The kit includes: A high quality signed archival print with a certificate of authenticity, a GST tarot deck signed on both the box cover and the little white book or "LWB", a signed "extra" card, and a custom original colored pencil drawing using a keyword of your choice. Everything is wrapped with loving care to assure safe delivery.

I’m offering a Ghosts & Spirits Tarot limited edition kit numbered 25. As of this writing, nearly 10 orders have been placed by individuals from as far away as Thailand. I’m always excited to put packages of my art creations together for people. For the custom colored-pencil drawings, the keywords so far have included: raven, enchantment, cat, Rainbow Bridge, dreamer and reincarnation. I don’t pre-plan these pieces, but allow the automatic function of my subconscious to deliver the image or mental “impression” onto the page. The results are undiluted energies that reflect the unfettered creative spirit. I love making art and hope the recipients will connect with these snippets of vivacity.

"Enchantment", "Rainbow Bridge" and "Raven". These "impressions" were rendered using colored-pencil on cold-press watercolor paper.

The print is of excellent quality and perfectly captures the richness of the original paintings. I’m quite pleased with the quality of the paper and inks and thank Kort (hubby and assistant) for designing the layout of the images. Also, the Ghosts & Spirits Tarot deck feels nice and sturdy in the hand. I’m happy with the results and hope you will be too! If you would like to order a limited edition Ghosts & Spirits Tarot kit, visit Lisa’s Ghosts & Spirits Tarot page for availability and ordering information. Please be sure to include a keyword for the “Impressions” drawing.

***

Meanwhile, I finally finished the Grouse-Shapeshifter watercolor painting. I posted the initial sketch back in December, but allowed this piece to rest until I felt compelled to tackle the rather challenging subject matter. After spying the finished drawing from the corner of my studio, feelings of guilt started penetrating my internal muse. I couldn’t ignore the grouse any longer. I picked up the art board, placed it in on my art table and got immediately hooked. Once I started painting, that was it. I lost myself to the drumbeat of the intriguing forest dweller and felt myself yearning to bring it to vivid life.

It took a long time to capture depth and detail. I don’t know if it was the watercolor paper’s sizing (or if it was because I let the stretched paper sit around for months), but the surface kept sucking in the pigment as if the forest was thirsty. This made color application somewhat tedius, but the end result was a richness and warmth that really helped elevate the image’s luminosity.

sequence of painting-in-progress

Part of being a watercolorist is learning how to work with the unpredictable. For me, this is partially what makes the medium exciting! There is no erase or undo button, there is no opaque savior and there are no do-overs. You either get the medium to work with you or you don’t. I find it has a rather anthropomorphic quality to it—and feel that going-with-the-flow is the most effective relationship you can establish with these wonderful paints. In my humble opinion, if you don’t feel challenged or a wee bit on edge when using watercolors, you’re probably doing something wrong.

In other Hunt-Kramerville news:

May has been an exciting time for the kids: Kyra accepted her ‘Reflections’ art award with her other school-mates as our local Congressman Ted Deutch stood by. For those of you who have been following Hunt-Kramerville news, Kyra spent hours upon hours, days, weeks working on her “Sunset Sea” entry. We were so proud that she placed 2nd in her age group. Yeay Kyra!

Kyra and the other winners being recognized for their work. BTW, Kyra insisted on wearing a purple tu-tu to the event. Who am I to argue with an aspiring artist's wardrobe choice?

And here’s Kyra playing for the Spring piano recital at Lynn Preparatory. It’s the first time she admitted to having butterflies in her stomach before going on stage. The boy behind her cried his eyes out before entering the auditorium. I believe going on stage is a frightening prospect for most people and our usually confident 7 year old was no exception. I’m impressed with anyone who can perform in front of a live audience. Fortunately, once on stage, Kyra handled herself with complete composure, even when her music sheet flew off the piano. Watch the video to see her flawless catch. The “technical difficulties” are definitely grooming her for future performances.

