Weekend Regroup

Dear Ones~
This past week brought many new insights on my path to inner wisdom. As I am learning to watch for the signs and sounds of 'Godwinks', the messages seem to be appearing all around me. Validations for my art in the form of new commission requests, guidance for the direction a new idea should take, as well as notes of  'Thanks' for something I said or did have been coming to me on an almost daily basis. I find it miraculous.

I subscribe to the daily messages from 'The Universe' in my email box. Reading the message each morning really helps me focus my attention on the positive side of life and that in turn seems to be bringing blessings my way and leading me on the path toward the fulfillment of my wildest dreams.

'Transformation' (c) 2010, Kasia
All Rights Reserved

Take for instance, the dream of one day having my work published in a national magazine. When I first whispered this wish in 1995, it was just that, a wish. Then somewhere along my journey, I learned to stop 'wishing' and start 'asking' for my dreams to come true. When you 'ASK', the Universe puts energy in motion, things start to happen without your knowing, and then one day a friend writes:

 "I was just sitting and reading my newly arrived copy of American Quilter's magazine when on page 52 I noticed something---hey, that looks like something done by someone I know.  I continued looking and then under that picture of a 36" square quilt I saw the name Kasia.  Did you win a first place award for Milwaukee Art Quilts--------called Connecting the Threads?  Right name, right look--and I am so proud to know you."

You can only guess at my surprise and amazement! This answer to my prayers is a 'baby step' along the path of my dreams. I am learning that the bigger I can DREAM, the grander are the miracles that keep coming my way. I am living proof that it works! And if it can work for me, it most certainly will work for you too. So I ask you, "What is your wildest dream?" Care to share?

Until next time ~ Live Your Light!
Kasia

September's New Adventure

'Sundance'                                          (c)  2001 Kasia

There is a new crispness in the air in Wisconsin, as the school buses reappear and seasonal transformation begins. Our Nolan started Kindergarten last week causing a change in routine and scheduling of time. Since the day he was born, I have shared my time with him on an average of two days a week. That is quite a bit of playing, reading, growing, loving, and sharing time. I am truly blessed to be a 'hands on' grandma with three other grandchildren living less than 4 miles from my home. It is a gift to have a unique relationship with each of them that I do not take for granted. With the new adventure of school starting, I realize that I too, am at a crossroads of adventure. The direction of my journey is changing.  A new schedule and new routine will allow me the ability to devote more time to my passionate pursuits in the studio. I am wondering what that will look like in terms of new Art created. I guess that time will tell and we will just have to wait and see what unfolds. With the visions that I currently have dancing in my mind's eye and the all new web site just days away from being launched, I am certain that it will be an  EXCITING ADVENTURE!

'Jamie Believe' Tutorial

Dear Ones ~
Today is my baby sister Jamie's birthday. She is nine years younger than me and has always been my "baby" sister. We grew up together. I rocked her when she was a toddler, and she in turn babysat for my children when the time came. We have a bond that goes deep. We have always 'been there' for each other through thick and thin. She has my unconditional love. Since I am the 'first born' in our family, I always felt the pressure of being a good example to her and the rest of my siblings. Now that we are reaching our 'golden years', it is an honor to be referred to as the 'Wisest Sister' and not the oldest. It is our family tease.

A couple of years ago, as a Christmas gift, I created this LoveLight for Jamie.  Her favorite color is blue. She had always admired an earlier piece that I created called 'Believe ~ Think Outside the Box'. (view it here by scrolling down). So I decided to create an original design that is uniquely her own mandala.

This design began with a blue cotton hand dyed spiral that represents our life's search, the journey to our 'center' and was set into the background fabric.

Next came the stencil design for her name which was cut out of lame' fabric and later bonded to the background layer.

Before her name was bonded into place, organza "light rays" were attached using metallic threads to add sparkle and illumination to the design. The piece was then layered and quilted in a circular pattern to suggest the spiral movement. The word BELIEVE was added to the top section of the piece as a gentle reminder to the viewer that we are all 'spiritual beings having a human experience.'




She accepted this gift with squeals of delight. Hopefully, she can feel the Love and Light that went into it's design and creation. It hangs in her home in a prominent place where I know that she can see it daily.

 Happy Birthday Sis, you now have the distinction of having a blog written just for you!

Until next time~
Live Your Light!

