STRUTTING YOUR STUFF

Strutting Your Stuff Mandala (Mandalas for Peace series) © Sue O'Kieffe 2009
source image - peacock feather

I have been looking for peacock feathers for almost three years. I wanted feathers straight from the bird instead of ones that had been handled and processed and had who-knows-what-done to them. I love the story of how the feathers I used for this mandala flew into my life.

I was recently introduced to pediatric physical therapist Jackie Mast, who is joining with Icelandic physiotherapist Anna Katrin Ottesen to put on an international conference Called Healing the Healers in October '09 in Reykjavik, Iceland. I have decided to enter one of my mandalas in their silent art auction that helps raise funds for the healers to come to the conference. During our correspondence Jackie and I shared our mutual love for feathers; Jackie shared with me she had collected peacock feathers when she lived in central California. A few days later I got an email from Jackie asking if she could mail some feathers to me, and voila! here we are.

There is so much I loved about creating this piece. I have been learning how to make Photoshop brushes, a technique that takes a little bit of practice. Veerle has a great tutorial explaining the process. I created all of the brushes I used in this mandala piece for adding the extra texture around the image, and I must say I'm mighty proud of what I have accomplished. When I researched information about peacock medicine, this is what I found:

The peacock reminds us to see the beauty in all aspects of life. Its eerie call sounds similar to a laughing screech and reminds us to laugh with life and not take things so seriously. As it presents itself with confidence and awes us with its beauty it teaches us how to keep the ego under control and to set all vanity aside...By observing the peacock we can learn to strut our stuff with dignity and grace. ~Sayahda

Going further, I learned that the number 5, ruled by Mercury, is a dynamic number that signifies change. Lots of that change stuff going on here as well. In the next few days I will tell you more. It's all good.

~Sue O'Kieffe




1.

LIVING A PEACEFUL LIFE

Revitalizing Mandala (Mandalas for Peace Project) © Sue O'Kieffe 2009
source image: salal

I thank you God for this most amazing day, for the leaping greenly spirits of trees, and for the blue dream of sky and for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes.~ e.e. cummings

I had the pleasure recently of exploring a part of the North Coast of California that I'd never really visited before. I'm not sure how far my friend and I walked to reach Elk's Head, but along the way we actually saw plants new to both of us. Times like that are really a delight. When we reached our destination, we got out our drums and played to the ocean for about 30 minutes. It raised my energy levels, and I have to believe the sea lions, pelicans, gulls, and oyster catchers that were all nearby enjoyed it too.

Salal, however, is well known to me. It grows in abundance up and down the west coast. This is another shrub that has a fairylike quality. The flowers remind me of little bells and I will tell you the bees just love them. It made me really happy to see those buzzers gathering up pollen and flying away happy drunk on nectar.

The mandala that I made using the top photograph as source image feels a little dreamy and romantic on the one hand, yet the vibrant lime green background has a revitalizing quality. The 6-rayed mandala is also one of my favorite formations. The number 6 has a vibration of equilibrium and completion, of creativity, beauty, the union of sexual opposites.The Pythagoreans referred to 6 as "the Mother," the Chinese endow the number 6 with the passive receptive qualities of yin (cit. Susanne Fincher Creating Mandalas). For myself, the 6 rayed mandala just makes me go ahhhhhh.

Those ahhh moments speak to me of a peaceful life, open and loving, vibrant, rich, juicy, sustaining, expanding, heartfelt and sharing. This is what I want for myself. This is what I envision for others.

When do you feel the most peaceful inside? What do you feel looking at this mandala? I would love to hear your answers to both questions.

Namaste.

~Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

1.

NOBLESSE OBLIGE AWARD

I met Victoria Ryan 2 years ago when I was involved with the local SBDC's Artists in Flight program. At that time I discovered she was a wealth of information regarding art marketing. I also found out she was honest and forthcoming in her views. I just love people who don't mess around. And besides that, her pastel paintings are to die for. Wouldn't you love to have one of her paintings in your home? How hard would it be to look at this all day?
Garden Meditation ©Victoria Ryan 2009

Now she and I are meeting up again in the blogosphere. We have been trading skills as I forge ahead with my art business and I try to help her learn about social media 2.0. It was such a happy surprise when Victoria honored me with this Noblesse Oblige Award for blogging.


The Noblesse Oblige Award is given for the following accomplishments:

1.The blogger manifests exemplary attitude, respecting the nuances of different cultures and beliefs.
2. The blog inspires, strives to encourage and offer solutions.
3. There is a clear purpose at the blog and it is one that fosters a better understanding of social science, politics, economics, the arts, culture, science or belief.
4. The blog is refreshing and creative.
5. The blogger promotes friendship and positive thinking.