Last but not least:

Connor, the more solitary artist (like his Mom).

I think this is kind of a cute piece, despite the typo.

~ Lisa 

Finished drawing of Hawk-Shapeshifter - graphite on watercolor paper.

Vancouver-based author and bird expert, Lesley Morrison: "Learning to respond to your inner visions in the physical world is likewise something you will develop as you grow in hawk/falcon vision, as well as your ability to trust in that which you see."

Hawk-Shapeshifter is another piece that evolved rather spontaneously on the page. I began by drawing the head, using my friend Lesley Morrison as inspiration. Lesley expressed interest in being portrayed as hawk and the more I progressed through the drawing, the more I can see why it’s a good match for this bright, young woman. As I drew (in radiating motions from the face outward), it became apparent that this piece would encompass vistas and layers of landscapes—internal and external. I wanted to capture a sense of adventure, hope, creative thinking and optimism by merging feather, flight and inspiring glimpses through a daydreaming lens. To me, these are fundamental components for writers, artists, musicians and anyone who chooses a creative path.

“Hawk is considered a visionary in many cultural traditions, and is often a totem of those who have bold and original ideas. Those with a hawk totem have sharp minds and keen intellects, and are able to detect the slightest movement of energy around them. Many hawk totem people have acute psychic abilities, and have mastered their inner vision by trusting what they see. Part of the visionary power of the hawk totem is using its power to help the world in some creative way”~Lesley Morrison from her book: The Healing Wisdom of Birds: An Everyday Guide to Their Spiritual Songs & Symbolism (I highly recommend this book!).

Are you a hawk totem person? Are you helping the world in some creative way? Are you learning to let go and trust what you see?

In other Hunt-Kramerville news.

We have given our house a name! For those of you who have ever visited my home or who have glimpsed pictures of “cozy corners”, our home is our fairy tale sanctuary.

Here we believe that creativity is essential for an inspiring life.

We all love toys including Timmy. We encourage imaginative play and enjoy watching kids and cat engage their storytelling senses.

Art follows all of us everywhere, even out on the driveway.

Who need video games and expensive gadgets when you can just give 'em chalk!

Here's Connor drawing one of his amorphous characters.

Some of the kids' chalk drawings

Meanwhile, us parents sit on the sidelines and watch the chalk show!

And what does Connor do to relax and recharge his batteries? Well, draw of course. I truly believe my preteen processes his anxieties through this creative outlet. Anyone who knows Connor says he’s a “great kid” though some might think otherwise if they judged him by his “scary” drawings!

This is Connor's latest artistic direction. He calls this one "Combobulator".

And here’s Kyra with her latest school project. She was required to choose a famous woman in History and decorate a can in the woman’s likeness. Kyra went “overboard” and created an entire scene including a panoramic landscape painting inspired by the art and writings of Beatrix Potter. Kyra had read the entire Beatrix Potter “Little Books” collection in addition to her requisite biographical research.

Kyra's love for Beatrix Potter shined through her creative efforts.

Art is life! Treat everything you do as if it’s a new adventure.

~ Lisa

Watercolor painting-in-progress: Robin-Shapeshifter

No, none of us were instant rock stars. Our success is an ongoing journey where evidence of our wayfaring hopefully runs deep into the roots of lasting impressions. The successful people I most admire are those that keep on trekking without looking over their shoulder; those who elevate others in the process and who see “competition” as inspiration rather than a source of contention or an aberration. I’ve always thought and said, (especially while I was a teacher) “Be who YOU are and don’t worry about what you think you have to be!”. Make your own mark and people will notice by default.

