The garden is beautiful; with some snow on evergreens, and the fallen branch we left by the old green chair, with a chrysanthemum that bloomed for a time.
I am enjoying my 2023 mini-calendar by Annette Makino, that I bought from her MakinoStudios Etsy shop. “Japanese-inspired art, cards & more by Annette Makino.” The calendar is on the wall near my computer by a collage painting by Wendy Brightbill. agirlandherbrush is Wendy’s Etsy shop.
And I thought I would mention two more journals I have received, to follow my post, winter and grateful.
Time Of Singing goes back a long time. I recently renewed as a Sponsor for Volume 50. Westward Quarterly has also published for a long time.
Just a few of many possible examples to share today . . .
I grew up in a Lutheran church and remember singing in church – words I could not truly understand as a child. “Create in me a clean heart, O God” (from Psalm 51). The poetry inspired me always.
I began Quiet Christmas Poetry with “In the beginning was the Word . . .” from John 1: 1.
More recently, I discovered Helen Jane Long and her beautiful compositions without words. Yet her titles of CDs and songs seem so right, and I hope to learn more. For example, “Porcelain.” Perfect for a CD and the song.
Working with visual art more, with blog posts, I also look anew at the album and CD covers. For example, I remember seeing Joni Mitchell’s paintings all those years ago. I begin to see different languages of expression, and how artists put their work together for others to enjoy. Sustain others in difficult times.
And I continue to enjoy Wendy Brightbill’s art. Her site is a girl and her brush, gathering beauty in the every day. I buy her calendars, and certain paintings are associated with certain times. Her style is varied, and includes mixed-media art. I think, “I could do that too!” She is a teacher.
Life changes, and it is good to have our sources of inspiration that can travel with us as we learn new times. One song can recall a lifetime of work. One painting can fill a room. I have my Bible with the Psalms taped together now, as they have held me together. When I was not well enough to read, my heart was full.
Her main site, which links to her blog, can be read and viewed here.
Laker in the Mist – Photo by Karl – January 2012
I am beginning to think about poems for a second large print chapbook, in the same style as Quiet Christmas Poetry. These would be short poems of encouragement.