A New Day

On this day when the Light of the Sun begins to grow again, may we embrace the stirrings of rebirth and expansion in this shifting momentum. 

In whatever way you bring Light into the world, I celebrate with you. 

“A New Day”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 7” x 5”, Acrylic on canvas panel.   ♥

Mind Fully Alert

Sometimes my soul will sail to places far away from the desert wilderness that surrounds, in search of big water.

Today my thoughts bobbed and drifted along glassy smooth ocean currents, tucked amidst tiny islands around Alert Bay, BC.  

Here, layers of cloud and mist curl between land and water, while colours blend softly mirrored on the sea’s reflective surface. 

Occasionally, the whispering ‘whoosh, whoosh’ of a raven’s wings sing overhead like a lullaby lilting through the quiet stillness cradled in these straits.

With barely a ripple, a dorsal fin emerges from the ocean depths as a great orca whale exhales and inhales before descending once again.  A large pod swims by while I inhale and exhale in rhythm…we are all one.   

“Mind Fully Alert”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 5” x 7”, Acrylic on canvas panel. ♥

Return To Me

Thinking about MartAnne’s Burrito Palace in Flagstaff and my fave breakfast dish there -- “The Emmett” (best vegan chilaquiles) – and wishing them a hugely successful re-opening today in their new location, just around the corner at 112 W. Route 66!  I look forward to checking out the new space soon.

The last time I was there, this gigantic puppy was waiting expectantly by the door.  His radar-like ears and wolf-sized paws would take him months to grow into, making him completely irresistible and adorable. 

I tried to engage him in some friendly conversation; however, he would have none of that distraction. 

He was on a mission, eyes focused on the door.  I hope “his human” realizes what a treasure s/he has in this four-legged friend. 

“Return To Me”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 7” x 5”, Acrylic on canvas panel.   ♥

Re-membering

Remembrance Day / Veterans Day…red poppies and yellow ribbon to honor those who served and continue to serve, acknowledging far-reaching casualties seen and unseen. 

 Remembering and re-membering (as in pulling together those scattered parts of our souls to make whole again).  With his permission, I wanted to share a thoughtful Facebook post from October 13, 2012 by Garnet Rogers:

“Was talking with a couple of friends last night in Roanoke VA.  Both did hard time in the federal penitentiary system as conscientious objectors during the Viet Nam war.

They, along with tens of thousands of other young men, were placed in an untenable position...either to serve in what they felt (and history has proven to be) an illegal and unfair war, or flee the country and be labeled cowards, or to get tossed into the prison system and be labeled a coward AND a criminal. 

Those who went over served their country as best they could in their own way, and we have come in time, to properly honour their service to their country.  One of my veteran friends said to me he was overcome with emotion and gratitude the first time someone (another veteran) said "welcome home". 

I wonder if it isn't time to say publicly as well to these other men, the objectors, "welcome home"...and publicly honour the service and sacrifice they made, at such great cost.  They too are part of the cost of that war, and are also among the hidden victims.  Anyway...to my friends Gary and Tom...welcome home....and thank you for your service."   ~ Garnet Rogers

“Re-membering”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 7” x 5”, Acrylic on canvas panel.   ♥

It Takes Brains, Heart and Courage To Be Devoted

November 6, 2012:  Election Day.  The polls are about to close, here in the west. 

It may be days before we know who has won the election.  Thank you, to all who exercised their right to vote. 

An especially big ‘hurrah’ to those who used their Brains to look at the issues and see through the games and manipulation to make their decisions based on facts, rather than slanderous campaign ads. 

For each woman and man with the Heart to vote out of Love for their chosen candidate, rather than out of hatred for the opposition – you get a standing ovation. 

To those who had the Courage to vote outside of their ‘normal party affiliation’ because they were disgusted by the outright lies and hateful messages being perpetrated…a big “Bravo!” 

Patriotism has nothing to do with who makes the biggest noise. 

“It Takes Brains, Heart and Courage To Be Devoted”,
© 2012 Cathy Gazda, 5” x 7”, Acrylic on canvas panel.  ♥

Fall Back

Spring ahead, Fall back…Daylight Savings Time comes to an end. 

The phrase ‘fall back’ brought to mind ‘group trust’ exercises we used to do as part of a theatre troupe, or amongst staff at any number of Crisis Centers I worked at decades ago.  One person would stand in the center of the circle and fall back, trusting s/he would be caught by one of the surrounding co-workers and compatriots. 

