Today’s practice - making space and making cards. I spent the afternoon cleaning out and rearranging shelves, including finding new homes for some of the supplies I no longer use. This evening I put together a new batch of photo cards featuring #fallcolors and #colorwheels and flowers from #shrinemont In the center is a labyrinth from the recent firing, @k.coneway6 says it’s his favorite clay/glaze combination so far #practice #practicedaily #makingspace #labyrinth #touchstone https://www.instagram.com/p/BqGiTQOh-tq/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1x4q16vr9t2zg

Amazing weekend at #shrinemont with our church family! #GodLovesYou (at Cathedral Shrine of the Transfiguration) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3AC_sHFVcj/?igshid=169eumvjarsj

On the road again This week is the traditional Carnan family vacation in the Shenandoah.  We'll be spending the week at…

This past week I was at a retreat for polymer artists in Shrinemont (Orkney Springs, VA). There are lots of different kinds of retreats out there for creative folks, but they all have one thing in common – getting together with friends to make stuff. The beauty of a retreat is that you have time. Let me say that again. TIME.

Time to make is hard to come by. The needs of the days eat it up and fritter it away. It’s hard to get anything done. So I really enjoyed 5 days of time. Time to create. Time to relax. Time to snack and chat and giggle.

If you are hoping to push yourself into a more creative place, might I suggest finding some event where there is enough time to really get into the swing of creating.

It’s all about time.

it’s time This past week I was at a retreat for polymer artists in Shrinemont (Orkney Springs, VA). There are lots of different kinds of retreats out there for creative folks, but they all have one thing in common - getting together with friends to make stuff.

Last night's dream involved "vampires" (really dolls brought to life to fight shadow monsters in Shrinemont in the last, barely remembered dream segment) who could infect you by locking eyes with you. This led to everyone getting frosted glass and huge curtains to block their windows at dusk/night, though the dog whose POV it was was locked outside one night by accident. There was another segment involving a mental facility of some sort, but I can't remember much beyond the vampires infecting it as the shadows rose in the upper levels.

Three by Rich Renomeron on Flickr.

Making Space for One Another

​A couple of weeks ago, the parish I serve had its annual retreat at Shrine Mont, one of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia’s retreat and conference centers. Members of the parish and I wended our way to Orkney Springs, VA to enjoy mountains, fresh air, good food, and great company while learning more about prayer outside the pew. ​One of my favorite things to do up at Shrine Mont is to walk the labyrinth. It is nestled in a clearing, with lovely tall trees around it and benches upon which pilgrims can rest and reflect. The Shrine Mont labyrinth was modeled after the one at Chartres Cathedral in France, with seven circuits and measuring 45 feet across. It is a means of walking a pilgrimage, allowing for meditation and prayer along the way. Its circular design represents unity and wholeness. I have found it to be a place of great peace and renewal. ​Eager to spend some time in quiet prayer, a parishioner and I began to walk towards the labyrinth, only to see a large group of eighth graders and their chaperones headed that same way. I was ready to bag the idea, but thankfully, my companion said, “Well, how long does it take to walk the labyrinth? We’ll have time.” Thanks to her encouragement, we continued on to the clearing and sat on a bench to await our turn. ​ Sitting and watching these eighth graders make their pilgrimages through the labyrinth ended up being a wonderfully inspiring event. Before entering the labyrinth, the students were invited to walk the pilgrimage in silence, with or without their shoes, and to make physical and spiritual space for the others in and out of the labyrinth. These words seemed clear, but watching them become real through the students’ actions was beautiful. As the students entered the labyrinth, they allowed one another to go at his/her own pace, stepping aside for those moving more quickly, and not crowding those moving more slowly. They exuded reverence for what they were doing and for one another. They made space for one another! As they reached the center, student after student was able to fit into the space, with the group shifting imperceptibly to ensure room for another pilgrim, even when the center seemed to be filled to the bursting point. It was a sacred experience to watch this group make their pilgrimage. ​After most of the group had exited the labyrinth, my companion and I entered for our own pilgrimages. We had been conscious of not wanting to disrupt the group, most of whom did not know us, but they treated us with the same respect they had treated their friends. They made space for the two strangers in their midst, recognizing us as fellow children of God. I walked away profoundly moved by the whole encounter, truly an encounter with the holy. ​I am still processing this journey and carrying its lessons down from the mountain and into everyday life. What happens when we recognize the image of God in one another, whether persons known or unknown? How much better would our lives be if we were able to inhabit our own space while making space for one another? As I saw on the mountain, there is more than enough room if we are willing to share.

Today’s practice - savoring our last day at art camp - a slide show to remind us what a full week it was and s beautiful closing worship surrounded by our art #practice #practicedaily #shrinemontcamps #shrinemont

Great show at Bishop's Jubilee at Shrinemont, Orkney Springs, VA yesterday!!

I just got back from the best week of my life.  I worked at a camp for kids with mild to moderate mental disabilities.  It completely changed my outlook on life.  I feel as though I am a completely different person now.

Savoring the beauty of an early morning at #shrinemont

That’s a wrap - my top 9 of 2018 and a reflection on a year of daily practice making... I’ve enjoyed the challenge and mostly stuck to my plan - challenging myself at times and at others challenging my sense of what “counts” as practice. I’m delighted my top 9 include so many photos with my family as well as color wheels, community art, labyrinths, Shrine Month Camps participatory art adventures and the absolute awe of light and color in nature. I enjoyed new opportunities to show my work and to connect with other makers. #practice #practicedaily #colorwheels #shrinemontcamps #shrinemont #labyrinth #communityart @_r.c.03_ @k.coneway6 https://www.instagram.com/p/BsEvl_phPeH/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=uou2r7hy0e18

Today’s practice - silk screening #shrinemont #shrinemontcamps #practice #practicedaily

Today’s practice - hike to North Mountain...#practice #practicedaily #shrinemont

Today’s practice - walking and looking and listening - love the sound of the water running down the path to North Mountain #shrinemont

This evening’s practice included play with colorful papers ... this morning it was nature photography noticing the distinct colors of the winter landscape on a hike at #shrinemont #colorwheel #trees #practicedaily #practice #makesomethingeveryday2018