Random Thoughts
Its been snowing the last couple days. I used to have a hard time this time of year. Learning how to slow down and enjoy quiet times. For so many years it was feast or famine. Doing art shows you either had no time to do anything but work or you had too much time and no cash to do anything. It truly was like being on a hamster wheel. I'm still pretty much seasonal but have way more control over my own life these days.
Now I am able to really appreciate these slow times. I'm also realizing how much I enjoy the seasons. My mom used to tease me when I would say how the beach was my favorite place, or the desert, or mountains. I was such a gypsy most of my life I enjoyed change. A little too much sometimes. I can honestly say the mountains are where I am meant to be, Being able to watch each season change into the next. Looking forward to long walks in the woods foraging and contemplating my navel.....
Been working on the Beltane Wolf Box. This one is coming along nicely. Here's a sneak peek of some of whats included this time around. This will be the 3rd season. Coming up with things that remind me of new beginnings. When the wheel turns from quiet contemplation to full on growth. Although up here in the hills, the growth part won't start til the end of April to May. We get some pretty big springtime storms!
My creative process is mostly in my head. I spend many hours, mulling over an idea. Like these little medicine bundles. Made from dried wild plants I find here on my walks,pheasant feathers, selenite wands, Palo Santo, and other bits. I brand the Palo Santo with runes for protection and grace, love and strength. It smells wonderful when I'm branding. This beautiful wood is used as incense in ceremony.
I've always loved hot water. For years I searched out hot springs all over the west, even living at a hot springs in New Mexico for a time. Always trying to recreate that feeling of bliss while soaking. I came up with this bath tea, made from herbs I've collected in the woods as well as organic herbs I've purchased. I added epsom, Himalayan pink salt, Dead Sea Salts, bentonite clay along with essential oils. In as hot of water as you can stand, throw in a tea bag as well as one cup each of baking soda, more epsom salts and Organic apple cider vinegar. Light some candles, put on some nice mellow music and enter bliss. Warning, you will not be able to do much after..........
One more tease before I move on. I made these mini Witch Bells for the Beltane box. Each one has recycled silk and ribbon tassels, a bell, bones and glass beads and deer hide strands. Hang these on or near your door to keep bad spirits out of your home. Nor scientifically proven but........
There are 7 boxes left on my website shop. If your interested go to my shop page and scroll down, you'll see the Beltane Wolf Box listing. Don't procrastinate, once they are gone that's it! They are 90.00 including shipping. You will receive at least 7 items, maybe a bit more. This will be my last box until Winter Solstice. As much as I love creating these I am finding that there is not enough time in each day to do everything I would like. Its time to focus I guess..... I will have them available on a special order basis and for each Christmas/ Winter Solstice as they make great gifts!
I've been working on rebuilding my inventory on the website as will as the studio. Making some fantastic pieces. I split my time at home working on hats and leather, then the studio at Cheyenne Crossing doing jewelry. And as that's not enough ...... I bought a hand poke tattoo kit. Teaching myself traditional tattooing. My son thinks I've lost my mind..... At this point I am mastering dots and lines. On myself of course. Maybe in a year or so I'll be ready to try on someone else.
A client of mine here in the hills brought me a box of treasures recently. In it were these glass eyes. Some human , some not. I love working with them! They are wonderfully creepy and cool!
If any of these pieces resonates with you please check out my website shop. www.ginnywolfsudio.com You'll find these as well as many other one of a kind pieces.
Before I go as usually I need to share some music I've been listening to lately. I love this guy! His authenticity is so pure. Sometimes folks tell me there are no good young singer song writers coming up the pike. Not true! So many awesome young artists. Woody Guthrie would be proud! Here's Benjamin Tod
Here's one of my favorites. I sing it to myself all the time!
Nathan Evans, Another great young singer.
“We all go through hard times in life. It’s a part of being alive and it's the reality we all have to deal with. There are times we forget our value as a person because we are so blinded with these thoughts of loneliness, emptiness and ego. Somewhere along the road we become numbed with all the frustrations and dissatisfaction. But life itself isn't always about darkness and sadness, Life is also filled with colors and that makes it beautiful. Along this path of darkness there's always light waiting to be seen by our daunted hearts. Our heart is gifted to see this light. It may be hiding behind those circumstances that we encounter; in a stranger we just met at an unexpected place; a family who has been always there but you just ignored because of your imperfect relationship with them; it might be a long time friend you have or a friend you just met. Open your heart and you will see how blessed you are to have them all in your life. Sometimes they are the light that shines your path in some dark phases of life. Don't lose hope”
― Chanda Kaushik
Take care of yourselves.