The rules are as follows:

1. Create a post with a mention and a link to the blogger who presented the award to you.
2. Display the award conditions.
3. Write a short post about what your blog has thus far achieved.
4. The blogger must present the award to blogs in concurrence with the award conditions.
5. The blogger can display the award at any location on their blog.

It has been a pleasure for me to work with my blog and display my art here because I know that my art inspires and has meaning for so many people. This is satisfying to me as an artist to know that the heart has been touched, opened and has received the beauty I strive to portray in my mandalas; it is far beyond anything I might have once believed I could achieve.

It is with great pleasure that I pass this award on to Laura Bly, a transitions strategist I met on Twitter, who helps women (that would include me!) through the internal experience of the transition period to success and your authentic self!

1.

FAIRYLAND PENTAGRAM MANDALA

Fairyland Pentagram Mandala (Mandalas for Peace) ©Sue O'Kieffe 2009
source image: false lily of the valley

Do you have a special place in nature where you feel connected to the earth? My special place reminds me of a fairyland when these false lily of the valley flowers are in bloom. I love their heart-shaped leaves. The first time I was ever in this place I felt a deep connection to the nature devas who reside there, and it's someplace I go for renewal both in person and in meditation.

I thought since the flowers have a magical connotation for me that I would use the pentagram as the formation for the mandala. If you aren't familiar with the associations with the pentagram, wikipedia has pretty good information. Fascinating stuff.

I would love to know more about where you feel the most connected to nature.

~Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

1.

NOW I WALK IN BEAUTY

(if you read my posts in your email, i hope you will come to the site to view my photography)

I am truly blessed to be living on the North Coast of California. This morning, while I was editing these photographs, I heard Aleutian Geese honking as they flew overhead. Sometimes they fly low enough to hear their wings in the breeze.

Ever since I was a little girl, I drew my sustenance and strength from nature. Remembering laying down in the grass and drinking in that earthy smell, watching bugs crawling through the spikey green blades, being delighted? I whispered my dreams to caterpillars and marveled when butterflies emerged in the spring. I have always lived near water, so birds and ducks were early best friends.

Now nature whispers to me and I do my best to listen. Earth spirits welcome me when I walk in their woodlands. I want to honor the beauty I see everywhere around me.

Now I walk in beauty
Beauty is before me
Beauty is behind me
Above and below me.
~traditional Hopi prayer

I believe nature has stories to share with us and I have been called to portray their stories using the sacred mandala as the vehicle. This is my passion. I am but a conduit.

I welcome you to come and listen and share with me.

Bright blessings to you all.

~Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

IS THAT FLICKER OR FLICKR?

Flicker Medicine Mandala (Mandalas for Peace Project) © Sue O'Kieffe 2009
source image: flicker feather


I enjoy making feather mandalas. When I chose this flicker feather for the source image, I knew it was powerful medicine; intuitively I wanted to use the master number 11 for the number of rays making up the mandala. According to Native tradition, flicker medicine can teach you about communicating, music, joy, nurturing, courage, protection, tenacity, and your connection with the universe. ( wolfcreekarts.com). Just as birds are often considered to be messengers, the meaning of the master number 11 is also Spiritual Messenger. In the ideal, the master number 11 is on a journey to find its own truth (illumination), using spiritual inspirations as a guiding light, and then bringing these illuminations to others to help raise spiritual awareness on the planet(magellannumerology.com)

I had to laugh at myself when I spelled the file for the feather as flickr. How easily the net has changed our thinking and our spelling. I wonder what the English language will be like in another 50 years?

~Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

WHO WANTS TO MAKE A MANDALA?

Are you interested in creating digital mandalas in Photoshop using your own photographs? I have created a mandala tutorial blog where I am offering personal tutoring via email to help you in the mandala making process. I am charging the unbelievably low price of $25 USD payable thru PayPal for my assistance as your instructor. I will work with you until you have finished your first mandala.

I just finished teaching my first student. We were able to sort through some good problem solving and we both came away feeling satisfied. I love to teach and I love to encourage people in their creativity and I love sharing my love of mandala making.

Because of the intense personal instruction I am offering, I do not want to work with more than three students at a time. If you are interested, let me know via email link on my side bar, and I will give you access to the blog. You must have Photoshop any version (Photoshop Elements unfortunately does not work), and a basic knowledge of working in layers and the Photoshop tool box would help. I will help you with whatever else you don't know.

Update 6/16/09: I have decided to do one class per month. Three people have expressed interest for July; please contact me if you are interested and I will add you to the waiting list or contact you if anyone changes her mind.

I have written other Photoshop tutorials that are posted on this blog. I write with the beginning user in mind. They are easy to understand. You can take a look at some of my other tuts to get a feel for my style.

I know that for some reason unknown to me, at this point in space and time, many people are being called to the mandala making process. If you have always wanted to know more about this calming, centering exercise, come join me for some mandala fun.

~Sue O'Kieffe

1.

