Through the Looking Glass -mjfontaine-

Moving Home! Bye Bye Blogger

2009-10-26T07:44:00.000-07:00

Its a new day and a new dawn .... and I am closing this blog because I have moved to
Wordpress my new home is ~http://creativehealinggoddess.wordpress.com/~

To new adventures....

Healing, Love and Fun Music Fridays ~Podcast on Cycles~

2009-10-16T08:39:00.000-07:00

Gabcast! The Creative Healing Goddess #4

Healing Fun and Love music Friday's

2009-09-25T09:50:00.001-07:00

The B52's - Love Shack

WeeK One

2009-09-25T09:23:00.000-07:00

DOING NOTHING ....

NO COMPUTER ..

SO ALOT OF REFLECTION ...

feeling very challenged....

Healing, Fun and Love Music Fridays -The Next Chapter -The Joy Diet

2009-09-18T06:45:00.000-07:00

The Captain & Tenille "LOVE WILL KEEP US TOGETHER"

I am posting from another computer but I thought i will still post this "back in time video" after computer crashes and setbacks I am doing nothing in the spirit of the Next Chapter's Week one Joy Diet's topic .....

Doing nothing .....

This week I have launched my online Creative course and I need the support so doing this work will be good. I recently completed the Foundation in the Healing Tao this practice really helps me focus however it is not doing nothing....so actually doing nothing will be a challenge.

Till next friday .....

Healing, Fun and Love Music Fridays

2009-09-11T14:14:00.001-07:00

Talking Heads - Once In A Lifetime a classic.

As I post this an advert came on the Tranc Box for a book -called Once in a Lifetime.....

My Fabulous Summer

2009-09-10T14:00:00.000-07:00

Autumn is here but here are pics from a couple of outdoor events..

This monday 14th September I will be launching my Creative Healing online coaching courses click here for more info its gonna be fun..

To support myself I will be joining Jamie Ridler & Co over at The Next Chapter-Joy Diet book group. I will be participating in the book group for a few weeks. The first week will be a challenge because I have to do nothing .... umm this will be fun.

I have a new camera (a gift from my sister ) so I will be able to post video's and pictures which should be fun.

Healing, Fun and Love Music Fridays -Full Moon Dreamers

2009-09-04T15:18:00.001-07:00

Full moon meditation (Invitation Message from Anita Nuss)

This is meditation is for my Full moon Dreamers over at Moon Mama J amie Ridler's Moon Full Moon circle.

Here is a meditation that I am dedicating to the new open hearted and sharing Autumn that we are now moving towards.

I focus of letting go of angst and welcome gratitude as I lay back and gather my harvest.

In Taoism the Autumn is related to the Spleen area and this is related to assimilation and the pause before the next phase of activity. So I give thanks for all that has been before this slowing down and gathering period.

The Creative Healing Life Coaching Course

2009-09-01T06:14:00.000-07:00

New Creative Healing Life Coaching Course

*Courses start 14 September*

In this course we will be covering the following topics

Your Starting Point

Your Aims and Your Goals

Your Strengths and weaknesses

Your Inherent gifts

The allies and resources you need to reach your goals.

Your values.

You will also learn;

How to tap into creative and spiritual practices.

How to develop an authentic relationship with yourself.

At the end of the Course you will have an opportunity to submit your artwork to the Creative Healing online Gallery.

You will also have access to free pod casts created by me on insights of creativity and healing.

For more information Click Here

Healing, Fun and Love music Fridays -Esperanza Spalding at the White House honoring Stevie Wonder.

2009-08-28T13:30:00.001-07:00

I posted Esperanza last week but it appears to have disappeared from my blog.

Anyway here is another gem from the multi talented and grounded Singer/Bass playing genius.

Have a great weekend!

New Moon Circle.

2009-08-20T03:09:00.000-07:00

I AM ENERGY CREATION, MOVEMENT AND PASSION.

MY SACRED FIRE IS THE SEAT OF MY SOUL'S EMPOWERMENT
THE FIRE ENERGY OF DEATH AND REBIRTH
IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF MY NATURE.

I AM CREATIVITY, RENEWAL AND ENERGY IN MOTION
I AM LIFE.
© COPYRIGHT MJFONTAINE

Fire Goddess Card from the Goddess Series
from my etsy store

I am now setting my intentions on the New Moon as opposed to the Full Moon. So I have absconded over to the Artful Life Moon Circle for new intentions but being a loyal Lioness I will still continue to post Full Moon getting rid of 'intentions' with the Full Moon Mama Jamie and her Dreamers from time to time.

I'm a Leo and this is my moon ..... (typical Leo style) .so I am gonna use this time to be very fiery and creative in my ritual of intentions today, and tap into my solar energy.

This New Moon be creative (fire/leo) when setting your intentions or creating your Newl moon ritual. Farmers plant specific seeds during the phases of the moon what-is-lunar-planting/ so seed your own specific goals,intentions, and dreams today. Focusing on what you wish to manifest in your life as opposed to what you don't want in your life.

This site has a full break down of this new moon, and rituals or exercises that you can do during this time.
www.astrowisdom.com/thisnewmoon
I would also like to share a moon salutation if you wish to get physical.
www.yinyoga.com

My intention for the New moon is;

Renewal of Health- after a 3 day cleanse
More play and rest into my life
A Book publishing deal
Travel- holiday or break.

What are your intentions?

Healing, Fun and Love Music Fridays.

2009-08-14T05:12:00.001-07:00

Maxwell "Pretty Wings" (Official music Video) [[NEW song 2009]]

During my yoga practice I was feeling a little angry which really confused me (most of the time yoga gives me a blissful feeling).

Before my morning practice I was feeling great after a 3 day apple cleanse and detox . As the feeling came up during my practice I became the witness and worked through the postures as the emotions came and went in a flutter like fashion. I concluded that the emotion was a release from restriction of writing my book and my courses. The past few months have been pretty hectic and I have been pretty grown up with my actions and now its time to play and rest.

