a n n i e l o c k h a r t

creative juices

Art & Soul is just around the corner! Virginia is always a good time! The classes are fabulous, with fabulous teachers! http://www.artandsoulretreat.com/ go check it out! sign up...and join us all in Virginia for a creative boost for 2012!

galveston...memory

 

i am forever grateful for seeing the beauty around me.
 

i used to picnic and go crabbing with my great aunt myrtle and family under this very dock when i was just a little girl...now, i come here and still feel that connection to my childhood. i could write a whole book on aunt myrtle;her eccentric style, her generosity, her laugh, her songs, her friendship with my grandma, her yellow cadillac, her pedal pushers and big jewelry.  
 
but, for now...i'll just share these snapshots of the island...here's to the light, and the calming energy of the gulf waters rolling in on an early morning.  

settling in...

wow...there is so much to try to catch up with here. should i even try? or just begin with today. a really quick version is i bought a new/old house in the town i've always wanted to live in...on an island. i have been just living life...fb, a little...pinterest, a little...family, a bit more...day to day, a lot more! so, i begin again here in this forgiving writing spot of mine.

some upcoming teaching news...

Hampton, VA with Art & Soul...here ~~soul food, a traveling shrine/alter. april 29th/friday...9:00am-4:30pm

and here ~~stories in symbolism, my basic 101 class...it's a good one to start with.  april 30th/sat...9:00am-4:30pm.

then out on the left coast the end of sept. in portland, OR. with Art & Soul....check it out here and here...BUT....

if you can't make it to either of the coasts....i'll be in Scottsdale, AZ the beginning of Aug.with Art Unraveled...more to come on this!

so, this house is going to be a work in progress...on a shoestring, which is cool with me, because it forces me to think of how to make this fun and funky without breaking the bank. i'll share some stuff as i go along making this into a little beach retreat. my beach cruiser...since i don't have much in the way of furniture, yet...she sits right in the living room to keep me company with a splash of color...you can't see it, but, my maui peace sign sticker is on her tail rim...and there's a little bell that i actually use when tourists get in my way!!! just kidding.

 
  
 
 

here's a paper shade i made for my dining room...for lack of one. torn paper + string+ masking tape...and there you've got it! looks cool when on. i'll have to admit, this is a fav of mine now...the paper is ancient butcher paper which really adds to its charm. 
 
oh well...that's it for now. more to come...as the adventure unfolds.

 

thankfulness

here, there, and everywhere in between! it's hard to let Thanksgiving go by without offering thanks and gratitude. i've always been one that won't do a thing for Christmas until Thanksgiving has had her day! even when i had my 'mabel annie's' antique shop...i always went in late, late on Thanksgiving night...and dress the shop for the other special holiday...but, in retail...that's almost unheard of! anyway...this year has brought many blessings...even through what at the time seemed like an exhausting challenge.

my mother went through her first major setback in febuary. i am very happy to say she has made such huge progress in caring for herself now. we are so thankful.

my son, heath, who is serving in iraq, is safe and will be home in march. we are missing him especially now for the holidays...i bought only one bag of potatoes instead of two for dinner tomorrow, as they (cheesy mashed) are his favorite, and he can easily eat half all by himself! we are so thankful.

healthy kids and grandkids...our home...our friends...and families. we are so thankful.

i am beyond thankful for these blessings and so many more.

happy thanksgiving to you, and yours. may blessings abound!

 

 

 

magical light & mysterious shadows

 
i never tire of looking at this old still life painting...a simple, yet beautiful vase of flowers. i get lost with its aged colors, the varied  brush strokes, her magical light, and mysterious shadows. i recently moved it to my front room where there is a little more light streaming in the windows, creating more exploration and more depth into this work of art. then comes the late evening ushering in a completely different take with the light of a lamp and few twinkle lights that dangle from above the window seat, casting a soft glow. i wish i could have met this artist from a time long, long ago...to sit with her/him and have a cup of tea and talk of the simplicity and complexities of their world. i want to be like this painting...casting light, learning, ever learning...the mystery of the shadows, and creating beauty in all areas of my life...wherever i might be!

