rainbows

Official Obama Pride Rainbow symbol

I've been spending time working on an Obama quilt for a special exhibit, details to follow with pics of the work later. I have been ill physically which to me is a signal that my Spirit needs some healing also. I have been dealing with things of the heart lately, missing loved ones more than ever and trying to put some chaos in my life back in order. Crying is healing so I have been doing a bit of that also. I think I read somewhere that tears release some chemical that has no other way of leaving your body so I guess if that's true then consider me cleansed!

This morning we went to the mountain, which I consider a healing place in itself, a kind of church if you will. Anyway it was a bit cool, fierce winds and a slight mist was falling, very magical. The dog noticed some deer so we got to watch a doe and her fawn cross our path at some distance. We were all silent as they moved up the moss covered rocks through the trees, it was beautiful. Deer medicine tells us to accept those as they are with love and peace in our hearts.

We made it back home just before the heavy down pour and then my down pour of tears started again. Just at that moment I looked out the window at the yellow sky and suddenly there was a rainbow. A beautiful rainbow and then another. They both intensified in color and then would fade. It made me think about all the meanings of rainbows: covenant, prosperity, hope, the healing number of 7 (7 colors meaning listed below), the hem of the Sun Gods coat, the souls of wildflowers from the forest, heaven, harmony, magik, faith, and healing.

I took some pictures to share and to remind me that even when I don't see them, there are rainbows in life filled with magic waiting for us to pass through. I pray that you will find healing, magic, hope and promise in your day. I wish you rainbows.
tlazocamati

Meaning of colors of the rainbow (one version)

V-Violet: Violet is a combination of the colors red and blue. This is the highest and the subtlest specialization of light. This is because it is at the opposite end of the red color. This color is viewed as the completion as well as the beginning of the energy vibration. Different shades of violet have varied meanings. A deep purple symbolizes high spiritual attainment and a pale shade symbolizes love for humanity. The shade violet brings about a stabilizing factor to the frenzied shades of red.

I-Indigo: The color indigo means infinity. It also symbolizes wisdom and self-mastery. The indigo color is known to be the bridge between the finite and the infinite.

B-Blue: Blue is known as the color of divinity. This is the color of the open skies and the oceans. Using the color blue in our daily lives is said to bring about a peace and understanding. This color also helps to soothe and relax.

G-Green: The color green is formed with the merging of yellow and blue. Therefore, this is located in the center of the spectrum. The color green, symbolizes harmony, balance, growth and good health.

Y-Yellow: The color yellow is vibrant in itself being close to the color of the sun. This is known to be full of energy. Yellow also means something bright and happy and the usage of this color is know to bring about a proper clarity of thought in a persons mind and also improve the decision making skills.

O-Orange: The color, orange is a combination of red and yellow. This is not as fiery as red and but symbolizes a lot of energy and wisdom as well. Although dynamic, the color orange is more thoughtful and controlled. This color can increase the creativity of the person and bring about equilibrium in life.

R-Red: This is the color of energy and enthusiasm. This is also the color with the longest wavelength. Red symbolizes passion, energy, vibrancy and success.

Creating Solidarity for the Greater Good

Sometimes creativity comes in different forms. The art of organizing and standing in solidarity in the face of injustice is an art form worth perfecting! Randi Romo (pictured above) and I are co founders of the Center for Artistic Revolution aka CAR. CAR members took the lead and together with other organizations we all created some art and made public our fight for justice. We marched in the streets and stood in freezing weather on the State Capitol steps to be heard in Little Rock, AR.

Judge Wendall Griffen supports the crowd of 350 in the fight for justice!

Article and video http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LnRvZGF5c3Rodi5jb20vbmV3cy9sb2NhbC9zdG9yeS5hc3B4P3N0b3J5aWQ9NzYxNDImY2F0aWQ9Mg==

Arkansans March To Protest Act One

Hundreds of Arkansans gathered to protest Act One which passed in the last election and bans unmarried couples from fostering or adopting children.

The Center for Artistic Revolution helped organize the protest encouraging all participants to wear black and walk in silence to represent children who don't have a voice, but people with Family Council Action Committee say Arkansas has already voiced what's best for children by voting against Act One.

