa Fe, NM and has been together for about three years. This group of lovely young women has the distinction of being the only female mariachi group in Santa Fe. They have a large following here and once you hear them you will understand why. Mariachi Buenaventura will be touring in Europe during July 2008. They were invited to back up a choir from Cuahutemoc, Mexico at the World Choir Games held in Graz, Austria. I don't speak or understand a lot of Spanish but I sure enjoy listening to their music. They express so much joy in their music-making that I become mesmerized by their performance. You can check out their MySpace at Mariachi Buenaventura.

Viva Mariachi Buenaventura!

Viva Santa Fe!

The cry of "Viva la Fiesta" has been reverberating through the streets of Old Santa Fe every fall for almost 300 years. The exclamation generates a curious blend of being thankful, merry-making and pride in the hearts of Santa Fe residents who celebrate Fiesta each year to commemorate Don Diego De Vargas' peaceful reoccupation of the City of Holy Faith in 1692.
Viva la Fiesta! Viva Santa Fe!

Old Man Gloom

Now you might think this post would be rather depressing given the title. However, it is quite the contrary. Each year at the beginning of the annual Santa Fe Fiesta celebration, thousands of residents write down their troubles, hardships, problems or concerns to burn up in this 50 foot puppet known as Zozobra. People are known to burn traffic tickets, divorce papers and a myriad of other documents in Zozobra. Over 40,000 people gather at Fort Marcy park to watch their troubles literally go up in flames. It is a comforting think of your worries going up in smoke. I hope your Thursday has been peace-filled and trouble free. Viva la Fiesta!!
Namaste.

Peaceful Retreat II

Here is another one of my unique hand built birdhouses. This one is smaller . . . perhaps the right size for a cute little finch family. I enjoy looking for unusual twigs to add as my perch. I like the knots and twists in them. I hope the birds like it too!
Namaste.

Peaceful Retreat

I've made some birdhouses this past year out of clay. I love unusual, brightly colored birdhouses. They might not all be practical but they sure add color and fun to my garden!! Here is one that just came out of the kiln a few weeks ago. I hope whoever purchases this from my ETSY store finds a special place for it and that one lucky bird family makes it their home.
Namaste.

Patron Saint of Mother Earth

This gorgeous bronze statue of Kateri Tekakwitha stands in front of Saint Francis Cathedral here in Santa Fe. She was the first Native American named a patron saint. I was captivated by the beauty of this statue the first time I saw it several years ago. Estella Loretto of the Jemez Pueblo was commissioned to create this statue in celebration of the cathedral's 150th anniversary in 2002. She stands in a prominent place near the main entrance to the cathedral as a testament to her dedication and service. I hope the beauty of this statue and the natural world around you inspire you to do something beautiful this week.
Namaste.