Oh! Miss Nina! I was temporarily struck dumb at the ethereal beauty of this post. I am so nearly close to tears. You have the power to enrapture us with your words, letting them entwine our beings. Today I told my network group that Words Have Power {I, too, am fond of weaving words and quotes into my work}. And the snippets from Shakespeare tear through my heart like the stars shooting through the midnight sky. But the words that mean the most to me of yours seem so vastly out of reach with my own experience and that is why my eyes brim over at the thought...you most certainly do have the best job in the world, my dear....and although I don't, I can't {oh how I long for it!}...I can but dream {and plot and plan}. You so eloquently bring that dream {for us all} to life. And if one can make it happen perhaps that is the hope perching on my shoulder, goading me on. I am ever so glad that you do what you do and especially that you dare to bare your soul and your art for all of us to witness. Truly uplifting and inspiring.
"I was directed to your blog as I too just lost my beloved dog companion. I echo your words and feelings of loss and in the amazing consolation of strangers in the blog world. We do what we have to do in this life, right or wrong. I was with my dog when he died and watched his life leave his eyes. He was at that moment alone by my side in a natural moment of his life. We are left never really alone although very conscious of the empty spaces that can never be filled with anything but sweet memory."
"Nina,
Someone may have already sent this to you. Last year around this time our Sasha almost 15 left us - the evening skies of the day she left we saw a shooting star - we all knew it was Sasha letting us know all was well & it was her time to be free! Tears come even now as I write this. Someone sent me this poem which helped through the morning so I pass it on to you. Asilomar - a magical place to spend time and heal your soul.
blessings of love,
Robin
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown... "
I have started this note so many times and then for whatever reason, never hit
the "send" but this morning after running your blog - I just sit here feeling
"ah" and just so loving the visit that I just had to let you know what your blog
( you) mean to me.
I start my morning out with coffee mug in hand and head to my little room that I
like to call "my studio" and there I write morning pages, and then do some work
in my art journal - then I'm awake enough to visit with you.
Finding your blog and meeting you has meant so much to me. I always leave filled
to the brim with happiness, inspired and a deep appreciation. I wish I could
find the words, like you do, to express what I feel. I feel in my heart I have
met a kindred spirit and friend.
I just had to let you know what visiting with you means to me, and this morning
I would be happy just walking in your yard...
Enjoy your day, give Aspen a pat for me, and now I will have a much better day,
knowing that I have spoken to you. Thank you for being there.....
"I check in on your lovely blog as often as I can, but did not expect the heartfelt connection I found today. My oldest daughter has not left yet, but as she prepares to go off to college next year, I feel the panic, sadness, gut wrenching turmoil in the pit of my stomach and painful heartache of the thought of her leaving. I am at the same time so proud of her - her accomplishments and the person she is becoming. I am excited and feel anxious with anticipation of who she will become once out there flying with her own wings and navigating her own course. I sobbed and sobbed as I read your words, tears just flowed down my cheeks (at work!) Thank you for sharing so purely. I felt your words penetrate my heart. I am encouraged that you and others have gone through it, are surviving, still have so much beauty and love within, and are sharing that love and beauty with others. Thank you so much."
"I completely agree with you about the allure of words on jewelry. I don't know of anyone who creates more beautiful objects that epitomize this concept. I come back to your blog day after day knowing I will see something amazingly beautiful. Thank you so much for bringing so much beauty into our world."
"I'm wearing these [cloud song] earrings today. I usually don't dress that creatively for work, more prosaically, with simple non-danglies. So I just discovered I can see them in my peripheral vision as I walk. I like that. I should wear more danglies. Life lately has been too much practicality: forms to fill out, official documents to decipher, task lists to update, errands to run, get a Plan B, Plan C, even a Plan D. ... These are challenging times indeed. I'm hoping to carve out a few hours this weekend at my studio table, playing with my collections. I haven't even had many moments lately to peruse your lovely Web site and drink in its charm. But when I do dip in, I always emerge refreshed. So this is just to say thanks ever so much for being there. You have no idea of how many lives you brighten!"
