tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77024841562570906392024-02-19T04:03:50.690-08:00Pink Panther MagazineThis magazine is associated to the group of the same name on Redbubble.com. It is for thinking women and will celebrate all art and writing that reflects the issues of women in today's environment. We want it to be both stimulating and fun.
This is our monthly cyber magazine – with the best from the group.
Music, culture and art will be fundamental to our success. There is also a printed and e-magazine - see details in the side bars.
We work actively to promote these issues.Magpie Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10084146564855819679noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702484156257090639.post-32551638209129017772013-04-16T12:29:00.001-07:002013-04-16T12:30:10.657-07:00Pink Panther has a new website!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Published on www.pinkpanthermagazine.blogspot.com
All content is copyrighted.</div>Magpie Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10084146564855819679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702484156257090639.post-2554089418936714002012-07-18T07:25:00.006-07:002012-07-18T07:25:57.369-07:00Letting Go and Holding On - Features - 18/07/2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>This is a bittersweet set of features. Over night Redbubble has
changed almost beyond recognition making it difficult to find anything,
especially anything to do with writing. However, I was determined to
feature both writing and art in this feature. Our group is important to
us and the recent changes have meant it is harder than ever to maintain
it, but it is worth it. So here we are still featuring your endeavours
and supporting you through thick and thin. We’re not quite finished yet.</i><br />
<br />
<em>Sometimes it is time to let go of one dream and subscribe to another.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/samaplinart/works/9107459-finished-with-this-dream"><strong>Finished with this dream</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/samaplinart"><strong>Samantha Aplin</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/samaplinart/works/9107459-finished-with-this-dream"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.12242051.7459/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Often forgiveness is the only way we can really move on.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/mermanda/writing/9105234-i-forgive-you"><strong>I Forgive You</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/mermanda"><strong>mermanda</strong></a></span><br />I know what you did to me<br />I saw the lies<br />hidden in your eyes<br />the way you turned and walked away<br />when I told you I needed you to stay<br />as if its my fault<br />for your life’s lot<br />I cried when I told you<br />how bad you hurt me<br />my tears are in vain<br />so I sucked up the pain<br />and let the bitterness drown me<br />the trust I felt<br />the hurt you gained<br />stole the life force from me<br />drank up my pain<br />I should hate you<br />I have every right<br />but I keep remembering<br />what you told me that night<br />so I forgive you<br />and I set you free<br />I see what you used to be…<br />
<br />
<em>And at other times it means we have to find our anger, and self-preservation to let go of what was and join a new path.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/pinkpix/works/9115331-y-e-a-h"><strong>Y E A H ?</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/pinkpix"><strong>Nicolette Thain Photography</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/pinkpix/works/9115331-y-e-a-h"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.12252487.5331/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>No matter what happens, there are some truths that are just truths and that we need to understand for ourselves most of all.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne/writing/9106908-smothered-but-not-out"><strong>Smothered but not out…</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne"><strong>su2anne</strong></a></span><br />“Truth be<br />Told!” she cried.<br />“Can’t be<br />Said…” he mumbled.<br />Hands clasped firmly<br />Over his<br />Ears… “I<br />Don’t want to<br />Hear!”<br />“But you<br />Must!” she<br />Pleaded…<br />Grim faced with<br />Thunder-clap eyes;<br />He turned about and<br />Walked away…<br />Her shoulders<br />Slumped… With<br />Chin to<br />Chest…<br />Resigned at first to<br />Let go of her<br />Honesty and<br />Integrity… then<br />Realization finally<br />Dawned…<br />Truth is<br />Truth no matter whether<br />Spoken<br />Heard or<br />Not…<br />
<br />
<em>And, occasionally, we need to bite the bullet and do that which
we don’t want to do in order to reach our potential. I am seeing death
here with it’s tarot meaning – change.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/moonlightlover/works/9115652-bite-the-bullet"><strong>Bite The Bullet</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/moonlightlover"><strong>MoonlightLover</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/moonlightlover/works/9115652-bite-the-bullet"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.12252862.5652/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="209" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Time is a great healer they say and sometimes time is all we need
to pick ourselves off the floor and understand where we fit in.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sflora/writing/9085002-time"><strong>Time</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sflora"><strong>Sukhwinder Flora</strong></a></span><br />The world is run by suits and ties<br />You know you cannot thrive<br />In the offices that frame you<br />That pay you<br />In places like this<br />There’s no higher purpose<br />There’s no me or you<br />There are numbers<br />And marching feet<br />There are instructions<br />And following orders<br />There are us and them<br />And boxes to tick<br />Deadlines to meet<br />Audits to complete<br />Applications to fill<br />There are the ones in charge<br />The ones below<br />The ones who are there<br />But don’t exist<br />Our complex form<br />Of survival perhaps<br />Things could be different<br />If empathy was a virus<br />Theres corporate crap<br />And rent to pay<br />A wage to receive<br />So there’s food to eat<br />And people to greet<br />There’s a mind to feed<br />And to keep sane<br />But no time to read<br />No time for games<br />There’s a heart to fix<br />A god to find<br />A soul to resurrect<br />With coffee at 8<br />Theres love to make<br />A family to create<br />Before the clock ticks away<br />Theres job to quit<br />Habits to break<br />A past to heal<br />A smile to fake<br />A friend to hug<br />There’s truth to see<br />And beauty to feel<br />There’s the chaos<br />Of all this and more<br />And a giving heart that’s crushed by concrete towers<br />There’s a rhyme to remember<br />A line to quote<br />There are hours to count<br />A time to dance<br />A time to sing<br />A time to play<br />Time with the ones we love<br />There are dreams to walk<br />And paths unpaved<br />There’s hope<br />No matter how small<br />
<br />
<em>Even if we are with our back to the wall there are still things to be grateful for.</em> :-)<i> (Who could deny these shoes are worth it?) LOL</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bavincio/works/9056585-nowhere-to-run-nowhere-to-hide-but-i-have-my-shoes"><strong>Nowhere To Run Nowhere To Hide, But I Have My Shoes!</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bavincio"><strong>Tamarra BaVincio</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bavincio/works/9056585-nowhere-to-run-nowhere-to-hide-but-i-have-my-shoes"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.12176143.6585/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="228" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>And sometimes we need to let go off the people we are, let go off
the idea that we’re here to please others and please ourselves instead.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jenshead1/writing/9106401-false-prophetess"><strong>False Prophetess</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jenshead1"><strong>Jenifer DeBellis</strong></a></span><br />Her filtered words flowed freely from her keys<br />like streams of water gracing ancient ground.<br />A practiced tease, she flattered in degrees<br />
with sentimental syntax meant to please.<br />The fixed foundation that was built around<br />her filtered words flowed freely. From her keys<br />
a silent song was cast into the breeze;<br />its voice grew wings that raised a charming sound.<br />A practiced tease, she flattered in degrees<br />
by saying what she’d learned would most appease.<br />Through pet names she had fashioned or had found<br />her filtered words flowed freely from her keys.<br />
With sharpened skills that fooled with cutting ease<br />her confidence became her battleground.<br />A practiced tease, she flattered in degrees<br />
that brought a spellbound man down to his knees—<br />a place where bondage rules and hearts are bound.<br />Her filtered words flowed freely from her keys.<br />A practiced tease, she flattered in degrees.<br />
<br />
<em>And burn bright as bright as can be.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/karen01/works/9093441-fire-dancer"><strong>Fire dancer</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/karen01"><strong>Karen01</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/karen01/works/9093441-fire-dancer"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.12223848.3441/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="236" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Even if it makes us too hot to handle.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/writers-block/writing/9112095-too-hot-to-handle"><strong>Too Hot To Handle!</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/writers-block"><strong>Writers-Block</strong></a></span><br />Tears flow<br />From joy<br />Glowing abundance<br />Of nature<br />Spring of blossoming<br />Blooming petals<br />And the delicate-ness<br />Of her fragile hand<br />And like porcelain<br />Of her fair complexion<br />Radiant roux of her ruminant<br />Ruby red lips<br />Tangled strands of straight<br />Long ebony of nightingale locks<br />Dazzling sea green eyes<br />So hypnotizing<br />Yet, alluring<br />A femme’ fatale’<br />Rich in spirite<br />And…<br />Subsequently,<br />Too hot to handle!<br />
<br />
<em>The amazing thing about dreams is if we can dream it we can make it happen, somehow, somewhen, somewhere….</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/robynlee/works/9066699-beauty-of-dreams"><strong>Beauty of Dreams</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/robynlee"><strong>RobynLee</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/robynlee/works/9066699-beauty-of-dreams"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.12189020.6699/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="236" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>And sometimes we need to make ourselves anew. The future is beckoning.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne/writing/9114732-to-make-anew"><strong>To make anew</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne"><strong>su2anne</strong></a></span><br />Unsanctioned<br />I Laugh<br />I Breathe<br />I Am…<br />
And in doing so I<br />Loosen what is too<br />Tight …<br />
I bring my<br />Body back into<br />Myself…<br />
The work can now<br />Begin. I<br />Dig around<br />The Discarded<br />The Remnants<br />The Midden that was<br />Me.<br />Thrown away<br />Without a thought<br />Of Care<br />Of Love…<br />
One shard I<br />Hold up to the<br />Light of my<br />Soul… and<br />Together with self<br />Begin to<br />Reconstruct …<br />___<br />
<br />
<em>Enjoy and don’t forget to congratulate the artists and writers featured here. It could be you next time!</em> :-)</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Published on www.pinkpanthermagazine.blogspot.com
All content is copyrighted.</div>Magpie Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10084146564855819679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702484156257090639.post-22958515743900250312012-07-18T07:25:00.005-07:002012-07-18T07:25:53.778-07:00Shadow Dreams - Features - 12/07/2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<em>Many of PPM’s features deal with dreams, and this is largely
because the poetry and art that is submitted to our gallery demonstrates
a continued curiosity and exploration of them. I almost hesitated to do
<strong>another</strong> feature on dreams, but as I strolled our
galleries, my fascination with the dream-filled courage, angst,
determination, ambition, and angles of perception that were discernible
won my undivided attention. I hope you, too, will enjoy this continued
exploration when viewed from another unique perspective.</em><br />
<br />
<em>Dreams are hopes deferred. They are something that is often
perceived as nothing more than a shadow reflection, an ungraspable,
fluid form that shifts out of focus the moment you simply shift your
weight from one foot to the other. But there is so much more to dreams
than meets the (often impatient) eye. Dreams are often the fuel that
moves everything forward in a day. They are motivational. The type of
dreams that form an individual—mold her entire life’s journey—are more
than little fantasies. They are deep-rooted ideas, desires, visions,
promises of things to come. The shadow of a dream is the very thing that
projects into the future, stepping before the individual. Separate the
shadow from the dream and it cannot sustain itself. Waiting for dreams
to become a reality can feel like torture, like they may never come to
pass. And some <strong>do not</strong> reach full fruition; they die or
step aside so others can become a potential reality. Regardless of where
one sustains or another fades, fulfilling dreams enhances life
experiences just as those that are not carried out do—each in their
respective right. Yet, no matter how many dreams ripen into reality,
there are always more hanging in the balances.</em><br />
<br />
<em>Some of PPM’s most inspiring art and poetry capture the essence
of such dream realms and their psychological landscapes. This collection
is a small example of some of the more recent submissions that evoke
the emotional energies of dreams and this concept of deferred hopes.</em><br />
<br /><del>-</del>————————————————————————————————————<br />
<br /><em>The kind of dreams that outline a lifetime are so much more than the ones plotted out in fairy tales, that’s for sure.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/magpiemagic/writing/9068551-fairy-tales-are-lies"><strong>Fairy Tales Are Lies</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/magpiemagic"><strong>Sybille Sterk</strong></a></span><br />
out of sync and out of step<br />not just on a different page<br />but in a different book altogether<br />I skip and hop and drag myself<br />through day after purple day<br />waiting for raspberry sorbet<br />to paint my grey skies blue<br />with pretty fluffy clouds<br />but once upon a time<br />always precludes that one big lie,<br />happily ever after never happened<br />leaving me high and dry<br />with unanswerable questions<br />
<em>how will I find my way<br />through the deep dark wood<br />who will kiss me awake<br />when I sleep for a year?</em><br />
the yellow brick road<br />is grey tarmac after all<br />guts and bravery<br />gets you through today<br />there may be a light<br />at the end of the tunnel<br />but it’s too far away<br />to even make out a horizon<br />because there’s a big black hole<br />that swallowed me<br />guts and garters and all<br />stuck behind the teeth of<br /><em>I told you so</em> and<br /><em>I wish I’d known</em><br />
<em>how will I find my way<br />through the deep dark wood<br />who will kiss me awake<br />when I sleep for a year?</em><br />
that’s not life and that’s not living<br />that’s just one day after yet another<br /><em>someone</em><br />throw me a line<br />a few words will do<br /><em>a light, a match, a candle<br />a song, a dance, a laugh<br />a smile just for me</em><br />to know that<br /><em>just maybe</em><br />there’s a happy end<br /><em>even</em><br />to a bad beginning.<br />
<br />
<em>For the moments <strong>your</strong> dreams appear to be playing out in someone else’s reality.</em><br />
<br />
<em></em><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/dmcart/works/2022561-my-song"><strong>My song</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/dmcart"><strong>dmcart</strong></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/dmcart/works/2022561-my-song"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.4695335.2561/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="226" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/dmcart/works/2022561-my-song"><strong></strong></a><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/dmcart"><strong></strong></a><br />
Strange hands<br />are trying to play my song…<br />…dead hands…<br />with the color of death<br />the smell of death<br />the sound of death…<br />It is my song!<br />Do not touch it…<br />I will play it<br />bad or not…<br />I want to know<br />how it sounds<br />by myself…<br />DMC<br />
<br />
<em>For the moments you feel as invisible as those deferred dreams…</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em></em><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/9055594-you-never-even-knew-i-was-there"><strong>You never even knew I was there</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries"><strong>strawberries</strong></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/9055594-you-never-even-knew-i-was-there"><img alt="" height="213" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.12174803.5594/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/9055594-you-never-even-knew-i-was-there"><strong></strong></a><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries"><strong></strong></a><br />
<br />
<em>There will be moments dreams will feel invisible, non-existent.
Perhaps they need to be twisted in the light so they can be seen in
renewed ways.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rcdewinter/writing/9082896-pas-seul"><strong>Pas Seul</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rcdewinter/writing/9082896-pas-seul"><strong>RC deWinter</strong></a></span><br />
The spotlight is harsh sunshine on my skin<br />as I stand, encased in satin, silk and tulle.<br />My shoes, well-rosined, laced around my ankles,<br />glisten with the burgundy beauty of blood.<br />My hair, wrapped sleekly round my skull,<br />adorned with rubies the shade of pigeon’s blood,<br />shines like a sterling silver helmet.<br />I bend, all submissive grace, to an invisible partner,<br />and, standing,<br />parting lips glacéed with the blood of cherries,<br />raise my arms and cry to heaven,<br />“I’m here! You called; I came. You promised. Where is he?”<br />No answer comes.<br />So, sur les pointes, arms crossed to keep my balance,<br />spinning round and round and round,<br />my eyes bleed tears as I survey the blackness<br />beyond the spotlight.<br />And, although your presence permeates<br />the silence of the shadows<br />I see nothing.<br />But you, cat’s eyes hidden ‘neath a mask, can see me,<br />I know,<br />as I dance, alone, for you.<br />
<br />
<em>Sometimes, in order to even understand the root of your dreams,
you must learn to connect with the inner voice—the one infused with
heritage and the wisdom of your ancestors.</em><br />
<em><br /></em><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/taniaartstudio/works/8081736-tribal-voice"><strong>Tribal voice</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/taniaartstudio"><strong>Tatjana Ulbutova</strong></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/taniaartstudio/works/8081736-tribal-voice"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.10998230.1736/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="244" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/taniaartstudio/works/8081736-tribal-voice"><strong></strong></a><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/taniaartstudio"><strong></strong></a><br />
<em>There’s a time for everything, which includes a time to walk away from the illusion of a dream.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sflora/writing/9085002-time"><strong>Time</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sflora"><strong>Sukhwinder Flora</strong></a></span><br />
The world is run by suits and ties<br />You know you cannot thrive<br />In the offices that frame you<br />That pay you<br />In places like this<br />There’s no higher purpose<br />There’s no me or you<br />There are numbers<br />And marching feet<br />There are instructions<br />And following orders<br />There are us and them<br />And boxes to tick<br />Deadlines to meet<br />Audits to complete<br />Applications to fill<br />There are the ones in charge<br />The ones below<br />The ones who are there<br />But don’t exist<br />Our complex form<br />Of survival perhaps<br />Things could be different<br />If empathy was a virus<br />There’s corporate crap<br />And rent to pay<br />A wage to receive<br />So there’s food to eat<br />And people to greet<br />There’s a mind to feed<br />And to keep sane<br />But no time to read<br />No time for games<br />There’s a heart to fix<br />A god to find<br />A soul to resurrect<br />With coffee at 8<br />There’s love to make<br />A family to create<br />Before the clock ticks away<br />There’s job to quit<br />Habits to break<br />A past to heal<br />A smile to fake<br />A friend to hug<br />There’s truth to see<br />And beauty to feel<br />There’s the chaos<br />Of all this and more<br />And a giving heart that’s crushed by concrete towers<br />There’s a rhyme to remember<br />A line to quote<br />There are hours to count<br />A time to dance<br />A time to sing<br />A time to play<br />Time with the ones we love<br />There are dreams to walk<br />And paths unpaved<br />There’s hope<br />No matter how small<br />
<br />
<em>Your individual dreams—from their first budding ’til their moment of full bloom—will sometimes draw you into isolation.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em></em><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/paintability/works/9066367-lonely-game"><strong>Lonely Game</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/paintability"><strong>Janice Zroback</strong></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/paintability/works/9066367-lonely-game"><img alt="" height="240" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.12188620.6367/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/paintability/works/9066367-lonely-game"><strong></strong></a><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/paintability"><strong></strong></a><br />
<br />
<em>There will come a time when a shift in dream perspective is inevitable.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne/writing/9044249-the-challenge-of-sentience"><strong>The challenge of sentience</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne"><strong>su2anne</strong></a></span><br />
The<br />Birthing of<br />Change is<br />Labour… It is<br />Hard … It is<br />Arduous and<br />Challenging… but<br />Without this<br />Discomfort it<br />Would be too<br />Easy for<br />Status quo to<br />Remain… Neither<br />Going forward or<br />Returning… the<br />Constancy of<br />Change is the<br />Evolution of<br />Self… It is the<br />Gift bestowed… it is<br />Self-awareness… It<br />Must not be<br />Squandered through<br />Fear or<br />Neglect… So<br />When you’re at your<br />Wits end<br />Drowning in the<br />Depths of<br />Despair<br />I beseech you to have an<br />“A ha moment;” For the<br />Surface is just above.<br />Resolve to have a<br />Last push and you will<br />Arrive to<br />Where you<br />Need to be…<br />
<br />
<em>The silence that exists at the core of the waiting game can feel suffocating.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em></em><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/glitterfest/works/9070509-i-weave-a-silence"><strong>I Weave a Silence</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/glitterfest"><strong>Glitterfest</strong></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/glitterfest/works/9070509-i-weave-a-silence"><img alt="" height="242" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.12193868.0509/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/glitterfest/works/9070509-i-weave-a-silence"><strong></strong></a><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/glitterfest"><strong></strong></a><br />
<br />
<em>Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.</em> ~Bible <em>Proverb</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sandra22/writing/9051064-rondeau"><strong>Rondeau</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sandra22"><strong>Sandra</strong></a></span><br />
With not a sigh a tear or care<br />In gentle arms of midnight dare<br />Where dreams of wildest breeze elope<br />Roams twilight’s bless of softly hope<br />Toward an acquiesce of share<br />
Warm snuggle now in cashmere bare<br />Suggestive of their sweet affair<br />A passion dance of thrill devote<br />
With not a sigh<br />
Tho drawn a more attentive pair<br />His smoulder deep, her raven hair<br />A love explored of wordly cope<br />For love there is no antidote<br />In mingle destiny’s somewhere<br />
With not a sigh<br />
<br />
<em>Sometimes, more than anything else, simply believing in a dream is the largest challenge.</em><br />
<br />
<em></em><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/almara/works/9064222-i-can-do-it"><strong>I can do it</strong></a> by © <b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/almara">Maree Carndinale</a></b></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/almara/works/9064222-i-can-do-it"><img alt="" height="281" src="http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.12186505.4222/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/almara/works/9064222-i-can-do-it"><strong></strong></a><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/almara"></a><br />
<br />
<em>The reward for patience, for the determination to see things
through, for the courage to keep at it no matter how hopeless things may
appear? Only the fullness of time can tell.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em></em><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/kanchanmahon/works/9090951-in-the-fullness-of-time"><strong>In the Fullness of Time</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/kanchanmahon"><strong>Kanchan Mahon</strong></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/kanchanmahon/works/9090951-in-the-fullness-of-time"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.12220529.0951/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="225" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/kanchanmahon/works/9090951-in-the-fullness-of-time"><strong></strong></a><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/kanchanmahon"><strong></strong></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Published on www.pinkpanthermagazine.blogspot.com
All content is copyrighted.</div>Magpie Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10084146564855819679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702484156257090639.post-81127717774222795002012-07-18T07:25:00.004-07:002012-07-18T07:25:51.114-07:00I Am...- Features - 03/07/2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<em>Inspired by Angela’s hauntingly beautiful image ‘I Am,’ the
features this week are a celebration of the beauty and complexity
within. As women we are nervous about sharing our successes, often
unwilling to acknowledge our beauty and place our own needs second to
those around us. Today we are going to enjoy all those exciting and
different parts of ourselves and take pleasure in doing so.</em><br />
<em>My personality consists of many wonderful end exciting aspects…</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/mstargazer/works/6363890-i-am">I am….</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/mstargazer">Angela King-Jones</a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/mstargazer/works/6363890-i-am"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.9074360.3890/flat,550x550,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>I am a madonna with a hint of mystery…</em><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/catrinarno/works/9044891-madonna-of-the-tree">Madonna of the tree</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/catrinarno">Catrin Welz-Stein</a></span></b><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/catrinarno/works/9044891-madonna-of-the-tree"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.12160488.4891/flat,550x550,075,f.jpg" width="245" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>I fly free and bring light and joy to others…</em><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/magpiemagic/works/9027703-this-is-cloud-nine">This is Cloud Nine</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/magpiemagic">Sybille Sterk</a></span></b><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/magpiemagic/works/9027703-this-is-cloud-nine"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.12138218.7703/flat,550x550,075,f.jpg" width="226" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>I enjoy the miracle of bringing life into the world…</em><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/kaapstadmeisie/works/9019416-bumpscan">BumpScan</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/kaapstadmeisie">KaapstadMeisie</a></span></b><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/kaapstadmeisie/works/9019416-bumpscan"><img alt="" height="215" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.12127912.9416/flat,550x550,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>I am deeply creative…</em><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/meljanecollette/works/9016655-magnetic-in-melancholy">Magnetic in Melancholy</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/meljanecollette">Melanie Collette</a></span></b><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/meljanecollette/works/9016655-magnetic-in-melancholy"><img alt="" height="308" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.12124353.6655/flat,550x550,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>I see my beautiful inner self as I grow older…</em><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rhenastarr/works/9016105-among-the-folds-of-time">Among The Folds of Time</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rhenastarr">Rhenastarr</a></span></b><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rhenastarr/works/9016105-among-the-folds-of-time"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.12123667.6105/flat,550x550,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>I enjoy being a vamp, full of allure…</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/pinkpix/works/9010998-v-a-m-p">V A M P</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/pinkpix">Nicolette Thain Photography</a></b></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/pinkpix/works/9010998-v-a-m-p"><img alt="" height="228" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.12117245.0998/flat,550x550,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>I put a stop to self criticism and start to enjoy being who I am…</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/tammera/works/8551456-beauty-and-the-beast">BEAUTY AND THE BEAST</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/tammera">Tammera</a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/tammera/works/8551456-beauty-and-the-beast"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11543089.1456/flat,550x550,075,f.jpg" width="233" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>I recognise it is OK to feel overwhelmed at times, but know that I will resurface…</em><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/annacuypers/works/8995472-drowned-butterfly">Drowned Butterfly</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/annacuypers">annacuypers</a></span></b><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/annacuypers/works/8995472-drowned-butterfly"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.12097492.5472/flat,550x550,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>I will survive…</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jaedadewalt/works/8968582-desdemona-i-do-self-portrait">Desdemona, I do</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jaedadewalt">Jaeda DeWalt</a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jaedadewalt/works/8968582-desdemona-i-do-self-portrait"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.12063181.8582/flat,550x550,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>I am soulful and free thinking…</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/saion/works/8972750-another-ink-and-ivory-storm-crop" title="crop">Another ink and ivory storm</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/saion">Sorina Williams</a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/saion/works/8972750-another-ink-and-ivory-storm-crop"><img alt="" height="272" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.12068457.2750/flat,550x550,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>I see beauty all around me…</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/carolm/works/5312568-if-you-look-carefully-you-will-still-see-beauty-in-a-dying-rose">If You Look Carefully, You Will Still See Beauty In A Dying Rose</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/carolm">CarolM</a></b></span><br /><em></em><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/carolm/works/5312568-if-you-look-carefully-you-will-still-see-beauty-in-a-dying-rose"><img alt="" height="240" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.7936643.2568/flat,550x550,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Congratulations to you all.</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Published on www.pinkpanthermagazine.blogspot.com
