Ornamental: cherish thyself

what a reader said...

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."

Fog_square it's been a foggy few days, mentally, here on firefly road, on the heels of yet another teaching trip, and i've finally decided to simply surrender to exhaustion when time allows, and sit back on the sofa in front of the windows with a cup of tea and enjoy whatever vistas the day wants to share with me. this morning it has been, as you can see, a true bit of a fog - which seems quite fitting for the way my mind has been feeling like a cotton-stuffed forgotten toy, full of nothing but dull stuffing.

yesterday i did manage to rouse myself and head over cowee mountain to the gem and mineral show in franklin - an overwhelming affair that takes place under an enormous white tent, bigger than any circus extravaganza i've ever seen - and about as circus-like an atmosphere as they come. i try not to get out of whack when i go, but it happens every time; there are hundreds of tables piled high with strings of every color of gemstone you can imagine, every type and shape of pearl that can be produced. i promise myself to limit spending time to two hours - a joke - and never can leave without forking out well over $1,000 in jewels. it hurts, but i try to remind myself over and over (a mantra) that one has to spend money to make it, and even to spend it all over again. i didn't even pull out my purchases - denial - until this morning, when i laid them all out across the table by the window. see the colors? see the ONE color, really? green, green, green, or a sea green/blue? i couldn't help myself. African_and_peruvian_opal you'll be seeing it all over the place in my work (you may click on the photo for closer detail), and i'm shaking my head today at my lack of variety this time around. there was one lovely, lovely gentleman dealer there - from afghanistan - who spent a large amount of time helping me with my green quartz and aquamarine purchases. i was touched, so very touched, by his delight and appreciation of my joking, laughing manner while choosing my wares; when we were through, he looked me right in the eye and said, with all seriousness, "you out of everyone here, out of all the people here, are the one person with the beautiful attitude", and earnestly, heartily, shook my hand. i wanted to cry. i spend a lot of time second-guessing myself after teaching classes, or any time after spending so many hours with so many people, wondering if i've gotten the right ideas across, if what i meant to say was understood, misunderstood, if my words or expressions have been interpreted some other way than how i've meant my feelings to show. i think we as artists all go through huge periods of insecurity, and to have someone, when they are unhappy with us, shake us to the core with simple misunderstandings gone bad is to have all of the positive reinforcement yanked out from under our foundations. why do i tell you this, when talking about the bead show? i don't know. but there was that nice, nice man, who saw straight into my heart, and called my attitude "beautiful", and i'll try to remember that when spending long sleepless midnight hours hoping that the things i do, the places i go, the people i see, all matter in the end, and that the words i say, the expressions i wear on my face, are taken precisely for what they are - straight from the heart. i don't know any other way to be, honestly.

Arranging_the_heart_smaller i spent most of my few spare hours at art and soul back in the hotel room, soaking up the late afternoon sun, sipping cup after cup of steaming hot tea, laughing and unwinding with dear, dear misty. i like to think of a bland hotel room as perfect fodder for photo opportunities - i mean, think of all that blank wall space! and these walls were at least a decent ochre color, with random abstract paintings that lent lovely backgrounds to a few self portraits. i love this photograph of misty's hands setting up our heart rock gifts, gathered from the north carolina mountain streams and beaches of lake erie (and yes, i'll admit laughing just now when i looked at this photo, saw the same color blue/green stones, and the light bulb blinked in my head). Little_buddha_square_2 i have a dear little buddha, tiny in size, given to me years ago by old friend lk ludwig, that usually resides on my bathroom windowsill, surrounded by a variety of treasured stones, seeds, and beach glass that i've gathered from my travels and fashioned into a ramshackle shrine. this is a travelling buddha as well, and every time i set forth on one of my journeys, he travels within my makeup bag, snug in his own wee little embroidered drawstring pouch for safekeeping. i lament that i neglected to tuck him into my pocket on beautiful walks in italy, australia and new zealand - just think of the photo opportunities there: little buddha on the rocks, on the stone steps, on the beach and in the trees. you get the idea.