In two single file lines, they silently march to the State Capitol hoping to block the measure to ban unmarried couples from fostering or adopting, but John Thomas with the Family Caouncil Action Committee says it will be established law come January.

Thomas says, "What it tells me anyways is that there are people in Arkansas who are much more concerned about their own rights than they are about the welfare of children." Thomas says kids coming from troubled homes don't need to move to a home with roommates. He adds, "What they need is stability that's exactly what the intention on Act One is."

Judge Wendell Griffen says to the crowd of protestors, "There are people who said you would not come thank you for proving them wrong." As the crowd walked onto the capitol steps, Judge Wendell Griffen offered hope saying they can repeal Act One.

Judge Griffen says, "In the name of justice I am here to ask you to say to legislatures please respect the judges that the people of Arkansas have elected to do their job." Judge Griffen says every home open for foster care or adoption has to go through a rigorous screening process and it wouldn't be any different for cohabitating couples.

Jeania Waid adds, "Me and my sons father are not married I don't think my three-year-old has any concept of that whatsoever. He knows he lives in a loving home with a mother and father that care about him."

Randi Romo says until she is able to legally adopt her granddaughter, she will fight for equality. Romo says, "We know that a marriage license and sexual orientation do not make good parents; it's the quality of the parents the commitment of the parents and it's the love in the home."

Act one passed by 57 percent, but Judge Griffen says it will require two-thirds majority of the legislature to repeal the act.

Journal Quilt Elements :Viento Agua Tierra Fuego

"Viento Agua Tierra Fuego, Venido a mi lado, Wind Water Land Fire, Come to my side"

Wind water land and fire are sacred elements of my spirituality as an indigenous woman. They remind us of the four cardinal directions and the stages of life. Just as the number 4 the elements are an essential part of spirituality, prophecy, story telling and music.

The words "viento agua tirera fuego, vendio a mi lado call the wind, water, land and fire come to our side" are a call to the elements during a drum ceremony song. This work displays the spirit of the elements with leather strips that overlay each element in the traditional symbol going in a cycle or clockwise motion.The work celebrates the people of the drum circle as we invite forgiveness, healing, love and peace into our daily lives.

This artwork is currently on display at the International Quilt Festival in Houston and will travel with the show. I am thankful for the opportunity to share a part of my culture.

take time for playtime..its healing

Tooth fairy pillow for Amya

Things have been really busy creating new work and adapting training sessions with the day job. I am blessed with this job which allows me to be creative and culturally connected in my work as a community educator. Things are also busy and happening in the community lots of conferences, state and national election buzz, and a new unexpected but much prayed for change in my life. So there has not been much time for creating with fabric. I did make time to create a small pocket pillow for my Beloved's granddaughter who lost her first tooth. And the only other fabric play I have had was to make a baby quilt for Senon, new grandson of one of my beloveds. Its not my usual gig with fabric but sometimes just to touch some fabric and play in a small way can be a great stress reliever and healing. I have to remember to feed the Spirit with some playtime to keep in harmony with myself. I wish you lots of playtime and harmony! mas later...s

Project Runway and common threads

Korto Momolu and S at the AR Art Center Delta Exhibit

It was a great conversation about sewing machines, fabric, culture, and creativity! I had the pleasure of meeting Korto at the AR Art Center in Little Rock where we both live. I had to stop and compliment on her on the fabulous animal horn handle raw skin bag she was carrying. She was really down to earth and we spoke for some time about Bravo TVs Project Runway but mostly about creating . We discussed how it is essential for us to exhibit parts of our ethnic heritage in the work we create. I look forward to crossing paths and again and sharing some thread time. For more on PR http://www.bravotv.com/Project_Runway/season/5/bios/bios.php?designer=korto

dolls and online friends

Award winning Fiber Art Dolls: the elements

A new online art friend creates dolls and I thought I would post some I made when I lived in Florida; these beauties won first prize and were healing for me to create. It was a very difficult time in my life. As with most trying times I go within and surrender to what the materials call me to do. I now have to find my beaded dolls and will post those pics soon.

Thanks earthloczwoman http://earthloczspirit.blogspot.com/ for bringing my thoughts back to times when dolls and fabric reminded me that there is life beyond the storm.