Today, even without listening to the news, it’s impossible to avoid the myriad of things beyond my control – Hurricane Sandy devastating parts of the east coast, the incessant hate-messages one of the most mean-spirited political campaigns I’ve ever witnessed. 

Only a couple of days away from ‘The Election’, I need to let it all go. 

I need to fall back into a place of peace and centeredness that will sustain, regardless of the outcome. 

“Fall Back”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 7” x 5”, Acrylic on canvas panel.   ♥

Splendor In The Grass

Each day, early morning sunlight catches the tops of tall grasses outside the studio window. 

Everything else is still in dark shadows, as the sun slowly makes its way over the mesa, shining a spotlight on these thin blades. 

A gentle wind makes them sway back and forth against the shadow-dark backdrop. 

A spontaneous performance lasting only a few minutes, it completely mesmerizes me.  

“Splendor In The Grass”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 5” x 7”, Acrylic on canvas panel.   ♥

Onyx

 Last night a friend in Canada had to put down Onyx, her beloved horse companion of 21+ years.

A freak accident lacerated Onyx's skin resulting in anaerobic bacteria rapidly infecting her body, eyes, brain and organs in a few days, despite state-of-the-art efforts of a remarkable team of compassionate veterinarians at the Caledon Equine Hospital.

Onyx was enveloped with healing thoughts and vibes from concerned friends across the continent, as my sister and our friend made the 3-hour round trip to the hospital each day to spend time with her.

Like other 4-legged family members, a horse is a treasured friend and inspiring teacher; however, with a horse, the relationship is more of a partnership.

Whether penning cattle in friendly competitions or out on the trails, Onyx was the embodiment
of unconditional love, trust, gentle persistence, intelligence and patience.

“Onyx”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 7” x 5”, Acrylic on canvas panel.   ♥

Gray Fox

The positive aspects of living in a rural area far outweigh the disadvantages when it comes to the abundant and varied wildlife with whom we share the solitude. 

This petite, shy desert gray fox likes to eat berries from the juniper and manzanita bushes outside the studio window. 

It’s a real treat when s/he comes around at dawn or late afternoon/early evening dusk.  Once satiated on berries and bugs, s/he will often sit or lie under one of the trees for a spell, which is especially delightful to observe. 

Mostly silvery gray in color, with a shawl-like mane of russet red, Paul once saw her/him climb the cottonwood tree with the finesse of a cat! 

“Gray Fox”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 6” x 6”, Graphite.   ♥

Loon Squared

A day to just play and experiment in the studio! 

Inspired by squares painted in the background of yesterday’s wild turkeys, I wanted to continue with the theme. 

The Violet Interference paint I used over the Medium Magenta in the background is difficult to capture in a scan or photograph. 

The nature of interference paint is the overall sheen will shift slightly between opalescence and other tones within its complementary spectrum, depending on the lighting. 

Hat tip to the loon from one of my previous paintings ‘Upstream’.  Loving loons as I do, and having painted them numerous times, I decided to substitute a few squares for the spots on its back.  Perhaps, one day, I’ll paint an entire loon that way…however, today, just a portion...entirely for fun.  

“Loon Squared”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 7” x 5”, Acrylic on canvas panel.   ♥

Wildly Thank-Full

Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian family and friends! 

Today, and every day I’m filled with gratitude for the bounty of Mother Earth and the many gifts of friendship that extend beyond all borders. 

Like the wild turkeys which thrive in the forests of Ontario – feathers glistening with colours much bolder than those found on domestic turkeys – may you revel in your ‘wildness’. 

May your harvest be plentiful, may your joys be abundant; and, when you are faced with life’s sorrows, may you find resilience to hold them with balance and grace. 

“Wildly Thank-Full”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 5” x 7”, Acrylic on canvas panel.   ♥

Sacred Datura

Sometimes I just need to stop...and smell the roses...or, in this case, the Datura. 

Native to the Southwest, several plants thrive on our property. Much like a Brugmansia, the huge white blossoms open in the evening; releasing a delicate fragrance to waft along the breeze, enticing moths to help with pollination. 

Like a moth drawn to the light, its soothing scent caught my attention early this morning and stopped me in my tracks. 

Revered for its medicinal qualities, many cultures respectfully engage it for vision quests and healing.  Symbolically, this member of the nightshade family is representative of “opening the doors of perception" to new, expanded experiences. 