So before I make a list of how to fix this mood /feeling or naval gaze on a mountain ... I shall just let go and polish my wings for a while and not take life so seriously..it's the weekend and time to be dreamy , relaxed and have to have fun.

Have a great weekend...

Wishcasting Wednesday with Osho..

2009-08-12T14:54:00.001-07:00

I decided to participate in Wishcasting Wednesday hosted by moon mama Jamie where she asks us, "What door do you wish to open?"

Well I wish to open the door to possibility and movement.

OSHO: Don't Use this Planet Like a Waiting Room

Time

Has always been something I struggle with.
Running here, running there...over committing myself to tasks that eventually overwhelm me..

But lately I have stopped ...because I can't do it all , and actually I don't want to do it at all .

Right now I am an concerned with being in the Moment, enjoying life and cooking lovely wholesome food. I have also been creating lovely things that doesn't need to be seen or sold either, as the process of creating is really healing for me after giving out so much as a Coach and teacher, even if I enjoy my job.

So my Wish is to live in the moment and to dance through my life as much as possible....and have fun... after all this life is not is not a 'rehearsal' and the planet is not a waiting room.

And so it is....

Healing, Fun, and Love Music Fridays

2009-08-07T17:36:00.001-07:00

Healing, Fun, and Love Music Fridays

In a series of muscial video's posted mostly on Fridays , where I introduce a great song by Les Nubians, 'Makeda' an instant mood lifter..

The Creative Healing Playshops

2009-08-07T09:40:00.000-07:00

Mjfontaine Presents

The Creative Healing Playshops
*inconjuction with the Creative Healing Playbook.

Creative Healing Playshop 1

This 2 hour playshop includes:-

*Introduction to the Creative Healing Playbook and an overview of the exercises.
*How to create your own positive statements and goals.
*How to live creatively, and develop your own spiritual practice.

Play

Participants will be creating their own affirmation cards to assist them with their goals , 'jazz' 'zen' or 'pimp' your very own affirmations. (all materials are included)

Cost of Playshop

£10 per participant which is redeemable on a purchase of the Creative Healing Play/Workbook.

Dates: September – February 2009
Venues *TBC

If you would like to book this service for you or your organisation please contact Marilyn for more information at info@mjfontaine.co.uk with the word ‘Playshop’ in the subject line.

Creative Healing

Playshop 2

Play and Pamper

This 4 hour playshop includes:-

* Introduction to the Creative Healing Playbook and an overview of the exercises.
* How to create your own positive statements and goals.
* How to live creatively, and develop your own spiritual practice.

Play

Participants will be creating their own affirmation cards (all materials are included).

Pamper

Participants will be able to enjoy a mini Facial, Manicure and Henna body art during this session.

Cost of Playshop

£60 per participant (with a minimum of 6 people) which includes;

* A redeemable £10 voucher on the purchase of the Creative Healing
Workbook.

* A Free coaching session when you book any of the Creative Healing Courses (this offer is only open to people who book the play and pamper sessions).

To book this service please contact Marilyn at info@mjfontaine.co.uk with the word ‘Playshop’ in the subject line.

Dates: September 5th, 19th, 26th 2009 Venue London*TBC

**Registration and payment section coming soon***

New Moon Dreamboard ~letting go Full Moon..

2009-08-06T16:20:00.000-07:00

Intuition lead me to look at the intentions placed around the full moon.. Change has been on my mind constantly as I wind down from a very rollercoaster year. I really want to change some area's in my life so I have decided to work with releasing during the full moon and manifesting during the new moon, in true moon ritual tradition. Therefore I will not be posting my dream boards during the full moon (until there is change :-)) but I will be checking in with every bodies manifestations.

Releasing within the fire

I did a ritual for this potent full moon in Aquarius which is in my opposite sign (Leo) and worked on the things I wanted to let go ..
In line with this moon falling within a fire month I did a fire ceremony. burning phrases and things that represented all the things that I no longer wished for in my life..

Before the ceremony I was feeling very low in spirit and mood so having a cleansing bath was like a purging of negativity and stress that had been in my energy field. I felt much more clearer after the releasing, and realised how much I needed to focus on letting go
during a strong full and pregnant moon.

Now I can look forward to creating my dreamboard during the New moon.

Be Blessed.

Wrecking (not) my Journal

2009-07-31T12:47:00.000-07:00

It's been a very challenging time for me Wrecking my Journal.

I haven't kept up with posting and kinda stopped wrecking the journal...
Life got busy, far too busy and the reason that I spent so much time working hard was so that I could have the summer off or at least a good few weeks and finally finish my Creative Healing workbook.

So unfortunately my book club 'postings ' for Jamie's Wreck this Journal suffered...
Now I vow to never let my creative space/time suffer, as creativity is balance in a busy life.

Anyway back to the book...

At first I was excited as I wrote my name especially faintly

I didn't mind the burning, tearing, poking holes, drawing fat and thin lines, coloring, ripping, scratching, crumpling , chewing and circling in the book.

However I felt really uncomfortable with the book's exercise that called for dripping food on it .....my book then disappeared.....

The book promptly returned along with my NLP buddy Viv who was going to do something destructive to the book. Viv also felt bad destroying " a good book" however she decided to pour her food and (some quality red wine) on my book and write her goals on my book to de clutter her house (not bad) but food I preferred the fire cracker!!!!!

Destruction in progress

So after the food pouring episode I have resumed play, and even if I am a bit late at the finish line I shall enjoy the next few weeks destroying this book along with the other things in my life such as activities that take me away from my playtime.

In the meantime I look forward to reading your blogs, watching videos and listening to your words on your process.

And once again thank you Jamie.

