Momma Nature lifted her heavy grey fire season cloak for a wondrous blue sky adventure day shared with three wonderful girlfriends. A stellar view of the magnetic Tetons (behind me) from the summit of Jackson Peak. A bit of rock climbing and mountain biking garnished a weekend full of friends, wildlife, respite and inspiration.
Waterfall kissed air...
Sunset
Momma Nature showed up in full plumage last night. Pure joy after the smoke cloak she’s worn much of this summer…
Full Blue Moon today.
Did you know there are two different kinds of Blue Moon? Somehow I felt a “Blue Moon-ness” yesterday as Raymond and I drove down the mountain to join friends in a sweatlodge ceremony. I looked it up and discovered the Seasonal Blue moon exists.
Ceremony helps us “remember to remember” as Robin Wall Kimmerer points out in her lovely book “Braiding Sweetgrass.”
Remember to Remember
(I’ve wrapped myself up in those words this weekend)
-image from my newest series-
Caught in a Cornfield
What a gift to witness the vast depth and beauty of this man’s heart. Raymond’s delight and love of people, earth and spirit is an intoxicating elixir. Would you believe this photo was snapped a stone’s throw from the rented porta potties at a gorgeous estate farm wedding venue in Amish country?
Happy "Little Bird"
Only four of these cheeky little beauties left. Inspired by the bird figurines in my Grandmother’s windowsill, the edition will be closed when the last “Little Bird” flies into the palm or onto the windowsill of its forever home.
A Beautiful Break from Forest Fire Smoke-filled Sky
Ross Peak was visible for the first time since we summited it more than two weeks ago. Wildfire smoke recessed enough to view the Bridger Mountains dressed up in bold morning sky when we flew out Thursday morning.
Bison Bench Selfie
My o’l bison bench has become the selfie spot at the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. Luckily at 5am there wasn’t a line…
Prayer Flags
Long after their time beneath sky, prayer flags flutter - in my heart, my art and the heavens…
Inspired by Nature(
photo credit goes to Raymond
Momma Nature entices with her endless (climbable) sculptures.
Precious People
Ray and Linda - my in-laws
Special night, watching Grandkids (and adults) cook smores up on the mountain at Amber & Raymond's.
Raccoons Coming Soon...
The NEW little palm-size bronze raccoon sculpture delivered to the foundry in March has made it through the first few stages on the journey to becoming bronze. Soooooo many steps and skills in the complicated process of bronze making.
City of Rocks (climbing trip with Raymond)
Rock summit glory with gusts of wind to keep the moment poignantly humbling. Raw exposure outdoors helps me push my comfort zone indoors - scary creativity in the studio, open vulnerability in my relationships and with you. Keeping it real “with all the feels” as my dear friend Wynn would say…
"Frog" - limited edition bronze
Frogs remind us of transformation…
Elephanthead Mountain
Raymond acquired a special relationship with this peak last year making it extra special to share the mountain magic together. For me it had been a decade since I dragged myself to the summit along with the 5 pound tumor that eventually robbed me of my uterus. Both the devastating loss of my girlie parts and the embracing love of this man have opened previously unimagined places of deep soul healing - rich, rewarding and beautiful.
The lure of a summit exponentially better (and more humbling) with Tala waiting patiently at the top. Pure joy.
Work in Progress
Radiance and Courage - hmmmm.
Not the way I woke up this morning swamped in hot flashes and confused by the light in the sky. I rarely miss sunrise since I find radiance and courage in the horizon. Today I shuffled blurry-eyed through the woods to climb the ladder and light candles in the “Loftie Room” at my studio. Now I sit, an hour later in my mother’s faded antique armchair listening to birdsong. I am grateful for the Kundalini practice which spun my mood. Meditation helps to burnish off anxiety and depression on mornings when the darkness creeps inside to grasp my innards. Breathwork, movement and mindfulness teamed up to remind me that radiance and courage are within. Wether sipped from sunrise, infused by birdsong, found in a lover’s arms, sprung from a child’s curiosity, beamed from your pet’s joyful eyes or composed via paper and paint within a gold gilded frame - radiance and courage are our birthright.
Studio Visitors
Full spring velvet glory, just hanging out at the studio…yes…look close… that is not a dog lounging at my studio.
Big Hearts Best Friends
Nearly inseparable, I cherish the bond between these two BIG-hearted unconditionally loving souls.
Image detail from the sculpture “Something Keeps Me Joyful” sculpture from “I Never Promised You a Rose Garden” series
Gold leaf, barbwire, and chisel marks seem appropriate as I reflect on the hardship, courage, cruelty, grace and goodness revealed in Emil and Adeline’s story. I grew up hearing bits of their harrowing ordeal - fleeing Stalin’s oppression, persecuted by Nazi’s and finding their way west to plant strong roots in my hometown. Emil and Adeline were both as tender and huggable as they were formidable. Their love for each other and family glowed - like a warm hearth with dancing flames I felt drawn to them. Halfway through reading Mark Sullivan’s recently published account of their story “The Last Green Valley,” I am humbled, gripped, heart-stretched, tender, torn and in awe.