Tell me you don’t agree – this has been a strange and curious year. From the moment of flipping open to the first page of the 2018 calendar, I haven’t felt like I’ve been able to find, let alone sustain my balance or rhythm. In subtle, and sometimes not so subtle ways things just don’t feel the same, and I feel like I’m groping around in a place that has lost familiar sign posts. It’s not that things feel wrong or bad, just curiously different. I often talk about energy signatures, and I often invoke energies I wish to wish to explore, something that’s often called energy addresses. And when I think of such things I always imagine I’m standing at some corner, some intersection of energies. I’m pretty sure I’m currently navigating at the crossroads of what was and what is now.
It’s kind of a fun place to be, because I keep feeling like I’m visiting old places but suddenly have a new perspective.
I’m totally crazy about many of the old Work Projects Administration (WPA) posters created by artists employed during the Depression by the Poster Division of the WPA Federal Art Project. They pull at my heart in so many ways. I love the library one above because it feels exactly like what this summer has been for me. I’ve been on a reading frenzy. Except there’s been nothing really frenzied about it. It feels more like the leisurely days of childhood where summer rules at the library were loosened and you could check out extra books. And of course, I always did.
Most of what I’ve read this summer has been fiction, almost all of it young adult. Of course the topics delight me – magic, mystery, urban fantasy with shape-shifting creatures, and people bringing powers online that they never expected they had. But there’s also something else about the YA genre that appeals to me – so much a sense of possibility, of finding oneself, of stepping into one’s expanded self when one is standing at one’s leading edge. It feels like I’m drinking all that in like a thirsty sponge, reminding myself of all the potentials available in these times. I’m not feeling the sense of discouragement, of fear, of things crumbling that I want to remain steadfast that so many in our collective seem to be experiencing and being ceaselessly vocal about. Instead I’m feeling the excitement of potential, of diving into the pools of possibility, of remembering we’re not traveling straight lines but traversing spirals.
And so I’m feeling especially nurtured by the written (and spoken) word, and expansively grateful for libraries, both the brick-and-mortar variety and the online version that have been my companions this summer. I’m now 73 books into the 100 book reading goal I set for myself this year.
I literally can’t get enough of books – not only do I want to read them, but increasingly I want to create them, and perhaps even write them.
One of the delights of living in Chicago is that it’s home to The Joan Flasch Artists’ Book Collection, a part of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. There are 10,000 items in the collection, predominantly artist books, but also zines and other artist-produced publications. Yes, another library I love visiting! You can poke around a bit online here.
I’m not sure it’s possible to be around such inspiration and not have one’s Muses whispering ideas into one’s ears. Mine certainly have been, and my work table now has a couple artist books in process.
And while July is wrapping up, I don’t want it to pass without mentioning that July is International Zine Month. It’s been way too long since I produced one, but I’m happy to report I’m putting the finishing touches on my latest, and I suspect I’ll be publishing on a more regular basis. My work is always limited edition, but if you’d like to put your name in a hat for a chance at a copy, let me know in the comments. I’ll randomly choose a name on August 7, and get in touch with the winner for a mailing address.
In the meantime, how’s your summer/winter going? Does everything feel both strange and wonderful for you as well? What are you reading? Love libraries? Read zines? Find WPA poster art fabulous? Do tell – you know I love to hear.
The richness of young adult books (actual literature) astounds me these days. It’s much more creative than adult fiction. 2018 has not been the best year for me; it started out well, but the past two months have been difficult and have challenged my outlook on my world.
I agree Margaret that there is some spectacularly creative YA fiction being written – such fun. I’m truly sorry you’ve been having a difficult time lately. It’s certainly my hope that there are deep gifts to be mined from these challenges that prove exponential blessings.
I have to agree with your previous commenter. 2018 is not my best year either, especially the last 3 months or so. But I definitely share your fascination with WPA posters and, if fact, the whole concept of the WPA. What an enlightened idea that was and some really interesting and beautiful art and projects came out of it. Things like that remind me of how America used to be.
