Mandala For A New Year, BlackBerry Shots, Golden Valley, Minnesota, January 2011, photo © 2011 by QuoinMonkey. All rights reserved.
A Downy pecks at the suet feeder. Black-eyed peas simmer in a vintage crock-pot in the kitchen. Temperatures hover around zero; it’s 3 degrees and windy. Gifted with unexpected time alone on New Year’s Eve, I wrote in my journal, checked in with the Midwest Writing Group, worked on a mandala, completed the BlackBerry 365 practice, made plans for the New Year. It felt positive to me, this forward thinking.
I am one of those people who mines for specks of gold in old and burly mountains, drags silvery threads of the past forward. Lineage. Writers, artists, photographers. Process. Birth, death, old age. What makes something work? Like The Fool archetype in Tarot, it is with great humility that I embrace the unknown and begin again. Beginner’s Mind. I will miss ybonesy and her free spirited and vibrant creative fire on a daily basis at red Ravine, but I know I have to face forward. It’s one of the things she taught me — take risks. Move into the future. When you collaborate with a person who strikes a balance, one who possesses the qualities you lack, it’s easy to become complacent about that which needs strengthening inside.
I need a strong back, flexible muscles. I will build on the Bones of red Ravine. I have so many dreams I want to pursue; they have not gone away. I will have to be diligent. Courageous. Disciplined. It takes courage for ybonesy to leave to spend more time with her family; it takes courage to stay. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared. There are days when the work of blogging feels like it needs a whole army of writers and artists to move it forward. But I believe in the mission and vision of red Ravine and am excited to steer her in a new direction. The winds may be stiff; I will follow the structure we put into place—teacher, practice, community—and see where red Ravine takes me.
I am forever grateful to Roma who walked up to me in Mabel’s dining room after one of the silent retreats, and asked if I wanted to write together. I would be returning to Minnesota, she to Albuquerque, 1200 miles between us. The Turtle in me had to give it some thought; not for long. The seed for red Ravine had been planted. Now this space is Home, a strong cottonwood by the Mother Ditch, in her adolescent years, still growing. But nothing can thrive without nurturing, play, attention, and time. I have to plan carefully, regroup. Thank you for standing by me.
I am grateful for the 5 years of creative collaboration with ybonesy. She is a strong, gifted woman, a dear friend. I am grateful for a community that keeps coming back. I feel supported. I’ve committed to keeping red Ravine alive through another year. It’s one of my practices. I draw on what Natalie taught me: Continue under all circumstances. Don’t be tossed away. Make positive effort for the good (adding under my breath, Cross your fingers for Good Luck!).
Back to the moment. Time to feed Mr. Stripeypants and Kiev. Liz will be rising soon. We spent part of New Year’s Eve watching Lily and Hope on the NABC 2011 DenCam. They aren’t worried about such things as red Ravine. They are busy being Bears. I focus on my new practices for 2011: (1) a daily Journal entry 365 (2) a BlackBerry collaboration inspired by Lotus (one of our readers) (3) a year-long Renga collaboration. I’ll write more about these practices in coming posts. Happy New Year, ybonesy. Happy New Year to all red Ravine readers. Happy New Year, red Ravine. New Beginnings. The Promise of Spring.
-posted on red Ravine, Saturday, January 1st, 2011
Thank you for your commitment to red Ravine and to your readers. The blog is such a delight. Best wishes for a year filled with joy.
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Kathy, thank you so much. Happy New Year to you, too. I’m happy for what I’ve learned from 2010, happy to cross the threshold into a brand New Year. Best Wishes!
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I’m smashing a bottle of champagne on the red Ravine yacht…the one where I see QuoinMonkey solo at the wheel. Looking forward to the ride. I’m jumping on ship with Natalie, ybonesy, the Midwestern Writers Group, Liz, oliverowl, Roshi, James Baldwin, Flannery O, Hope and Lily, and too many others to name. It’s going to be a good ride around the lake.
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Teri, you make me smile so BIG! I don’t know how I got so lucky, but I have the best writing friends. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your support moving into 2011. And James, Flannery, and Lily, too! I was perusing my bookshelves today and ran across my James Baldwin books. Some of them were gifts from you. Here’s to the creative process as she takes a Wild Ride into the future!
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I have been sitting here mesmerized by your mandala with the WP snow flying past. The contrast of your warm colors with what I think of as cold snow (even in the virtual world) keeps grabbing and holding my attention. I love it.