All content is copyrighted.</div>Magpie Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10084146564855819679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702484156257090639.post-32749522724216446202012-06-27T00:58:00.001-07:002012-06-27T01:02:34.290-07:00A Celebration of Dreams and New Adventures - Features - 27/06/2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>Sometimes our dreams have to wait a long time because we nurture
everyone else’s dreams before our own, which makes it so much harder to
get there, however, today I’d like to celebrate Jen’s dream and the fact
that she’s just finished her last undergraduate final exam, which is
such a huge achievement. :-) Congratulations Jen!</i><br />
<br />
<i>It’s so fabulous to see someone stick with it, no matter how hard
it is and how difficult and do what they’ve set out to do, especially
when they’re running a business and a household and looking after the
kids on top of it all.</i><br />
<br />
<i>I think, what I am trying to say is, that it’s all worthwhile and
so fabulous to set off on a new adventure and to see it through. Our
dreams are so important and even if we may not always achieve the whole
dream or sometimes not even a little bit of it, it’s still worth it to
try and believe.</i><br />
<i>Here is the dream, all golden and delicious, beckoning us onwards.</i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/wofawarrior/works/9008935-dream"><b>dream</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/wofawarrior"><b>Jeannie Peters</b></a><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/wofawarrior/works/9008935-dream"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.12114681.8935/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="214" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>Sometimes it means rising like the Phoenix from the ashes.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/locustgirl/works/9029923-phoniex-rising"><b>Phoniex Rising</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/locustgirl"><b>Heather King</b></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/locustgirl/works/9029923-phoniex-rising"><img alt="" height="213" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.12141039.9923/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Check out Drkgrrl’s plea to help raise funds for Heather to get treatment,</i> <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/darkgrrl/writing/9035772-attention-fellow-redbubblers-i-need-your-help-to-save-my-bestfriend"><b>here</b></a> <i>Even if you cannot help financially, maybe you can post this on your facebook or twitter pages to help spread the word.</i></blockquote>
<br />
<i>But there is nothing so glorious as setting out on a new adventure and to realise a dream.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/eoconnor/works/9005290-summer-solstice-2012-goddess"><b>SUMMER SOLSTICE 2012 GODDESS</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/eoconnor"><b>eoconnor</b></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/eoconnor/works/9005290-summer-solstice-2012-goddess"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.12110025.5290/flat,800x800,070,f.jpg" width="211" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>It is indeed one very magic moment, that very first step on the way to achieve our dream.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/laruecherie/works/9030989-that-magic-moment"><b>That Magic Moment</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/laruecherie"><b>laruecherie</b></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/laruecherie/works/9030989-that-magic-moment"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.12142406.0989/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="218" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>And so very often it means that there is no one to make us do it, we have to do it ourselves. We have to believe.</i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/barbaracannon/works/9019921-i-created-my-own-wings"><b>I CREATED MY OWN WINGS</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/barbaracannon"><b>Barbara Cannon Art Studio</b></a><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/barbaracannon/works/9019921-i-created-my-own-wings"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.12128531.9921/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>Although it’s nice to get support and the odd hug when the going gets tough.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/michelara/works/7966199-the-hug"><b>the hug</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/michelara"><b>Michele Meister</b></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/michelara/works/7966199-the-hug"><img alt="" height="224" src="http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.10866238.6199/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>However, this is the moment we’ve been waiting for.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bavincio/works/8955410-you-were-only-waiting-for-this-moment-to-be-free"><b>You Were Only Waiting For This Moment To Be Free</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bavincio"><b>Tamarra BaVincio</b></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bavincio/works/8955410-you-were-only-waiting-for-this-moment-to-be-free"><img alt="" height="218" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.12045978.5410/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>And we’re finished with the baby steps and one step forward and two steps back. We’re running.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/angiebanta/works/9025711-run-free"><b>Run Free</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/angiebanta"><b>AngieBanta</b></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/angiebanta/works/9025711-run-free"><img alt="" height="213" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.12135778.5711/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>It’s time to leave the guilt and the worries over failed attmpts behind and to move on towards our dreams.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/metanoia/works/9024115-mea-culpa"><b>Mea Culpa</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/metanoia"><b>Leila A. Fortier</b></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/metanoia/works/9024115-mea-culpa"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.12133734.4115/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="252" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>Which doesn’t mean completely letting go of who we were but
taking with us the good and the strong and that which made us who we
are.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/catrinarno/works/9028484-remember-me"><b>Remember Me</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/catrinarno"><b>Catrin Welz-Stein</b></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/catrinarno/works/9028484-remember-me"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.12139241.8484/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="245" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>However, even with all the strength in the world and all the hope
we don’t always get where we want and sometimes all that is left is the
memory of the dream we once had.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8998779-the-memory-of-a-dream"><b>The memory of a dream</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries"><b>strawberries</b></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8998779-the-memory-of-a-dream"><img alt="" height="212" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.12101646.8779/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>And sometimes this failed dream echoes through our life and makes
it harder to begin again, but it is good to remember that it is only
another obstacle to overcome.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sleepwalker/works/8999898-echo"><b>echo.</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sleepwalker"><b>Jessica Islam Lia</b></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sleepwalker/works/8999898-echo"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.12103033.9898/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>Please join me in congratulating all the artists and Jen on her
achievement. Let’s celebrate our successes together and feel free to
tell us about yours in the comments below. As the saying goes, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callahan%27s_Crosstime_Saloon">Shared pain is lessened; shared joy, increased—thus do we refute entropy</a>.</i></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Published on www.pinkpanthermagazine.blogspot.com
All content is copyrighted.</div>Magpie Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10084146564855819679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702484156257090639.post-14089059104660716152012-06-27T00:54:00.001-07:002012-06-27T00:54:26.897-07:00Fibers of Feminist Thinking - Midweek Features - 20/06/2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<em>This week’s feature collection has been inspired by the fibers
that make up feminist thinking and motivations. For these very fibers
are what weave women together, so that regardless of where each one may
be individually, she is still connected to the larger fabric of the
sisterhood. Thoughts are important to consider, as behind each one
resides life’s motivations. And no matter what one person’s views of
feminism are compared to another individual’s, one thing is certain: the
scope of feminism as a quest for female equality is as broad as it is
individual. To negate where one woman may be on her journey is to paint
an incomplete picture. My hope in assembling this week’s collection is
to ignite a curiosity to find the fibers (large and small, or fragmented
and disjointed) in a diversity of feminist reflection.</em><br />
<br />
<em>For every way of thinking, there is a seasonal landscape that controls the climate.</em><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/antheaslade/works/9005938-stages"><strong>Stages</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/antheaslade"><strong>Anthea Slade</strong></a></span></b><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/antheaslade/works/9005938-stages"><img alt="" height="232" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.12110851.5938/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>For every injustice, area of neglect, place for activism, there is an opportunity to rise up against inequality.</em><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rcdewinter/writing/8995071-not-today"><strong>Not Today</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rcdewinter"><strong>RC deWinter</strong></a></span></b><br />
Don’t whine to me about your petty woes,<br />the car that doesn’t start, the faucet’s incurable drip,<br />I can’t be bothered with it now!<br />Yes, another day I would tsk-tsk<br />and share your righteous bourgeois indignation,<br />muttering discontent about politics,<br />the evils of dependence on fossil-fueled transport,<br />the perfidy of plumbers whose every remedy is unavailing<br />in the war of water versus washer – but not today!<br />
Today I weep for people; I cry for half the world:<br />innocent victims of every color, every god,<br />caught in the crossfire of the few, the proud, the greedy,<br />who peddle their cheap philosophies for sale to the highest bidder.<br />So sick am I of pissing matches in the sand,<br />a new line drawn every week, every month.<br />Every time it seems that hope might bloom<br />in some far-flung oasis of sanity<br />a fresh new hell gapes wide, to swallow whole the cries of those<br />who clamor for a peaceful life – no more, no less.<br />
Tell me tomorrow about your wretched in-laws<br />who every Christmas buy you Scotch when you drink gin,<br />the scheming paperboy who tosses today’s bad news into<br />the rainsoaked bushes rather than upon your columned porch,<br />and curse I will with you the inconvenient idiocy<br />surrounding our benighted daily lives.<br />But not today –<br />today I weep, today I mourn, today I spend in sorrow<br />for the little people – all of us – yes! you and me –<br />whose fate is fodder for the few.<br />
<br />
<em>Behind every blooming idea is the sower, with seeds in hand.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/fiery-fire/works/8998248-some-ideas-grow-on-trees-and-some-sprout-like-a-pair-of-shoes"><strong>Some ideas grow on trees and some sprout like a pair of shoes</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/fiery-fire"><strong>Fiery Fire</strong></a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/fiery-fire/works/8998248-some-ideas-grow-on-trees-and-some-sprout-like-a-pair-of-shoes"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.12100987.8248/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="302" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Never underestimate the view from the top of the ladder.</em><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/vesnavd/writing/8966578-a-view-from-the-balcony"><strong>View from the Balcony</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/vesnavd"><strong>Vesna D</strong></a></span></b><br />
It’s a stairway to heaven<br />Seeing eye to eye with the top of the cherry tree<br />The only way is up<br />
Supported by the pillars of the Earth<br />Propelled by the desire to fly<br />Seduced by the openness of the sky<br />
Let your mind soak<br />In the beauty of epiphany<br />Drink it<br />Own it<br />It’s yours now<br />A simple view from the balcony<br />
<br />
<em>No one can guarantee there will be a path of simplicity, but the pleasure to be found may make the struggle pale in comparison.</em><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/annacuypers/works/8987150-struggle-for-pleasure"><strong>Struggle for pleasure</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/annacuypers"><strong>annauypers</strong></a></span></b><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/annacuypers/works/8987150-struggle-for-pleasure"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.12086673.7150/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="222" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Sometimes silence is NOT golden.</em><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/msdebbie/writing/8990409-plague-and-pestilence"><strong>Plague and Pestilence</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/msdebbie"><strong>msdebbie</strong></a></span></b><br />
Everything dies<br />Verity is silenced<br />
Even beside loneliness<br />Reality is a labyrinth<br />
You seek the word for wishful<br />Torment is truth<br />
History whimpers<br />It ignores the future<br />
Nothing is illuminated<br />Going going gone<br />
Despair strides the streets<br />Illusion is complete<br />
Everyone denied<br />Silenced the world sighs<br />
<br />
<em>As the last auras of this season’s fairytales fade, one must begin to see the world anew.</em><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8974339-the-last-fairytale"><strong>the last fairytale</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries"><strong>strawberries</strong></a></span></b><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8974339-the-last-fairytale"><img alt="" height="313" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.12070364.4339/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>And if hope is all that finds you on a given day, go ahead and
embrace it, even nurture it a little while the opportunity is present.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rhenastarr/writing/8976382-thoughts-on-a-theme-of-blue"><strong>Thoughts on a Theme of Blue</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rhenastarr"><strong>Rhenastarr</strong></a></b></span><br />
Today I woke up happy<br />A spring of hope running over<br />Today no tears of frustration<br />To cloud my eyes<br />There is nothing specific<br />Nothing I can put my finger on<br />Just a tiny little whisper<br />Filling my heart with song<br />A sky of white puffy clouds<br />Amid a sea of blue<br />Peak through my window<br />And spirits that were down<br />Are once again soaring<br />I feel free and open today<br />A brand new page in<br />The never ending saga<br />That is me<br />Old hurts, remain sore spots<br />May find some new ones today<br />Purple shadows left by well<br />Intentioned people<br />Who could not curb their tongue<br />If their tomorrow depended on it<br />Yesterday when the rain deluged<br />Me with doubts and fears<br />Has passed into a day of<br />Bright beginnings<br />I have always felt stand alone<br />My own shyness and insecurities<br />Perhaps helped along with<br />A generous nudge from the<br />Unkindness of others<br />But today I will not think of them<br />I will hold my head high<br />Today I will be strong, will only<br />Think of those that love me<br />Pain and loneliness can keep<br />Themselves otherwise<br />Occupied<br />Today my emotions are riding<br />High, galloping toward a love<br />Of self and to hell with those<br />That fail to see the real me<br />Today I give thanks to God<br />I am not blind,nor lame, nor deaf<br />I can see his goodness<br />I can walk secure in his love<br />And I can hear the music of life<br />Spilling all around me<br />I am thankful for the love of<br />My life<br />My children<br />My family<br />My friends<br />It is them I turn to on the deeply<br />Wounding days of blue<br />I will relish the days of light along<br />Side the days of dark<br />Light and dark co-exist<br />I will strive to always bring the light<br />The world outside makes it hard<br />To maintain that well of happiness<br />It offers up<br />Insanity<br />Hate<br />Corruption<br />Cruelty<br />Greed<br />Apathy<br />Racism<br />And defeatist attitudes<br />Along with love, kindness, joy, goodness<br />And strength of purpose<br />I have decided to just journey through my<br />Life<br />Sifting out the good from the bad<br />And persevering with God’s hand in mine<br />Sadness and Happiness are Kin<br />They touch each of our lives<br />We can only live with the hope that<br />There will be more happiness than<br />Sadness that journeys with us<br />
<br />
<em>Relish in the moments when life presents you the perfect fitting key.</em><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/catrinarno/works/8975111-the-perfect-key"><strong>The perfect key</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/catrinarno"><strong>Catrin Welz-Stein</strong></a></span></b><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/catrinarno/works/8975111-the-perfect-key"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.12071350.5111/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="245" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>And while you’re at it, release the locks that bind and shake free from whatever captivity is holding you back.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/magpiemagic/writing/8974720-just-right"><strong>just right</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/magpiemagic"><strong>Sybille Sterk</strong></a></b></span><br />
you know it’s right<br />when you feel<br />that little click<br />on the final notch<br />when the tumblers<br />all fall down<br />at the twist of the wrist<br />with unfamiliar lock picks<br />and when the doors<br />open to forever summer<br />and your heart takes a<br />deep breath and releases<br />the shackles that held it fast<br />and the long forgotten wings<br />rustle dryly and flutter shyly<br />but the memory hasn’t been lost<br />of how to use them<br />it’s like riding a bike<br />and<br />all you ever wanted<br />so you breathe it in to<br />make it last like a sip<br />of water in the desert<br />and you hope that<br />this is it<br />no more nasty surprises<br />just sunshine and blue skies<br />even if you know it never<br />happens that way<br />it’ll help you through<br />the first hurdle of<br />
not again<br />no can do<br />too much<br />
so you cross your fingers<br />and you hope that<br />
just for once<br />
right<br />really is<br />right.<br />
<br />
<em>Take the time to reconnect with yourself, with nature, and with those who paved the way before you.</em><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/artpearl/works/8972135-silent-meeting-at-the-summit"><strong>Silent Meeting at the Summit</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/artpearl"><strong>ArtPearl</strong></a></span></b><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/artpearl/works/8972135-silent-meeting-at-the-summit"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.12067527.2135/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="194" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>For, so often, it’s the clarity of (renewed) vision that acts as the best guide.</em><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne/writing/8998136-internal-machinations"><strong>Internal machinations</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne"><strong>su2anne</strong></a></span></b><br />
Honesty and<br />Integrity born of<br />Self-reflection requires<br />Visceral courage to<br />Flay open that which for<br />Sometime has been<br />Covered up by<br />Scar tissue or a<br />Band aid. To<br />Agonize through the<br />Mire. To<br />Pick clean the<br />Bones creates<br />Order from<br />Chaos and the<br />Possibility that this<br />Internal sight will give<br />Clarity to<br />Move forward and the<br />Hope to rebuild.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Published on www.pinkpanthermagazine.blogspot.com
All content is copyrighted.</div>Magpie Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10084146564855819679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702484156257090639.post-600069503408940912012-06-27T00:50:00.000-07:002012-06-27T00:50:59.659-07:00Manifestations - Features - 13/06/2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="post-wrap rb-markup">
<em><strong>Manifestations of Abuse</strong></em><br />
<em>This is an unusual collection of art for this weeks features.
Normally, I would chose a mix of poetry and art, and always try and
build the features to a positive finale. However, over the past couple
of weeks, so much of the art being submitted here has been addressing
the issue of abuse. The images are so visually and emotionally powerful
that I wanted to show them collectively. Many of these images have moved
me to tears.</em><br />
<em>One in four women have, as children, or as adults suffered abuse
within the home. Often they feel shamed and guilty, and so feel unable
to speak out. Their support systems have been taken away and they feel
isolated and alone. There are many reasons why they feel they cannot
leave, not least of all because of their fear.</em><br />
<em>Whilst all the artists here may not be speaking from their own
experience, they depict the many faces of abuse with skill and empathy.
Here we also see art used as a therapeutic tool, our artists finding
deep wells of creativity within. They depict stories of sadness and
pain, isolation and shame, doubt and uncertainty. Most of all, we see
the strength of their inner selves, their stories of survival and their
indomitable courage in speaking out and sharing.</em><br />
<em>They are challenging us to see what often we chose to ignore. They are telling us that abuse, in any form, has to stop.</em><br />
<em>I am not making comments on the individual images as each of the wonderful and moving images speak for themselves.</em><br />
<hr />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jaedadewalt/works/654614-physical-manifestations-self-portrait">Physical Manifestations – Self Portrait</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jaedadewalt">Jaeda DeWalt</a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jaedadewalt/works/654614-physical-manifestations-self-portrait"><img alt="" height="225" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.7456979.4614/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jaedadewalt/works/654614-physical-manifestations-self-portrait">PHYSICAL MANIFESTATIONS</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jaedadewalt">Jaeda DeWalt</a></b></span><br />I lie to myself<br />My feet burrowing deep into the sands of denial<br />But my body reveals the truth<br />The physical manifestations are clear<br />The past is resurfacing<br />With it the fear<br />Waves of anxiety washing over me<br />As my appetite ebbs and weaves<br />Confusion<br />Fragmented thoughts<br />Disassociation<br />Self temporarily lost<br />Poem © Jaeda DeWalt<br /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/leapdaybride/works/8957527-hidden-from-reality">Hidden from reality…</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/leapdaybride">leapdaybride</a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/leapdaybride/works/8957527-hidden-from-reality"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.12048731.7527/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lisamm/works/8940189-fractured">fractured</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lisamm">LisaMM</a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lisamm/works/8940189-fractured"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.12026725.0189/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="279" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jaedadewalt/works/664724-emotionally-numb-self-portrait">Emotionally Numb – Self Portrait</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jaedadewalt">Jaeda DeWalt</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jaedadewalt/works/664724-emotionally-numb-self-portrait"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.7796318.4724/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="225" /></a></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jacqleen/works/8904946-l-o-s-t">L O S T</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jacqleen">jacqleen</a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jacqleen/works/8904946-l-o-s-t"><img alt="" height="213" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11982671.4946/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/glitterfest/works/8889099-damage">Damage</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/glitterfest">Glitterfest</a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/glitterfest/works/8889099-damage"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11962539.9099/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="304" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/dionnelson/works/8962441-she-smokes-and-drinks-and-dont-come-home-at-all">She Smokes and Drinks and Don't Come Home At All</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/dionnelson">DionNelson</a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/dionnelson/works/8962441-she-smokes-and-drinks-and-dont-come-home-at-all"><img alt="" height="240" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.12055134.2441/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lisamm/works/8957080-torn">torn</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lisamm">LisaMM</a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lisamm/works/8957080-torn"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.12048144.7080/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="282" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/ina-mar/works/7958182-the-painters-model-in-front-of-the-mirror">The painter's model in front of the mirror</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/ina-mar">Ina Mar</a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/ina-mar/works/7958182-the-painters-model-in-front-of-the-mirror"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11130695.8182/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="242" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/locustgirl/works/7055239-tomorrow-never-comes">Tomorrow Never Comes</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/locustgirl">Heather King</a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/locustgirl/works/7055239-tomorrow-never-comes"><img alt="" height="240" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.9837018.5239/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lors/works/8801497-no-easy-decisions">No Easy Decisions</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lors">Laurie Search</a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lors/works/8801497-no-easy-decisions"><img alt="" height="213" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11852776.1497/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/patchoulipatch/works/8868559-soul-destroying">Soul Destroying…</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/patchoulipatch">Carol Knudsen</a></span></b><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/patchoulipatch/works/8868559-soul-destroying"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11936939.8559/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="228" /></a><br /><br />
“Domestic violence whether verbal, emotional or physical is wrong …<br />It is paralyzing for the victim….it can make you feel mute and unable to ask for help, blinded into believing it’s your fault….<br />It’s soul destroying and damaging not only to you but those innocent ones around you too…<br />Nobody deserves to suffer violence of any kind especially at the hands of someone they love or who is supposed to love them….<br />If
you are in this situation know that you are valued and precious and
deserve to be treated as such….find the strength to break the silence…to
be heard, to be free, to be loved as you should…<br />I know because I
was there once a long time ago …and I found that strength and I am so
happy I did….I am no longer mute or blinded … I am free and being loved
and valued as a woman should be…..♥” Carol Knudsen<br />
<br />
<b>If you or a friend need help …..</b><br />
<b>UK:</b> Contact the freephone 24 hour <a href="http://www.womensaid.org.uk/landing_page.asp?section=000100010008&sectionTitle=If+you+or+a+friend+need+help">National Domestic Violence Helpline</a> 0808 2000 247 0808 2000 247 <br /><b>USA:</b> <a href="http://www.thehotline.org/%C2%A0%C2%A01.800.799.SAFE">National Domestic Violence Hotline</a> (7233)<br /><b>AUS:</b> <a href="http://au.reachout.com/find/articles/domestic-violence-getting-help">Respect; Domestic Violence Counselling Service</a> Phone- 1800 737 732<br />
<br />
There are groups, services and networks in most countries. Simply Google ‘Domestic <br />Violence’ and you will find them.<br />
</div>
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Published on www.pinkpanthermagazine.blogspot.com
All content is copyrighted.</div>Magpie Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10084146564855819679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702484156257090639.post-44596083054290203332012-06-06T07:17:00.003-07:002012-06-06T07:17:52.388-07:00Foundations - Features - 06/06/2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<em>Each time I look through the gallery and the all the writing that
comes in I am struck by the variety of emotions, the mix of happy and
sad, and everything in between that is expressed in both word and image.
