Bush trip inspirations to mark 50 as years wheel turning......

Here's my slightly belated, birthday camping report, with photography by Miles, my man with the eye.....

Down a dirt road, two curvaceous for caravans, we ducked to the lakeside area of this part of Yuragir National Park. Through paperbarks, mostly in recovery from last years fires, sprouting anew from their trunks. Like dancing women waving somewhat hairy arms...

At first it appeared rather a crowd o human type folks was going to be present, but things quietened down, and we had a peaceful time apart from a plethora of bird life for several days. 

We nestled by the lake, breezes from where it's mouth meets the ocean keeping the situation cool during the day, then dropping in evenings. Removed bans allowing us the pleasure of cooking upon an open fire on day 2...

There were a variety o goings on. Guitar and Medicine drumming sounds, gatherings n findings, altar building, Witchin stitchin, smartphone photography, multiple swims, eatings, ambles along beach n lakeside.

 The burnt trunks inspired Plant Echo images to follow. Emphasizing the beauty of their colour on a black background. Which then translated to my Etsy shoppe presentation choices....

 

 Some scenes of chillaxedness....

 

Transitioning back from off grid life to general hubub took a while. Now I'm focusing on my online basket o wares as the place to share my offerings. Crafting, crafting....as we wend, or hurtle, towards the turning of this years wheel into what shall be coming in 2021.

 First tho is the dark / new moon and solar eclipse. Then December 21st and it's shifts rippling out from Uluru. Bringing in the new and maintaining da vibes.....

Knock backs n pick me ups....

Today I turn 50, happy birthday toooo meee :)  made it here, despite situations that may have lead to otherwise....

My exhibition proposal was knocked back, and that was kinda devastating. BUT it really won't make that much difference to my practices, so I simply keep doing what I do, and a context will come. Likely Ill revamp me ol Etsy shoppe and pop some wares up there...

So, picking myself up I used up the last of my 'Sydney' leaves from when I went southwards bound to visit Dianamum. I had previously patchworked squares resulting from them into this shawl / cloak o invisability. They were an oddly scavenged bunch. Some Eucalyptus cinerea bunches on special for $6 in Woolies of all places, unidentified classic gum leaf shaped species from Orange Grove farmers markets n some street wandering harvests. A gathering of  the trips story, with a few local windfalls to welcome home....

 

 

I bundled up two lengths of secondhandling silk (which I haven't really had the pleasure to work with before) thinking the leaves had been soaking so long there probably wasn't much colour left in em. How wrong one can be! Thanks gawdess!

 

How beautfully silk moves in the wind! As the pieces were drying in the breezes I felt like I was in Japan somewhere....
 

So, today we head off camping for four days :) to the shores of a coastal tea tree lake. Laden with food galore, some stitching, guitar n medicine drum, firewood, a good book o tales and each other! Shall post the inevitable pics upon returning. Blessings upon friends dear  who are being the support crew for Ms Mush cat whilst we're gone! It appears she'll be having rather her own gathering, including the usual driveway passers by n belly scratchers....

 

Blessings n good vibes

Dark to New Moon: Death, Birth and Courage....

This drawing came through as I was pondering the process of making shifts in life. Echoed in the cycling of Sista Luna, and the seasons. The bubba representing birth, Moth medicine is death / change and Gecko's, courage / letting go of the past. 

Engaged with some deeper soul work in the now, I am observing the dance of these forces. As I exhale and release what no longer serves, aligning with a reframe to embrace changes, it requires a letting go of old patterns n ways of being. Does this serve you, community n beloveds, the land still? Or is the birthing of a different approach called for, for higher interests to be met? What am I calling in? Worthwhile questions at this time...

Recently, swimming in tea tree stained (hence dark shades o brown) waters, these questions were personified. As I dived under, it was difficult to see as my body moved through these surroundings, but above I could see a fishbowl lense type circle of light, into which I then arose. As I embraced the metaphor of it all, I began to play with the process. Injoying both swimming the dark and the decision to surface and draw breath. It hit me that this was like physical birth, the choice to incarnate, and mayhaps (shan't know till get there) death, the leaving....