I also love Teri’s comment about christening the new red Ravine yacht. Bon voyage, QM. May this part of the journey continue to bring you joy, magic, and wonder-filled adventures.
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Robin, thank you so much. I added the oranges and yellows to the background last night. My hands were all smeared with pastels and I felt warm in the cold below zero temps in Minnesota. This one reminds me of a snowflake flying close to the Sun, yet still managing to hold her own pattern and shape. She’s a crystal heart. I enjoy doing the mandalas. They comfort me.
And I wanted to say thanks for your support of red Ravine over the years. It means a lot. I remember when Roma and I were going out every day in the beginning and searching for other like-minded blogs. We put a lot of energy into it then. And ended up with blog friends who are still around and going strong. Over time, we had a division of labor and she ended up being the one that went out to other blogs much more than I did. But I still did read and check in when I could. I hope to find a rhythm with that again.
I really need to do some soul searching about how keep things going solo. I know you know how much work it is. So far, it’s still worth it to me. But I can’t put the kind of time into it I did 5 years ago. I have to find a different way to make it work. We’ll see what happens. I really appreciate your support and belief in me. Thank you!
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QM, a mandala to launch the new year on red Ravine. What a good way to start. Sailing, sailing over the ocean waves on the red Ravine ship.
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Bob, thank you! Happy New Year. Hope it went well on your travels. Here’s to a prosperous and prolific 2011.
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Happy new year, Captain! 8) I love this mandala, the brighter orange and the way it contrasts with the light pink-purples and blue-greens. Reminds me of your color wheel post. Also I love the faded feel, soothing.
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Happy New Year, Roma! Winding down tonight. Off to do my Journal Entry in a few seconds. The Captain of this ship may be a Ghost for a time! Will have to find my ground. And follow the North Star. Land, Ho! Hope your New Year’s weekend is going well. It’s COLD in Minnesota. We stayed inside all day. Will check in with you in a few days for those loose ends. Happy 2011.
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oops! I was in the loo while Teri was christening the yacht, but be assured that I am on board the SS red Ravine, sailing into the future with you and all the creative souls here.
There’s no better captain than you, QM. I’m in no hurry, so take your time in creating a navigating style and pace which suits you. It is a joy and a blessing to travel with you.
Happy New Year, QM, and so many blessings to you for 2011.
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Wow. A lot can happen when you go unplugged from the world for a few weeks. I just returned from a backcountry ski trip in British Columbia (15- 20 degrees below !!! ) and I am finding this news about Roma’s departure. I am still new to this blogging community, but somehow I do feel a little sad about the change. You have both done such beautiful collaborative work together and this will surely be missed by all. And yet, all of these letting go experiences are necessary discliplines for life, especially for creativity, for things to evolve and grow. Happy New Year to everyone and may we all be inspired to let go of what needs to be set free and to be receptive to fresh beginnings, new ideas, friends, seasons.
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Hello QuionMonkey,
I just happened upon this blog whilst googling ‘Marija Gimbutas’ and have to say that I liked it so much, I signed up for a wordpress account 🙂 I feel sad that I won’t get to know ybonesy, she comes across as a ‘real one’…
Looking forward to getting to know you, redRavine and wordpress blogs,
AnnieX
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So glad you found us, annieoakcake. And to have found us through Marija Gimbutas, even better. It reminded me of the research I did when I ran across her work in the February Mandalas of The Great Round on BLISS (LINK). It’s fun to look back!
ybonesy really is a “real one.” She puts herself out there, doesn’t pull any punches. I will miss her terribly on red Ravine. Especially her fire and sense of humor. I still write with her every week and will continue to be in touch. I hope you’ll go back and explore some of her other posts on red Ravine. She put a lot of herself into them. You can also always see her artwork at her Etsy store. Her art is exploding and I know she’ll keep adding to her work over the year. Thanks for stopping by!
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Teresa, I’m so happy you stopped in. I was looking back over Guests posts last night and thought of you. Wondered how you were doing. How was the BC trip? Sounds amazing. I feel sad about the end of my collaboration with ybonesy on red Ravine as well. But I’ve had a little time to process it and am working to move forward. I’m hopeful she will be appearing as a Guest once in a while and I’ll still be in touch with her through our Writing Practice. It’s strange to think about, but when we did this blog together, we were almost connected at the hip every day. It’s an intimacy that’s hard to explain to people who have not collaborated before or kept a blog up for as long as we have. I think she will always be a part of my creative life. Welcome back! And I’m glad to hear you will keep checking into red Ravine as I try to navigate into the New Year.