However, there are some recurring themes, which I feel make our
‘foundations’, the structures we build our lives on and also those that
errode us from within.</em><br />
<br />
<em>There’s this inner strength many of us have, be it of the playful and happy kind that comes from believing in ourselves…</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/pinkpix/works/8940418-you-wanna-play-with-me"><strong>You wanna play with me…</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/pinkpix"><strong>Nicolette Thain</strong></a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/pinkpix/works/8940418-you-wanna-play-with-me"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.12027025.0418/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="238" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>…or the sheer bloody mindedness that makes us take a stand against all odds…</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne/writing/8947669-never-give-in"><strong>Never give in</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne"><strong>su2anne</strong></a></b></span><br />
I’m a lone she wolf.<br />Fangs bared<br />Eyes blood red. My<br />Auburn coat matted. A<br />Dull brown under the<br />Cool winter’s light. The<br />Moon my silent and only<br />Witness. One<br />Ear cocked for my<br />Injured silver grey mate. I’m<br />Enraged that you<br />Threaten my<br />Den! My kith and<br />Kin. How<br />Dare you bastards<br />Relentlessly attack my<br />Strong and loyal one? For<br />Days I have<br />Constantly circled. A<br />Track worn in the<br />Earth for my dedication. My<br />Left hind leg hangs<br />Limp from an old injury. My<br />Belly contracted from<br />Hunger. Ribs<br />Striated. Back bone<br />Knobbed. So thirsty.<br />No matter.<br />BRING IT ON! You<br />Want a fight;<br />“THEN COME ON YOU<br />BASTARDS! I<br />Smell your<br />Fear. I<br />Hear your grunting!<br />Pigs the lot of you!” You<br />Dare breach my<br />Boundary and I’ll<br />Tear you to<br />Shreds! I<br />Will not deign to<br />Feast on your<br />Guts. Too<br />Foul for my taste. I’ll<br />Spread them as a<br />Reminder to your<br />Cohorts…<br />Tired. Alone.<br />No pack. I<br />Will not give up. I am<br />Relentless. I am a<br />She wolf.<br />
<br />
<em>our capacity for suffering and pain…</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/almara/works/8947708-marys-lament"><strong>Mary’s lament</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/almara"><strong>Maree Cardinale</strong></a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/almara/works/8947708-marys-lament"><img alt="" height="220" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.12036285.7708/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>our skill in turning even this pain into something creative and worthwhile…</em><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/marymac/writing/8935624-the-blue"><strong>The Blue</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/marymac"><strong>MaryMac</strong></a></span></b><br />the sun is out today<br />plenty of time to roam<br />
i’am walking around<br />no destination in mind<br />the only way in life<br />i’ve known<br />the road of what does<br />the future hold<br />
i fill mine<br />with paper and ink<br />sun and rain<br />i get wet<br />but i don’t cry<br />
the sun doesn’t know<br />the reason why<br />the sun doesn’t know<br />the difference between<br />a wealthy man<br />and a lacking one<br />
the only life<br />i know<br />is moving around<br />the blue<br />
perhaps you don’t know<br />what laughter is<br />spend enough time with me<br />you’ll find out<br />my humor<br />my knowledge<br />perceive the way<br />i see<br />i believe<br />
in my world the sun has purple poka dots<br />the moon is made of parmesan cheese<br />cows make chocolate milk<br />everyone likes to sing<br />
i don’t know<br />the reasons why<br />there’s something<br />in the path<br />which traces the clouds<br />in the sky<br />
like a circle<br />there is no end<br />it’s a pursuit<br />we all enter in<br />
the sun doesn’t know<br />the reason why<br />my future is filled<br />with paper and ink<br />the sun doesn’t know<br />the difference<br />
the only life<br />i know<br />is moving around<br />the blue<br />
<br />
<em>our well of happiness and laughter and making the most of the moment…</em><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bareri/works/8934204-a-real-portrait"><strong>A Real Portrait</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bareri"><strong>Valerie Rosen</strong></a></span></b><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bareri/works/8934204-a-real-portrait"><img alt="" height="212" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.12019405.4204/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<em>the friendships we form and hold onto….</em><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/simplyred/writing/8948266-a-poplar-tree-and-a-sprig-of-friendship"><strong>A Poplar tree and a Sprig of Friendship</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/simplyred"><strong>SimplyRed</strong></a></span></b><br />
I like to watch the stars at night<br />a gentle Autumn breeze chills my face<br />I hear the Poplar trees bare of leaves<br />their click clacking slender branches<br />echo into the darkness<br />
I flick through my days thoughts<br />in rythm with the trees<br />smiling a smile of thanks for life….<br />and all it entails …. the unspoilt friendships<br />formed from earthy solidness<br />the quiet moments<br />with no beginning no end<br />
I know not how friendships form<br />THEY JUST ARE……..<br />a warm smile a kind word<br />a gesture where words are not spoken<br />nor needed…..<br />
friendship gives me warm fuzzies<br />like Gran’s cooking or a snuggly rug<br />a knowing smile and memories for me to treasure<br />laughter shared, no explaination needed<br />IT JUST IS……….<br />
some friendships are hard work<br />others take time to get to where they need to be<br />and some have been there for infinity<br />or so it seems…<br />
you my sweet friend<br />are there amongst the Poplar trees<br />my click clack thoughts<br />swaying gently in the breeze<br />no date , no time no years numbered<br />YOU JUST ARE………..YOU<br />xxxx<br />
<br />
<em>our cuirousity for the world around us, the things we can see and those we cannot….</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lisamm/works/8818169-searching"><strong>searching</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lisamm"><strong>LisaMM</strong></a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lisamm/works/8818169-searching"><img alt="" height="255" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11873956.8169/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>our willingness to heal and become whole again, often despite ourselves….</em><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/voice/writing/8931861-mirage"><strong>mirage</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/voice"><strong>Cynthia Lund Torroll</strong></a></span></b><br />
Perhaps it’s because I imagined it<br />for so long that when it happened it<br />didn’t quite register.<br />Or just as likely, and this part is a bit sad,<br />I didn’t feel that I deserved that -<br />didn’t feel somewhere deep to be worthy of<br />something that profound.<br />I won’t hurt myself for that. I won’t ruminate<br />on why. The old wounds slowly close on their own.<br />Just by noting them and giving them a slight layer of<br />light seems to help hasten them along.<br />But that’s not my point really, not actually my goal.<br />They can stay crazily. They are mostly benign,<br />except when noting them against this opposite force,<br />seeing how greatly they contrast with the thing that<br />I’ve most wanted and cherished. So I have to laugh out loud<br />really. I have to say repeat please, because I was in some sort of<br />ten-second delay. The old heart wouldn’t quite let my new one hear,<br />take in, or comprehend what I thought I had just heard. And for the record,<br />not that one really needs keeping, because this stretches back and beyond,<br />well, you know what I’d have said, and who knows, I might have actually<br />combusted because just hearing that ghost note, hearing that echo, which now<br />rings so loud and true through my whole being is almost too<br />incredible to bear.<br />
Almost.<br />Happily, almost.<br />
<br />
<em>the way emptiness sometimes rules us until we find something to fill it….</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8943994-empty-emotions"><strong>Empty emotions</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries"><strong>strawberries</strong></a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8943994-empty-emotions"><img alt="" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.12031556.3994/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>and the way life and death seem to be close and part of our everyday lives…</em><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/popuptoaster/writing/8932431-sex-and-death"><strong>Sex and Death</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/popuptoaster"><strong>Nancy Joan</strong></a></span></b><br />
Laughter fills the room so tears don’t<br />Fine jagged line dividing my balcony<br />Passion isn’t so far from pain<br />Remove the sensual, the sexual,<br />The orgasm and one plus one<br />Equals one and the same<br />
Fourteen stories up<br />Enfolded in your arms<br />I’m standing two steps from the edge<br />And the ground doesn’t seem so far to fall<br />
Stepping out of borrowed skin<br />Unsure of the rules of attack<br />Bible on hotel bedside table<br />And so we are back to religion<br />Need does not play a part in our game<br />Whatever it be called, a game it remains<br />A broomstick would suffice<br />But it all it comes down to how you angle the handle<br />
Fourteen stories up<br />Enfolded in your arms<br />I’m standing two steps from the edge<br />And the ground doesn’t seem so far to fall<br />
So I’m falling now<br />No, not falling, flying<br />Soaring over the valleys below<br />White skin with sweat filled hollows<br />Circling downwards ever further to<br />Land on the soft flesh rising below<br />
Fourteen stories up<br />Enfolded in your arms<br />I’m standing two steps from the edge<br />And the ground doesn’t seem so far to fall<br />
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<em>finally, our immense capacity for love…</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/ingz/works/4607960-love"><strong>LOVE</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/ingz"><strong>Ingz</strong></a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/ingz/works/4607960-love"><img alt="" height="286" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.7169889.7960/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<em>and for accepting what is.</em><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rcdewinter/writing/8947986-what-it-is"><strong>What It Is</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rcdewinter"><strong>RC deWinter</strong></a></b></span><br />
Love means many things to people,<br />and much of that has to do with age<br />and experience and the life you live.<br />
To a child, love is security,<br />that warm blanket that enfolds it<br />when wrapped in its mother’s arms.<br />
To a young and giggly teenage girl<br />it’s the thought of tangling braces<br />with that cute guy in science class;<br />to that same boy, who doesn’t yet<br />give a shit about real girls,<br />it’s the feeling he gets when he sees a hot car<br />or an even hotter airbrushed picture in a skin mag.<br />
As they get older, these ideas of love will change.<br />The girl, now a young woman,<br />loves the man who brings her flowers,<br />who tells her she’s beautiful,<br />that’s she’s everything he ever wanted<br />without quite understanding or explaining why.<br />The young man sees a pretty face, a curvy body<br />and is convinced that only this will make him happy.<br />
Time’s wheel rolls on, heedless of the human heart.<br />Some of that luster dims.<br />There are no more flowers;<br />the pretty face begins to fade<br />into the resignation of familiarity.<br />But when you’ve lived long enough,<br />your life shadowed by misperceptions,<br />disappointments and regrets,<br />you finally learn that flowers, youth<br />and pretty words mean nothing.<br />
You know, at last, love is<br />a fire in the heart,<br />the soul,<br />the loins,<br />the mind.<br />You learn there should be no regard<br />for convenience,<br />suitability<br />or anything else<br />but the conviction<br />that your life will never be complete<br />without the other.<br />
<br />
<em>Please let the artists and writers know if you have enjoyed their work. Make someone’s day. :-)</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Published on www.pinkpanthermagazine.blogspot.com
All content is copyrighted.</div>Magpie Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10084146564855819679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702484156257090639.post-66185176569209224852012-06-06T07:14:00.000-07:002012-06-06T07:14:00.607-07:00The Cycle of Dreams - Features - 30/05/2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr class="post hentry odd-row" id="post_1962385-row"><td class="author vcard"><em>This week’s collection has been inspired by</em><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/paintability"><strong>Janis Zroback</strong></a> © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/paintability/works/8915960-the-dreamer-or-the-dream"><strong>The Dreamer or the Dream</strong></a>.</span></b><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/paintability/works/8915960-the-dreamer-or-the-dream"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.12000461.5960/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<em>Ask a woman</em> her story <em>and it is bound to be full of
dreamscapes—lost ones, found ones; deferred ones, attained ones;
neglected ones, nurtured ones; old, disintegrating ones, new, incubating
ones… For me, as I come upon the home stretch of completing my
undergraduate studies—a long deferred and discouraged dream—I cannot
help but be caught up in the euphoria of finally crossing the finish
line and joining the ranks of the others who have gone before me, those
who prepared the way. As I assess the many dimensions of my academic
experience, I am reminded of all of the dreaming that went into this
endeavor. Some aspects of the dream did, in fact, remain intact in their
original forms, whilst others died off, completely changed composition,
or blended with other elements in order to provide new angles worthy of
exploration.</em><br />
<em>Regardless of these intricacies, one thing stands out the most,
that being: the invaluable support and contributions of those who
rallied behind me, helping and encouraging me accomplish this lifelong
dream. Whatever the stages of your dreaming processes are, just remember
to dare to dream. Those who truly care about you will become your
circle of invaluable support; embrace them like the lifeline that they
are. When one dream dies, be ready to embrace the new one that is just
around the corner. When one seems like it’s slipping out of reach,
tighten up the shoelaces, take a deep breath, and push a little
harder—trust me, you’ll get there. And never allow a single soul to
stifle or reduce your dreams; they are yours to figure out.</em> <br /><del></del><br /><em>The best place to begin assessing one’s dreams is to begin the search.</em><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lisamm/works/8818169-searching"><strong>Searching</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lisamm"><strong>LisaMM</strong></a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lisamm/works/8818169-searching"><img alt="" height="255" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.11873956.8169/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lisamm/works/8818169-searching"><strong></strong></a><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lisamm"><strong></strong></a><br />
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<em>Behold the empowerment of deep-sea exploration. Wonder what may by resting on the surface floor, or beneath that shipwreck…</em><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/msdebbie/writing/6667055-diving-poem-of-empowerment"><strong>Diving (poem of empowerment)</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/msdebbie"><strong>msdebbie</strong></a></b></span><br />
I am not an especially strong<br />swimmer, but even so,<br />the ocean calls to me.<br />
When I visit my cousin<br />in far north Queensland,<br />I always savour the reefs.<br />
Ridiculous though I may be,<br />I enjoy the rubbery goodness<br />of a wetsuit and flippers.<br />
Preposterous really,<br />how large my feet are,<br />how inelegantly I wobble.<br />
The ladder from a boat<br />is intriguing, it lies<br />innocently.<br />
Until you need to<br />step from its rungs,<br />dive deep.<br />
Deeper, deeper.<br />Oxygen mask<br />quivering.<br />
Moving from the blue blue<br />To the green aquamarine<br />To black flashes.<br />
Hyperventilating<br /><em>and yet</em><br />empowered.<br />
In the ocean<br />I do not fear sharks,<br />But myself.<br />
I might explore<br />a shipwreck,<br />hidden treasure.<br />
Or find the emptiness<br />of myself, wishing<br />I was a mermaid.<br />
This is the place.<br />Water soothes me,<br />inflates my soul.<br />
For though I am<br />largely earth-mother,<br />I want to explore.<br />
The fish, the coral,<br />immerse myself<br />in the wreck.<br />
I am complete.<br />There are no words.<br />Drowned eyes wide open.<br />
<em>Here</em><br />I breathe differently,<br /><em>empowered</em><br />
<br />
<em>Take time to reflect and assess those dreams; don’t worry; you’re worth the investment of time.</em><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lovemexxx/works/8851085-time-for-reflection-xxx"><strong>Time for Reflection Xxx</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lovemexxx/works/8851085-time-for-reflection-xxx"><strong>lovemexxx</strong></a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lovemexxx/works/8851085-time-for-reflection-xxx"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.11914445.1085/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="214" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lovemexxx/works/8851085-time-for-reflection-xxx"><strong></strong></a><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lovemexxx/works/8851085-time-for-reflection-xxx"><strong></strong></a><br />
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<em>Weave a web of protection, if you must, keeping the nightmares out, while allowing the dreams to find their way through.</em><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/doreen01/works/8898941-dream-catcher"><strong>Dream catcher</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/doreen01"><strong>Dorina Costras</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/doreen01/works/8898941-dream-catcher"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.11975551.8941/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="235" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/doreen01/works/8898941-dream-catcher"><strong></strong></a><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/doreen01"><strong></strong></a><br />
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<em>For when you simply desire most to reclaim the dreams that managed to get caught up in the attic corner cobwebs…</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/autumnwind/writing/8899266-shadow-dreaming"><strong>shadow dreaming</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/autumnwind/writing/8899266-shadow-dreaming"><strong>autumnwind</strong></a></span><br />
every day the drab and gray<br />pierce me<br />with a sun blinding sword<br />meant for its mark<br />
my days<br />the build up<br />of droplets on my windows<br />my view<br />an insidious blur<br />
wishing to scrape away<br />what is not even there<br />I crave any sight<br />
I long for the end of numb<br />mindless repetition<br />filling me with dread<br />of no spark<br />
it’s good to feel selfish<br />
I am the prairie girl<br />the mermaid<br />and the astronaut<br />
the crisp apple’s bite<br />and smell of my lover’s sweater<br />in autumn<br />
I am nothing<br />without freshly fallen snow<br />kissing my face red<br />in biting winter cold<br />
<em>wake me up<br />someone…</em><br />
though I am hushed<br />by butterflies<br />dragonflies and flowery<br />blue sky moments<br />
I suffer spring and summer<br />where I do not belong<br />icicle dreams melt<br />my running free barefoot spirit<br />
truth is<br />my destiny is storm<br />my vitality<br />the howling wind<br />threatening dark<br />
I crave a life I lost somewhere<br />energize me<br />let lightening strike<br />
<em>this simple rain<br />is killing me</em><br />
<br />
<em>Although each dream is beloved, knowing when to let go of one in order to make room for another is a necessary step.</em><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/awdigitaldreams/works/8887340-goodbye"><strong>Goodbye</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/awdigitaldreams"><strong>Marg Thompson Photography & Fine Art</strong></a></span></b><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/awdigitaldreams/works/8887340-goodbye"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.11960264.7340/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="171" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/awdigitaldreams/works/8887340-goodbye"><strong></strong></a><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/awdigitaldreams"><strong></strong></a><br />
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<em>Just as the cycles of life are never-ending, so too are the cycles of dreams.</em><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/heleneruiz/works/365930-rebirth"><strong>rebirth</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/heleneruiz"><strong>helene ruiz</strong></a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/heleneruiz/works/365930-rebirth"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.4209946.5930/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="308" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/heleneruiz/works/365930-rebirth"><strong></strong></a><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/heleneruiz"><strong></strong></a><br />
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<em>Build a place of safekeeping, where your dreams can endure the elements before their time of bloom.</em><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/wickedlylovely/works/8879948-nest"><strong>Nest</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/wickedlylovely/works/8879948-nest"><strong>WhickedlyLovely</strong></a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/wickedlylovely/works/8879948-nest"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11951144.9948/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="247" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/wickedlylovely/works/8879948-nest"><strong></strong></a><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/wickedlylovely/works/8879948-nest"><strong></strong></a><br />
<em>Don’t shy away from a new vision, even if, in its newness and loose form, it is difficult to call by name.</em><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><em></em><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bezina/works/8044868-sin-t-tulo"><strong>Sin título</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bezina"><strong>Barbara Bezina</strong></a></span></b><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bezina/works/8044868-sin-t-tulo"><img alt="" height="318" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.10956380.4868/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bezina/works/8044868-sin-t-tulo"><strong></strong></a><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bezina"><strong></strong></a><br />
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<em>Dare to weave the dreams that are sure to lead somewhere.</em><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/vesnavd/writing/8883608-not-ready-yet"><strong>Not ready yet</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/vesnavd"><strong>Vesna VD</strong></a></span></b><br />
It’s almost noon<br />I am not ready yet<br />Today the Sun came out too soon<br />
I am weaving the dreams<br />They are leading somewhere<br />At least, it seems<br />
You can’t stop your rotation<br />But in the stillness I see all the possibilities<br />I am swirled in the quiet fascination<br />
I am not ready yet<br />Sorry, I’ll be late<br />Maybe I’ll meet you at Sunset<br />
<br />
<em>If your dream is simply to fly, find a way to step into the clouds.</em><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/kanchanmahon/works/8836140-to-fly"><strong>To Fly</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/kanchanmahon"><strong>Kanchan Mahon</strong></a></span></b><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/kanchanmahon/works/8836140-to-fly"><img alt="" height="248" src="http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.11896180.6140/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/kanchanmahon/works/8836140-to-fly"><strong></strong></a><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/kanchanmahon"><strong></strong></a></td>
<td class="body entry-content" id="post-body-1962385"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Published on www.pinkpanthermagazine.blogspot.com
All content is copyrighted.</div>Magpie Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10084146564855819679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702484156257090639.post-60306918647762281312012-06-06T07:05:00.001-07:002012-06-06T07:05:17.679-07:00All That I Am - Features 23/05/2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<em>“This vast life – the real, interior one in which we remain
linked to the dead (because the dream inside us ignores trivialities
like breath, or absence) – this vast life is not under our control.
Everything we have seen and everyone we have known goes into us and
constitutes us, whether we like it or not. We are linked together in a
pattern we cannot see and whose effects we cannot know.” <br />― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11815113-all-that-i-am">Anna Funder, All That I Am</a></em><br />
<br />
<strong><em>The features this week take a look of what we are. We
are wives, lovers, daughters, friends and mothers. We work, we play, we
live and love. We are artists and writers, creative beings. We are
women, connected to each other through those invisible bonds of shared
experiences and understandings.</em></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><em>All the art featured here celebrates the many different
aspects of completeness. All have been chosen because of their impact
and because each one has a powerful description which adds to our
collective understanding of each other. The images and poems cover
different aspects of our lives, including creativity, hardship,
disability, roles and relationships.</em></strong><br />
<strong><em>Congratulations to you all.</em></strong><br />
<br />
<hr />
<strong><em>Melanie so beautifully captures the essence of living life, celebrating all that we are.</em></strong><br />
<br />
<em>“The ball: the emotion, the fear, the cry, the quiescent
convivial inner-self, the languished persona, the eccentricity, the
nonconforming introverted flame, the indefinite anguish, the definitive
mind, the wholesomeness, the star, the me..<br />The bat: the drive, the
force, the immutable thought, the urge, the passion, the colourful
jaunt, the reach, the taunt, the flight and the fight, the transient
mask, the introspective cachet.”</em><br />
Melanie Collette<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/meljanecollette/works/8876199-thwack-interpreting-self">THWACK: Interpreting self</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/meljanecollette">Melanie Collette</a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/meljanecollette/works/8876199-thwack-interpreting-self"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11946502.6199/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="135" /></a><br />
<hr />
<em><strong>Jenifer writes with passion, power and integrity, here
exploring the feeling of not being connected to one another with all the
ensuing emptiness that this brings.</strong></em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jenshead1/writing/8866767-dusted-darkness">Dusted Darkness</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jenshead1">Jenifer DeBellis</a></b></span><br />
In this moment, society’s isolation strikes<br />me. I am alone, like a bird <br />peppered from its flock in flight, now <br />dropped ashore to forever wander aimlessly.<br />
At the center of life is a vacant<br />chamber, an attic space.<br />A place of neglected and abandoned <br />things. A place of forgotten <br />effects, yet ones that can never be removed.<br />
So strange are the sights <br />one’s eyes behold<br />once they’ve acclimated to the darkness.<br />The way the shadows shuffle<br />in order to stay warm, <br />in order to regulate circulation.<br />So strange are the sounds in <br />a moment, isolated.<br />
Even the stillness can be detected<br />creeping along the loose floorboards.<br />Still, the moment itself <br />is audible as its wings brush <br />against a cracked opening<br />before it escapes its captivity.<br />
In the quiet calm,<br />the earth grumbles—a buried murmur.<br />Discernment washes over <br />the world. It baptizes <br />without discrimination, illuminates <br />everything as lightning does the landscape<br />with a single flash.<br />
Yet the darkness settles <br />in again (true to its nature), a light <br />dusting that builds<br />with time and with minimal <br />notice. And as countless <br />as the grains of sand are that cover<br />the continent, so too is <br />this dusted darkness that<br />pushes against my human grain,<br />reminding me that I do not belong.<br />
<hr />
<br />
<strong><em>Tammera touches our hearts with her words and an image which belies the pain and impact of disability.</em></strong><br />
<br />
<em>“On a scale of one to ten, I am seeing things half full.<br />Even when there are times I am stuck at 5, <br />I endeavor to strive…<br />To see all things in a plus not a minus way.<br />Given the disabilities I have, many are suprised<br />But if you let it get you down too long<br />The big sink sets in …and then <br />Depression…<br />Which is just a big spriraling downward <br />And an empty pit, and giving in to it<br />Can kill in a most realistic way”</em> Tammera<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/tammera/works/8869518-1-10-half-full">1-10 HALF FULL</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/tammera">Tammera</a></span></b><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/tammera/works/8869518-1-10-half-full"><img alt="" height="314" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11938157.9518/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<hr />
<br />
<em><strong>Su2anne writes with wit and empathy, encouraging us to realise the importance of that ‘good house of self.’</strong></em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne/writing/8843799-the-good-house-of-self">The good house of self</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne">su2anne</a></b></span><br />
Perfection invited <br />Kill Joy to<br />Reside. <br />They ganged up and <br />Let loose <br />Envy and<br />Fear. Room by<br />Room all Good<br />Was emptied and<br />All that was left were the<br />Cohorts of<br />Misery and<br />Despair. <br />So it was<br />Surprise who had to <br />Come knocking…<br />Curiosity and<br />Loneliness came next.<br />Until there was a huge party <br />Beheld! Bliss and<br />Reason were unconcerned for<br />Excitement and<br />Trust had taken <br />Foundation.<br />Remorse and dread<br />Left with their<br />Tails firmly tucked<br />Between their legs and the<br />Others scurrying behind…<br />And so it was the Good<br />House of Self stood<br />Unsupported and <br />Joy returned to<br />Stay.<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<em><strong>Creativity, with all its enervating energy is displayed
here by Jaeda. Her description of the creative process and its impact on
our collective consciousness touches my heart.</strong></em><br />
<br />
<em>“Creating is one of the most healing and anxiety-reducing
activities, for me. When i am in the creative realm, everything else
disappears… darkness can be transformed into light, pain has a positive
purpose. The creative realm is a safe harbor for my deepest emotions.<br />I
share this picture as a way to celebrate my friends, fellow creatives,
love and the divine. Each of you is a fabulously unique thread, woven
into the beautiful fabric of our collective consciousness.”</em> Jaeda DeWalt<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jaedadewalt/works/659038-inner-illumination-self-portrait">Inner Illumination – Self Portrait</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jaedadewalt">Jaeda DeWalt</a></span></b><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jaedadewalt/works/659038-inner-illumination-self-portrait"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.8410795.9038/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="245" /></a><br />
<hr />
<br />
<em><strong>Cynthia reminds us that we can withstand emotional
winters, and yet still burst through in Spring, with renewed energy and
growth.</strong></em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/voice/writing/8836303-floret">floret</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/voice">Cynthia Lund Torroll</a></b></span><br />
You withstood<br />many months of ice,<br />many days of rain,<br />the pecking of birds,<br />and a dark without name.<br />
I was clearing away brush.<br />I was trying to move mud<br />when a tiny hint of green<br />shown through.<br />
Ah – you – astonishing you…<br />
<br />
<hr />
<em><strong>Cassandra shows the inner beauty of a woman, her words and image connect with us all.</strong></em><br />
<br />
<em>“At seven months pregnant, few women truly feel beautiful, but
this girl struggled more than most… I offered to do this shoot as a baby
gift to her, and she told me that showing her the beauty in this would
be the best gift I could give…<br />She saw it, finally truly saw it. the magic, the beauty, the allure of carrying a child… To me, she is a goddess.”</em> CassandraOfTroy<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/cassandraoftroy/works/8871314-beauty-concealed">Beauty Concealed</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/cassandraoftroy">CassandraOfTroy</a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/cassandraoftroy/works/8871314-beauty-concealed"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11940385.1314/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="226" /> </a><br />
<br />
<hr />
<b><em>I love the poetry of msdebbie as it always makes me think more
deeply. In this insightful poem she urges to just let go, and allow self
acceptance to have its place.</em></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/msdebbie/writing/8671544-battlefield">Battlefield</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/msdebbie">msdebbie</a></span></b><br />
I no longer believe love is a battlefield. Rather, <br />I regard my defective body in that manner.<br />
Adolescence, I raged against the inconstancy,<br />the inconvenience of irregular menstruation.<br />
I did not embrace my body; I felt too-much,<br />womanly curves an awkward impediment.<br />
I was stuck, in the mud of myself, like<br />quicksand, soft and yielding easily to pressure.<br />
In my 20s, I did not notice the depth of my despair,<br />how much I wanted options and freedom of choice.<br />
The ability to decide, for myself, if I would have<br />or have not a husband, children, the whole shebang.<br />
These were the reasons I agreed to multiple surgeries,<br />largely unaware of hidden self-loathing and desire.<br />
In my 30s, I gained no more appreciation of<br />endometriosis or polycystic ovarian syndrome.<br />
The medical treatments seem a fairytale,<br />a Grimm one, like the girl with no hands.<br />
Such poking, prodding and laser precision,<br />yet I felt beside myself, untethered, unhinged.<br />
I often felt dismembered, rage-red over<br />bulging blue-veins and stretch marks.<br />
Terrible tendrils over a stomach bursting with<br />its body’s betrayal, unable to contain the chaos.<br />
Until I found my love, my one, who treasures me,<br />not as a consolation prize, but with all my flaws.<br />
No longer do I feel a mourning song in my bones,<br />because true love lengthens my spine, raises my head.<br />
Together, we face the future with a clear-eyed focus.<br />Even if dragons, ravens, snakes and wolves interfere…<br />
I can calmly retort to any predators<br />Our love is not a battlefield.<br />
With healing hope I have a new mantra<br />My body is not a battlefield.<br />
The battle for us all, is to look within and find <br />ourselves, home, comfortable in our skin.<br />
This journey has taken me from the battlefield<br />to somewhere euphoric and real.<br />
It is how a woman can shape-change,<br />whether petite or large, to chase her dreams.<br />
Finding courage, just like in fairytale books,<br />and choosing character, rather than good looks.<br />
Such searches can seem like a battlefield,<br />fighting crones, lunatics, or royalty.<br />
There is just one more battle I perceive, it is in<br />the letting go, acceptance, I am happy to be me.<br />
<br />
<hr />
<em><strong>An image with impact by Linda, reminding us of those
women who have to overcome adversity and hardship just to survive. Here
we see a strength and courage, with the image touching chords within
about our need to find such strength in times of adversity.</strong></em><br />
<br />
<em>“This young girl was a stand out beauty in a classroom of
children ranging in age from 7 to 18. I was continually impressed at the
beauty of these people who often live on the ragged edge of existence.
This school was near Amboseli National Park in southern Kenya.<br />The
circular or semicircular scars seen on the cheeks of many of the
children and adults in this region were put there as permanent proof
that they had been treated against the river blindness disease,
bilharzia.”</em> Linda Sparks<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/arizonaspark/works/8840879-maasai-school-girl">Maasai school girl</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/arizonaspark">Linda Sparks</a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/arizonaspark/works/8840879-maasai-school-girl"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11902023.0879/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="251" /> </a><br />
<br />
<hr />
<strong><em>Sometimes it takes so much energy to accept ourselves as
we are. Vesna VD urges to to pause, reflect and then pluck up the
courage to do so.</em></strong><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/vesnavd/writing/8883608-not-ready-yet">Not ready yet</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/vesnavd">Vesna VD</a></span></b><br />
It’s almost noon<br />I am not ready yet<br />Today the Sun came out too soon<br />
I am weaving the dreams<br />They are leading somewhere<br />At least, it seems<br />
You can’t stop your rotation<br />But in the stillness I see all the possibilities<br />I am swirled in the quiet fascination<br />
I am not ready yet<br />Sorry, I’ll be late<br />Maybe I’ll meet you at Sunset<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<strong><em>Ariana so powerfully expresses those needs that drive our very being.</em></strong><br />
<br />
<em>“Three passions, simple but overwhelmingly strong, have governed
my life: the longing for love, the search for knowledge, and unbearable
pity for the suffering of mankind.”</em> Ariana 1985<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/ariana1985/works/8819928-three-passions">Three passions</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/ariana1985">ARIANA1985</a></span></b><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/ariana1985/works/8819928-three-passions"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11876087.9928/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="231" /></a><br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<em><strong>The haunting image by Marge, together with her moving
words, bring tingles to my skin. It makes me pause, reflect and
reconsider much of the past and the need to let go and move forward.</strong></em><br />
<br />
<em>“Saying goodbye is never easy.</em><br /><em>Especially to someone
you have loved for a long time and for whom friendship and support,
trust and respect come after time and trial. You grow into people and
then, when they leave your life, you find it hard to let them go. They
become part of your heart, no matter how you try to forget. They become a
memory. Their love however, becomes part of you.</em><br />
<em>I’m trying to let go of the memories as well as the loss. Because
memories become distorted with time and the re-telling of what was.