Rest In Peace The King 1958 -2009

2009-07-07T16:53:00.001-07:00

I'll Be There Acapella..
To the greatest showman/boy to grace this planet...
Grew up too soon and gone to soon..
My heARt goes out to your family.....

blessed be...

Dreamboard- Full Buck Moon

2009-07-07T16:20:00.000-07:00

Just a little blurry....

The Farmers Almac stats that a Buck Moon brings Thunder Storms, and today we had a magnificent Thunder storm which was around the same time Micheal Jackson's memorial started.

Please see my other posting on this...

Anyway my full moon dreamboard for Jamie Ridler's Dreamboard circle is about calm, balance inspiration (MJ) and being happy in the process. So I focus on calm, hence the Budda and the goddess in this collage.

I am not a Buddhist, but I enjoy the concept of contemplation and meditation, which brings me back to my center.

I also wish for continuation of abundance, and healthy living.

The pink blank space is empty as I feel a need to let go of constantly planing my every move even though I am securing work for the autumn/fall ...I feel that I need to let go of the outcome. So my focus is maintaining balance with inspiration....

As so it is....

A Supernova has joined the heavens. RIP Micheal Jackson.

2009-06-28T06:47:00.001-07:00

We have lost one of the most influential Supernovas that ever existed. This video has so much meaning and metaphysical information.
Rest in Peace Micheal Jackson.

The Next Chapter ~Wreck This Journal~Week One and Two

2009-06-11T16:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the New Home of my 'Next Chapter' blog home
I have decided to place this phase of the book group for 'Wreck this Journal' on this blog as its time to scale down, it also felt right...

Unlike the idea of Wrecking a Journal ....
When Book group creatrix Jamie Ridler notified us that we were going to be working with this book I was excited. However when the book came I just stared at it perplexed, telling myself 'this was not going to be fun anymore' lol. So I put the book down for a few days, anyway after poking holes and scribbling in my book I realised that

a) I didn't have to cook a meal so that I could spill rub it in my food (that will come)
b) I didn't have to climb the tree that houses the Magpie family just so I could drop the book from a great height.
c) I didn't have to worry about 'the right way' to wreck the journal just enjoy the process....

At first I worried about how much wrecking to do etc etc but then I checked out Jamie's post and she said that we its best to pace ourselves as this group gos on till July very true ..... even destruction has its own time.

Also after reading blogs about firecrackers and friends stealing the journal I feel that its time to enjoy my self with the journal and not take it so seriously.

Normally I am very controlled with my entries, but the influence 'outside the box' nature of this book saw me post week 1 and week 2 together, yes I am just enjoying the process of wrecking my journal...

p.s the book has disappeared and gone for a walk ????

Full Moon/Rose Moon Dreamboard

2009-06-07T12:29:00.000-07:00

A powerful fire moon today in Sagittarius. I feel like our dream board group is like a women's hut that we gather and share sacred creations.

~thats why my theme this month is heavily focused on the womb. creativity, and abundance~

I decided to create my dream board whilst listening to Alexandra Pope's Wild Genie's telecast http://www.wildgenie.com this site is about about menstrual healing.

After this show I scanned and fixed up my image whilst listening to Dr Tonya Freeman www.wombshaman.com give a radio interview about womb wellness on black womens health radio show http://www.blogtalkradio.com/blackwombniverse, although this is a show for black women Dr Freeman's information is universal.

Dr Tonya's own radio show Wisdom Talks features great women such as Queen Afua, Susan Weed, and Vicky Noble, the interview are a great source of inspiration and a good resource for women.

Dr Tonya's and Alexandra's words reiterated how its important to honour ourself as women and help us overcome issues around our wombs.

As I work through my own healing process I endeavour to honour myself, so that I can give energy to my hopes wishes and dreams during this Fiery Full Moon.

Click here for Dr Tonya Freeman's Wisdom Talks radio show, be sure to check the archived shows.

Click here for Wild Genie's Teleconference

http://www.instantteleseminar.com/Default.asp?eventid=6451545

A book * A Wishing wall* And Wishcasting Wednesday

2009-05-27T13:44:00.001-07:00

Good news !!!

I have been busy finishing up my Creative Healing workbook hence the absence anyway this book is the companion to 9 Steps to Creative Healing my first little book. Yesterday Lulu sent me an email notifying me that the little book has been selected for Amazon's Market Place so I am very happy.

Wishing Wall... www.trueyou.me

my friend Jen and I went to the Mind Body Spirit Festival on Sunday
I have not been there for about two years so it was a nice to attend, although I missed the workshops. The Mind Body Spirit Festival is the heavyweight festival of personal development seminars.

for more info check out www.mindbodyspirit.co.uk

The main joy was the wishing wall which people were able to put their wishes up for free! this reminded me of Wishcasting Wednesday where today Jamie asks ,

"What frivolous treat do you wish for?"

I wish for a facial and a spa visit which is not actually frivolous but I am grateful for what I have at the moment I just need to take my love and care of myself , as I have worked hard.

Write Up for Elemental Cards

2009-05-13T07:36:00.001-07:00

Original Art Affirmation Cards measuring 4x6 inches.
All cards can be purchased here at my Etsy store

May Dreamboard

2009-05-09T18:47:00.000-07:00

Imani -meaning "faith."

Kiswahili origin,

My dedication to the Flower / Hare Moon.....from Jamie Ridler's monthly dreamboard launch to the moon...

My dreamboard represents the creation of building ;
The seeds of Community
Family and Tribe
Sustainability
and Creativity .......

May the seeds flourish into beautiful flowers /tribes/community/friends that will contribute to a better environment and way of living.

May the flowers flow in the wind and return to produce more joy and dreams next spring so that we can build more....

And so it is....

I decided to use an old mini painting of my faith 'air' elemental that I created a few years ago as it spoke to me regarding the meaning of the Hare and flower moon. New beginnings and blossoming.