Anne_quinlans_necklace_2 i'm showing a necklace and set of earrings created in my two day sticks and stones class by the very talented anne quinlan. (i'm going to show some other students' work and photographs in a separate album - please bear with me, it takes light years with this dial up connection to download each and every image). my students were absolutely grand - grand! good hearted, wonderful senses of humor, with an amazing eagerness to learn, as well as a lovely sense of original creative drive, i loved them all. teaching a two day workshop, like sticks and stones, is a wonderful format; it allows the student time to relax with their work, and also allows me to repeat demonstrations for techniques as many times as requested, wanted, and needed without worrying about taking up time needed for other techniques. Artists_proud_hands_1 the longer time frame also creates a tighter bond between fellow students as a "family", and myself. stories are shared over family photo- graphs and findings, bits and pieces from each student's treasured past, as they show me the relics they choose to assemble in their jewelry and books. i do love it, and am always appreciative of those who are brave enough to sign up for two straight days of my teaching. there were even some who signed up for additional one day classes on top of the sticks and stones - imagine, three days of - well, of me, my ramblings, my stream of consciousness approach to teaching. good love them. i'm truly humbled by everyone's work, by their excitement over their work, and by the happiness at the end of each class i taught. old friends came back for another of my classes, new friends were made this time around. i came home exhausted, yes, but rewarded.

Knot_now_student i never remember to take enough photographs while i am teaching. sure, it's easy to go back to the hotel room and snap photos of rocks, of my buddha, of misty laughing at geese walking down a sidewalk across the street far below. but while i am in my teacher mode, instructing, talking, telling a random joke or two, i am wont to pull out the camera and document the work of a class. yes, the two day class, my first of the week, was photographed. but what happened to the other two classes after?! and can i remember names with faces? indeed not. awful, awful, awful. here is a wonderful design element from a student in my knot now, nina class - lovely, yes? and i can't even credit it to her name. just awful. i'm hoping she'll see this and let me know so i can give credit where credit is due. Chandra_at_art_and_soul_for_orn the same goes for the family portrait piece above. i can see that sweet face of the student, and hear her stories of kenya, of gathering the obsidian glass. but i don't remember her name. forgive me, please, the mind is cotton this week (and most weeks, truly). it is always good to have a face with a name, especially when it is someone with whom i've corresponded through the internet - via ornamental, usually - and i loved being able to give sweet chandra here a hug in person when she introduced herself to me in virginia. what a radiant smile she has! it was like seeing family that i'd never met, but hope to see again and again.

Dearest_olga_for_orn and here i am with my beloved olga - who, if you remember, travelled all the way to italy to take my workshop in cortona - and who, i'll tell you now, was the fairy godmother who so generously sent me a laptop computer when i was in need of one back in february. she is a very special friend to me, someone who sweetly touches my heart with warmth, who makes me feel that all is right with the world. and - i am hoping, keeping all of my fingers crossed - she plans on travelling to australia to take my workshop there!!! i love you, olga; the world needs more kind, gentle, true-hearted people like you to take the edges off its sometimes very sharp corners. (who said this world is round?!).

speaking of australia - i'm very, very excited to have been invited back to teach again next year at art journey retreat in melbourne, with the same fantastic gals who organized this past year's first retreat. i'm very fond of jackie and daughter jo, the team behind the gathering, and am honored that they've invited me to return. this time we'll be in melbourne, then i'll be travelling on to western australia for a week-long workshop that focuses on an art piece i created called The Book of Trees. i love this work of art - something i created straight from my soul, i think - back perhaps five years ago. maybe six? jackie had the idea to fashion a workshop around the piece, and extend my teaching to 4-5 days, with a day of relaxation in between. i can't tell you how much i look forward to returning to that part of australia, to being out in the countryside, to wandering amongst the trees with camera in hand in hopes of seeing a 'roo. (or snake, for which i'll be wearing my stomping boots). i saw marie in virginia, who will hopefully be at home in australia while i'm there so we can visit for more than the usual five minutes.

At_the_opera i want all of you to duck over to my dear friend judy's blog at red velvet and see the amazing work she has been creating for the past month - absolutely incredible. i met judy in australia, first when she took my pocket book of dreams class in fremantle at the retreat, then when lesley and i went on to stay with her and our sweet pal michael demeng(judy's beloved) at her beautiful home in the heart of sydney for four gracious days. (let me add here that the photo was taken at sunset, on the harbour, just before we headed to the opera - my dream - and yes, that is michael acting like his usual phil hartman self when it came to having his photograph taken; lesley is on the left, judy on the right; i have reams of others, but this one was on the memory card in my camera at present. to know michael is to love him, i promise). but please - do go and have a look at judy's work. i wanted to cry when i saw it, for the beauty, for her ability to express her own soul's poetry for someone else's dreams. judy's profession is to create artist books for commission for individuals - and oh, the lucky gal for whom this was made! i'll not say more - just go. it will blow your mind. we are all so very proud of you, miss judy; all the world is your oyster!