Memories can lie and deceive. Memories of what was are not as important
as what is. The love remains, no matter what.<br />Am I choosing to let go of the past or am I reaching for the present moment and all that it holds?</em><br />
<em>I’m not sure yet."</em> Marge Thompson<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/awdigitaldreams/works/8887340-goodbye">Goodbye</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/awdigitaldreams">Marg Thomson Photography & Fine Art</a></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/awdigitaldreams/works/8887340-goodbye"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11960264.7340/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="171" /></a><br />
<hr />
<br />
<em><strong>Each of these wonderful images and poems has caused me to think differently about many things. I thank you all.</strong></em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Published on www.pinkpanthermagazine.blogspot.com
All content is copyrighted.</div>Magpie Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10084146564855819679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702484156257090639.post-53037683776775933272012-05-16T06:48:00.005-07:002012-05-16T06:48:49.874-07:00Of Masks and New Beginnings - Features - 16-05-2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<em>I am going to take you onto a journey today and I think most of
you will find it familiar ground. We start of all innocent and true to
ourselves but due to one thing and another – from peer pressure to role
models to advertising – we soon start putting on the masks and we become
different people and put on different costumes throughout our lives. It
takes a long time (and sometimes it’s never achieved) before we close
the circle and get back to our original state of, maybe not innocence,
but at least honesty and being true to ourselves.</em><br />
<br />
<em>And here our journey begins…</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/locustgirl/works/8843650-choose-your-mask"><strong>Choose your mask</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/locustgirl"><strong>Heather King</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/locustgirl/works/8843650-choose-your-mask"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11905479.3650/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>It’s out outlook the way we view the world that makes us put on the masks and conform to the labels we (feel we) are stuck with.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/msdebbie/writing/8851703-alert-and-alarmed"><strong>Alert & Alarmed</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/msdebbie"><strong>msdebbie</strong></a></span><br />
Future dystopia:<br />Outlook – myopia.<br />
Blurring boundaries:<br />societal pressure.<br />
Values shifting:<br />religious inertia.<br />
Corporate collisions:<br />perfect pretence.<br />
Intuitive indecision:<br />abject offence.<br />
Deceiving appearance:<br />my smile a defence.<br />
Outlook – myopia:<br />Future dystopia.<br />
<br />
<em>Is it about hiding who we are or putting on a pretty face over our insecurities?</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8852162-beautiful-liar"><strong>Beautiful Liar</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries"><strong>strawberries</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8852162-beautiful-liar"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.11915991.2162/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="312" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Are we inviting madness by hiding our true selves away behind masks?</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rebeccaweston/writing/2553299-madness"><strong>Madness</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rebeccaweston"><strong>RebeccaWeston</strong></a></span><br />Oh no, you can’t come out.<br />Go back inside and wait.<br />You’ll make me say or do<br />something, I am going to hate.<br />Please don’t come out<br />when people are here.<br />You normally show in private<br />when there’s no one near.<br />Don’t put me thru this torment.<br />Get back inside I say!<br />I’ll talk to you later,<br />when these people go away.<br />God, your just not listening.<br />now I will have to run.<br />All the startled faces,<br />asking questions, making fun.<br />I’m ashamed and bloody angry,<br />they’ll never understand<br />that once you’ve made your mind up,<br />I’m at your, command.<br />Alone now, do your worst,<br />bang my head against the wall.<br />Digging nails in, pulling hair,<br />throwing things – do it all!<br />Soon you will return<br />to your safe, dark hiding place.<br />I’ll pick up all the pieces<br />and hide you from disgrace.<br />
<br />
<em>Our instincts and intuition are strong and not easily held back.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bezina/works/8706001-en-el-jardin-primitivo"><strong>En el jardin primitivo</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bezina"><strong>Barbara Bezina</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bezina/works/8706001-en-el-jardin-primitivo"><img alt="" height="214" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.11732009.6001/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>This never becomes clearer when those we hold dear and those who shaped us fall away and leave us to struggle on by ourselves.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/wildwomenlove/writing/8851656-blood-dust"><strong>Blood Dust</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/wildwomenlove"><strong>wildwomenlove</strong></a></span><br />I’m scared of dying<br />you know?<br />I didn’t think I was<br />But I am<br />
I lie in bed at night<br />stare at the ceiling<br />Wondering<br />does the death rattle hurt?<br />
Will my soul slide through my fontanelle?<br />Will my dad be there to collect me?<br />Where will I go?<br />How will I know, which door?<br />
I witness the aunties, uncles, parents<br />topple like skittles<br />Makes me wonder<br />who’s next?<br />
I feel the earthquake<br />Shaking<br />in the centre of<br />my core<br />
Those arms that have held me steady<br />Guidance disintegrating<br />into blood dust<br />Lifted on a transient wind<br />
Armies of generation<br />limping to the frontline<br />Shielding the bullets<br />so that we may live<br />
I didn’t know how cataclysmic it would feel<br />How the realization of mortality<br />would monsoon the foundations<br />of my frenzied world<br />
Will this central quaking<br />inch me forward<br />toward<br />the front line?<br />
The earth tremors<br />Breaks open<br />we all<br />fall down<br />
Blood<br />becomes dust<br />after all<br />
<br />
<em>The thirst for life, for giving in to those needs long supressed….</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/locustgirl/works/2960979-infusion"><strong>infusion</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/locustgirl"><strong>Heather King</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/locustgirl/works/2960979-infusion"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.5551998.0979/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>and the acknowledgement of those needs that drive us closer to the edge.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/shadowdancer/writing/8850367-vestiges"><strong>vestiges</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/shadowdancer"><strong>ShadowDancer</strong></a></span><br />the residue of you,<br />atoms of nothingness,<br />has slowly wound itself<br />around my spine,<br />sprouting like clusters of<br />red jasper between the spaces<br />of my crooked vertebrae,<br />hardened and incessant,<br />leaving trace elements of<br />ash and destruction<br />on my tongue,<br />these remnants of you<br />reach far beyond what<br />ever was of us,<br />with a raspy murmur it<br />fills my bloodstream with<br />a rancid poison of<br />want<br />
memories of your love<br />are like<br />blood and tulips<br />beautiful<br />but the death of me<br />
<br />
<em>Sometimes we give in, when we feel there’s nothing to go on for….</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/annacuypers/works/8859113-birdy-fallen"><strong>Birdy fallen</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/annacuypers"><strong>annacuypers</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/annacuypers/works/8859113-birdy-fallen"><img alt="" height="222" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.11924884.9113/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>and sometimes we reach this flashpoint where the decision has to be made and we pull through.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/moonlightlover/writing/8835663-flashpoint">Flashpoint</a></b> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/moonlightlover"><strong>MoonlightLover</strong></a></span><br />I thought it was permanent,<br />My shattered pride.<br />I once was innocence<br />But it turned on its side,<br />A black cloud rained over me<br />It followed my every move<br />Knee deep in the memories<br />Where there once was truth.<br />
I realised how I so wanted time<br />To put things into perspective,<br />Something I tried so hard to find.<br />Just for one moment I thought I’d found the way,<br />But as my destiny unfolded<br />I watched it slip away.<br />
Like a global flashpoint, I was beyond all reach,<br />Solitary was at my command, all which I’d like to keep.<br />I took a ride to the frontier, to see what I could find<br />A ruined collection of dreams and past desires,<br />Dumped like garbage on a roadside!<br />
You will never realise the miles I’d had to go,<br />And all those dark corners of my room<br />I did not know.<br />It was just for one moment I thought I heard a call<br />To look beyond the day in hand,<br />There was nothing, nothing there at all.<br />
Now that I’ve realised how it had gotten so wrong,<br />Had to find some therapy, but the treatment took way too long.<br />But deep inside my heart, it was love who lead the way,<br />It finally found my destiny before it slipped away.<br />
<br />
<em>And maybe sometimes it’s a matter of walking away to become who we are.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/catrinarno/works/8838408-she-took-her-wings-and-walked"><strong>She took her wings and walked</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/catrinarno"><strong>Catrin Welz-Stein</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/catrinarno/works/8838408-she-took-her-wings-and-walked"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.11899040.8408/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="245" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Spring cleaning of self accomplished.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne/writing/8843799-the-good-house-of-self"><strong>The good house of self</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne"><strong>su2anne</strong></a></span><br />Perfection invited<br />Kill Joy to<br />Reside.<br />They ganged up and<br />Let loose<br />Envy and<br />Fear. Room by<br />Room all Good<br />Was emptied and<br />All that was left were the<br />Cohorts of<br />Misery and<br />Despair.<br />So it was<br />Surprise who had to<br />Come knocking…<br />Curiosity and<br />Loneliness came next.<br />Until there was a huge party<br />Beheld! Bliss and<br />Reason were unconcerned for<br />Excitement and<br />Trust had taken<br />Foundation.<br />Remorse and dread<br />Left with their<br />Tails firmly tucked<br />Between their legs and the<br />Others scurrying behind…<br />And so it was the Good<br />House of Self stood<br />Unsupported and<br />Joy returned to<br />Stay.<br />
<br />
<em>Hope you enjoyed today’s trip through our amazing gallery and
library. Tell the artists/authors if you did. There’s nothing quite like
someone telling you that they loved what you did.</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Published on www.pinkpanthermagazine.blogspot.com
All content is copyrighted.</div>Magpie Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10084146564855819679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702484156257090639.post-32507045995989616352012-05-16T06:40:00.001-07:002012-05-16T06:45:35.686-07:00Beholding What Is Beautiful - Features - 09-05-2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>Inspired by the poem</i> “Speaking of…” <i>and a reaction to it,</i> “of light and darkness,” <i>this
week’s feature collect takes a look at what gauges we use to measure
beauty and what inspires us to see, hear, smell, taste, and reach out
and touch the beautiful things in life. The</i> Merriam-Webster Dictionary <i>defines
beauty as the quality or aggregate of qualities in a person or thing
that gives pleasure to the senses or pleasurably exalts the mind or
spirit, loveliness; a beautiful person or thing, especially a beautiful
woman; a particularly graceful, ornamental, or excellent quality; a
brilliant, extreme, or egregious example or instance. With such a broad
range of contenders, who’s the most qualified judge of this thing called
beauty?</i><br />
<i>Perhaps the answer is as fundamental as this: “Though we travel
the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we
find it not,” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson. Or maybe it’s more accurate that
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even
touched—they must be felt with the heart,” as one of the world’s most
inspiring women, Helen Keller, puts it. Whatever the given situation,
here’s celebrating the physical, psychological, and spiritual things
that tantalise the senses and expose what each beholder perceives as
beautiful.</i><br />
<hr />
<i>Today’s collection begins with a question not asked often enough. Can beauty be amply defined by media-driven worldly ideals?</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/manana11/works/8812022-vogue"><b>VOGUE</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/manana11"><b>Manana11</b></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/manana11/works/8812022-vogue"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.11866121.2022/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="225" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>Is beauty in the surface things or is it really skin deep?</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/kanchanmahon/works/8816424-change-every-thing-about-her"><b>Change Every Thing about Her</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/kanchanmahon"><b>Kancha Mahon</b></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/kanchanmahon/works/8816424-change-every-thing-about-her"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.11871771.6424/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="236" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>When it comes to defining what is beautiful, just who is the fairest judge of them all?</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rcdewinter/writing/8776803-speaking-of"><b>Speaking of…</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rcdewinter"><b>RC deWinter</b></a></span><br />
Across the table sits a crumpled paper ball,<br />
squeezed by a scornful hand and tossed there carelessly.<br />
The words inked on that sheet ring false, deserving nothing but<br />
the harsh embrace of steel arms.<br />
Why is it that one who so admires beauty cannot write about it<br />
from the heart,<br />
instead condemned to spew forth words of weak ungainly praise,<br />
clouds of cliches,<br />
the voice that speaks so fatuous, so false?<br />
But put me into that bloody arena where the soul faces itself –<br />
or better yet, another –<br />
and all is finely, fiercely focused, sharply drawn.<br />
The pen becomes a bloody quill, effortlessly smearing scarlet<br />
across and back the defenseless pages.<br />
It is not that this harsh terrain is any more familiar than the soft green<br />
wildflower meadows – I have traversed<br />
my share of both.<br />
Somehow this unforgiving landscape stays to press upon my memory,<br />
while gentler environs fade to a vague and barely-recalled beauty.<br />
And as I turn, triumphant, to present you with a tribute,<br />
you must not think I do not care<br />
when tribute is a tattered bit of hope and trust and passion<br />
salvaged from my last encounter,<br />
rather than the red red rose so often brandished in Love’s bower.<br />
<br />
<i>Is beauty buried in the dark corner along with fear and
insecurity? or is it simply a matter of stepping into the light to see
it?</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/magpiemagic/writing/8777560-of-light-and-darkness"><b>of light and darkness</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/magpiemagic"><b>Sybille Sterk</b></a></span><br />
To dim eyes<br />
beauty shines bright<br />
afire, aflame<br />
too hot to handle<br />
in everyday humdrum<br />
the pain surrounding it<br />
is difficult enough<br />
but manageable<br />
just a little at a time<br />
pull a string here<br />
a sharp pin there<br />
for it’s all it can take<br />
the voodoo doll<br />
that is my heart<br />
because some<br />
truths are so beautiful<br />
memories are so wonderful<br />
treasures are so big<br />
they won’t fit anywhere<br />
pour right through my fingers<br />
slippery things that they are<br />
so I slide round the edges<br />
pray to the darkness<br />
to show the light<br />
by its absence<br />
wallow in the black<br />
hoping for the white<br />
to find me in the corners<br />
where I am hiding<br />
afraid to be found<br />
longing to be held<br />
and led back to the light.<br />
<br />
<i>Behold the splendour of youth’s innocence.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/madworld/works/8820805-you-in-your-new-blue-dress"><b>You in your new blue dress</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/madworld"><b>madworld</b></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/madworld/works/8820805-you-in-your-new-blue-dress"><img alt="" src="http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.11877153.0805/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>Cherish the beautiful reflections that cast back from a nurture’s eyes.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/charpierce/writing/8788902-the-shield"><b>The Shield</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/charpierce/writing/8788902-the-shield"><b>charpierce</b></a></span><br />
I am the habit that reminds<br />
you to look both ways before crossing the street.<br />
I am the feeling in your gut that warns<br />
you of those you cannot trust.<br />
I am the ray of hope telling<br />
you anything is possible in tomorrow’s new day.<br />
I am the force of strength<br />
that won’t let you let go.<br />
I am front and center to the stage of your life<br />
cheering you on<br />
laughing with you, dancing with you, crying with you.<br />
I am in the stories you read before you sleep.<br />
I am in the voice in your dreams.<br />
I am in the music you sing.<br />
So when you turn the lock and step into your new apartment<br />
miles and miles from home,<br />
do not be afraid.<br />
You are not alone.<br />
<br />
<i>It’s worth it to reach out and explore the beauty in the briefest exposures.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/doreen01/works/8811766-touching-the-ephemeral-2"><b>Touching the Ephemeral</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/doreen01"><b>Doreen Costras</b></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/doreen01/works/8811766-touching-the-ephemeral-2"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.11866359.1766/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="319" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>Sometimes beauty is weaved into the safety net just below surrender.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/marymac/writing/8799830-away"><b>away</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/marymac"><b>MaryMac</b></a></span><br />
hiding and resting<br />
words cutting and challenging<br />
uttering my peace<br />
in small hushed sounds<br />
trees bend down to listen<br />
winds quietly barred<br />
the atmosphere breathing<br />
giving off a light scent of floral<br />
to the shrine of humidity<br />
every second passing by<br />
like a javelin tipped in multicolored hues<br />
once obtaining grace<br />
butterfly bushes and juniper<br />
serenity<br />
i lose myself in their earth<br />
<br />
<i>Never underestimate the beauty in heritage.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/madalenalobaote/works/7485755-zulu-woman"><b>Lulu woman</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/madalenalobaote"><b>Madalena Lobao-Tello</b></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/madalenalobaote/works/7485755-zulu-woman"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.10317889.5755/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="241" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>Stopping to be as one with nature is a beautiful thing.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/ellabrown/writing/8821023-today"><b>Today</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/ellabrown"><b>Art of Ella Brown</b></a></span><br />
Today i put my feet on the warm wet grass,<br />
i saw the crows flit from tree to branch,<br />
i felt the sun kiss my face,<br />
like butterflies and fairy eye lash embraces.<br />
Today i made good food,<br />
a pot full of goodness and homely magic,<br />
i made tea from herbs and honey,<br />
I don’t posses much money.<br />
But in the garden grows a tree,<br />
of flowers that delight the woman in me,<br />
the smell and colours are happily<br />
deep in my psyche .<br />
Today i rode my bike for water,<br />
at the well and flowing goodness,<br />
i rode it to town and bought good bread,<br />
i made a love nest in my bed.<br />
Today i sang as i washed up,<br />
i felt inside my gypsy luck,<br />
the prosperous blood that runs through my heart,<br />
the joy the love the start …<br />
of something.<br />
The super moon made me shiver,<br />
the night the fear<br />
the bad dreams,<br />
the morning bright and near,<br />
in hours of quiet before runners darted and laughed past my windows.<br />
Today i found myself<br />
in all these joys and such wealth<br />
the small things made a picture<br />
that i will treasure.<br />
<br />
<i>Celebrate the beauty in the simplicity of a solitary meal.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bareri/works/8827703-annapurna-lady"><b>Annapurna Lady</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bareri"><b>Valerie Rosen</b></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bareri/works/8827703-annapurna-lady"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.11885670.7703/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>Beautiful is the woman who endures until freedom is a reality.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rhenastarr/writing/8826521-while-my-heart-heals"><b>While My Heart Heals</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rhenastarr"><b>Rhenastarr</b></a></span><br />
She begged please<br />
Touch me slowly<br />
Tenderly<br />
Gently handle the invisible<br />
Bruises that still<br />
Stain my heart<br />
Give me time to<br />
Feel completely<br />
The love you are offering<br />
Your gentle spirit is<br />
At once comforting and<br />
Yet alien to the wells<br />
Of pain that threaten<br />
To drown my soul<br />
The past is a wound<br />
Leaving scars that<br />
Occasionally<br />
Open and bleed upon<br />
The me hiding within<br />
The man who came before<br />
Wore a mask<br />
A shield that hid the evil<br />
That ran hot within<br />
His hands that began<br />
As gentle caresses<br />
Became punishing fists<br />
Of hate<br />
He spoke words of love<br />
That quickly got lost in<br />
The venom he spewed<br />
Scalding me with it’s<br />
Intensity<br />
I remember how well he<br />
Hid his crushing animosity<br />
Clothed it in designer<br />
Cloth<br />
Covering the ugly<br />
In shades of gold<br />
That became tarnished in<br />
The light of reality<br />
He covered me in<br />
Shades of pain<br />
And humiliation<br />
Creating of me a creature<br />
Diminished in self<br />
The love that began with<br />
Bright shining hope<br />
Died a slow punishing<br />
Death<br />
Clothed in fear and pain<br />
Sex lost the tenderness<br />
Of love<br />
Replaced with the rape<br />
Of dignity, heart and soul<br />
Isolation became the normal<br />
Friends drifted into the<br />
Past<br />
And loneliness was a saving<br />
Grace<br />
No one to witness my degradation<br />
My humiliation, my overwhelming<br />
Loss of self<br />
In his absence, the quiet was<br />
A balm that soothed<br />
As time ticked down, the clock<br />
Was an enemy<br />
I watched the hours pass and<br />
The dread fill me<br />
Trembling beneath the surface<br />
An urgency boiled<br />
I knew I had to make a stand<br />
I found the key in a little girl<br />
A priceless gift from the man<br />
Of torment<br />
I could see the fiery anger<br />
In his eyes when he gazed<br />
Upon her<br />
I found the strength to rebel<br />
To break the chains that<br />
Bound me<br />
I would not allow her to ever<br />
Suffer the abusive life into<br />
Which she had been born<br />
I walked away never<br />
Looking back<br />
And then there was you<br />
So bear with me my gentle<br />
Soul<br />
Touch me tenderly<br />
Touch me slowly<br />
While my heart heals<br />
© Marie Harris 5-7-12<br />
MCN: CYAQD-G9AUL-N7YNK</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Published on www.pinkpanthermagazine.blogspot.com
All content is copyrighted.</div>Magpie Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10084146564855819679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702484156257090639.post-12228803632345985152012-05-02T05:22:00.001-07:002012-05-02T05:22:51.137-07:00The Red Façade - Features - 2/5/2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<em>Jaeda DeWalt has provided us with the inspiration for this week’s
features. Her dramatic image tells the story of the facade we
desperately try to maintain when we are keeping secrets, allowing
ourselves to be silenced and forgotten. When we can shed this burden,
freedom can follow. Truth is liberating, for society as a whole and for
us as individuals. Bravo Jaeda.</em><br />
<em>In Jaeda’s own words…</em><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“As a child I was taught to keep my mouth shut, my feelings were not
validated. I kept my abuse a secret. The keeping of this sick secret
seeped into my soul like poison. So I learned very young, how to create
a pretty little facade, to hide behind it and pretend everything was
okay.<br />As a society, I believe we are only as sick as our secrets. As
an adult I seek to do the opposite, to tear down the facade and expose
the truth and THAT is what this image is about."</blockquote>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jaedadewalt/works/649756-the-red-facade-self-portrait">The Red Façade – Self Portrait</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jaedadewalt">Jaeda DeWalt</a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jaedadewalt/works/649756-the-red-facade-self-portrait"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.7705313.9756/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="225" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>The red façade is a hard one to let go.</em><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/shelleybabe2/writing/8790007-its-a-secret">It’s a secret…</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/shelleybabe2">shelleybabe2</a></span></b><br />
It’s private…<br />That’s why I had to hide it.<br />
I found it hard to communicate<br />with you.<br />Due to all of the abuse.<br />
I could not express myself.<br />Cause I was too ashamed of it.<br />
It was personal.<br />It was private.<br />
I also found it difficult.<br />An uphill struggle.<br />
Having to climb,<br />up that hill.<br />From all of the filth.<br />
Discusting dirt.<br />I tried to wipe off my skirt.<br />
But somehow still lingers,<br />upon my shirt.<br />
Still attached to me.<br />It just won’t go away, you see.<br />
Cause it’s a secret.<br />I hide, invisibly.<br />
<br />
<em>Sometimes, the façade of silence can seem overwhelmingly loud and saps the strength.</em><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rcdewinter/works/8791193-the-clamor-of-silence">The Clamor of Silence</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rcdewinter">RC deWinter</a></span></b><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rcdewinter/works/8791193-the-clamor-of-silence"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11839577.1193/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“the silence of the mind<br />
the ink dried in the pot –<br />so long has it been since i dipped my quill.<br />my brain suffused with rot –<br />so long has it been since i bent my will<br />to the work of the living.<br />the words as dry as husks<br />left lying out, naked, on sunburnt plains.<br />my thoughts frail blunted tusks<br />grown useless, long drowning in sorrow’s rains;<br />there is nothing to ponder."</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">© 2011 RC deWinter</span></i></blockquote>
<em>We try so hard to please, forgetting that silence shuts us down.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne/writing/8788387-the-good-wife">The good wife</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne">su2anne</a></b></span><br />
There was a <br />Good wife whose hands could<br />Turn spun yarn into <br />Gold and silk. That<br />Became rainbows and<br />Spoke to the <br />Sun and the moon. But <br />She had a <br />Secret torment… Her <br />Keeper had cast a <br />Spell on her loom. A <br />Lock that would only <br />Open from noon till four.<br />Thou these wondrous <br />Fabrics spoke of <br />Light and love and <br />Adorned the likes of<br />Fair maidens bright and <br />Rich widows. And her <br />Fame become <br />Legendary the <br />Rules remained…her<br />Heart and soul like her<br />Hands were bound and an<br />Over whelming <br />Sadness prevailed. Her<br />Creations sang of<br />Beauty. Her<br />Eyes windows to her<br />Soul bespoke <br />Otherwise.<br />
Time passed and her<br />Heart contracted to <br />Such a point that she could <br />No longer <br />Look upon her loom. So she<br />Turned away and <br />Shut the <br />Door on her <br />Heart. For years it<br />Lay frozen in a<br />Place so deep she<br />Didn’t dare look for <br />Fear she might shatter…<br />Instead she <br />Gathered herself and<br />Gave and did as <br />Only a woman could. Her<br />Loving husband <br />Happy to have such a<br />Good wife. But at<br />Certain moments when the <br />Night is still an <br />Eerie keen can be heard. It is the<br />Loom locked in a cupboard calling to<br />Her mistress. And the<br />Good woman greyed with <br />Time remembers the <br />Song and her<br />Hands respond. In her<br />Dreams she<br />Weaves a magic where she <br />Walks free. There are <br />No locks. Her<br />Loom awaits and her<br />Spun gold and silver<br />Adorn princesses and the <br />Softest yarns <br />Caress newborns. Her<br />Eyes star bright with<br />Gladness… upon<br />Awakening this<br />Wise old one begins her<br />Working day with a<br />Spring in her step for <br />She knows her<br />Dreams are hers<br />Alone…<br />
<br />
<em>The silence can be isolating, keeping us apart from friendships and relationships.</em><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8785268-no-one-there-to-hear-me-scream">No-one there to hear me scream</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries">strawberries</a></span></b><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8785268-no-one-there-to-hear-me-scream"><img alt="" height="298" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11832249.5268/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Sometimes it is easier to hold on to old hurts than it is to let them go.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/magpiemagic/writing/8774651-singing-by-the-water">singing by the water</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/magpiemagic">Sybille Sterk</a></b></span><br />
heart skin like old leather<br />fragrant with memories<br />battle scarred and crinkled<br />locked up and shut for business<br />over and done with<br />it’s so much easier<br />to just keep the cold out <br />and hold it in<br />than to drag it out<br />and grow more<br />fear skin like glass <br />over real skin<br />easily shattered<br />and it cuts so deep<br />like a bullet knife noose <br />with a padlock<br />around my chest<br />breathing lightly <br />feelers out<br />to test the waters<br />you can never be sure<br />better safe than sorry<br />better frozen than fried<br />better but not happier<br />maybe content <br />can be achieved <br />on a good day<br />perhaps<br />if not for the song<br />that is going <br />round and round my head<br />of old times<br />of good times<br />of neverminds<br />huddled in the <br />comforting darkness<br />waiting for <br />something<br />anything<br />
<br />
<em>a new song</em><br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<em>“Another world must surely exist somewhere, one where she would be known in some deep way that was far beyond words.”</em><br />
<br />
“Originally I took this with a friend’s original story in mind. The
quote above is from one of my new favorite novels, Alice Hoffman’s, ‘The
Story Sisters’, which describes the effects of sexual abuse on one girl
and her family, and how her reaction to her struggle changes everything
– creating loss, tragedy, and a final redemption.” lilynoelle</blockquote>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lilynoelle/works/8789400-another-world-must-exist-somewhere">Another World Must Exist Somewhere</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lilynoelle">lilynoelle</a></span></b><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lilynoelle/works/8789400-another-world-must-exist-somewhere"><img alt="" height="261" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11837309.9400/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Remember that we are more than the sum of our pasts.</em><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/voice/writing/8532748-other">Other.</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/voice">Cynthia Lund Torroll</a></span></b><br />
I am not<br />these circumstances.<br />I am not<br />this wash of insanity.<br />
I am something<br />other -<br />something<br />larger<br />than the want<br />of food,<br />the need of sleep,<br />or the fickleness of<br />temperature.<br />
I am other.<br />Something<br />other.<br />
<br />
<em>Although we feel trapped, we can find the strength to break free.</em><br />
<em>Joelle explains…</em><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<em></em>“Circé focuses on the hidden elements of escape from conformity and
oppression. Escape, even without " the clothes on your back ".<br />Circé very much believes that the Patriarchy is the " box of conformity " that all individuals need to be free of.<br />This
piece portrays the effort and determination that are both requisite and
result of endeavoring for change and escape. The nudity in this piece
is simple.<br />
There is no need for distraction from the message, this is
self birth and renewal." joellecirce</blockquote>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/joellecirce/works/8776325-breaking-free">Breaking free</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/joellecirce">joellecirce</a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/joellecirce/works/8776325-breaking-free"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11821042.6325/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="256" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>When we break free, we can feel the sweet breeze brushing past, blowing away the sadness and pain.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/zi-o/writing/8670299-the-sea-breeze-upon-my-skin">The Sea Breeze Upon my Skin</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/zi-o">Zi-O</a></b></span><br />