Its also a Scorpio waning moon so its time to speak your truth and let go of what is not working .. a talking ritual is good at this time.

My New Baby !!!!

2009-04-27T09:22:00.000-07:00

Introducing the Creative Recession Spot.....

http://recessionqueen.blogspot.com/

For Money Saving tips, creating et al....

Full Pink Moon Dreamboard

2009-04-09T16:11:00.000-07:00

I was a little late with my board because for some reason I couldn't see posts of this months dreamboard....

I kept looking at the moon and thinking I will still do the Dreamboard. Strange occurances and I also got a 00:00 reading on my computer before I found the page...
and I actually called the Dream Board a Moon Board today very strange must be my recent reading.

Anyway my Dreamboard is a psychedelic board influenced by my recent reading Terence Mckenna's Food of the Gods, which is a book on Shamanic Plants, drugs and human evolution.
Now I am not gonna start taking Mushrooms but the book is a really good read into states of consciousness that Shamans and indigenous cultures undertook to further their development .

I also wish for more Love and Music in my life
there is no other desire than this as Both are great healers ....
And so it is..

Jade Egg Goddess....

2009-03-23T08:16:00.000-07:00

What is it?
is it a part of the Fabege collection?

No the Jade Egg is an egg that is made out of Jade (Jadeite Crystal) that is used to strengthen the pelvic floor, and vaginal wall canal. According to Saida Désilets, Ph.D. The Jade Egg rejuvenates the sexual glands and assists in the removal of cellular memory and negative emotions that are related to sexuality.

Désilets is the Founder of The Désilets Method and author of The Emergence of the Sensual Woman. Desilets is also an expert in the field of sexual energy cultivation, she was trained by Taoist Master Mantak Chia who made these practices more available through his book the Multi - Orgasmic Woman and the Multi- Orgasmic man.

The Jade Egg is a beneficial tool for womb health, which helps with easing Menstrual Cramps and toning the internal muscles.

It is best used with the accompanying CD Jade Goddess, which has guided exercises by Saida.

Benefits personally experienced are:

More Energy and Chi is moved around the body.
More Awareness of body and increase in self esteem
Huge reduction in Menstrual Cramps
Clearing of Chakras due to the CD's 'Inner Smile Work'

Click here for more information on ordering the Jade Egg, CD and Saida's book.

MARCH DREAM BOARD

2009-03-10T16:28:00.000-07:00

I had very limited time, and was not going to participate in this month's dreamboard, however the moon looks like a giant piece of round cheese! very big and very bright! ....so I just had to add my quick mood board of gratitude for good health and continuing self love.
As this Crow Moon is the last Moon of the winter, it is also new beginnings for me so I give thanks for healing and embrace the new, like the seeds I have planted in my garden.

Namaste.

Happy International Women's Day/Month

2009-03-08T07:55:00.000-07:00

Happy International Womens Day/Month (although this should be done every day).

Regardless of your current financial situation its time to celebrate and pamper yourself , so grab a few friends and have a girls night or a sacred circle using the following themes,

A Sister Circle
A Pamper party
A trip to the Sauna
A Facial
A Massage
A fun trip to the roller skating rink
Sharing a meal for sister friends (each person can bring a dish).
Setting goals and getting each member of the circle to witness them. Its a good time for prosperity as its the new financial year in April.

Tools : Candles, Journals, lovely clothes (doesn't have to be expensive now!) affirmations, kindness to self, music, good food .

For beauty treatments Local colleges are currently assessing their students so for credit busting treat, book a facial or a massage for under £20.

If you have a group that needs a pamper party designed you could book a Creative Comfort Ritual click here .

Whatever you do enjoy this Month that celebrates the goddess in you.

On my Creative Guides

2009-02-20T13:32:00.000-08:00

This is a post from my online book group 12 Secrets of Highly creative Women.

However that blog is private due to personal content, but I have included this week entry, because it talks about my Creative Guides.

enjoy!!! ps my voice is very very deep today due to a nasty chest infection.

Gabcast! CreativeHealing Goddess #2

Blog Festival-Ea Getting to the HeART of It

2009-02-11T13:32:00.001-08:00

Mother Henna's Blog Festival Getting to the Heart of it.
Post an entry on your own blog before Valentines Day 2009. Share your love of art or love of life or host a heART themed party or tell us about the heART of yourself. Tell us what is at the heART of you! Words, art, video, anything you wish. Write a poem, share a short story, all formats welcome.

Click on the HeArt Link below to be part of this .

An Eclectic Virtual Exhibition of my Celebration of my HeART..

Art comes in different shapes, sizes, and colours

Yoni...

Moods and Mediums,
my Ezine, The Art of ....being yourself

click on image for etsy..
Creativity and Expression is how I breathe, and I believe that Art does not have to be traditional.

Creativity is a living entity and I would rather look an energetic creative work that a traditional piece by the Masters with no energy .

My Art teacher used to send many a student home in tears because their 'HeART' didn't fit the type of 'Fine ARt that he wanted.

I couldn't paint a landscape for years, but I did not want one frustrated artist to stop my expression.
La Papillion - for my brother

Love and HeART.

I also didn't realise 'Soul Love' could be creative and nurturing I hope to visit it soon again.

Love and Creativity are one and the same.....

Snow Moon Dream Board

2009-02-09T07:54:00.000-08:00

This is a double meaning dream board for the Snow Moon

I wish for love and service to the Goddess
I wish to move forward and
let go of the winter months and move towards spring....

I performed a ritual during Imbolc and tonight I will finish my ritual bless the seeds of my dreams and move forward with courage.

For more dreamboards and to participate go to Jamie's page

Englands So Called Snow Day Standstill

2009-02-02T04:28:00.000-08:00

I looked out of my window last night and saw this....note the car is just covered.

