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."
We are in the midst of a truly bitter winter day here in Minnesota...filling bird feeders the stinging wind slaps cheeks raw almost immediatley...thinking of the coyote I saw in the woods yesterday, the deer - all laying low today. This season, so worthy of reverence, is indeed utterly, painfully beautiful... just as you captured Her...
Posted by: Erin Gergen Halls | January 29, 2008 at 01:57 PM
Nina, this looks just like what's outside here in the NW. My family in Texas had two weeks of gloomy and thought they were going to die from lack of sunshine. They can't understand that gray skies bring out the best in colors and shifts our moods to quietness. Sending hugs your way, Kathy
Posted by: Kathy (Oly) | January 29, 2008 at 03:00 PM
very nice.
I wish this reverie was a thin book on old parchment, and I could hold it and read it at night. I can imagine reading the words and looking at the pictures while cuddled under a soft quilt and hearing the winter winds blow past a warm home with lighted windows.
it's a winter story book for big kids. thanks, Nina, for letting us read this. best, Joanie
Posted by: Joanie Hoffman | January 29, 2008 at 04:01 PM
very nice.
I wish this reverie was a thin book on old parchment, and I could hold it and read it at night. I can imagine reading the words and looking at the pictures while cuddled under a soft quilt and hearing the winter winds blow past a warm home with lighted windows.
it's a winter story book for big kids. thanks, Nina, for letting us read this. best, Joanie
Posted by: Joanie Hoffman | January 29, 2008 at 04:01 PM
very nice.
I wish this reverie was a thin book on old parchment, and I could hold it and read it at night. I can imagine reading the words and looking at the pictures while cuddled under a soft quilt and hearing the winter winds blow past a warm home with lighted windows.
it's a winter story book for big kids. thanks, Nina, for letting us read this. best, Joanie
Posted by: Joanie Hoffman | January 29, 2008 at 04:02 PM
I'm de-lurking to say thank you for these words. They inspire me to look at this winter day with warmer eyes.
I've been reading for a while but haven't commented because your writing leaves me in awe. So beautiful.
Posted by: deirdre | January 29, 2008 at 04:05 PM
Love the words and the pictures as always,but especially the toy chickens. I have the real things 9 of them and they lay the most beautiful eggs for me even in this horridly cold winter we have been having.
If I could I would send you snow but then you would have to take the wind and its so cold with the wind.18 to 20 today and no idea with the wind chill. The interstate east is still closed. Too icy and a wreck I heard earlier when I ventured over to the next town.
Posted by: Denise S | January 29, 2008 at 05:12 PM
Nina I cant even string to words together,you write so beautifully.
I love the last photo of you,deep in winters thoughts
Jen
Posted by: Jen Crossley | January 29, 2008 at 05:35 PM
Winter is also the warmth of this wonderful Nina's scarf-of-heartfelt-words against the cold afternoon :)
Posted by: Isabel | January 29, 2008 at 05:58 PM
on this mid winter's day there is a song being quietly sung to those we love. I know you can hear it, take this song and put it in your pocket to keep your hands warm until your pockets are needed to hold other things, such as flowers, leaves, and sunbathed river rocks. until then sing along with me... xoxo
Posted by: m | January 29, 2008 at 06:09 PM
did I forget to tell you how much I truly love, love, love your photos that you have shared here today...it is something I cannot put into words, my feelings towards winter ... but you do it oh so well.
Posted by: m | January 29, 2008 at 06:14 PM
rello nina, roh how rye mis ewe. rye wish so much that rye could have traveled rback home with ewe that warm fall day way rback in roctober, sighhhh. however ewe do ruv to come hear and see what ewe and mr. Aspen have been up to. rye ruv ewe.
Posted by: Riley | January 29, 2008 at 06:35 PM
Beautiful...