i started out this entry with an urging for you all to cherish thyself. we get so wrapped up in pleasing those around us, in worrying about the ones we love, the people we know, or don't even know, the ones we bump into briefly, or not so briefly (have you seen the movie crash?) that it's hard sometimes to remember to love ourselves back. mother's day is tomorrow, and even if you think you aren't a mother (those of you who didn't actually give birth to a child), you absolutely are. male or female, all of you. in so many different ways. mother to a neighbor, mother to a friend, mother to your own mother, to your sister, to your co workers, mother to the baby birds out in the nest beyond the window, mother to your pets. mother to your art. your garden, your space. mother to yourself. be that. for once, be just that. and remember yourself, always, when it comes time to remember to love.

Comments

Nina, you are such a wonderful, generous person. Just know that I for one loved your class (Pocket Book of Parlor Questions) at Art & Soul and I am looking forward to taking more classes with you. I love reading your blog as it always makes me think. Sweet Dreams....

Posted by: Cindy Dean | May 12, 2007 at 05:25 PM

wow~this post brought tears to my eyes, especially the part about that man with the beads, everyone is always in such a rush nowadays and impatient, and you were so kind and let him show you his beautiful treasures and made his day...nina-you are a such a treasure, wishing you a happy mothers day and you will be in my heart tomorrow as always...
xoxo~kim

Posted by: kim | May 12, 2007 at 05:49 PM

Your post was like a little journey into another world... I pictured the tent with all the tables of gemstones, and I actually felt a tightening in my chest as I pictured all the colors and beautiful things. I wish I could touch the strands of stones you chose... I love the greens and blues. It must have been so difficult to focus and limit your choices! I do hope someday I will have the chance to take a workshop with you:>

Posted by: carla | May 12, 2007 at 07:01 PM

you ARE beautiful. attitude and all.

xxooxx

Posted by: Geraldine | May 12, 2007 at 08:44 PM

Fabulous words Nina, Happy Mother's day, I'm so glad you've seen Judy's work, she really is a true artist. I just love all of your jewels, I'm getting really excited now as we are having a bead and gem show this weekend in Melbourne, I also have a budget but mine is a bit more limited. I'm glad you met the man with the beads, sometimes it takes a complete stranger to see the real person we are, they have no preconceived ideas, just spontaneous observations.
Ro
xo

Posted by: Ro Bruhn | May 12, 2007 at 11:06 PM

Nina, heartfelt wishes for a wonderful mother's day for you. and I am grateful for your words of kindness and love as it reminds me to nuture not only my wonderful family but myself on this weekend before I have knee replacement surgery monday.
Denise

Posted by: Denise | May 12, 2007 at 11:14 PM

Dear 'master'
Oh my Gawd (said in a southern drawl)Well what can I say. Thanks for linking your vast array of deep thinking readers to my blog. I really appreciate it - as you know. but I especially want to say thanks for being such a warm, loving and supportive friend. today I lit a white candle and said thanks to the universe for allowing our paths to cross. It seems you have this effect on most people that come your way and that, my friend, is truly a special gift to which you have been endowed and we that meet you, reap the rewards of. happy mothers day to you I hope you get serenaded by a didgeridoo today.
Love your ever so grateful "grasshopper". LOL

Posted by: JUDY WILKENFELD | May 13, 2007 at 12:20 AM

Mother - mother thyself! I read through your blog and read of the travelling the beading ( that's a gorgeous color - something's going to be beautiful don't worry about it ) the classes and the exhaustion - and then the message to cherish and mother ourselves.
Hmn.

Posted by: Kim Veldt | May 13, 2007 at 02:14 AM

Happy Mother's Day to you too Nina & thank you for writing such beautiful thought provoking entries here, I love visiting Ornamentum and reading your posts.....I often leave with tears in my eyes. I dream that one day I will be fortunate enough to make it to the States and attend your classes, it would be so special to be able to meet you in person. Take care

Posted by: Gisele | May 13, 2007 at 06:23 AM

Beautiful! Thanks for a lovely visit to your site..

Posted by: Mim Stella | May 13, 2007 at 07:47 AM

thank you for your words nina. that last paragraph...that reminder is what i needed to read today. to remember to mother myself. yes...

i cannot wait to see what you create with these new gems. the colors are gorgeous...
and how wonderful to receive such a gift in the form of the words from that gentleman at the show. this gift you can reflect on when the doubt creeps in. i love that...

happy mother's day.