OUTSIDE THE BOX - A LESSON IN MANIFESTING

A few years ago I decided I wanted, at some point, to purchase an Epson 1280 printer. Epson no longer manufactures that model. I have spent the last couple of months researching what kind of printer to buy; and, after a lot of consideration I decided to purchase the Epson Photo Stylus 1400. It came last week. (You can tell I was excited opening the box because these photos are so blurry)


I try to be aware of my thoughts and my actions and remain positive. I am aware of the Law of Attraction and practice it.

Abraham Hicks talks about sending out rockets of desire. Feel what you want, then make your desires known to the Universe.


It is not lost on me that this Epson model I purchased is their step up replacement for the printer I decided I wanted a few years back.

Im excited about this new printer. It will open me up to furthering some goals and desires I have for my art. I'll write more about those desires when the time is right.

Do you practice the Law of Attraction?

DEVELOPING A RESONANT HEART

Heartbeat Mandala (Mandalas for Peace series) © Sue O'Kieffe 2009
source image:coleonema flowers imbued with rose quartz energy

The mission of the Institute of HeartMath is to help establish heart-based living and global coherence by inspiring people to connect with the intelligence and guidance of their own hearts ~ (from their website)

The first time I noticed these flowers up close was right after a refreshing spring rain. The pink energy of the blossoms seemed to radiate soothing love. As I was completing this mandala, I was reminded of the calm that rose quartz offers during times of stress. I created a rose quartz mandala from a photo I had and used it for sparkly texture that is in the space surrounding the flowers.

So what does this have to do with the Institute of Heart Math's Mission Statement that I posted above? My perspective is rooted in spiritual orientation, but I love finding examples of how spirit, science and art all interact. The Heart Math Institute does some amazing research on the relationship of the heart to the brain and emotions in developing what they call a resonant heart. It is much too involved to go into in great detail here, but I would definitely recommend a look-see of their website and the work they are doing in reducing world wide stress. What a goal, eh?

I have a PDF from IMH called The Resonant Heart that speaks, among other things, of Attitudinal Breathing ® and how it helps in developing consciousness. I would be happy to email this PDF to anyone who wants one. Just contact me using the email link posted in the right hand side bar.

Below is the Attitude Breathing Tool developed by Doc Childre, founder of the Heart Math Institute:

Attitude Breathing Tool
1. Focus on the heart as you breathe in. As you breathe
out, focus on your solar plexus.The solar plexus is located about
four inches below the heart, just below the sternum where the
left and right sides of your ribcage are joined.

2. Practice breathing in through the heart and out through
the solar plexus for 30 seconds or more to help anchor your
energy and attention there. Next select a positive feeling or
attitude to breathe in and out through those same areas for
another 30 seconds (or more). For example, you can breathe in
through the heart an attitude of appreciation, and breathe out
through the solar plexus an attitude of care.

3. Select attitudes to breathe that will help offset the
negative emotion or imbalance of the situation you are in. Breathe
deeply with the intent of shifting to the feeling of that attitude.
For example, you can breathe in an attitude of balance and
breathe out an attitude of forgiveness, or you can breathe in an
attitude of love and breathe out an attitude of compassion.
Practice different combinations of attitudes you want to
develop.You can tell yourself, “Breathe Genuine,” “Breathe
Courage,” “Breathe Ease,” “Breathe Gratitude” or whatever
attitude you need or want.Even if you can’t feel the attitude shift
at first, making a genuine and earnest effort to shift will at least
help you get to a neutral state. In neutral, you have more
objectivity and you save energy.

~Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

KEEPING THE FAITH

Grounded in the Light - (Mandalas for Peace ) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2009
source image: Northern California beach sand

To see a world in a grain of sand,
And heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
And eternity in an hour.
~William Blake

I was asked by another artist over on Twitter how I got into mandala making. My reply was that it was more like mandala making got into me.

My first experience with the holy circle was in the late '90s when I had the opportunity to take a mandala workshop facilitated by a woman who was certified by Judith Cornell. If you have never seen examples of Judith Cornell's style, take a look at Caterina Martinico's work. I became fascinated working with in the confines of completeness in other art work I did, but it wasn't until I got my first computer and discovered the Earth Mandalas website that I knew I had to learn how to use Photoshop.

Fast forward a few years to 2005.

I went back to school for training in digital media and desktop publishing after a series of work layoffs had left me feeling ready for learning something new. After the end of my first semester in Photoshop, I remembered the Earth Mandala website and decided to spend some time learning how to make these mandalas. While developing this skill I began envisioning possibilities of getting my art out into the world. I took a second semester in Photoshop to further develop my skills and used blogging on Xanga as a way of developing confidence in my art.

It wasn't until I was diagnosed with a benign tumor on my carotid artery in 2006 that I began to feel like mandala making was a true calling. I turned my will and my care over to my faith in the Universe and did what I needed to do to have the surgery I needed. It was a demonstration in how we are taken care of if we allow it to happen. The allowing is the hardest and not without those dark moments of the soul. I am still learning to travel within the Unknown, and today I would say I do it with a bit more grace and strength than I did five years ago.

