Caged Tiger

Another poem from an old journal (2006), that surprisingly applies to today!

Caged Tiger

Ever wonder why

a caged tiger

paces back and forth?

So much to do

So much time

So little space

Looking Back to Celebrate the Now!

Here is a journal entry of mine from May 2001.

"I have moments of strength and moments of weakness.

• When I am down my body shakes and I can't stop moving. Its as if I am a caged animal under attack. Sometimes I feel helpless and invisible. 

• My most pressing concern is feeling like a failure in multiple areas of my life.  It started with the inability to have children. Everything stems from that. 

• I also feel I'm unable to complete anything. That is a major exaggeration but crippling no less.  That's why finishing school and staying in the military until I retire is so important to me.

•  All of the qualities and character traits of the woman I want to be are right in front of me. I seem to never be able to reach her. Yet I know she exists. I only see the failure of not being her, instead of rejoicing in the challenge of becoming her.

I want to be ok with where I am. I put a lot of pressure on myself. "

Perspective is everything. I sit here remembering the heavy heart and frustrations I bore. I am thankful that perseverance really does reap a reward. 
Changing to an outward focus allowed peace to enter my soul. My tendency to worry was replaced with a calm resolve towards what "is".  The truth set me free.

Today I can acknowledge the blessings showered upon me.
My "most pressing concern" of infertility was wiped away by the success of UCONN's fertility program. The 5 year struggle ended on March, 22, 2002 with the birth of our "wonder twins" Madi & Wave!  The joy of my life. I can't imagine a time without them. Their birth instantly dissolved a lifetime of wanting and hurt. Their life continues to teach me humility and grace. I am grateful.

Feeling that I was unable to finish anything, stemmed from a scattered and unsettled mind. I lost my focus and patience. I allowed my mind to roam about with no direction or purpose. This produced a hopeless feeling inside me. A lie.
However, staying on course regardless of negative thinking, and not giving up proved to provide victory. I earned my Bachelors Degree in Art 5 years later. The accomplishment of that moment gave purpose and carried the honor of being the first immediate family member to have graduated college since 1929. That is both sad and hopeful.

I can honestly say, retiring from the military after 21 years of faithful service was exhilarating! I took on that challenge, one day at a time. There were MANY times along that road I thought to just get out, however, being of my word and finishing what I started became a model for my life. It also has left an unexpectedly positive impression on my children. They carry with them a tangible sense of pride that their mother stayed the course, served in the United States military and helped people.

My most precious gift was reaching and getting to know the woman within; the woman I was to become! Countless hours have been spent evaluating and re-evaluating my character. Refinement is a daily undertaking. The challenge is refreshing and restores my soul. I am constantly on a quest to improve as a human being. Remaining open to the positive forces of the universe allow for such internal change. My desire was and continues to be to grow in all the virtues - love, faith, patience, joy, peace, kindness, grace, integrity, truth, honesty, wisdom, excellence, generosity, service, goodness, humility and the like.
Although, I have grown exponentially since my 2001 journal entry, I am light years away from my enlighten true self. This is a journey that will carry me through to my grave.

I am ok with where I am. No pressure.

Artistic Expressions-Darryl Oates-100214

Enjoy episode five of Artistic Expressions! 
Michelle Thomas interviews Hartford visual artist Darryl Oates.

Artistic Expressions is dedicated to bringing awareness to the vast talent throughout Hartford, CT and its neighboring towns. We are in the beginning stages of producing videos that highlight local artists. If you know an artist who would be a great candidate for an interview on Artistic Expressions please contact us at 860-655-6685 leave a message for Michelle Thomas.
Help us give back to the arts community.

 

Come check out Artistic Expressions on Hartford Public Access Television 

Channel 5 on Saturdays at 4:00 pm!

Remember to always support the Arts and your local artists!
Please subscribe to our YouTube channel so you can receive the latest episodes of Artistic Expressions.  

Artistic Expressions on Hartford Public Access Television - Michelle Thomas

Please Click link!

Artistic Expressions Promo Video-091014

 

Come check out Artistic Expressions on Hartford Public Access Television, channel 5 on Saturdays at 4:00 pm!
Remember to always support the Arts and your local artists!
Please subscribe to our YouTube channel so you can receive the latest episodes of Artistic Expressions. Peace

Why Can't You See Me?

Why Can’t You See Me?

 Sight.

Taken for granted

Taken advantage

Is lost.

Does the brightness of my soul blind you?

Or

Has the predatory nature of pride preyed upon you,

Stalked you out, advanced and devoured your sensibility?