Lisa in the early 1990's

Lauren Mills, award winning author/illustrator of children’s books, sculptor, painter, and instructor

Jeffrey Zurawin, A.P., D.O.M, Acupuncture Physician and Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Owner, Lifegate Acupuncture

Tara Larsen Chang, Children’s book illustrator,  Event Organizer for TLC Workshops/Professional Art Series

Gary Lippincott, Gary A. Lippincott, Artist & Illustrator specializing in fantasy and historical Illustration and children’s books

Joanna Powell Colbert, Artist ~ Writer ~ Teacher

"Stroll into a Fairy Tale" by Kort Kramer

Sell sheet for Ghosts and Spirits Tarot. To be published in April 2012

Connor created a cool 3-D Animal Cell Project for Science class. It was a good review for us rusty-brained parents too. I almost forgot what Mitochondria was! Thanks Connor.

Kyra did a timeline report on one of her favorite Jazz singers, Billie Holiday. I highly recommend you search "Fine and Mellow" on YouTube to get a taste of live Cool Blues/Jazz of the 1950s at its finest.

She was also chosen "Super Star Student" and was allowed to take home the class mascot "Coconut" home for the weekend. Part of her selection required that she/we create a poster of her achievements and snapshots from her life and family. Coconut approved.

~ Lisa

The Specter Bridegroom from Ghosts & Spirits Tarot

I love the piano. To me, the keys are allegorical. They are emotive, mysterious, scary and can be a girl’s best friend. They can feel hard and cold, slippery and wet, warm and soft–all depending on what is being played and how it’s being played. I’ve cried tears on the keys and have stroked them with affection. They help bring mind, soul and hands to a place where musical narratives can flow with their cleansing tendencies. In German, this is called “Seele waschen” or soul washing. It’s the seele waschen that has kept me from completely abandoning my relationship with the piano. Even when I wasn’t playing it (sometimes years between), I would listen to its soft whispers in my mind. Piano has always been there with me, through everything I’ve done in life.

I was fortunate enough to have classical training as a child with a music professor whose own son started at the same time and went on to Juilliard and beyond. He was committed. I was the rebel. He had the discipline. I had preoccupations. He went on to be a great pianist. I rejected the instrument by 14 thinking how clever I was to do so. I turned my back on the piano–I had “piano hands”, “a good ear”, an aptitude at the start, but I wanted to be emancipated from the practicing regimen and lost sight of the piano’s purpose in my life.

This is only a half truth. What really happened? In the eight grade, I auditioned for a talent show doing keyboards with my friends Mike and Maura on vocals. The performance was a disaster and I swore to myself that I would never play in front of people again.

and I didn’t.

Until now, 30 years later.

I had dabbled on piano over the years, but it was largely ignored until my own daughter started playing with an intensity that brought me back to an innocent time of being the enthusiastic student who wanted to learn how to play. Those feelings, the yearning to learn, grow and feel something awesome as one plays flooded me with an unexpected reawakening. I knew what I had to do.

I restarted piano lessons and fell madly in love with the learning process. I was now the fool with her piano and it felt wonderful to be reunited with my old friend.

Here I am practicing at home. The glasses are just for fun:

Just four months after my first lesson, I was performing in front of a roomful of mostly strangers. My playing was not great as the piano had a few more lessons to teach me: humility and respect. Just because I thought I knew my pieces and thought I played good enough doesn’t mean the piano keys were going to completely cooperate when it had to. My brain took momentary vacations between measures and my fingers decided to engage in interludes of abstraction. At one point, I went completely blank–forgetting everything I knew about piano. Has that ever happened to you? The dreaded disconnect between mind and hands did happen while I was playing in front of a room full of curious people, but somehow my soul held it together. I kept going on and didn’t give up. I showed the piano that I had fortitude and that I wasn’t going to cower to self perceived failure. I was determined to finish what I started no matter what.

