Tag: #awakening

We Survived Another Holiday!

by Free Spirit Meg, posted in Photo Journal

It’s always weird when Christmas ends. You spend so much time preparing and leading up to it. There is the cleaning, cooking and baking, shopping, wrapping, decorating, visiting…the list goes on and on. Then, when the day finally comes, it’s over in the blink of an eye. Right back to your regular day to day. It’s like your exerting as much Christmas spirit as you possibly can and then it just….stops. What do you do when you still feel that charge though?

Use it towards the new year, perhaps? That is also an exciting time. The end of one chapter, the start of the next. What will this new story reveal? It’s ultimately up to you. Yea, there might be some surprises the universe will throw in but it’s your choice as to what path you will go down. I currently enjoy the trail I have been following so I think I will continue on the path I’m on. It feels amazing when I am working on my art. Everything in my personal life if finally settling into place as well. The word “feel” keeps ringing in my head. Everything just feels relaxed, harmonious, like everything is vibrating on the proper frequency. It’s comfortable, not like I want to melt into the couch. Comfortable as in, I have found myself. I’m comfortable in my skin. I feel like I’m doing what I’m suppose to. I haven’t felt this way in a long time. It’s awesome and I’m excited to use this power to soar through 2019!

My goal for 2019 is to continue working on my art so that I can become a fulltime artist. This is the most important task for me this year and I’ve never been more driven than I am right now! Thank you to everyone who has helped me this far and who continue to support me in achieving my goal! It means the world to me!

What was your favorite holiday activity? What do you want to achieve in the new year? Share your story in the comments below. I wish good vibes and high energy to everyone for the new year! Thanks for swinging by!

Take care, free spirits!

  • Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree!
  • Christmas cuddles!
  • She says, “I’m the only present you need!”
  • Christmas 2018!
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The Super Blue Blood Moon

by Free Spirit Meg, posted in Sketchbook, Zentangle Inspired Art (ZIA)

What a mouthful! That’s what we can witness tonight though. The super blue blood moon. What the heck does that mean?

To break it down, tonight’s full moon is a “super moon”. This means the moon is actually slightly closer to the earth than usual. The moon is also brighter during this time, though the brightness and size difference are difficult to see with the naked eye.

So what’s a blue moon? No, the moon doesn’t actually turn blue. It is just a term used when there are two full moons in one month, when typically there is one. The second full moon is referred to as the blue moon. This is where the common phrase “Once in a blue moon” derived from. Although in the past couple years we have witnessed quite a few blue moons.

Blue Moon

Last but not least we have the blood moon or red moon. This moon does change to red in color. It happens because the moon is positioned between the sun and earth. The light from the sun makes the moon appear red because of the way it fractures through Earth’s atmosphere.

That’s quite a bit going on! So what does it all mean? Some crazy energies! The full moon in general represents feminine energy, transition and rebirth. The “super” moon amplifies those qualities. The blue moon represents rarity and past memories. The blood moon represents passion, courage, and being true to yourself.

Throw it all together like a stew and what do you get? It is a time to organize our thoughts, ideas and dreams. Put them to work and make something with them. We need to realize who we truly are and what we are passionate about and pounce. With such strong energy, we will be able float through the air weightless. Remember our past and learn from it. This is a rare event that we won’t see again for another 19 years! We must take advantage of such power that is given to us!

I hope you enjoyed learning about the moon. I thoroughly enjoyed creating my piece for this spectacle. How the red and black came out reminds me of the gemstone Malachite, which was not my intentions but a neat outcome.

Thanks for stopping by this week! Share a comment or photo below and share your experience of the super blue blood moon!

Until next time,

“The moon puts on an elegant show, different every time in shape, colour and nuance.”

Totem Animal: Bear

by Free Spirit Meg, posted in Totem Animals, Zentangle Inspired Art (ZIA)

The bear is a common favorite as far as animals go. They are strong and dominant. They have such power that anyone would quiver with fear in the presence of one. At the same time, you just want to run up to him and give him a big ol’ woolly bear hug as you lovingly bury your face in his fur.

