The Little Mermaid, Princess of Cups - Early sketch

Usually I’m the conversationalist, the girl who engages herself in the free flowing exchange of ideas, happily segueing from one topic into another with tangential inflections in between. As a former art college teacher, the balance of talking and listening was a wonderful exercise in human interaction.

The Little Mermaid, Princess of Cups - final sketch

Now I was the quiet observer and instead of being enslaved by a protraction of oral recitations, I found just listening to be strangely freeing. Though I couldn’t talk, I could gesticulate and express myself in other ways, a good reminder of the nuances that we tend to take for granted. To smile, put a hand on a shoulder, to hug, pause and look people in the eyes; subtle deliveries full of human sensitivity, compassion and nurturing—universal expressions that transcend language. The good handshake can speak volumes and a smile is wonderfully contagious. I don’t think losing my voice had been a nuisance. Rather it has helped me to be more demonstrative in important, meaningful ways.

The Little Mermaid, Princess of Cups - B&W Drawing

This week I’ve chosen the Little Mermaid (Princess of Cups). This was a piece that flowed like the powerful waves sweeping over the drowning prince. My paintbrush had a voice of its own and spread the watercolor washes with gratifying effect. As I continued painting, everything about the piece felt animated; with the Little Mermaid, prince and sea all coming together in a confluence of divine energy. All the while, the dawning sun emblazons the scene with warmth that hints of what is to come.

The Little Mermaid, Princess of Cups - Final Painting

Be open to the messages of others as you connect with your heart. Listen, feel and show how you feel. And remember, always help others to shine.

~Lisa

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Summer Queen Doodles

Despite the challenges of strange climactic anomalies, I’ve been tending to my “garden of surprises”. It’s my little patch of organic nurturance, mixed with offerings from my kitchen compost. Here is where I plant seeds and watch seeds plant themselves. On one end, I have my seed-germinated tomatoes—and to all those who garden, you know there is nothing like a fresh tomato from your own labors, especially when grown from delicate seed. 

On the other end of my garden is where providence happens. I mix compost in with my soil and wait to see what comes up. Right now, I have a fruit-laden papaya tree, squash, tomatoes  and what I think might be potato plants having self-germinated from scraps. These unexpected guests are settling into that space that they’ve claimed as their own. And you know what? The plants are getting along with one another! Oh, the garden offers so many wise lessons.

Summer Queen Drawing

I love having my planned garden juxtaposing Mother Earth’s spring specials. I never know what she is going to come up with, but she’s obviously grateful that nothing is wasted, and all is returned to whence it came. And for that, I’m rewarded with a sense of renewal and an interesting mix of edibles.

*****
The Canadian tale of the Summer Queen is one of the less known inclusions in my deck. It is a beautiful story and one that was destined to be the Queen of Pentacles card. I stumbled on a translation quite by chance and had immediate visions for the potential card art.

Summer Queen Painting

If you study the image, you will see that it is a card of polarity and balance, something that has come up in recent tarot conversations (Thank you, Arwen Lynch). The Summer Queen, as the earth mother, presides over the land, yet her presence is complimented by the cold earth waking up from its winter-induced nap. Slowly, everything comes alive under the warm presence of Summer Queen’s vibrant appearance. She holds an orb of energy, has flowers cascading from her hair, butterflies symbolize renewal and geese fly to the sun. This is a card that makes me feel good. She’s reassuring but realistic. She is not eradicating winter, but she is part of a larger cycle that must include rest before activity can resume.  And what a wonderful thing it is to wake up to the sounds and scents of spring after a long winter respite. Don’t you think?

Lisa Gardening

Lisa in her Garden

~ Lisa