Tuesday, April 30, 2019

5/1 - Mindfulness and Dreamcatchers, Part 1 of 5



If a quick definition is helpful for new readers...
Mindfulness is a mental state achieved by focusing awareness on the present, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's thoughts, feelings, and sensations.  Mindfulness is used as a spiritual and/or therapeutic technique, aimed at enhancing peace and general wellbeing.


Speaking of mindfulness, dreamcatchers... and wineries...
          Well, why NOT speak of them?
          This is a winery in New Jersey.  They have the most wonderful activities.  Here's an example.  I'd love to visit them someday.
https://lauritawinery.com/events/mindful-wineful-meditation-dreamcatcher-crafting/
"This workshop will begin with a guided meditation to encourage participants to release the inner critics that block them from manifesting their true potential.    Native Americans believed long ago in the healing power of intention and manifestation. Research shows that crafting has a lot in common with meditation and can improve problem-solving skills, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve overall quality of life. It’s important in the midst of our busy lives to take a moment for reflection and relaxation. Dreamcatchers are, in essence, a symbol of acceptance, mindfulness, and healing.  In this workshop, you will have the opportunity to mindfully awaken your creativity to design & weave your very own dreamcatcher."
          For a bit more formal history of the origin and meaning of dreamcatchers, I like this reference.
http://www.shermanindianmuseum.org/dream-catchers.html
          In lieu of a trip to New Jersey, here's my tiny dreamcatcher on the porch of Gail Street's Galeria Gila Art Gallery.  The dreamcatcher was just drawn with colored pencils on typing paper, cut out, accented with some tiny fibers and glue dots, and mounted.   I didn't try to think about anything in particular, and there is no deliberate symbolism or theme, although that would be a great added element of a mindfulness exercise here.  I just  focused on the tiny gathering of colors and shapes.  I felt very serene, calm, and... mindful...  as I was making it.  I really did.  :)

          Interested in making your own?  Miniature or full-size?  I like ths site...
https://www.gaia.com/article/how-make-traditional-dreamcatcher
          Or you could always just WING THE WHOLE THING.  Gather stuff from around the house... experiment... have fun.   As you work, think on a current issue, or... don't... just work.   See what happens.  Keep, modify, or discard the result... try again, or don't. 
          Be present with the experience, whatever it may be.
         

Saturday, April 27, 2019

Gail St. 7 - La Fuente Ricardito

Societies love to make sacrifices and erect structures in tribute to the "gods" whose destructive fury they fear. In the tradition of Godzilla, King Kong, and ancient gods and mythical monsters, we now have "La Fuente Ricardito"... The Rickeybird's Fountain, loosely translated...




Monday, April 15, 2019

Gail St. - 5 - Oil Derrick

The reconstructed and improved oil derrick...






So now we have this front street view.


Sunday, April 7, 2019

Back to Step 3?????????? Let's Go!

Back to Step 3... Goals... Re-evaluation.



Re-creating Gailtown?  NOT the goal.  As I said before, recreating is not so much fun as CREATING.

I'm renewing a few of my most cherished structures, but many will remain in the scrapyard (trash bag).
Likely to re-establish on Gail Street ---
Gallery, Chapel, Gift Shop. Gazebo, Bus... and next... Oil Well,  Hot Air Balloon...

Likely to remain in scrapyard ---
Bike Shop
Rock Hall
Arboretum
Bus Stop
Choctaw Chukka
MiniMart
Outhouse
Gailtown Arms
Vehicles  (Truck, Bug, Woodie, Steampunk Flier)
Sky Things  (Saucer, Pegasus, Flying Pig, Angel Pugs)

I'm thinking that maybe Gail Street will focus less on construction, and more on mindfulness issues.  Might be a good thing...


Monday, April 1, 2019

Back to Step 3

As I wrote in Facebook...

The Gazebo is done. Gail Street is up to four buildings now. Rebuilding is a lot faster/easier than creating originals, but... it's just not as much fun.
Thanks for all the support and interest. Gail Street is not going to wind up being another Gailtown, that's for sure.
I'm thinking, I'm thinking...


This puts me back to Step 3 (Goals) in the 'Disaster Recovery'  Plan below.  :)

Gail St. - 4 - Gazebo

Wow, building this second gazebo was a lot faster than building the first!
I was able to salvage some objects, and I had on hand some of the original building materials, plus all the planning and problem-solving was already in my head.

Here it is.

As always, just email for more details or photos.