I am coming upon the 3rd anniversary of the diagnosis of my tumor and I am once again unemployed.My employer's decision was totally unexpected, and I find I am not fighting against the decision. There are moments of anger, but mostly I feel steady and optimistic that still more doors are waiting to open. My new printer will arrive any day now along with paper and packing supplies. I am looking towards selling more of my art. I am excited you get to share my developments with me here.

The message I have today is to keep the faith and follow those dreams.

Never ever give up! ~ Winston Churchill

~Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

AFFIRMING OUR WORTH

We are Jewels (Mandalas for Peace) © Sue O'Kieffe 2009
source image -new fiddlehead ferns

Spiritual progress is like detoxification. Things have to come up in order to be released. Once we have asked to be healed, then our unhealed places are forced to the surface ~ Marianne Williamson


While I was creating this mandala, the words that kept coming up for me were "we are worth it." As the mandala continued to develop I saw a jewel like tapestry , all sparkly and new, unfolding before me.

During one of my recent nature walks, I noticed this new fern growth. I love how the fronds first appear as tight little spirals before unfurling into the sunshine.

If you have followed my blog for a while, you know that I have an affinity for spirals; they represent a core process of spiritual growth. When we spiral back to personal issues that reoccur in our lives, look to see if we are in the same place as we were the last time the subject arose. Reflecting upon our growth on the spiral path helps us affirm our progress.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I want to thank those of you who inquired on my last post about prints of my mandalas. I have purchased a new printer which I should have by week's end (I hope I hope.) It will take me a while to learn how to use it, but I will be able to produce 12"x12" prints when all is said and done. I am also in the process of fine tuning my account on RedBubble, where larger prints of my mandalas will be available. I will be announcing further news here on my blog and via my mandala mailing list. If you want to be added, please email me via the contact address listed on my blog. You can also find me on Twitter as @sueokieffe.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It's a glorious day. Affirm your worth. Go out and shine like the precious jewel you are.

~Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

LIGHT AS A FEATHER

Light as a Feather Mandala (Mandalas for Peace series) © Sue O'Kieffe 2009
source image: feather in tea tree bush

And above all watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it. ~Roald Dahl

I love finding feathers on my path. When I'm not paying attention and there they are, I take it as a sign that I'm doing ok. This feather was caught in a blossoming tea tree bush I pass on my daily morning walk from work.

My blog posts today here and at my doodle blog touch on the subject of magic. Finding feathers is magical gift from Spirit. I have no idea what bird shed this 2" gift, but it sure made me smile. I like the 13 ray configuration too. Even though the number 13 is often considered unlucky, I like what Susanne Fincher suggests: 12 is a number of completion and 13 is about new beginnings (though sometimes it is hard to tell when one cycle is ending and another is beginning). Spring is like that, too, don't you think?

I took some specific time away from mandala making and the computer and now I feel new work just itching to be created.

I hope you will find and embrace a magic moment in the days to come as well. If you feel inspired, tell me about it. I'd love to hear.

~Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

I SENSE THERE IS THIS MYSTERY

Depth of Wonder - (Dream Mandala series) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2009
source image - red alder flower staminate


I Sense There is This Mystery: All Life is Being Lived

And yet, though we strain
against the deadening grip
of daily necessity,
I sense there is this mystery:

All life is being lived.

Who is living it then?
Is it the things themselves,
or something waiting inside them,
like an unplayed melody in a flute?

Is it the winds blowing over the waters?
Is it the branches that signal to each other?

Is it flowers
interweaving their fragrances
or streets, as they wind through time?

~ Rainer Maria Rilke

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

While I enjoy creating many different kinds of mandalas, it is the themes of mystery and wonder that intrigue me the most. While creating this image, I could not help but be drawn into its depth . It spoke to me of holiness. The mandala's 11 rays creates a bridge between the higher and lower realms and offers spiritual illumination. I thought this poem by Rilke, found on @gassho's (Pamir Kiciman) Twitwall posting a perfect accompaniment to this mandala.

This is my 250th post. I had other plans, originally, to mark this day, but spirit apparently has some other plans for me. Instead I will offer gratitude and thanks for all of those who have helped and inspired me along the way. I hope you know who you are...parents, teachers, lovers, friends, medical and spiritual advisors, different mentors...thanks for holding me up and helping me get to where I am. My open heart is full of appreciation for you all.