I trust you know I’m wishing you much more ease and grace as you navigate the rest of 2018 Candace.
The WPA was certainly an enlightened idea, and the Social Realists movement and the resulting art gives us much to celebrate.
Hi Debbie – it’s been a horrid time for some reason – balance has been tricky – it’s there. It is definitely not here at this moment … I’ll be around – not sure where … for now cheers! Hilary
I think we all could do with less wobble Hilary. Wishing you ease and balance!
Hari Om
Oh, I am glad you said it out loud. Was wondering if it was just me! 2017 was a horror year for me due to the practical stuff to do with buildings and neighbours. this year though, there is not really any external disturbance, so I can only assume it is an energy/internal thing going on. However, if several of us are feeling it, each in our own way, then something is loose in the cosmos! Like you, I can’t say things have been ‘wrong’… but neither are things quite ‘right’ but it is hard to name exactly what that means!!! My reading and my writing (other than blogs) have come to almost a dead halt the last few months – am not really a magazine gal though, it has to be said. Occasionally, but not a regular thing at all.
The other thing that has happened is that I can’t seem to ‘see’ much beyond the next month. Good, in some ways… but… sigh…
Blessings and Love, YAM xx
Oh, definitely not just you Yamini! I have no doubt we’re dancing to cosmic music and we haven’t mastered gracefulness that well. 🙂
I’m experiencing the “not-too-far-ahead” vision as well, but I have a great sense of peace about it. The road materializes as we step, and it’s certainly an interesting way to keep us focused on the now moment.
I just recently starting going back to the library because I had to take my mom a couple of times since she had a foot issue and wasn’t able to drive. I’ve been keeping up pretty well with my 2018 Pop Sugar reading challenge but haven’t done a library challenge. The kids used to do them every year. I am starting a challenge with a blogging group to read children’s books in August so I will be going to the library to get them for that. It has been a long time since I read YA books – for some reason I felt that since I was an adult I didn’t need to read them anymore but I’ve been finding out that you can read them at any age! Love to win a copy of your zine 🙂
I’d love to hear more about the children’s books challenge Janet – I love kid’s books and hope you’ll share. I bet you’ll find lots of YA fiction to enjoy.
Putting you name in the hat Janet. 🙂
Glad to read it isn’t just me…somehow it feels this year is like that fraction of time, right between the calm before the storm and the storm it self. Will it be a cleansing storm, will it be a devastating storm? It can go either way… And I feel curious and worried at the same time. So many signs of wonderful inspiring activities and collaborations, at the same time Mother Nature seems angry. Looking forward to your next news-letter, maybe the spirits could clarify it a bit it 😉
And yes! Please put my name in the hat!
Hugs and XxX
Oh that’s a great image Patty – the moment before the storm, and that sense of electrical tension. While being part of the collective is always something we need to consider in the equation while we’re embodied, I suspect we have a lot more control over how we ultimately respond to these energies. That is certainly one access to our sovereignty.
I always look forward to what messages the Sacred Rose Council wish to share in the newsletter – we’ll have to see. And I’ll happily add your name to the hat.
I’ve just finished reading Philip Pullman’s “His Dark Materials” Trilogy, my first real foray into YA fiction and loved it – just picked up another of his mysteries in the Book Corner swap shop. I have been devouring books this year, nothing too serious, just mindless distractions and good stories. For some reason I don’t want to get into really deep reading at the moment. And you’re right Deborah if feels like a really leisurely childhood type of reading – loving it.
But it has been difficult to get balance – I’ve been far too easily distracted – coffee anyone? lol
We’re now into what the old people would have said was the beginning of Autumn and I’m starting to panic slightly that the lazy days will be a thing of the past all too soon again.
xx
I’ve not read “His Dark Materials” but this just may be the summer I do.