Love Jo xoxo
Posted by: Jo Stables | January 29, 2008 at 06:48 PM
I started this 'winter' page with a big smile on my face.. You know, how I love little animal toys,.. only to scroll down and find myself breathing deeper and slower.... Your photo reverie left me breathless,..I find myself 'captured' in your winter's tale...It was so cold and crisp here yesterday, I thought I could smell snow, more than twice....as the palm trees continued to chatter their windy song....OX for bringing me closer to your spot, in our world....LYLT..
Posted by: hol | January 29, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Oh luscious! We had one day of snow. A dusting really. But notable for the light. I've been sick so I couldn't take advantage of that glorious white that comes with the heavy clouds overhead and the white covering everything. You capture that light and the mood of it in this post. Especially in your self portrait.
Posted by: Tina (in Seattle) | January 29, 2008 at 10:55 PM
january has always been the hardest month for me. i usually am missing the garden and its growth. now i appreciate winter for the resting period that it is. read and loved 13 moons on your recommendation. also making some jewelery per your inspiration. thank you for your posts and ideas.
Posted by: jennifer | January 29, 2008 at 10:59 PM
Delightful! Just delightful! Billy would be proud. Tomorrow I will take my toys for a walk in the woods *smile* We can all use the outing.
xoxo Cat
Posted by: cat | January 29, 2008 at 11:56 PM
thanks for warming me up with your words and photos on this brutally cold, cold day here in wisconsin.
Posted by: Beth | January 30, 2008 at 08:04 AM
nina dearheart...thank you once again for the "free transport." your words are soothing and wonderful....like taking a huge breath of air and letting it out slowly as my body relaxes into itself again. aaahhhh. Linda
Posted by: linda | January 30, 2008 at 08:19 AM
just beautiful. you should publish a book of poetry nina. i love all the pictures too. wonderful. xoxo nita
Posted by: nita | January 30, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Here it has snowed over 18 inches in less than 3 days, with 3-5 more inches coming tomorrow...I'm originally from TX, and this has been a very rough winter on me emotionally. Thank you for turning winter into something so heartbreakingly beautiful. Your words are so exquisitely crafted and poetic, and I love how you have juxtaposed them with your lovely photographs. You have brightened my world.
Posted by: Amy | January 30, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Lovely, inspiring post. Your pictures are true treasures. Winter has been so nasty here this year and caused such damage it is a bit hard to find the beauty of it sometimes. But inspiration does come in very special ways and I am being helped in a way I never imagined. BTW, after a particularly nasty snowy, icy, windy sub-0 windchill day yesterday there was the mostly lovely sunrise today. Now we are waiting for another vicious winter storm to blow in late tonight and on into Friday morning. I am planning ro use a PDO and stay home from work Thursday. I have a big cover story that runs Sunday so it's a bit tricky taking Thursday off but my editor says it's in overall good shape and I will have Friday, hopefully, to do any final touches. We are suppoed to get a lot of snow and in this hilly city navigating is disastrous!
Posted by: Vickie | January 30, 2008 at 02:33 PM
Cute little chickens. They look like they're right out of the 20s or 30s.
Posted by: Brian | January 30, 2008 at 02:41 PM
Cute little chickens. They look like they're right out of the 20s or 30s.
Posted by: Brian | January 30, 2008 at 02:43 PM
What a beautiful post! I'm experiencing my first "temperate" winter, and am loving every second of it. Thanks for the inspiration.
Posted by: cori | January 30, 2008 at 03:13 PM
Lovely Nina, your blog is called Ornamental for a reason. Your path through life is picturesque and drawn so beautifully for us.
Posted by: Kel | January 30, 2008 at 05:55 PM
i wish i could feel the earthy energy of the nest upon my hands, dream under that tree and give you a big warm hug.
delila
Posted by: sepia art studio | January 31, 2008 at 03:45 AM
Your writing inspires me to write, a poem, a thought and to look out the window and think about words can fit so beautifully together.
For me:
Winter is finding colors when the whole world seems white.
We have had over a foot of snow fall today, blowing everywhere in every direction!
Posted by: rivergardenstudio | January 31, 2008 at 07:09 PM