Here I am performing at my first recital ever, mistakes and all:

I finished to loud applause and got a big hug from my teacher. I think the fact that I made it through was enough to generate support from the kind strangers who bore witness to my tenacity.  I had the courage to face the piano as a new, old student without losing myself along the way. One woman even came up to me and told me how great she thought I was and she herself had thought about playing again. Can it be that maybe just maybe I had inspired her? If that is true, then it was SO worth going up there as the fool and her intrepid piano playing. I’d like to think that I’ve inspired my daughter as well. Hopefully she will get past the age 14-hump 8 years from now and realize that sticking to it is the clever thing to do.

My brilliant teacher told me that stage fright is like a naughty phantom. When it happens, it’s an invaluable experience. “It is like an initiation ceremony for the stage”. She is already talking about the next time I go through it as if the “naughty stage fright phantom” is a permanent fixture on the stage, so to speak. Instead of pretending it’s not there, one must be prepared to deal with it!

With that said, I’m sticking to it with no intentions of ever straying from my musical path again. Fortunately, I found a kindred spirit in my amazing teacher and friend Sivabruntha, who has been undyingly supportive and encouraging of me. I will blog along the way, through tangled wood and smooth riding pathways. Music is art and art is music. I don’t do art and music perfectly, but I have the passion to do it and that is what is really important. As my friend Patrick Valenza recently told me: “It’s the process, not the outcome”. Well said, my friend.

Innocence (The Fool), Growth, Strength, and The Star. Artwork from The Fairy Tale Tarot, Shapeshifter Tarot & Celtic Dragon Tarot

Have any of you experienced stage fright? I would love to hear your stories.

~Lisa

While working on this, I wrote down all kinds of words (as you can see on the paper hand rest in the video) that flooded my mind. Here is a list of the unedited stream of consciousness I jotted down between pencil strokes. These are unedited and reflect what I was feeling at the moment and not how I necessarily feel all of the time.

To be courageous in art, one should not censor the psyche

Don’t be afraid to expose the unseen

Art is part logic, part insanity

Some art requires courage to execute

Art reveals pain

Art speaks without verbalizing

Art is the unadorned soul

Art is menacing

Art reveals that which is not obvious

Art exposes the ineffable

It’s courageous to draw that which you fear

Art can be ugly

Art is 2% creativity, 98% intuitive impulse

Courage + Art= Penetrating

***
Thank you for watching.
~Lisa

The other day, we found a shivering baby bird on our front step. We looked up at the nest built over one of our hurricane shutters and assumed the worst. We gently picked up the fragile creature and examined it for injuries. Miraculously, other than being half-scared-to-death, it looked fine! Putting it back into the impossibly high nest was out of the question, so we decided to bring it inside for the night in fear that a predator would see it as a convenient meal.

Our family felt such sadness because we honestly didn’t think it would survive, but there is something about a distressed animal that brings out kindness and hope in most people. We had to try and save it.

“Birdie” was panting and shaking, but soon warmed up to us. She reacted positively to my 5 year old cooing at it and seemed content to be snug and dry in a makeshift nest that we made with whatever we had on hand.  Feeling helpless, we called a wildlife specialist and were instructed to return it to the same area where the  parents would be looking for it. At first I felt skeptical assuming the parents would have given up on its baby.

We put it in one of our planters, where it would have some shelter from the elements. As distracting as it was, I kept peeking out at Birdie, praying and hoping for that imminent reunion. Sure enough, the wildlife specialist was right! We spied two doves looking down at Birdie from the rooftop next door (at least now we knew what kind of bird it was).

I checked on Birdie and saw that it was pooping up a storm, so it must have been getting the parental attention it needed. But by nightfall it was still in the planter. Even though it was sprier, preening and trying to spread its tiny wings, we felt it prudent to bring her back inside for the night (where we live, the night creatures rule the land). The next morning, it almost seemed as if Birdie had grown overnight. It was wide eyed and respondent and no longer panted in our presence. We put it back into the planter while mom and dad were waiting nearby. Then we happily saw one of the doves feeding the baby. I cannot even begin to describe the joy I felt when I finally heard it chirping—it felt wonderful knowing that this precious life had a chance (and a voice) despite all the odds against it.