Parents ~ Family Priorities

Dear Ones ~

It's been quite a month! A real emotional roller coaster ride as we encouraged and facilitated the move of my dear mother-in-law to a senior apartment complex after 40+ years in her home. It was my task to declutter and organize her belongings, select the "treasures" that would make the move with her, clean/wash these precious things and linens, pack the boxes, clean the messes, soothe her aching heart and encourage her each step of the way that she had made the right decision. It is a scary transition of stepping into the unknown, both for her and for us as we had no idea how she might adjust. An arduous task to say the least.

My life has literally been on hold for this past month. When I wasn't with her, I was still caring for my grandchildren on our weekly play date. And when I wasn't with any of them, I was asleep with exhaustion. I realize now, that my own emotions came into play as I packed up a lifetime of happy memories of holidays spent in her home and of all the good times that we have shared. I have been blessed with a wonderful relationship with "Oma". She treated me like the dear daughter that she had always longed for and never had until I married her only son. She has been a "dear one" all of my adult life and this work was all a labor of love.

I am happy to report that last night (after only 2 nights and 11/2 days in her new place) she called to say good-night and tell us "don't worry about me kids. I am not lonely and I am NOT bored!" There is so much to do in her new environment that after living alone for over a decade, she is making new friends and finding a new lease on life. I couldn't be happier for her. It came as an answer to my prayers. I knew in my heart that this was the right decision, I am just very pleased that the confirmation came along so soon in the process.  Happy Days are here again and I am pleased to have my life back to begin playing in my studio once again.

Until next time ~
Live your Light!

Simple Pleasures

Dear Ones ~
I was reading a blog this morning that got me to thinking about the simple pleasures of life. The many little things that we do throughout the day that bring us JOY without our consciously thinking about it. So I've decided to start a list of mine:

* Being greeted by the birds singing when I get the morning paper.
* The ability to operate this pc and reach out to friends and family on the internet.
* As a grandmother, watching the children playing in the yard - so carefree and happy.
* The sparkle in the children's eyes when they realize that "Kasia's here!!!".
* Visiting my Studio in the wee hours when the world is asleep.
* Working with colorful fabrics, textures, and threads to create the 'Colorful Art that Lifts the Spirit.'
* The steady companionship of my husband of 40 years. He is my rock.
* Picking up the phone and talking with my daughter whenever the mood hits me.
* Being greeted, cheerfully, by my son's wife when I drop by unexpectedly. (Her face lights up and I know that I am welcomed and not an intrusion.)
* Looking at photos of 'Dear Ones' who are no longer walking this planet.
* The ability to SEE the world as I wish it to be.
* The TASTE of a bit of the bubbly with a good dinner that I didn't have to cook myself.
* HEARING our piano being played by my guy. His music warms my heart and I appreciate it.
* TOUCHING the soft skin of our babies.
* Watching with PRIDE, our adult children and their spouses interacting.
* The ability to watch the changing moon and the stars from our deck each night.
* Bubbles in a bathtub.
* Warm, compfy bed to rest in at night.

I guess that I'm on a roll now - - - what are some of your simple pleasures?? Want to share?

Until next time ~
Live your Light!

Opening Night - Envision Gallery at Flourish Studios, Chicago

Dear Ones-
Opening Night was a dream come true!! The gallery was ALIVE with the energy of the 'LoveLights' that were being shown.

As I stood back to look at the space, I was filled with pride in the accomplishment of my wildest dreams come true. A solo show of the work of my hands. I learned that night that the 'baby steps' really do add up and the body of work comes together almost without realizing what is happening.

The evening was magical with the entertaining performance of the Imagination Theater group.

I was very blessed to have family and dear friends brave the stormy weather to be present for me at this important event. Some drove for nearly three hours to attend the gala that was an 'out of body' experience that I will not soon forget. THRILLING!

 

Cathy Hennessy Price, a Family Therapist at Flourish Studios, planted the seed last fall for this exhibit to take place and was very instrumental in making the necessary introductions with exhibit curator Meredith. With a grateful heart for the opportunity and vote of confidence, I created this 'Price Family LoveLight' for Cathy and Mark.

The exhibit will hang until July 17th. It is my hope that if you are able to experience it for yourself, you will please sign the guest book near the entrance of the gallery. Your comments mean so much.

Until next time ~

Live your Light!

After the Crash!

Dear Ones,
It has now been 3+ weeks since this pc crashed and burned. It has been refitted with a new operating system and files have been restored (Thank God!), but the time-consuming tasks now include re-installing drivers and software. As Tim at Meathead Computers has explained to me, "you have a brand new computer." That's a yeah  ;-) for a new toy and a ;-(  for a new learning curve.  Yesterday, I discovered that the printer was no longer "talking" to this pc and it took extra time to correct that situation.        

