Goddess of Compassion.

I recently took part in an ATC swap, topic was goddesses of compassion. there are a lot of goddessess out there with beautiful depictions in books and works of art and in relation to a number of religious beliefs. I think all women of all shapes, sizes and ages ( I've been most of them) are goddesses. I wanted to create works which are my interpretation of the topic and which describe the woman I am and have been, the women I know and have known and the multitude of women I will never have the pleasure of meeting but who are also goddesses, so, here they are, hope you like them.

This is the youthful goddess of compassion. she wants to care and often does but she is young and hasn't yet had the life experiences which broaden and hone the caring skills we women have so sucessfully been taught ( whether we like it or not). never mind she'll soon learn in the school of real life and hopefully there will be kindnesses shown to her that she can reflect back to others who need compassionate support.

This is the maturing goddess of compassion. She is has more knowledge of life and has learned from the joyful and the sad experiences she has had to deal with. This goddess knows we learn best from our own experiences so she offers care and support without the need for anything in return. She  cheers on sucess and comforts loss. She is stronger in her self and does not need others to be as she demands but can accept others for who they are even if their path is not her own.





This is the celestial goddess of compassion. The spiritual part of our psyche which responds with compassion to the needs or pain of others. This goddess supports all who need spiritual guidance whatever that may be. She weeps with the others' pain and rejoices in their joy. She guides those who seek her to look inwards to find the strength, peace and self-love which lead to inner peace and quiet.

This is the earth mother goddess of compassion. This is the woman who has learned compassion over many years of living herself. She is not fooled into believing that compassion means giving without thought or bending to the demands of others. this goddess cares as a mother and at times can offer tough love, she knows 'giving all' is not always in the best interests of giver or given. She looks forward to see the needs of all and works towards the best possible outcome for the whole.

This goddess of compassion is 'all women', she is in the world and of the world. She loves and laughs and is at home and comfortable in her own body - whatever that is - she is the heart of the world and she turns no-one away but she is is also aware that in order to care for others she has to make sure she first and foremost cares for herself.

Hmmmmmm, maybe I should look at man as a 'god'!!!

celebrating the larger lady.

I know so many women who struggle with their weight, me included. Age doesn'thelp, if anything the pounds creep on more easily. But larger women are still beautiful. a woman said to me today - we should be grateful we got to this age at all - and - I wear my weight with pride, it took a long time to get to this weight. It takes all sorts big and small, fat and lean - all are beautiful and so, to celebrate the larger lady here are three ATCs dedicated to all we larger women.

                                                                 Ruby

                                                               Sally

and Rose

Drawn and coloured with polychromos pencils.

 

Starting on the Road - first foot.

Just retired from work offically, still do a bit to keep my mind alive (and bring in some money, he,he). this is the time in life I wanted to do the things I have looked forward to doing at leisure, but, can I get the time NO!
So tomorrow I start on the road to my new life - what is it?
well, art and crafts of course - developing my artistist side ( a bit more) and the spiritual - especially mindfulness meditation. 
So to get started, here's something I did recently - a pencil drawing of my daughter when she was a child.

this weekend I was in Londonderry for the opening of the Peace bridge, bringing communities together, hope it lives up to its name. Maybe I should get involved in community work now I have time - but I guess that's how I end up never having time to do the things I love to do - vicious circle (lol).

Will keep you informed.