While caring for Birdie, I couldn’t help but reflect on Thumbelina and her desire to help the dying swallow in the tunnel. Everyone around her was dismissive of the creature, but Thumbelina was determined to nurse it back to health. She carefully gave it water and covered it with a straw blanket, tending to her new friend until it was well enough to fly again. Thumbelina saved the swallow and in turn the swallow saved Thumbelina.

Princess of Swords from The Fairy Tale Tarot

What can we learn from this? Birdie gave us a gift. It reminded us how precious every single life is and how much each creature contributes to our fragile ego system. The doves that we hear cooing around our house are nothing short of nature’s own brand of music. They add something to our every day and are reminders of the simple joys in life. Birdie didn’t give up hope on itself. Instead of languishing and dying like we feared it would, it survived and thrived and now has a chance to spread its wings and fly!

For me, this experience was an auspicious one as well. The next project I’m working on after Ghosts & Spirits Tarot will be focusing on birds. Birdie’s spirit will definitely be part of my creative process as I honor these creatures with pencil and paintbrush.

~ Lisa

I’m delighted to be the recipient of so many positive responses to my fairy tale deck. As you know, this project is joy to me. It’s a summation of my creative life in every way—writer, artist, dreamer, lover of fairy tales and all the stories (real life and fantasy) along the way. It’s who I am and it delights me to no end thinking that these stories and art are captivating to others. My deep heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you!

Some generous spirits have emerged with photos and blogs showcasing The Fairy Tale Tarot. Here’s a picture of The Fairy Tale Tarot laid out in an inventive spread. The photo was provided by Hearthcricket, omnipresent member of Aeclectic Tarot and now a blogger herself. Check out her blog: faerymusings.blogspot.com

Here’s Hearthcricket’s “Storybook Spread” that she has generously shared with me:
You read the cards in the same order as you would read words on the page of a book, top to bottom, and then flip up to the next page.  The idea is to get the cards to flow and unfold into one story, thus the querent’s reading!

1   2      5   6
3   4      7   8

1&2 read together as the past events, both physical and emotional.
3&4 read together as the querent and the present situation.
5&6 read together as the obstacles one must overcome and actions to be taken.
7&8 read together as the path one should consider and the final outcome.

And here’s a wonderful blog dedicated to The Fairy Tale Tarot and fairy tales in general, started by Ginger. Her insightful posts and thoughtful interludes demonstrate the richness of these tales and how they can mean so many things to different people. This is one reason why I love fairy tales so much—they’re endlessly fascinating, poignant and thought provoking. And Ginger’s site is full of fairy tale candor that simply whets one’s palate for more…

enchantedfairytales

And if you missed it, here’s a wonderful review posted at the American Tarot Association site:

Lisa Hunt Talks Tarot Art

In further news, though I may be a self-proclaimed studio hermit, I’m emerging out of my shell to give two live radio blog interviews in September. It has been years since I’ve spoken in public (partially because of the all-consuming nature of this project!).  I’m excited (and a little anxious) to discuss the inspiring and riveting nature of The Fairy Tale Tarot project… and whatever else the interviewers decide to throw my way during these “live” appearances. It should be great fun!

First up, the Dawn and Laura show (9/14/2009 11:00 AM ):

www.blogtalkradio.com

And in September, I will have the chance to interview with Misha:

www.themixtalk.com

I hope you’ll be able to tune into both shows!

And finally, Llewellyn is going to have a wonderful giveaway: signed uncut press sheets of the deck. Here’s a photo of these frameable and collectible sheets. They’re highly sought after because of their rarity. Even I am only in possession of one or two of these “hot-off-the-press galleries” showcasing The Fairy Tale Tarot cards on one large poster-like sheet.

Here’s how you can win one of these coveted “posters”:
Llewellyn is going to have 3 drawings for Tarot Update subscribers and 3 Facebook, 3 Twitter contests. Be on the lookout for future announcements on Twitter and Facebook (follow/friend me to get the latest). And stay tuned right here for further details!