I am still learning how dependent I have become on this little machine and it surprises me everyday! Also, I am surprising myself by how much I have learned in these past few years while using this device. The blessings lie in the realization that I am capable of learning and doing new things. Being pushed out of ones comfort zone really does lead to new adventures, knowledge, and self esteem.

So I ask you, "What new adventures are waiting for you at this very moment? How can your thinking turn your tides of distress into thoughts of well being?"

Until next time ~
Live your Light!
Kasia

Technology CRASH!

Dear Ones,

Nobody knows the trouble I've found - - - - la de da da  da- - -
It's been almost two weeks since my pc developed a virus and all came crashing down on me. Whew! Who knew how much I have grown to depend on this little device? I realized too late that my entire life is housed in the files on this computer. After all the productivity classes and get organized classes that I have taken in the past few months and years, I was amazed at how challenged my life became without the electronic task list and contact lists to keep me on task. It's been one AHA! moment after another.

The good news is that now that my pc is back home, it has a whole new hard drive and operating system to keep things very up to date and state of the art. Now the task at hand is learning to use the new programs and upload all the information that has been stored on the exterior hard drive which was my back up. And thanks to my pal Tim at Meathead Computers in beautiful downtown Delafield, I now have a new lease on life.The difficult news is that there is just so much to learn with the newly uploaded programs and features of Windows 7. With the Flourish Studios Exhibit coming up in a few short weeks, I could get very overwhelmed if I allowed myself to go there in my thoughts.

Time to get back to work playing with the new programs and finding my way around here. Hopefully, I will feel technically saavy soon. Stay tuned for more insights and hopefully blessings coming this way.

Until next time ~ Live your Light,
Kasia

Meeting Alyson Stanfield

Dear Ones,

I first met Alyson in the pages of her book, "I'd rather be in the studio!"  The information that she so generously shared was invaluable to me in setting up my 'trusted systems' of organization and self-promotion.  I found it so interesting in fact, that I subscribed to her weekly newsletter and blog and began putting into practice as many of the principles that she suggested that my limited time would allow.  These baby steps have resulted in my website and this blog.  In time, I signed up for her online classes and met like-minded artists via the internet.  It's been an amazing journey.

Last week, I had the opportunity to meet her in person.  She is a delight.  Very knowledgeable about her subject matter and very articulate at conveying the ideas and techniques that the members of PAQA came to Racine, WI. to learn and share.  We met at the Siena Center on the shores of Lake Michigan.  The two days were filled with information and could be overwhelming if I let it.  It has taken me several days to digest the information and begin to implement some of the action items into my own venues.  Hopefully you will notice an improvement in my technique and internet presence.  

Knowing me like you do, I'm sure that you realize what a thrill it was for me when Alyson asked to have her picture taken with me!!  And of course, I am over the top to have appeared in her newsletter this week!  I think that it's another 'Godwink'.  Until next time~

Love & Light,
Kasia

Amazing Grace

Dear Ones,
I'm ba a ck ~ with great news of a new focus for my art and energy.  An opportunity has presented itself.  It is a dream come true and a leap of faith all rolled together.  A solo exhibit in the Chicago area!  WOW!!  Pinch me. The miracle of this new venture is that it came to me from a referral by Cathy, one of my Dearest Ones.
The dates have been set for an opening on June 18th.  Now the work begins; creating new art, deciding which current pieces to include, finishing the new brochure that has been in the works for months, and keeping my efforts focused on the end goal; Showing and Sharing my LoveLights.

'Kasia I Am' (c) 2009 Kasia

This mandala  'Kasia, I Am', is my new logo.  I intend to use it on my business cards and notepads, etc.  If you'll look closely, you will find my name in purple around the center red/purple 'I AM'.  I used the green background color for it's healing energy and fresh spring-like appeal.  Embedding names and words into the LoveLights is the focus of my newest work.  What do you think?

Family Vacation

Dear Ones ~

The days (weeks) flew by since my last post.  The bonspiel at Alpine Curling Club with Jerry and Chris was a lot of fun.  We played our best and had some really great games, but in the end we came home without any trophies.  Sorry about that Skip, maybe next time.  One of the best features of bonspieling is the socializing with the friends that we have made through the years.  Chatting with my friend Darcie, who I only see once a year at this event, was a highlight.  The week after our curling weekend was spent in a frenzy of  last minute details in preparation for our family vacation.