LOVE IS THE NEW RELIGION

New Promise Mandala - (Mandalas for Peace Project) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2009
source image - succulent

Love is the New Religion

On the surface of the world right now there is war and violence and things seem dark
But calmly and quietly, at the same time, something else is happening underground
An inner revolution is taking place and certain individuals are being called to a higher light
It is a silent revolution
From the inside out
From the ground up

It is time for me to reveal myself
I am an embedded agent of a secret, undercover
Clandestine Global operation
A spiritual conspiracy
We have sleeper cells in every nation on the planet

You won't see us on the T.V.
You won't read about us in the newspaper
You won't hear about us on the radio

We don't seek any glory
We don't wear any uniform
We come in all shapes and sizes
Colors and styles

Most of us work anonymously
We are quietly working behind the scenes in every country and culture of the world
Cities big and small, mountains and valleys, in farms and villages, tribes and remote islands

You could pass by one of us on the street and not even notice
We go undercover
We remain behind the scenes
It is of no concern to us who takes the final credit
But simply that the work gets done

Occasionally we spot each other in the street
We give a quiet nod and continue on our way so no one will notice

During the day many of us pretend we have normal jobs
But behind the false storefront at night is where the real work takes a place

Some call us the 'Conscious Army'
We are slowly creating a new world with the power of our minds and hearts
We follow, with passion and joy
Our orders from the Central Command
The Spiritual Intelligence Agency

We are dropping soft, secret love bombs when no ones is looking
Poems
Hugs
Music
Photography
Movies
Kind words
Smiles
Meditation and prayer
Dance
Social activism
Websites
Blogs
Random acts of kindness

We each express ourselves in our own unique ways with our own unique gifts and talents

'Be the change you want to see in the world'
That is the motto that fills our hearts
We know it is the only way real transformation takes place
We know that quietly and humbly we have the power of all the oceans combined

Our work is slow and meticulous
Like the formation of mountains
It is not even visible at first glance
And yet with it entire tectonic plates shall be moved in the centuries to come

Love is the new religion of the 21st century

You don't have to be a highly educated person
Or have any exceptional knowledge to understand it

It comes from the intelligence of the heart
Embedded in the timeless evolutionary pulse of all human beings

Be the change you want to see in the world
Nobody else can do it for you

We are now recruiting
Perhaps you will join us
Or already have....
All are welcome...
The door is open

~Brian Piergrossi
(From the book The Big Glow)

SPRUNG

We officially made it to the first day of spring on 3/20/09. The vernal equinox is 5:48 GMT.

I am still on a creative spring break, but I could not resist sharing the beauty with you that guides my creations.

These are some of my favorite shots of the season so far. I think we are officially sprung here on the North Coast of California. For those of you in the land of snow, may it melt fast with no late season storms, and may the mud and slush transform quickly to green grass.

Sue O'Kieffe
~Sacred Circle Mandalas

EVOLUTION OF DREAMS

Blue Dream Mandalas 1-4 (Dream Circle Series) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2009
source image - ornamental kale

Pre sleep imagery and those visions that appear behind your eyelids during meditation inspired this series of mandalas.
--------------------------

I am taking an online class at Digital Art Academy learning how to paint in Photoshop. I love learning new Photoshop skills. On a spiritual level I have been blessed with information on how to take my art to a deeper level which I have been seeking. Now it is a matter of creating that spiritual practice for myself and my art.

I have been away from my blog for a while because of a greater need to regroup. Like this series of mandalas, I too am evolving. Sometimes I feel lost for words. I just feel. My dream state has been vivid lately. I don't know if it's the full moon in Virgo or just because I am asking for answers in my dreams, but they have been wild. Elephants and shimmering discs and messages to wear more turquoise and aqua....this is the stuff my night life is made of!

Leah's theme for the month of March at Creative Every Day is dreams. She comes up wit some great creativity prompts. If you have never visited her blog, be sure to wander that way (or astral project in your dreams, if you are in to that kind of thing).

I hope everyone is witnessing first signs of spring. May you be blessed with new growth, in more ways than one!

~Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

GETTING TO THE GOOEY PARTS

My dear friend Diane Clancy, creator of vibrant and uplifting art and one of the hardest working bloggers I know, was kind enough to gift me with this blog award. I feel all humbled and gooey inside.


In return I am supposed to reveal seven facts about me and pass the love on to other artists out there. So here goes, k?

1. The sight of a flock of seagulls flying against a dark rain cloud sky takes my breath away.
   
2. Two of my favorite flavors together are chocolate and raspberry.
3. One of my joys in life is squeezing a baby's toes.
4. I've been off coffee for about 6 weeks. I still feel sleepy most of the time.
   
5. I like silly words like Yippee.
6. My three favorite vegetables begin with the letter A (artichokes, asparagus and avocado)
7. Im slowly getting over my fear of drawing.
   

Come and get it (*sound of dinner bell ringing in the background*)

Thalia Took of Amused Grace knits some really cute kitty monsters. I'm not too sure about the minion part, though.

Karen Park is someone I wish I could share a cup of tea with while I drool over her beautiful beaded jewelry. If you want to learn lots about both subjects be sure to visit her blog, Art and Tea.

