Sacred Sparks

A Little LOVE from my Heart....

2012-02-10T13:03:00.002-05:00

If you love Valentine's Day as much as I do, then you'll love some of newest creations. This piece is a copper brooch with a little steam punk added. I was out scavenging in the the barn and came up with this brass tag that went to something like maybe a propane gas tank, or something like that. With Jerry's permission to add it to my stash, I skipped back to the studio and promptly stamped the word "Me" into the tag as well. The next thing I needed was a tiny key, which I happened to have also in my stash box. It all came together with solder, rivet and oxidation. I really love the end result. What do you think?
find this pin in my Etsy shop..
www.sacredsparks.etsy.com

Keepin' Up is HARD to DO!

2012-02-06T08:18:00.000-05:00

It's a good thing that February is a slow month around these parts of Michigan. This year especially! No snow means no shoveling, no pounding and scraping ice off the roofs. Of course we are still hauling and stacking wood near the house, studio and work barn, and shoving it in the trusty wood stove. Empty tummies still need feeding and the normal life extension tasks we all perform no matter what. But, dog gone it! I am still finding less and less time to create.

I see life running it's course here. People heading to work every morning, returning home in the evenings. Deer and Turkey's browsing the fields and woods for food. Their living needs have not been stressed this year. The weather here in Northern Michigan has been nothing less that extraordinary for January and so far February. Very little snow, warm temperatures in the upper 30's, 40's and an occasional 50! You would think I'd have more time to create!

So what's going on? I have come to figure that I am spending too much time maintaining all my Internet sites. I try to accomplish up dates every morning but I am spreading myself too thin. I have to come up with a better practice. I am working on it, at least the thought and desire is in my head, soon a solution will follow.

Here is a necklace set I created recently. Be back soon, Have to do some grocery shopping. Our kitties are demanding more Salmon in their diet!

Doin' a Dance ... So Happy!

2012-01-27T16:18:00.000-05:00

We were featured in today's "Essential Alchemy" Blog ! What a great presentation.. I so hope you will visit this Blog and take a look. Amanda did an absolutely fabulous job. THANK YOU Amanda ! I hope you will check out what this amazing woman does. She is the master of a Symphony of Scent... honest. She creates perfumes from the pure plant and flower oils, blended and selected for their top notes and bottom notes to come together in a beautiful and unforgettable melody. You won't get any chemically created stuff here, only the real precious thing.
This will take you to Amanda's blog...

Whoa.. FREAK OUT here....!

2012-01-14T11:50:00.000-05:00

Logged in to a message that my PW had been changed 17 days ago! NOT! What the heck is happening here. It has been one log in issue after another. I really don't want to put all my time into something (my Blog) if I am going to have to deal with log in issues and that horrid feeling of panic, when I get those crazy messages.

I'll be back, as soon as I calm down a bit, and get the wood fire stoked back up after having to deal with this Google bugs. It all takes so much time, and I have so much to do. Later...

DUMP DAYS in a small town.....

2012-01-07T12:27:00.000-05:00

Here in East Jordan, the designated days of Tuesday and Saturday are when our local recycling and waste station is open. It's a busy place, and more and more folks are learning that not only is recycling a positive green activity, it is also cost effective. The more waste we can recycle the less we have to pay for tossing a bag of trash into the dumpster. A lot of folks don't want to be bothered with going to the recycling station on a Saturday, and that's too bad, because not only are they spending a precious portion of their paychecks on garbage pick ups, they are missing out on the smiles and camaraderie of folks meeting at the way station. There are always big smiles and warm hello's even from folks we don't know. There is something good about recycling, that goes deeper than the visible action of respecting our planet and offering a little time to greening up our living habits.