Surrounded by sandy soil<br />Waves of sea green devil blue<br />A comparison of wills<br />As the sun breaks through<br />A mother’s embrace<br />This water womb<br />The tide sings a lullaby <br />Home<br />To star shapes, pearls<br />& golden scales—- those with gills<br />Ancient memories<br />Swimming from the depths <br />Into lungs that breathe<br />Gazing at the evening glory<br />I smell the breeze upon my skin<br />
<br />
<em>Once freed from the oppression of silence, we can dance to our destination.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/patchoulipatch/works/6854257-dance-to-your-destination">Dance To Your Destination….</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/patchoulipatch">Carol Knudsen</a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/patchoulipatch/works/6854257-dance-to-your-destination"><img alt="" height="213" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.9614600.4257/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>And let our garden grow.</em><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/vesnavd/writing/5372098-in-my-garden">In my garden</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/vesnavd">Vesna VD</a></span></b><br />
Around my soul, <br />like around a Medieval Garden, <br />rises a Fortress.<br />In the middle is the Fountain: <br />the Heart.<br />When you look at me, <br />the gates open. <br />Come in freely.<br />
As I am getting older <br />I spend more time by the Fountain <br />then in the Towers.<br />If you see something beautiful in this Garden, <br />pull it out, <br />replant it.<br />It is yours as much as it is mine.<br />
<br />
<em>Congratulations to you all. What a talented group we have.</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Published on www.pinkpanthermagazine.blogspot.com
All content is copyrighted.</div>Magpie Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10084146564855819679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702484156257090639.post-66453118216174314122012-05-01T06:35:00.000-07:002012-05-01T06:35:08.921-07:00Pink Panther Magazine Issue 16 is out!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/storage2.magcloud.com/image/66b4b18ce3ac0742aa76f1945e324b63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/storage2.magcloud.com/image/66b4b18ce3ac0742aa76f1945e324b63.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Get it <a href="http://www.calameo.com/read/000214305e722143da6d7"><b>here</b></a> to read online or <b><a href="http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/370725">here</a></b> to have and to hold your own printed copy. :-)</span><br />
<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Published on www.pinkpanthermagazine.blogspot.com
All content is copyrighted.</div>Magpie Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10084146564855819679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702484156257090639.post-54891271048578262892012-04-25T14:18:00.004-07:002012-04-25T14:19:37.731-07:00The Way You Walk - Features - 25/04/2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>I have been thinking about sisters and sisterhood a lot this
week. We’re all different on the outside, we live in different
circumstances, different countries, we are different ages, but
underneath we’re alike and we face many of the same problems and
challenges. It’s good to know that, and it’s even better to know we’re
not on our own and there is strength and power in that. However, it’s
not just what we do but how we do it and how we face up to the trials
facing us… the way we walk with grace and in our own unique way. Take
heart. :-)</i><br />
<br />
<i>Our thoughts are free and they will set us free.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/catrinarno/works/8763999-die-gedanken-sind-frei"><b>Die Gedanken sind frei …</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/catrinarno"><b>Catrin Welz-Stein</b></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/catrinarno/works/8763999-die-gedanken-sind-frei"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.11805386.3999/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>To grow we first have to accept and understand.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne/writing/8764575-the-constancy-of-change"><b>The constancy of change</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne"><b>su2anne</b></a></span><br />
Today I unstitch<br />
Lay out and<br />
Look to<br />
Understand the<br />
Makings of<br />
Me. And in<br />
Doing thus I<br />
See my<br />
Strengths.<br />
Where to<br />
Apply the salves. To<br />
Bank the<br />
Fires and<br />
Nurture and feed the<br />
Heart.<br />
Stronger and more<br />
Sound. I stand before<br />
You as truly<br />
Me… this labor of<br />
Love must be done<br />
Again and<br />
Again.<br />
Sometimes I can<br />
Forget this state of<br />
Change and the need to<br />
Evolve. However this is my<br />
One and only<br />
Constant. To<br />
Begin again…<br />
To learn anew…<br />
<br />
<i>Sometimes all we can do is walk away and begin anew somewhere else.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/patchoulipatch/works/6724814-just-walk-away"><b>Just Walk Away…</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/patchoulipatch"><b>Carol Knudsen</b></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/patchoulipatch/works/6724814-just-walk-away"><img alt="" height="177" src="http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.9470088.4814/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>Relationships are complicated things but a little acceptance and
tolerance go a long way to make them work and to allow us to be happy.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/autumnwind/writing/8767325-thoughts-while-surfacing-from-the-deep"><b>Thoughts while surfacing from the deep…</b></a>- by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/autumnwind"><b>autumnwind</b></a></span><br />
I am not perfect<br />
nor will I ever be<br />
…at your beck and call<br />
keep from me<br />
all that is precious<br />
if it is your choice<br />
age is too wise<br />
to let the hurt<br />
scar me…<br />
anymore<br />
I reach a point<br />
I do believe<br />
where I brush it off<br />
why dwell<br />
on not being able<br />
to be the answer<br />
to someone else’s dreams<br />
I have my own<br />
no longer living<br />
for yours<br />
this is a different moon<br />
it does not shine<br />
for you<br />
let us share the sun<br />
there is so much room<br />
do not be greedy<br />
I may never understand you<br />
you may resent me<br />
get over it<br />
I did nothing wrong<br />
and if ever<br />
I made a mistake<br />
I made up for it<br />
with a heart full of tears<br />
and a freedom to love you<br />
with apologies<br />
and even this…was rare<br />
so this is life<br />
my advice ~ expect less<br />
we will never be<br />
what we want<br />
from each other<br />
let us just be grateful<br />
for love<br />
it is there<br />
it is strong<br />
it is enough<br />
I will not be caged<br />
nor let the respect<br />
that you so often lack<br />
bring me down<br />
to the depths<br />
of darkness I have traveled<br />
you think you know me<br />
you think you know much<br />
<i>you think too much</i><br />
can you ever just…<br />
<i>stop and feel?</i><br />
stop criticizing the world<br />
and those<br />
closest to you<br />
please…<br />
just love me<br />
without appraisal<br />
<br />
<i>The world can be a scary place and hiding from the monsters our only choice…</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8730715-the-monster-garden"><b>The Monster Garden</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries"><b>strawberries</b></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8730715-the-monster-garden"><img alt="" height="301" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.11763057.0715/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>…and sometimes remembering who we are and where we come from can show us where our future lies.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/marymac/writing/8750079-the-garden"><b>The Garden</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/marymac"><b>MaryMac</b></a></span><br />
broken and dry<br />
the garden<br />
tarmac replaces earth<br />
hardened black tar over soil<br />
natural instinctive movement<br />
pushing toward sunlight<br />
stretching upward<br />
earth under pavement<br />
bulbs and stems<br />
growing upward<br />
beauty and life sustained<br />
life not seen<br />
little girl remembers<br />
picking lilacs with her mother<br />
why do puzzle pieces become lost<br />
natural instinctive behavior<br />
fight or flight<br />
little girl sits<br />
remembering her mother<br />
placing lilacs on the pavement<br />
remembering her mother<br />
picking flowers from the garden<br />
<i>And sometimes the monster inside us is special…</i><br />
<br />
<i></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/madworld/works/8743561-katie-the-shark-princess"><b>Katie - the Shark Princess</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/madworld"><b>madworld</b></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/madworld/works/8743561-katie-the-shark-princess"><img alt="" height="213" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11779377.3561/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>…and we need to embrace the power and strength of the monster
inside us and stand strong to stay who we are and who we need to be.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b></b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rcdewinter/writing/8737053-uranium-daughter"><b>Uranium Daughter</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rcdewinter"><b>RC deWinter</b></a></span><br />
I am the product of decay.<br />
The inevitable radioactive breakdown that occurs silently<br />
as the cosmos whirls through the silent blackness<br />
of space and time has produced me:<br />
the uranium daughter.<br />
I am the basest form of my mother,<br />
I am heavy and mute and poisonous to the unwary.<br />
My leaden reality is the final degradation in the long unknowable<br />
history of creation.<br />
There is no further evolution possible for me:<br />
I am what I am.<br />
Nothing man can do can change me.<br />
I am here forever in my present incarnation.<br />
You can step around me,<br />
you can shield yourself from my reality<br />
with rose-colored lenses,<br />
you can remake my image into false idols<br />
that allow you to sleep at night,<br />
but I am the uranium daughter.<br />
Despise me, deny me, repaint me,<br />
I am always with you.<br />
Through the sultry summers of tropical decomposition,<br />
through the nuclear winters of your darkest dread,<br />
here I am.<br />
Embrace me,<br />
the uranium daughter.<br />
<br />
<b>Hear Regina read the poem <a href="http://soundcloud.com/rcdewinter/uranium-daughter">here</a></b><br />
<br />
<i>Despite all our effforts sometimes we seem to embrace nothing all and stand all by ourselves…</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/blackbirdy/works/7740844-nursing-emptiness"><b>nursing emptiness</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/blackbirdy"><b>sonja kallio</b></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/blackbirdy/works/7740844-nursing-emptiness"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.10708777.0844/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="237" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>…but sometimes it’s only the eye of the storm and the beginning of change.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/voice/writing/8749279-cocoon"><b>Cocoon</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/voice"><b>Cynthia Lund Torroll</b></a></span><br />
Go golden.<br />
Wrap that saffron sheath<br />
around face and form.<br />
Close eyes. Let your tears<br />
seal you in. Let the busyness of life go<br />
on <i>without you.</i><br />
Listen.<br />
Note.<br />
Breathe.<br />
You.<br />
<i>Cocoon.</i><br />
<br />
<i>We all need to excorcise the things that hold us back…</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sleepwalker/works/8757759-the-exorcist"><b>the Exorcist</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sleepwalker"><b>Jessica Islam Lia</b></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sleepwalker/works/8757759-the-exorcist"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.11797507.7759/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>...and occasionally that means letting go and accepting the death of
one thing before a new one can be born on the ashes like a phoenix.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/shadowdancer/writing/8729236-ashes-to-ashes"><b>ashes to ashes</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/shadowdancer"><b>ShadowDancer</b></a></span><br />
when I lost you, the fire in my heart died out and left only a
crumpled piece of stationery where you could faintly see the remnants of
promises made and faded memories that no longer have meaning, and each
time my heart tries to beat again, little pieces flicker off… dried and
burnt fragments of paper holding a love story that only used to be,
leaving nothing in its place but a hollowed-out chest and veins full of
ash.<br />
<br />
<i>I hope you enjoyed the features this week. Please congratulate the artists and writers.</i></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Published on www.pinkpanthermagazine.blogspot.com
All content is copyrighted.</div>Magpie Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10084146564855819679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702484156257090639.post-9229827067599428622012-04-25T14:12:00.001-07:002012-04-25T14:12:55.775-07:00Matters of the Mind- Midweek Features -18/04/2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<em>Today’s feature collection is inspired by the juxtaposition of
the elements of woman’s existence. One of the bittersweet aspects of
browsing</em> PPM’s <em>art and writing galleries is being invited into the exquisite journeys each one of our active members have embarked on.</em><br />
<em>There is such beauty in growth, every seasonal dimension of it.
Whether it’s vulnerable, inspirational, courageous, and/or outrageous,
it is compelling. The art and writing that encompass these intricate
elements not only provide the creator an outlet for inward expression,
they provide the audience with something tangible that both ministers to
those who are dealing with similar life experiences while it ushers in a
spirit of empathy. It, in essence, offers a fellowship of intimate
exchange and connection that many people only dream about experiencing.</em><br />
<hr />
<em>A woman’s journey is many things: a spectator’s sport it is not.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne/writing/8735631-her-passage"><strong>Her passage</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne/writing/8735631-her-passage"><strong>su2anne</strong></a></span><br />
There is a place that<br />She needs to find<br />In order to<br />Become. And so<br />She treads these<br />Steps through<br />Life.<br />Watching<br />Waiting to see. There is<br />No relevance to<br />Length or time for this<br />Passage. Rather it is what<br />She makes of it that is<br />Profound. And like all<br />Paths there is the<br />Transitions<br />Beginnings and<br />Endings. That<br />She remains<br />Present through these<br />Phases is the most<br />Important.<br />
<br />
<em>Are there stagnant seasons that give birth to a hollow harvest?</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/blackbirdy/works/7740844-nursing-emptiness"><strong>nursing emptiness</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/blackbirdy"><strong>sonja kallio</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/blackbirdy/works/7740844-nursing-emptiness"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.10708777.0844/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="237" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Or is every season being lived to its fullest?</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lilynoelle/works/8736344-if-i-lived-one-hundred-years"><strong>If I Lived One Hundred Years</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lilynoelle"><strong>lilynoelle</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lilynoelle/works/8736344-if-i-lived-one-hundred-years"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.11770095.6344/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Have you spent a little time feeling trapped beneath the forgotten rubble pile of ruins?</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/minou41/works/8683040-become-nothing"><strong>Become nothing</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/minou41"><strong>Renate Dartois</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/minou41/works/8683040-become-nothing"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.11703297.3040/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="228" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Or rejoicing in becoming all you can be?</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/unbeknown/works/8725231-i-am-all-i-can-be"><strong>I Am all I Can Be</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/unbeknown"><strong>unbeknown/Jakki Savage</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/unbeknown/works/8725231-i-am-all-i-can-be"><img alt="" height="213" src="http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.11756218.5231/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Has the oppression of objectification ever made you feel as if you were only a commodity?</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/paperdoll-pinup/works/8711319-just-a-body"><strong>Just a body</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/paperdoll-pinup/works/8711319-just-a-body"><strong>Thelma Van Rensburg</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/paperdoll-pinup/works/8711319-just-a-body"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.11738639.1319/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="252" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Or have you taken such oppressions and filtered and spun them
into the very fibers that show the world you are so much more than a
one-dimensional being?</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/kanchanmahon/works/8438809-tapestry-of-life"><strong>Tapestry of Life</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/kanchanmahon"><strong>Kanchan Mahon</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/kanchanmahon/works/8438809-tapestry-of-life"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.11720898.8809/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="312" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Have you ever felt defeated by the smothering that is inflicted by the absolute control or overpowering influences of another?</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lizard911/works/8735623-ruled-by-an-iron-fist"><strong>Ruled by an Iron Fist</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lizard911"><strong>Elizabeth Burton</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lizard911/works/8735623-ruled-by-an-iron-fist"><img alt="" height="249" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.11769113.5623/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Have you mastered rising above it all in order to tread upon the clouds in an endless sky of possibilities?</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/tatefox/works/8732520-adventure"><strong>Adventure</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/tatefox"><strong>Thea/Tate Fox</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/tatefox/works/8732520-adventure"><img alt="" height="256" src="http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.11765536.2520/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Have too many dormant, repressing seasons hardened you?</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/tammera/works/8718220-stone-blossom"><strong>Stone Blossom</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/tammera"><strong>Tammera</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/tammera/works/8718220-stone-blossom"><img alt="" height="253" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11747429.8220/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Or have you tapped into or held fast to certain freedoms, even if it meant taking the mind where the body was unable to follow.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/dcasallart/works/1591413-mind-freedom"><strong>Mind Freedom</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/dcasallart"><strong>Daniela M. Casalla</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/dcasallart/works/1591413-mind-freedom"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.4322504.1413/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="226" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>However you are passing your days, are you living them to their fullest, at whatever level that is individually possible?</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rcdewinter/writing/8732271-tiger-in-a-cage"><strong>Tiger in a cage</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rcdewinter"><strong>RC deWinter</strong></a></span><br />
time’s precious.<br />life is meant to be lived.<br />i pass my days like some big cat<br />in a cage,<br />each day the same old in/out<br />of breathing alone,<br />eating alone,<br />sleeping alone.<br />life slips by dayafterdayafterday<br />in pixels.<br />there’s nothing tangible,<br />nothing real.<br />it’s all a simulacrum,<br />a shoddy imitation distorted<br />by imagination, by dreams,<br />by – finally, in the end – madness.<br />i will go mad if i can’t escape,<br />and so far i haven’t found a way out.<br />it all comes down to money,<br />that marvellous grease<br />that makes all the wheels spin.<br />my wheel is broken,<br />spokes splintered.<br />no wheelwright works for free.<br />i remain a prisoner.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Published on www.pinkpanthermagazine.blogspot.com
All content is copyrighted.</div>Magpie Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10084146564855819679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702484156257090639.post-18247581003262232322012-04-25T14:09:00.002-07:002012-04-25T14:09:41.292-07:00Mistress of Magic - Features - 11/4/2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<em>When I am sitting and pondering upon about a theme for the
weekly features, it is quite extraordinary how Tammara seems to read my
mind and presents a beautiful image that not only fits with the theme
but which inspires all the other choices. Thank you Tammara.</em><br />
<em>So this week, let us explore some of the mystery and magic that
influences our thinking and the way in we and others see us. We grow up
with tales of magic, fairy tales and legends, all of which have an
impact upon our psyche’s at an early age. These stories build
expectations, give us role models and help determine those things we
wish for.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/tammera/works/8692277-mistress-of-magic">MISTRESS OF MAGIC</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/tammera">Tammera</a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/tammera/works/8692277-mistress-of-magic"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11714625.2277/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="256" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Let us start to make our own stories.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rishani/writing/8664287-one-is-whole-one-is-beautiful">One is whole, one is beautiful</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rishani">Rishani Sittampalam</a></b></span><br />
Fairy Tales do happen. But we make our own stories. We write them
from beginning to end. We make our own choices and inscribe them on the
pages of our life and live. There are no Prince Charmings who will slay
your dragons. We princesses can slay our own dragons. There are no
Knights in shining armour to shield us from dangers and snares. We
damsels are not in distress enough to not to have common sense. So hear
ye all damsels, slay your own dragons, and don’t depend on any Prince to
come galloping into your life to sweep you off your feet. Every woman
is complete, whole, able, capable of living life to the fullest and
having their very own happily ever after – just don’t depend on other’s
to make your fairy tale to come true. Being one does not make us a
cripple. Sweep yourself off your own feet. Dazzle yourself. Live your
happily ever after. One is whole, one is beautiful.<br />
<br />
<em>Rapunzel did at least make some effort to free herself from her imprisonment.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/magpiemagic/works/8660514-rapunzel">Rapunzel</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/magpiemagic">Sybille Sterk</a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/magpiemagic/works/8660514-rapunzel"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11676020.0514/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="226" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Sometimes, such stories and myths guide our own unrealistic expectations on ourselves.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bjelimis/writing/8647121-just-hang-me-back-up-again">Just Hang me back up again</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bjelimis">bjeliMis</a></b></span><br />
Expectation’s hands against my throat <br />cornucopia of strain pulsing through my arteries <br />I’m choking in the resolution that I can’t make it <br />Nails scratched the edge and fell right on through <br />These veins burn from trying<br />
This fire behind my heart <br />left on from last night <br />Strangulating from the pressure <br />pushing inside out <br />These build up of thoughts crashing like thunder <br />wrap these arms tight <br />take pain onto paper<br />
Hard to breathe when you’re overwhelmed by what you can’t be <br />you pin me to the board <br />say this is what you should be <br />and all the while I’m dangling from the plastic pin <br />my skin ripping from the top <br />and there I go <br />there I drop<br />
<br />
<em>Our bids for freedom are difficult against such myths.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/antheaslade/works/8667684-wild-flowers-do-not-move-towards-the-sunlight-self-portrait">Wild flowers do not move towards the sunlight … Self Portrait</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/antheaslade">Anthea Slade</a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/antheaslade/works/8667684-wild-flowers-do-not-move-towards-the-sunlight-self-portrait"><img alt="" height="240" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11684808.7684/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Our society and its media continues to place unreal expectations upon us.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/msdebbie/writing/8701478-between-hope-and-fallacy">Between hope and fallacy</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/msdebbie">msdebbie</a></b></span><br />
Meaning, transparency<br />between word and idea.<br />
Feeling, integrity<br />between hope and fallacy.<br />
Radio, lies act as<br />shiny connections,<br />messages without reflection.<br />
Commercial voices,<br />words so bright and big,<br />they are:<br />
- sweet pear cider<br />to soothe a parched throat;<br />
- dark chocolate<br />to placate a trembling tummy;<br />
- bubble bath relaxation<br />before tawdry dishwater dissolves.<br />
They tell such lies<br />about society,<br />about themselves,<br />about intimacy;<br />how close they are to me,<br />their down to earth listener,<br />while each lie earns more<br />than many receive each year.<br />
The lies are breathless,<br />beautiful, tasty. Like<br />the notion of being<br />misunderstood, unloved,<br />untouched by an uncaring wife.<br />Just wanting a kiss,<br />sweet lips, to replace<br />torment and strife.<br />
The lies fall so smoothly<br />into the cracks of a car.<br />They become crunchy,<br />like toffee,<br />or creamy and delicate,<br />like pavlova,<br />that I long to lick them up,<br />swallow whole the irresistible,<br />fluffy concoction.<br />
Underneath the lies,<br />the truth shifts uneasily.<br />In my car, whether driving<br />over ice-covered terrain,<br />or through Brisbane humidity,<br />I listen for the radio’s whine,<br />for the lies that lurk so seedily.<br />I ignore the steamy murmuring<br />and step into the light, outside.<br />My own imperfect voice reminding me:<br />
Feeling, integrity<br />between hope and fallacy.<br />
Meaning, transparency<br />between word and idea.<br />
<em>So we need to stand tall and shout back.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/glitterfest/works/8676668-defiance">Defiance</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/glitterfest">Glitterfest</a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/glitterfest/works/8676668-defiance"><img alt="" height="260" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11695296.6668/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Wouldn’t we all like to weave a little magic when it comes to protecting our children?</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jenshead1/writing/7816908-closing-time">Closing Time</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jenshead1">Jenifer DeBellis</a></b></span><br />
What I really wanted to do was wrap <br />her in a warm embrace and erase <br />the pain, one tear at a time. I wanted <br />to be able to tell her “This too shall pass,”<br />just as my mother had reassured me.<br />My heart’s desire was to fill her with hope, <br />anything to numb the anguish that built <br />the raging storm that danced toward <br />an irrefutable truth and point of revelation.<br />But as I looked at those vulnerable eyes<br />I could not bring myself to lie, to give<br />false witness to one of life’s harsh realities.<br />How could I fill her heart with fallacy, <br />with fanciful fantasies that would fail<br />her like putting one’s faith in any (wo)man<br />is guaranteed to do? Instead I held her<br />tight and whispered, “I wish I could<br />tell you the things you long to hear, <br />but all I can say is that I love you. <br />People will disappoint you, hurt you,<br />and grow fainter as the seasons subside.”<br />
A single kiss can only erase one tear,<br />but the love of a mother can overcome<br />a multitude of malice for the least of hers.<br />I guess I could tell her my love is secure<br />and accept that her disappointment <br />in such a seemingly simple offer <br />of comfort would some day be worth<br />more than its weight in precious metals.<br />
<br />
<em>And remind ourselves that freedom comes from within.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/locustgirl/works/8638627-all-she-has-is-within">All she has is within</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/locustgirl">Heather King</a></b></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/locustgirl/works/8638627-all-she-has-is-within"><img alt="" height="205" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11650371.8627/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>And we can find our own freedom if we believe in ourselves.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sandra22/writing/8630828-i-think-i-can-i-think-i-can-i-know-i-can">I think I can, I think I can…I know I can</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sandra22">sandra ellen</a></b></span><br />
I took a train of thought today<br />an express of no regret<br />wind blown on the platform<br />as the whistle blew, we’ve met<br />my train stopped at all stations<br />far flung this metaphor<br />my baggage stowed, I settled back<br />to close my eyes and snore<br />
yet a constant throng of passengers<br />meant that this was not to be<br />so I staggered to the buffet car<br />for some hos-pit-al-ity<br />I perched upon a bar stool<br />to watch the past’ parade<br />and instead of getting legless<br />sipped on homemade lemonade<br />
my wits about me I best keep<br />so to not get into strife<br />for to trickle out my ramble<br />is the story of my life<br />then she came, this vision splendid<br />sprinkling tease all over me<br />I grabbed my glass and coaster<br />and followed her to see<br />
we coupled and lamented why<br />our travel plans thus far<br />had kept us on the right tracks<br />how ‘lucky’ that we are<br />you see, it’s not about our selflessness<br />but more of words like mind<br />so we megaphoned it up and down<br />that we are all one kind<br />
the trip went on for miles and miles<br />across the countryside<br />I gazed out windows clear as mud<br />till I finally realised<br />let’s not listen to the rattling wheels<br />as the journey bumps and grinds<br />nor compartmentalized experiences<br />or insitu stick that binds<br />
enjoy the rambling ‘feel good’ scene<br />as our trip about us flies<br />embrace the bigger picture<br />accept discern and rise…<br />
ss Thursday March 22, 2012<br />
<br />
<em>Let us rise and celebrate all that we are and all that we can be.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lissie1978/works/8664383-lascension">l'ascension</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lissie1978">Lissie Rustage</a></b></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lissie1978/works/8664383-lascension"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11680906.4383/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="212" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Because we are women.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne/writing/8697001-i-am-woman">I am woman</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne">su2anne</a></b></span><br />
There is a space<br />Infinite and<br />Vast with a<br />Lake of turquoise <br />Waters so buoyant <br />Yet allows me to<br />Plumb its depths.<br />
And in this<br />Wondrous place I can<br />Rise up like a<br />Mountain and be<br />Swept away by the<br />Wind.<br />
For this is my<br />Internal landscape.<br />
<br />
<i>Congratulations to all the artists and writers featured here. Each one of you is an inspiration.</i></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Published on www.pinkpanthermagazine.blogspot.com
All content is copyrighted.</div>Magpie Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10084146564855819679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702484156257090639.post-91995961036245734632012-04-25T14:05:00.001-07:002012-04-25T14:05:39.310-07:00Freedom of Choice - Midweek Features - 28/03/2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<em>This week’s feature collection was inspired by the topic</em> <strong>Freedom of Choice</strong>. <em>It
would seem that in the new millennium there would not be so much at
stake where women’s rights—or any human’s rights— are concerned. Yet, on
so many fronts, women’s rights are as vulnerable as they were decades
ago. This not only ignites a call to activism that will influence the
larger picture, it fans the internal flames of passion in all women
united to the cause for equality.</em><br />
<em>As each woman has a voice, she also has access to her own circle
of influence. Sometimes holding fast to such freedoms and stepping out
in bold confidence are a woman’s most immediate access points. There is
power in the hope-filled optimism that resides in such attitudes.