How many times in our lives journeys (in a day??) do we go into these types of spaces? So why not choose to align with them, I asked of my selves? Practice one might say. Being able to be unattached enough to see more clearly where I am at in these cycles. Also with the memory of previous cycling informing. As the saying goes 'this too shall pass'. Basics you may be saying, back to basics then....

Altho I admit it, do like to deeply injoy da belly laugh bits ;)...

Are these the types of basics that can support those who feel strong n deep to embody and live well? I do realize such idea's are not brand spankers, but mayhap it takes rediscovering via one's own experiences to connect with them....

As I continue also daily practices to ground, centre, clear and protect. This seems to be the next barefoot step along.... 

When all may still become overwhelming there is always trusty doona therapy my friends! 

 

Creativity, Soul work, Self care and Nourishment are my Allies n' Mend...

Plant echoes n witchin stitchin are a solid part of my practice....

After making n sharing a series o handy sized medicine type pouches, a wise woman suggested a talisman bearing one to go round the neck. So small it twas, an excellent way to use up off cuts, and the Eucalyptus leaf n nut details oh my!! It's barely left my body. The contents working their vibes day n night in the now...

As I plaited together the strands that form the necklace, I whispered words of invocation over the threads. Calling in nourishment, abundance, nurturing, connection to Gawdess within, the Elements to be present, in gratitude... 

Oracle cards are another part of my daily practice. Bit of a deck gatherer! You know when you get whacked with a card that just makes your solar plexis go ouch! Well, I do, often it's like ummm, ok, I'll pull another n reframe. Sometimes things get better, others, worse....

I was playing n pondering one night, with some statements n questions, around what I hear that others don't. Feeling that in times of distress, or being triggered, a gentle touch is called for. Hence they became kinda affirmation like....

Crafting with a friend they became simple, clear, visual reminders. I began with a circular shape (noice to hold), added words n then the odd light hearted graphic. Basically, having fun with them whilst touching on serious themes, some of which that have arisen in my developing meditations ( day 25 ) and the life that contains them...

For example, I had an aha moment in meditation, where I could see quite clearly that what I hear is actually outside of my energy body / aura. So? I hear you reply. For me, this created a sense of space between. Much like you might experience with a challenging person in ordinary reality. You can then, hopefully, choose when, if and how to engage. This affirmed the card, 'I allow in only that which nourishes, respects and honours my Soul'...

Another aha moment came after 3 days of no choice but to r n r, largely involving bed. This affirmed the card, 'Doona therapy and naps are just fine'. Indeedy!

As the moon waxes to full, a shawl n daily practices growing......

As I ambled along the road under the full moonlight from my beloveds Van, back to the Nook, there was a glow of feeling like the day was ending well. He had played 'Moon River' on guitar skillfully, after a months acts of practice n devotion, I gave harmonica a decent go. A combo of these approaches, worked alright eh. Conscious, focused intention, blended with jumping on in and doing....

The leap of faith, or trust, aka giving it a shot....

The witchin' stitchin' piece I'm working on, a patchwork shawl or cloak, now whispered n sung with and to, began here. As a number of blank squares. Plant echoes layered upon their soft canvas. She is slowly taking form, and I hope whomever ends up enfolding them selves, feels some vibe of this. To ease their travails n travels both...

 

In parallel, growing commitments to daily practices again, based on building grounding roots into Earth and Sky, the core of inner light. Only then, moving into acts of clearing and protection. Simple, yet potent reframe offered  up by Alicia Fronczek, of Sova Lumina......

For me at this time, the experiment includes working at being the witness or neutral observer of that which I spirit hear. Which seems rather pissed about it all. Backlash. Two steps into deepening peace, embodiment, in-joyment, then hit back reactivity, to change and evolution, which can leave me in devastation's landscape. It's a ride, but one I feel to choose to continue, like those hand stitched seams joining squares together.......

A rocking  wise witchy podcast to nourish whilst stitching: 'Ask a Hag'

Allowing a proposal to brew....