There is one other thing that a trip to our local recycling station offers. It is also a resource to those who have a discerning eye. A few years ago, we scavenged a book.... a rare copy of J D Salinger's 'Catcher in the Rye'. We saw what was a bunch of obviously old books in the paper recycling, and Jerry jumped in and retrieved them. Most were just old, musty smelling, books. But not all. We had no idea the Salinger book was so special. When we put it up for auction on EBay, and started to get lots of lookers, and questions and requests for a photo of the back page and the indicia page, we knew something was more than unusual about this book. The bidding frenzy was fun for us to watch on our receiving end. It was OUR book! It ended up selling for $300 to a fella in Philadelphia. Not bad for dumpster diving! We were more than encouraged, and started grabbing books everywhere we could find them. Big mistake. Most books aren't so valuable, and unsaleable. EBay has lost it's charisma and now we have too many books. Not good for space or organization.

Now it's the metals market that is showing promise for us dumpster divers. Now the recycling station offers toss outs that are steel, aluminum, tin, and sometimes copper. So when we go to recycle our glass, and plastic we always check out the dumpster with the big stuff that can't go into the paper, glass, or plastic bins. We don't recycle our cans in the metal bin anymore. We save them and take them to the salvage site that will pay us for their weight! Yes, it takes considerable time to pull out the copper wire in something, or remove the plastic fittings from a steel case or cabinet but the return is worthy of the work, when times are tough. It's rewarding to know that our efforts not only bring us some spending cash, but the items will be melted down and reused again. That's a good thing for Mama Earth and all Her inhabitants.

BLIZZARD!!! ... Come and Gone!

2012-01-05T16:13:00.001-05:00

The weather people had us Northern Michiganders all in a tizzy. The threat of high winds with feet of snow was, if I must say, EXCITING! We only have had one small snow event here since November. Usually by now we have high banks of snow lining our driveway and parking area. With only grass to be seen, the threat of a winter storm was invigorating! With some forewarning, we hustled to stack more wood on the porch, batten down the tarps that cover our wood piles, get the chicken coop wind ready, and warmer with more straw and extra light bulbs. We put the snow shovels close to the entry ways to the studio, the house and the barn. We were ready.
The storm arrived the rain turned into snow, the temps dropped and the wind howled. But for us. here in East Jordan, the huge lake effect machine missed us.... :(
The storm moved out on Monday afternoon, and we measured 3 inches of snow. There were blades of grass still peeking through! We really miss our winter here. If it's going to be cold it would be nice to have some beautiful pristine, sound muffling, foundation insulating snow. Today is Thursday, and it has reached 36 degrees. What little snow we did receive from the "storm", is melting. It's supposed to be 40' tomorrow!
Since there isn't much we can do about the weather, Jerry and I are working on photos of new jewelery, and vintage books and items that we just have to move on to other caring folks. We will be listing some of our vintage items on our EBay site and perhaps in our Bonanza shop too.
It's fun getting out these wonderful old items that spoke to us of times gone by, and offered a unique sense of beauty and detail that is not seen so much anymore. When I get some things actually listed, I will announce it here. Hope everyone is entering 2012 with a happy outlook and is keeping warm by the fire or furnace, or what ever heating device you may have. Happy January 5th!...... Linda

I't Lookin' Good for a New Year!

