The following original drawings were created for the Musical Stories which were published as our fifth collection in 2006 under the title of “The Way to Love.” We’ve included a brief description of  what each drawing means to us related to that part of our journey. Just one glance and the memories come flooding back. Simply click on the drawing to go directly to the original story and lyrics along with other related links.

Back to the Portal – Where I Need to be                                         Forward to the Portal – Settle Down

This drawing is about conversation. Love takes on many forms ranging from romantic to agape love. The one thing they all have in common is conversation whether explicit, whispered or offered in silent prayer. And of course, quality conversation and relationships take time. This drawing is perhaps the simplest and sweetest of all—whispering in the ear of someone you love. For us, that is one of the most beautiful ways to express love.

 

This drawing is about weaving a tapestry. We’re using weaving as a way to represent the coming together of a variety of gifts. Every day, we each make offerings of our talents. Those offers come in all shapes and sizes, but the one thing they all have in common is that they are given from the heart—creating something truly beautiful and lasting.

 

This drawing is about our individual environments. The Iris is a perfect example of how critical our surroundings are in order to grow-up and be our most beautiful, healthy selves. The Iris must have full sun or it whithers and dies, and so we too need our own special context. Knowing what we need as unique individuals must be a top priority.

 

This drawing is about finding inner peace. Of course, the pathway is different for all of us, but we wanted to create imagery, lyrics and music that would evoke memories of a special place where we always feel safe, loved and deeply satisfied. That physical metaphor becomes a map of our interior where only we can go alone. The “Cottage.” Our Souls have the keys.

 

 

This drawing is about communion. We were fortunate to be invited into a “moon ceremony”each month which took place on the sponsors land with about 20 others, all gathered around a warm center fire. The ritual was ancient and was one of the most open, caring experiences we’ve ever had. We called it our “circle of trust,” which became an essential element in our journey. Sharing intimate thoughts and feelings in a trusting relationships is the bedrock of communion.

 

This drawing is about the heart of the matter. As midwesterners we consider ourselves children of the Heartland. This image for us says it all: beautiful and practical barns, serious farming to feed the world, flat, expansive properties, open and transparent as far as one can see, and friendliness that comes straight from the heart. These qualities are familiar and sensed by all, no matter where you come from, as part of our broader heritage.

 

This story is about being self-centered.  Some of us are better at relationships than others, yet still try to improve. Others remain focused on themselves and mostly value others for what they can do to increase their own success. Both approaches work depending on what you want. However, if relationships matter they become impossible if your answer’s always “mine.”

 

This drawing is about living in the past. Sometimes we can miss today because we’re drawn by powerful memories to what we imagine to be better. Whether glory days or longings for the way things were, we become tearful and can’t even name what’s making us cry.

 

This story is about becoming the observer of myself. The personality that I construct is not real, but rather an illusion of the mind. The mind has a vested interest in keeping that illusion in tact and will fight for survival. When I tap into the intuitive wisdom of my body, I gain objectivity and can truly see myself, becoming the “eye witness,” or you might say . . .  “I witness.”

 

This drawing is about the mystery of nature. It’s possible to go into a trance state using nature as the vehicle. All boundaries fall away and I am transported to a place where: The horizon becomes a slow burning fuse; clouds morph into angel hair plucked by nimble unseen fingers; dusk both obscures and reveals; historic figures become real; and the hills and valley sigh, exhaling a moist heavy breath—at winter’ end. Pure magic.

 

This drawing is about leaving a legacy. We aren’t talking about wealth, names on buildings or anything seen or known in the external world. Sacred legacy is very different than that, living forever in the hearts of ordinary people, passed down quietly in words and deeds through countless generations. This legacy shows-up sparingly with a gentle touch, a caring glance, a sincere smile, a kind gesture. This legacy needs not to be seen, but rather, only to be felt deeply.

Back to the Portal – Where I Need to be                                         Forward to the Portal – Settle Down