The first harvest celebrations have been on my mind as well Fil. My brother just visited and brought be a huge load of wonderful veggies from his garden, but even so I’m laughing because my hybrid lilac is blooming once again. It seems like a perfect metaphor for the moment Spring and Autumn and Summer all dancing together, and there’s no telling who’s in the lead at the moment.
well please put my name in the hat , that is definitely something I would love to you – did a little zine many years ago and was recently published in a local womens journal zine but like the idea of creating my own.
so yes the energies- – I feel into each year and get a sense of what the threads are – last year was formless ie gave nothing away and so too this year -meaning what ? up for grabs perhaps .
I know I have had a major relationship upheaval leaving home and returning again all of which was totally ok but carried strong lessons . perhaps our internal compass is spinning wildly mirrored by large storms fires floods earthquakes eruptions and parts of our self are rising to the surface and we look and go gosh do I even know you??
and balance is there and here and not and everything we think we know is no longer valid or true and the whole edifice is crumbling and it is at the same time exciting and scary. think of a cake the breaking of eggs and mixing – what a mess and then what a treat a beauty a lushness – here we are in the boiler room co- creating – wow what a gift it is to be manifest right now –
I definitely love the boiler room image Sandra – I’m keeping that one in my heart. And it all really IS a gift. Amazing, terrifyingly beautiful.
I think your question “Do I even know you?” is an important one. I think it is exactly the invitation we’re all called to as we let go, really let go, and finally, finally step into the fullness of our being. I shiver with delight recognizing how much we truly do know, and how long we’ve pretended otherwise.
I’m with you in your assessment of this entire year: “I haven’t felt like I’ve been able to find, let alone sustain my balance or rhythm.” I am doing more, being more open– but have come to feel like I’m getting nowhere in the process. Usually I get in a groove and am able to plow forward in a steady way, but this year… so much imbalance.
I haven’t been reading much. Maybe that’d help me get my groove back. Hmmm… 🤔
The old grooves apparently are filled with rubble and we’re having to forge new paths. Clearly it’s making for a wobbly walk!
I’ll be interested to hear if turning to reading is helpful for you Ally, and what sorts of things you choose.
I loved this post of yours, Deborah. Loved it! Resonances galore. The posters, the link to the online Artists’ Book Collection, hearing about your dive into YA books, your mention of zines and your shout-out to spirals rather than lines. (I love children’s books for their magic and extraordinary things happening in ordinary ways but will investigate YA based on your recommendation.) For my sense of the year, it’s been tricky and challenging — I’ve been watching the worldwide weather with my mouth open and have had some personal challenges, for sure. My thing is flow, rather than balance, and in some ways I’ve felt there hasn’t been enough flow and I want to get more going. But the world around me is beautiful right now, these are the most beautiful days. We live in such an incredible world.
Please put me down for the zine draw!
I’m in resonance with so much you say as well Lesley. This is indeed an incredible world, and most beautiful days. I like what you say about flow, and in fact the image that comes to me most when I think about these times is surfing – riding those beautiful energetic waves. I’m thinking I need to tweak my language and thoughts with regard to balance to incorporate the concept of flow more expansively.
I love children’s books as well. In fact I just read one today that I’m charmed by. I think it might be time to do some reviews/recommendations soon, particularly given my recent immersion into YA books.
Your name has been officially put into the hat. 🙂
Despite the world turmoil, 2018 has been (so far) a time of rebirth, exploring my Self and reconstructing my future.
I just spent a week sitting at a lake in Maine (well, and going to the ocean a few times, a bunch of art galleries, eating way too much, singing along at a piano bar, etc) and read FOUR books — what a treat! I am heading to my local beach this afternoon and plan to read some more.
Thanks goodness for those of us who write, so I have something to read!!
Sounds like you’re having a remarkable 2018 Beth – yay! And your time in Maine sounds entirely delicious. Thanks indeed for the writers in our tribe and the gifts you give us all.
Interesting post! The heatwave has made me feel strange and the build-up of energy before the rainstorms has made me a little ‘wired’, much like my cat! I’m enjoying some time off work right now, and it’s wonderful reconnecting with my creative self again. I’ve been getting into reading short stories again, I especially enjoy stories with a creepy twist. I love libraries but don’t use mine often enough.