Creating art is the best medicine!

i send all healing, love, and peace. s

time to bloom

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." Anais Nin

Although we are well into summer my morning glories decided they would bloom after all and so should I. I have been out of the closet about most of my life: Chicana Tejana proud of my Mexican American culture, queer loving not for gender but loving the Spirit people dare to show, letter writing sign holding, parade marching activist, progressive thinking outspoken community educator, and break the rules do what the art says "eccentric artist" but there is one area that I have not, my autism. So today after a long day of trying to explain myself once again to loved ones I decided it was time to be in full bloom and take the risk.

Surprisingly all the these layers of who I am are things that can be readily accepted by many but this one area, Autism/Aspergers seems to stump people. Invisible "disabilities" are like that, "you don't look like it", "you don't act like you have challenges". Yeah but I do. I have struggled my entire life and always will. I have made peace with that on most days but today was tough.

I move in many circles in my work and life and like a chameleon I am authentic but mutable. I am a keen observer and researcher and these are the tools of my survival. I have studied the humans and like an episode of Star Trek I have learned to "appear normal". I can "pass" and that is where it gets tough.

You see, I enjoy and even treasure my relationships but there is usually a place where the demand to be normal pushes me over the edge. And like the Chupacabra's prey I am left empty. It is then that I need to retreat, sequester myself, and renew my strength. My favorite place to heal is my studio where I transcend this time and space. And nourish myself with the creative process, using a language that speaks through me without borders or rules. Sometimes my hermit side is just a few hours other times it can take several days. I check out and go within and this is the part that most don't understand, its not a choice but a necessity.

Like other layers of who I am that present challenges in acceptance this too is mine. I live in a constant state of panic, real panic. Like when you have an accident or the feeling you get when you think someone breaks into your home. I have become accustomed to it finding ways to ease the stress roller coaster of my life choosing holistic ways of healing. I share this with you not to solicit your pity but to convey to you that different doesn't always look the same especially with a "spectrum disorder".

There are days when I get overwhelmed just by the thought of picking up the phone, stepping outside, or answering the door. I can speak before a crowd of 100 with no problem but some days in a room of just a few I am in a state of exaggerated panic. I often need to "prep" to be with others. Like Nancy Drew I craft questions to help me visually set the stage. "Who will be there?" "What time does it start and end?" "Whats the hierarchy if any?" "What does the place look like?" and "What is going to happen?" All the while trying not to appear controlling or be considered a diva bitch as some may consider me. (I don't blame them I haven't been open about what I need to do to survive.) What I am actually attempting to do is create a framework or picture to ease my uncontrollable anxiety about the event or situation no matter how small.

The funny thing about this "disorder" is that I am intelligent enough to know that it seems ridiculous to stress about going to a new grocery store or restaurant. Its the simple things in life that others do without a thought that slow me down and some days paralyze me. My mind says whats the big deal and my energy says beware.Over the years my intellect and Spirit know this battle well.

I think in pictures, say a word and I get a visual. Guess that's why my nearest and dearest are writers, spoken word artists, and others who love words. They use words like a paintbrush in my mind creating a language I can see and understand. My logical mind hears things literally and I often have to get past the picture in my mind, assess the situation, and then laugh a few seconds late at the joke. Or I have to ask for a more information when someone uses an unfamiliar colloquial phrase and recieve puzzled looks as if I were from another planet. After all when you say raining cats and dogs that's what I see.

Once I arrive and scan the environment and the people I can usually fit in and no one is the wiser. Its not about pretending its about surviving in an authentic way. I find that with the gift of this disorder I have also been given other gifts; of healing, epath skills, and seeing in ways other cannot. Perhaps this further enhances my survival skills.

Everything I say and how I say it has to be internally monitored before it leaves my lips because sometimes my inside thoughts fall out. Honesty is something very few can deal with and even then I am often not aware of my tone. I have unintentionally hurt friends and loved ones and then I have to clean up my mess and hope that they understand. It does not come from a place of malice but from the child like self actualized naivety that comes with this disorder. Most times its that very quality that tends to draw people to me like a moth to a flame.

So here is just a glimpse into my world and I didn't even begin to discuss all the sensory challenges life presents. I might have lost some friends today who don't understand my need to recharge and that my absence was nothing personal about them just my need to survive. As I look for the lesson in this I find that it is time to be in full bloom to share openly about all of who I am and be accepted and maybe a little understood or not.

