The swirling release I felt when I painted this today kind of took me by surprise. Don’t know why it should, making art often is healing. This one is a mix of things — paint, pencil, sand, ink, ashes. A part of my process of embracing a new path in Colorado and letting go of California life (not that I’ll never return; who knows?). Another puddle of grief and catharsis. This afternoon I am a little bit lighter. More whole and clear-headed.

It was a powerful few hours, working on this. I got swept into it. When it was done I took it outside and found a boulder to sit on to pray and let go. A release.

The Rockies literally hold me. I loved going to Reinhardt Redwood Park in the Oakland hills, and in those magical redwood groves I would lean on a tree and feel it absorbing my grief and pain. The Rockies here do that now. The power is palpable.

Today is a reminder to be true to my heart, my spirit, and to what calls me. To let go of what the world thinks I should do and my self-criticisms. Today my heart is a little bit bigger and more open. I honor these mysteries. I read a story where a spiritual seeker asks a wise one, “What is the meaning of life?”

“To live,” was the reply.

9″ x 9.5″ acrylic, pencil, watercolor, ash, ink on paper