Now that the holidays have passed it's like a great pressure has lifted and the brain fog is slowly clearing. I'm able to do some of the fun projects that I dreamed about all summer; altering some clothes to fit me better and trying out some dyeing with procion dye and soda ash. Back in the 70's I worked for about a year as a batik artist with those same dyes but I used a different method then and this is like starting over again. Beginner's mind. The best.
Elizabeth over at Blue Poppy has been working her mighty brain for days now to get the schedule up for the Squam sessions she's dreamed up for us in 2010. You'll want to look at the class listings for inspiration and dream fodder if nothing else. First comes the dream and the longing. And then ... who knows? It all starts with a seed of intention.
I've been playing in my journal every day too of course. That's where I get to make a mess, paint over it, make another mess. No rules, no judging, no one but me to care. It is my sanctuary.
I''m taking an online class with the fabulous Susannah over at Unravelling and these feet photographs are part of this week's assignment. First I had to make my toenails camera ready and then I had to think about those beautiful instruments of travel and navigation. Where those feet have taken me and how valiantly they have served me all these years.
Back in the early 80's a doctor diagnosed me with rheumatoid arthritis after I experienced a weird swelling in my lower toe joints. A friend who was a healer told me to go home and talk to my feet; to cuddle them and tell them I loved them and that I would wear sensible shoes for them and take good care of them. I cried a lot over that diagnosis. And then I got busy. I massaged them and held them and told them I loved them and I've lavished love on them ever since and they have never given me any more rheumatoid arthritis.
I only tell you this story to illustrate that I think we think about how we look when we should be thinking about the gift of our bodies and their mysterious workings and we should be so grateful to our bodies down to every cell and fiber because we are miracles walking.
I love my feet. I love your feet. okay. I'm done now.
22 comments:
Judy, I just love your work. Can you please tell me what type of journal you use. I have made a resolution to do more art journalling this year, and you are such an inspiration, but I'm not sure what type of journal to get??
Thanks
I have had a lot of pain and stiffness in my big toe joints over the last couple of years and am worried about arthritis. I have been thinking about how I have taken my toes for granted for all the years they have worked ok. I like your advice about loving my feet and so on. I shall try this thanks!
My word verification is blessegg-how cute!
I have terrible bunions and I went to a wonderful podiatrist a few years ago who said that the surgery eas horrid, and she suggested that I buy orthotics and sensible shoes. I am completely pain free now. So happy that I didn't have surgery (6 weeks no walking!!!) Love your feet!
the piggies look lovely in red - thanks for sharing
Judy, I am also interested in knowing what type of journal you use. I think you make your own right?
I just wanted to tell you that I was inspired to buy a Pogo by seeing your little photo in Anahata's class. I finally figured out that one of the reasons I don't journal or don't like the pages I do, is that I don't have pictures in them and I don't have pictures in them because downloading and cropping and printing is so time consuming.
"we are miracles walking"
i like that.
I love every cell of the magnificent, miraculous being called Judy Wise !
Cute toes, wonderful pages and sweet and wise loving words. Needed the reminder about the body love today - love it when that happens too ! more miracles...
Ahhh, Squam...visions of pink unicorns danced in her head...;)
Judy - I love you - your old soul and your cute little toes! Art and Soul Portland was especially wonderful this year because of the happy hour time we spent together chatting about our live and the world around us - you are a treasure my friend!
I'm so glad that someone I've hugged is taking this class with me....
but you hug everyone, so I don't expect you to remember me....
Dear Judy,
You should have a "the" for a middle name, for you are truly "Judy the Wise".
I so believe that loving our bodies can make fabulous things happen. The story about your feet is perfect, and I am POSITIVE that is why you don't have rheumatoid arthritis today!
MMWHAH! And Happy New Year!
Your journal pages are always fun and inspiring, and so are your feet!
I've had a lot of trouble with my feet too -- plantar faciitis and heel spurs -- but I've learned that by taking care of them, they'll treat me well. Heck, they carried me through two 60-mile walks, even when my podiatrist warned me, "You are taking your chances."
Not even a blister. I love my feet too.
I love your feet, too. But mostly, I just love you! :-)
oh that is so beautiful. i love that you healed your own feet. you are pure magic. xoxo
Love your journals. so inspiring.
You have NO idea how right you are Judy. I am a miracle walking. In 1998 I had a large brain tumor removed and then spent time in a wheelchair as I was taught to move and then to walk all over again. I was in a leg brace for many years. Finally I decided about 5 years ago I was sick of the final brace and just took it off! I still have to practice walking everyday. And I still walk weird, and the signals don't always get there.(they don't ever make it all the way to the front of my left foot) But hey, I'm still breathing as I say every morning and I'm a miracle walking as we all like to say!
What a neat post. I wanna go paint my lil piggies now.
Just discovered your doing the same course as me Unravelling. I have followed your work for awhile and were pleased to start to get to know you and your work better. I too have arthrits, not rheumatoid which l know is very painful.Hope you are not suffering too much.
I have enjoyed doing this "feet" project this week, have seen my toes and feet in a different light!
Your feet look amazing, woman....and to think that you are standing so much of the time. No bunions, corns....hairs on the toes...well, at least that I can see anyway.
I just wonder how many times I have told you I love your journal pages. Add one more.
Great portraits, too. I haven't visited Katie in some time. I will have to stop by.
Will be seeing you soon....will contact you.
I read this post in my reader the other day and brought me a big smile, memories and feelings
I grew up with flat feet so I understand your thoughts on this, I guess that’s why I have a picture of my feet in my blog header, te-hee!
hugs!
Judy, What kind of paint do you use for your journal page backgrounds?
Ok...you got me! I am going to start loving my body the way it is because it allows me to do many things! You are good for my spirit! :)
And I love ya!
Hugs-Gypsy
Ah, I did unravelling a couple of months ago. Isn't Susannah just lovely? Funny too.
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