Tlazocamati to a good friend and dear loved one who was consoling me as she has often. Her message rang true, don't worry about the masses you are loved for all of who you are by a few and they are true.

And even when those schooled in this disorder challenge me and say "You don't really have that do you? " I will remind them that "those who hear not the music, think the dancers mad".

So from now on I attempt to be all of me when I step into a room no matter the difficulty or good intentions and assumptions of others. Because today my Beloved reminded me of Shakespeare's words," to thine own self be true".
tlazocamati

Dictionary Definition:


Asperger syndrome (pronounced /ˈæsˌpɜrgər ˌsɪndroʊm/; also called Asperger's syndrome, Asperger's disorder, Asperger's or AS) is one of several autism spectrum disorders (ASD) characterized by difficulties in social interaction and by restricted, stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities. AS is distinguished from the other ASDs in having no general delay in language or cognitive development. Although not mentioned in standard diagnostic criteria, motor clumsiness and atypical use of language are frequently reported

There is no single treatment for Asperger syndrome, and the effectiveness of particular interventions is supported by only limited data. Intervention is aimed at improving symptoms and function. The mainstay of management is behavioral therapy, focusing on specific deficits to address poor communication skills, obsessive or repetitive routines, and clumsiness. Most individuals with AS can learn to cope with their differences, but may continue to need moral support and encouragement to maintain an independent life.[5] Researchers and people with AS have advocated a shift in attitudes away from the notion that AS is a deviation from the norm that must be treated or cured, and towards the view that AS is a difference rather than a disability.[6]

time passes quickly

Major changes in my life and I have been away from the computer but now I am more focused, I hope anyway. Today is my daughter's 29th birthday. I send this beautiful intelligent talented woman my prayers for peace and guidance in this next chapter of her life. Celebrate the woman you have become and are becoming. I admire the strength and courage you have to make your life all that you dream it can be.I love you very much my Sunshine.

the journey

Te Busco

Feeling naked, venerable, you know that thing that happens when you realize you are not where you need to be, with who you need to be with, or don't have the skills to do what you think you want to do. When suddenly the Universe appears to be conspiring away from your favor instead of for you. I get this searching feeling, this nudging that tells me its time to move, and if I don't listen, my soul begins to suffocate. So no matter how painful, naked, venerable I feel I push myself to move on.

Searching can be daunting especially if you are not sure what it is you are looking for but know you have to find it. That unquenched thirst, that hunger that wont leave you. Its not something you have conscious control over and that's the challenging part. Trying to get out of your own way and the good intentions of others. Staying centered with a clear vision and then working to surrender to Spirit for guidance.

Then I find I am in a transitory moment when I think I have found: where I should be, who to be with , or what it is that needs to come out of my work , career, community or studio. Those are the times in my life when I land for a moment to learn a lesson, a new skill, make some great memories but if I tune in lingering in the distance is that voice. So I either decide to settle even though its getting harder to be myself or I get back on the road and try again. Hoping to find respite in the new adventure , skill set building, or personal challenge.

Maybe its the process that keeps calling, to keep us growing and open to learn lessons in this earth school. Maybe there is a final destination within reach and we only need to see it with our corazon . Or maybe the silence lies within both the journey and the destination.

Esperanza exists within my corazon so I work to remain open and love filled toward all who cross my path. I try to look for the lessons, share lessons learned, gain skills, and honor the evolution of self that presents. I pray for you to have a clear vision on your journey as well.

slow down and bring it together

I've been making ready for new work to be born and inspiration is abundant. I sketch rough ideas when I can making notes from dreams, conversations, and music.This summer has brought with it many changes in my life personally and professionally. Like the Moon Mother Coyolxauhqui my many responsibilities have me in pieces; and I am working to bring them all together for the greater good. I hope to begin soon on an art piece in her honor.

My job has taken me into the classroom once again and listening to young children brings messages. Their voices speak the truth, not yet quite shut down to their Spirit. It shows in their art and conversations at play.They see the world and report to us like a mirror reflecting not only the good but the paths that may bring challenges. And for some, they speak of things ones so young should not have to carry.


