mjd - release - stitched pouch/mat - 2015

our life is made up of moments,

ephemeral in nature.

but in the midst of them

they are as solid as stone.

each one adds

to the one before

creating a work 

of intricacy and depth.

each one holds 

its own significance

yet none 

should define you. 

with every breath 

you are new

and opportunity is reborn. 

learn to dwell 

in the present

and 

in the presence

of all life's wonder. 

love in all you do -

mjd 2015 - wip, custom order - make with love

part of the design decision for this bowl was how to integrate the heart. cut it out? set it cleanly? allow it to begin to melt?

it set me off to thinking about how we make, do, live. does it all come from love or is it something you have to mindfully apply -

ideally, with an open heart everything is set with an intention of love. it is not an added bonus but rather an inextricable part of our thoughts, words and actions. in the beginning, we might need to remind ourselves of this. but like any other habit, with repetition and attention, it becomes second nature. love is entering and leaving you with each breath and through that membrane of physical body that separates us from each other. 

we can pick up on each other's energies - fear and anger are very easy to sense. they are heavy. joy is lighter. love is any myriad of sensations - it depends upon how you can receive it and how it is offered. 

i think that at its best, love is gentle and grounding. but that's me. 

------------------

anything we make

anything we do

should involve love 

as a part of it. 

integral to the meaning

to the intention

and 

coming from the very same 

material

be it blood & sweat

or

brass & sterling.

you cannot merely add love

on afterwards

like sprinkles

on a cupcake.

it's either there

or

it isn't. 

come from a place of love

and all you do

say and think

will be infused,

spreading that which

the world most needs. 

mjd 2014 - no act is too small

one small stitch at a time

makes for work that is intentional and time consuming 

in the best possible way. 

mjd 2014 - no act is too small

as makers we are gifted with the ability 

(with much practice and attention)

to speak our hearts and minds

through our willing hands.

mjd 2014 - no act is too small

how fortunate is that?

------

consider the strength of one stitch.

then consider the strength of many.

how much power resides

in each act of kindness,

each act of bravery (no matter how large or small),

each thought of gratitude,

each expression of love and compassion?

mjd 2014 - no act is too small

while one alone holds it's own integrity,

the accumulation over a lifetime can be staggering.

mjd 2014 - no act is too small

no act of kindness or generosity is insignificant. 

small stash of metal bits discovered

karma - 2013

'actions send out ripples.

karma brings it back,'

so said a wise woman to me.

turquoise, amethyst and lapis

stones associated with karma 

 be still - 2013

in stillness,

one feels

both floatingly heady 

and deeply rooted.

our world, 

our lives

are fiercely beautiful

and command our attention.

are you present?

sparkling iolite and earthy vesuvianite 

joy - 2013

'smile, breathe and go slowly.'

thich nhat hanh

embrace joy.

turquoise and carnelian

in celebration of light

these bits had been sitting on my bench - 
the 'be still's have been incorporated into work and found new homes... 

in this time of sadness,
let us shine light - 

kindness requires an active way of being - 

instead of just zoning out and being reactive, 

you must be present and aware of how you are interacting with others.

in honor of the solstice 

and love

and sharing,

i would like to offer these to you.

you will get both pairs - 

one for you 

and one to pass along.

just leave a comment here and make sure i have a way to contact you!

i will select a winner on new year's day -

the open heart shines in the darkness -

guided by courage, it remains true.

though feeling deeply, 
it resists the urge
to hide
to build walls
to strap on armor.

love overrides all fear.

it is
beating
pumping
raw

compassion
come to life.




*please note: the use of images of adornment in these times of sorrow are not meant to promote my work. i process my feelings at the bench and so these pieces are merely visual representations of emotion and thought.

flowers in december?

i was musing upon 

contentment and joy

simple pleasures in our lives

how gratitude opens

and open heart practice takes courage...

how the moving atoms in our bodies

connect us to the moving bodies in the sky.

how our words and actions

ripple

ripple

ripple 

through people and, hence,

time and space... 

petals, cont'd

mary jane dodd - petals - 2012

in nickel - 


'the jewel is in the lotus'


a translation of 'om mani padme hum' from a talk given by the dalai lama -

mary jane dodd - petals - 2012

and red brass... 

i feel deeply about

being able to make manifest the idea of fragile strength...

and sharing with you a most wonderful way to be a part of the Solution - 

i highly encourage you to see what barbara bechtel is up to - 

wishing you a peaceful weekend... 

the work of life

'i will not let anyone walk through my mind with dirty feet.'
- gandhi

'no one can make you feel inferior without your consent.'

- eleanor roosevelt

like meditation and yoga, self-healing is a practice... it is daily work... i have certain mantras that i use in different situations, while striving to do and not just to try... being immersed in my creative space can even temporarily free me from negative feelings or environmental conditions and guide me toward those more uplifting...

'at times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.'
- albert schweitzer

i know i have used those words before, but they have a more universal application this time... that thanks go to family, friends, new acquaintances and members of this community... a reminder for me that those who extend compassion and/or empathy have their own lives as well... and it is critical not to drain their spirit... while never done selfishly, it is careless and unmindful... an extra amount of attentiveness to this is added to my list... for i definitely try to live by the 'first do no harm' principle & to be supportive of others... it is my sole responsibility to not let the tinders go out...

i know i am a bit of a quote hound, but i am inspired by the wisdom of those who have lived and lived well... so at the age of 43, here's a goal -

'i am not afraid of storms, for i am learning how to sail my own ship.'
- louisa may alcott