About 20 years ago I entered a juried art show on Long Island and didn’t get in. I remember picking up my painting and being disappointed, but also feeling alive. Last night in yoga my instructor reminded us that movement creates energy. Today I took a broken bud off an iris and put it in water.
The thought of that flower coming so far and not having an opportunity to bloom seems wrong to me. I realized I’ve always done this, taken the broken flower and given it another chance, even if it’s a dying blossom floating in a cup of water for one more day.
And every time I hear Simon bray, it sounds joyful to me and I feel like he’s saying “I’m alive”!
That’s what happened to me this weekend. When we hung the show and turned on the lights it was like I was shouting “I’m alive”. Every time someone walked into the gallery and felt welcomed and included I felt alive. Every time someone was lit up by what they saw or bought a piece of art, I felt the blood in my veins. When artist Diane Swanson, who has worked in the arts for many years, told me it was the best time she ever had being in an art show, my heart opened a little more. When people walked through the gallery then visited the donkeys or watched Rose herd sheep then came back to the gallery smiling and talking, I knew the Pig Barn had been reborn.
And I wasn’t alone. I couldn’t have done it alone. It wouldn’t have been the same without the work of Serena, Jack, Diane, and Jon, the artists who kept the spirit of the show through out the weekend. I don’t believe that it would have been the same with out the blessing from Mary Muncil. And it certainly wouldn’t have worked without all the gracious people who came to the farm to see and buy the art and talk to the artists and visit the farm. And I know that the kind thoughts and wishes from all those who couldn’t come were a part of it’s success also. And, of course, it wouldn’t have happened without the support and encouragement from Jon, who spent two days out side of the Pig Barn Gallery feeding donkeys and herding sheep.
So thanks to everyone who answered me, by being a part of the first show at the Pig Barn Gallery, when this weekend I shouted “I’m Alive”!
Greetings from the Great Northwest, Maria!! I guess you can officially ditch your “dress of tacks!” With such a lovely show you are surely influencing those around you; the Pig Barn Gallery space is oh so nice and now riding on the coat tails of your Orange Cat Cafe opening, you are on a roll, Maria!!! I love your work and what you’re doing with it. Many thanks for creating so many good vibes and offerings. :))
More good vibes and offerings to come I hope it reaches all the way to the Northwest.
When I read your post tonight I immediately thought of a quotation by Marianne Williamson (often attributed to Nelson Mandela) that reads, “We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” This, I think is, what you and Jon and the artists did at The Pig Barn this weekend, you let your light shine and gave us permission to do so, allowing us to shout “I’m Alive!” right along with you. Thanks again!
Now I’m crying again, thanks Kim.
Maria,
I wish I could have attended your art show, what an inspiration. All the photos are so beautiful, but quite a distance from the Ohio valley where I live. I met your husband Jon when he was in Cincinnati on his latest book tour, and I just wanted to take a minute and say, “Happy Anniversary!” to both of you.
I don’t know if you’ve ever heard of the artist/musician Chris LeDoux, but here is a gift for your anniversary. A beautiful love song my husband and I have enjoyed for years.
Sincerely,
Jeannie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSBH6bTZPro
Thanks Jeannie, I can’t wait to listen to it.
Congratulations on the successful art show! You and Jon have graciously invited us into your lives and shared your hard-won insights and we are richer for it.
Hmmm. That blue bottle looks familiar. Seems to me I remember seeing it in a birdbath once. 🙂
good memory….
Oh Maria, how heartfelt! I’m in tears.
Oh Suzanne, We can cry together.
Congratulations, Maria to you & Jon & the other artists. We were very happy to participate in the Opening of
The Pig Barn Art Gallery. Mary Rita Scott & family.
P.S. Did you sell your Rita “Bye” quilt? I didn’t see her hanging there. M. Rita
It was nice to have you all there too Mary. And yes, I shipped Bye Rita out yesterday. I have plans for the next one, inspired by my GPS called “Then….take the freeway.”
Maria, your happiness and buoyant spirit come through in every word! Congratulations on all that you are accomplishing, all of the ideas that you are germinating, and thanks for sharing the process with us. (**Love** the “Tribe” quilt, it’s beautiful!)
Maria, congratulations on your successful show in the Pig Barn Gallery. Omaha is not so far away when you can feel the joy in someones words and pictures. namaste
Looking forward to maybe coming to one of the Pigbarn art shows oneday!
Congratulations on your success, all the photos and videos were very enjoyable, I felt like I was there 🙂 Congratulations 🙂
Oops, I forgot to say and what a delight Simon is! and the rest of the menagerie 🙂
Good vibes received here and sending air hugs to you, Maria! Your streaming pieces have a natural flow; I look forward to each offering – a glimpse or quiet diary which resonates with me.
How sweet it is…. I’m very happy for you, Jon, Simon and all the animals at Bedlam Farm. You are in sync and filled with love. The Pig Barn Gallery is really something…one of the best openings ever.
Hello Maria and Happy Anniversary! I read your “I’m Alive” post as it was linked to your husband’s earlier post today. I am so happy for you, for the beautiful day you enjoyed on Saturday, surrounded by so many artistic creations, friends, animals, and a poetry reading too! What a lovely prelude to your anniversary day. May you have many many more together. Susan in AZ
Maria, this is a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing your feelings with us. I cannot wait until you open the Pig Barn again for another art show. My son and I were going to attend but he ended up very ill and in the hospital. When I told him that Jon said you may do it again in the fall he was very happy (as was I).
I hope your son is feeling better and I am planning another in the Fall. Hope you can both make it.
Giving something broken another chance to bloom…I think I’ll carry these words with me for a long time. Maria, I suspect you and Jon have touched more lives than you will every know. Thank you.
What a year you have had! Happy Anniversary to you and Jon and congratulations on a wonderful opening of your gallery. Thank you for sharing the process of making your art and the insights into your life with all of us. It inspires us to remember that we are alive and that each step we take really is leading somewhere. Somebody told me this week, “Don’t dream too small” . You’re proving it can work.
So wonderful of you to share the happiness of being alive – it really is contagious.