It reminds me to stay in touch with nature, simple kindness, and how to reach out to one another at our most basic human level. We can get so caught up in the challenges of life that sometimes we forget that it can be powerful to slow down, be kind to self, laugh, play,and prepare to grow. Its healing to remember the freedom, creativity, and beauty in being all of who we are untouched by the colonization of our lives.


I am thankful for this time with the children. It has brought me many lessons; learning to be OK with my silence, to be open, and to value listening. Children bring messages and teach us lessons we may have forgotten. tlazocamati

The creative process and work

Other People's Clothes

I am happy to say that this work as also found a home in a wonderful activist family! This work speaks to those who use the sewing machine to routinely assemble clothing that many cant afford to purchase. They are often working in unsafe conditions.

For me the sewing machine is part of my creative journey and using it for work; not being able to freely create would be a painful process for me. There was a time when I had to supplement my income buy providing gift shops with several of the same item in various colors. It was difficult to find any joy in the process and I found that after a time the work began to show my lack of passion.

Fortunately for me I have found other ways to supplement and can keep the creative flow sacred. For me it truly is about the process and the healing it brings me. I hope to get to my clean studio soon to work. My shedding process is almost done and deadlines are fast approaching.

Courage, Pride, Unconditional Love

The Land

Girls Night OUT

Detail: Mariposas

Someone asked me about LGBTQ Pride and why we use that word. When society as a whole sends a message that you can't share who you are and who you love; self worth is attacked and internalized oppression sets in. Add to it: you lose family support and or relationship bonds, job is threatened, housing discrimination, can be denied medical care, few if any protections under the law, many are physically attacked or killed, your relationships are not recognized or respected; all this adds up. It takes some like minded community members to remind you that self love and holding your head up is the only way to make it... "show some pride!"

This is LGBTQ Pride month so I wish all my Lesbiana, Gay, Bi, Trans, & Queer family and friends love and happiness and courage! Courage to be who you are in spite of the love and "good intentions" of others who may want you to change so they feel better.

Love is love and it starts with self love. Heal yourself with self love and seek to be who you are as Creator intended. Some of us are blessed to walk this Red Road as a Two Spirit. Before the oppression of organized religions (I'm not saying all religion is oppressive, you decide that; I'm just talking history) Two Spirits were celebrated in the community, we were the healers, teachers, warriors and those who were given the strength to be different and all were celebrated not hated.

Loving is never wrong but it can lead to some unthoughtful often hurtful actions and decisions. Those who love us and want us to change really do love us; they just struggle with how to love us. Imposing beliefs on one another is where we miss the part about unconditional love. I will accept you and your beliefs and if we differ I will love you anyway. I ask that you allow the same. We just want to walk our path with dignity and respect for who we know we are, not who you need us to be.

Love is never wrong but it can look different from what you know and understand; doesn't mean its not love. Human Spirits in a caring relationship, committed to one another, just trying to make it through daily life; it happens in straight and LGBTQ relationships. One is not better than the other. All wanting to share a life, be happy, and be respected as a couple.

There are many couples on their way to California to celebrate love and with a validation that as humans we have equal rights for those relationships. There are those in opposition. As history writes a new chapter of how we as humans on this planet treat one another I pray that this chapter will end differently.

For those of you my brothers and sisters in the LGBTQ community who have lost traditional "family" because you had the courage to be you, stand strong and know that you are part of the larger family of Two Spirits and I love you, just for being you!

Love yourself, love others...unconditionally... it may take some practice but its worth it. You will find that in loving you will receive love and together we can begin to heal for the Greater Good. Tlazokamati

la loba finds a home

I am happy to share that this work has found a great home. It has been with me for some time and traveled to tell many stories. It was time she came to rest and I am honored to have her be part of a an amazing family of kindred souls whose life work I truly admire.She reminds me of you Louise and I know she will be happy with you and Bill!