"Dear Nina- Upon seeing your work in Somerset (blog issue), and reading your words (I envy your poetic verbage & expression), I soon went to your blog and became a fan. When time allows (or is stolen by me), I often return there because I passionately admire your artistic style and feel as though I have taken a delightful journey into an enchanting, charming, ethereal world familiar from my childhood after reading your entries which are so beautifully enhanced with your photography. You should know that you are a giver. We come away with gifts from time spent with you. After reading your glowing affirmations about your sister Ellen's eggs, the third time I visited her Etsy shop I decided I must have one of the robin's eggs, I just MUST, so I ordered one - and a good thing too, for it was the last one. They put me in touch with the past when I was a little girl, entering into deep places that the soft, sky-blue beauty of a found robin's egg could draw me to. Nature displays the holy beauty of God if we will just take the time to perceive it and touch it. I, too, am a woman in her 50s who also has two grown sons -- and I also love and live in the "woods" (well, if you can call 2-3 acres of wooded land in the country "The Woods"). I loved reading about your father, your mother, your visit back home with them, and your love for your sister Ellen. I hope that you will share about your sons in future postings. And pleeeeeease don't think we will ever tire of seeing and hearing about the dog! LOVE that dog! After omitting paragraphs for the sake of saving space in this entry, I will close with trying to convince you that your heart, your art, your photography, your words, your openness and all that you share with the world is a worthy gift to us. You are a beautiful person, and I thank you."
"i am not an artist such as you, but i have been a student in one of your classes. you have the abillity to inspire and motivate because you let it be fun; because you make it look easy; because there really is no right or wrong, good or bad; because you allow us to feel and respond based on our own individual experiences... what you're really teaching is how to step outside the box and be comfortable there; how to use the skills you've taught us and apply them to what we want to do. i see it as much the same as when teachers teach writing skills...we teach the skill; the process...but each individual chooses his or her own words. i guess what i'm trying to say is that one of the first lessons i learned from you was that art is based on your own individuality...we begin with a blank canvas, so to speak, and with each experience and personal preference, the art is born. it may change, but the root of it remains the same. it's ok for you to be a part of that, but the bulk of what each person's art is depends on what's inside of them. it's ok for us to use the skills and the process, i think, but we have to put our own words to it...use our own canvas...have our own style of expression. i suppose it is sad when one who calls themself an artist has to rely on the ideas and style of others rather than what's inside of them. that tells me there is fear inside and they haven't yet learned what you teach...that it's ok to step outside the box and let your own art speak for what's inside you. you do that masterfully...you show us, through what you do, an outside expression of what is inside of you...and no one else has what is inside of you."
"I have spent the past two evenings reading your blog. Just felt like I wanted to talk to you for a moment. I so enjoyed my time in your world which you share so sweetly. Although I am not nearly as positive, open, kind and loving as you are, I do feel a definite comradeship in your love of solitude, nature and reflection. Although I get somewhat nauseated by some of the overly sweet, la-la, life is great type blogs, your positivity and sweetness are very endearing - and your frankness about the sad things is touching. I got as far as your October time with your folks and your comment about wondering why you share these things about your daddy...and I just wanted to send you a hug. Virtual hug from a stranger who wants to thank you for that sharing and try to take away some of that pain. And another big virtual hug for your precious puppy.
Also love your art. Have seen your things in some of my magazines and books which is where I found your site a long time ago but never went in to read. I piddle around with altered books, jewelry and other such things - that artistic outlet is the best part of my life. And the only time I am ever REALLY happy and at peace with my life is when I am outside, in nature, talking to trees and birds. My best conversations and relationships are with trees...and dead poets, too."
"quietly she tinkers.
indeed.
but the song of her tinkering ways
is clear and pure
and resonates...loudly,
deeply
and surely it hovers by hope
perching there
in the soul.
beautiful.
your work is, too..."
"oh i do love white camellias
such pure white against those magnificent
shiny leaves
love is pure like that
the love of years
in your fathers hands
such tender photos
you are so lucky to have the presence of
mind to capture these moments as they unfold
and then you share
thank you so much
for the time you take with us out here
i know there is an interconnectedness
between us all
you continually prove it"
"I am proud of you for protecting your integrity. You will find better
venues. People will come to you. You have to always
take care of yourself--your psyche is important. Not to be violated.
