lessons

"we lose ourselves in the things we love.  we find ourselves there, too." - kristin martz

i love it when a quote comes my way that speaks with a strong but quiet voice.  every day i'm sent a little message of encouragement from values.com; sometimes they grab me, sometimes they speak and then are absentmindedly forgotten,  but they are always sound, and sage.  last week, the one that spoke loudest to me was this:  

"let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love.  it will not lead you astray". - rumi

  angel casting by artist lynn davis; necklace emerged from the studio and startled me with its composition:  antique mother of pearl buttons, a chunky baroque pearl, antique piano key ivory, antique text, old rosary mother of pearl, luminescent antique mother of pearl oval beads unearthed in wisconsin years ago

the studio continues to pull, and i am happy with this sensation.  what a joy it is to create, to work very happily at what i do.  my schedule has been a wild ride these past few weeks, with family and friends visiting, with a trip to alabama; work was put aside for a spell, resumed at a heightened pace, and now i'm off to wisconsin and beloved valley ridge art studio once again to teach two back-to-back workshops, six straight days of standing in the teacher's role.  it's been nearly a year since i was last in that position, and i'm a little nervous about jumping back in.  i hope i will not disappoint.  i already know that my students will amaze me with their capabilities, with their own sense of creativity.  bit by bit, i'll feel my way in these days before the workshop begins, i'll sort myself out and step into my instructor shoes.  the shoes are red.  my heart is still there, on my sleeve.  let the lessons begin, for them and for me.  in between the hours of sitting at my studio table, summoning ornamental pieces from some deep and ethereal place in my soul, i find quiet pockets of reflection, of deepest gratitude for the gifts and blessings that life has bestowed upon me.  things will be quiet here at Ornamental for just a bit, but you know i'll be back as soon as i can.

things that have given me quiet and simple pleasure this week: 

listening to william faulkner's Light in August on cd while working in the studio.  beautifully and perfectly narrated by actor will patton (who also narrated charles frazier's Thirteen Moons that i listened to in april; thank you, fontana library!), it is an exquisite gift to have these words wash over and through me as i sit and tinker at the studio table.  i studied faulkner as a college freshman for an entire semester (well, a quarter back then), and had not until now gone back to his words since then.  hello, mr. faulkner.  your work leaves me speechless when trying to describe the rhythm and cadence of your writing, the beauty of your incredibly wrought choice of words.

visiting with my beloved friend julie, who is down for a few days from ohio before she leaves to carry walter home with her while i am away.  laughter, the sharing of stories, early evenings out on the deck with a little fire, walks out back on the trail through the woods as lightning bugs begin to appear, coffee out on the screened porch in the early mornings:  good medicine.  and walter unabashedly adores her, as well.

walter, walter, walter.

life!

Comments

[Tina in McLeansville]

this is a post beautiful in it's simplicity and quiet message. and on this day, especially, it went straight to my heart. lessons learned, blessings and gratitude....loving the simple things...appreciating life on a daily basis. your teaching will be superb, red shoes and all! ;) lucky, those folks who will spend time with you there! safe travels....hugs. xo

[vickie]

Disappoint? Never. It will all fall beautifully and naturally in place, and the teaching, and sharing of talents and creativity, will be wonderful.
vickie in kc

[Judy Shreve]

Oh how I wish I could be one of those lucky students - to have a teacher so blessed with talent and simplicity and red shoes.
I am new to reading your blog and in awe!

[Sophie]

What a beautiful and poetic post, Nina. Your words, as always, worked their magic into my heart. This is what I needed, this little glimpse into the beautiful corner of the world you inhabit, the way you share your thoughts, your words, your silence. You will not disappoint. I come to your blog regularly and you always manage to move me in so many different ways with your words and your photos. I am sure the people who come to your classes are coming to learn from you but also share a unique experience with you. And I am sure that like me, they will be moved in ways that will surprise, excite and change them. Safe trip. We will all be waiting for you here.

[Mary G.]

Don't worry, teacher Nina! The bicycle might wobble a tiny bit just at first, if at all, then you'll be sailing off again on a wonderful adventure with your students. I'm sure your students will learn SO much and enjoy it all.

[Vickie]

your centered heart has been a joy to behold these last few weeks. the intense depth of our own true self is so magical and when I contemplate this my heart is bursting open. it is a wonder when something simple like shared words and images can help make us more like we really are. you help do that. thank you Nina, another door opened in my heart today - and it is a good day.

[kathy dorfer]

really good post ! rumi has helped me in some of my most difficult times.I love this quote.
just have to say ... you will be a wonderful teacher , just bring your witty self .
xxoo

[Tina Gilmore]

Good Luck and safe journey Nina - you'll be amazing, i just know you will. xx

[MaggieD (Dianne)]

Wishing you safe travels and a peaceful heart.

[susan]

It sounds like you have had a very joyful, peaceful week, Nina. No need for worries,
your students will love you - and the lessons you share.
Wishing you a safe journey. We will all be awaiting your return.

xo dusan

[sandra]

My thoughts and meditations for your success have been released to the cosmos.
Take care now...

[hol]

I love you Baaabe, enjoy your workshops and the change of place and weather! One thing I know when you teach, you do bring your knowledge, humor, and true heart, and that in it's self is delightful and gracious for any student. XO

[rachelle]

You are so precious. You give me words all the time. I pray you will carry mine. You are precious. x

[Carol Weiler]

This post makes me feel peaceful.

[Mystic blue creations]

Thank you again for a beautiful and inspirational post. I absolutely love the quote by Rumi! I am hooked on your lovely work.

[Lynn Davis]

Nina, I'm thrilled beyond words that my little pewter winged Charlotte has worked its way into your hands, and you have given her a beautiful new life. You are wondrous!
Hugs and THANKS
Lynn

[Jan]

It seems like you've been gone for an awfully long time. I'm looking forward to getting caught up on your news, and I hope you're having a wonderful time.

[susan]

Dear Nina, thinking of you and hoping all is well - hoping you are having some lazy summer days.

xo dusan

[Cynthia]

I am not one to comment much, but thought I would delurk to say that I have been checking in, hoping to see new words and new works. I hope that your workshops went well!

[Molly Vollmer]

We're all concerned at your absence and hope that all's well and you're just on a break.