For where your treasure is, there shall your heart be also. ~ Matthew 6:21

Friday, August 23, 2013

Caribbean Memories ~ Summer Color Surprise

     
 
I was so excited when I received my kit for this project as it was filled with beautiful shades of blue beads in an incredible array of shapes and sizes.  I was headed down to the amazing blue waters of the Caribbean for the summer to teach scuba diving and knew that my life there would be filled with inspirations galore to help me create an amazing piece.  I expected to be blogging tonight from the tiny island of Utila (which is just off the coast of Honduras) to share with all of you the fruits of my summer labors.  Sadly it was not to be . . .
 
Two days before leaving, I received a call that an ailing brother (who I had been caring for the past three years) was failing and had very little time to live.  After hastily switching gears, I found myself on a plane to the vineyards of Santa Rosa California instead of to the coral reefs of the Caribbean.  I have been here ever since.
 
The privilege of walking a journey such as this with someone you love so dearly is incredibly profound and I have daily felt honored and blessed to be here with my brother, Jeff.  It is also extremely difficult in every way and definitely not conducive to artistic productivity.  Or so I thought!  At one point, I decided I needed to play the "Life Happens" card that was offered to all of us in our initial Blog Hop letter and Lisa very graciously took me off the list.
 
In the quiet, introspective moments of my days however, I found my sad heart responding to all the beauty surrounding me and I was flooded with fond memories of my beautiful Caribbean ocean.  I remembered how the intense tropical sun reflects so spectacularly off the surface of the sea . . . how the incredible blueness of the water changes to compliment the surrounding depth . . . how precious sea treasures lie gently cradled upon the soft, sandy bottom . . . how free, happy and at peace I feel when I am at one with the sea.  And so, I picked up my beads and began . . . each stitch a meditation  . . . each tiny bead a singular prayer.  My memories became my art . . . my art became my release.
 

Thank you Lisa for your gentle, compassionate spirit and for the incredible therapy you helped me access to support this journey I am on with Jeff.  Thank you also to all my fellow artists for the unique beauty you bring to the world and in particular for the gifts that are being shared today at:
 
 

19 comments:

  1. You are a wonderful person and sister to be there for Jeff on his journey. I wish you both peace.

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  2. So sorry that you and your family are going through this. Your creativity will help you through this.

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  3. Chris - I am so glad that working with the beads has provided a meditative therapy for you. Your post is lovely and reveals a very caring and compassionate spirit. I wish both you and Jeff peace on this journey.

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  4. I am sorry that your family is going through this but what a gift. I helped with hospice for my Gram and I treasure the memories of helping her that last month.

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  5. Post picture update - Holy Moley that is a beautiful necklace! It makes me happy just to look at it. So serene and calm and inviting!

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  6. Chris, thank you for opening your spirit, and allowing beauty and serenity to work through your hands. The incredible privilege of accompanying your brother has not closed off the expression of your creativity; rather, it has been transformed into something much more affecting and meaningful. I wish you both many blessings!

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  7. What a wonderful design! Your story is both sad and inspiring. Please continue to create from your heart, you are doing beautiful work!

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  8. What a wonderful design! Your story is both sad and inspiring. Please continue to create from your heart, you are doing beautiful work!

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  9. Beautiful work! Love the colors!

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  10. The delicate shells are a lovely accent to your b work. I hope that it will be a beautiful reminder of the gift of time you've given your brother and yourself. Blessings on your family during this difficult time- Christie

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  11. WOW!! That necklace is spectacular. It is made with such love and care and you can feel all of your heart with its emotions and love for your brother in every bead. Love and blessings to you!

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  12. Oh, wow, such an incredible story. Your work is stunning - I can almost feel you deeply in thought on each stitch, pouring all your love... I found bead weaving to be a very calming activity. Blessings for you and your family in these trying times.

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  13. Amazing story and gorgeous work! I couldn't get the pix to display this morning. So glad I came back to look again.

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  14. I'm glad this challenge was able to bring you some solace at a difficult time, and I hope that the memories this piece evokes won't be too painful for you. The necklace is beautiful.

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  15. Your necklace is absolutely stunning!! I am amazed by the intricacy of your creation!

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  16. What a gorgeous necklace you have created, I hope it brought some relaxation at this difficult time in your life.

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  17. Chris, what a beautiful necklace you designed, and such a wonderful tribute to your fond memories of the Caribbean. I am so sorry about the pain you have had to go through, but it is clear that you are where you are supposed to be at this season in your life. I wish you and your brother peace and joy in the time you spend together.

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  18. What a beautiful post and incredible jewelry journey. Your art is as astonishing as the Caribbean! I too have struggled this hop as my daughter just had a brain MRI and challenging health issues -- yet the beads bring me focus and healing, as they do you. How blessed we are to have a creative journey during times our strength is challenged. Gentle, lovely art.

    Your necklace is beautiful! Breath-taking and nurturing. Thank you dear Chris for creating, for sharing, for giving so much!

    Love,
    Rita

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  19. What a beautiful post and incredible jewelry journey. Your art is as astonishing as the Caribbean! I too have struggled this hop as my daughter just had a brain MRI and challenging health issues -- yet the beads bring me focus and healing, as they do you. How blessed we are to have a creative journey during times our strength is challenged. Gentle, lovely art.

    Your necklace is beautiful! Breath-taking and nurturing. Thank you dear Chris for creating, for sharing, for giving so much!

    Love,
    Rita

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