I know that you did the right thing. It had to be difficult, but it
was an important forward moving change that will serve you well."
"may all truth and love reside within you and become an invisible blanket of protection when any negativity tries to enter your church of kindness"
"I think you have almost reached the Third Noble Truth of Buddhism; cultivating a mind so spacious that you are going beyond what things seem to be into what you truly see. When you care about things, you see with a responsive and involved eye. Do you know how little you have struggled this week? I can see this in the eye of your camera.
Why is it that people are bored when rain becomes a mirror to see into and words in books shimmer?"
"Nina, I always read your blog as it seems a good way to hear your voice and learn from you. I wanted to tell you that your photos are as stunningly beautiful as your jewelry and your words. You have the true eye of an artist."
"For me visiting your blog is like going to a friend's house for a cup of tea and conversation- I've seen her driveway, house, foyer, kitchen, face so often but in all of that is love, friendship, and inspiration. Its about you! It is a virtual cup of tea with a friend."
"Congratulations on this momentous occasion in your country's history. This change that has occurred in the minds of your people is noted around the world. The greatest men in your history had the qualities that this man has ~ his mysticism, charisma, stillness, and idealisim is what I personally see. He makes me believe in his sincerity. With a positive outlook, unified effort, and shared vision you can do anything as a people. It is these American qualities that allow each of you to do good, to do the right thing, ~ and what makes you a great nation ~ not a win-at-all-costs mentality, not power held over weaker nations, not greed or arrogance, but strength in unity and a common dream."
"You really made me reflect on my life. I don't want to disappear either, and I often wonder why I was put on this earth. Am I just here to take up space for awhile?? There has to be more that this! Of course with my Baptist upbringing....I don't worry about when my life is over, but what about this one chance that I have.......I don't think that I will age gracefully, I am sure that I will fight it to the end. I have too many things that I want to do.... I still have a long list of places that I want to travel to. How I wish I hadn't wasted so many precious moments. Do you think that we ever have enough time during our life......I wanted to see our children grow, get married, and have a family....but now I want to see my grandchildren grow up and I wonder what they will do with their lives....will I ever have enough time ????Thank you for making me rethink what I will do with the rest of my life.....
Nina, I also want to thank you so much for your sharing your teaching talent with me, please don't ever quit teaching. I loved your class, and could hardly wait to get home so that I can start something else. I know that I wasn't very productive in your class, not your fault.....I just get so overstimulated, I need to ponder what to do next. When my husband was driving us home ( it's about 16 hours) I was rethinking my necklace and I found a wonderful piece of sliced jade. I am going to rework this piece, it needs to reflect what I learned from you.....after all this is what I will leave behind so that my children and grandchildren can remember me, I don't want to disappear!!!"
"Most people have a hard time seeing the blessings in what is right next to them, the grass is always greener syndrome. My father grew roses when I was growing up, so we always had bouquets of them in our house. To me they always seemed like a mundane thing--can you imagine, a rose, an everyday flower! Now that I am grown, moved away, now that my dad has died and the rose bushes are all gone do I understand the wonder of them. It is rare the person who appreciates the here, the now. That is why I love your blog so much. You are a constant reminder to me to appreciate what is all around me right now."
I have spent a very long time being professional and efficient, so my writing tends to say that which needs to be said in a very sparse way. I really enjoy that your writing reflects your heart and soul.
I hope it doesn't sound sycophantic to say that whilst some people don't really measure up when you meet them, that's not the case with you. I first did a class with you in Freemantle and then started reading your blog. The blog measures up to you!
I think leaving ourselves open to new ideas, nature and people also leaves us vulnerable and open to self doubt at times. The good thing is that it doesn't take much to give us a shot in the arm, so we can bounce back.