My quick watercolor doesn’t begin to capture the essence of this sacred flower...it simply serves as a reminder to look beyond my present view of reality. 

“Sacred Datura”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 4” x 4”, Watercolor.  ♥ 

Blue Moon

The moon was very loud last night. 

In fact, it’s been loudly calling to me for the past two nights.  As the next ‘blue moon’ won’t occur until July 2015, it seems this one has a lot to say.

In honor of this special occasion, I pulled out our Ella Fitzgerald cds to hear her glorious Rodgers-Hart rendition of ‘Blue Moon’...and, another fave, Nanci Griffith’s  ‘Once In A Very Blue Moon’.   Contrary to these songs --  with lingering impressions that a blue moon is a time of longing – this current Blue Moon feels like a time of grand manifestation. 

It invites me to shed those layers that no longer serve...to embrace new opportunities that beckon...and, to dance with naked abandon in the early morning spotlight.  

What invitation does it extend to you? 

“Blue Moon”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 5” x 7”, Acrylic on canvas panel.  ♥

Great Tailed Grackle

This is a quick sketch of a Great-Tailed Grackle, also known as a Mexican Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus). 

Another day, I will do a color painting to try and capture the brilliant range of colors in his black, ‘purply-green iridescent’ body and extra long tail. 

Usually, when I see grackles, it’s in Spring-time; and, there’s a flock.  This guy was solo and quite vocal; in fact, it was his raucous cackle that first caught my attention.  Fascinating to watch, he casually strutted around on long delicate legs, putting one foot in front of the other (rather than hopping like some birds). 

Even though he kept his bright yellow eyes on me at all times, he was either very brave or not the slightest bit afraid of my presence (I’m guessing it was the latter). 

He seemed pleased when I complimented him on his impressive tail; as he put a little extra ‘pomp’ into his parade, while foraging for seeds in our yard. 

“Great Tailed Grackle”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 5.5” x 9”, Graphite.  ♥

Jasper

It’s hard to believe 9 years have passed since Jasper died.  I brought him home from the Sedona Humane Society on July 4th 1988. I’d been volunteering every Sunday, taking each dog for a walk, letting the cats out of their cages for a romp and bathing any animal needing a boost for higher "adoptability".

Jasper had the quarantine room to himself, having been brought in the day before – full of parasites and worms – hardly any fur on him, and fitting into the palm of my hand, with room to spare. The vet thought I was nuts to choose a kitten that was so gravely ill...but Jasper captured my heart. 

It took months and many vet bills before he fully recovered...a fighter, and a love-bug through it all. 

Paul and I have always had cats – all special; however, there’s never been one like our ‘Jazz’. He was wild, gentle, feisty, funny, ingenious, intuitive...typical ‘cat’ adjectives...but there was something extra-special about him.

He was a soul-mate of mine. For those who scoff at the idea that an animal can be one's soul-mate, I offer these words by Anatole France: "Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened."

Even now, every so often, I still catch a glimpse of him out of the corner of my eye.

“Jasper”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 7” x 9”, watercolor.  ♥

Poetry Is Necessary - Thank You, Christopher Lane

Today’s painting is in honor of Christopher Lane. 

I did not choose this image.  It chose me.

It kept tapping my shoulder from the moment I heard the news of Christopher’s unexpected passing earlier this week...perhaps, partly due to all the ‘bird stories’ Chris and I would swap.  Or perhaps it was because, in many cultures, Crow is symbolic of spiritual strength and is the keeper and messenger of the sacred. Crow is also one of the most intelligent birds – very mindful, with a complex language and the ability to translate the mysteries of creation...the unformed, into form. Crow understands its mission in life, and reminds us to look for the magic that is around us at all times...alive and available, for us to manifest into creation. 

Christopher embodied all of those qualities and more.  He brought much light into the world through his generous spirit and boundless energy. Thousands of lives have been transformed through projects he created to demonstrate the healing power of poetry (NORAZ Poets, Young Voices Be Heard, Alzheimer’s Project, Poetry Out Loud, Poetry Slams, etc.).

‘Poetry is Necessary’ is one of the messages Chris brought forth.  His bright spirit will live on through his family, his poetry and the many hearts he touched along the way.   

“Poetry Is Necessary – Thank you, Christopher Lane”,
© 2012 Cathy Gazda, 5” x 7”, acrylic on canvas panel.  ♥

Happy Birthday, Mum

Today would have been my mother’s 86^th birthday. 