I tell it to you as it was told to me. The old one gathers the bones in the desert. Under the moon and stars she calls upon the ancestors. She sings and dances with the Spirits far into the night. As she dances the bones begin to combine and become the wolf again. Bringing with it a clear vision of her walk in life filled with direction, strength and power. la loba

Gather what is scattered in this life and call upon the wisdom you have carried with you throughout the ages. Listen to the wind as it sings your inner voice. Dance toward your dreams without reservation. And feel the fire that can ignite the never ending power of love you hold inside. I wish you strength, love, and clear vision this day on on this Good Red Road.

sin miedo

sin miedo

The imagery of this work is a bit out of my usual realm of images but one has to step into different worlds every now and then to keep moving. And for those who know a bit about me they understand that I am in a state of constant shifting and growth. Just when you think you know what to expect I tend to do or say the unexpected! I create what I am led to create. I have said it before, I am not in charge of the work, I have the honor of surrendering and letting it happen through me.

This small art work is in a beautiful old Mexican wooden frame that I have had for years, it seemed to call for this design so I married the two. It is a gift for my beloved with imagery that speaks a secret code to one another. Long evening chats about past loves, past lives, serendipity, and magical places can lead to inspiration. Live, Love, and Create fearlessly, sin miedo!

Tzolkin date meaning for today

muluc - offering; known as the water sign

Today the Mayan Sun sign calendar is day of offering appreciation for all of creation.

This day is the day of Muluc with the Galactic tone of ten.

Muluc represents water. Water was and is used in many ceremonies as an offering to bring about collective strength, adaptability and harmony. Muluc formulates and transmits the creative pulse. The flow of water like creativity makes it very emotional, imaginative and even psychic. Muluc can be romantic and fantasy prone.

The Galactic tone for today is ten meaning manifestation. Where we once had ideas, dreams, and hopes can now become present. What is focused on with intention and attention becomes real with ten.

So as I work on reorganizing my studio, my life I give attention and intention to the life I am creating and the work that will flow from my hands. I am thankful for the newness and the manifestation of dreams come true. Now back to the studio so that I can create in the days to come from the inspiration I feel today. Tlazocamati for all that life brings.

Raccoon Medicine

This morning during my morning meditation time I had the usual brother and sister birds that add to my time with Creator bringing different messages for the day. But today I noticed in the neighbors tree a new visitor, Brother raccoon, a relative of the bear. He came over the fence moved directly toward me as I sat on my perch and without hesitation he made his way over to me face to face. We made eye contact several times as I spoke to him and then I stopped to listened to what he had come to say. Thank you Brother Raccoon for this message today. Ttlazocamati

Excerpts taken from my Animal Medicine cards.

Raccoon: Generous Protector and Provider, the Robin Hood of the Animal Kingdom.

Raccoon is keeper of what goes around comes around. What you give out is what you receive. You give back to the source of your strength. This medicine is also about speaking up in defense when others are silent. An important point to keep in mind is that we have to honor our own needs and the needs of others equally. Being self full is not the same as being selfish.

Raccoon also warns to keep an eye out for what I call energy vampires, those who take and rarely or never give back. Your generosity can be wasted on those who refuse to help themselves.

Whatever raccoon needs, he is going to try to get it in a variety of ways, instead of insisting it come from one direction in exactly a certain way. When you practice flexibility and resourcefulness, there are less limitations in life.

The mask that raccoon wears is sometimes associated with thievery, but it actually is powerful mystical symbolism. Around the world for centuries masks are and have been used to achieve altered states, ceremony, celebration, magical practices, and in healing work. By wearing a mask we are longer whom we thought ourselves to be but become one with other forces. We create a doorway in the mind and in the physical world, a threshold that we can cross into new dimensions and transformation takes place. It teaches us that none of us are quite what we seem, even to ourselves, that in our lives we can experience the freedom of many identities. This medicine helps us to assume and release the many roles we play.

If raccoon speaks to you today ask yourself Are you hiding your true self? Are others hiding their true self? Do you need to present a different face in life for greater success? Are you giving more to others instead of yourself?

Walk with beauty on Good Red Road with a knowing that all is available to you. You need only slow down to listen and to see with clear eyes. Take care of yourself today and be one with all of who you are and always have been. Yocoxcayotl, Paz, Peace

Connecting

Donaghy Building Gallery, Downtown Little Rock, AR

My work with the conference is complete for another year. It was a powerful event with many groups represented, authentic voices from diverse communities each telling their story for the greater good. People from all over the state and some from surrounding states came together to learn, share, ask questions and participate in connecting conversations with one another. In this way we can continue to build allies, coalitions, and heal generational wounds as we strengthen the work we do for children and famines in the State. Thanks to all and especially to my friends Bill Sparks and Louise Derman Sparks for their loving support of the sometimes difficult work we are doing.