The morning London came to a standstill.
all Buses stopped and everybody is warned only go out if you must,
cars were skidding everywhere....

Freddie's claws? no icicles from my window sill.

Its a snow day in... but I hate having to stay in when the rest of the worlds has too has well. I feel somebody has found my secret .

Eclipse

2009-01-26T10:38:00.000-08:00

There will be a New Moon Solar Eclipse between 25-26 January and a Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on February 9th so the two weeks in between will be very powerful, where we focus our attention will there be intensified energy, for more information check out this website

http://eraofpeace.org

I keep having funny visions of moons, and I feel very introspective at the moment which must be the intensified energies.

I have also been working behind the scenes and hope to unveil some more creations for all to see by 1st February.

I am still contemplating my navel re: Dominica..... for those of you who have been following my 12 Secrets blog thank you for your advice. Clarity is coming , but I need to meditate more, and also look after myself to nurture me. I need time to listen to my heart as I keep running away being too busy which isn't hard sigh...

Competition Winner
Ritual Consultation

I just completed the ritual consultation for the winner who is the Artist known as M A (not me im MF ), it was a pleasure to do this and I look forward to creating more rituals for Gods and Goddess alike in the future, if you would like me to create a ritual for you please check out my other website .

Yours Marilyn introspectively.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-01-20T17:42:00.000-08:00

Muses....soon to be birthed Affirmation Cards.....

"An aromatic Tardis you can leave your troubles behind you and venture into a fragrant world"

2009-01-15T07:47:00.000-08:00

Rules:
* Pick up the nearest book. Right now.
* Go to page 56.
* Find the 5th sentence.
* Write that sentence in your Title.
* Copy these instructions as a comment on your Title.
* Don't get your favourite book or the best one, but the closest to you right now.

thanks Collage Diva.

January Wolf Moon Dreamboard~Clarity~

2009-01-10T03:41:00.001-08:00

January Wolf Moon Dreamboard
Originally uploaded by mjfontaine1

Dreamboards are now with Jamie.

Now I have a scanner I decided to draw a picture the woman is part of a series from my forthcoming zine.

This month is about Clarity after my detox I am feeling clear but I know that there is more Clarity needed.

Thanks Jamie..

For my past dreamboards click December Dreamboard
and November Dreamboard

1st day of Book Blogging Group

2009-01-09T07:20:00.000-08:00

I am resuming my other creative blog as a participant of the group the Next Chapter 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women its a great Group to join to assist you with over a hundred people participating.....

If you want to know the Url for my blog please let me know....

other news I am nearly finished my 3 day detox Dr Christopher's 3 day detox....

I have never been so hungry :(

Wordless Wednesday 3 day Detox

2009-01-07T11:30:00.000-08:00

Dr Christoper's 3 Day Detox

URSULA RUCKER - L.O.V.E. (Ma'at Mama/Ft. Vickie Miles)

2009-01-06T14:16:00.001-08:00

A bit of love, Love, love...

Young Girls Workshop December 2008

2009-01-05T08:55:00.000-08:00

Henna check out my other page just click on the picture for more work from these creative young women.

My new years meme 2009

2009-01-01T12:15:00.000-08:00

I love memes it was Suzie that introduced me to them, so when Gene
Sea posted hers i just had to do it via Danette at the drawing board

please visit her to participate.

Here are your New Year Mosaic Questions:

*It works best if your answers are short and powerful*

My creation
Originally uploaded by mjfontaine1

1. Surrender..., 2. That's, uh, some lightning you've got there., 3. Blaine Fontana - Guidance Upon A Temple, 4. When Waves Collide, 5. Exposed - Isla Mujeres Mexico (Near Cancun), 6. Sunday cottage, 7. bless from above, 8. Sooo...are you ready? Don't think a lot...Just Join me :-), 9. Eid Mubarak - عید فطر مبارک, 10. جمعه مباركه, 11. Postits, 12. and so it ends. 365:365!!13. Not available14. Not available15. Not available16. Not available17. Not available18. Not available19. Not available20. Not available21. Not available22. Not available23. Not available24. Not available
some images did not come out ...
1. Looking back on 2008, what might the theme have been?

Surrender and let go, and be open.....

2. If 2008 was a movie, who would play you?

Me who else can do such a task.

3. What was your greatest gift of 2008?

Being open to my inner guidance, and taking time for me .

4. What is your New Year Resolution, or, what are you committing to this year?

Love

5. If January could be represented by one song, what would it be?

One day at a time.

6. What do you wish for your body in 2009?

Health

7. Name one new thing you would love to try in the New Year.

Birth of a child/project

8. What do you long for 2009 to bring?

Joining

9. If that happened, how would you feel?

Joyous

10. Where would you love to vacation in 2009 if money were no object?

Egypt

11. What would you like the theme of 2009 to be?

Let the creativity flow

12. If 2009 was a book, and the title was 5 words or less, what might the title be?

Express and Experience.

Thanks Gene and Danette for this.

Wordless Wednesday Happy New Year

2008-12-31T11:42:00.000-08:00

Wisdom

Spirit

Love

Zen....

Altered book 2007
Happy Kuumba and have a Prosperous new year

2008-12-16T09:09:00.000-08:00

Gene Sea Tagged me with the tree of happiness

:)

The Rules:

• Link to the person who gave the award to you.
• Post the rules on your blog.
• List six things that make you happy.
• Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
• Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog
• Let the person who awarded you know when your entry is up. * I'm lost on this one...

Six things that make me happy:

Creating
Thinking of Central Park
Thinking of food
Thinking of Chocolate
Music
A good book

Now to bestow the Tree of Happiness

Happy Holidays

Six People

Trula - because she seems an interesting person and has done a lot for people it seems.

Seelah - because she is a fine and healthy yoga sista.

Dia - A creative soul like myself.

Dorothy L A soul who helps others

Creatrix A new friend

Mystele Another Talented Artist.