Not a day goes by that I don’t think of her. 

Each time, I bless her and wish her well.

Today, instead of words, the wishes were sent out in the form of a quick sketch on paper.

“Happy Birthday, Mum”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 9” x 7”, graphite and colored pencil.  ♥

Tap Into Some Fun

Sometimes, I just have to put on my tap shoes and make a lot of noise, dancing around. 

I don’t know ‘how’ to tap...have never taken a lesson...however, I love to pretend I know how to tap.  * wink *

From Shirley Temple, Fred Astaire and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson to Gregory Hines to Savion Glover...I love them all! 

Such grace, such fun...and good exercise, too.

“Tap Into Some Fun”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 5” x 6”, Acrylic on stretched canvas.  ♥

Letting Go

Butterflies represent transformation, an opportunity to shift and move through changes on a deep and profound level. 

Yesterday, I was outside reflecting on a particularly traumatic event from the past that still held alot of fear for me.  In a moment of grace, a Western Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio rutulus) came to light on my abdomen, exactly where those fears were being held. 

Walking lightly over my second and third chakra areas, it paused every so often with open wings.  

I was mesmerized as it remained on my belly for the longest time...bringing a message, loud and clear: “It’s time to let this go.”  Yes, indeed. 

I love how Nature affirms and offers encouragement, if we only have the ears to hear.

“Letting Go”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 5” x 6”, Acrylic on stretched canvas.  ♥ 

Tarantula

Did you know that female tarantulas can live up to 25-35 years? 

I have no idea how old our bashful resident tarantula is (it would be impertinent to ask her); however, she’s been living in the same burrow on our property for many years, coming out in the summer months (particularly August) and hibernating through the winter. 

Often folks are intimidated by her 3 inch body and even longer hairy legs, until they come to realize she’s quite docile and a huge benefit to have around, as she eats cockroaches, centipedes, scorpions, and even rodents. 

A homebody at heart, she does most of her hunting at night within a few feet of the entry of her burrow. Every few nights, I’ll flick on the outdoor light just to check in, and say ‘hello’ to my gentle friend...and ‘thank you’.

“Tarantula”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 7.5” x 6.5”, Watercolor and pen.  ♥

Disconnect

John Denver wrote in his song “Some days are diamonds, some days are stones”. 

Yep. 

Some days, this sums up how I feel...thank goodness for art!  * wink *

“Disconnect”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 7” x 5”, Acrylic over Flex-All on canvas panel.  ♥ 

With Eyes Open

Several months ago, I was bereft at learning that my eye doctor was moving her practice to Phoenix.  With eye concerns requiring a visit every 3 months, losing this trusted long-term relationship was huge. 

After months of researching choices available within a reasonable driving distance, I’m thrilled to have found another gem:  Ophthalmologist Dr. Robert Mahanti in Flagstaff. 

Extremely knowledgeable, he conducted tests no other ophthalmologist has done before, providing new and very hopeful information for me.  His intake technician, Ellie, is equally impressive.  

A highly-skilled specialist and surgeon, Dr. Mahanti is also kind to his staff, which is just as important to me. 

Highly recommended, by these happy eyes. 

“With Eyes Open”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 3” x 8.5”, Graphite on paper.  ♥ 

Blues I Choose

Blues.  One word can convey so much: from a palette of colors, to a genre of music, to a chakra color, to a state of mind. 

Ultramarine, cobalt, cerulean, phthalo, indigo, Prussian, periwinkle, etc...I haven’t met a blue paint I didn’t love! 

The same goes for an even longer list of blues musicians from Robert Johnson, Buddy Guy, Bonnie Raitt, BB King, Jeff Beck, Paul Butterfield, Willie Dixon, Billie Holiday, Leadbelly, Muddy Waters, Big Mama Thornton, etc. -- whether it’s Delta, Chicago, Folk or Country Blues, I love ‘em all. 

And, while I can’t say I love when my heart is heavy with those “state of mind blues” that sneak by for a visit from time to time, I certainly embrace the compassion birthed in the process and left behind in its wake. 

Today, I’m in throat-chakra-blue expression...and what first came to mind when I thought of ‘Blue’, were my guitar and a fave Joni Mitchell album (the cd of which I played and sang along with while painting). 

“Blues I Choose”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 5” x 7”, Acrylic on canvas panel.  ♥