YES!
During a recent trip to an historical little bed & breakfast near Savannah, the “most haunted city in America”, my husband and I saw a ghost. And it wasn’t during a ghost tour or walk through a haunted cemetery or during a seance. The encounter happened while unassumingly relaxing out on the inn’s back porch. If we would have thought we might see a ghost, we would have had our cameras on standby. If we thought we would see a ghost, we wouldn’t have been chatting away. But this ghost sighting came out of nowhere and surprised us with its uncanny, inexplicable appearance.

Here’s a sketch of what we saw–the experience left an indelible impression in my brain and I just had to get it down on paper!

sketch of the eyewitness account of what we saw

And here is my husband’s account of what happened:
“It looked like smoke or mist. It appeared to come from a window at the opposite end of the porch. It exited the window area and swirled around in a a very cohesive manner, much like the vortex of a flushing toilet, and then dissipated in the space of a second or two. We thought it might be someone smoking in that room, but when we checked the window, we found it closed and there was no obvious source of its origination.”~Kort

It was like nothing I’ve seen before and it was every bit captivating! No, there was no fog in the air, or smoke, or exhaust or any other potential explanation for the ecto mist’s appearance. It was a rather clear late Tuesday afternoon, with activity at the inn being nearly non-existent that time of day. Well, except for the ghosts.  My husband asked a paranormal investigator-friend about the incident and he congratulated us for having witnessed “quantum fog”. I’m not sure if it was a “quantum fog” or an ectoplasmic mist or another anomaly with a scientific term attached to it. It almost seemed like the mist was trying to communicate or manifest into something, but then quickly disappeared leaving no trace of its visitation.

The inn used to be a hospital day-room for Fort Screven on Tybee Island, GA. People with battle wounds were brought in by a train that ran behind the structure. Those that died were transferred to the basement, serving as a temporary morgue. The inn had an odd vibe–hard to describe. It wasn’t a scary or uncomfortable place, but it did feel endowed with an inexplicable energy. There were other strange happenings like our porch door blowing open when there wasn’t any wind, or our phone having receiving strange garbled, cryptic messages on it (we hardly ever get cell phone messages because we only use it for emergency purposes and never give out our number), or things that went thump on the roof.

Another ghost sighting happened at The Pirates’ House in Savannah. The Pirates’ House is an 18th century seafarer’s inn, where pirates and sailors gathered, drank and exchanged tales of the high seas. Captain Flint of Treasure Island fame is said to have died in one of the rooms with Billy Bones by his side. The inn was converted to a restaurant, but much of the basic structure remains intact.

Why did we choose to dine there? We’re not sure. We saw it and felt compelled to go inside. Out of all the restaurants that populate the great historic city, here we decided to patron a wooden structure that stood in a rather unglamorous section of town. As soon as we walked in, we could feel a pervading heaviness. Pockets of decay assaulted our olfactory lobes as we weaved our way around the restaurant. The strange smell/air was especially concentrated near thresholds to other levels. Kort took some pictures and we left feeling sated and relieved to be back outside in the fresh, rain soaked air.
It wasn’t until Kort uploaded photos to Facebook that another ghost enthusiast (thank you, Nefer!) spotted the face in the window. Take a look for yourself. This is the actual photo–no touching up or special effects (we couldn’t make it look that real if we tried). We ourselves didn’t even realize this ghost was looking right at us when the photo was taken. To me, while we were there, the glass appeared completely transparent and void of any ecto fog. There was also a face in the seat in front of us, but it might have just been part of the wood grain. What do you think?

This trip is not my first ghost encounter but it certainly reinforces what I believe about multiple dimensions and that fine veil between what we perceive as “real” and what is real. If you’re a paranormal investigator, I would appreciate any help/assistance regarding these events.

Much of what I do as an artist is to try and make sense of the world. The images come from dreams, they encompass feelings, and derive from the unconscious–perhaps a place that is receiving messages from “the other side”. Much of my fascination and compulsion to depict and explore “fantasy” is not to provide myself with escapism but to help find my way through a tangle of persistent mystery. This painting depicts creatures I have been seeing in my dreams all of my life. I can’t figure them out, but they do fit a profile found in spirit lore. The only difference is that the ones I see in my dreams always emit a reverberating hum, like they’re alerting me to something profoundly important. Maybe someday I will be able to decode their message, but for now, I will have to be satisfied with exploring them further through paint and brush.

~Lisa

I have grown accustomed to working alone in my studio (thus the name “Studio Hermit”), with only the company of NPR, music, and Timmy the cat aka “Studio Buddy” being the potential distractions to an otherwise intense environment. It never dawned on me to ask my 9 year-old artistically inclined son to join me in my sanctuary of creative outpourings.

After receiving a fateful call from Connor’s writing teacher, I began to see the light. Despite Connor’s history of scholastic underachievement, his writing teacher expressed interest in Connor’s creative aptitudes and offered him the chance to have his own writing corner in her classroom. In Connor’s own words, “My teacher told me that I have permission to draw on my narrative writing papers… I like making up my own stories!”. Having long since been designated a child with “attention issues”, this veteran teacher recognized that Connor thrives when given personal space. And from Connor’s point of view, he feels he’s finally being rewarded for being a storyteller—with most of his papers reflecting fantastical exploration, dark and light and human drama. Connor is not afraid to express himself as an artist/writer, and he actually impresses all those around him with his innate ability to retrieve dynamic visions from a world that only he understands. A place that has his full obeisance and where no “attention issues” persist.