Zentangle inspired art, Bear totem

You probably shouldn’t go around hugging bears though. Instead, I decided to show my love by using the bear as the subject for my latest zentangle piece. I was excited to start it. Upon working on the piece, the fur became very distracting and I struggled with how to represent it. It came out quite busy. It’s busier than I usually go for but with each piece is a new learning experience. I am also dismayed with the colors. Unfortunately, I need to re-up on pencils so my color options were limited. I didn’t have the shades I would have preferred. Despite so much conflicting me with this drawing, it still came out pretty well. With such a contrasting highlight it makes the bear look like it has golden fur. Still, I will probably make a second attempt to see what else I may be able to put together.

So what is bear’s message anyway? Bear tells us that we need to slow down and relax. Perhaps you feel as though you’re between a rock and a hard place. Circumstances have left you overwhelmed and not knowing what to do next. Bear says that you do know. It is now time to hibernate if you will. Go to your quiet place, close your eyes and go to the silence. Go to the dark. The Void. Your mind needs time to collect itself…yourself. You know all the answers to your problems, you’re just not listening to yourself. Stand firm and grounded, like bear, so you can act in confidence. Harness the raw power that you already possess. You know what path will lead you to happiness. Now just quiet yourself and listen! Like the bear who wakes in the spring from a long deep sleep, we too will awaken from our own sleep. A sleep that we created. A sleep that prevents us from knowing the know, ya know? Bear takes the time to enjoy the sweet honey in life. We should do the same and be greatful for how sweet life can be.

It may seem simple but in a time when we feel like we have no time, we could all learn from bear. Thanks for stopping by this week! I hope you enjoyed my latest piece. Stay tuned for more totems. I have recently finished moose and have started working on raccoon. I wonder what lessons they have in store for us.

Until next time,

” I passed on the wisdom of his story to my people. The story of a boy who became a man…by becoming a bear.”

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Sources: Medicine Cards by Jamie Sams & David Carson

http://www.whats-your-sign.com/bear-meaning.html

The Meaning of Mistletoe

by Free Spirit Meg, posted in Sketchbook, Zentangle Inspired Art (ZIA)

Smooch! That’s what you get when you stand underneath the mistletoe. It is much more than a shot at a free kiss though. In fact, it is a parasite, attaching itself to trees (commonly oak) and taking it’s needed nutrients from it’s host. Birds have a strong relationship with mistletoe as well. They build their nests in the bundles of mature mistletoe called “witches’ brooms”, as it resembles the look of one. While the tree it attaches to loses all it’s foliage, mistletoe does not. This makes it a favorite winter meal for many birds and mammals when food is scarce. Anglo-Saxens noticed mistletoe would grow where birds had left their droppings. This is where it’s name derived from. Taking the words “mistel” meaning “dung” and “tan” meaning “twig”, put them together and what do you have? Sh!t on a stick! Think about that next time you pucker up!

Now that we understand what mistletoe is, let’s find out what it symbolizes. The ancient druids believed mistletoe had powerful magick. It was sacred to them as it represented feminine energy, sexuality, and rebirth. This is portrayed through the process of spreading it’s seeds with the help of the birds. Therefore, the life cycle of the plant continues on. Mistletoe has strong energy that the druids believed could show visions of one’s soul in the future. They used the plant for fertility and as an aphrodisiac. The druids had fertility rituals surrounding the mistletoe and the oak trees it attached to. The mistletoe represents female energy and the oak represents male energy. This was a practice done in honor of the union between man and woman.

Mistletoe is a strong symbol for couples of course. A kiss from your sweetheart under the mistletoe use to mean a promise of marriage. A man could not refuse a kiss, if standing beneath it. It was and still is a symbol of friendship, good-will and romance. It is also a powerful plant for protection, especially for children. Women who wish to become pregnant carry the plant in their pocket or handbag to take advantage of it’s energy.

What does mistletoe mean to you? Did it bring you and your love together? Share a comment below! Thanks for stopping by this week. I hope everyone has a joyous holiday! Happy Yule!