Several years ago, Ron and I decided that instead of a party to celebrate our 40th Anniversary, we would like to make a family memory by taking a vacation together.  At the time we first made this pledge, we did not have any grandchildren and were thinking of a European vacation with our adult children and their spouses.  As the years went by, our little ones arrived to fill out the family tree and changed our travel plans.  Now we were considering traveling with a 5, 3, and 2 year old and a 7 month old!  What could we possibly do that would accommodate everyone?  After a month of research, we decided on a Western Caribbean Cruise aboard the Disney Magic!  We made the grand announcement of this plan at Christmas.  That gave everyone several weeks of happy anticipation.

 

Even though our anniversary is actually in August, the winter snows of Wisconsin made the thought of sunshine and beaches even more appealing in the month of February.  So it was decided that we set sail on Feb. 6th from Port Canaveral.  We then visited Key West, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Castaway Cay with a couple of days at Sea thrown in for relaxation.  

The kids were enthralled with the Disney characters, the stage shows, and especially the Mickey Mouse Pool.  We agreed prior to leaving home that we wouldn't try to stay together every minute.  Each family could do their own thing,  but we were to meet at dinner to share our events of the day.  As it turned out, we usually found each other around the pool deck and spent a good deal of time together taking turns watching the children and running for snacks.  We shared a lot of laughs and made some memories for which we will have stories to last my lifetime.  It was GRAND!  The whole week exceeded my wildest expectations.

The children were very well behaved.  We are proud  not only of them, but of their parents as well.  The youngest, Gavin, was especially easy going and adapted to sleeping in his stroller in the middle of all the noise.  Precious!                                                   

One night, in the dining room, we were surprised with a cake to celebrate our special occasion.  Served shortly after we had finished our dessert, we took it back to our stateroom and ate it for breakfast the next day.  Mmmmm - - - yunmmy!

 We did incur a bit of an adventure on our return home.  I'll save those details for another post after I have an opportunity to upload more of my photos.  (Sometimes one look is worth a thousand words.)  Let me just say that DREAMS really DO come true if your heart is in your dream!  And for that fact, I am eternally grateful~

Until next time,

Love & Light ~

Kasia

Gratitude

It's Thanksgiving Day in the USA.  As I reflect on all the blessings that have come my way in this past year, I cannot help myself  from being consumed with JOY!  Among the many blessings for which I give thanks, Grandchildren have to be near the top of the list.  Little Gavin Mathew joined our family in June.  He is such a good boy.  We rarely have heard him cry.  He sleeps like an angel and awakes with a smile on his face.  Just a very pleasant, beautiful soul.  He joins his sister Morgan Luella and cousins Nolan Reinhold and Tatum Marie to complete the jewels in the crown of  my Life.  Family is so very important to me.  These little "angel babies" light up my life with unconditional love and laughter and inspire me to play and create colorful art.  I'm looking forward to seeing them today.  I wish you a day of Thanksgiving, Peace and Joy with your loved ones.  Let's treasure our precious moments.  Oh, and by the way, I am extremely grateful for YOU, the reader of my posts.

Inspiration

Sources of inspiration come as a blessing at times, surprisingly, from out of nowhere. Inspiration could arrive with a beautiful hand dyed fabric or in viewing the artwork of the children which is found hanging in the local grade school.  I  never really know for sure when an idea for a new creation might appear.

"LoveLight Nolan" was inspired by the name of our first born grandchild.  This little angel baby stirred such a love that only another grandmother could know.  I wanted to create something really special for him to remember his Kasia.

Fabric gifted from fiber artist Cindi Huss was deemed special enough to meet the creative needs of this new art piece.  The hand dyed fabric hung on the design wall for months waiting for inspiration to arrive with just the right design to bring it to life.  One day, while taking an open art studio class, I wandered through the hallways of the elementary school where the class was being held, and was instantly inspired by the kaleidoscope designs of the children's names.  The idea struck me like a lightening bolt that it would be fun to attempt to re-create this idea using fabric instead of paper.  That's the day that the"What's in a Name?" or  "Hidden Messages" LoveLights were conceived.  I immediately started playing with paper stencils to form the name mandala in the center of the dyed fabric kaleidoscope.

Playing with Cindi's fabric and auditioning others to compliment it, I came up with what I thought would be a good choice.  When I took the leap of faith to layer, stitch, and  finally cut into the layers of fabric, I had no idea what the final design might look like.  As the piece evolved, you can only imagine the awe that I felt when it finally emerged and revealed itself to me.

Here is the finished inspired piece that I feel is worthy of the name Nolan.  Can you find his name in the design?  Not everyone will be able to see it, but that's what makes this Art so intriguing, in my opinion. 

Enjoy ~

Until next time, Be Well!