I'm currently working towards an exhibition proposal, some processes of which, have been slightly interupted by the great sending of humanity to their rooms my Mother Earth. Other aspects have been greatly booned by this pause, ie. the makings themselves. It's a bit like working a spell, containing the energy, allowing it to build and then releasing it's energies out into the world....

We live in an age of social media, that shows and shares our, sometimes daily, existence with those who choose to engage in the ethernet. I made the call to withdraw from such arenas several months ago, it wasn't a hard call really, twas doin' my head in at the time, but as the crescendo builds I'm itching to share what I've been working upon these months, and will be in the next to come. The same desire for a sense of community that led me to give Instagram a try, calls me. Yet, there's magic in patience, secrets n mystery. This is what I hope to preserve and allow to soak, mayhap even ferment a little, by holding off....

My assistant / familiar, whilst watching over procedures, is encouraging me to be the witness to these feelings (as she is to the practicalities). Take a deep breath, and continue to dye n stitch quietly, for the love of. Tis a practice in and of itself. Aaaahh wise teacher....

I have shared with my family n circles close, it's inevitable. Their encouragement and posativity have urged me onwards, thanks folks....

I am a crafter n maker. Have been since a little one….

 

 

There are parallel themes of creativity, and connection to nature, especially Australian plants, in my family, on both sides.….

My maternal Grandmother, Bea’s, garden was a blend of both Australian natives, and English cottage plantings, in a manner years before her time. As was the Native Tree Preservation Society she helped establish to protect coastal Tea tree vegetation near her home in Beaumaris, Victoria. It’s still going strong.

My paternal Grandmother, Alice, was a gatherer of clothing she would tantalisingly reveal to me on visits. Cupboards of Victorian lace, and museum quality costume pieces. Upon retiring, she promptly created a crafting room ‘down the garden’, where she made mysterious things happen. Paper from recycled phone books n plants, pressed dried flowers, patchworked, sewed. A ‘she shed’.

My Mum, Diana, is a Landscape Architect now turned peasant, nomad n watercolourist, with a deeply ingrained passion for Australian plants. My Dad, Julian was a Television director, who made, amongst other programs, the insightful and far ahead of its time ‘Babakiueria’ a role reversal of who were the indigenous folk In Australia, he was also an avid ‘Mr Fixit’. Fella’s crafting.

In my own life, the act of creating has led me into several tangents over the years, remaining a sturdy tree under whose shade to nourish, in a not unchallenging life.

During the last few years, the path I currently walk, usually ambling barefoot, has emerged and developed….

In my current works, and this proposal, I am stretching my wee wings and finding my own ways. Experimenting with hand sewing with intention, what I am coming to call ‘witchin’ stitchin’. Upcycling scavenged / foundling clothes n fabrics into other forms in a kind of metamorphosis. Then bundling them with a mix of gathered /windfall leaves and boiling them in a cauldron, thus colouring them with 'plant echoes’.

This exhibition would be my first, and I do hope to begin from this place…..

Dark moon shifting into New, time for planting seeds n making tinctures....

As we move towards dark moon, the shadow aspects this phase of the moon can bring forth are being felt in the collective, and for many of us on an individual basis. However, this is also the time for introspection and reassessment, dreaming up in the void. I've heard it said 'the Earth has had enough, and is sending us to our rooms to think it all over'.

This drawing epitomises where my focus has returned to over the last couple of weeks, and I'm not alone in this. I was inspired to draw it spending time with a lovely earth friend woman. With people's awareness turning to how food is sourced and transported, nursery's are having trouble keeping up, online seed companies have had to close their doors, and baby chickens are rare as hens teeth (pun intended, if somewhat bad taste). So, after an obsessive plant echo / ecodye phase, my garden called me back for some quality time spent together. This is one of the potential areas of awakening I see through the chaos, listening to, reconnecting with and hearing green folks, as sentient beings, also as both food and medicine...