Posted by: liz elayne | May 13, 2007 at 12:06 PM

I CHERISH you!!!! Most lovely, most magical most one of a kind heart of gold, Nina!

May this day blow out the fog and bring in the clarity of how many lives you do touch and what light and sweetness you bring to us all.

gros bisous XXOOXOXO

Posted by: Elizabeth | May 13, 2007 at 12:28 PM

you and your posts are pure s w e e t n e s s .

Posted by: kelly rae | May 13, 2007 at 01:39 PM

You always take my breath away with you sweet postings.....and of course the man at the gem show .....he just saw what I have always seen in you....
Happy Mother's Day Nina.....
xoxo
Bonnie

Posted by: Bonnie | May 13, 2007 at 02:46 PM

hey girlie!

I am in a mental fog too. exhausted after teaching. feeling guilty for the work I *should* be doing.

love those turquoise beads!!! YUMMY!!
xxxxox

Posted by: claudine hellmuth | May 13, 2007 at 05:55 PM

Oh Nina, I so love reading your blog!! It has lightened up a rather trying week. First we had a car accident (daughters Sammi & Courtney in the car with me) amd then Sammis beautiful cat was run over a few days later. Reading your blog made me feel lighter and happier one again!!
I am so looking forward to Melbourne next year and then a whole week back here in Perth!!! I can't wait to meet Misty and Olga...
The man at the Bead Show obviously reads people very well, you do have a beautiful soul, love all the goodies you picked up!
Yes, Judys book is absolutely incredible, she is an amazingly talented lady and another beautiful soul.
Enjoy your time at home to recharge. Hope your Mothers Day was wonderful.
Love you,
Jo xoxoxox

Posted by: Joanne Stables | May 13, 2007 at 10:08 PM

Happiest of mothers day wishes. This holiday is one of my most holy days for dreams shattered and finally realized. I know you were celebrated today.

Posted by: Tina | May 13, 2007 at 10:26 PM

Wow Nina love the fog photo, I find fog mystical, the quietness of it is magical and when you are out in it, the comfort of feeling cocooned in gentle love.
I spent my mothers day just in the wonderful presence of my lovely daughters Kirsty and Joanne, my creative son has made something for me with his own two hands, how special is that.
Love the photo of you and Olga, the gorgeous, wonderful, warm, generous Olga, you are so right someone like Olga makes you realise that there are angels living on this earth.
love as always
Jacky

Posted by: Jacky in Australia | May 13, 2007 at 11:22 PM

Nina,

How beautiful your post in all ways, sharing the beauty you know of in other people as well as the magic of beauty seen in you by someone you had never known! Its nice to have you back here posting after classes. It was a really looooong week, emotionally draining for me and I am glad to see you back, a light in the day! You are cherished ;)

happy mother's day to YOU! xxox

Posted by: Jennifer C. | May 14, 2007 at 12:07 AM

As always I got lost in your wonderful words - transported once again, you are a generous soul, so giving to your friends and readers, students and loved ones - I learn much from you by visiting, not just the Nina knot (well maybe I'm having some problems there at the moment too!)
Blessing to you on Mothers Day.
Megan xoxo

Posted by: Megan Pickwell | May 14, 2007 at 07:39 AM

quinlan's piece has inspired me to do a piece to honor my mom and dad, who i lost within three months of each other earlier this year. i miss them exquisitely, and would love to memorialize them this way. i need to reteach myself how to solder, i suppose. but how, oh how, will i manage nina's knots. :) take care...

Posted by: Tammy | May 14, 2007 at 10:18 AM

i had a dream about you last night...your buddha necklace was in the dream and we were laughing.

i am sorry.

Posted by: Misty | May 14, 2007 at 10:25 AM

I never comment on blogs, but I just had to emerge from my hiding place to tell you that your Sticks and Stones class at Art & Soul was transformative. I can't stop thinking about resins, Nina knots and all of the wonderful possibilities...

Your blog has helped make the difficult transition from art explorer to worker bee much easier.

I was so thrilled to finally meet you and Misty in person. What generous, gentle souls the two of you are.

Take care!
Stefanie

Posted by: Stefanie | May 15, 2007 at 01:08 PM

Verify your Comment

Previewing your Comment

Posted by: |

This is only a preview. Your comment has not yet been posted.

Your comment could not be posted. Error type:

Your comment has been posted. Post another comment

The letters and numbers you entered did not match the image. Please try again.

As a final step before posting your comment, enter the letters and numbers you see in the image below. This prevents automated programs from posting comments.

Having trouble reading this image? View an alternate.