Embracing the Lesson of the Tree
Wow! I have been loving my monthly Fairy and Demon Drawing workshops. They started back in October. Our most recent February workshop brought the total offered up to 5.
The Bluebird Fairies studio is changing monthly as we get established here in the Howard Space Center on Pine Street and my clarity around how best to lead these workshops continues to grow.
One thing that hasn't changed is the very dedicated thinking in my mind as well as the physical preparation of the space I do before each workshop. This is essential work. And yet, I must remember that beyond the planning there is a space that will be filled by the actual workshop. It's unique reality blossoms with the arrival of each participant. My job shifts from planning to facilitating us through my easily creative and super helpful drawing technique.
Last workshop I had a wonderful reminder of this.
When people arrive for the workshops they take off their coats, get a cup of tea, chat a little and then pick a 'fairy of the workshop' from the Bluebird Fairy Deck. Right before everyone arrives I pick my mine.
Here's who showed up for me-
Sometimes when people receive the 'Fairy of the Tree Lesson' they don't know how she fits into their lives. When I pick her she hits home whether I want her to or not.
Just seeing her reminded me it was time to take a deep breath, wash away my expectations of the workshop and allow the reality of the workshop to begin growing.
The group arrived and WOW what a fun and poignant time we had.
Friends, head on out into the day with your plans and intentions always remembering to enjoy the breeze of the tree lesson.
Have Fun!
All the best,
Emily and the Bluebird Fairies
Please check out Rachel Elizabeth Jones' article about these workshops here:
http://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/with-bluebird-fairies-emily-anderson-inspires-reflection/Content?oid=4374334
Our next 'Fairy and Demon Drawing' workshop is coming up. Each month there's been a theme. So far the workshops have focused on introducing the drawing technique. As of April I'll be offering 'Introduction to Fairy and Demon Drawing' workshops on the first Saturday of every month. On the 3rd Saturday we'll continue to have themed workshops.
You can now easily register for these workshops with our on-line shop at this web site. You can also contact me directly. (saves you $1)
Hope to see you soon.
Fairy of Easy Errands
Dear Friends of Bluebird Fairies,
I hope this blog post finds you in good spirits.
When I last wrote I was on the road to a day of recuperation that was much needed. If you were in need of that as well, I sure hope you took some time for that. I don't know about you, but I think I'm now in need of a"tune up" that gets me into a place where I can "take action".
You may recall from my previous blog post that "taking action" is the theme of the Chinese Year of the Rooster which we entered on January 28th.
There's HOPE for that and here's how it showed up for me today.
I sat down after breakfast to get a handle on the day ahead and "lo and behold" my eyes landed on two miniature iris flowers that had bloomed in the night. What a surprise! There'd been no indication this was about to happen the night before when I studied it closely thirsty for color.
As always I look to Ted Andrew's book Nature - Speak when something natural appears in my life. He says that Irises assist us in "maintaining hope, restoring peace and indicate new birth is at hand."
Then, recalling it was my day to write a 'fairy post' I drew from the Bluebird Fairy Deck the-
Ah, yes. Can we effectively and easily and happily move through errands that will ultimately assist us? Yes, we can!
One errand that Brian and I are moving through is reading and practicing the great material in a book called Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking when Stakes Get High.
We are in a time when it's easy to get caught in conversations that shift gears quickly into places where emotions run high. This book is teaching us tools that move us through the "knee-jerk" behavior that usually gets these conversations even more "off course".
Check it out on-line or at a bookstore. More suggestions will follow.
Now, I'm sending you lots of good energy for all your easy errands. Have fun out there!!!
Sincerely, Emily and the Bluebird Fairies
P.S. There's still a few spaces in February's Fairy and Demon Drawing Workshop. When you come you'll see the latest addition which makes Edward's Burke's fun description for our studio ring true. "The Cozy Den of Creation"
Sense Full Fun Days of Rest and Recuperation
Dear Friends of Bluebird Fairies,
Happy Year of the Rooster!
Rooster brings us "get up and go" energy. This energy is effective for getting things done. It's swift and it works best when you've got a good plan and are ready to employ it.
I don't know about you but hearing this makes me think that I sure could use some rest. Here's a fairy to inspire that being done well.
The global outpouring of positive energy at the Women's Marches last weekend has given us a wonderful "stepping off" point to continue our positive actions forward through these awkward times. We are building something new and it will take a lot of work.
In my next blog posts I'll present some ideas of how this can be done and we'll put the energy of the Rooster to work.
In the meantime, join me in the art of recuperation.
Sincerely,
Emily and the Bluebird Fairies
Fairy of Women
Hello Friend of Bluebird Fairies,
I'm getting on a bus tonight headed to Washington D.C. for the Women's March on Washington.
Several weeks ago a foundation called "Amplifier" put out a call to artists to submit work from which they'd select pieces to turn into 30,000 posters for the march.
I submitted 2 pieces and they joined a group of over 5,000 from which 5 were selected. Mine were not part of that tiny group but I've made them into posters that will head down with me and Brian on the Peace and Justice Bus.
Here's one of the delightful new additions to Bluebird Fairies:
The world is going to have some dynamic energy tomorrow. Besides the March on Washington there are 613 (and counting) other marches happening. I think every state is having at least one and I just counted over 75 other countries on the list.
Take a look through the mission statement. It will clue you into the larger energy we're tapping into:
"Women’s March Global invites individuals and organizations committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and those who understand women’s rights as human rights to join our local coalitions of marchers in representing the rights and voices of progressive people around the world.
As concerned citizens standing up for human rights, Women’s March Global immediately seeks to increase the number of coalitions participating in the upcoming global marches, while continuing to organize future campaigns. Women’s March Global is building and empowering a persistent global network that will organize future campaigns and actions in support of progressive values including women’s rights.
Women’s March Global is a proactive international movement, not a U.S. election-specific protest per se, which has galvanized people to defend women's rights and those of others in response to the rising rhetoric of far-right populism around the world."
So tap into this great sea of energy wherever you are and move forth with your positive actions as a citizen of this beautiful earth.
Be well and have fun!
Sincerely,
Emily and the Bluebird Fairies