Kate Jobe. What more can I say? Awesome artist and healer. I feel so honored to be knowing her. Her mandalas have a deep soul connection for me.

Kris Cahill and I share Strength as our defining Tarot Card. We both share a love for the color red. When I read her blog, I feel like if she can do it, so can I! Check out her vibrant abstract art painted on vinyl. Amazing.

I've had the rare pleasure of meeting Andrea when she and hubby traveled through Northern California. Her wide range of artist skills inspires me. Go say hi.

John Mora and I share a love of birds, Neko Case and abstract art. I still have no idea how he does it, and thats ok by me.

RaShell is my doodle guru. She brings style and class to circles and dots and squiggley things and even doodles on stones. Wowwee.

OK, and while I'm at it, I also want to tell you all how much I appreciate everyone who comments on my art (and even those of you who dont) and to thank you for all the ways you have supported me. I don't really take the time enough to acknowledge all the goodness there is out here.

BEING PRESENT

Presence Mandala - (Mandalas for Peace Project) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2009
source image: ornamental plum tree blossoms

I have been following a neighborhood ornamental plum tree since here and chronicling its progress in photographs and mandalas. After a week of rain followed by some yummy sun, the buds have fully opened. I can't remember when I have followed any growth quite so closely or been so intimately connected with a non- human living thing. I felt joy watching the honey bees already gathering pollen. Trees buzzing in February. Hurray for longer days of light.

I hope you aren't toooo tired of pink by now (but February is the LOVE MONTH after all, and nothing says love like pink)

The mandala speaks to me of being present, open, ready for life. It says, Yippee I'm here.

When we operate from our hearts, then life really feels like a gift. That's why they call it The Present, yanno.

I would love to hear how this mandala speaks to you.

Oh yea, and I am playing Neko Case today because she sings like spring.

THOUGHTS ON SHARING THE HEART

New Bloom - © Sue O'Kieffe 2009

So tonight on the way home I stopped at the grocery store for a few dinner items. I noticed some of the trees and shrubs had started to bloom and so grabbed my camera from my bag. Snap snap snap. I put the camera away and started walking towards the store.

An older woman waiting in the car parked next to mine rolled down her window. "You've been doing what I've wanted to be doing the whole time I've been sitting here," she said to me. "I used to have a camera but I sold it. Could I see the pictures you took?"

And so we talked about the photos and the fact that I had no idea what kind of shrub was showing this new growth and about how she regretted selling her Canon. I looked in her eyes. "Well, sometimes we just have to do things because we have to." A look ---understanding? recognition of truth? --- passed over her face. Or was this just projection on my part, knowing the hard financial choices I have had to make in the past, because I had to. Whatever it was, I felt heart warmth shared between us.

It's moments like these that make us human. We hunger for these moments.

So why don't we do it more often?

I figure as the shrub in the grocery store parking lot develops some more, I might be able to determine what it is. But I will never be able to relive that powerful moment with a sad woman in a car, wishing she still had her camera.

OPENING THE HEART

Love Vibrations - (Spring Series) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2009
source image - hydrangea bud

My desire was to have this post ready for Valentine's Day email, but we all know how life sometimes get in the way of our best intentions. Instead this arrived in my email this morning:

At dawn on February 14th , the day dedicated to St.Valentine, the patron saint of Love, the moon in Libra enters the seventh house of relationship. And Jupiter and Mars are aligned in Aquarius in the twelfth house of spiritual transformation. Forty years ago the intuitive words of a song called Aquarius brought the dawning of the New Age into our collective awareness:

When the moon is in the seventh house
And Jupiter aligns with Mars,
Then peace will guide the planets,
And love will steer the stars.

At dawn on 14th February the Cosmos actually embodies this perfect alignment to support our collective manifestation of love and peace and dawning of the Age of Aquarius.

The Aquarian chart of 14th February reveals an incredible concentration of cosmic influences blending with the energies of Aquarius in the 12th house. Expansive Jupiter and energetic Mars are aligned with the higher purpose of the North Node. The presence of Chiron the wounded healer offers us the opportunity to heal the schisms that have separated us for so long. Neptune emphasizes collective humanitarian movements and the co-creation of social justice. And the presence of the radiant Sun enlightens the entire alignment.
(thanks to my friend Lorlyn for sending this email)

I have been feeling my heart expanding and softening and opening to the world around me. I witness nature getting ready to burst. While capturing this hydrangea bud, I could almost feel it vibrating with new life and begging me to notice it. I especially love taking photographs of nature when the sun first comes out after a long rainy stretch . Sun on raindrops is a fine combination.

Nature shows us how to buzz with new life. Sleep for a while and then stretch yourself into a brand new day. Open your arms wide. Breathe in and out. Put your hand on your heart.Breathe in breath out ahhhhhhh.