I never dismissed or tried to suppress these inclinations (though I was worried about his tendency to either get As or Fs—depending on the day), but I never thought that art/writing may actually be his calling. I know, this warrants a big “duh” from my audience given his genetic predisposition, but having experienced firsthand the stigmas and challenges associated with being an artist, I was somewhat loathe to promote his gifts. I of all people should know that if you are born an artist and/or writer, you are an artist and/or writer—and there really is no stopping the impulse for creative expression.

I have to admit, Connor reminds me so much of myself in so many ways. No one could stop me either.

Ace of Wands: The Fairy Tale Tarot

So I asked him: “Would you like to move your desk into Mommy’s studio?”. Connor must have done double flips—it was as if he had been waiting for this invitation all of his young life. And then he rapturously declared “I’ll be your apprentice and you’ll be Mommy Master!”.  In some ways he already has been, having posed for a few of my fairy tale paintings and having witnessed me at work for as long as he can remember.

Connor posing for Goldilocks. Connor at age 4 watching his tired mom paint.

We moved his desk from downstairs to my hideaway on the second floor and around the corner. It’s official — he is now a resident artist! Since the move, something has happened to Connor. He is eagerly taking drawing lessons from me (having grasped the basics of perspective with amazing acuity) and is the quietest, most concentrated studio companion an artist can have. He has embraced the studio zone.

Connor was always happiest drawing

His material is taking on a new dimension, fostered by his newly found confidence and pride with a title like “studio artist”. His work is vastly different than my own, as he gravitates to robotic design and graphic narratives—filling page after page with storytelling panels complete with blurbs, onomatopoeias and dynamic visuals. His graphic novels are somewhat crude but full of action and moral-driving raconteur. No one taught him how to do this—he just does them.

a montage of some of Connor's creations (before drawing lessons)

Connor is intent on bringing a new level of technical facility to his work and wants to make his worlds appear more real and tangible as he sees them in his own mind. He has an insatiable desire to learn and get better. He has declared more than once that it is his dream to go to art school. Is it my dream for him? No, I was hoping he would pursue engineering or medicine or anything that I perceive might be the easier “conventional” path. But then again, what does that really mean? Nothing is easy if you don’t have your heart in it. I pursued the arts because I HAD to—and weathered all kinds of challenges to remain true to myself. I think Connor should to be true to himself too.

“Listening to your dreams can provide you with the motivation needed to open yourself up to new experiences. If you track your inner voice and follow your instincts, you can prevail against the inevitable challenges that will test your spirit.” ~ From The Fairy Tale Tarot companion book, Once Upon a Time.

And what has ensued? Connor is happier. Connor is more confident. A girl in his class told him “Connor, you’re really smart” (he was all smiles when I picked him up from school after that), and he has already become more focused on homework and intent on achieving those elusive straight As. He needed this boost and now he’s on a mission. Homework must be completed before he can indulge in his creative exploits and it DOES get done because he has an art goal. Though his expository writing assignments do carry over into studio time, there is no need to completely separate academics from play. Maybe he can learn to merge the two and excel at both (the way I did later on). A mom can be hopeful. For now, I will trust my heart and nurture the artist that is my son. Stay tuned!

~ Lisa

Now a fairy tale-loving mama like myself was delighted to learn that fairy tales are alive and well in school curricula! And given my son’s penchant for drawing, though he prefers to render robots to maidens-in-distress, this was just the homework project that would hold his distracted brain captive for more than five minutes. And he thoroughly enjoyed himself as he drew the protagonist encountering all manner of challenges. It really wasn’t so different than the themes he visits through his robot stories: the basic emotions and elements of virtue, good versus evil, and a triumphant ending were all there.

I’m hoping the Cinderella assignment has finally helped him to embrace these wondrous stories as true treasures of the imagination. Maybe they will even assimilate into his own unique creative journey as he continues to crank out his robot stories. Who knows?  But I would like to think that even on a subconscious level, they will influence his narratives in a positive way, making for rich storytelling. I know they have inspired me!

In honor of his school assignment, I am posting a few Cinderella-like images that appear in The Fairy Tale Tarot. I must deliver a big thank you to Connor’s amazing 3rd grade teacher, Ms. Quintero!

Here are paintings representing the Brazilian story “Why the Sea Moans” and the English “Cap O Rushes”. Both tales utilize uncannily similar motifs (even though the stories originated from disparate cultures) suggesting that they are variants of Cinderella and arguably extensions of the collective unconscious.

Fairy Godmother

“Cinderella-like tales are probably the most common. The earliest version was recorded in China around AD 850-860 (Warner, 202). Similar tales such as The Goose Girl and Cap O Rushes concern the banishment of the heroine, a storyline found in almost every culture around the world.” ~From the Fairy Tale companion book Once Upon a Time.