Today’s collection attempts to capture the essence of this spirited
liveliness.</em><br /><del>-</del>——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————<br /><em>Here the artist asks us:</em> <b>Are your choices giving you freedom to soar or imprisoning you?</b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rishani/works/8602759-freedom-of-choice"><strong>Freedom of Choice</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rishani"><strong>Rishani Sittampalam</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rishani/works/8602759-freedom-of-choice"><img alt="" height="226" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.11605770.2759/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Awake, sleepwalking soul, to the sound of your name as it is called to life.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/magpiemagic/works/8652184-sleeping-beauty"><strong>Sleeping Beauty</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/magpiemagic"><strong>Sybille Sterk</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/magpiemagic/works/8652184-sleeping-beauty"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.11666565.2184/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="226" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Stay in sync with the little girl inside; keep her alive and thriving.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rcdewinter/writing/5515049-a-girl-again"><strong>A Girl Again</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rcdewinter/writing/5515049-a-girl-again"><strong>RC deWinter</strong></a></span><br />
The day was a gift of vernal beauty,<br />the open sky powdered with the cottonfluff of clouds<br />so voluptuously sculpted they surely<br />serve as pillows for the gods<br />when evening drops its dusky curtained darkness<br />over all the tired world.<br />Thick butterscotchy sunlight washed the sidewalks,<br />danced on rooftops,<br />played in backyards,<br />and the lavish, brooding scent of lilacs<br />wafted far and wide,<br />Aeolian banquet for springstarved senses.<br />Trees besplashed with prism-rainbow blossoms<br />stolen from a Monet palette<br />waved their laden arms of green and reached ’cross<br />fencetops,<br />wood and wire,<br />trying to embrace me<br />as I wandered, solitary but for my canine comrade,<br />living charm looped with leather to my outstretched<br />wrist of winter.<br />Deep in visceral memory hovered the tantalizing hints<br />of carefree childhood,<br />struggling to consciousness amid<br />the feast of springtime spread before my<br />hungry spirit.<br />Remembered days of drowsy dreamlike dozing<br />in the emerald carpet foolish folk call<br />lawn<br />began to hypnotize my heart<br />with unalloyed happiness.<br />I wish myself a girl again,<br />a girl again,<br />a girl –<br />again.<br />
<br />
<em>In the heat of the moment, find that inner strength—it’s there, right next to courage and endurance.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8606527-be-brave"><strong>Be Brave</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries"><strong>strawberries</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8606527-be-brave"><img alt="" height="319" src="http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.11610457.6527/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>And yes, you most certainly can.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sandra22/writing/8630828-i-think-i-can-i-think-i-can-i-know-i-can"><strong>I think I can, I think I can…I know I can</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sandra22"><strong>sandra ellen</strong></a></span><br />
I took a train of thought today<br />an express of no regret<br />wind blown on the platform<br />as the whistle blew, we’ve met<br />my train stopped at all stations<br />far flung this metaphor<br />my baggage stowed, I settled back<br />to close my eyes and snore<br />
yet a constant throng of passengers<br />meant that this was not to be<br />so I staggered to the buffet car<br />for some hos-pit-al-ity<br />I perched upon a bar stool<br />to watch the past’ parade<br />and instead of getting legless<br />sipped on homemade lemonade<br />
my wits about me I best keep<br />so to not get into strife<br />for to trickle out my ramble<br />is the story of my life<br />then she came, this vision splendid<br />sprinkling tease all over me<br />I grabbed my glass and coaster<br />and followed her to see<br />
we coupled and lamented why<br />our travel plans thus far<br />had kept us on the right tracks<br />how ‘lucky’ that we are<br />you see, it’s not about our selflessness<br />but more of words like mind<br />so we megaphoned it up and down<br />that we are all one kind<br />
the trip went on for miles and miles<br />across the countryside<br />I gazed out windows clear as mud<br />till I finally realised<br />let’s not listen to the rattling wheels<br />as the journey bumps and grinds<br />nor compartmentalized experiences<br />or insitu stick that binds<br />
enjoy the rambling ‘feel good’ scene<br />as our trip about us flies<br />embrace the bigger picture<br />accept discern and rise…<br />
<br />
<em>Go ahead: drop kick those obstacles that litter the path to your
future destinations, to your place of freedom, to your place of
discovery…</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/tamlocke/works/8619080-girl-power"><strong>Girl Power</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/tamlocke"><strong>Tam Locke</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/tamlocke/works/8619080-girl-power"><img alt="" height="296" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11626260.9080/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Even when no one is looking, remember to remain committed to your cause(s).</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/kanchanmahon/works/8269061-joan-of-arc"><strong>Joan of Arc</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/kanchanmahon"><strong>Kanchan Mahon</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/kanchanmahon/works/8269061-joan-of-arc"><img alt="" height="257" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.11211832.9061/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Staying true to yourself means keeping your reflection close at hand.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne/writing/8623520-the-underside-of-neath"><strong>The underside of neath</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne"><strong>su2anne</strong></a></span><br />
Is your<br />Reflection you? Or<br />Just what you<br />Decide to<br />Show? If I could<br />Scry out and look<br />Beneath would I<br />See<br />Shadow of mist<br />Intangible to<br />Grasp. But<br />Feel the<br />Non-corporeal? Your<br />Substance? Your<br />Essence self? Your<br />Soul?<br />
<br />
<em>Spread your wings during every chance that is provided and be ready to see where a new opportunity may lead.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/artpearl/works/8589790-flight-to-a-different-future"><strong>Flight to a Different Future</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/artpearl"><strong>ArtPearl</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/artpearl/works/8589790-flight-to-a-different-future"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.11670327.9790/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="206" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Embrace uncertainty as a means of testing the atmosphere.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/voice/writing/8604239-limbo"><strong>limbo</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/voice"><strong>Cynthia Lund Torroll</strong></a></span><br />
I am held<br />with great uncertainty -<br /><em>of that</em><br />I can be certain.<br />But even that,<br /><em>once known</em><br />brings immediate light<br />to its absurdity,<br />its lack of true form,<br />so counter<br />clocked I vacillate<br />between boldness and<br />permission, between apologies<br />and mission, between polarity’s<br />collisions.<br />
<br />
<em>Celebrate the woman within, each and every intricate dimension of her. She is always worth it.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/locustgirl/works/8638627-all-she-has-is-within"><strong>All she has within</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/locustgirl"><strong>Heather King</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/locustgirl/works/8638627-all-she-has-is-within"><img alt="" height="205" src="http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.11650371.8627/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>And even before the dust of the oppressors settles, rise up and
brush yourself off. The road of perseverance has already been paved for
you.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/paintability/works/8572877-i-rise"><strong>I Rise</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/paintability"><strong>Janis Zroback</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/paintability/works/8572877-i-rise"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11572317.2877/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
You may write me down in history<br />With your bitter, twisted lies,<br />You may trod me in the very dirt<br />But still, like dust, I’ll rise.<br />Does my sassiness upset you?<br />Why are you beset with gloom?<br />‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells<br />Pumping in my living room.<br />Just like moons and like suns,<br />With the certainty of tides,<br />Just like hopes springing high,<br />Still I’ll rise.<br />Did you want to see me broken?<br />Bowed head and lowered eyes?<br />Shoulders falling down like teardrops.<br />Weakened by my soulful cries.<br />Does my haughtiness offend you?<br />Don’t you take it awful hard<br />‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines<br />Diggin’ in my own back yard.<br />You may shoot me with your words,<br />You may cut me with your eyes,<br />You may kill me with your hatefulness,<br />But still, like air, I’ll rise.<br />Does my sexiness upset you?<br />Does it come as a surprise<br />That I dance like I’ve got diamonds<br />At the meeting of my thighs?<br />Out of the huts of history’s shame<br />I rise<br />Up from a past that’s rooted in pain<br />I rise<br />I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,<br />Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.<br />Leaving behind nights of terror and fear<br />I rise<br />Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear<br />I rise<br />Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,<br />I am the dream and the hope of the slave.<br />I rise<br />I rise<br />I rise.<br />
<i>~Maya Angelou</i></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Published on www.pinkpanthermagazine.blogspot.com
All content is copyrighted.</div>Magpie Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10084146564855819679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702484156257090639.post-87908722362297772302012-04-25T14:00:00.001-07:002012-04-25T14:02:22.922-07:00Anna's Birthday Features - 19/03/2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="post-wrap rb-markup">
<i>It is my birthday today, so I wanted to celebrate by posting
these wonderful features, all dedicated to International Women’s Day,
and, of course, to women everywhere.</i><br />
<br />
<i><ins></ins></i><br />
<i><b>International Women’s Day – Part Three</b></i><br />
<br />
<i>I wanted to continue the celebration and awareness of International
Women’s Day with the features here mirroring the creative initiative
run by <a href="http://www.internationalwomensday.com/global_iwd_arts.asp">The Global IWD Women’s Arts Initiative</a>
who first celebrated the collective creative ability of women in 2011
on the hundredth anniversary of the first International Women’s Day. To
mark special Centenary the ‘100 Women, 100 Artworks’ and ‘100 Women,
100 Stories’ initiative was launched. They extended the celebration this
year featuring artworks (paintings, sculptures, installations,
photographs, drawings, sketches, collages …) and stories which have
been created by diverse women from around the world to inspire,
challenge, entertain and provoke thought from a gender angle. The
impressive artworks celebrate the artistic grace of women. The stories
are of celebration, hurt, triumph, shock, humour, anger, remembrance and
question.</i><br />
<br />
<i>The features here today continue this theme.</i><br />
<br />
<i><b>I was blown away by this writing by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/msdebbie">msdebbie</a> who, inspired by the writing of <a href="http://benpobjie.blogspot.com.au/">Ben Pobjie’s</a> message to his his daughter, wrote her own compelling letter to us all</b>.</i>
<i> It was featured last week by Sybille, but I have placed it here
alongside the twelve featured works as it captures so well, the very
essence of what we are striving for here in Pink Panther Magazine.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/msdebbie/writing/8590509-because-youre-a-girl#comment-49045787">Because you’re a girl</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/msdebbie">msdebbie</a></b></span><br />
Dear women,<br />
I like Twitter and Facebook as much as the next person, but on
Thursday, 8 March 2012, I have to admit, I was kind of trembling in my
tummy, delirious in my daydreams, feverish in my furore, that we still
need to have an International Women’s Day (IWD).<br />
Really? Yeah, really. Looking back over the previous UN Themes, since
1975 (year of my birth), gave me a pretty nasty feeling…we still have
so much, SO MUCH, to do:<br />
- 2012: Empower Rural Women – End Hunger and Poverty<br />
- 2011: Equal access to education, training and science and technology<br />
- 2010: Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all<br />
- 2009: Women and men united to end violence against women and girls<br />
- 2008: Investing in Women and Girls<br />
- 2007: Ending Impunity for Violence against Women and Girls<br />
- 2006: Women in decision-making<br />
- 2005: Gender Equality Beyond 2005: Building a More Secure Future<br />
- 2004: Women and HIV/AIDS<br />
- 2003: Gender Equality and the Millennium Development Goals<br />
- 2002: Afghan Women Today: Realities and Opportunities<br />
- 2001: Women and Peace: Women Managing Conflicts<br />
- 2000: Women Uniting for Peace<br />
- 1999: World Free of Violence against Women<br />
- 1998: Women and Human Rights<br />
- 1997: Women at the Peace Table<br />
- 1996: Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future<br />
- 1975: First IWD celebrated by the United Nations<br />
The aspect that makes me most nauseous. How often do we need to read about equality, equal rights and equal access?<br />
The world needs to change. For girls especially. My advice:<br />
For every person who makes you feel bad, because you’re a girl – breathe.<br />
For every person who says your opinion is unimportant, because you’re a girl – ignore them.<br />
For every person who offers rudeness, because you’re a girl – thank them for reminding you of good manners.<br />
For every person who calls you stupid, because you’re a girl – stand tall.<br />
For every person who wants you to hurt, because you’re a girl – thank them for hiding behind pettiness.<br />
For every person who denies women’s achievements, because you’re a girl – defeat them and strive for whatever inspires you.<br />
For every person who judges your value based on how you look, because
you’re a girl – be comfortable in your own skin, with your own face,
elevate your mind over superficiality.<br />
For every person who suggests anger and rage are masculine, because you’re a girl – yell and scream as much as you wish.<br />
For every person who shares a rape joke – then tells you to lighten up, take a joke, because you’re a girl – report them.<br />
For every person who thinks things are good enough the way they are, because you’re a girl – change them.<br />
For every person who tells you it’s impossible to be as good as the boys, because you’re a girl – reject them.<br />
For every person who thinks they can do anything to you without
complaint or repercussion, because you’re a girl – show them you know
your rights, your worth as an individual, and cannot be trapped by their
miniscule mind.<br />
©msdebbie 2012<br />
<br />
<i><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/ina-mar">Ina Mar</a> contributed so much to our celebration in <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/groups/pink-panther-magazine/forums/9526/topics/264790-inspirational-art-and-writing-needed-for-international-womens-day-8-march">The Café</a> and submitted two of her images to <a href="http://www.internationalwomensday.com/global_iwd_arts.asp">The Global IWD Women’s Arts Initiative</a> and here at Pink Panther Magazine, we are all delighted and proud that two of Ina’s works were selected and exhibited.</b></i><br />
<i>“The “ideal” of woman in apron and heels (the work of sexual
playmate and servant), displayed as object to own, complete with
accessories and rotating pedestal, shown off at a trade show."</i> <i>Ina Mar</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/ina-mar/works/8011659-self-portrait-as-the-perfect-housewife">Self-Portrait as the Perfect Housewife</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/ina-mar">Ina Mar</a></b></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/ina-mar/works/8011659-self-portrait-as-the-perfect-housewife"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.10917953.1659/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="258" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>“A lily, symbol of purity and virginity, is almost always present
on Annunciation images of the Renaissance. My lily is a little special
as the stamen has the form of a penis. If love is one of the highest
virtues, why did the bible choose a virgin to give birth to the son of
god?”</i> <i>Ina Mar</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/ina-mar/works/7568169-mi-pasado-y-otras-mentiras-the-annunciation" title="The Annunciation">Mi pasado y otras mentiras</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/ina-mar">Ina Mar</a></b></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/ina-mar/works/7568169-mi-pasado-y-otras-mentiras-the-annunciation"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.10410036.8169/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="242" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><i>A haunting image with a truly wonderful description,
mourning the lack of maternal love, with its consequent repercussions of
lack of self esteem.</i></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jaedadewalt/works/8581051-maternal-mourning-self-portrait">Maternal Mourning – Self Portrait</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jaedadewalt">Jaeda DeWalt</a></span></b><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jaedadewalt/works/8581051-maternal-mourning-self-portrait"><img alt="" height="137" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11578483.1051/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><i>A beautiful and emotive image looking at our past, present and future, made even more profound by the description…</i></b><br />
<i>“The one in which you live will be more vivid. But it may not be the one that is real.”</i> <i>Glitterfest</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/glitterfest/works/8567520-past-present-future">Past, Present, Future</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/glitterfest">Glitterfest</a></b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/glitterfest/works/8567520-past-present-future" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" height="259" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11561593.7520/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>This one, selected by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/msdebbie">msdebbie</a> urges us to love ourselves, for when we do, freedom beckons.</i></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sandra22/writing/6510298-when-i-loved-myself-enough-i-began-to-taste-freedom">when I loved myself enough …I began to taste freedom ♥♥</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sandra22">Sandra Ellen</a></b></span><br />
When you come down from the mountain to skim your delicate diamond
across the lily pond that is life; far reaching be the promise of
forever’s cyclic ripple, <br />
<i>oh yeah!</i>.<br />
When you take that
moment, that ripe and juicy moment and pin it to your beating breast to
feel your now and then run with it like there is no tomorrow, <br />
<i>oh yeah!</i>.<br />
When your want becomes your will and nothing is your everything;<br />
dare spin in the direction that guides you,<br />
<i>oh yeah!</i><br />
When your very trickle becomes your gush and your tentative gives way to full of care immense, <br />
<i>oh yeah!</i><br />
When mindfulness is your nature and bursts through as the sunshine of your heart, <br />
a two step of your own peculiar waltz,<br />
<i>oh yeah!</i>.<br />
When you love yourself enough…<br />
Guess what?<br />
… Happy is your New Year !<br />
© Sandra Ellen December 31, 2010<br />
<br />
<b><i>Let’s join together a fight societies’ attempts to mould us into fashionable and acceptable clones of each other.</i></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/heleneruiz/works/8521236-disguised-and-designed-by-society">Disguised and designed by Society</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/heleneruiz">helene ruiz</a></b></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/heleneruiz/works/8521236-disguised-and-designed-by-society"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11507383.1236/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><i>Whenever are we going to start loving ourselves? The
sentiments portrayed in Helen’s strong image are so well echoed here in
this thought-provoking poem by Shar.</i></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/autumnwind/writing/8553936-for-a-friend">For a friend</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/autumnwind">autumnwind</a></b></span><br />
first thing I notice<br />
when I look at her anymore<br />
are those laugh lines<br />
and I wonder…<br />
she still always smiles<br />
and often giggles<br />
surely she has had a good life<br />
filled with laughter and love<br />
her eyes though<br />
as the years have past<br />
since I’ve known her<br />
most definitely have lost their sparkle<br />
more and more I am aware<br />
of those darn crows feet too<br />
as young as she still is<br />
society sure does a number on us<br />
she’s often mentioned in conversation<br />
‘and my teeth are not white at all<br />
should I buy one of those<br />
you know…whitening kits?’<br />
she seems to worry so much more<br />
it almost makes me like her less<br />
I feel horrible about that<br />
but it is true<br />
get a grip woman<br />
and count your blessings<br />
is what I want to say<br />
is how I really feel about her<br />
for I know so many others<br />
who are ruined, lost and alone<br />
too many others… scarred and beaten<br />
by life’s unjust cruelties<br />
I often need to remind her<br />
of her good qualities<br />
just to cheer her and see that spark<br />
it makes her look and feel so alive<br />
she is alive after all<br />
so breathe the free air<br />
enjoy the blue sky<br />
and relish the love in your life<br />
yes, I will remind her<br />
in a way she is more beautiful<br />
with age, in fact<br />
at times completely radiant<br />
if you don’t love yourself<br />
for who you are most of all<br />
if you don’t let society<br />
make you dwell on your outer beauty<br />
if you don’t stop worrying<br />
about what will be instead of what is<br />
you are not really living<br />
the life you were meant to live<br />
yes, I will tell her<br />
all of this and more<br />
for she is so worth believing in<br />
and believing in herself is crucial<br />
so next time I promise to<br />
and I will smile with my heart<br />
and my eyes as I remind her<br />
and her reflection in that darn mirror<br />
better smile back…<br />
© autumnwind 2012<br />
<br />
<b><i>Sometimes our own body image is so low that it is hard to get a grip.</i></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/agent7/works/8459244-body-image">Body Image…</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/agent7">Georgi Ruley: Agent7</a></b></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/agent7/works/8459244-body-image"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11436571.9244/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="245" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><i>So it is time to do some redemptive work on self-discovery, improvement and responsibility.</i></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne/writing/8539922-a-work-in-progress">A work in progress</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne">Su2anne</a></b></span><br />
No matter that<br />
I stitch and stitch<br />
I can not<br />
Sew fast enough<br />
To stop unraveling<br />
Me.<br />
All manner of<br />
Patterns and<br />
Amazing designs all<br />
End in the same way. A<br />
Tangled mess.<br />
Intangible. But a<br />
Woman’s work is<br />
Never done and<br />
So like hope I<br />
Never give up. With <br />
Renewed focus of my<br />
Mind my internal eye <br />
Returns to the ongoing<br />
Task of mending that of <br />
Mine.<br />
© Su2anne 2012<br />
<br />
<b><i>Let us learn to rejoice and celebrate just who we are, revelling in both our essential femininity and inner strength.</i></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bavincio/works/8551828-my-delightful-girl">My Delightful Girl</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bavincio">Tamarra BaVincio</a></b></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bavincio/works/8551828-my-delightful-girl"><img alt="" height="253" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11543552.1828/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><i>Let’s rejoice and celebrate too, all those different roles we play.</i></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lovemexxx/works/8601341-xxx-a-mummas-love-xxx">xxX A Mummas Love Xxx</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lovemexxx">lovemexxx</a></b></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lovemexxx/works/8601341-xxx-a-mummas-love-xxx"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11603654.1341/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="214" /></a><br />
<br />
<i><b>Let us all sing our songs together.</b></i><br />
<br />
<i><b></b></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/alenkaco2/writing/8551249-it-doesnt-matter-if-no-one-hears-your-song">it doesn’t matter if no-one hears your song</a> © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/alenkaco2">Alenka Co</a></b></span><br />
it doesn’t matter if no-one hears your song<br />
reads your words, sees your image …. <br />
stay true and your song will drift through the air <br />
melding with other such songs into a universal chorus<br />
untainted by fakery, contrivance and pretence<br />
you have a voice, dear ones,<br />
sing your songs<br />
© Alenka Co 2012<br />
<br />
<i><b>Congratulations to you all.</b></i><br />
<b><i>I would like to end with a reminder to all our members.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Whilst I was choosing these features I came across some
really wonderful images that were worthy of being featured. However,
they contained no descriptions to help us understand the meaning of the
images nor understand what the feminist issues were. So, please do
remember to add your descriptions to all the images you submit to Pink
Panther Magazine. Not only does it allow us to properly match your
images to a feature theme, but, more importantly it helps us get our
message across to so many other women out there.</i></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Anna</b></i></span></div>
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Published on www.pinkpanthermagazine.blogspot.com
All content is copyrighted.</div>Magpie Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10084146564855819679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702484156257090639.post-19590828519482303122012-03-14T01:47:00.002-07:002012-03-14T01:47:44.837-07:00Looking to the Future - Features - 14/03/2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<em>International Women’s Day and the current topic in the cafe about</em> <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/groups/pink-panther-magazine/forums/9540/topics/267987-women-in-advertising-dehumanisation-of-women-in-the-media"><strong>the dehumanisation of women in the media</strong></a> <em>have
made me think. Rather than let myself be depressed by what I cannot
change I am looking to the future. The way we think, the things we do
and the way we bring up our children is what will shape society and
what it will bring for us as women. So on this note….</em><br />
<br />
<em>…I start with our current</em> <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/groups/pink-panther-magazine/forums/9542/topics/261846-the-artist-eating-strawberries-featured-artist-february-2012"><strong><em>featured artist</em></strong></a>, <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries"><strong><em>Strawberries</em></strong></a>.<br />
<br />
<em>Understanding ourselves, where we come from and where we might go and where we WISH to go is the key to unlocking our future.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8590363-the-key-idea"><strong>the key idea</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries"><strong>strawberries</strong></a> </span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8590363-the-key-idea"><img alt="" height="230" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.11595527.0363/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>A deeper understanding of our desires and needs is the first step.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rcdewinter/writing/8596101-unlocking"><strong>Unlocking</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rcdewinter"><strong>RC deWinter</strong></a></span><br />
“Tell me what’s inside your heart,” you wrote,<br />so I went hunting for the key to that neglected vault:<br />repository of old hurts, old loves, old lives, old dreams,<br />perfect hiding place for guilt and fault.<br />
Reservoir of secret hopes,<br />ofttimes flooded o’erfull by streams of tears:<br />enough to float all happiness away,<br />stranded, drifting in a sea of years.<br />
Hunt I did, in every dusty nook,<br />looked high and low in all the chambers of my weary soul:<br />each sealed room, each spiraled stair, each twisting endless hall,<br />that damnably elusive key my goal.<br />
One dim map, one ancient candle frail,<br />nothing breaking clumsy fall, a flight:<br />so steep a drop, but in that darkness lay,<br />so long abandoned, my heart’s key, once bright.<br />
Take the key, unlock my fragile heart,<br />together we’ll discover what has long been sleeping there:<br />revealing each layer, lying close upon another,<br />tightly packed, no room to move, no air.<br />
Out pours passion, out pours pain,<br />out pours need, pain’s brother in arms:<br />an overwhelming gush of bitter juice,<br />which only Love can heal with its charms.<br />
<br />
<em>Realising how strong we really are and what we can do is another step.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bavincio/works/8551918-i-am-strong"><strong>I Am Strong</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bavincio"><strong>Tamarra BaVincio</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bavincio/works/8551918-i-am-strong"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.11543617.1918/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Standing up for ourselves will help, too. Accepting our anger as righteous and realising that anger can be freeing.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/autumnwind/writing/8584336-provocation"><strong>provocation</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/autumnwind"><strong>autumnwind</strong></a></span><br />
snake<br />you have bitten me<br />one last time<br />
through my children<br />you reach me now<br />vile manipulation<br />
rattle yourself so righteous<br />three chambered heart<br />venomous creature<br />how you slither<br />
I see you<br />I hear you<br />I loathe you<br />
you have wounded<br />my soul<br />often paralyzed my heart<br />with disbelief<br />then rage<br />
I am livid<br />
now you delude<br />those closest to me<br />replicating nightmares<br />creating new ones…<br />for your own personal revenge<br />
you are the viper<br />in this cruel enough world<br />you are the shadow<br />created not from the sun<br />you crawl<br />dark covering dark<br />
beware the hawk<br />it circles<br />marking targets<br />it’s eyesight keen<br />and quite deadly<br />
though I may not witness<br />from this earthly plain<br />when your eyes are forced open<br />they shall one day see<br />
for now<br />my weapon is drawn<br />as I defiantly crave blood<br />would I scream<br />the world would hear me<br />
…and taste my tears<br />
as I discover now after all<br />I have become the monster<br />you are<br />
let us do battle then…<br />
I have died enough<br />in this lifetime<br />
*<br />*<br />*<br />
<strong><em>forgive me</em></strong><br />
<br />
<em>Holding on to our passions and making dreams come true.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/locustgirl/works/8569896-passion-framed"><strong>Passion Framed</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/locustgirl"><strong>Heather King</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/locustgirl/works/8569896-passion-framed"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.11564434.9896/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="249" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Letting go of old beliefs and making new beliefs become reality.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sflora/writing/8597795-im-the-dreamer-in-his-song"><strong>Im the dreamer in his song</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sflora"><strong>Sukhwinder Flora</strong></a></span><br />
Spoken in tongues<br />That are all and one<br />We ploughed our way<br />Through the change<br />And caged beliefs<br />
A story told from<br />Ages past<br />All my life<br />Ive had this feeling in my soul<br />But not asked<br />Because the questions can mislead<br />
But all my life I’ve known<br />We’re not the only ones<br />I’m the dreamer in his song<br />But I’m only a shadow of you<br />Not love<br />Not truth<br />I’m only a shadow of you<br />
He tried to take<br />My energy<br />Refused to see<br />I didn’t belong<br />to him<br />Was not his prize or property<br />
They only fed the fire that was already raging<br />They were not the course of my making<br />
But all my life I’ve known<br />We’re not the only ones<br />I’m the dreamer in his song<br />But I’m only a shadow of you<br />Not love<br />Not truth<br />I’m only a shadow of you<br />
She has lions<br />In her hands<br />They choose to listen<br />And understand<br />They chose to stay<br />With her<br />By her side<br />With no chains or whips or lies<br />Or circus acts<br />Or clowns and their masks<br />
There are vultures waiting to dive<br />
To bend and break<br />Manipulate for their own gain<br />But this is not a game<br />That I will play<br />No more feathers for others<br />To take<br />
Broken vases<br />And whispering fences<br />Move with the tides and rise<br />When my light is weak<br />
But all my life I’ve known<br />We’re not the only ones<br />I’m the dreamer in his song<br />But I’m only a shadow of you<br />Not love<br />Not truth<br />I’m only a shadow of you<br />
And there’s this flame that burns on and on<br />The nameless unchosen one<br />
I don’t own this light<br />But I want it to own me<br />And while I’m alive<br />I’ll sing out loud<br />I’ll sing like you’re mine<br />I’ll sing like im free<br />
And we’re not the only ones<br />I’m the dreamer in his song<br />Im am the river running<br />And nothing can stop this flood<br />No terms<br />No conditions<br />No pre-written verse<br />Because I’m the difference<br />
The difference<br />
The difference<br />
The difference<br />
Im the difference<br />
<br />
<em>We shape our own futures, become who we want to be, and a little playing along the way will only help.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/voice/works/8548933-progress-play-ii"><strong>progress play II</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/voice"><strong>Cynthia Lund Torroll</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/voice/works/8548933-progress-play-ii"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.11540040.8933/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>We don’t have to adhere to roles laid out for us, but define ourselves.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/alenkaco2/writi..."><strong>woman not defined</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/alenkaco2"><strong>Alenka Co</strong></a></span><br />
I’m not defined by years<br />by gender, colour, race or creed<br />if you go looking there, you won’t find me.<br />
I can’t tell you what I am<br />truly I don’t know<br />but I do think and wonder<br />
wonder why we feel the same<br />regardless of definitions we assume<br />to define us, separate us ….<br />
why would I want to be separate from you?<br />
I think once I was by your side<br />when we were part of a star<br />then air and earth and sea<br />till here we are, on this pebble in space<br />spinning together through a universe of stars<br />I don’t know what we’re doing here but I do know this:<br />we’re not defined by years,<br />by gender, colour, race or creed<br />I think we leave a trace wherever we’ve been<br />and we’ve still far to go<br />
<br />
<em>The future is not cast in stone. We make it happen by the decisions we make and through the things we stand for.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/annacuypers/works/8579773-spinning-the-future"><strong>Spinning the future</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/annacuypers"><strong>annacuypers</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/annacuypers/works/8579773-spinning-the-future"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.11576749.9773/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="224" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>We don’t need to let ourselves be restricted by preconceptions and outdated role models.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/msdebbie/writing/8590509-because-youre-a-girl"><strong>Because you’re a girl</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/msdebbie"><strong>msdebbie</strong></a></span><br />
Dear women,<br />
I like Twitter and Facebook as much as the next person, but on
Thursday, 8 March 2012, I have to admit, I was kind of trembling in my
tummy, delirious in my daydreams, feverish in my furore, that we still
need to have an International Women’s Day (IWD).<br />
Really? Yeah, really. Looking back over the previous UN Themes, since
1975 (year of my birth), gave me a pretty nasty feeling…we still have
so much, SO MUCH, to do:<br />
- 2012: Empower Rural Women – End Hunger and Poverty<br />- 2011: Equal access to education, training and science and technology<br />- 2010: Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all<br />- 2009: Women and men united to end violence against women and girls<br />- 2008: Investing in Women and Girls<br />- 2007: Ending Impunity for Violence against Women and Girls<br />- 2006: Women in decision-making<br />- 2005: Gender Equality Beyond 2005: Building a More Secure Future<br />- 2004: Women and HIV/AIDS<br />- 2003: Gender Equality and the Millennium Development Goals<br />- 2002: Afghan Women Today: Realities and Opportunities<br />- 2001: Women and Peace: Women Managing Conflicts<br />- 2000: Women Uniting for Peace<br />- 1999: World Free of Violence against Women<br />- 1998: Women and Human Rights<br />- 1997: Women at the Peace Table<br />- 1996: Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future<br />- 1975: First IWD celebrated by the United Nations<br />
The aspect that makes me most nauseous. How often do we need to read about equality, equal rights and equal access?<br />
The world needs to change. For girls especially. My advice:<br />
For every person who makes you feel bad, because you’re a girl – breathe.<br />
For every person who says your opinion is unimportant, because you’re a girl – ignore them.<br />
For every person who offers rudeness, because you’re a girl – thank them for reminding you of good manners.<br />
For every person who calls you stupid, because you’re a girl – stand tall.<br />
For every person who wants you to hurt, because you’re a girl – thank them for hiding behind pettiness.<br />
For every person who denies women’s achievements, because you’re a girl – defeat them and strive for whatever inspires you.<br />
For every person who judges your value based on how you look, because
you’re a girl – be comfortable in your own skin, with your own face,
elevate your mind over superficiality.<br />
For every person who suggests anger and rage are masculine, because you’re a girl – yell and scream as much as you wish.<br />
For every person who shares a rape joke – then tells you to lighten up, take a joke, because you’re a girl – report them.<br />
For every person who thinks things are good enough the way they are, because you’re a girl – change them.<br />
For every person who tells you it’s impossible to be as good as the boys, because you’re a girl – reject them.<br />
For every person who thinks they can do anything to you without
complaint or repercussion, because you’re a girl – show them you know
your rights, your worth as an individual, and cannot be trapped by their
miniscule mind.<br />
<br />
<em>Our fate is ours to define, in our art, our writing, the way we live and the way we think.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bezina/works/8574510-ka"><strong>Ka</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bezina"><strong>Barbara Bezina</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bezina/works/8574510-ka"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.11570099.4510/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>After all, there is a whole world out there….</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne/writing/8568771-the-awakening"><strong>The awakening</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne"><strong>su2anne</strong></a></span><br />
What am I?<br />I find no form… a<br />Nebulous cloud<br />Ephemeral. Contracting<br />And<br />Expanding I touch the<br />Infinite. Star<br />Clusters surround. I<br />Float.<br />Buoyant<br />Uplifted<br />Bedazzled . An<br />Evanescent rainbow<br />Spanning the<br />Universe.<br />
<br />
<em>I hope you find this week’s features inspriational. Please
congratulate the featured artists and writers on showing us a little of
their soul and a little piece of the puzzle on how to ‘become’.</em><br />
</div>
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Published on www.pinkpanthermagazine.blogspot.com
All content is copyrighted.</div>Magpie Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10084146564855819679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702484156257090639.post-62911298312279837402012-03-08T00:06:00.001-08:002012-03-08T00:23:18.126-08:00International Women's Day Celebration - Features - 08/03/2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b>- This is our 100th post - how apt! -</b></span><i><br /></i><br />
<br />
<i>In honour of <a href="http://www.internationalwomensday.com/"><b>International Woman’s Day</b></a>,</i> Pink Panther Magazine <i>would
like to pay homage to some of the inspiring art in our galleries that
celebrates the creative ability of women and the many dimensions exposed
through their art that illustrates woman’s dynamic and extraordinary
abilities and achievements. This collection has been prepared by</i> PPM’s <i>hosts:
Anna, Sybille and me. Whether we’re recognising the importance of
embracing and nurturing our inner child, marveling at the courageous
example of inspiring women, or celebrating our seasonal landscapes—the
ones that, together, continue to shape us—one thing is constant: we are
aware of our very breath of life. For it is in this very realisation
that we turn to art as an outlet. And as a means of sharing what may be a
common connection. And perhaps even as a means of sending the messenger
pigeon into the future.</i><br />
<i>Here are the three sections that weave together this collection.
