Creative practice is a survival skill

Sacred Feminine Collective - Art at the Cathedral

Woody’s was a life well-lived.

Paintings at Ranada’s Kitchen in the Woodland Triangle.

You could say Midnight Mass is about what happens when evil masquerades as good, but I think it’s more complex than that, and more relevant. At its core, it addresses who we are as humans experiencing life, the role faith and belief play in our existence, and ultimately, the nature of God. While it offers up some of the most horrifying theology I’ve ever witnessed, what is revealed in the final episodes is some of the most beautiful.

Prayer is hoping you are doing well then seeing a hummingbird at my rose of sharon.

Wrapping my dog’s medication in soft bread.

Remembering all of the earlier versions of myself with respect and fondness.

Deep night, the dome of stars, locating Venus in the sky.

Around two and a half years ago, I stopped self-medicating and numbing myself with food.

This brought about a balance and clarity I had never before experienced.

I noticed however, that when I stopped using food as a substitute for pleasure and love, I started doing something else.

Every now and then, I went on a shopping spree.

I turned another year older yesterday.

If we weren’t in a pandemic right now, I’d have thrown myself a vintage-style birthday party and encouraged you all to dress in 1940’s style.

As it was, we are in a pandemic and my birthday fell on a Monday and much of the country, including where I live, was under threat of a huge snow and ice storm.

I thought about encouraging you to dress vintage and do the party virtually…but it just didn’t feel right under the circumstances.

So, I turned 51.

No matter how I feel about the number or the speed at which time is passing, I do think of my birthday as my personal new year and a sacred time. I love my Valentine’s Day birthday combo and I strongly encourage everyone to celebrate their birthday with big love.

On my birthday morning, however, I felt sad.

Megan and I have been friends for about nine years online.

We’ve worked together and shared a friendship, even though she’s in Texas and I’m in Kentucky.

Through her and her business, Your Spirit Sparkle, I met Heather, who also became a good friend.

These are women I love.