Until next time,

“You should be kissed, and often. And by someone who knows how.”

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Sources: http://blog.nwf.org/2012/12/12-things-to-know-about-mistletoe/

http://www.whats-your-sign.com/symbolic-mistletoe-meaning-more-than-christmas-decorations.html

Nature Speak by Ted Andrews

Happy Blog-versary!

by Free Spirit Meg, posted in FSM Updates

Two years of writing, photographing, drawing, creating, thinking, over-thinking….oh sorry! It’s been great. I have loved every minute of it. I just spent some time going back and checking out my old posts; seeing how I’ve improved and seeing ways I still need to improve. My blog is a fantastic tool for helping me grow as an artist. I can see everything I’ve done laid out before me. I can see the techniques that have worked the best and what materials I prefer. All my ideas are visual (whether it be drawing, sketch, writing, or photo) instead of festering in my head. Then I can decide, “Yea, I’m going to do more with this” or “Oh my gosh! What was I thinking?!” Also, it is surreal to literally have a timeline of my life neatly in file. I have pictures of events I had forgotten about, drawings of beloved pets that have since passed and lessons learned along the way.

Another incentive of keeping a blog is that I can connect with people that are just like me! It’s silly how sometimes we feel all alone or that we are the only person in the world that has ever felt the way we do. When in reality we are not alone at all. We are all connected. There are so many people out there that love totem animals, drawing, nature, zentangle, horses, horror movies, photography, so on and so forth…just like me! I feel as though I am finally sharing my work with people who get it! Now don’t get me wrong, my family has always been there and have supported me in more ways than one (you guys are amazing and I can never truly show you how grateful I am). It’s comforting to know there are others out there on this great, big planet that see what I see, that feel what I feel and that love what I love. It makes me feel a little bit bigger. Like an ant in a colony. Not one mind but many working as one. A collective. A hive. That’s how you move mountains. If you try to move it alone you will be crushed from the pressure. Know there are others like you, trying to achieve the same task. When many work as one, mountains seems weightless.

I am very thankful for all of my readers and followers. I love seeing comments from you guys and hearing your stories! We are not so different, you and I. I look forward to hanging out with you for another year. Take care!

Until next time,

“No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.”

Totem Animal: Great Blue Heron

by Free Spirit Meg, posted in Totem Animals, Zentangle Inspired Art (ZIA)

The Great Blue Heron is common throughout North America. They can thrive in diverse climates ranging from the frozen shorelines of Alaska to subtropic swamps and even deserts. They also have a diverse diet. Though mainly feasting on fish, they have been known to seek out frogs, turtles, salamanders and even gophers.

I have been seeing them on a daily basis flying overhead. They are so massive yet graceful; they are hard to ignore. After about a week or so of seeing them everywhere I knew it was time to do another drawing and some research.


They represent self-reflection. The Great Heron will seek out those who have lost sight of who they are or those who cannot seem find their place in the world. You must learn to look within yourself to find out the answers. If you wallow in self pity, low self-worth or are lacking pride in yourself, you will never reach your true potential. Like a heron hunting for fish, we must dive deep within ourselves. Listen to your emotions and allow yourself to flow like water down the path you already know is right. Heron asks us to recognize our inner strengths and weaknesses. See yourself with unrelenting eyes and figure out where you can improve and grow. Do not be over-critical of yourself, though. Being too judgmental could dampen your spirit even further. There lies a balance within us all and only you can figure out where your center is. Do not get lost trying to obtain perfection. There is no such thing. Do not try to blame others or the circumstances of life. Face your inner demons and take responsibility for your actions. We cannot grow if we can not face what is truly holding us back.

This hit home for me. I am extremely over-critical of myself and have lost sight of where I’m going. So much heartache has followed us this year; it was difficult to let things rest and move on. I’ve been struggling to find my own way again but I’m trying to find my inner voice. The real me. Not the sugar coated one that hides her emotions for everyone else’s sake. It’s draining, physically and mentally. I need to be real with myself and real with the people around me. I need to stop worrying about trying to be perfect. I’m perfectly Meg and that’s all I can be.