And how about you, friends? Has a fairy tale story inspired you along your journey?

~Lisa

Meeeeeow - The Amazing Timmy!

As many of you may already know via twitter and facebook, my beloved cat and faithful model for many paintings was recently the victim of a senseless crime. Though I’ve always been hesitant to let my kitties outside, there was something about Timmy that made us acquiesce to his desire. He loves to sit out front by my flowers, drinking in the sights and smells from his little patch of habitat.

Timmy is not your typical cat. He is a charming feline to all those who make his acquaintance. He possesses a playful lightheartedness and appears void of aggression or hostility towards anything regardless of what the natural order of things tends to dictate. Birds, ducks, frogs, lizards and all manner of animals would meander by his spot without taking much notice. It’s as though other animals can sense Timmy’s placidity and feel safe in his calm presence. I have a feeling he delights in visitors from the wild and takes pleasure observing his fellow animals. Lots of humans know Timmy as well. Even my community manager gushed about his particularly good-natured temperament after she had stopped by. Timmy is especially gentle with children and seems to connect with their innocent puerile antics. Whenever my kids rode their bikes or did chalk drawings on the driveway, their old faithful furry buddy would roll around near them as if he too was in recess mode.

Connor Talking & Timmy Listening

Timmy was a known fixture in my front yard…perhaps making him a vulnerable target. One day we noticed something was wrong. His left eye became swollen and his usual spunk gave way to extended lethargy. Our first thought was that he had been stung, or had a toothache, or had a stroke. We were not prepared for what came next.

When the vet called with x-ray results, it was as though someone had punched me in the stomach. Lodged in his occipital bone area (just missing his eyeball) was a BB gun pellet. This shocked everyone, even the vet. The fact that it had penetrated his face made the vet think it had occurred close range and was the result of pure maliciousness. I could not fathom why and how anyone would have done this to such a loving animal. The vet hypothesized that Timmy’s overt friendliness had put him at risk. “Timmy is such a sweet friendly cat, he may have gone right up to his attacker oblivious to the danger before he was shot.” We were devastated! Even the officer who took the police report shook his head and seemed genuinely disturbed by the incident.

Dick Whittington's Cat - concept sketches

Timmy is now indoors (permanently) and in great spirits. As much as he loves the outdoors, we’re not taking any chances. He is as loving as ever and has been enjoying his convalesce and the copious love that is being showered on him. We feel optimistic that he will be okay. Hopefully over time, we will all heal from the sadness of what happened and appreciate our dear fuzzy friend that much more for the remainder of his years.

These images are my way of honoring an important member of my family.

Timmy as the Magician card (winded cat) for Fantastical Creatures Tarot

Timmy as Puss in Boots (Mentor card) & Dick Whittington's Cat (Prince of Wands) in the Fairy Tale Tarot

~ Lisa
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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

Little Red Riding Hood Sketches

This past week was one that tested my will and made me look upon the arena of positive thinking with skepticism. I had someone attempt to exploit me while someone else exhibited irrational behavior that resulted in inexplicable actions. I thought to myself,“Is the world going crazy?”. In both situations, I trusted and believed. I had faith in the goodness of others. But that faith was shaken when the rug was pulled out from under my vulnerable being and I was left to question the validity of my own supposed good judgment. Intuition had let me down.

The Fool - Little Red Riding Hood B&W

I thought I was following the path, aligned with floral sanguinity when suddenly the big bad wolf emerged. And this wolf was not good. He was ravenous and potentially harmful. I did not see the indiscretions that lurked just beyond the shadows, but rather continued along my merry way assuming that all was right with the world. Once again, I’m reminded that the path does have the occasional beast, waiting to pounce on the unsuspecting. But do you know what? Despite these unexpected trials, I find myself looking down the path with the same optimism that has always possessed me. Instead of allowing shadows to overwhelm and obscure my journey, I’m able to decipher the good that lay beyond the immediacy of adversity. I’m able to see that it is the monsters along the way that help us to become more creative and defiant travelers. And at the end of momentary darkness and emotional paralyses, I am able to see the light and how important it is to never relinquish the innocence that is our adventurous spirit. If we allow ourselves to lose hope when the shadows grow large upon us, we will be swallowed up by darkness. And in order to proceed down the path of growth and self-awareness, we must try to discern the light. I believe in the light, the good. And by believing in those things, I can create my own illumination as I proceed forward on this journey that is called life.

The Fool - Little Red Riding Hood Color

In Little Red Riding Hood (as the Fool card) the Wolf represents the shadow: our wild untamed nature. It is “the devouring” and has the ability to keep us in the dark, but it can also serve to help us become more aware of ourselves.

Kort & Connor, the model for Little Red. TKD test Feb. 09.

When traveling down the path of life, there is the possibility of encountering dark forces that may lurk in the shadows. The path is full of unknowns and as we wander down the trail, our adventurous spirits will help us cross into thresholds of new possibilities. But be aware of tricksters that may cross your path along the way—tricksters that may test your spirit but may also help to facilitate growth, compassion and deeper understanding.

~Lisa