2011-12-26T14:58:00.000-05:00

Things are looking good here. It appears that I can once again access my Blog... Happy Dance is happening in front of my computer. If there is a significant amount of time that takes place from my posts here, please know that it is because I am having difficulties getting back in here. Kindly contact me on my Face Book Page and talk to me there. I go there often, as I plan to do the same here. I can get a whole lot more wordy here than on FB... and if you know me, even a little bit, I can get pretty passionate about things, and of course, words express my passions.
OK so here is a little bit about the year in passing... 2011 saw our Brick and Mortar business hang by a thread of existence. Thank goodness we don't pay rent or a mortgage on it, or we'd be long gone. Customer traffic was down to one or two good souls per week. Every person who walked through our door made us ecstatic. Just a little attention brought us to exhilaration. It's amazing how, when times are slow, what small things can bring such great joy to us. We have adjusted our life style to match our lowered income, by eliminating a second phone line for computer work and charge card machine, eliminating TV access to only free local channels, no more cell phone, and no travel to distant towns like Traverse City, which is a 100 mile round trip for us. We have had a garden for a couple of years to augment food prices rising, but weather has compromised any benefits, except for green beans. Everything else we planted did not produce much. We were hoping to can and freeze for winter storage. Oh well, the green beans were delicious. We also have a few chickens, which will be a blog soon to come.
Our on line shops, Etsy and ArtFire made a few sales, as did our website www.sacredsparks.com. Jerry and I are hopeful for a productive year to come. We feel blessed with our creative gifts, and the beautiful place where we live, that we happily share with our customers when they visit. We do not want for anything, except perhaps insurance for our health and our home. Oh yeah, a few more happy customers would be good too.
So now I will now get back out to the warm studio, where Jerry has built a good little fire that's perking nicely in the trusty stove. I just love wood heat! My aging bones appreciate the radiant warmth that just doesn't happen with forced air heating. Thanks to a mild winter so far, we haven't had to shovel our drive way once! Hard to believe, here in Northern Michigan. We'll surely get more real winter soon, but I'll happily take the 40's and one inch of snow we currently see melting away! Far cry from zero and 2 feet of snow like we usually have by now.
In the studio you will find me working on some new pins. I received a special request from a customer that purchased a pair of sterling Kitty earrings long ago at an art fair. Since we have lived in the same place for 40 years, she found us again and requested I make a match for one earring she lost. I have been out of the etching process for a few years, so it took me a while to get all my equipment and materials and skills back to creating a new piece for her. I can say that I am almost finished and will be happily letting her know that her request is done. At the same time, I could not just create her request, but many more pieces as well. I love to draw and this is a great way to draw and make jewelry at the same time. I'll get Jerry to take some photos and share soon. In the mean time here is an image of a piece I made a few weeks ago. You can find it for sale in our Etsy shop if you are interested.
Wishing everyone a very happy New Year, and hope you and your family is Blessed by all that is Good in this world. PEACE to you .... Linda

GrandMother Moon Brooch

My FRUSTRATIONS.... !

2011-12-25T10:27:00.000-05:00

Computer went down in December 2010 and it has taken me this long... One Year ... to find my way back. Thanks to Mozilla Fire Fox, I can return now. Sorry for my absence, it has not been by purpose but Google's inability to allow me back through Internet Explorer! What ever that is about? I know not.
I thank anyone who came here and was puzzled by my obvious lack of attention to my Blog, and kept checking back, and found nothing new. It was not because I was ignoring this, I just could not access my Google account! Now all I have to do is find my way back into my Google Groups. I so want to post there but so far Google is being a Butt, and won't let me in. I added this photo of some earrings I made but things are new here at Blogspot and I can see I will have to relearn my approach to it. Back in 2010 I could place my photo where I chose and also upload from my computer, now that has all changed. Sorry about that. Hopefully I will get this all figured out, and be able to be a bit more professional here. Thanks for understanding. If anyone who reads this has any suggestions, or help they can offer me, I would really appreciate it. In the mean time, I'll work on this from my end. Blessings to all....

I will come back soon and let you know about all that has transcribed in the past year. I guess at this moment in time, the year 2011 was the year that wasn't, at least for my Blog.

Announcing ... WE LOVE OUR CUSTOMERS SALE!

2010-11-08T17:58:00.001-05:00

This Saturday... November 13, 2010 from 10:00 AM till 6:00 PM
Sale is only at our Brick and Mortar store, does not include any of our on line shops.. sorry.
On Saturday you will receive 20% OFF of our entire collection of Jewelry Creations! This is a rare event, considering the precious metals market, so if you live close enough to attend we hope you can take advantage of our special offering.

Remember ~ Our Brick and Mortar Shop is Open for your Visit...

2010-11-03T10:30:00.001-04:00

Hi Folks! Been away for a while here. I hope to post on a more regular fashion, but life, as you well know, seems to distract me into other direction. Focus... is the word for me.
Anyone interested in visiting our Brick and Mortar shop here, will find lots of new delights. We just received our annual stock of the 2011 Witches Calendars, and Date Books, the famous and well loved Witche's Almanc's are in now too, and a new calendar published by the Llewelyn folks... A beautiful Faerie Magick Calendar. They are the same price as last year... Yay! only 13.99. I didn't order as many this year, so we are on a first come first served basis. Better drop by and pick one up at least for yourself. They also make a perfect gift for that 'hard to buy for person' in your life. With the holidays coming up, it's not too early to start your Yule shopping now, before the crazy rush.
I have created some new pins, that would make a great, one of a kind gift, that says...'I love you enough to buy American Handmade rather than a big box import.