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lol breathepeace, you are funny! I really appreciate your comment and your support. I woke up at 3:30am last night feeling a little overwhelmed and wondering, am I doing the right thing? Of course, there was a lot of the rest of life thrown into that worry. Not just about red Ravine. I’m heartened by the supportive comments about keeping her afloat in 2011. And thanks for permission to take my time; it might be the only way I know! As I’m thinking about it, I am realizing I have to be more strategic about posting, get my practice posts up early in the year, then figure out a way to sustain with shorter posts along the way. Already have one Guest post and a possible second. So that will help, too. Glad you are on the journey!
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QM, hope you were able to get back to sleep after waking up in the wee hours. I know in my heart that you are doing the right thing. I honestly feel like this blog is just now taking off, that it has so much depth and substance, and it would have been truly sad (and I would have regretted it very much) if it was closing down on account of my leaving. I suppose it’s selfish of me to be thankful that you are carrying it on–but I am thankful. I believe you (and all of us) will reap many rewards from your keeping it going.
And thank you for the kind words about my art and in general, QM. This blog has inspired so many of us to take our writing and art to new levels. It’s powerful stuff when you stop and reflect on it.
And nice to meet you, annieoakcake. Will you be opening up a WordPress blog? WP.com has some pluses. It’s amazing to see the explosion of blogs on WP.com.
teresa, you have been a kindred spirit out here in bloglandia. I look forward to continuing to see you on red Ravine and watching your blog continue to grow.
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I’m glad you are continuing the blog! It’s a favorite of mine. I wonder if you and ybonsey could make a book of all your posts together. There’s software for that now.
Anyway, I will continue to stop by here for inspiration, motivation, and delight.
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Christine, thank you so much. I like your idea of making a book from our posts. What’s the software called? I had not heard of it. Will have to research a bit. It’s an exciting prospect. I am glad you will continue to visit. I love the micro poetry you’ve posted on your blog the last few days. Are you planning to do it for a whole year? I’m writing a Journal entry as one of my new practices this year. I hope my short writings have the opportunity to lean to the elegance that your poetry has.
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Dear QM, Remember the lyrics, (I’m paraphrasing here,) “No one gave nothing to the tin man that he didn’t already have…”
You have what it takes, girl! The Courage, strength, humility, heart, intelligence, creativity…and I KNOW you will be successful! And just look at all the friends that are with you and be assured that we are all “there” for you, right where you are, we will carry you on our collective shoulders and never let you down!
Love,
“mama”oliverowl
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Hello QM, the ‘February Mandalas of The Great Round on BLISS’ was, in fact, the exact blog my ‘Marija google’ took me 🙂 I’m not an artist or a writer but I felt a certain kinship in the warmth of colour and design of your lovely mandalas. It was probably just coincidence, when I went to your most recent blog, that you had just uploaded ‘New Beginnings: Mandala for a New Year’ (beautifully poignant btw). And it was probably just coincidence, whilst reading it, my husband just happened to mention that our favourite wildlife photographer, Gordon Buchanan, had been filming a 3 part documentary called, ‘The Bear Family and Me’ about a first time mother, Lily and her struggle to raise her cub, Hope (I watched the first part last night on BBC 2 – WONDERFUL!). I found myself comparing them with what you had written about red Ravine… ‘nothing can thrive without nurturing, play, attention and time’. I’m certain that both Hope and red Ravine will do just fine.
After a few more little ‘coincidences’, I just KNEW that this was a place I’d like to hang out – thank you Marija and her Mother Goddess and thank YOU, QM 🙂
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Hello ybonesy, thank you for your warm welcome. As I was telling QM, I don’t really consider myself a writer. I did start a blog at blogger.com in November, but it was really just to let off steam at some insensitive remarks made by our British prime minister (although, I have to point out, I’m not at all political!). Anyway, it led me to red Ravine in a crazy, round about way… so, I should be grateful 🙂 I’m just going to take my time finding my way around and, hopefully, participate in the writing practices.
Btw, I really like your Art, very FUNKY and HIP 🙂
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annieoakcake, thank you so much. And I have to tell you, I can’t believe the coincidence about Lily & Hope! I read your comment to Liz this morning and she told me that the documentary was airing in the UK and lots of people were commenting on it on Lily & Hope’s Facebook page! Liz and I went to Ely, Minnesota last summer for the LilyPad Picnic and the BBC was there doing a few interviews. We will be returning this July for LilyPad 2. Maybe you can cross the pond for it!