In the dark of the womb we begin, as do these wee Capsicums, within the cauldron of the soil. Dark moon on into the first 2 weeks of the waxing moon, the Earth is exhaling, releasing moisture and nutrients to be absorbed. Time for planting annual seeds and seedlings, especially of which the foliage is the desired part of the plant. Creation births in darkness, followed by light, or as in seedlings case reaching for the light!

This is also when I begin tinctures of above ground parts, to be later decanted, all the funkier if on the full moon. I was keen to jar up Yarrow tincture and Elderberry Elixir, being the way things are, stocks were low. Juliette de Bairacli Levy speaks of Yarrow used in treating pneumonia, pleurisy, inflamed throat and it's my instinct that Ive always worked with Achillea millefolium to keep such greeblies at bay. Technical term of course. You can see my wordology comes from my own experience and thus take it at your discretion please....

Having said these things about timings, I use my inner guidance n compass, and if there's a patch of Dandelions I am hoping to make Medicine from whilst making space for seedlings going in, I'll do so. Ones garden (indeedy life) is a microcosm of the macrocosm, the more time spent tending and simply being with her spaces in intentional respect, the more likely we are to freakily find ourselves aligned with timings, such as lunar cycles. As within, so without. As above, so below.

Seasonal differences are a whole nother layer. Here in the Subtropics Summer's heat is as to furthur Souths frosts n cold snaps. This is primo gardeningk time in our region, n ain't that sweet! We are out of drought, and the Dandelions show it. Wild greens are an excellent indicator of soil quality, so bless em weeds, eat n medicine make wiv em'. I remember the first wee Dandelion that self seeded here, I was stoked! Look to native trees as indicators. Although climate change, oh sorry am I a fool not in denial, has messed with the seasons and rainfall. I watched the drought take native Scribbly gums whose leaves with whom I had dyed skirts n shirts with a few months earlier,  but I digress. Now said same are resiliently sending out shoots, new growth and gum nuts appearing!

As the moon cycles round her ways, the Scribbly gums sprout new leaves, let us hope that when this passes, some of the awakenings of this time remain with us. The enjoyment of simple pleasures, small freedoms and gratitudes.....

Blessings and good vibes....

Full Moon Sunday making tangents n the rain just keeps a falling....

Full moon Sunday, n the rain just keeps coming here....

Yesterday my ecodye n crafting space was all a flood, literally, as were some of the streets in town. Mayhaps when there were prayers said for rain during the fires, specific amounts weren't mentioned! In fact it's quite cosy, for those of us who live on sandy soils which drain in the pauses, creativity n cuppa's. Garden n tree's loving it...

 

Mostly Ive been immersed in '29 Days' the magical mystery day at a time e-course with India Flint's, School of Nomad Arts. I thought I went slow, but these processes are chilling me out in an intentional yet not serious assed way. Lesson one, allow bundles to brew overnight in cauldron!! Wait till morningk to unfurl, rather than leaping with excited hands to do so right after cooking. Patience has it's own rewards.....

Shan't say too much more except that I'm loving it n my Tai chi practice is also benifittting!

This year I chose the word 'gratitude' and it was not such a bad idea, I've been going thanks, gratitude, blessings, thanks ever since 2020 rolled on in!

Last night I synchronicitously blundered across the work of a Japanese embroiderer called Junko Oki, oh and ahhh! Mostly, I'm a bit behind the times, from her book 'Punk' published in 2016. Some of her pieces have references to crosses, which I don't dig, but her circular and organicy stitchings I loooove! Simple stitches, blanket, running and backstitch, the kinds I can pull off and not too anal in her approach, obviously. Her written words are also beautiful....

'Memories can be implanted into material.'

 

Next weekend I'm doing a workshop 'Indigo and Shibori Dyeing'  with local woman Anne Leon. It'll be big for me, go the group situation for two 6 hour stints, but she'll be right! So looking forward to the learnings. I've never reaaallly been a blue person, although I had a go at growing Woad due to me Gaelic ancestry, so will be interesting to engage with the Indigo and her rather ancient processes. Having said that, I now notice my forearm which is covered in a blue tattoo. Oddly enough that colour was called 'Earth'! Ha! It's my Suffolk oceanic honouring! Maybe Indigo n I will have more in common than expected ;). I'm hoping some of the Shibori techniques can be applied to my 'plant echo' experimentations.