In the midst of the conference work I was invited to share my work at the Donaghy Building Gallery where it was well received. Its a small space 10 works on exhibit and I am happy to share that I have sold two. The show is up until the end of the month.

The community work I do and the art is a natural for me, I cant do one without the other. They compliment each other like a couple that have been together for a long time. When one is challenged in conveying the message the other gently facilitates the dialogue. Art brings people together and I hope that mine poses questions and provokes thoughts that can lead to connecting respectfully with one another at a basic level. My community work feeds my art so now its time to get some rest. And then get back into the studio to let the images flow from the stories that were shared and the relationships I am building. Gracias,thanks, tlazocamati to all for being a part.

Spring is a busy time

Well its finally stopped raining for awhile and the trees and flowers are in beautiful color and the birds are everywhere. I started working on my home alter for spring but haven't had much time. Also haven't had time in the studio but have been cleaning out, shedding. Its time to build a new nest!

I have been working on a conference, Celebrating Cultural Harmony http://www.uams.edu/welcomethechildren/conference/general_information.asp
If you are in the area I invite you to join us. I am finally finished with the presenters and they are posted on the website. We are covering lots of diversity not just racial and ethnic.

I have a show of various work up in downtown Little Rock in the Donaghy State building. It is a great opportunity to share about Latino culture and art quilts. I'll get and post pictures from that later.

Rain images

This week we were surprised by the intensity of the storms that hit Little Rock and the State. I was on the road but made it to the training site and found the tornado safe room then back home through more storms. That evening we heard the alarms sound and spent most of the night in the bathroom for safety. The rains came down and the wind roared outside. Most of my loved ones had only slight damage but I am not sure it works to say damage and slight in the same sentence. The important thing is that everyone is safe now. It was intense and with this rage of emotions and anxiety about personal safety, the safety of loved ones, and property safety it made for a roller coaster evening into mornings light.

When something like this happens you begin to reevaluate what your purpose is, what things are left undone and what is really important. I thought about many people and things on my Good Red Road and what I have yet to do. My home suffered only some roof damage to the front porch which created a waterfall thus rivers of water in the house. When I arrived home I moved the towels I had laid out in anticipation of the waters arrival. As I began to clean I was surprised to see images on the floor. They tell me my home was protected in some way and that I still have work to do. I know some of the things that I see in the rain images. So take a deep breath, clear your mind, and tell me, what do you see?

new year medicine

Today is my new year, my birthday and with it comes new beginnings and new responsibilities. The medicine and Spiritual paths I follow brought me signs and lessons to follow. Last year I received a gift of red tail hawk medicine and this year it is time to use what I have been given. As a healer I have responsibilities to see the bigger picture and to deliver the messages that pass through me. To share and learn from others and most of all to listen and see. Not to see from my eyes but from the bigger picture. The knowledge of the Creator,ancestors, animal totems and Spirit guides help to me on this path. I am thankful for this time in my life and I pray that I will continue on this Good Red Road in a way that honors those that came before me, celebrate those that cross my path and walk with me, and those who will follow. Tlazocamati

Esperanza part of Art Quilt Cultures Exhibit

April 25 - June 25, 2008 The Professional Art Quilt Alliance-South with the Page Walker Arts & History Center, Cary, North Carolina announced juried selections for the exhibit and I am pleased to say that Esperanza was selected.

Maria's gift

This is a gift for the Garcia family for their new home. My dear comadre Maria has been a true sister to me since I moved here. Her family as opened their home and hearts to me and have shown me much love. I consider her a gift in my life both professionally and personally. When she asked that I create a Guadalupe piece for her home I was pleased to do so. The images are dear to her and tell a story of family, perseverance, strength, and love. I am honored that her four beautiful daughters call me tia Sabrina; they are the angels in this work. Paz y amor con mucho carino.

March snow and woodpecker medicine

My backyard is quickly becoming a winter wonderland. Funny how the snow changes everything. Just when the daffodils are beginning to bloom we get snow twice in one week.

