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.  ♥