I’ve got the link to the new webcam posted in the comments on the Lily and Hope post on the sidebar. You’ve got to start watching live! If Lily is going to have her cubs, it will be in January sometime. I need to get a new Lily & Hope post up before then. We’ve met some great people through Lily, all virtual connections. In fact, we’re having dinner with one of them this Friday. Totally met through Lily and Hope connections. It’s amazing, really. I guess it’s kind of like meeting you on red Ravine, and our other friends we’ve met in this virtual space. What a wonder. You made my day, annieoakcake. Thanks for your kind words. 8)
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mama oliverowl, yes! I do remember those lyrics. The group America, I think. Very wise. You are so sweet to write that comment. I am amazed at the support that has poured out from readers of this space that ybonesy and I created together. It’s heartening to know they are sticking with me as I try to go it alone here. Tonight I am tired, but also excited for what is to come. I think things will settle down a bit eventually and I’ll find my groove. You are the best and I send much love. Hi from Kiev, Mr. Stripeypants, and Lizzie!
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It’s amazing how you and yb both rub off on me, particularly in our creative spirits or maybe it just so happens that the stars are aligned in such a way that we are both feeling/doing the same thing every so once in a while. This is such a lovely post–a tribute to yb and moving forward. There are no words to describe it! 8) You are both phenomenal and dedicated women…
Anyway, back to what I was saying about creative spirits. I was rolling over your BB photo in my mind thinking about how to respond to it (our BB Collaboration) when a couple of days before you emailed me your photo, a mandala has lured me to it. I can’t remember the last time I colored in a mandala, but it has been a while. It made me chuckle to see that you too have completed a mandala for the new year. So, I figured I might as well combine my sunburst mandala with my response to your photo. 🙂 It was an eye-opener finishing this collage!
http://alotus-poetry.livejournal.com/99482.html
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[…] Comments « New Beginnings: Mandala For A New Year […]
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Lotus, thank you. I like your sunburst mandala, a fun response to the Jump-Off photo. I bet you had a great time doing it. Collages are so much fun! I like doing treasure map collages — they always come true for me.
So next Monday, you will post the BlackBerry Jump-Off photo on your Flickr account? I’m having a hard time stopping taking my daily BlackBerry photo. I don’t feel the pressure of BlackBerry 365 that I felt last year. So I just snap off a few photos every day still.
I may respond to your next BlackBerry Jump-Off with another BlackBerry photo. Will see what the mood is that hits me.
I wanted to mention a tip about the BlackBerry 365 — even if you can’t get online and post your photo that day, take it anyway. In fact, take about 5 photos a day if you can. Just snap them off. You can post them later. I found if I didn’t snap the photos when the moment struck, I later regretted it.
I’m doing a Journal 365 practice now and actually finding it easier than the BlackBerry 365. You don’t have all the pressure of posting the photos, or the mechanics of taking the photo, uploading, etc. A simple pen and paper. I’m learning a lot. It’s fun!
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Yes, QM, it was a magical coincidence 🙂 I’m just about to catch up on part 3 on BBC iplayer. In part 2, Lily got all hormonal and swannied off in search of a tall, dark, handsome stranger… which probably acounts for the new pregnancy that you mention (we’re a bit behind back here in Scotland!) I can’t wait to catch up with both Lily and Hope on the red Ravine web cam – I’ve got Lily and Hope on the brain! Even my first attempt at a tanka was inspired by them 🙂
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Dear QM,
Sorry, I’ve been away a bit, getting through the holidays without our Annie girls has been tough some days, but my girls and husband are a strong bunch. I can’t let them down by being too upset…I just checked in to see your beautiful New Year mandala. You know, my Annie used to draw them! Or color them in. She loved coloring, even at 24. I would buy her books of patterns when I learned how they could be healing. Unfortunately, not strong enough to heal her tortured mind, but I like to think for a short time, she was at peace whenever she worked on one.
I, too, am sadded to hear your partner is leaving. If there’s any way I can help, fledgeling that I am, I’d love to try. Take care to Ybonesy, too. (Darn, I was too late to get the own pendant–smiles. My 17-year-old seems very interested inthem. We have good friends in Albuquerque. Don’t forget to look for Annie’s picture in in chapel at Chimayo.
Wow, now must get to work learning about all these japanese poems!
Linda
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Ah, Linda. That is such a touching comment. I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine how hard it is to move through different milestones around the loss of Annie. It sounds like you and your family find solace in each other. I hope that Annie did find some peace with the mandalas.