The woodpecker is known as the Earths drummer. Drumming is the heartbeat of mother earth and is associated with shamanism and the ability to move into other dimensions at will. The woodpecker represents self discovery; as they peck into and through trees and dead wood, hidden layers of ones psyche are revealed. The woodpecker is able to find food hidden under layers of bark and wood and teaches us to dig deeply to find truth and deceptions. Woodpecker energy is associated with prophecy and the ability to see deeper than surface lies.

Woodpecker speaks of not being hard-headed because they are able to use their beak to peck at trees. Woodpecker is telling us that even if something seems difficult to do, not to give up. To do what works, even if it is unconventional. To set your own pace, your own rhythm.
Back into the studio to dig deep and see what I uncover.






Ancestor tribute sat on the railing to visit for a bit then...

...back to the earth

cleansing, creating and reflection

Lesbianas estan donde queria c/s

I've been in the studio getting ready for a show in April and trying to finish several works that have been waiting for my attention. Feeling like I am ready for spring and the end of another personal year. I am preparing myself.

As my new year or birthday approaches I take time to center myself, cleanse my physical, emotional, and spiritual space in preparation for a new start. I like to review lessons learned, lessons in process and re examine where I am in relation to my work and with others. I do not separate myself from my work. It is all interconnected. I see my work as a mirror, personal journal, healing place, and voice, reflecting my adventures with myself and others. Mas later as I continue the process this month.

Remembering raulsalinas Pachuco

The celebrated Xicanindio poet raulrsalinas performs with a great backing band in San Antonio, TX at the Trini Sanchez memorial tribute on Aug. 6, 2006. The incredible band includes Manny Castillo from Snowbyrd on Drums, Roland de la Cruz from the Mescaleros on Guitar and Eddy Hernandez from Sexto Sol on Bass. Filmed by Victor Payan (http://www.aztecgoldtv.com).

raulrsalinas is the author of three collections of poetry: Un Trip thru the Mind Jail y Otras Excursions (Editorial Pocho-Ché, 1980; Arte Público Press, 1999), East of the Freeway: Reflections de mi pueblo (Red Salmon Press, 1995), and Indio Trails: A Xicano Odyssey thru Indian Country (Wings Press, 2006). Recently, UT Press published a selected collection of his prison writings entitled raulrsalinas and the Jail Machine: My Weapon Is My Pen (edited by Louis Mendoza, 2006).

Feliz Dia de Amor y Amistad!

Happy St. Valentine's Day or Dia de Amor y Amistad!
New work in progress, drawing with the machine and playing with some color.

Austin's pachuco poet and activist dies

photo by Valentino Mauricio

Austin poet and activist Raúl Salinas has died. I was touched that once he had commented on my art. I will remember the Xicanindio who called me a Xicanindia. I will remember the cave like nest of a bookstore filled with the smell of sage and inscense and books about resistance, revolution, and a strong people with a long history. I will remember the tatooed braided silver haried elder who always had a story and a laugh for me when I would visit. I will remember that my art, my politic, my spirituality are all a part of me. I will remember Raul.


By Omar L. Gallaga
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Wednesday, February 13, 2008

The author and longtime fixture at South Austin's La Resistencia Bookstore wrote several influential books of Chicano poetry, including "East of the Freeway: Reflections de mi Pueblo," and "Un Trip Through the Mind Jail y Otras Excursions."

His most recent book, "raúl salinas and the Jail Machine: Selected Writings of raúl salinas" was published in 2006 by University of Texas Press.

The bespectacled, pony-tailed writer, born in 1934 in San Antonio, aligned himself with the Beat poets and had used stints in prison that began in 1957 on drug-related charges in California, as fodder for his work.

The poet said he was reborn in prison, where he said he got in touch with his "Native spirituality and indigenous self."

He would go on to teach many writing and social activism classes, whether it was at schools such as St. Edwards University or at juvenile detention centers across the country.

Salinas was actively involved in city politics and also played host at La Resistencia, which opened in 1981, to art and spoken-word events. The cultural group he created, Red Salmon Arts, continues to host performances and artist events.

He told the Spanish newspaper ¡ahora sí! in 2005, "This is my world," Salinas says, "I have to navigate it. I've always combined my art, my politics, my spirituality, as part of my total being."