Everyday Epiphanies

Canvas of Light

In the quiet corners of my life, where routine often dims the colors of creativity, I've reignited an old flame – my love for art. This reawakening is more than just a return to a hobby; it's a rediscovery of a part of me that had been waiting in the wings. I've always admired abstract art and creating them has always been a way to free myself from the idea of "Perfection." 

Perfection is that little voice in your head that expects excellence right from the start. It's relentless and stingy on grace. Often disguised as a way to improve, it can keep us from moving forward, which is to exist and create freely and confidently in our purpose. As artists and creatives, we wrestle with this from time to time, and more often than not, it hinders us from enjoying the process. This journey back to art is about finding my way back to things that I love. It's been a way for me to express myself without realistic imagery because let's face it, stick people is how I "draw" people. In every artwork, I see reflections of this light – a brilliance that shows me the beauty in the world and within myself.

(audio) Book #1 of the Year, Done

As far as I can remember, anything sci-fi, from space escapades to traveling through time, to saving the planet from imminent danger has always intrigued me. Something about technology and its endless possibilities that always seem to beg the question, "What-If?".

(Sidenote, my customized ringer is still the theme to Battlestar Galactica)

I also think, a good sci-fi book or movie challenges our morality, philosophy, and ethics but more so, it's a great escape, right? Science fiction stories are based on our fears and aspirations for the future. We don’t necessarily know what will come next. We want to prepare for the worst and also be ready for the good things that may come. Science fiction can offer both warnings and hope. It takes you (for a brief moment) away from the "every day" and into a universe (we have yet to explore) always leaving you with a sense of wonder. We get to see strange, new, and exciting things in speculative fiction all of the time. We are entranced by the fantastical elements of these stories. Aliens, robots, and spaceships; all induce feelings of awe and wonder.

But this audiobook, Project Hail Mary was simply amazing, to say the least, Ray Porter is an amazing voice actor, giving this book life and keeping me entertained the entire way! I highly recommend, 10/10!  I've also watched The Martian but have not read the book (yet) so you can bet that is on my list. But, like a good series or in this case book, when it comes to an end, it always leaves me feeling a little sad and empty. (Don't get me wrong, the ending of this book was perfect) But, I did not want it to end. 

I'm even looking at merch:

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(audio) Book #1 - Check

I've started on a book by Neil Gaiman, Neverwhere. 
I didn't want to start another sci-fi and decided to let Project Hail Mary simmer a little. This book is more of an urban fantasy that deals with mystical creatures and different worlds. I do enjoy the way these imaginary realms are written so far, it makes for great entertainment for sure. So far, it's pretty good. 

Happy Reading or listening! 

 

Whispers of Light.

This exploration of light in all its forms, through photos, words, and in my daily musings has prompted a new creativity, one in which I stop and look at things in a different "light". 

This image was in an empty entrance to a warehouse next to a cafe we ate at. On my way out, I stopped, turned around, and took a snapshot of the light coming in, in this particular angle and it was beautiful. It wasn't until I converted to black and white, bumped up the contrast, and brought out the highlights that I realized the two empty benches. Or the way the steel wall reflected structure on its opposing side that almost made it seem faded, resembling memories of the past of sorts. 

I immediately thought of her, my mother, the way the dark (shadow) danced with the light. It almost represented dualities, of the happiness of shared moments and the sorrow of missing her. The bleak past and pain of when I lost her, to the life it gave me the strength to move forward. The last thing that caught my attention and pulled at my heartstrings were the two empty benches. I felt the absence, like all the time I should've sat with her and talked about my day or just to tell her how much the kids have grown. I felt the emptiness in those benches, the moments we should have had. The invitation, to slow my day down and sit and reflect. 

Light. Looking for it has caused me to "see" to truly open up my eyes and be open to experiences in finding light in unexpected places and moments. It is in these little moments that I "feel" closer to her. 

Currently

Currents:

listening: Audible "The Space Within"
eating: ate, Chipotle earlier
drinking: Celsius, Sparkling Strawberry Dragonfruit
wearing: Fabletics outfit and my "Woman" hoodie.
feeling: Inspired. Creative.
weather: In the 50's but Texas is bracing for FRIGID weather!
wanting: to paint (watercolor) 
needing: to feed the dogs, put away my clothes, clean up.
thinking: about how much I love writing.
enjoying: my Shamanic Drumbeat Playlist, my latest book on audible, "Project Hail Mary", the colder weather.
wondering: how else I can plan to commit and write nearly daily even if it's just a few sentences. I would also like to keep sharing my "exploration of light" photos on this blog and Instagram.

2024 - Light

I started this journal/blog back in 2006 with the masses when blogging was a thing, (long before Instagram, Tweets, or TikToks) I along with my scrapbooking squad, became completely obsessed/passionate about - capturing all the little moments in my life and my kids life. There's something about words + photos + cutting up + gluing + stitching + painting + making a mess all the while being in the moment just being the families' record-keeper. 

The New Year would roll around and we'd rush to create scrapbook recaps by cutting and pasting (now we see it in 30-second reels). Along with our year-end reviews, we all looked forward to the new year and jotted down our One Little Word (OLW). It was the word that we would focus on, investigate, write about, reflect, craft with, and incorporate into our daily lives. Here are words I've chosen in the past (with a few years of hit or miss):

2022 - Know Thyself
2018 - Nourish
2015 - Grow
2014 - Choice
2013 - Find My Way
2011 - Clarity
2009 - Simplify

Twenty-Twenty Four was one I knew I did not want to go without writing about. It came to me when I least expected it, but it came to me like a soft whisper as a reminder that "she" is still in everything I do, no matter where I am in life. It was the morning of January 1, I was cleaning up the kitchen, thinking about my word, wondering what this New Year has in store for me and on my playlist "Shamanic Mix" a song by India.Arie plays "I Am Light" and I froze. 

Light.

One of the last things my mother said to me before she left me was, "Did you know my name means light?" Iluminada (Illuminate) and her nickname was "Luming" (Lumen).  It was perfect.

Grief comes in waves. Somedays you are fine and going about your day and out of nowhere, you are hit with this heaviness in your heart, the weight of missing someone you wish you could desperately see one more time. But you pick yourself back up, smile, and keep moving forward. 

• Light as Guidance
• Light as Illuminating Darkness
• Light As Hope
• The Spectrum of Light
• Reflecting Light
• Inner Light
• Shadows and Light
• The Dance of Light
• Light as Knowledge
• Universal Light

So, come on this journey with me, as the new year unfolds, this single word will guide and inspire me through the next twelve months. The word "light" - is a tribute to my mother, Illuminada, and a metaphor rich with meaning and possibility. In this blog, I'll explore the many facets of light, from its ability to guide and reveal to its symbolic representation of hope and understanding.