I just had to share these sweet squirrels that now reside in my living room.
In December I visited a new shop just ten minutes from my home called LaValley Home & Garden. They used to own a second-hand shop in a nearby city, but made the decision to go in a new direction. Lucky us!
It is such an adorable shop, with a mix of upcycled items, artisans, and other treasures. Their motto: Cultivating a world where home, garden, natural habitat and community come together. They are a non-profit and proceeds benefit animal welfare and nature conversation. Love that!
And this is where I bought this sweet squirrel puzzle. Not assembled, of course.
During the holiday season I thought it would be a fun thing John and I could do together.
Until I found out he has a “system” for putting puzzles together. And in all honesty, I didn’t have the patience.
But I re-arranged the living room to accommodate a table so John could work on bringing the 1,000 pieces together.
What a joy it was to see the progress as John had time to work on it.
Once complete, we carefully prepared it for gluing.
Then it was time for a frame.
Found at a second-hand store. Originally $35, but marked at $1.06. With a 20% coupon to boot! ha! So a whole $.90 cents was spent on the frame.
That was too large, but John cut it down.
So in essence, in the end, it was a project we did do together! Each adding to the completion.
Of these adorable squirrels that brought me so much joy during the puzzling process.
And will now bring me endless joy each time I look at them hanging out in our living room.
It was a Substack post from Joanna P Colbert who posed the question: “What would you name the Full Moon where you live?” that enticed my creative juices to begin to flow!
So, I began delightfully simmering in what I’d name this Full Moon where I’m located – in a quaint, small village of 950 in Wisconsin, where we are currently experiencing melting snow, times of foggy conditions, and balmy temperatures.
Perfect weather in my book to be tucked cozily inside the four warm walls of my studio I lovingly refer to as Joyful Pause Cottage. A 10 x 12 space off the corner of my deck dedicated to all things that make my creative heart happy!
And where I’m currently joyfully getting lost in the art of mixed media collage creating what I refer to as animal oracle art.
My current company of completed creations is that of love-struck penguins, a unique yellow finch, a pondering hummingbird, and a flourishing fox.
This studio cottage, which took on the trendy name of a “She Shed” when all the rage of a place for a woman to call her own took off around 2013. Though I’d had my space since 2009 and never thought I’d be a trend-setter!
This space has nurtured my spirit, my heart, my creativity, and my dreams.
Where I’ve written many books, created an oracle deck, and guide others during oracle reading sessions.
And this whole month of January where I’ve been immersed in all things collage art that it occurred to me! And what I’d name the Full Moon where I live – here in my happy place – that I chose Creativity and Cocooning Moon.
And a lovely confirmation came this morning for the name I chose which was reflected in a reading I did for myself. The message from the cards to continue to ‘chop wood’ – doing small tasks each day – while following the feminine flow of what is in alignment for me at this time.
Cards from Wisdom of the Oracle
Not only is the Full Moon glowing in all her splendor, but so am I as I continue to create and trust the process.
So, how about you? What would you name this Full Moon where you live? I’d really love to know! And I’ll bet Joanna would like to know too if you want to pop over to her post and let her know also. And where you can also see what many others are naming the Full Moon where they live. So creative and inspiring!
There is something magical when an animal appears in my world and gives me the gift of pausing to ponder which then leads me to want to create something tangible from those moments of reflection.
And this is how this cardinal collage came to be. While it has its personal meaning that began my journey to wish to create this piece, it would take on another meaning after sharing the “collage in progress” on my Instagram page.
A long-time friend saw it and asked if it wasn’t yet sold that she would like to purchase it.
She said, “I have always been drawn to cardinals. Their song brings a familiar comfort. I love to watch when the male shares a seed with their mate. And, their beauty in the cedar branches when dusted with snow, is something to behold—beyond what any Christmas card could ever hope to capture. Since Dad died, these birds have taken on a deeper meaning for Mom, my sister, and me. I love how you placed the branch outside the church window. Can’t wait to see how you complete your latest piece!”
Knowing how much her dad meant to her, I was excited to finish it along with writing a personal oracle message I included on the back.
A few days later I shared some of my artwork in a collage community I recently joined.
A lovely man commented on a different piece I recently completed saying, “This is like a little icon/altar to nature and bird song. I love that you combine collage and collected objects from nature as it really creates a sense of a moment in nature captured. The blue frame invokes the sky as well. This reminds me of the work of Joseph Cornell. A really lyrical piece.”
I was so touched and was even more curious about the artist he’d mentioned as I’d not heard of him before.
And into the world of Joseph Cornell (1903-1972) I’ve submerged myself watching a documentary about him and books I’m waiting to read that I ordered from our library system.
I love that Cornell was self-taught and how he said of his work that they were based on everyday experiences and “the beauty of the commonplace.”
And why I appreciate the quote from him, “Collage equals life.”
It was the young collage artist that started the collage community who mentioned that in her research collage isn’t always seen as a “valid” art form. Though that is changing.
Yet Cornell was seen as an accomplished collagist and one of America’s most innovative artists according to Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Joseph Cornell piece titled A Parrot for Juan Gris
A private man and one considered eccentric, I admire he followed his heart and thought “outside the box” in regards to his shadow box collage pieces. He didn’t care what others thought, but just had to create which gave us a glimpse into his world. Though I can’t say I understand all his pieces, they do intrigue me and leave me to want to ponder which I appreciate.
How one comment from a kind man opened my world to Joseph Cornell and has inspired me to want to create even more collage artwork.
And how collage created through my lens can then take on a whole other meaning for another. Well, that is indeed a delightful opportunity to open to all the wonders of life as seen through the eyes of many and all the perspectives this can bring.