They are only the beginning of a wonderful tribute that aims at
celebrating woman’s creativity. To view the entire collection that the
hosts and members have been building upon, please visit the <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/groups/pink-panther-magazine/forums/9526/topics/264790-inspirational-art-and-writing-needed-for-international-womens-day-8-march?page=1#post_1867800">International Women’s Day Celebration Page</a>.</i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><ins></ins></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Embracing the Inner Child</b></span><br />
<i>It seems once we grow up and become women we forget how to simply
enjoy life and have fun. We are more likely to look after children and
enable them to live in a world of bright colours than to seek out the
rainbow ourselves. So, it is time to embrace our inner child and find
the wonder all around us again.</i><br />
<br />
<i>First we have to learn the art of seeing ALL that is around us again.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/missmoselle/works/8241904-binoculars"><b>Binoculars</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/missmoselle"><b>MissMoselle</b></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/missmoselle/works/8241904-binoculars" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" height="212" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.11182581.1904/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>And we need to feel the sun on our face and re-discover the joy that lies within each sunbeam.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/almara/works/8254800-pure-joy"><b>Pure Joy</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/almara"><b>Maree Cardinale</b></a></span>
<br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/almara/works/8254800-pure-joy" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11196103.4800/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
<i>Maybe be a little wild. Why not?</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lissie1978/works/7955830-rock-the-casbah"><b>Rock the Casbah</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lissie1978artist"><b>Lissie Rustage</b></a></span>
<br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lissie1978/works/7955830-rock-the-casbah" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" height="212" src="http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.10854299.5830/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<i> </i><br />
<i>And remember how to sing.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sleepwalker/works/8358476-why-the-caged-bird-sing"><b>why the caged bird sing</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sleepwalker"><b>Jessica Islam Lia</b></a></span><br />
<b><ins></ins></b>
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sleepwalker/works/8358476-why-the-caged-bird-sing" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" height="213" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.11315548.8476/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Courage</b></span>
<br />
<i>It is the indomitable courage shown by women that never fails to
impress and inspire me. Faced with unspeakable odds we still manage to
live, love, nurture, dream and create, so it is an apt theme with which
to celebrate International Women’s Day.</i><br />
<br />
<i>We can see the courage and the strength shining though the pain.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/agent7/works/8470570-the-operation"><b>The Operation</b></a> © by <b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/agent7">Georgi Ruley: Agent7</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span>
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/agent7/works/8470570-the-operation" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11449653.0570/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="213" /></a>
<i> </i><br />
<i>The courage to carry on and to be able to celebrate life after the unspeakable loss of a daughter.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/mariska/works/7595017-whispers-of-the-breeze-whispers-series"><b>Whispers Of The Breeze / Whispers Series</b></a> © by <b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/mariska">Mariska</a></b></span>
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/mariska/works/7595017-whispers-of-the-breeze-whispers-series" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" height="307" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.10564565.5017/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<i> </i><br />
<i>The courage to grow old and still be able to show off one’s beauty.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/iamelmana/works/8324622-modesty-an-ageless-virtue"><b>Modesty – An ageless virtue</b></a> © by <b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/iamelmana">iamelmana</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span>
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/iamelmana/works/8324622-modesty-an-ageless-virtue" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11274704.4622/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="261" /></a>
<i> </i><br />
<i>The courage to be able to say ‘no’ to domestic violence, to move on and to still be able to love.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/numandisart/works/8123685-just-another-statistic-on-paper"><b>Just another statistic on paper</b></a> © by <b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/numandisart">NumandisArt</a></b></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/numandisart/works/8123685-just-another-statistic-on-paper" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11046259.3685/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Woman’s Seasonal Landscapes</b></span><br />
<i>Just as the natural seasons go through changes, so too will woman
journey through seasonal stages of life—none more superior than others
as each one serves a significant purpose in the larger picture of the
cycle of life’s experience. Where there are summer breezes that
rejuvenate during a season of sowing, there will follow a bountiful
autumn harvest. Where the things of old become dormant in winter’s
deep-freeze, spring’s promise of rebirth and renewal will blossom into
full bloom. Being able to fully appreciate the wonder and awe these
seasons behold sometimes requires taking a step back in order to take it
all in.</i><br />
<i>It’s important to embrace the seasons of rejuvenation, to slow down and relish in the simpler things.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lovemexxx/works/8550416-today-im-just-here-to-dream-0"><b>Today…I’m Just Here to Dream</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lovemexxx"><b>lovemexxx</b></a></span></div>
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lovemexxx/works/8550416-today-im-just-here-to-dream-0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" height="214" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11541477.0416/flat,800x800,070,f.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<i> </i><br />
<i>There’s a time of preparation for rougher seasons, a commission to collect the harvest and fill up the storehouses.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/oopyland/works/7206766-we-two-are-warriors"><b>We Two Are Warriors</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/oopyland"><b>Nicole McBride</b></a></span>
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/oopyland/works/7206766-we-two-are-warriors" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" height="156" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.10005301.6766/flat,800x800,070,f.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/oopyland/works/7206766-we-two-are-warriors"><b></b></a><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/oopyland"><b></b></a>
<i> </i><br />
<i>There’s a time to be still, to take shelter from the harsh
elements while remembering this dormant season preserves that which is
not ready to pass or fade away.</i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/doreen01/works/6259981-the-story-of-frozen-dreams"><b>The story of frozen dreams</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/doreen01"><b>dorina costras</b></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/doreen01/works/6259981-the-story-of-frozen-dreams" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.8961254.9981/flat,800x800,070,f.jpg" width="230" /></a>
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/doreen01/works/6259981-the-story-of-frozen-dreams"><b></b></a><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/doreen01"><b></b></a><br />
<i>There is a time to breathe in the hope-filled promises of new life, to branch out and allow the buds of newness to flourish.</i><br />
<br />
<i></i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/redbubblesbs/works/8535095-awaited"><b>Awaited</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/redbubblesbs"><b>Marcelle Raphael</b></a></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.11522896.5095/flat,800x800,070,f.jpg" width="228" /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span>
<b>
</b></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Published on www.pinkpanthermagazine.blogspot.com
All content is copyrighted.</div>Magpie Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10084146564855819679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702484156257090639.post-49172586390966324832012-02-29T06:10:00.003-08:002012-02-29T06:11:44.786-08:00Out of the Dark Came the Light - Features - 29/02/2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>Here in England spring hasn’t quite arrived yet. True, the days
are longer and there is the odd sunny day, but mostly it is grey and
dark, or at least so it feels to me. I am one of those people suffering
from the lack of light in the winter and quite happily would I spend my
days hidden in some cave until spring arrives once more.</i><br />
<i>Hence the theme for the features this week is leaving the dark
behind and welcoming the light with open arms. However, to get to the
light we are starting in the dark. Without the shadow the light would be
nothing….</i><br />
<br />
<i>Starting off with our current</i> <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/groups/pink-panther-magazine/forums/9542/topics/261846-the-artist-eating-strawberries-featured-artist-february-2012"><b>Featured Artist</b></a> – <i>if
you haven’t checked her feature yet, please do – we begin with the
eternal sleep; this so reminds me of Snow White and her poisoned sleep
after eating the apple. There is beauty in the dark and no one shows it
as well as</i> <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries"><b><i>Strawberries</i></b></a>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8536165-silence-speaks-louder-than-words"><b>Silence speaks louder than words</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries"><b>strawberries</b></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8536165-silence-speaks-louder-than-words"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.11524180.6165/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="209" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>This prose touched me deeply. Sometimes we are our own worst
enemy, we trust that there will be a hero to rescue us, when all along
this knight in shining armour hides somewhere else entirely.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bjelimis/writing/8539639-hero"><b>Hero</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bjelimis"><b>bjeliMis</b></a></span><br />
Fear never leaves you. It just lies under your skin like inspiration,
waiting for the opportune moment to slip into your eyes and show the
mirror what you always are and always will be. A child. scared and
wondering what’s going to happen and who’s going to do it. It always
comes back, and when it does there is no more man there is only fear and
the cover that holds it. You. You cannot hope to have people understand
why fear looks the way it does in your eyes because it certainly looks
different in another’s. That’s why the only person that can really save
you is your own self. There is never going to be a knight in white
armor. You must be the Knight, the sword, and the armor. And you must
understand that you need to get broken and dirty and ugly to save the
thing you instinctively find the most important. Yourself. Fear isn’t
the enemy it’s the motive and you must be your own effector and savior.<br />
<br />
<i>We hide who we are, we keep silent about how we feel and we linger in the shadows….</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/isabelamendoza/works/6118963-she-glued-her-lips-together"><b>she glued her lips together</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/isabelamendoza"><b>Isabela Lamuño</b></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/isabelamendoza/works/6118963-she-glued-her-lips-together"><img alt="" height="261" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.8809207.8963/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>Worlds secreted away deep in the recesses of our mind shining and flowing when we dream.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/moonlightlover/writing/8529960-nocturnes-by-xochiquetzal">Nocturnes By Xochiquetzal</a> </b> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/moonlightlover"><b>MoonlightLover</b></a></span><br />
Painting nocturnes in the pale moonlight <br />
On a balmy doggone night <br />
Within me sits a winged child, white<br />
like the brightness of snow <br />
Holding a brush in a crossbow.<br />
The liquid darkness sunsets before me <br />
A guiding power of forces I cannot see<br />
A storm sweeps across the canvas with the stroke of a brush<br />
From jagged clouds, comes arrows of haste and lust.<br />
Come quickly as the incuba of thought is like a dying comet, <br />
Travelling so recklessly in my universal closet <br />
Falling in love with you feels like dying unfulfilled <br />
The mighty whirl of a orb so minuscule.<br />
O just look at those unimaginable shapes! <br />
Confined and cornered in a world it<br />
cannot escape, <br />
Over each other with a thousand motions<br />
An intricate web of sound, tone and emotion.<br />
The tempestous dawn came all too effortlessly<br />
Amidst us our lurking vampires burn so majestically, <br />
A prism of sunlight reveals an awful truth <br />
A masterpiece of chaos, a picture of a misguided youth.<br />
<br />
<i>The memories, the hurts and the pain we experience weigh down our
hearts and make it difficult to move on, but move on we must, because
the world never stops and carries us on into the future, and how can we
decide what this future will be if we don’t take part in shaping it?</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/locustgirl/works/7362285-heavy-heart-to-carry"><b>Heavy Heart To Carry</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/locustgirl"><b>Heather King</b></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/locustgirl/works/7362285-heavy-heart-to-carry"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.10179652.2285/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>What can I say? Where there’s life there’s hope….</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rhenastarr/writing/8533281-a-heart-rejected"><b>A Heart Rejected</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rhenastarr"><b>Rhenastarr</b></a></span><br />
Shadows lonely<br />
Drift over her<br />
Solemn form<br />
Rain pounding the<br />
World outside her window<br />
Adds it’s chill<br />
To a soul lost<br />
And alone<br />
Thunder rolls<br />
Across her dazed<br />
Reverie<br />
Dark and ominous<br />
It echoes<br />
A heart weakened<br />
By an oppressive<br />
Drape of sorrow<br />
Beats a slow moving<br />
Dirge<br />
A tempo of despair<br />
The light that once<br />
Illuminated her path<br />
To love<br />
Has dimmed,<br />
It’s glow now an<br />
Eerie presence<br />
Against deceit’s<br />
Winning hand<br />
Felled and crippled<br />
By the heavy weight<br />
Of her now ever present<br />
Doubt and recriminations<br />
A figure of pathos<br />
Huddles against the wall<br />
Of heartbreak’s rigid<br />
Command<br />
Eyes seek but do not find<br />
Sympathy<br />
Arms reach but do not find<br />
Shelter<br />
A voice cries out for<br />
Mercy<br />
Ears remain deaf to her<br />
Plea<br />
She feels the tug of<br />
Darkness<br />
Surrounding<br />
Withering once flourishing<br />
Seeds of love<br />
In a ruined garden of<br />
Dreams<br />
In the deep valley of<br />
Her wounded soul<br />
Remains a fertile soil<br />
Glowing softly<br />
A glimmer of hope<br />
To plant in the spring<br />
Of her renewal<br />
Tears of hope<br />
Will water and germinate<br />
The fragile seeds<br />
Warmth will return to<br />
A spirit disillusioned by<br />
Love’s cruel game<br />
There will be a new dawn<br />
On a journey to recover<br />
What lies beneath her<br />
Wounded core<br />
There within her<br />
Quietly beating heart<br />
And her still believing spirit<br />
She will once again<br />
Seek and find<br />
Love<br />
<br />
<i>How can you appreciate the light if you haven’t seen darkness; how can you be found if you haven’t been lost?</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lissie1978/works/8509608-perdu-dans-paris"><b>Perdu dans Paris</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lissie1978"><b>Lissie Rustage</b></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lissie1978/works/8509608-perdu-dans-paris"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.11493858.9608/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="223" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>And so the journey into the light begins with a single step and the yearning to find what will make us whole.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sflora/writing/8458166-blind-by-the-vision"><b>Blind by the vision</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sflora"><b>Sukhwinder Flora</b></a></span><br />
Following the road ahead<br />
Lies a hunter and a cave.<br />
Picking up the broken thread<br />
I try my best to find my way.<br />
That you called<br />
Through<br />
All the clouds of smoke and grey<br />
Was all I needed<br />
To make me make me human, once again<br />
Strolling through the trees<br />
I sense im not walking on my own<br />
The mist conceals a meaning<br />
Revealing the truth when i am gone<br />
I thought i saw<br />
You<br />
With your open arms<br />
It was only a shade<br />
Of a thought that had drifted, once again<br />
Lost in the fever<br />
Of wanting to find you<br />
My soul friend<br />
Blind by the vision<br />
Of knowing i will see you<br />
Once again<br />
<br />
<i>Clad in clouds and mystery and the hope for light we soldier on.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/voice/works/8235000-cirrus-dress"><b>cirrus dress</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/voice"><b>Cynthia Lund Torroll</b></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/voice/works/8235000-cirrus-dress"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.11175795.5000/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="214" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>We search for signs of those who came before inside us and carve out our own path.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rhythmimpulse/writing/8484900-grand-ma"><b>(Grand)ma</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rhythmimpulse"><b>Katie Leonatti</b></a></span><br />
I gaze into the photo of those<br />
Chocolate moon eyes that no<br />
Longer reflect gauzy sunlight rays.<br />
I never saw those moon eyes shine,<br />
But I look for her in prism<br />
Rainbows and neon geometric<br />
Patterns everywhere.<br />
I wonder if her handwriting drips<br />
From my finger and saturates pages.<br />
My arched P’s were extracted from<br />
Someone’s fluorescent gene pool.<br />
Did she create like I do, did<br />
She envision paint jump from walls<br />
To brush bristles<br />
When the pen smacked the paper?<br />
I gather photos of her the way<br />
A mind hoards memories,<br />
But these are scenes I was never<br />
Perched in, I’ll never be part of.<br />
Her arms were delicate ivory,<br />
Altruistic limbs that will never<br />
Shelter me.<br />
And<br />
Maple hair is curled like mine -<br />
I see these ringlets<br />
Shine like the moon.<br />
What I like to believe is<br />
She scans Earth through<br />
Tattered cotton clouds to<br />
Observe me,<br />
And when I skipped across<br />
The stage at graduation or<br />
Eased a car into a tight parking<br />
Space for the first time,<br />
She beamed and<br />
She held her breath<br />
For just one moment.<br />
<br />
<i>We dream our dreams and sometimes like caterpillars they become
butterflies and go out in the world to make it a better more beautiful
place.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/catrinarno/works/8538975-dreaming-in-red"><b>Dreaming in red</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/catrinarno"><b>Catrin Welz-Stein</b></a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/catrinarno/works/8538975-dreaming-in-red"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11528368.8975/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="236" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>Finally, here is the hope that what we do and who we are matters.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne/writing/8539665-the-eternal-quest"><b>The eternal quest</b></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne"><b>su2anne</b></a></span><br />
Is who we are<br />
What defines us?<br />
Do our actions<br />
Speak for themselves?<br />
Is our future<br />
Determined by our past?<br />
And what of Humanity?<br />
Is the collective<br />
Greater than the individual?<br />
And<br />
Who loses most<br />
When all is lost?<br />
The path that we<br />
Follow is<br />
Choice itself.<br />
It’s width<br />
It’s length<br />
Irrelevant.<br />
Go on<br />
Get through<br />
Be brave<br />
Be true<br />
Listen to your<br />
Heart<br />
Embrace your<br />
Intellect and your<br />
Existence will<br />
Make the world a<br />
Better place and<br />
Collectively the Will of<br />
Many can be<br />
Profound.<br />
<br />
<i>Hopefully this brightened a dark and grey day and lead you all
back to the light and creativity. Please tell the artists and writers
featured here if you felt better for viewing or reading their work.</i></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Published on www.pinkpanthermagazine.blogspot.com
All content is copyrighted.</div>Magpie Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10084146564855819679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702484156257090639.post-87616607186572163242012-02-28T09:30:00.002-08:002012-02-28T09:30:02.709-08:00A Room of One's Own - Midweek Features - 21/02/2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<em>The features this week are inspired by Tammara’s beautiful image.