You blindly use words of control and manipulation,

Fumbling in the dark.

Take a journey with me.

There exists a universe,

Where the bright nature of purity drips from lotus pedals.

As I slide down the optic nerve

Into my mind’s eye,

A vision enraptures me.

Clarity is crystal clear.

Sweet surrender is a comfort in the morning,

Wrapping her loving arms around you.

Close your eyes and give in to her.

Love restores sight.

A poem I wrote some years ago....

  

When I Dream...

When I dream...

open wide are my eyes.

The search is over, and the floodgates burst.

The spirit fills us with such incomprehensible peace, 

our bodies soaked with His promises

never again to return to the unknowing.  

We are baptized. 

When I dream...

open wide are my eyes.

Kind are his words, his touch---understanding.

Then the cool night air kisses my cheek,

my pulse pounds through me

unraveling the mysteries of a thousand years past.

We are in love.

When I dream...

open wide are my eyes.

Our families gather as the children play.

The salty ocean air en-wraps us in a magical mist, 

while vows are made before God

lifting our gratitude on the wings of seagulls.

We are married.

When I dream...

open wide are my eyes.

What was once empty is now showered in abundance.

As life grows, tiny limbs explore their world,

our hearts swell with love

unable to contain the electrifying anticipation.

We are pregnant.

I can only imagine what I'll dream

when I close my eyes.

Growing pains...

This evening I had a heart to heart with my 12 year old boy/girl twins about the mind, heart, body and spirit/soul. 

What prompted the conversation was an interaction they were having where they were being slightly disrespectful towards one another. They were in their rooms and I in mine. I'm overhearing the back and forth power play for about 45 minutes.

Then their father called on the phone from work to check on the progress of the evening. Neither one would answer the phone. Instead they argued and demanded the other to get it, to the point where they missed the call altogether.

This scene is not earth shattering. It may even qualify as a "typical" preteen interaction. One that could easily be dismissed as harmless. 

However, something stirred in my spirit where I quickly got up to address them. I started off with an irritated demeanor. I identified the disrespect they displayed for one another and for their father. What started as a simple reprimand turned into a full on discussion about the ingredients that make up the strength of ones character.

I was so struck by the conversation I had to write about it.  My crazed OCD kicked into high gear. I notice within myself, my own folly and passion. On one hand I came at them with irritation and slight anger. I saw  my own fault in how I was talking to them and feared the message would be lost, so I quickly turned to speaking in love and pleading passion. 

We calmly talked about their developing minds, with the ability to assess and form lasting opinions. Reminders came out about the painful growth spurts as toddlers. Growing is painful. Whether physical, mental or spiritual growth, you will feel discomfort. And now in their adolescent bodies a different kind of growing pain exist. The internal struggle with who they are emerging into. The spiritual self is awakening.

As a spiritual being myself, I felt the awesome responsibility of eradicating any HINT of evil in its most subtle form. I tend to go after the slightest sign of pride. It's my arch nemesis!

Pride blinds you. You're no longer able to see clearly when pride is in the way. It prevents goodness from flourishing. Pride is a liar and comes in many deceptive forms. It rears its ugly head as selfishness, stubbornness, indignation, disrespect, anger, entitlement, rudeness, a negative attitude and the like. Pride is a barrier between you and truth, love, honor, respect, kindness, grace, giving, selflessness, joy and peace. In its lowest form it destroys. This is where my passion overtakes me.  At the slightest sign of pride I rush in to nip it in the bud, way before the seed of pride is able to germinate and take root growing into a ginormous flesh eating carnivorous plant! 

I know I can be pretty intense. But even as my words are strong and my gestures pronounced, my spirit is moved to take action and teach my children humility. I want to protect them. By protection I mean, equipping them with tools of evaluation, correction, decision making and the ability to manifest goodness into the world. I want them to be self-sufficient and active participants in their mental, physical and spiritual growth. 

I gently reminded them that home is where it all starts. A safe environment to work out the kinks. A safe haven if you will. A place where the pains of growing can be soothed but a place where mistakes are allowed. This is the testing ground. Who you are to each other in the home, is who you will be to others. I encouraged them to love, respect and honor each other. Having their minds, heart, body and spirit/soul working together as one is the ultimate goal. My desire for them is to become loving, caring, giving, respectful, creative, productive and spiritually minded adults.

They were very receptive. Now I can go back to sleep.

Delicate balance...

The sting of a bee can be excruciating to some and even cause a deathly allergic reaction in others. However, it is a miniscule price to pay when you change your perspective and look at the big picture. This pesky summertime nuisance, known as the honey bee, transfer pollen from plant to plant enabling fertilization so the plants may produce fruit. Food to sustain life.  Let's not forget they produce that yummy sweet substance called honey!