 

 

grow...(revised with more photos)

 
this little blue felted acorn was purchased on etsy awhile back...quite awhile, but, i knew when i purchased it, it would be part of one of my 'stories'! (now one of my all time favorite assemblages) it's the perfect symbol for growth for me. she helps me remember how much i've grown...and what is still possible.

today, i visited with a dear friend of mine and her mom. her beautiful mother is in her nineties...and is truly a woman of pure light and love. you can't miss it...no, way. when in her presence i see what is possible. as i was driving there, i became teary-eyed...just knowing i was going to be with her today, and what a gift i would receive. i was right. she was lovely. her husband passed away a few months ago, and now...she is preparing to depart this life. i will miss her something awful...but, i happen to believe she will have that dear man of hers waiting with open arms to greet her. she has missed him dearly...they were inseparable on earth. so the acorn grows...“The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.” ralph waldo emerson ~ grow in love, grow in knowledge, grow in friendship, grow in trust, grow in forgiveness, grow in joy, grow in expression, grow in the divine, grow in solitude, grow in peace, grow in light, grow...grow...grow! a thousand ways...a thousand forests. night y'all!

here is the full shot of this assemblage...she's named 'crown me' and can be found in my book...she's more beautiful in real life!

 
 
 

 

november news...

 
 
it's here! november already! i am so excited about what's next. i've had a very interesting and very unconventional year so far! time away, timeout, and at times, i felt like i was a timetraveler! it has been so, so wonderful to be with my texas family, and friends! i kept telling myself, this is all good...so, i gave myself a pass on unconventionality!

my timeout ran it's course, and i've learned invaluable lessons about how to nurture, and listen to myself even more. i will continue to take time out for myself during the days, weeks, and years to come...but, now carefully balancing my time with my soulful creative life. 

i'm ready to nestle in and get back into my studio, my blog, my book, and my etsy shop. there are a couple of other things up my sleeve these days to share...think Christmas!

my book, Objects of Reflection...a soulful journey was released earlier this year. (as most of y'all already know!) writing this book was something that i had such a heart connection with, and that i'm so proud of. i am still selling autographed copies in my etsy shop...here! if you are ordering it for yourself or for a friend, it will be delivered sweetly wrapped, signed, and a symbolic token attached! Christmas orders should be placed by December 10th for shipping purposes.

one of the other things that i have put out there...are classes in your neck of the woods! as in...i'll come to you! i mentioned this on my facebook page...a soulful journey. if you haven't become a 'like' on it yet...please come on over and join me. details are still in the works...but, basically, if you get together a class of 8-10 guests...i'll show up and teach a two day workshop in your town. (for out of the U.S...please email me...i love to travel!) for me, there is nothing quite like the one-on-one connections that can only be made face to face. i love the energy of each person in the class...what they share...and what we learn.

BUT, the next best thing to being there...affordable online classes for those of you who cannot make it to one of the workshops or retreats. more information coming soon.   

52...FFF

FFF....this is a wonderful thing these days...seems i've embraced the passage to fun, fabulous, & living in my fifties!!! today...(well, actually it's after midnight...so, yesterday) i'm fifty-two...so, by the lead of my friend, nina....i offer 52 things about me that you always wanted to know...but, were afraid to ask!  

1)  i love people...just about anyone...in any shape, form, color, age, or background.

2)  i'm usually willing to give most things a try...not all...but, most.

3)  i like real...whatever that is...as in, not fake...false, or pretenses.

4)  i like fairy tales, santa claus, & the easter bunny. (fyi...these are different than fake, false, or pretenders)

5)  i believe in fate...not coincidences...or luck of the draw. revised this morning....not fate as in predetermined....but, as in meant to be happenings...so i'm changing fate to serendipity.

6)  i know there is more than what meets the eye.

7)  i trust that my heart is more trustworthy than my brain.

8)  i hope that my brain is trusting my heart.

9) i am fairly fair in my dealings with others...fair enough?

10) i don't always think before i speak...i'm working on this as i speak..write.

11)  i am pretty certain that pretty is in the eye of the beholder...thank goodness.

12) i love a weepy, sappy old movie, that ends with a wild kiss!

13) i am moved by the magnificence of the ocean, mountains, and the wonder of a little child!

14) i am always seeking to live in that wandering wonder of a child.

15)  i daydream about meeting helen keller, mother theresa, and stevie ray vaughn.

16)  i can count to five about five hundred times if i'm nervous.

17) my cooking is the best when i want to be cooking!

18) i am becoming friends with intuition.

19) i see a red flag when someone or something declares "it's black or white"...grey is more soothing to the eye and my heart.   

