MEMORIES


When my sister, Jenny and her children fled in April, they were able to hide successfully for almost a month through the efforts of a shelter for abused women and children.
We knew after a few days through authorities that they were alive, but I would not be able to speak to her for almost a month.
That is how deep "underground" these women and children have to go.

They fled with very little, but felt so rich and so free for the first time in many years.
I am so grateful to the shelter for their help and assistance during this time. It was the happiest Jenny and the children had been in a very, very long time.

Jenny felt like the butterfly.
The years of struggle, the life of the caterpillar were now over and the new chapter was beginning.
She was afraid, but so hopeful.
~~~~
In creating a piece for a collaborative I am doing with eleven others for a 2008 calendar, I thought of Jenny and her butterflies.
This piece just flowed.
The verse is from a card that someone very close to me gave me many years ago as I was leaving my comfort zone and heading out to an uncharted life, unfamiliar territory, and somewhat scary.

My page for 2008 will be the month of September.
The child image is from Paper Whimsy. (sheet #133)
Using paints, inks, colored pencils, a gel medium transfer of a music sheet
and a touch of free hand painting with a vine of roses.



"Memories"


In the evening,
when every
sound
lies sleeping,
when all
the doors
are shut
and the soul
is open...
memories,
like quiet
visitors,
arrive.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, Rella. I will be so proud to have this as part of the calendar! It is beautiful! And the sentiment is EXACTLY how memories of our loved ones surface. Thank you for sharing such an intmate part of yourself. (((hugs)))

Sharon Tomlinson said...

Every little spec of this is stunning. The depth you achieved is just so beautiful. "The piece just flowed." It's a wonderful feeling when that happens.
xo

dogfaeriex5 said...

my rella~
how beautiful your piece is and the words do envoke peacefulness....
xoxo~kim

Lori said...

Rella, your piece for the calendar is just wonderful...i am thinking about you all the time and the terrible ending to your sister's life, i am keeping you still in my thoughts and prayers.

Maija said...

Rella,
I think your calendar page is beautiful! I'm glad you are working through your pain with art. I'm trying to get there.
The poem you recite at the bottom of your post is so true. For me, right now, I have to take sleeping pills to block those painful memories.
oxox

Lee Weber said...

Congratulations in the midst of such sorrow. What a wonderful tribute to Jenny. She is with you always. She is free.

Cindy Dean said...

This is beautiful! I can't wait to see the calendar...

~Red Tin Heart~ said...

Dear Rella, it is so beautiful. The poem fits it so perfect. I pray you have a good day. xoxo nita

kecia deveney said...

Rella, i love the piece! it must have been difficult to make that piece under such sadness, but you managed to do it. you can see how special this picture is. make sure you make a copy of it. maybe you could sell copies of it (as a collage sheet or something) and donate proceeds to a women's shelter or something. just a thought! i know i'd by one in a heart beat.

anyway, i'm also here to tell you that you won my blog giveaway! tucker drew your name out of a hat tonight. so email me when you get a chance at keeshagirl4@aol.com!

Rosa said...

Beautiful. I will make a donation to a local women's shelter in Jenny Wren's memory.

Anonymous said...

I love that the art you created for auntie Jen will be on my birthday month. You are my insperation mom and I love you with all my heart.

ryan

~Red Tin Heart~ said...

You are being thought of today dear one. xoxo nita

Rella said...

Thank you all my dear bloggie friends for you sweet comments and your faithful visits in spite of my infrequent posts as of late. I do come and visit here and at your blogs every day, so your presence has been just a blessing. And my dear Ryan..it makes me smile to know you visit and my heart does the "happy Mom dance" knowing that you and Nee and Joel all appreciate my art and share the love of all the arts. And I'm still waiting to collaborate on that book with you. :)...hopefully you will need a faerie or two!!
xox MamaRella

Sweet Remembrance said...

As I read through your posts I am in tears and sorrow for you & your family! Your art is stunning & the poem absolutely beautiful.
You are in my prayers...
Priscilla

Melinda said...

beautiful!

Anonymous said...

This is so beautiful and touching. Just wanted you to know that I have been thinking about you and keeping you in my prayers ever since you first posted the sad news. Hugs!

zuzu said...

.::oh::my::goodness::.
Rella, this is exquisite ...

::where:: :: do :: i :: get :: one :: ?

The calendar? ... a print?
The poem is, well ... this piece is amazing.
=^..^=zU