Enjoying the Halcyon Days

Yesterday began the 14 day period known as the Halcyon Days, days of Peace. It is a time when the water is calm enough for the Halcyon bird to lay eggs on it's water nest. I love these days and try to avoid the crazy energy that happens around the Holidays. the solstice falls at the midpoint of these days.

This year I gifted myself with an online 21 day "Winter Joy Retreat" with Cigden Kobu. The theme this year is homecoming. Each day we (about 150 women) receive a joy letter on a topic that threads around the theme. There is a playsheet where we write responses to ideas and questions from the letter. Now on day 15 I can feel an integration happening for me.

One day that stands out is the one we were to think about our values, and what drives our daily and long term decisions. There was a prompt to draw a mandala about that.

©Kathleen O'Brien, mandala of values, details of 16 artworks

Rather than draw I found art that reflected the value and cut a detail of it, added the words. the questions around the border are what drive my decisions.

Next time I'll talk about the family tree...

take me along journals

Sometimes I love working small, really small. Thanks, Elizabeth for the suggestion to make journals. Their title is Take Me Along Journals because they will fit in your purse or pocket.

© K O'Brien, a few Take Me Along Journals

Each is hand stitched and has an original collage - I love them! I am taking them along to my Art Sale Soiree at Lynn Thore's home June 28. More on that later!

© K O'Brien, a collage on a Take Me Along Journal

New Cards at Open Studio

In addition to the greeting cards you are familiar with some new lines, birthday and invitations, will be premiered at the Open Studio Art sale November 3-4.

©Kathleen O'Brien, birthday card, C 189

©Kathleen O'Brien, invitation, N 03

You may also choose to personalize any of the cards, just ask!