20)  i am fond of puppies, plum eyeshadow, & popcorn.

21)  when i close my eyes, i can hear the sound of the ocean in the fluttering leaves of the cottonwoods when the wind blows through them.

22)  i can listen to old people for hours talking about 'way back when'.

23)  i think i was a gypsie in another lifetime...and didn't get to fulfill that life to its fullest! a do-over is in order!

24) i have an affection for the 1940's.

25)  i don't like school pictures, for the most part...unless they are of my grandchildren and they have mismatched clothes on or their hair is sticking up.

26) i often resist being on a schedule. yikes.

27)  i like muted, aged, & worn out colors...except for all the beautiful blues and aquas.

28)  i like music &  dancing...and dancing and more music!

29)  i like to photograph moments...in nature and in people.

30)  i enjoy a competitive round at the archery course. it's been a while...but, the urge always stirs up...to win! yikes! i do that in putt-putt golf, too...even with kids!  my kids....double yikes!

31)  i am a terrible singer...but, love to sing my heart out!

32)  i am a collector of books that never get read. one day. 

33)  i'd like to think i have a handle on holding onto the good things in life.

34)  in my earlier life as a young mother...i was more of a homemaker.

35) in my later life...(now!) i'm over it!

36) ....36 was a crappy year! that's all i'm sayin'!

37)  i forget some things i shouldn't and remember some things i should. what? i forget some things i should, and remember some things i shouldn't. that's better...i think!

38)  sometimes, i wish for time to go backwards...usually so i can re-live and re-enjoy my children as little ones.

39)  i like to open presents like a kid!

40)  40...was a piece of cake! carrot is my favorite...and that's exactly what i got...thx jackie!

41)  i'm not easily impressed by money, big fancy cars, or big fancy anything.

42)  i am intrigued by travel, history, people, and their cultures...

43)  did i mention that i'm a gypsie at heart?

44)  44 is my lucky number...or it just follows me everywhere i go...so i just accept it as such!

45)  i miss my childhood home on mark st....and i drive by it when i'm in town. sigh

46) i have had my heart glued to my sleeve all my life.

47) i'm still hoping some wonderfully fabulous english gardner will chanel themselves through me!

48) i try to learn and listen when i'm not talking. : )

49)  i want to volunteer for pacific whale foundation on maui.

50)  most of the time, i think my life rocks!

51)  some of the time...i know it doesn't...and it's up to me to make it rock!

52) i do love life....my family...& what's yet to come!

happybirthdaytome!

 

meeting deadlines & walking the beach...

alot has been going on lately...with the family, and with my work. i try not to wait until the last minute to get things accomplished, but...it just seems to work out that way for me! and the truth of it...i'm pretty sure i like it that way most of the time. i seem to get it done, one way or another! today, once i got close to stopping point for the day...turned the computer off, i went down to the water's edge. it was dusk, i had on a long flowey grey knit skirt on, and there was just enough of an ocean breeze to sway it back and forth, getting it a little wet at the hemline. i took off my sandals and tossed them by a rock...then walked in the bathwater temperature gulf. it wasn't too warm...perfect, really. i walked towards the half moon...then turned back towards the concrete stairs of the seawall where i had tossed the sandals, hoping that i could still find them! the moon's reflection was just over my right shoulder, walking right along with me as if it were shining a flashlight to help me find my way. i sat on the stairs, looking for the first star in the darkened blue sky, and there it was off to the right of me. i made a wish...just like i did as a little girl. only now the wishes seem to be not for me, but for my children, and my children's children!

but a wish is different from a prayer...and since i don't believe in chance encounters...

a prayer was sent up to a woman that i don't know....but, for some reason, an older woman struck up a conversation with me in the goodwill store...: )....and told me of her daughter who has been 10-1/2 years sober...only to have fallen off the wagon hard this very week. i could see that age had crept up on her, the stress, along with a saddened and weakened look. i told her that i would light a candle for her. instead, i just prayed for her daughter, amy, on those stairs starring out into the water after my walk. in my heart, i imagine that the tide would carry those prayers out and get them to where they need to be. heal what needs to be healed, and comfort who needs comforted. prayers and wishes...i hope they come true!