~ Lisa

Rumpelstiltskin Rough Sketch

How are you handling these challenging times? Personally, I try to focus on simplicity to help balance the complexity of modern life. I keep my tech acquisitions at a minimum –no laptop, no blackberry — content with a hand-me-down TV and aging cars. I maintain a healthy lifestyle, try to appreciate my family more, read more books and more letters and take my studio activities one day at a time. I try not to think about what I don’t have but rather all that I am blessed with. I have wishes, dreams and ambitions, …but as I get older they’re becoming modified. The only thing certain is the moment. I no longer think about the next train station. Rather, I’m happy with the one I’m at.

Simplicity helps me to deal with aspects of life that are unavoidably complicated and complication is everywhere! When burdens start to pollute my positive thinking, I find the best thing to do is let go and just be satisfied with knowing I’m doing the best I can. I’m not going to make the situation better by obsessing about those things I can’t control, but I can take pause, breathe and slowly tackle those dreaded items that need tending to without relinquishing a sense of well being.

Rumpelstiltskin Drawing

In the tale of Rumpelstiltskin, a poor miller made the fallacious claim that his daughter could spin straw into gold. When the King heard of her unique talents, he ordered her to his castle and commanded her to spin straw into gold or else she would die. The poor miller’s daughter was locked in a chamber piled high with straw not knowing what to do. Not knowing what to do until Rumpelstiltskin comes along that is.

Rumpelstiltskin Final Watercolor Painting

This card suggests that you feel smothered and weighed down–as though you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders with very little relief in sight. Be open to assistance and try to determine what you need to do to live in a more balanced manner.

From time to time, we may feel very “10 of Wands” — a card that suggests heavy burdens. Rather than being crushed under the heaviness of what we perceive as insurmountable trials and tribulations, sometimes we just need to take a breath, gather perspective and think of all the good things that are, before getting back to those aspects of life that present challenges.

~Lisa

(concept sketch)

In the Frost King, the story contrasts the virtuousness of the stepdaughter with the contemptuous “real” daughter (A similar theme also appears in the story Diamonds and Toads). Here the stepmother exploited the goodness of her stepchild before demanding that her husband, the father, take her to the wood and leave her for the Frost King. After an agonizing goodbye, the wretched girl was left by the stream without protective cover. It wasn’t long before the Frost King emerged from hiding, expecting to hear cold-induced moaning from his potential victim. But when he snapped his ice fingers and gnashed his teeth with tempting questions about the creeping cold, the girl responded sweetly that she was warm. The Frost King pulled back. He was so impressed with the girl’s uncomplaining nature that he covered her with a blanket and left her jewels.

Can you guess what happened next?
Well, the girl returned home with the treasure prompting her surprised stepmother to send her own daughter into the freezing wood. “Imagine what great gifts the Frost King will bestow on her!”
But when the Frost King approached the child, she was so miserable and ill tempered that he slowly froze her to death.
*******
Symbols

The resolute girl wears the color red, representing life. The hardness of the ice melts, echoing her own abilities to overcome the coldness of her surroundings. The Frost King is illuminated with warm spirals. He is there to summon respect and offer relief to a desperate situation. His bag contains the secrets of his power and wisdom. The crown, spiked with high-rising icicles is a symbol of his connection to higher thought processes. The tree is adorned with more spirals, symbols of hope for continuation.