It was a powerful Solstice so keep meditating for what you wish to bring into your life for the next six months. In light of the current recession still keep focused as it is now a time to go within not the externals. But you knew that already :)

Have a Happy Holiday .

Creativity Watch and Syncronistic events part II

2008-12-15T05:58:00.000-08:00

I you followed my blog back in July you would know that I was capturing some graffiti around London. There was one artist that I found by chance and I spoke about in this post but I didn't know his name . I found out from a free newspaper the artists name Christian Guemy..or C215 from Paris . The piece I saw is called Sudanese Refugee, which is on his Flicker page. I love this guy's work and will be visiting his pages more often.

Here is an interview with him with Jetsetgraffiti.com.

Tomorrow the Tree of happiness...

Craft Fair in London and Multitasking.

2008-12-13T16:42:00.000-08:00

Craft Fair at Stoke Newington International airport....
it wasn't an airport but a warehouse in North London...

I was selling my Crochet/Bath stuff with my friend who was selling jewelery, and it was an interesting day.

I met a Yukalalee seller who worked as an Marketing Officer for a theater company , and a Milliner (who is also a taxidermist ) who made lovely Burlesque Facinator type hats. I was also in for a treat as she also grew up on a farm so I was able to get some tips on growing my own vegetables. What a resourceful girl.

Jewelery by my best friend Dee.

my stuff

I also sold this very funky looking necktie that I loved

The space has a lot of reclaimed furniture and is also used a performance/concert space too.
There are old chesterfield sofa's with different hybrid vintage/reconstructed pieces of furniture , such as a Scissor Chandelier.

My camera does not do the space justice it just looks blurry.

Any way It was an interesting day , we talked about' dual careers ' something I pointed out in a piece I wrote about for an online magazine on my other website the topic was about multi careers, and how we don't have just one career for life .

It is not uncommon that creative people have different careers.

We are either so open and creative that we need to do more than one thing or we need to pay bills so a part time job is needed to pay the rent. Both are very common with my artist/creative friends.

However there are ways to work efficiently you can combine your life work and purpose into a more marketable career.

That provides a link into both jobs, such as teaching jewelery or teaching art rather than just doing any job at least your still working within your remit. I teach holistic therapies and personal development but I love to create so I put a creative module in my workshops/classes, such as collage, mask making , self portraits etc.

There are more bizarre combinations than Coach/Healer/Crafter /Writer , and Designer, Office Director, Hat maker and Milliner. Do you know more uncommon combinations of creative multitasking?

DECEMBER DREAMBORD

2008-12-12T05:34:00.001-08:00

DREAMBORD
Originally uploaded by mjfontaine1

Click for a bigger pic on flick(er).

Photobucket Pic

Thank you Suzie for making me a part of your Dreamboard circle.

I dedicated this pic to the cycles of life and the wombman who create....and follow natural laws. A reiki infused picture.

Give Away Creative Comfort Ritual Consultation.

2008-12-11T05:26:00.000-08:00

A ritual a symbolic action, normally associated with a religion or culture

Do you want to do a simple ceremony for the ending or the beginning of a new cycle in your life.

Do you want to give thanks for your new home, child, job etc.
Do you want to create an activity to honor your inner child, creative muse, passionate goddess.
Do you want to simply want to invite grace, comfort and gratitude into your life.
Do you wish to design a set of activities for your women's circle, or honor the solstice.

I am now offering Creative Comfort ritual consultations.

This is not a divination service or affiliated to any religious denomination it is simple everyday ritual advice for everyday living.

Intuitive guidance is given as an assistance tool for you to design your own special occasion, daily practice, or creative comfort day.

This does not include traditional ritualistic services such as Marriage, Birth, etc.

Information and will be given on the traditional type of ritual that you may require

You will also be referred to an interfaith minister, priestess if needed.

For this giveaway all consultations will be by email.

If you require more information on this services and prices check my mjfontaine page.

So to enter this giveaway please add a comment on this blog stating why you would like this ritual consultation by friday 19th December 2008 time by midnight EST. I will contact the winner for their email upon my decision.

In the New Year I will be giving away a free Distant Healing once a month so keep checking back.

Marilyn

Workshop

2008-12-07T14:41:00.000-08:00

Workshop

I ran a workshop today and give thanks that every time I work with Spirit I am always humbled by the miracles that happen within a sacred circle.

I am also aware how much workshops are needed, and how we are so ready for transformation.
Clients report dreams, and whispers from spirit ....Like never before, the veil is thin

Now is the time to tap into the power within not without.... we are coming into a time where many of us are stepping into leadership roles and this is not the traditional roles we are accustomed to.

Its the role of the leader who inspires others, the person that always makes others feel better after a chat and a cuppa, or...the person who just makes us laugh when we feel that life is just too much. The child or friend who always knows what to say at the right time.

No, Leadership doesn't have to be the charismatic speaker or healer , it could be the person that is inspirational but also is aware that they are a work in progress too. With knowledge and wisdom comes responsibility and we have to be responsible for ourselves first then we can look after others.

There is nothing more sadder then seeing a leader who doesn't embody their leaderships qualities regardless of who they are leading.

Real Leadership is guidance with a pinch of wisdom and a sprinkle of objectivity, a teaspoon of faith and gratitude and a tablespoon of self love.

Stay Blessed.

End of Soul Coaching and New Journey

2008-12-04T04:46:00.000-08:00

As posted on my Soul Coaching Blog, I have undertaking a really deep journey with this 28 day course. I realize the importance of sharing ones challenges in life. There is nothing to be said about keeping things to your self we need a witness during challenging and even good times.