"i'm turning forty in six months, which is kind of a shock to me. i am looking at your poetic, beautiful jewelry and reading your inspiring, thoughtful posts and screwing up my courage to step into my power to do all that i want to do.
this email is to tell you hello, and to let you know that you are 100% right to tell your blog audience what is right and what is wrong regardless of their reaction. there will always be small, mean people who will attack you no matter what. it is hard to callous yourself to them, but please try. know that there are people who appreciate you and your art. you are a very special person and you deserve all the joy and respect in the world."
"I love your blog, your jewelry, and how you write about your reality. Not just fluff. You let us "see" you, and that makes us feel like we live next door. Thank you.. xo"
"you and the way you view the world is what i have felt we have lost...the ritual, the story telling around the fire/at the dinner table/on the front porch, being in the wild, honoring the past (and present)...i think if we all took it to a deeper level than the surface we stay on so often, we would see what attracts us all to you and each other is not your art (although that is precious)...it is our Souls wanting to talk...thanks for listening to me!!"
human beings are members of a whole
in creation of one Essence and Soul -
If one member is afflicted with pain,
Other members uneasy will remain -
If you have no sympathy for human pain
The name of human you cannot retain --Saadi
-it would be more helpful if we sat with our reactions when others are speaking their truth in their personal journals and simply listen with compassion...i have learned a lesson from all of this...thank you Nina for being honest with your pain...it serves those of us who want to be better humans...xo
i just wanted to tell you how much you inspire me to be a better person. every day when i read your blog, i think, oh, i am going to be more like that: more observant, more loving, more 'living with my eyes wide open', more crafted in my writing. and while i still feel like i am mostly not achieving that, i know that if i keep reading and being inspired, it will slowly seep into me. so thank you.
from accomplished artist Judy Wise (thank you judy xo): "IMO you and Teesha pioneered
the "look" of the mixed media/journal/collage thing that is strongly
influencing advertising, graphic arts, and fine arts in this country,
providing jobs for many teachers of art and enriching the lives of
housewives and square pegs. I thought of this when Rauchenberg passed;
he was a "real person" just as yourself who had a huge influence on the
culture.
I know you have had your heart broken at times by the copiers but there
is another side to it. Original good ideas will always find their way
into the culture through co-option and adaptation (and stealing). Think
about it."
from Belgium: "While I'm mailing you now, I want to say that I admire your work a lot. I discovered you in "true colors" and through some articles in the magazines of Stampington.
I love the "Nina-knot" and your work is really recognizable and an own style. But I guess I'm not the only one who told you this...."
"Coming here is like going back home and visiting with loved ones-those who take us as we are-vulnerabilites, faults and all. Words leave you effortlessly and enter us for what they are-honest, unpretentious, alive, and vulnerable. The end result is for us like savoring our mother's favorite dish after being sick-we feel comforted, understood, cared for."
"your jewelry is turning into a divine light...."
"It is wonderful to share the ineffable qualities that arise from the experiences of one who has walked from the outer periphery of this beautiful life straight to the center, the pulsing heart of existence."
BEAUTIFUL...just beautiful. This art leaves me breathless. When I first read of an "alchemist", as a child, I was aching to meet one and converse and watch the magic happen. And now I have, Nina. Your work is extraordinary."
i have re-named this photograph "winter madness", after first calling it "feeling ridiculous". see that long line of black and white running down my throat? that is my life as i see it right now, looking out the window. black, and white. the snow has yet to melt, there across the way on the steep mountain that faces the north (and thankfully, i face the south, and - that mountain), so my world as i have seen it for the past week has been a definite study of black and white. i am becoming reclusive, i am. not leaving this house for weeks on end, except to take the garbage out, or to go to the bank, or to the grocery store. for weeks on end, it is just mr. aspen and me, here in this house, with the quiet and the black and the white. so, posing for a photograph from a pointed camera behind which i am pointing makes me laugh, and feel ridiculous. and a wee bit crazy as well. but then, that is the thread that makes this life interesting in february, when it is cold and bleak and i am out here in self imposed solitary confinement, spinning my webs and my wares, in darkness and in light...
This photo I would name "happiness"
You exude Joy!
Posted by: melba | February 06, 2007 at 10:35 AM
Nina, that is such a beautiful image!!!
I envy you your temporary solitude...wanna swap lives for a while?!!!