~ Lisa

“To overcome difficulties is to experience the full delight of existence.”
~ Schopenhauer

Most readers of fairy tales will agree: without a quest or challenge, there wouldn’t be much of a story. If we just rolled from one passive day to the next without any input from the dark side, we would quickly languish into states of irrevocable apathy. But do not fear, there is no such thing as sustained bliss; the road of life is filled with potholes and puddles, ready to shake us out of contentment without notice. Just when you think you’re riding smoothly along, you suddenly get thrown off your horse. We’ve all felt the stings of those falls. And usually after dusting off from the blow, we climb right back in that saddle and continue through passageways of uncertainty. We have our survival instincts to thank for that, but we also have our intractable human spirit that has the ability to thrive under challenging circumstances. Still, despite our ability to endure great tests of will, sometimes we can be lead astray by potential defeat or simply lose focus along the way. This can amplify fear, the true monster lurking in the forest ready to swallow up dreams; and it reminds me of one of the articles we must recite in nearly every Taekwondo class:

“Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is the strength to overcome our fears.”

(photos from Lisa's black belt tes)

This is an important ingredient of any hero’s successful ride through hazardous terrain. Courage is the enabler of great feats! If we don’t let that fear monster overwhelm us, we’ll be okay.

Fairy tales serve a multi-tiered function. Not only are they entertaining narratives, but they are reassuring stories that serve to instill hope and possibilities in the face of extraordinary challenges. During the times these tales were told, people were imprisoned in caste systems, faced starvation, were reliant on the movement of the stars and the mercy of mother nature, and subject to all manner of day to day (and often life threatening) difficulties. This is the human condition and it still persists today. Therefore, we still need fairy tales! But under the shadows of stress and sadness awaits the resilient human spirit. Many big achievers rose from the ashes of a distilled society, where illusionary barriers were erected before unreachable glass ceilings. But it did not matter, the perspicacious hero remained transfixed by the possibility of reaching for his/her shining star, undaunted by the risks that would be an inevitable part of the courageous ride.

We can see a wonderful example of this in recent history. During the 2008 presidential season, former President Bill Clinton made a comment during Barack Obama’s quick ascendancy through the primaries: “This whole thing is the biggest fairy tale I’ve seen.” From my perspective, I thought that remark was a vote of confidence for then Senator Obama. We all know what happens in fairy tales! And we all know how the primaries ended! The unlikely hero conquers alleged insurmountable passes, confronts all manner of obstacles, trials and monsters along the way before finally embracing sweet victory. President-Elect Barack Obama traveled the classic hero’s journey from poverty and social uncertainty, through a primary rife with naysayers before becoming the much-celebrated future leader of the free world.

Fairy tales provide roadmaps for our dreams providing timeless messages that still resonate with us today. They expose the triumphant spirit and the possibilities that lie within everyone’s grasp no matter how unrealistic those dreams may seem.
*******

Dragons, monsters and beasts have always kept me company in my ever-active studio space (and I’m not only talking about my two rambunctious children). The Polish fairy tale Glass Mountain as 7 of Cups, one of my favorite tarot cards symbolically-speaking, provides a wonderful example of difficult climbs navigated by courage and determination. After several attempts by those that failed before him, the hero scales the glass mountain in hopes of a victorious outcome. He encounters all manner of unsavory situations including a ravenous giant bird, the smell of decaying bodies, and a fierce dragon who blocks his entryway to the castle. . .there sat an imposing, smoking dragon eyeing him hungrily. He blocked the path with its mighty tail and looked as though he intended to put an end to the brazen journeyer. The dragon is there to test the youth—it is an illusion and represents obstacles that prevent us from reaching our goals. But the story has a happy ending. The hero exercises courage, passes the test and a big celebration ensues.

If you can visualize your dreams, you have already given yourself the basic tools for turning those dreams into reality. Most of my own accomplishments started as pipe dreams: becoming a professional artist and writer (“starving artist” was part of that equation), getting my Masters degree in 18 months while juggling a full-time life, earning a Black Belt in Submission Taekwondo at almost 42 years of age (refer to my last blog entry) and many other challenging undertakings that required an unwavering belief and a strong sense of determination. These may seem like small feats to some people, but for me, they represent something profound and sacred—they’re part of my own hero’s journey driven by hopes, dreams and courage.

~ Lisa