This little "Guardian Angel Pin", really fits the I Love You status, don't you think? You can find her in our Brick and Mortar- Sacred Sparks or in our Art Fire shop. Click on the title and you will be taken to our shop.
This is a short post for today... but watch for my next tale about... the 'Chickens' moving in at Sacred Sparks.
Be Well ~ Be Aware ~ Be Prepared... Till later.... Linda

WOMEN'S MOONMEET- Sat-June 26- @ 7:30 PM

2010-06-21T14:56:00.009-04:00

Wishing you a wonderful Litha - Sumer Solstice!

This coming Saturday is the full Moon of June and we will hold our first Women's MoonMeet of 2010. We will g ather at the Fire Pit at 7:30 PM... We will invoke and honor the Goddess Arachne, to join us and help us on our Life Journey. Arachne is the Web Builder, the Weaver, the Community Construct, the Communications Expert in Wisdom, Strength and Courage. In the coming times we need Her to guide us through what lies ahead.
Bring with you a warm jacket, hat in case of a cool evening, something to drink, insect repellent, a skein of bright colored yarn or black, but no pale, wimpy colors, a snack to share, and percussion and drums if you have them. I will provide a facilitated Ceremony, eating utensils, and a beverage. All women are welcome... from age 10 to 100+, we will honor the Triple Goddess, Who dwells within us and without us.... Please let us know you are coming and how many beautiful women to expect in our Circle under the Full Moon of June. There is no charge for this event, a donation will be graciously accepted to help cover costs... Thank you! Blessed Be... Linda
(You can contact Linda at jvstudio@freeway.net)

For those who have reserved as a tentative participant, we would appreciate a solid Yes or No, to help in preparing the Ceremony. Thank you very much!

(This event will be held on the grounds of Sacred Sparks in East Jordan, Michigan)

2010 IS STARTING OUT GOOD!

2010-01-21T18:40:00.008-05:00

When dial-up and slow speed is a persons lot, you can guess that Internet work happens at the pace allowed. As artists and homesteaders living in the depressed state of Michigan, I find I don't get to this Blog as often as I'd like. I have been working on many projects and can happily say, I have compiled our income taxes for 2009. WooHoo! Now all we have to do is buy Turbo Tax small business program and that work is DONE! It will be a first for me, I usually drag my feet and procrastinate until, in a panic I'm pulling the midnight oil to get it done by April 15th. I really don't like those kind of panics, one little bit. It is so liberating to be free of that burden.

So now what? Well, I've already started on finishing jewelry pieces from last December. They are at my buffing bench as I type. Then I will finish some felt and button flowers and little heart pins, for Valentines Day. My beading bench is full of unfinished projects as well. I could go in circles in the studio, but I know that is an unproductive approach. Staying focused is the name of the game in accomplishment. Other projects that are tugging at me is Precious Metal Clay and Polymer Resin ideas that are floating around in my head. The ideas never end.

All of these thoughts leads me to feel blessed and thankful. Yes, we live on the edge here. As artists earning a living in a depressed state, you can imagine the belt tightening we've been doing. But, we still feel blessed to be where we are, geographically, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Money is only a tool, and when you don't have one tool, you look for something else that will get the job done. That's called resourcefulness. When we are called to be resourceful we get creative.

My hope is that everyone can see a great year ahead of them. A year of promise that comes from unexpected places, and full of new opportunities and happiness coming from the small blessings in our lives. We all have them, we just need to see them when they are presented to us. So here we go folks, down the path of 2010. Put on your journey boots, grab your pack of plans, dreams and goals and lets get moving! Who knows what will evolve with hard work and some good old positive thinking. Let's turn a hardship into a lesson, and seek wisdom, understanding and a whole new approach through the difficulty.