We may have people in our lives whose truth may sting us from time to time.  If the ones doing the stinging are of the honey bee type, then they are far more important to us than the brief discomfort from the pain they cause.  They may have a harmonious symbiotic relationship with us. The fruit that is produced from this relationship may sustain both your lives. So, the next time you are stung, try not to think about the temporary discomfort and instead remember the honey they produce. 

Determined Resolve

It's 2:00 am. This is the creative hour for me. Something in my spirit wouldn't let me sleep.
The stillness combined with the Nag Champa incense lingering in the air creates a quiet peace inside me.  The studio is one of my favorite places to exist.  Here I can enjoy just being.  There's no judgement here.  I am free to create, sit, write, listen, play, dance and sing (yes sing!) all without the criticisms of the world. There is a reason I feel safe here. One, I am surrounded by my favorite creature comforts. My favorite music always permeates the air along with the background trickling of a small water fountain.  Then, there is the peaceful time spent in deep thought and meditation. Its the only place I can manage my over active brain. Some say I am too analytically. No one says that in here.

There is also a deep loyalty here I can't seem to find anywhere else. The world can be a wondrous and awesome place, and yet its hard to find people willing to surrender to one another. We tend to clothe ourselves with our so called "best" self, but in reality it is just a shell, a covering of the true self.

Does giving ourselves to one another mean we give up control of who we are? If we are just being who we are what are we really need to protect? Does deceit or deception protect anything?
Exposing all our innards is true outward protection.
I think there is a paradox in being completely vulnerable.  You somehow become instantly protected from all enemies, foreign and domestic. I don't know why I believe it to be so.  The only thought that comes close to explaining it, is from a well used biblical quote.
John 8:32 "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

For some reason when you clothe yourself with truth, like being purely vulnerable, you somehow are protected from being hurt.  Its as if you can surrender to truth in the face of trial and you somehow are free from harm. I guess it is sort of like someone saying, "It is what it is."  You simply can't change or alter truth so surrendering to it just makes sense. However, most say I'm crazy for such thoughts.  Most like the idea of protection coming from our own minds; Our own inventive deceptive ways of false shelter.
I tend to lean towards the impossible.  I like the odds they pose.  I know I'm a dreamer at heart and an idealist. That is probably why I am never satisfied with my human interactions.  I seem to always seek that pure connection. One without the pseudo-protective semipermeable shell.

I'd imagine that is why I am an artist. I can create that truth in visual form. The process of creation itself is the ultimate vulnerability. I can't hide.  Who I am is exposed thoroughly on canvas, paper or clay. I'm exposed to all sorts of criticism. Art is subjective, so what one person loves another despises for no reason other than the right to dislike. I am able to put it out there simply from my mind to hand to canvas and maintain a determined resolve.  At this level, the truth of every mark I make, every visual expression, every soul exposed concept, every idea transmitted and every piece of artwork shared, I am free.  It is what it is.

Finding Balance

Typically the fall is my favorite season where everything comes together. My mind is strong. My daily workouts are well underway. I'm focused on the direction I wish to take my art.  I'm even more in tuned with my spiritual being. 

2014 seems to hold a different fate for me. I'm finding my mind scattered as if I'm waiting for permission for something unknown. As if I need permission to continue my life. Why? I'm not entirely sure.  I surmise that coming into the fall I have a few areas of life in the air. I wasn't sure how the school year schedule would play out. My kids are transitioning into a new school environment. I'm not able to find an MFA program for this semester which pushes things back about 2 years. 

My personal art is always in a state of limbo, where I honestly have to find the time to create and not feel I'm neglecting my family responsibilities. Yet I'm pulled to the studio because I need to create new work to show in juried shows nationally to prepare my for my eventual journey to Graduate school.

My thoughts are jumbled. I'm in the fight and will continue to pull from the energy of the universe to find balance.

Artistic Expressions - Episode Two - AnneMarie Williams / Jedda

Check out Episode Two of Artistic Expressions! Michelle Thomas interviews long time friend AnneMarie Williams known as Jedda of K La Rue, Educational Arts in Motion "Where learning is an adventure."



The show airs Saturdays at 4:00pm on Hartford Public Access Television channel 5. 
Artistic Expressions is dedicated to informing the public of the community's vast wealth of talent and artistic expression through showcasing artist of all genres! 