Her description made me pause and consider the need for us all to have
such a room, be it a physical space where we can create, a psychological
space where we can allow our emotions to breathe and where we can
rediscover our true selves, or even a virtual space where we can meet up
with like-minded women and explore the many thoughts and feelings that
we share. Without such spaces we are liable to feel isolated and thus
become dependant on others for our psychological and emotional well
being. So today, we make that space to consider who we are, what we are
and what we want from our lives.</em><br />
<br />
<em>Here is Tammera’s description of her image which sets the scene for today’s features:</em><br />
<em>“In A Room of One’s Own, Virginia Woolf imagines that Shakespeare
had a sister—a sister equal to Shakespeare in talent, and equal in
genius, but whose legacy is radically different. This imaginary woman
never writes a word and dies by her own hand, her genius unexpressed. If
only she had found the means to create, argues Woolf, she would have
reached the same heights as her immortal sibling. In this classic essay,
she takes on the establishment, using her gift of language to dissect
the world around her and give voice to those who are without. Her
message is a simple one: women must have a fixed income and a room of
their own in order to have the freedom to create.”</em><br /><em>Tammera</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/groups/pink-panther-magazine/forums/9543/topics/:http://www.redbubble.com/people/tammera/works/8449919-a-room-of-ones-own">A ROOM OF ONE</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/tammera">Tammera</a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/tammera/works/8449919-a-room-of-ones-own"><img alt="" height="315" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11425181.9919/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>A poem to bring a smile to our faces expressing sentiments that we can all relate to.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/voice/writing/8461102-yvos">Yvo’s</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/voice">Cynthia Lund Torroll</a></span><br />
Her room sings – okay – it does more than sing:<br />THAT PLACE HUMS. (And neighbors may say that it bellows.)<br />Its harmonics are tuned to her barometer.<br />There are bits of paper and fabric and sunflower seeds forming helixes over her head.<br />She dashes about it.<br />She leaves trails.<br />She gets out a flyswatter and bats bits away splattering energy onto the walls.<br />She jumps up.<br />Oh yes! In her undies, raccoon hat and striped knee-high socks she has JUST<br />created another masterpiece. Where’s my friggin camera?!<br />She speaks forever of straightening her studio.<br />Doesn’t she know yet<br />it’s all part of her art?<br />
<br />
<em>When we do not allow ourselves such spaces our dreams can become shattered.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/minou41/works/8504304-broken-dreams">Broken dreams…..</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/minou41/works/8504304-broken-dreams">Renate Dartois</a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/minou41/works/8504304-broken-dreams"><img alt="" height="216" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11487943.4304/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Sometimes we just need to let go in order to find our true selves.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne/writing/8498448-will-you">Will you…</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne">Su2anne</a></span><br />
Each rib picked clean. A gnarled spine<br />Bent over. A spleen lost an age ago. I am<br />Grateful for the<br />Mange that is my hair. My<br />Disillusioned soul too<br />Restless for sleep. The<br />Scourge of <br />Hopelessness is upon me.<br />My sightless eyes<br />Peer out and see that<br />Nothing yet has<br />Changed. So I<br />Retreat…<br />A breath so foul <br />Steeped in self-pity utters forth<br />Ahhhh…”To have the<br />Courage <br />To climb.<br />To ascend<br />Into life’s abyss.<br />Now that takes a<br />Belly full of <br />Gaul with a <br />Touch of<br />Rage.”<br />So with a hapless sense of<br />Mirth. I figure “What’s there to lose?”<br />With a heave of reluctance I let go of the<br />Past and scramble out of<br />Black slime rank of things better left<br />Un-thought. I slough off yesteryear and<br />Slumber. <br />Shame mixed with glee I decide to have a go<br />And not a care…<br />Will you…<br />
<br />
<em>We need time to reflect on the consequences of allowing our
dreams to fade away in our need to give out all that we have to other
people.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8494278-the-consequence">the consequence</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries">strawberries</a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8494278-the-consequence"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11477651.4278/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="214" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>There is a price to pay for having the strength to discover ourselves, but here, the cost is worth it.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rcdewinter/writing/8478643-definitions">Definitions</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rcdewinter">RC de Winter</a></span><br />It must be that our dictionaries differ<br />in more than just the binding round the spine.<br />Perhaps mine is an earlier edition<br />while yours is of a novel new design.<br />
They could be printed each in different language<br />for all the similarities there be.<br />In mine the definitions are more constant,<br />yours bend to fit what circumstance you see.<br />
I will not ask to borrow yours if ever<br />my volume should appear hopelessly lost.<br />I’d rather write a new one from my memory<br />than stoop to borrow yours to cut the cost.<br />
And yes, my pages, printed small, are lengthy,<br />admitting no convenience to the now.<br />But better on the shelf, ignored, unopened,<br />than cheaply made and incomplete somehow.<br />
<br />
<em>Sometimes you just need a little spark to set you on the road to self discovery.</em><br /><em>Marge Thompson</em><br />
<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/awdigitaldreams/works/8493899-resurrection">Resurrection</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/awdigitaldreams">Marg Thomson Photography & Fine Art</a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/awdigitaldreams/works/8493899-resurrection"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11477239.3899/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>The greatest gift is allowing ourselves to be who we are.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/autumnwind/writing/3009933-you-yourself-and-you">you, yourself and you</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/autumnwind">autumnwind</a></span><br />
did you step into disappointment<br />an unwelcome collapse of color that maybe<br />made you uneasy<br />did you only imagine what you needed…<br />before you tried to rest your weary head<br />upon a pillow you assumed would<br />never burst like a rain cloud<br />
how much can one absorb without release<br />how long does it take to fill up the sky<br />not very long…<br />or maybe a lifetime<br />
go then…<br />climb the walls and fly<br />do not laden your wings<br />with darker things<br />that anchor<br />for I would rather die<br />than oppress<br />that which thrives<br />
I have seen<br />the winds of change<br />beneath your expanse<br />
it finds me still<br />beneath green and stone<br />in a field of heaven and dandelions<br />…soon to be the sparrow<br />
it finds you still lovely as a rose<br />standing proud<br />blooming bright<br />in a crack between the pavement<br />cardinal red<br />and happiest perhaps…<br />alone<br />
<br />
<em>Let's celebrate our new beginnings.</em><br />
<br />
<em>“I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a
fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere
behind the morning.”</em><br /><em>Ariana1985</em><br />
<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/ariana1985/works/8478883-i-have-always-been-delighted-at-the-prospect-of-a-new-day">I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day…</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/ariana1985">ARIANA1985</a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/ariana1985/works/8478883-i-have-always-been-delighted-at-the-prospect-of-a-new-day"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11459529.8883/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>We sometimes think that we have to be different from who we are,
when the irony is that we just have to rediscover what was there all
along.</em><br />
<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne/writing/8498578-so-there">So there!</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne">Su2anne</a></span><br />
Insanity is it?<br />To not accept<br />Reality…<br />WELL I don’t <br />Like mine at<br />ALL!<br />So if I <br />Bring about change and<br />Become who I’m<br />Not. So what?<br />Sad can be<br />Glee. Mad can be<br />Free<br />To do whatever<br />She wants!<br />
<br />
<i>So, make the space to pause awhile and catch your dreams.</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/locustgirl/works/8458485-catch-your-dreams-today">Catch Your Dreams Today</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/locustgirl">Heather King</a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/locustgirl/works/8458485-catch-your-dreams-today"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11435668.8485/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="278" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Sometimes we need to give up what is safe and secure and grasp life with both hands.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/almara/writing/8427170-sometimes">Sometimes</a> © by <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/almara">Maree Cardinale</a></span><br />To give up one’s extremes even with all its associated discomforts is untenable.<br />To exist in the glutinous comfort of what should be.<br />The confines of sameness.<br />Please, I’d rather live in what could be.<br />
Exquisite, rather than nice.<br />Exquisite pleasure, even with its partner, the pain.<br />I don’t welcome, rather expect.<br />Don’t want, rather know.<br />Shades of grey are nice. But black and white are powerful entities.<br />Defeat to me is the act of not taking life by the throat. Defect in character.<br />Defeat in the lust for life. Defeat in being.<br />Blood. Pulse. My me.<br />I don’t want that. It’s unpalatable. Unthinkable. Impossible.<br />Did someone once ask ‘To be, or not to be?’<br />How could one choose not to be?<br />To deny, and deny, and deny.<br />Why, why, why?<br />I recognise the darkness, the searching<br />the never ending contest<br />I recognise the endless search<br />I know the serpent’s quest.<br />I feel the guilt of a good woman.<br />Knowing all this.<br />But as I am, and am also not, a good woman.<br />That not part of me is unquenchable.<br />And sometimes if I often feel like I’m running to stand still, well so be it.<br />To be taken somewhere else, totally away.<br />To be totally here, and nowhere else.<br />That is it!<br />Me soaring. Me roaring. Me igniting. Me<br />Seeing. Knowing. Knowing.<br />Who are ‘they’ to deny that?<br />I defy that!<br />I will pay the price if I have to.<br />You don’t scare me life.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Published on www.pinkpanthermagazine.blogspot.com
All content is copyrighted.</div>Magpie Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10084146564855819679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702484156257090639.post-11582633835044232562012-02-28T09:30:00.001-08:002012-02-28T09:30:00.904-08:00The Art of Grace and Poise - Midweek Features -15/02/2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<em>Many—if not all—of the women who inspire me most are those who
live a life that surpasses their circumstances. The kind of courageous
and determined women who continuously rise above the things intended to
defeat them, to weigh them down, or to snuff out their ambition and
purpose. Whenever I feel like giving up and letting go, I’ll be reminded
or made aware of one of these extraordinary women. What’s most
inspiring about these women’s stories isn’t limited to their ability to
simply overcome: what’s equally impressive is</em> how <em>they hold and
carry themselves while they are enduring, as they are overcoming, and
at times, even as they are being defeated by things beyond their
control.</em><br />
<br />
<em>This week’s feature collection has been comprised of images and
poetry that is reminiscent of this graceful endurance. The examples of
dynamic and courageous women that adorn</em> PPM’s <em>gallery and
writing forums are too many to include. Please feel free to post and
share additional images and writing that inspire you in these ways.</em><br />
<br /><del>-</del>————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-<br />
<em>She carries her daily load with a level of grace that surpasses understanding, and she does so without faltering in her course.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bareri/works/8460341-from-my-window"><strong>From my window</strong></a> © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bareri"><strong>Valerie Rosen</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/bareri/works/8460341-from-my-window"><img alt="" height="212" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11437930.0341/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Her cries are stored in her secret garden of silent suffering.
She’s all too aware that no one needs to be weighed down by her burdens.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jaedadewalt/works/689198-the-silent-cry-self-portrait"><strong>The Silent Cry—Self Portrait</strong></a> © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jaedadewalt"><strong>Jaeda DeWalt</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jaedadewalt/works/689198-the-silent-cry-self-portrait"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.7847053.9198/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="296" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>There is a narrow path between the human doormat and the bitter
door-crasher. Even blindfolded, the determined woman will find her way.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/autumnwind/writing/8418628-equilibrium"><strong>equilibrium</strong></a> © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/autumnwind"><strong>autumnwind</strong></a></span><br />
balance<br />is a tricky thing<br />years ago<br />I decided<br />not to be a doormat<br />my warrior kicked in<br />big time<br />didn’t realize<br />it was always there…<br />
my sword came out<br />quite shiny and new<br />I thrashed my way<br />through brambles<br />stabbing my targets<br />straight through the heart<br />it felt freeing<br />it was a force<br />to be reckoned with…<br />as they say<br />
…it felt awful<br />the more I wounded<br />the more I killed<br />the more I died<br />myself<br />
balance…<br />is a tricky thing<br />how could I not realize<br />with every little death<br />with every drop of blood<br />from every mark I hit<br />there came a rebound<br />
someone dear to me<br />too many I love<br />were sprayed<br />by shards<br />in the shattering<br />
what have I done<br />what had I done<br />gone mad<br />in my revenge<br />
so…<br />I put my sword down<br />kept it by my side<br />where still<br />it fiercely resides<br />
yet balance…<br />is a tricky thing<br />
we are born and raised<br />who we are<br />with choices<br />of who we become yet<br />
I decide to choose balance<br />but it is a tricky thing<br />letting myself be hurt<br />by those who need to…<br />lash out<br />
I’d rather be her<br />filled with love<br />though wounded<br />rather than she<br />filled with rage<br />… the one lashing out<br />
vengeance is not mine<br />and this lesson<br />so difficult still<br />to learn<br />
still…<br />I am only human<br />do not suppress me<br />for balance is tricky<br />and my weapon weighs heavy<br />upon my side<br />
<br />
<em>Beneath the composure is the branded soul who’s been seasoned by
the consequences of experience and the many faces of growth. No one gets
to see the tears that stream behind toughened skin.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/ambientkreation/works/8449671-into-my-soul"><strong>Into My Soul</strong></a> © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/ambientkreation"><strong>AmbientKreation</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/ambientkreation/works/8449671-into-my-soul"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.11424853.9671/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="256" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Her courage cannot be feigned, for she’s looked death in the eye and said, “Oh no you don’t; not today.”</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/agent7/works/8470570-the-operation"><strong>The Operation</strong></a> © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/agent7"><strong>Agent7</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/agent7/works/8470570-the-operation"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.11449653.0570/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>You will not hear her cry out her regrets for the absent help and
protection that should be surrounding her. Those things are locked away
behind the rattling gate of her heart.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne/writing/8472327-heart-sore"><strong>Heart sore</strong></a> © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/su2anne/writing/8472327-heart-sore"><strong>Su2anne</strong></a></span><br />
This pain is not some<br />Malady. Some<br />Ill begotten<br />Ailment. Nor are my<br />Tears shed unforgotten<br />Like stones left at your<br />Grave. Your daughter’s<br />Grief; though years have<br />Passed, does not<br />Slacken. My rheumy<br />Heart; a constant<br />Ache, of what it is<br />Missing. For the<br />Child in this<br />Woman needs her<br />Father still.<br />
<br />
<em>And even in the midst of her agony, to the onlooking eye she’s blossoming.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8427428-an-agonizing-sorrow"><strong>an agonizing sorrow</strong></a> © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries"><strong>strawberries</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8427428-an-agonizing-sorrow"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.11399350.7428/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="214" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Even through the dark, she taps into that internal drive and pushes through, pushes on.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/annacuypers/works/8394178-blind"><strong>Blind</strong></a> © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/annacuypers"><strong>annacuypers</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/annacuypers/works/8394178-blind"><img alt="" height="221" src="http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.11359144.4178/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>There are times of survival she holds steady and convinces herself these moments of everyday monotony will pass.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/magpiemagic/writing/8452273-nothing-at-all"><strong>nothing at all</strong></a> © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/magpiemagic"><strong>Sybille Sterk</strong></a></span><br />
little drops of poison,<br />held in check<br />by a rigid position<br />
a knife glinting sharp<br />stopped next to my jugular<br />with just a thought<br />
<em>of nothing at all</em>in everyday humdrum<br />this is working<br />but what about dreams<br />
when the toxins<br />seep through the cracks<br />the blade doesn’t stop<br />but goes straight for the heart<br />when all that saves me<br />is letting go and holding on<br />
swallowing morning tears<br />burning as they run down<br />the back of my throat<br />
honing my skill<br />that special talent<br />of thinking<br />
<em>of nothing at all</em>free floating<br />in a cloud of<br />everyday monotony<br />
pretending<br />there is<br />
no poison<br />no knife<br />no life<br />
<b><em>no</em></b><br />
<b><em><br /></em></b><br />
<em>Oh, how graceful a performer is she who masters silencing the drama with such poise.</em><br />
<em> </em>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/aleinad/works/8399399-gloria-swanson-echoes"><strong>Gloria Swanson Echos</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/aleinad"><strong>Moon Black</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/aleinad/works/8399399-gloria-swanson-echoes"><img alt="" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.11365384.9399/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Like the hermit crab, the survivor knows when and how to crawl into safekeeping and sit it out a spell.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/anitainverarity/works/8454238-safe-passage"><strong>Safe Passage</strong></a> © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/anitainverarity"><strong>Anita Inverarity</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/anitainverarity/works/8454238-safe-passage"><img alt="" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.11430311.4238/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>She’ll shed her cloak of grey regret, and clothe herself in royal
colours where she’ll walk her days in an elegance that rises above her
circumstances.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rcdewinter/writing/8453632-sea-change"><strong>Sea Change</strong></a> © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/rcdewinter"><strong>RC deWinter</strong></a></span><br />
This morning, I did not put on the solemn shades<br />of sorrow, for I am done for good and all with that.<br />Away dull greys and blacks, those shadow shrouds<br />fit only for Persephone in chains.<br />
Oh yes, she was a queen,<br />but only of the crumbling pit,<br />the sad and stray remains<br />of life no more.<br />
Instead, to match the sunrise,<br />I arrayed myself most royally in crimson, gold and blue:<br />the crimson of my passion, the gold my steadfast heart,<br />the blue the bowl of heaven – the colors of a living queen.<br />
And on my silver tresses sits a chaplet<br />woven wonderfully of flowers from the field;<br />my feet in satin slippers meant for dancing,<br />not for death.<br />
Taking up a crystal flask<br />I scented softly all my veils<br />with the breath of sandalwood<br />and clove and fern.<br />
Then, thus accoutred, forth I went<br />to meet what must be met,<br />no more the slave of sorrow,<br />no more cloaked in regret.<br />
No, I shall live in sunshine<br />and cherish all delight,<br />no more to haunt the corridors<br />of unlit starless night.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Published on www.pinkpanthermagazine.blogspot.com
All content is copyrighted.</div>Magpie Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10084146564855819679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702484156257090639.post-21930926396329031842012-02-28T09:30:00.000-08:002012-02-28T09:30:00.606-08:00The Artist Eating Strawberries - Featured Artist February 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries"><img alt="" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/avatar.99793.60x60.jpg" /></a> <strong>Strawberries</strong><br />
<br />
<em>Strawberries is one of the first artists here on RB I put on my
watchlist and she’s a firm favourite here on Pink Panther with the often
controversial topics and subjects she depicts.</em><br />
<br />
<em>Her art always fascinated me – the expression, the colour and
processing and, most of all, the depth of emotion in each of her images
is amazing. Many of her subjects are close to my heart, from lost love
to who we (women) are in this world and where we are going.</em><br />
<br />
<hr />
<strong><em>Here’s the interview</em>:</strong><br />
My name is Strawberries; I don’t use my real name when I practice, so
I can attempt to split up the reality form the insanity, but it very
rarely works.<br />
<br />
I joined Redbubble in January 2010, and have never looked back. Now I
host 8 groups, run an online gallery, have had 2 solo exhibitions and
been involved in 4 group exhibitions. I occasionally show progression of
my work and talk about my decisions on my <a href="http://artstrawberries.blogspot.com/"><strong><em>blog</em></strong></a>. I have 4 YouTube videos, which I made myself, music and all. I also a have a published book; <a href="http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2550431"><strong><em>Outcast</em></strong></a>, which is a collection of my work and is available for sale on blurb.com.<br />
<br />
I come from a small rural town in Victoria, Australia called
Briagolong. It has very few people, no public transport and fantastic
mountain views. I have lived there all my life, but that will soon
change, as I will be moving to Los Angeles in the middle of the year.<br />
<br />
People and personalities fascinate me, and I am curious about
emotions and memories, and how someone can be so affected by an idea.
There is strong focus a lot on people and portraiture because of a
fascination with psychology; what people think, what people feel, their
secrets, their desires, their hate and their fear in my work. I think
this has something to do with my rural locality, as people are more
guarded and introverted about their true selves in the country, there is
a clear line between right and wrong behaviors, and I fall into the
wrong category!<br />
<br />To create my work I use a selection of ever-growing
cameras, a Pentax *ist DL, a Nikon D3000, a fujifinepix S1800fd and a
SVP Aqua 5300. Combined with my digital darkroom, Photoshop Elements 7,
and you get the work you all know and love.<br />
<br />
<strong>How did you get started with your art?</strong><br />
Art has always been second nature, as natural as breathing, to me. I
can’t pinpoint where I started any more, though I think the crayon
doodles on the wall could help locate a date!<br />
However, the transition from all art forms to specializing
photography and digital began in 2009 when I was in my first year at
university. I found that digital photography and Photoshop were better
at defining the themes and issues I wanted to discuss.<br />
<br />
<strong>What excites you about your work?</strong><br />
A lot of my work is begun on intuition, I very rarely actually plan a
shoot, and thankfully those who work with me know me well enough to
just go with the flow.<br />
<br />
So my favorite moment is when I get all my images on the computer and
I’m editing them down to the ones that will be processed through
Photoshop (and sometimes simply resized) and you find the shot that
defines you as an artist, that shot that brings everything together in a
way you could never have planned; the light, the color, the way the
model looks at you. I find it exciting when you stumble across that
image and you ask yourself, “Did I really do that?"<br />
<br />
<strong>What/Who are your main influences?</strong><br />
I have many influences, some I won’t mention.<br />
<br />
But a few things that influence the work I do are things like music;
if anyone was to spend a day in my head you’d find it an epic place to
be, the whole thing is like one big continuous movie, soundtrack and all
thanks to musicians like The Apples in Stereo, Evanescence, The
Beatles, Sleigh Bells, Saya Concept, Bjork, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Muse,
Smashing Pumpkins, Christina Perri, Dido, The Corrs, Tame Impala,
Radiohead, Crippled Black Phoenix, David Bowie, Joan Jett, Suzie Q,
Lykke Li, Sia, Pink Floyd, Gotye, The Strokes, P!nk, Florence and the
Machine, Shakira and so many others that deserve mention, but would take
up too much time.<br />
<br />
Movies and Television play a major role in the influence of my work.
I’ve been told that TV is a bad thing, but it actually helps with
rolling out quick witty punches sometimes, shows like Downton Abbey,
Wilfred, Sherlock, Dr Who, Horrible Histories, Avatar; the last
airbender, and The Simpsons. But films help me often to consider and
contemplate bigger issues; sometimes I’m looking for ideas on a theme or
a new way of expressing an age old idea. Movies like Lord of the Rings,
Eternal Sunshine of the spotless mind, The Duchess, Red Riding Hood,
Romeo and Juliet, Dead Man, Paris je t’amie, 9, Howls Moving Castle,
Pan’s Labyrinth, Ned Kelly, Memoirs of a Geisha, Stardust, Black Swan,
The book of Eli, The Runaways, Moulin Rouge, Marie Antoinette,
Transformers, Some like it Hot, Harvey, Funny Face, Picnic at Hanging
rock, Kingdom of Heaven, Scott Pilgrim versus the world, Happy Feet,
Avatar, and God knows what else are just part of the complexities that
make my work. You’ll notice that a lot of these have big costume
productions, which is also something that I draw upon.<br />
<br />
And finally, I will mention the works of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annie_Leibovitz"><strong>Annie Leibovitz</strong></a> and <a href="http://www.autumndewilde.com/"><strong>Autumn de Wilde</strong></a>;
both women photographers who create epic works that are not only
aesthetically pleasing, but also deeply meaningful (I have studied
Leibovitz’s work a number of times and probably have enough discussion
notes and saved info to write a book on the woman, she’s so amazing),
and de Wilde’s work has a similar aesthetic to my own work which allows
me to connect with it on a personal level. Having two huge influences
helps me to grow as an artist.<br />
<br />
<strong>Are there any recurring themes running through your work?</strong><br />
Because I focus a lot on psychology and emotions, recurring themes
tend to be centered on specific emotions, the idea of Insanity,
insecurity, depression, obsession, courage, submission and loss. It may
sound odd to say that I often do this in a positive way, especially
knowing how dark my work can appear, but having lived through all of
these emotions, and having seen others struggle and adapt daily to
these, I can see how one can continue to survive in such a way, and I
suppose in a funny way it’s almost like a tribute to them, those little
nasties that make life a torment, but help us to grow as people and come
out twice as strong on the other side.<br />
<br />
<strong>Strawberries favorite image is “Sweet Surrender”:</strong><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/6610532-sweet-surrender"><img alt="" height="212" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.9343584.0532/flat,550x550,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
I think it’s because it sums up how I’ve lived my life so far, that
whilst I have been in control I have allowed myself to be swayed any
which way, and just accepted what others have told me to do.<br />
<br />
Now that I’ve finished university, I’m starting to break away from
the easy acceptance, but until now, I’ve simply surrendered to what
everyone else wanted, to some extent. My use of flowers in “Sweet
Surrender” was a simple solution to my idea of Australian Gothic. Bright
and vibrant, but doomed to die and fade in a matter of days- a personal
symbol for my theme of surrender and chaos, like me, the flowers had no
say, they stayed beautiful when the stem was cut, but they wouldn’t
last in an environment like that, much like a person who doesn’t decide
anything, they will eventually lose sight of themselves.. The skull was
the idea of decay making a new kind of beautiful, perhaps the positive
part, that change is inevitable, but in the end necessary.<br />
<br />
It’s also my fav image, because I feel like I came together at that
moment as an artist, like a switch was flipped and I found the
confidence to be me. I always knew others liked my work, but it wasn’t
till that point that I like my work.<br />
<hr />
<br />
<em>Here are some of my favourite images by Strawberries – there are
too many favourites really to choose, but these twelve shall stand for
all of them. :-) Please add your own favourites in the comments to this
post.</em> :-)<br />
<sub>~</sub><br />
<em>This is just so spot on and encapsulates the feeling of feeling
petrified by all that has gone before and not knowing where to go next
or even if we can go on. The image also seemed a great start for the
series of images as many deal with those disappointments.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8149596-heart-of-stone"><strong>Heart of Stone</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries"><strong>strawberries</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8149596-heart-of-stone"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.11076177.9596/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="237" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>This made me grin when I first saw it. It IS funny, but it’s also
terribly sad, and I liked that it made me laugh first because then it
didn’t hurt quite so much to think about it.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8316648-i-could-have-sworn-i-left-my-sanity-here"><strong>I could have sworn I left my sanity here…</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries"><strong>strawberries</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8316648-i-could-have-sworn-i-left-my-sanity-here"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.11264769.6648/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>This is a topic many of us know. How often do we hold back our
own hurt to save someone else pain, or just because there’s no one to
listen or care?</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/6860139-time-engraves-our-faces-with-all-the-tears-we-have-not-shed"><strong>Time engraves our faces with all the tears we have not shed</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries"><strong>strawberries</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/6860139-time-engraves-our-faces-with-all-the-tears-we-have-not-shed"><img alt="" height="212" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.9621111.0139/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>The truths we speak, the lies we make up and the hurt both cause us more often than not….</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/6816615-truth-and-lies"><strong>Truth and Lies</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries"><strong>strawberries</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/6816615-truth-and-lies"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.9572785.6615/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="212" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>This image came in just when I was putting the feature together
and it struck me on so many levels – the cage and the dolls symbolise so
much and, as per usual, Strawberries managed to show a deeply
disturbing topic in an aesthetically pleasing way. This is probably THE
image that shows why feminism is so real and needed even today. We are
still brainwashed by the way we are brought up to become the women of
yesterday.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8415461-a-cage-for-you-and-me"><strong>A cage for you and me</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries"><strong>strawberries</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8415461-a-cage-for-you-and-me"><img alt="" height="291" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.11384822.5461/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Looking at this I am not sure if the muteness is self inflicted
or inflicted by the outside world. Possibly a bit of both. What do you
think?</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/7488167-no-words"><strong>no words</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries"><strong>strawberries</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/7488167-no-words"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.10320634.8167/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="236" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>I love the Gothic feel of this. It reminds me of Ophelia and the
Lady of Shalott, but there’s also something distinctly modern about it,
something that seems to have only just woken up. So, for me there’s a
little bit of Sleeping Beauty about this, too, but maybe a Sleeping
Beauty who has decided that she’s waited long enough?</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/7984119-a-flower-without-her-petals"><strong>a flower without her petals</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries"><strong>strawberries</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/7984119-a-flower-without-her-petals"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.10886845.4119/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="224" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>Who hasn’t wished to be able to do that. Get rid of a thought, a
feeling, memories, a lost love and start afresh. I love the ethereal,
delicate feeling and the depth of emotion in this.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8423125-ill-smoke-you-out-of-my-soul"><strong>I’ll Smoke you out of my Soul</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries"><strong>strawberries</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8423125-ill-smoke-you-out-of-my-soul"><img alt="" height="301" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.11393944.3125/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>The juxtaposition of the dragonfly wings against the gas mask is
so poignant. It stirs up so many feelings in me, from the desire to
protect to thoughts about the environment to helplessness.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8400576-poisoned-hearts"><strong>Poisoned Hearts</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries"><strong>strawberries</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8400576-poisoned-hearts"><img alt="" height="208" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/image.11366871.0576/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>This image hurts so much. We all want to be loved and cherished
and so often we don’t find anyone to love us for who we are and the pain
of that can be excruciating. There is little hope in this image,
although to me it looks like a memory or maybe a reminder.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8033382-turmoil"><strong>Turmoil</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries"><strong>strawberries</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8033382-turmoil"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.10942880.3382/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="236" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>The colour of this image is so perfect – intelligent and educated women used to be called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluestocking"><strong>Bluestocking</strong></a>. Seems this is still apt today, even if we’re called Nerd instead of Bluestocking….</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8033900-intelligence"><strong>Intelligence</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries"><strong>strawberries</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/8033900-intelligence"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.10943441.3900/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="218" /></a><br />
<br />
<em>This seemed the perfect image to end my little gallery of
Strawberries art. Nowadays we all seem to define ourselves by the brands
we can afford (or sometimes not afford but buy anyway). Everything is
about the make, the brand, the flavour, and so little about the content.
Faceless, just like the woman int his picture.</em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/7592702-insert-brand-name-here"><strong>Insert brand name here</strong></a> by © <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries"><strong>strawberries</strong></a></span><br /><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/strawberries/works/7592702-insert-brand-name-here"><img alt="" height="311" src="http://ih2.redbubble.net/image.10437494.2702/flat,800x800,075,f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<hr />
<br />
<em>I hope you enjoyed this feature and if you did, please
congratulate Strawberries. I loved ‘meeting’ her and finding out more
about her. A lot of her answers (although we come from different sides
of the world) are very similar to ones I could have given and it showed
me that sisters live all over the world.</em><br />
<br />
<em>A big thank you to Strawberries for being our featured artist for February.</em><br />
<br />
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