~ WALK THE BRIDGE IN HORTON BAY ~

2009-08-26T18:00:00.005-04:00

Well folks, I tried to keep this blog timely...Oh well, it is more than two months since I posted here. My bad... When you don't hear from me, you can assume that I am busy. I mean BUSY!! It is hard for me to accept the fact that August is about gone! The weather has been chilly and wet these last few weeks. June was cool and bone dry. At least the cool remains a constant, not good for green beans but great for snap peas!

I've continued to do way more than I should, to be efficient. The economic need forces me to maintain 3 sites to sell our creations, active Ebay auctions for vintage items, and of course maintaining our 4 gardens and brick and mortar store, Oh Ya...plus maintaining a presence on 3 social networks. Whew... makes me tired to think about it all... no wonder I fall asleep on the couch at 10:30 PM.

Now on to a fun subject.....

We want to gleefully announce an event that is silly and fun and time honored. Many folks may have heard of the tiny village called Horton Bay, Michigan. Earnest Hemingway grew up in this small lake town. Horton Bay sits on the Northern shore of Lake Charlevoix, between the two lake towns of Charlevoix and Boyne City. Horton Bay is trapped within a time warp and hasn't changed much except for a swipe of paint here and there, and a trimmed rose bush or two. The Horton Bay General Store is the seat of activity in this lazy, don't blink or you'll miss it, village. You don't want to to miss it! Come this September 7Th, you are cordially invited to participate in the Horton Bay 28Th Annual Candle Light Bridge Walk. The bridge is 4 feet across and if you can make the trip you will receive an official Horton Bay Certificate that states you did so, to proudly display under glass in a place of high honor in your home. You will also be entitled to FREE ice cream, passionately and generously given to all honored, brave and courageous Bridge Walkers. This is really good stuff and not some cheap store-bought facsimile. So, if you are in Northern Michigan, or wondering what to do Labor Day Weekend...you can now mark your calendars to be in Horton Bay for some fun and merriment. This event is free except for your donation for a candle. Here's the pertinent info you will need....

September 7Th, 2009 at 7:30 PM....gather across the street from the Horton Bay General Store at G.T. Long's back yard for the 28Th Annual Horton Bay ~ Candle Light Bridge Walk. Candles will be available on the grounds for a small donation, or bring your own. Dan Farrow, Northern Michigan Folk Singer and others will be on stage to entertain us, while we gather and make ready for the journey. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on, jackets for cool Michigan night air, something to drink, and your most jovial mood...because we are all going to have a whooping good time, as usual. Don't you want to be able to tell your grandchildren you were one of the infamous brave heart-eds to walk the 'treacherous' bridge in Horton Bay? See you there............

(photo above is from last years event)

LOT'S HAPPENING AT SACRED SPARKS....

2009-06-01T13:19:00.005-04:00

Happy Hello's to everyone!

You can sure tell we are going into our Summer mode. Things are bustling around here. We just held our "Summertime Welcome and Sacred Sparks is ALIVE!! (after the year of nothing (2008))."

We offered a 10% discount on all sales in the shop, and Intuitive Reader JEN was here to give in depth readings to those who reserved a spot. She received rave reviews by the folks. We will be having her here again and will let everyone know when that is happening. Thanks to all who came and enjoyed our little celebration of ALIVENESS! We had a nice turnout and are now focusing forward to June. (If you would like to receive email notices of our events held here at Sacred Sparks, please let us know, leave your name and email address and we will add you. We do not share addresses, our messages are sent with blind carbon, so no one can see your address).

Our first event this month, is our well known, WOMEN'S MOONMEET. This year we will only hold one MoonMeet and Sunday, June 7Th at 7:00 PM is it. It is open to all women, girls, elders. We welcome all ages because then we have a rounded representation of the MAIDEN, the MOTHER, and the CRONE. The full life span of the feminine. If you live near enough to attend, we do so hope you will. Please call us at 231-536-2704 to reserve your seat at the Sacred Fire. Please bring a healthy snack to share, a drink, cool evening clothes, a chair if you do not choose a bench, drums, rattles, chants, songs to share, your beautiful shinning face. A beverage and tableware will be provided. We will have an uplifting evening honoring the Goddess and filling ourselves with her essence. Returning to our humble, busy lives, transformed and ready to meet each day just as the Blessed Goddess within us would! Blessed Be......