Watch the show and show your support of the Arts!
Subscribe to receive future episodes.
Thank you

Year of Silence poem

PHYLLIS HYMAN living all alone

When I was a young woman growing up, I used to enjoy the soulful musical styling of the late Phyllis Hyman. I liked her passionate delivery and could feel emotion in her voice. I could identify with the struggles she sang about and felt connected to her.  She had a very powerful voice. I was introduced to her music at the height of her career. She was not a favorite artist of mine, I just happened to appreciate and enjoy the strength of her music. Her life made a lasting impact on my own when she tragically committed suicide.

My talents are in visual art and not in music. I can't sing my way out of a paper bag! However, music to me is one of the most powerful means of communication. You can move a stone heart to tears with a song, and Phyllis Hyman's voice had that kind of power to me. It is no wonder her untimely death baffled me. At that time I struggled with understanding how someone so beautiful, talented and successful could take their own life.  My belief structure challenges that option as well.

What is different in me today is life experience.  I have seen firsthand the pain humans endure through witnessing a death of a child, lost love, betrayal, slander, physical and mental abuse, being taken for granted and the like.  I connect with the hurting world.  I too have been hurt beyond my borders. I can empathize with a hurting soul. However, suicide is so final. There is no coming back. Internal struggles are intense and obviously for some to painful to endure. Why do some handle these situations with relative ease while others remain tortured souls?

Today I am still painfully affected when I hear about a suicide. Many questions remain unanswered. My main inquiry is if there was anything that could have been done to prevent a suicide?  I have had people tell me they think I am beautiful, talented and show success in my life choices. I have been told I am a strong person, one who has it all together. How one looks at oneself not always lines up with popular opinion. I think about how I looked at Phyllis Hyman with all her positive attributes and yet she was tortured enough to desire to end it all instantly. Tomorrow held no promise or hope for her. The rising sun brought no renewal. She wrote in her suicide note just hours before her scheduled performance at the Apollo Theater, that she was "tired." We never know how someones' internal struggle is destroying them. The outward appearance does not always match the internal. Do we even have vision to detect the subtle difference?

How do we become better stewards in the area of tending to the people around us? Do we ask the right questions? Do we become more involved in people lives? Notice humanity more? Have deeper conversations? All of this swirls around in my head as I wrestle with my own hurts. No one knows to ask me anything. I appear "put together".  There doesn't seem to be a definitive answer to any of these questions. We seem to always fall short when trying to understand how to prevent suicide.

So I fall back and think to myself, the answer for me lies in LOVE. To show love in my walk, no matter how small. The choice is mine to render love in all I do. Even as simple as making the person at Dunkin Donuts laugh at an unexpected joke, to kissing and hugging up on my children showering them with affection and approval. I honestly believe we can change the world through loving acts. I may not know how to get to the person silently and secretly writing their suicide note, but maybe, just maybe my display of outward love to my fellow man will give someone hope for a better tomorrow and influence them to put the pen down.

Learning to Change My Shortcomings

The process of self-discovery and growth never stops. Through trial and error as well as being in the fire, I am learning when my gifts are best used. I'm a good person to turn to when crisis is at hand or ideas are being tossed around. Planning and organizing comes with ease for me. I guess that's a by product of my secret self diagnosis of OCD. However, a common wall I am coming against is when things are in the execution phase. Typically with family and close friends, I take things entirely too personal. I get emotionally affected by the problems and stress of others. It's as if I can feel their pain and I don't want them to struggle. I try to offer a shift in perspective that there is always a remedy to the mind's problems.  I'm continually search for solutions that could possibly be of help.  

I notice however, that when I witness my close friends or family doing things that are not efficient or even things that are potentially harmful, I haven't learned the delicate balance of keeping my mouth shut, and just be a listening ear. I speak passionately and with a very direct tone. It becomes black and white for me in matters of character or when dealing with the spirit of a person. So, to my detriment, I offer my suggestive opinion far to openly, when it is not necessarily wanted. I'm finding what people want most, is to just be listened to and NOT have opinions offered, especially if they are stated in an aggressive tone.

This has been a frequent criticism about me and has been the cause of intense friction with my family and close friends. It doesn't happen with acquaintances because they rarely ask my opinion. I usually don't say what I think if I am not asked for it. I simply listen. So, when my close friends and family are asking me what I think, I say it. It's not always received though, mostly because I can easily get elevated in tone and passion when the other side makes excuses for poor behavior. I understand that my tone is not helpful. The message gets lost entirely. Pure intention means nothing when poise is not maintained.

