I Am Here

This poem was written today as an introduction to Misty Mawn's Open Studio online class.
The "Open" sign rests on the wall outside of Betsy Bowen's art studio in Grand Marais, Minnesota.
I chose this photo to go with the poem I wrote because "I am here, and I am open" to receiving the grace that is here for me.  It has been a long time since I've felt so connected to Spirit.  I am trying to keep my connection true through writing, listening, making art, and breathing.  By participating in these activities, I am able to calm, center, and connect with Great Spirit and the energies of goodness all around me.
It is hard to explain the shift that has taken place within me.  All I know is that something has happened, and I am feeling pure LOVE.
May the LOVE radiate to you, through you and around you, as well.
Blessings to you,
Briana

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU AND YOURS!

Just About One Year Ago (in Photos)

Dear Universe, God, Great Spirit . . .

Dear Universe, God, Great Spirit, Mother Earth, Goddess of Life,
Please help my husband and I as we continue to try to start our family.  This journey has been long and difficult.  I am trying to see the gifts that this journey has brought to us.  There definitely are some, but the best gift would be having our own baby.  The financial stress of treatment is overwhelming, so I am leaving that part up to you.  We will do our part by being good humans, we will continue to take care of our health, and manage our emotional stress. We are thankful for this beautiful planet and would love to share the joy of life with our own little one.  Please guide us through this, so that we may bring home a baby from the hospital in 2012.
May It Be So,
Briana

To read more of our story, please visit the Help/Donate page of this blog.

Baby, You Are So Loved Painting for Sale

This original 6x6 painting is now up for sale in my Etsy shop.  Thanks for looking!

Tea time and book club

For this month's book club meeting, we gathered at a local coffee shop. I had tea, someone else had hot chocolate, and another person had coffee. I really enjoy the atmosphere of coffee shops. Not sure what it is exactly.
Our book that we discussed was Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer. The reviews of the group were mixed. It was a sad book, but also quite symbolic and deep. There will be a movie coming out in 2012 starring Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock. I wonder what the movie will focus on, as there were many layered stories in the book. If you are looking for something to cheer you up, this probably won't do it. One positive message of the book is to remember to say "I love you", as you never know when it might be too late to say those important words.
What are you reading?

Orange Spiral Arts Re-Design

Hello All,
I worked on my business blog, Orange Spiral Arts, today.  I'd love it if you'd take a peek and share some love over there.  Thank you so much!
-Briana

Our Two Thanksgivings

My husband and I went to two Thanksgiving meals on Thanksgiving Day.  We went to my grandma's house for a 1 o'clock meal, then to his parents' house for a 6 o'clock meal.  The meals were quite different, which we were very thankful for.  Here are a few photos from Thanksgiving at two households in the midwestern part of the USA.

 A fresh salad with pomegranate seeds and persimmon fruit.

 Carrots and rutabagas cooked to perfection.

 The table setting at my Grandma's house.

 The table setting at my in-laws' house.

 Here is my plate of food from my Grandma's house.

This food is traditional for me and my family.  We grew up eating this same thing nearly every Thanksgiving.

This is my sweety carving the turkey at his parents' house.  The dog is quite interested.  

If you are from the USA, what did you eat for Thanksgiving?  Do you and your family have any traditions or Thanksgiving rituals?  

Thankful for Nutritious and Delicious, et tu?

I tried a new restaurant in Minneapolis recently.  It is called Tosca.  It is here that I ate my first kumquat.  It was served on a bed of greens on top of goat cheese.  It was delicious.  

I hope you are getting all kinds of nutritious and delicious food in your tummy.  And if you are celebrating Thanksgiving this week, Happy Thanksgiving.  I am grateful for so many things.  What are you most thankful for?

Photos from My Saturday

Bringing in the firewood.   

Today we got our first snowfall.  This photo is from the beginning.   

 My Remains of the Day goodie swap package arrived today!

Here I am messing around with some iphone photo apps.  This was a bleached border.

What can you make with a paper bag, tape, and paint?

I have been looking for a journal with brown paper.  I know that they are out there, but not where I have been looking so far.  I decided to see what I could do on my own with a lovely brown paper bag.  I used Duck Tape and clear plastic yellow tape.  I've added a little paint here and there, just for fun.  I am not quite sure where this will go, but I sure had fun making it!  Love it when inspiration strikes!

Hi

This is my RadLab self.