Yes our journals are our friends but... sometimes we need the physical (worldly) representations of our internal cheerleaders. Thus to underline our experience so I feel blessed that I will be undertaking The next chapter 's January Book group where we will be studying

The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women: A Portable Mentor by Gail McMeekin

Once again I will be using the other blog (if you want the link please notify me), this way I don't have to censor my process has I always have a working commitment with my self to be true so I always give personal development 100%, ( I am the one in the workshop really going for it ) because I believe a space set aside to work on our selves should allow us to let go and really process not hold back for fear, it is the time to do it for me anyway so alas the next chapter begins.

This is the card I pulled for the SoulCoaching group at the end of the 28days from Osho Zen Tarot
This pack is definitely on my book list , the commentary is always on point. If you want a free reading please go to the previous post on the Aum meditation
as there is a link to a free Zen tarot reading.

Here is the card.

The Creator card...

There are two types of creators in the world. One type of creator works with objects - a poet, a painter, they work with objects, they create things. The other type of creator, the mystic, creates himself. He doesn't work with objects, he works with the subject; he works on himself, his own being. And he is the real creator, the real poet, because he makes himself into a masterpiece.
You are carrying a masterpiece hidden within you, but you are standing in the way. Just move aside, then the masterpiece will be revealed. Everyone is a masterpiece, because God never gives birth to anything less than that. Everyone carries that masterpiece hidden for many lives, no knowing who they are and just trying on the surface to become someone.
Drop the idea of becoming someone, because you are already a masterpiece. You cannot be improved. You have only to come to it, to know it, to realize it. God himself has created you; you cannot be improved.

Osho Ah, This!, Chapter 1

Commentary:

The Zen master in this card has harnessed the energy of fire and is able to use it for creation rather than destruction. He invites us to recognize and participate with him in the understanding that belongs to those who have mastered the fires of passion, without repressing them or allowing them to get destructive and out of balance. He is so integrated that there is no longer any difference between who he is inside and who he is in the world outside. He offers this gift of understanding and integration to all those who come to him, the gift of creative light that comes from the center of his being.
The King of Fire tells us that anything that we undertake now, with the understanding that comes from maturity, will bring enrichment to our own lives and to the lives of others. Using whatever skills you have, whatever you have learned from your own life experience, it is time to express yourself.

Aum Meditation

2008-11-25T14:42:00.000-08:00

Not for the meek....
http://www.aummeditation.com/

A twelve stage meditation
I did this over ten years ago after a traumatic time at work and I really wanted to move my energy it was over two days and I did not know what to expect all I knew is that the facilitator had cleared a major illness with this process and she couldn't recommend it highly enough and I was desperate.

I didn't know what I wanted but I wanted to change up my life, I was being bullied at work and was coming out of a negative relationship.

When I think back I would equal my experience to sky diving 'bloody scary but you gotta do it once in your life' and I was challenged as I had to express Anger, Joy,Sorrow, Love, dancing etc to strangers and be seen.

I suppose through doing that powerful meditation I was later able to walk out of that job jump into a new career, stand up in class and teach and take risks. I didn't think it has a clearing effect but my soul understand differently.

If you really need to be challenged and need to push you boundaries, then I suggest you try Osho's AUM meditation its the physical cousin to the Soul Coaching course lol.

****click here for a Free Tarot Reading from Osho Tarot****

Luscious bath products

2008-11-20T04:59:00.000-08:00

Hand Made Massage Oils

Blends * Geranium -Very popular amongst men.
*Ylang Ylang and Sandalwood
*Tea Rose (parfum not essential oil)
*Chocolate Orange Parfum and Essential Oil

All oils have an added Crystal and a slice of cinnamon in them for extra luck.
please see my etsy shop or send me an email.

I also have Shea Body Butters.

November Dream Board

2008-11-12T12:48:00.001-08:00

Soul Coaching and other things...

2008-11-05T15:22:00.000-08:00

What a journey...

I am not documenting this journey here but I have created another blog for paticipating with this group.

For those of my regular blog readers who wish to have the address of my soul coaching blog (private for obvious reasons) please drop me a message, and I will forward the Url to you.

A moment in time and history.........

Book recommendations

Soul Coaching- Another Journey

2008-11-03T09:34:00.001-08:00

I am now participating in the four week Soul Coaching Group ...If you want to read my journey please send me a message and I will give you the link to my soulcoaching blog.

Its just in time when I need a hand in life the Healer needs a Healer and this is in the form of a book and audio download.....

Watch this space...

Bartering A new Way of Being

2008-10-26T10:55:00.000-07:00

I tried to post this before but Blogger wasn't publishing for me ....

Anyway here is the shorter version..

As we slide swiftly into a recession there will a decline in purchasing goods and services.

For some people this is detrimental to their wellbeing and lifestyle as there are many who rely on good and services as their business or way of coping with modern living.

There fore I am in the process of writing a step by step plan for surviving an 'economic downturn'. This is the time to reflect inwards but for some we will need to take care of the basics so that we can be relaxed in what some would call troubled times.

One of the ways forward is to work towards a barter system. This is a system of exchanging good and services without the use of currency. This is the way societies used to trade before the introduction of paper currency. ( i stress paper currency as there were some societies that used shells, gold, etc as currency).

The barter system will enable one to continue to obtain services but through exchanging for example repairs for perhaps food or other services.

There are several schemes around the country and the world such as the Letts system so click on the link to research this further.

I have also included a link for the book by Edgar Cahn- No more throw away people.
as another guide if you need a more detailed instruction.

http://www.letslinkuk.net/london/info/definition.htm

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/money/tax/article732303.ece

http://www.timebanking.org/history.html

Plug Plug and the Full Libra Moon

2008-09-29T13:52:00.000-07:00

Its a full moon today so all things feminine I shall be doing a ritual for new balanced things to come into my life being as the full moon is in Libra...... In the meantime here is a plug of my workshop that I will be running in October in London....