Sue x
Posted by: Sue Tunney | February 06, 2007 at 11:08 AM
You are so beautiful! This photo is alive!
My email has been "error"ed for days. It is amazing how dependent upon it I've become...anyway, I wanted to say thanks for the DVD recommendation. It is coming to a mailbox near me any minute!! (excitment) As soon as I can I'm going to post a Prague post on my blog. Hopefully my NEW blog will be ready today (excitment).
In the meantime, I'll be dancing madly!
Alex {x0}
Posted by: wingedheels | February 06, 2007 at 11:13 AM
As soon as the image finished uploading I just started to smile, it's such a merry picture, so full of life.
Posted by: Waspgoddess | February 06, 2007 at 11:24 AM
Great shot! I happen to love the hibernation of February. Slightly maddening, but in a fun way. Guilt free!
Posted by: bluejude | February 06, 2007 at 11:34 AM
oh, this says utter and absolute joy! love the horizontal stripes you're wearing against the vertically striped wall...and then the diagonal shadow...wonderful!!!
Posted by: kelly | February 06, 2007 at 11:35 AM
Nina, I absolutely love this photo of you! At least you're smiling during your February hibernation, I think I do more growling than smiling this time of year:)
demmie
Posted by: Sue | February 06, 2007 at 12:17 PM
Nice pic Nina!!!! I miss you!!!
Posted by: Lisa | February 06, 2007 at 12:24 PM
why would you want to leave if you didnt have to, if you are surrounded with your loves?? nature, art and the love of a furry friend(hehehe)..sounds like heaven...
xoxoxo~kim
Posted by: kim | February 06, 2007 at 01:14 PM
Those tights are the BOMB. I LOVE IT.
Posted by: loralee | February 06, 2007 at 01:30 PM
i just adore this photo of you so much. i love how it makes me feel. i love that you are laughing...and I long to hear that laughter, but seeing it is so wonderful. xo
Posted by: Misty | February 06, 2007 at 02:03 PM
I love this!!!
The energy is amazing!
Posted by: Dawn | February 06, 2007 at 02:46 PM
my dearest nina...
seeing this photo... i can imagine you gracefully rising from the chair and standing en pointe....performing a pirouette in the radiant sunlight
xo
Posted by: tracie Lyn Huskamp | February 06, 2007 at 02:56 PM
"winter madness" is amazing. I adore the pointed toe that is in the limelight.
Posted by: Sharon at Norah'S | February 06, 2007 at 03:17 PM
This is a wonderful portrait -- I could almost hear the laughter. If this is how you feel while hibernating -- then keep on doing it girl!
Posted by: Penny | February 06, 2007 at 03:37 PM
I love this photo. it makes me happy!
Posted by: Amanda | February 06, 2007 at 03:58 PM
this is so lovely. so infused with positive energy. love your tights, too. who says black and white is boring?
Posted by: bekka | February 06, 2007 at 05:00 PM
Fantastic pic.
Posted by: stuffed | February 06, 2007 at 06:16 PM
Great photo, Nina!
Posted by: Carla Sonheim | February 06, 2007 at 06:22 PM
vibrant and youthful. i felt your "madness" last night. not due to winter hibernation, rather an overindulgence in all things chocolate and way too many coffees... that amazing feeling of slight craziness, enough to make you sing a silly ditty at the top of your voice and dance a crazy dance, knowing that it may all end in tears, as your father always warned! be thankful though my friend that it is only mr aspen who witnesses such hilarity and not two dogs, a cat and a very hungry husband who waits and watches as his dinner makes no further progress towards the table!!! xo gorgeous
Posted by: samm | February 06, 2007 at 06:23 PM
*THAT* is one amazing photo Nina!!
It just radiates and glows from the screen.
Some times we have to "nest" and just turn inwards..it's ok...Spring will be here soon..
Posted by: kelly | February 06, 2007 at 06:58 PM
wonderful....their coming to take you away...ha..ha..ha..hee...hheee...ho...ho...ho...i have been wanting to do this spc...seeing this photo of you actually makes me want to join in this fun! i laughed thinking what aspen was thinking...probably watching you with a big smile. i just love this picture! xo...annie
Posted by: annie | February 06, 2007 at 06:59 PM
Love love love this self portrait!