What about you? Have you seen a Great Blue Heron recently? Share your story in the comments below. Thanks for reading this weeks blog. I hope you enjoyed it!

Until next time,

“If you focus on the hurt, you will continue to suffer. If you focus on the lesson, you will continue to grow.”

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Sources:
1)Medicine Cards by Jamie Sams & David Carson
2)http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/great-blue-heron

 

 

Playing Catch Up

by Free Spirit Meg, posted in FSM Updates

Today marks six months since my family suffered the house fire. So much has happened in half a year it is no shock I’m caught out of breath at times. But lately I feel like I can take a breather, take a step back and get back on track to where we left off. We’ve just recently moved to our new place and were finally able to replace the computer. Thank goodness I don’t have to use my phone anymore! It was challenging trying to keep up with my blog during this long process and I apologize for not posting as much as I usually do. That’s where the catching up comes into play. I haven’t been able to draw at all in the past few weeks and I can literally feel the damper that puts on my soul. Luckily, I’m working outside in the sunshine everyday in the flower beds so that helps. It’s amazing how everything transforms through the year. Certain flowers bloom at certain times so the gardens are forever changing. It’s a joy to watch throughout the seasons.

Just like the gardens, we are forever changing. I feel like my life has had a vigorous scrub down. My family has been through a great deal in a short time. We needed to adapt quickly. At times it was a struggle but I finally feel like we can bloom again. I now have the opportunity to catch up with “me” and get back to making art. It’s quite a relief. A few more trips out on the kayak doesn’t hurt either.

Long story short, I just wanted to explain my absence and thank you guys for hanging in there with me. I can’t wait to get back on track with my work! I have many more animal totems I want to share as well as some botanical studies.

Until next time,

”Nobody is gonna hit as hard as life, but it ain’t how hard you can hit.
It’s how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. It’s how much you can
take, and keep moving forward. That’s how winning’s done.”

 

The Saturn Return of a Free Spirit

by Free Spirit Meg, posted in FSM Updates

 

img_2273I’ve been doing research lately on the Saturn return. It takes Saturn about 29.5 years to return to the same place that it was when you were born. Saturn has a powerful impact on our lives and moving into our next stage of life. Once the full rotation draws near, it tends to send one’s life into chaos, or rather a thorough and rapid awakening.

It’s interesting to think about, considering the average person feels like they truly have come into adulthood in their late 20’s/early 30’s. The effects of your Saturn return can last up to three years or so. If you’ve been wandering through life, not really clear as to where it’s heading, your Saturn return whips you into shape like a clarity boot camp. Loose ends that have been left in the dust come to light and demand to be tied so that you can enter the next stage of your life ready to go. It is also a time to reevaluate situations in your life. If your struggling to hang on to something that Saturn is telling you to move on from, perhaps it is time to let go. img_1693

If you haven’t guessed, I am currently experiencing the Saturn return. So many things have been happening this past year, I feel like I can barely catch my breath. In the same hand I don’t want it to slow down either because I am accomplishing so much and tending to things that I’ve left neglected for too long! Changes are rapid, responsibilities are growing and things just keep popping up demanding my instant attention. My life is orderly chaotic right now. I feel like I have grown so much in this img_0936past year. I have had so many epiphanies, my head may explode! Let me tell you, it’s an overwhelmingly fantastic feeling if you haven’t already experienced it yourself.

I have much in my life to sort through and perhaps maybe even a little reevaluation of where I’m going with my art. I feel as though I’ve been thrown every which way in the art realm and it’s because of my own doing. I need to decide what I am doing and stick with it!

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Have you ever heard of the Saturn return? Have you experienced it yourself? Share your story below in the comments! I would love to hear how it worked out for you! Thanks for checking in this week!

Until next time,

“You’ll have bad times, but it’ll always wake you up to the good stuff you weren’t paying attention to.”

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sources: Astrology.com , Astrostyle.com