34 years ago today...7:29 CST (revised)

 
ok...so i repost this every year....haley is my beautiful daughter, haley's 34th birthday...today we are heading out for some much mother daughter time. we usually are surrounded by her children...my bugs, which is heavenly...but, today we are going to catch up on this special day....here is a photo of haley and i that i haven't ever posted....i was seventeen....and the birth of haley still remains one of the most treasured days of my life...she was, is and always will be my precious little girl....no amount of years that go by....some things never change! i love you haley....see you at 10 am!!!!

below is the post from a few years ago now!!!...so add a one more wonder-filled year to this, and we have another year to celebrate my sweet daughter, haley's birth! now 34 amazing years ago! better run...i am on my way to catch a flight to go and celebrate with my darling family in texas!  (i'm here this year!!!)

oh my!!!...today is a real milestone...for me and my haley...she turns 30 @ 7:29am this morning...august 25, 1976...yep our bicentennial baby...i was so glad she came on this particular day...because senior pictures were taken this day...and there was no way i wanted to get my senior pictures done being huge and pregnant!!!! my dear high school counselor, jw...kept telling me not to worry about it...it will be from the bust up...well, my bust was big in the first place...and when i am pregnant...let's just say dairy queen!!!! my dear haley shawn...she is my beautiful first born...it is hard to believe this. I was so young...and brave! she is now an amazing mother of two little girls...kayla & kassidy...she is expecting a little boy in december...kolton sean...we all can't wait! (he's here now! and he is the cutest little boy you have ever laid your eyes upon!) she is the sweetest big sister...and a wonderful daughter...she never meets a stranger...and she has the knack of making anyone feel special. it used to drive my momma crazy when i would pack her up when she was just 8 months old and head to the beach...galveston texas to be exact!...love that place...but, my momma is the biggest worry wart EVER...she would never say "have a good time"...it was always...yelling out the door...ann twynette!...pronounced like wynette...as in tammy...with the emphasis on the twy...long I... "pleeeease, don't let that baby get burned"...like i was young and dumb! well i was only a senior in high school...but i do have the most darling pictures of her in her little white eyelet bonnet, and her little yellow bikini...i'd plop her up there in her little round walker...she'd be as happy as a clam right there under a canopy that we (my best girlfriend...barb & i) made with a sheet between two cars...with the edges of the sheets rolled up in the windows...we were so proud...her long skinny toes digging in the sand and her little rosy cheeks, not burned...just right...til this very day she still is a beach baby through and through! now she takes her little girls to the same beaches that i took her...and i have to admit...i do tell her to be sure and put sunblock on them!...we are our mothers! that's another can of worms to be opened at a later date! after my senior year i went away to college...my parents were heartbroken. haley and i were really on our own...in a new town...logan utah...yet another story! living in the married college apartments...even though i wasn't married...but what were they to do with me & haley? that was another experience that may or may not get written about here on these pages...let's just say that homesickness overtook me and back to texas we went...where has the time gone?...i remember my mom saying that...and i thought my gosh mom...what the hell do you mean by that?...back then, time crawled...now, i know exactly what she meant...funny how that works! i remember not too many years ago when the first of our kids started to leave the house and off to college or out to make their own paths...i called my momma in tears...and asked her "why didn't you tell me i was going to feel like this?"...she said there really isn't anything you can do to prepare for it anyway...and she was right!...oh nina...i am feeling a little blue right about now...let's not be sad....i will be right back...it's Miller time...ok...i'm back...ahhh, now that hits the spot...dan put a "brewskie" in the freezer for me and it's icy cold...the kind you really want after you finish mowing the yard! i will close with this one last thing about my haley that was so dear to me...and something that will stay with me forever...she called me after she had gotten home from the hospital with kayla, her oldest...(yet another story...i was in the delivery room with her with both little bugs!...oh my...if i could've done it for her...i would've...but what a miracle to see your granddaughters coming into this amazing life!) and said "momma, i had no idea you loved me this much!" love is a such a sweet thing...but once you become a mother...so many things make more sense about your very own mother...and even though i thought i showed her all the love i could...it wasn't until she felt that little girl in her arms that she really understood my love for her...i love my sweet haley...now it is 12:06...now 1:17am...now 1:46...nite nite...sleep tight...don't let the bedbugs bite!!!!see you in the am...(i have always said those exact word when tucking my kids in for the night)...xoxo...annie

ps....since this was a post from last year...when i was writing this, i thought that my newfound friend nina was the only one reading this. i laugh now as i repost this...the things i said in the beginning of this blog adventure! oh, my!