Wednesday in the week that is

Sometimes, among all people in the world, I feel extremely blessed.

I say this not because I am financially rich, actually the opposite is true, but because I am blessed with a life that I never dreamed I could have.

There are days and times when, like the rest of us 'human-beans', I'm faltering in the dark and I feel as if I'm slogging through oatmeal. Then is when I need to trust the most that God (or whatever you chose to call that divine entity within us)will carry me through, and indeed I am taken care of.

This past week has been a series of challenges, as I worked past my own defects of procrastination, ingratitude and short sightedness.

Then, this morning as I walked from my car through the parking lot to my painting studio (can you imagine, MY painting studio?)I decided that I should soak in the minutes as I walked in solitude toward my painting space.

The morning was crisp and clear. I filled my lungs with the cool autumn air. I reminded myself that no matter how insignificant that moment might seem in the span of my life I was fully alive, and fully present, and fully blessed to be aware of the gift.

As I passed fellow students I felt light and present. I wish I could feel that way all the time. I believe it is called being in the NOW. So, I need to practice this more and more. It is the key to sanity and peace.

What else happened today?

I sat through a presentation in art history class that, as far as being a presentation went, was pretty poor. But, as being a testament to someones belief system was very rich.

How do I explain how someone who is talking about the art of tattooing feels it is a religious experience?

This young man talked about how he tried to discourage young people that came in requesting a tattoo. He said that it was a very important decision (I agree) and that whatever art was put on the body spoke volumes about what people believed. It was incredibly amazing to me that he felt so strongly about something that I considered strictly a vanity item.

One thing that art school has done for me, besides the opportunity to develop my art practice, is to open my mind and my heart to those younger than me who are struggling with their own path of spiritual growth, whatever that may be.

Now, after the philosophical waxing tonight, I'm going in include some pictures of my latest bells.

The first picture is of the 'faux shrine' directly inside the front door of my house. The picture above the cabinet is the 'Mega Mary' painting I did my Sophomore year, the glass arch object on the table is a glass casting I made (it actually lights up but I didn't take the picture that way) and all of the bells (except the five tiny ones) are on the chest. The two newest ones are the two in the middle. They both ring at different tones.
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Here's a closeup shot of all the bells.



The five smaller ones that are less than two inches tall don't really make a sound, of course they have no clappers, that might be why or they are just too thick for such a small bell.



Whatever.

Here they are.

And I am almost done with this semester. . . . . how wonderful is that?