Yes, lots of changes on red Ravine. Thank you for your offer and I am happy to see you here. It is sad about ybonesy leaving, but I think we’ve both nearly made our peace with it. Though we are still wrapping up some loose ends from our partnership. Almost done! I’m trying to adjust to running red Ravine solo and haven’t quite caught up yet. I’m working on wrapping up the technical details with ybonesy and finding my own rhythm with posting. I think it may take me through January to hit my stride. I hope the readers bear with me! BTW, you can still visit ybonesy’s online store to purchase her art (the link is on the sidebar).
Oh, I meant to mention, I love Chimayo. I’ve visited there a few times when I’ve been in New Mexico, an amazing place. Next time I am there, I will look for Annie’s picture. Wonderful that she is there. A place you can visualize her that may also bring some peace. Thanks for stopping by, Linda.
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annieoakcake, exciting news! We had dinner with one of our Minnesota Bearhead friends last night and she told us someone had sent her the links to the three BBC episodes of Lily & Hope! We got the email this morning and Liz and I plan to watch the BBC films this weekend (as background for others, posting the link to the post: MN Black Bear Den Cam: Will Lily Have Cubs? (LINK)). Can’t wait to watch! BTW, I did notice that your tanka was inspired by Lily & Hope. That was so great!
I can’t believe you’re in Scotland. It’s a place I’ve always wanted to visit. Maybe I will see you there some day. In the meantime, we’ll meet once and a while on red Ravine.
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That’s great, QM! I’m sure you and Liz will enjoy it very much. Gordon Buchanan’s a realy nice bloke. I’ve watched documentaries where he’s filmed extremely rare snow leopards to Glasgow city foxes. I have to say, ‘The Bear Family and Me’ is now my all time favourite 🙂
Unfortuately, I’m absolutely pants at anything to do with computers… I’m glad someone was able to forward you the link.
If you ever make it to Scotland, please look me up – we’d have such a great time (I can tell 🙂
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Dear Linda,
I just wanted to let you know how your comment to QM deeply moved me. I have a daughter who has just turned 25 and, in my worst nightmare, I couldn’t imagine my life without her – my heart goes out to you for the loss of your Annie.
In Scotland, we have what we call a ‘clootie tree’. This is where we tie a ribbon or piece of cloth (clootie) to a sacred tree and say a prayer to enable healing/peace in a friend/relatives life. I will be visiting one at the end of the month and would be honered if you allowed me to tie one for you and your family.
From an old Annie to a young Annie’s mum
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annieoakcake, Liz and I still have to watch Part 2 & 3 of The Bear Family & Me. I have to tell you though, we both cried all over again in the documentary during the time when Hope was lost as a cub. I remember it well when it was happening LIVE. Gutwrenching. I guess we have no idea what’s going to happen this year with Lily & Hope sharing a den. But we just watched the Live Lily & Hope DenCam yesterday when they went to clear the lens, and it looks like Lily is pregnant again. It’s going to be an interesting few weeks! Will look you up when I get to Scotland. It may be a few years!
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Gutwrenching is THE word! Fortunately, I had gathered from red Ravine that wee Hope did, indeed, survive – else I’d have spent the whole time watching from behind the sofa! I won’t give away too much, but I have no doubt that Lily and Hope will change many peoples perceptions of black bears.
Can’t wait to one day greeting you in person 🙂
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Hi Linda. Just wanted to say thanks, too, for your kind words. And that I will keep my eye out for your daughter’s picture on my next visit to Chimayo.
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Thank you all so very much. Oh yes, Annieoakcake–I’d be honored to have a ribbon tied for our Annie. How perfect, too. When she was a baby, she had so little hair (and yet ended up with the most!) I constantly tied ribbons on her little head…so of course, Mickey and Minnie Mouse were her favorite ‘people.’ Her sisters and I wore headbands with bows on them at her service…I think she got a kick out of that. Thank you so much.
I just found out that my oldest is expecting a child about the time of Annie’s 26th, or would have been, birthday in September. I guess the circle does continue.
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Oh, Linda, that’s fantastic news! A little baby brings so much joy, and close to your Annie’s birthday too – congratulations to you all 🙂
I was supposed to go to Samye Ling (where the clootie tree is) at the end of January, but my husband couldn’t manage and we had put it off until this weekend. It’s such a beautiful place.
I will tie the prettiest Minnie Mouse ribbon I can find; I’ll even take a picture 🙂
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[…] December, January awaits. I look forward to the New Year. In setting goals for 2012, I can’t help but think of the things I will leave to 2011. I […]
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