Imagine yourself as this woman

I started this blog with the hope that it would make me accountable; that I would force myself to do more art, to share more art, to get off my butt & create!  The idea behind “studio K8 and me” was this: I would share creations from my “studio” – be that art, photography or a combination - and then occasionally share a little about me.  

About my thoughts, my feelings, my hopes and dreams.  

The word little was very intentional.  I wasn’t sure how easy it would be to pour out my soul to the universe.  I don’t express my feelings easily.  People that have known me for years will likely attest to this – I’m a tough cookie to crack!  But it appears that sharing my thoughts isn’t turning out to be that hard – I guess it’s easier for me to write about my feelings than to verbalize them.

Getting to the creating part though – that seems to be easier said than done. Aside from a of couple pictures here and there, I really haven’t produced much of anything.  Oh well, I’m just going to let it be what it is…see where it goes.  

But while I work through this block and try to sort it all out, perhaps what I’ll do is share something from the vaults.  I drew this piece back in 2001.  I can’t remember where I got the original picture from – some magazine likely.  

My favourite part about it is the words that I wrote on the edges.  I was recently reminded of this poem after Lori Portka posted it on Roots of She.  It goes a little like this: 

Imagine a Woman

Imagine a woman who believes it is right and good she is a woman. A woman who honors her experience and tells her stories. Who refuses to carry the sins of others within her body and life.

Imagine a woman who trusts and respects herself. A woman who listens to her needs and desires. Who meets them with tenderness and grace.

Imagine a woman who has acknowledged the past's influence on the present. A woman who has walked through her past. Who has healed in the present.

Imagine a woman who authors her own life. A woman who exerts, initiates and moves on her own behalf. Who refuses to surrender except to her truest and wisest voice.

Imagine a woman who names her own Gods. A woman who believes her body is enough, just as it is. Who celebrates her body's rhythms and cycles as an exquisite resource.

Imagine a woman who honors the body of the Goddess in her changing body. A woman who celebrates the accumulation of her years and her wisdom. Who refuses to use her precious life energy disguising the changes in her body and life.

Imagine a woman who values the women in her life. A woman who sits in circles of women. Who is reminded of the truth about herself when she forgets.

Imagine yourself as this woman. -- Patricia Lynn Reilly