Everyday is such a fine time to be alive.

Happy Valentine's Day, whenever you read this!

CALLING ALL ANGELS

Calling All Angels - (Mandalas for Peace Project) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2009
source image - plum tree blossom buds

While I was creating this mandala, I saw three angels hovering around the triangular center, which I see as a power symbol. The image in the very center of the triangle looks like some kind of horned animal, perhaps a bull or ox. The bull is central to the Cretan labyrinth myth, and this is the year of the Ox in the Chinese New Year .

I was even more surprised when I looked at this image from a distance. If you back up from the computer four or five feet and look at it again, it takes on a whole different characteristic. Then it speaks to me of firebird. The power in this image is unmistakable.

It wasn't until I added the language around the mandala that I felt like this image was actually finished. Indistinguishable, perhaps, but still embedded in the image are partial lyrics from Calling All Angels, by Issa (formerly known as Jane Siberry.) I am playing her music on my blog for this posting as well:

calling all angels
calling all angels
walk me through this one
don't leave me alone
calling all angels
calling all angels
we're cryin' and we're hurtin'
and we're not sure why...
© Issa 1993

I almost didn't finish this mandala. The angels intervened.

SIGNS OF SPRING

Spring Burst Mandala - (Circles of Spring Series) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2009
source image - ornamental plum tree leaf buds

Yesterday on a morning walk I noticed the ornamental plum trees are starting to bud. When I first moved to California more than twenty years ago, watching these delicate pale pink flowers blossom while the world east of this coastal paradise was blanketed in snow excited me no end. I would suspect that by this time next Saturday the trees will be totally in bloom.

I hope over the next couple of weeks to follow the progress of this plum tree's opening. It is such a pleasure for me to record the natural beauty of my surroundings that inspire me so.

This is my 241st blog post. When I reach post #250 in about two weeks, I will be announcing details for an opportunity to win a mandala intuitively created by me for the winner. Stay tuned for more details.

And don't forget to visit my analog blog, Sue Doodles. Change is in the air!

WINTER LACE

Winter Lace Mandala - (Winter Series) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2009
source image - snow on tree branches

I remember the peaceful feeling of the beauty of snow on tree limbs. I am grateful to my buddy John Mora for letting me borrow one of his photos of Long Island snow. I doubt that I will be anywhere near that white stuff anytime soon. My prayers and best wishes go out to those experiencing the hazards of winter. Seems like Mother Earth needs to be rebalanced as well. Please be safe out there.

For those of you who love mandalas, I also wanted to give a shout out to Melody Cummons ambitious blog project A Million Mandalas for Peace.
It is an honor for me to be part of her vision of peace. Melody is always looking for contributors. I hope you will consider participating in her project.

Thank you for visiting. Don't forget to stop by my analog blog, Sue Doodles

THE GLORY OF LOVE

Love's Glory Mandala - (Mandalas for Peace Project) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2009
source image - piers japonica

Slowly but surely color is returning to my part of the world. Last weekend I went out for a walk and captured photographs of first hints of spring. Piers japonica is a shrub that is used in a lot of landscaping where I live. In a few weeks little white flowers that look like lily of the valley will begin to appear.

The mandala speaks to me of the power of love...glorious, deeply abiding, receptive and unconditional.

In case you hadn't noticed, music is an important part of my creative life.(Turn up your speakers!) I love finding different songs to accompany my art. The first four selections on this playlist were especially chosen for this mandala; all of the songs really are about love in one theme or another. I would invite you to minimize my blog and then go about your business ...wherever you go after you leave here...and enjoy the serenade, let the words embrace you.

(Of course, those of you reading from email or an RSS feed will have to come to the blog)


Go in peace.

~Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

THE FOUR FOLD WAY

Four Fold Way Mandala - (Mandalas for Peace Project) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2009
source image - coyote brush

Coyote Brush, a chapparal plant related to the sunflower, grows abundantly all along the coast of California and up into Oregon. It is resistant to predators because it has a soapy taste and resistant to fire and land clearings because of its deep root system. Coastal Miwok Indians used the leaves to reduce swelling and the stems for arrow shafts. (from Blue Planet Biomes).

I have Coyote Brush growing in my back yard and on a recent sunny day was able to capture photos of its flowers, which have now gone to seed. When the sun shines on the dandelion - like fluff, it glows like angel wings.

I have taken my time in publishing this mandala because I wanted to see what messages it had to share; today I hear it saying: Be resiliant, be creative, be open, be nurturing. These
words also embrace my intent for more balance in my life. I know
that the other component of intent is the action to carry out this
intent.

What does this mandala say to you?