Posted by: Karen | February 06, 2007 at 07:28 PM
I'm adding my voice to the clamor of "Love that Photo!"
Posted by: anna maria | February 06, 2007 at 08:40 PM
i love this picture. it radiates how you can laugh at yourself.
Posted by: swampgrrl | February 06, 2007 at 09:09 PM
That photo...well words fail me. It yells "life is awesome" and "Joy". I can't stop smiling.
Posted by: Tina | February 07, 2007 at 12:28 AM
FABULOUS photo. It captures so much. It looks like one of those Hollywood Starlet photos... only so much better. All your SP portraits have been really great, I hope you are pleased with yourself. Ux
Posted by: Ursula Clamer | February 07, 2007 at 03:00 AM
Beautiful, alive photo...just gorgeous!
Posted by: nel | February 07, 2007 at 04:27 AM
This is an AMAZING photo! Love it!
Posted by: nelda | February 07, 2007 at 07:21 AM
I love this photo too and don't see madness at all! Maybe you feel mad with this wintery weather but this actually looks like it borders on the side of joyous rather than crazy.
Posted by: Mim | February 07, 2007 at 07:29 AM
Thank you for your sweet note. And I loved the quote by Mary Oliver. Thoughts along those lines have been on my mind a lot recently.
Posted by: Waspgoddess | February 07, 2007 at 08:25 AM
This is a wonderful self image and I can see the glee! You look like I did last night at at a Rod Stewart concert..come see!
Posted by: naturegirl | February 07, 2007 at 09:38 AM
Hi just wanted to let you know your self portrait is beautiful, I love your blog it is truelly inspirational and when I secretly have lurked in the past it has made me feel like I've entered inti something truelly creative. You are poetic! Beth
Posted by: Beth | February 07, 2007 at 10:32 AM
FaBulOUs self portrait nina! it looks like it belongs on a record album cover....
i just broke my 10 day record of not leaving the house yesterday - had to drive into town for groceries :-)
xo
Posted by: katie | February 07, 2007 at 11:02 AM
This is a fabuolous photo.
Wow.
It is a great great shot.
You captured a great moment and it makes me smile.
I wish I could take a self photo this great.
XO
Posted by: Colorsonmymind | February 07, 2007 at 12:54 PM
Nina - this is crazy BEAUTIFUL! I love it and it made me smile really big :)
Posted by: LeS | February 07, 2007 at 01:52 PM
The contrast, light/dark, the line down your neck, the pointed toe, the tights, the tilt of your head, the contrast of laugh and clenched fists ~ all contributions to such an amazing portrait. A study of your life as it is at this moment ~ noticing you are reclusive and a wee bit crazy at this time, and accepting it with grace and good humor.
Posted by: Robin | February 07, 2007 at 05:22 PM
Gorgeous, gorgeous photo.
Posted by: madness | February 07, 2007 at 07:16 PM
What a great picture. It's priceless!
kathy mc
Posted by: kathy | February 07, 2007 at 10:21 PM
Oh, wow, so beautiful. My little guy & I worked out our winter madness today by blasting Paul Simon and shaking maracas...you look like you're having just as much fun!
Posted by: jen.e | February 08, 2007 at 12:11 AM
The light on your foot the light on your face the light shining from your heart
You are a gift of light!
Beautiful photo!!
Posted by: tongue in cheek | February 08, 2007 at 10:47 AM
Nina, this is just a fabulous photo of you! I can feel your joy just looking at it...you are such a special person...
Posted by: Lorraine | February 08, 2007 at 08:45 PM
It's all already been said -- "this photo is alive" - "makes me happy" - etc. Incredible light really makes this a wonderful shot -- that, plus your expression and posture of absolute abandon. Awesome work!!
Posted by: Jeremy Stockwell | February 12, 2007 at 10:28 PM
spectacular photo
and wonderful to see you so joyful.
Posted by: julie | February 15, 2007 at 12:38 AM