Saturday, June 20Th at 6:00 PM we will be holding our SUMMER SOLSTICE FAMILY CELEBRATION. If you and or your family would like to celebrate the return of Father Sun, then please reserve your place in this circle of the Wheel of Life, ever turning, ever progressing, with us lowly humans as travelers along it's Way. We will do a short ceremony, walk the Labyrinth, Feast and then Drum. Call us to let us know how many will be coming in your party, bring a healthy dish to share on the Feast Table, a homage of the Gifts bestowed upon us from Mother Earth, something to drink, cool evening clothing. Beverage and table ware provided.

THESE EVENTS ARE FREE OF CHARGE...ANY DONATION YOU WOULD LIKE TO LEAVE WOULD BE MOST APPRECIATED...THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!

MAY DAY CELEBRATION is May 2nd!

2009-04-26T11:00:00.005-04:00

Do you remember when you were a little person, maybe 8 or 9 years old? Did your Mom tell you all about May Day and the tradition of secretly leaving a bouquet of posies at your neighbor's door? I remember all of this, and my Mom who loved this holiday. I think she told me about it so that I would secretly leave a little bouquet at our door, just so she could be surprised. For several years I participated in this lovely First of May, Victorian Ritual. I would gather deep purple violets from our back yard, (they were always in bloom at this time). Tie them together with a frame of green violet leaves, add a small round paper doilies and tie the gathered stems with a contrasting satin ribbon with a loop for hanging on a door knob. I would create at least 3 or 4 of these and take them round to the neighbors doors. I would attached them carefully and then knock at the door and then run as fast as I could, so it would be a secret to who had left the flowers. I knew how to have fun all by myself, and make others happy too.

Now I am an elder woman but I continue to celebrate my most favorite season. This coming Saturday, May 2nd beginning at 1:00 PM till ?, we can happily announce our 5th BELTANE CELEBRATION! If you live near us, you are invited. This is a FREE event we only ask that you bring a donation for the PETOSKEY WOMEN'S RESOURCE CENTER SAFE HOME. They are always in need of non-perishable foods, toiletries, paper goods, first aid items, infant care items, and kitchen cleaning supplies. They do not need clothing because they operate a resale shop. Oh yes, monetary donations are welcome as well.

This event is planned and sponsored by the Northern Michigan Pagans. A loving group of gentle minds and generous hearts. The traditional May Pole Dance will take place in the later part of the afternoon. Fabulous music by PINKY LEE and others will kick your Spring time spirits into a happy place. There will be a Celtic Ogham Quest for Empowerment, with each participant receiving a souvenir representing their journey. You will learn about this ancient Gaelic Ogham Tradition along with leaving with a deep sense of focus for an issue in your life you would like to see solved or come to fruition. Your little wood Ogham pendant will go with you to help you focus each day on your quest as it slowly comes into being. There will be Face Painting and Tarot Readers, with a Pot Luck Dinner following the May Pole Dance. We hope you can join us.

The photo is a print Jerry did from last years May Pole Dance. It is for sale in our shop... http://www.1000markets.com/shops/sacredsparks

Special SALE in our Etsy Shop!

2009-04-01T15:12:00.004-04:00

Woo Hoo and Happy Dances! Our April special is NOW happening! We have drastically reduced our prices on our Wedding Jewelry by 30%!!! These pieces are in the front of our shop so you can find them easily. The prices marked is the discount. Our Etsy shop is the ONLY place where you can get the special discount. It is a GREAT chance to acquire some fine pieces we have created from gems and high quality metal. These are all one of a kind pieces so they can't be copied or reproduced. This is a first come, first chance opportunity, don't wait, they will disappear quick.

The picture shown is a pair of earrings, regularly $85.00 but during April you can acquire these for only $60.00!! We must have gone nuts with all the crazy weather in March.

The Art of Fantasy is ALIVE!!!

2009-03-29T13:11:00.005-04:00

We were so honored and delighted when an invite to join the 'Magical Talents Market" on 1000Markets, popped into our in box. A good deal of my designs are of a Fantasy theme, with Faeries, and Mermaids and Goddesses. Of course it may be called Fantasy, BUT is it really? I can answer only 'Maybe' but 'Probably NOT!'.
As an Earth lover, I find comfort in the Wiccan Ways (Wiccan means Path of the Wise), of things, also in the Native Paths, and also in other spirituality's as well. I will admit that Wicca holds prevalence in my life. In Wiccan belief, Magick is a real thing. It is based upon the belief that what we do, how we act, think and speak creates a flow of energy that goes into our world and begins a process of subtle creation on it's own. That is why it is so important to think good thoughts, speak positive words and do good acts, because it all works in our favor, eventually affecting, not only the sender, but all beings. In a Wiccan Ceremony for spell craft the intent is objective to the participant (s). Spell casting is always for a positive gain and never ever for any manipulation, or negative retribution. That is dark, and wrong, and will react through the 3 Fold Law coming back upon the sender 3 times more powerful then sent. That one Law will keep Goodness alive in Wicca.
So when I create a piece that emulates the Goddess, it really isn't Fantasy to me. The Goddess lives and Her beauty and sustenance surrounds us every day. I actually believe that Faeries DO exist. When I walk down to our small stream, I can feel their energy, their essence. There is so much more in the unseen realms than we give credit to. Legends are built upon some truth in history. The Fantasy Legends and Stories that create such a fabulous collage of beauty, color, mystery, and shadows must have some base of truth within, built upon by ages of story tellers and great imaginations.
You know....the Wiccan belief that thought is a creative material - energy, holds great relevance in the Lands of Fantasy. It could be that humankind, with all of it's richly told stories of times long ago, is actually creating Fantasy in our time. How many flashes of movement have caught your attention to turn and look, with nothing there? Nothing? Maybe not...maybe just elusive in our busy, material, dysfunctional lifestyles. We have closed ourselves off from Fantasy. We wear shoes so our bare toes won't get dirty. We have clothed the very connection that we had with our Goddess-Mother. We have built huge thick walled homes, paved our pathways, cemented ourselves into our comfort zones, and totally and completely shut out the natural world, to where it is now called 'out of doors'. Indeed! You say. Why would we want to be cold, or sleep in the rain and snow? Well of course we wouldn't! The Great Spirit gave humanity intelligence to protect ourselves from the elements, and that is good. But what has happened over the centuries in the process of protecting ourselves, and being comfortable, we have slowly closed Nature out of our existence. Now look at what that has done! Global warming! There is a balance here that we all need to reclaim and renew. Spend more time in Nature, with your nose close to the ground and also your head bent up to see the wonders above. There is a whole Fantasy Realm alive and well in the clouds!
I have rambled enough here, but my main impetus is the 'Magical Talents Market' on 1000Markets. I feel a sense of home there, just like the 'Peace and Love Market' I blogged about a while back. You really need to visit 1000markets and definitely check out the great American artists who are offering their creations for purchase. You will need an Amazon Account because that is the only payment accepted there. But it is very easy to set up an account if you don't have one. Safe and secure for on-line purchases. One good thing is when you make a purchase on 1000markets you are actually helping the American economy, by investing in American Art, tomorrow's collectibles. Click here to visit 'Magical Talents Market'... http://www.1000markets.com/groups/magicaltalents

The earrings pictured are called "The Visitation"....When she wasn't looking, in THEY crept.... THEY tickled, THEY whispered, THEY took a treasure... The VISITATION that happened.... when she wasn't looking..... they are listed on http://www.1000markets.com/products/28347 in case you want a closer look. While you are there check out the other Markets we are selling our work in. Thanks for your interest in my designs...of which all are Copyrighted 2009 by Linda Beers Aydlott.