(credit must also be given to Angeles Arrien and her book The Four-Fold Way:Wallking the Paths of Warrier, Teacher, Healer, and Visionary as another influence in the naming of this mandala)

THE PROCESS OF DREAMS

Green Dreams - (Mandalas for Peace Project) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2009


Dreams in Focus - (Mandalas for Peace Project) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2009
source image - rosemary

What distinguishes us one from another is our dreams . . . and what we do to make them come about ~ Joseph Epstein

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I watched the movie The Pursuit of Happyness the other night . (I'm catching up on all those great movies I've never seen before with the purchase of a new DVD player, but that's another story.) In that movie Will Smith's character pursued his dreams against unbelievable odds. I have been thinking about what it takes to make our dreams come true. Just how far would we go, would we risk, to make it happen?

When I was creating these mandalas I was unhappy with the initial results, so I removed a layer and softened another and created an image in a way I had never tried before. It was later in the evening and the soft dreamy quality appealed to me. When I woke in the morning I wondered what would happen if I gave it more definition. I liked the patterning, still soft yet glowy and filled with light, that I added back to the mandala. What was fascinating to me, during the time I was creating both of these images, was that I could swear I could smell the distinguishing aroma of rosemary in the room.

Rosemary can enhance memory, and it is also good for correcting apathy and mental fatigue. An exhilarating oil, it instills enthusiasm and bolsters self-confidence, restoring faith in our innate potential. As rosemary boosts the memory, it is a reminder of your true calling in life. ~ from Sanctuary Aromatherapy

Bringing dreams into focus is a process. The more we can define them with clarity, the more time we are willing to savor and then act, the more likely I believe we will be able to manifest our dreams.

I spent 2008 delving deeper into my art as well as going back to a 40 hour work week for the first time in five years. It was a strengthening year for me. In 2009 I want to work more towards getting my artistic dreams out in the world in a more concrete way. I will write more about that soon.

And stay tuned for post #250 too! It will involve winning a mandala created especially for you!

OBSERVE THE WONDERS

1000 Days of Sun - (Mandalas for Peace Project) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2009
source image - dead hydrangeas

Observe the wonders that are all around us ~ Rumi

I have been waiting for a day of no rain and hopefully even a little sunshine. I like to create mandalas from recently taken photographs, while the energy of the photoshoot is still fresh in my psyche. It was pretty cold here last night and frosty this morning, but all that white coating had melted by the time I got out with my camera. The sun never really did come out. Delicately-veined dead hydrangeas did, however, catch my eye.

Over at my doodle blog, I have been playing with mehndi-inspired mandalas. The mandala brushes I used in the background of this image were created from those hand-drawn mandalas. I've been looking for different ways to integrate my digital and non-digital mandala worlds and this is just the beginning.

This mandala makes me feel happy. I'm not sure what the significance of the title is, but when I asked for a name this is what came back to me. I think the image has a Mid-Eastern energy, and so it seemed natural to include one of Rumi's quotes in this post. I love Rumi.

This is my 237th post. Look for something exciting when I get to 250! Details to follow.

~Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

STAYING IN BALANCE

New Year Miracle - (Holiday series) - © 2009 Sue O'Kieffe
source image - dandelion gone to seed

When considerng creating a mandala for 2009, I wanted to make one using a basic four rayed structure, because 1/1/2009 breaks down to 4 numerologically (1+1+2+9=13 1+3=4). Fours are the number of structure and stability. During these shaky times we are facing, I think it is good to assume we are stabilized and work towards the change we need to make it so in our lives.

I have been contemplating my intentions and the theme I want to embrace for the coming year. Last year I explored Wonder and Mystery a lot in my art. Not only has my digital art grown in depth, but I have also embraced the non-digital world with gusto. I hope you have discovered my doodle blog in your wanderings. Letting go of my fear of drawing has been liberating and given me the courage to be free to explore whatever I want. Possibilities are limitless!
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Well, I had hoped that this would be posted in time to go out with FeedBlitz's Jan 1st mailings, but it didn't and I think it's just as well. As I was thinking and writing upon rising this morning (Happy New Year everyone!), I realized the word I have been looking for is Balance. It has been showing up for a much of this past year with all of my green mandalas. Green is the color of the heart, the fourth chakra, the balance point between mind and body.

When I look at this image, I see the old being swept out and the new being welcomed in.

Balance means

• being willing to step up to myself
• being willing to let go of old stories that no longer serve me
• being willing to change the structures of my life to shift where my life is "out of balance"
• being willing to keep my heart open while maintaining my boundaries and listening to my gut
• being willing to become more transparent
• being willing to share my feelings more honestly
• being willing to include care of the physical and financial body, as well as the emotional, mental, spiritual, and creative bodies; when one of these is out of balance, the rest of me suffers
• being willing to investigate ways of opening up and expanding my art business

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Last night I heard a local DJ read this article on her radio program about the numerological aspects of 2009. It echoed for me the basic feeling I have at the pit of my stomach that we are shifting into a better, more hopeful year. Take the time to read it. It's good stuff.

~Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas