Happy Spring!

It's hard to believe it's finally here, Spring! When the days are satisfyingly longer, bad habits are cast off, and days seem to be filled with riches. It is here, but not quite here in CO. Yesterday was a full day of snow, after many days of warm, inviting weather. I'd like to think our days of snow are limited, and the grass and flowers will be taking over very, very soon. Regardless, I am enjoying this new spark of energy as the winter dregs slowly melt away. I hope you all enjoy this first Spring day, wherever you are and whatever the weather has in store for you.

Forgetting Fear

It's amazing what we allow to hold ourselves back. Often different for each of us, we find ourselves at the same crossroads again and again. Lesson unlearned. Why it takes us so long to "get it" is a mystery to me. More often than not, I know what holds me back, keeps me from being me, but the change is so hard. The change seems to be who we are, the struggle with what we want to change, which is inextricably who we are.

This is the "before" to my Sea Worthy page. It started out as an experiment, playing the "name game". Just messing around with my name in various methods and materials. Then I worked over it some more, writing what I wanted to let go of. Then more and more layers later, and voila the finished page as shown below. A reminder of my past, who I am, but also what I am capable of letting go of.

Sea Worthy

I decided to post this image today as a reminder. A reminder to me, to all of you, that we are indeed sea worthy. I created this journal spread at a weekend with Juliana Coles, my captain, and the rest of my Pirate Brethren. We met last year at a retreat in Key West, but the bond has continued on. All together we create a pretty safe space, where the worry, anxiety, and burden of our past is free to be released. Released and conquered. This page was so therapeutic for me. I have been feeling off kilter and in limbo lately, only to find that I am steadfast and stable, able to withstand the stormy winds. It was a comfort and a revelation for me. On top of which, the page holds a mysterious beauty. So thank you Pirate Brethren, as well as my local brethren and the rest of those I love, scattered near and far. You remind me that though I may not have the answers, I may never have the answers, I am steady and strong, and more than capable to brave rough waters.

Awaken Inspiration

I created these pages for a round robin project that I and some other Artfesters are involved in. The theme of this journal was a Book of Spells. I so loved this theme. I decided to do my page around creativity, and this is the spell that I found.

Nut to tree, seed to flower,
Nurture my creative power,
Growing as it fills this dish,
Inspiration is my wish.

December Photos

Here are some new-ish photos from December. The top two were taken in Longmont before holiday madness took over. I love how rich and saturated these images are.

The rest of these were taken over the holidays in California, except for the Red Rocks/El Rancho picture. That one was taken on the road in Gallup, NM. There are loads more to look at here. Stay tuned for some of my favorite images yet, taken in B&W, as well as some new and in progress artwork!

Map, Schmap

Hi everyone! I have good news. One of my photos was selected for inclusion at www.schmap.com, which is an online travel guide. You can see my photo representing Pioneer Square, Seattle here...

http://www.schmap.com/seattle/activities_pioneersquare/#r=none&mapview=Map&tab=Places&p=39974&topleft=47.60242,-122.33548&bottomright=47.59838,-122.33246&i=39974_57.jpg

http://www.schmap.com/?m=iphone#uid=seattle&sid=activities_pioneersquare&p=39974&i=39974_57

Or, you can take a look at it on my flickr site here...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jessiestarling/4170828152/

Happy New Year!

So we all made it through another year. It was a good one for me, with lots of changes. I opened the door on a whole new life of possibilities. One where I own who I am and what I do, even if the path is unclear. I made new friends and mentors through retreats and workshops. I started this little blog of mine, that has opened my own doors wider. I am able to share my work, my life , and who I am with people close to me but far away, a well as build new relationships. Suddenly this space doesn't seem so little anymore. Next year hopes to bring more learning and working and travelling and loving life. A body of work to share with you all on Etsy, more photos and fun. Thank you all for the support and encouragement that has been given in large and small ways. I leave you with a few more recent Diana pics that I love and enjoyed taking. Take a look at my Flickr site for lots more. Happy New Year!