I am definitely NOT the person you go to if you want a fluffy feel good conversation. If you just want a 'yes person' or have your ego stroked, I am not the one to turn to. However, I realize I can adjust my perspective as well, and tame my passion a bit, so the message is not destroyed! The spirit is willing, but I need better self control and maintain a spirit of grace. Amen.

MSGH "Happy" video

The Power of the Mind!

The objects around me don't change. They stay silent and unmoved. The dim glow from the lamp on my vanity fills the room. The weathered rug with its faded ornate floral pattern shows years of worn down patches.  The cherry finished dresser with scratches, nicks and liquid rings that have worn through the lacquer, sits littered with family photos. The ancient raw cotton, dingy white curtains that were inherited with the purchase of the home, hang lifeless to the floor. Even the now cracked pattern of the original canvas ceiling sags motionless.

None of these objects have life in them.  They are things. The only life associate with them is what I assign. How I view this room at any given moment will change its meaning and affect.  I could view the obvious worn elements of this room as being depressing and negative in nature; old and in need of replacement. Or I could see them as adding to the character and charm of the environment.
What about the overall feeling of the room? I could say this space has the feel of a suffocating prison with walls of confinement. A trap. Its well established setting bores me and I am unable to escape.  Or I could view the same room as a familiar comfortable cozy sanctuary with windows welcoming the promise of the world just within reach.

The room didn't change---only my mind!
What power?! We can create the best perspectives imaginable and our brains will obey and manifest what we tell it.
What is my outlook today? What shall I bring forth into the world today?

'small wonders' Solo Art Show - Opening Reception

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! ...to everyone who came out and showed support at the Opening Reception to my solo art show titled 'small wonders'! It was a lovely evening complete with food and wine. Fun was had by all....smile
The Opening Reception was a huge success and a wonderful event. Many pieces were sold! I am extremely grateful to those of you who purchased a piece of artwork from the show. It is an honor to be an artist to begin with but to be able to share my gift with others and have them appreciate it, is HEAVEN ON EARTH! Thank you for your continued support of my dream.
Until the NEXT show....Peace & Blessings!

Thank you to those who could not make the reception but plan on attending the gallery. The show is up til the end of April. The Canton Gallery on the Green is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Located in Canton, CT straight up Route 44.   

at Canton's Gallery on the Green.

Solo Art Show "small wonders"

Today is the day!!! The Art Opening Reception for my solo show "small wonders". 

Please join me, my family and friends to this wonderful occasion to celebrate this milestone in my career as an artist. 

TODAY - March 22, 2014    6pm to 9 pm.
@ The Canton Gallery in the Green. (Directly down route 44)

I created a group of small pieces to honor and celebrate the beauty of the butterfly. A stimulation display to usher in spring.
In the main downstairs gallery there is a current display of various local High School juried artwork. In the second upstairs gallery there is the artwork of the very talented Ruth Jacobson! 

There will be plenty of art to stimulate the senses...as well as food and wine! smile

It's sure to be a lovely event.

 (all of my work is for sale)

Peace & Blessings,
Michelle Thomas

Artpeace Studio

www.artpeace-studio.com

artpeace-studio.blogspot.com

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."

 -Mahatma Gandhi

"small wonders" Solo Art Exhibit @ The Gallery on the Green in Canton

“small wonders”

Spring is a time of renewal.  Life wakes up from the long hibernation of winter.  Creatures great and small begin to stir.  Flowers bud and begin to fill the air with their sweet aroma.  This show is a celebration of the wonder, diversity and delight in life.  The joy of observation blossoms into understanding of our world.  Planet earth is amazing in all her glory, from the tiny insects to the great beasts that roam.  The butterfly is especially astonishing!

The butterfly, for me, has always represented transformation and renewal.  It is incredible to imagine such a creature that starts out in a slow crawl as a caterpillar then, encases itself in a chrysalis to turn into a chemical soup only to emerge as a beautiful butterfly talking flight flickering about.  The butterfly inspires our imagination.  The butterfly gives us hope that we too can transform and fly.

My process for this show brings together different materials to create a trans-formative layering effect.  I use newspaper, tissue, watercolor paint, acrylic paint, graphite, pastel and ink to create a scaffold effect of moving in and through the elements.  My desire is to have you think about the process of creation, whether in art or in nature.

Please, come join me to investigate and rejoice over one of nature’s amazing small wonders. (artwork is for sale)

Opening Reception: 

March 22, 2014        6pm - 9pm

5 Canton Green Road

Canton, Ct

(wine and light refreshments will be served)

http://www.galleryonthegreen.org/

Opening Reception: 22 March 2014    6pm - 9pm