Gawd sounds like a terribly name dropping hoo ha few paragraphs, but when one discovers fellow folk who inspire, it's a force of nature I find, and ripples out in surprising ways n tangents. In this age, online is oft the form of information sharing it seems!? Certainly it allows access to teachings I could otherwise not be blessed with, and in turn when brave I can share mine through such arenas. Although, social media does my head in sometimes, and I have to go off grid a whiles to engage with face to face reality. You'll notice the gaps. It's a bit like grounding spirit work. The making is indeed the prime focus I keep reminding myself.  

Happy Full Moon

Blessings n Good Vibes

 

Crafting for mental health, yup that includes 'voice hearers'...

I am a crafter n maker, have been since a wee tacker immersed up to the fingertips in homemade red fingerpaint. While few formal qualifications have held my interest over the years, the act of creating has stayed with me through a not unchallenging life.

During the last year or so, as you may have read, I have been exploring eco dye, what I am coming to call 'plant echoes' and sewing aka 'witchin stitchin' (I swear I didn't hex Scott Morrison, he did it all on his own steam. Not really worried if I spelt his name wrong btw). Back to the main story. Plant echoes require time. Its a slow, ambling art, with leaves soaking for weeks, mordants brewing in jars for months and cauldrons full o bundles boiling for a number of hours. I have chosen to devote time to developing my skills in this form, and it's my pace. An amble, or potter...

Now here's where I reveal a wee secret that is part of that not unchallenging life. I hear voices. No, not the internal dialogue type, yes the sounds like someone is talking (yelling, oft times) which I hear through my ears. Now before you tell me I'm psychic (hence it's a beautiful thing), or that when a certain portal shifts I will be cleared of this phenomena, or they're entities and if I keep sending them into the light all will be well, or all I have to do is think in affirmations and they'll go away, I've bloody heard all of that already! Thought of, n conciously worked with. Now if you've ever tried focusing on anything whilst someones hurling abuse at you, you know its trixy. Be that brushing your teeth or writing a song ( believe me the lyrics may not be pretty). However, a saving grace for me is crafting / making / art. Not only do I enjoy it, I can at times (not always) do it with the choir screaming along.

Let me give you an example. Today I awoke, there was the choir, morning lovelies...So I couldn't get myself out of the house, its a bit difficult to navigate the world under such circumstances. However I could, and did, spend about one and a half hours getting this picture of my cauldron, to pop on my brand spankers Instagram account as a metaphor for what Im brewing up in relation to the overwhelming natures of whats happening in our land with the fires and climate change. I didn't feel it was appropriate in that post to describe the distress Ive been experiencing, and HEARING for some weeks now. If you've made it to this blog, not many folk do ;) you get the scoop!

Point being I could focus on this process, and it was enough to get me going for the day. From where I was then able to engage with some plant echo play, to a) distract myself and b) create a wee bit o beauty, juz a wee bit, but it ALL counts. You might get the vibe from my squeee of excitement followed by 'wow' at end o footage...

 

The footage was taken upon request by my beloved Miles,who is highly aware of the a) shitfull moments hearing voices can bring and b) magic o making in my life. So with an ever supportive *sigh* agreed. Damn good eye too!

 So you can see that despite the odds I had a day with wonder n joy included that might otherwise have been missing. Is that therapy? I suppose so. Better than some I would argue. Go creative expression whatever the form I say! If you, or someone you love hears voices, encourage this stuff. Mayhaps even go buy them a copy of the book "Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear" by Elizabeth Gilbert. I know she wrote some book called 'Eat, Pray, Love' I never read, but this one I did and really dug it. I found a copy in the opshop for 50 cents, scavenging n synchronicity combined! It will loosen your making muscles n give you a laugh, and if you hear or see stuff, you may well need that some days eh....