Return of the Divine Queen Workshop for women.

mjfontaine presents

Return of the Divine Queen Workshop

A woman's journey to finding the light within.

artwork by mfontaine

Venue: Hackney Forge 243a Victoria Park Road

(entrance in Banbury Road) Bow E9 7HD
Date: 25th October 2008
Time: 1-6pm

Workshop outline

In this course we will;
Look at what you desire in your life
Remove blocks that stop you moving forward in a supportive, and caring environment
Set goals for the future .

We will use visual imagery, coaching tools, collage and art mediums to create our desired outcome.

By the end of the workshop you will;

Find direction in your life

Have awareness of your body, and embrace your feminine energy.

Understand the importance of honoring all aspects of your feminine nature.

Be prepared to come as a women, and leave as the divine goddess that you are.

Cost £55 or £45 early bird price. Concessions are available *(proof required)

To book please email :mjfontaine1@yahoo.co.uk

Pay with Paypal

for more information call 07956 559 894 for more information

Comments of the last workshop:“The workshop was a magical experience for me in so many ways! The combination of meditation and readings and Art! It gave me a giant step forward on my spiritual journey that I was strolling on. I felt it enabled me to look at myself and to feel and explore all my emotions and feelings about who I am as a woman, mother, daughter, sister .

S G South London.

“Enlightening and essential for your personal and spiritual development. It's a wonderful opportunity to gain a greater understanding of who you are. Thoroughly recommended”

S.Vanandy, Account Manager

Jaqueline's Allotment

2008-09-25T12:33:00.000-07:00

As an avid buyer of organic produce I was very pleased to see this box land in my class room ( I teach adults once a week for my sins). anyway back to my second favorite subject 'food'. Jacqueline who is now a qualified Non medical Nutritionist also has a very good allotment, and she regularly drops with a bag of goodies fresh from Mother Earth.

If I had to buy of these vegetables it would set me about £10 or more, suffice to say the vegetables are and were delicious.....look at the giant carrot.

The basket had; Beetroot, Carrots, Beans, Curly kale, Broccoli and Tomatoes all organic yum.

Beetroot is so good especially for this time of year especially for women who have heavy menstruation. I would advise that it is eaten raw for extra benefit.

Contents of beetroot.

*Sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iodine, iron, copper, Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and C.

Beetroot provides a good source of anthocyanadins, a natural antioxidant that contributes to its deep red colour
Extract is a natural source of vitamins and minerals
Beetroot is used traditionally as a blood building food
Beetroot may aid the natural process of elimination and support detoxification processes
Beetroot has liver, spleen, gall bladder and kidney cleansing properties
Beetroot is particularly rich in Vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus and iron

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, this neutralizes free radicals before they can cause damage to the body .
source http://fruitsnvegetables.com

For more info on seasonal food check out, my friend's site: Fight disease through Holistic Health

Memes

2008-09-17T05:49:00.000-07:00

What is a meme?

A photo mosaic meme, simply put, is an illustration of your personality. This illustration is depicted by a set of pictures put together in a picture collage sort of a thing. The means to gauge your personality is a set of questions related to your name, things you like, your traits etc. source -http://ezinearticles.com/?Photo-Mosaic-Meme&id=1436872

IMy Meme

1. Marilyn Rose Journal Quilt: Fireworks, 2. sushi galore, 3. old-skool, 4. Aqua/Turqoise, 5. banana phone: another glitch in the Matrix, 6. water droplets in the shower - o.k. bokeh, 7. Lifeguard off duty, 8. chocolate SURPRISE cupcake, 9. Joy of life, 10. LOVE, 11. Step by step… steadily ♫♫, 12. WeMake goodness13. Not available14. Not available15. Not available16. Not available17. Not available18. Not available19. Not available20. Not available21. Not available22. Not available23. Not available24. Not available

I got this from Sacred Suzies Blog

http://suziesacredspace.blogspot.com/search/label/meme

Meme Instructions
OSAIC MEME: INSTRUCTIONS

1. Type your answer to each question below, into Flickr Search

2. Using only the first page of results, pick one image.

3. Copy & paste each of the URLs for the images into Big Huge Lab’s Mosaic Maker to create a mosaic of the picture answers.

THE QUESTIONS:

1. What is your real christian/first name?

2. What is your favourite food - right now?

3. What school did you go to?

4. What is your favourite colour?

5. Who is your latest celebrity crush?

6. What is your favourite drink?

7. What is your dream vacation destination?

8. What is your favourite dessert?

9. What do you want to be when you grow up?

10. What do you love most in life?

11. What is one word that describes you now?

12. What is your Flickr/Blog name?

I got this from Sacred Suzie Blogis from

Oils for sufferers of Seasonal Affective Disorder

2008-09-10T15:10:00.000-07:00

I have been away in Sunny New York so I have a) neglected this blog and b) was able to hold off the demon of SAD for a minute...... so I decided to repost this from an old blog, but i am not entirely cheating as I have added a few more bits.

I have been treating clients regularly with citrus oils for Season Affective Disorder for four years and I have found that the following oils very effective with dealing with this condition. Listed below are the oils and applications and cautions of using essential oils for health.

Grapefruit Oil

This is not photosensitiser like the other citrus oils.

It is excellent and is an antidepressant, and uplifts the spirits instantly.

Melissa oi

I have found that benefits of this oil for SAD or low spirits and shock are profound.

True Melissa is very expensive and can cause severe irritation to the skin, therefore it is recommended that a very low dosage is applied such as 1% and this must be diluted in oil before being

applied to a bath. There are much more affordable Melissa blends which are more commonly found than the true Melissa oil.

Lime oil

Uplifting and refreshing this oil instantly lift the spirits, a favourite with my clients who have a history of depression.

Applications;

The oils are best used in a bath if you cannot get to a massage therapist, if you prefer to self massage then a blend of 8-10 drops to a 60ml blend or up to 7 drops in a bath.

You can mix lime, and grapefruit together as a blend of 4:3 drops in a bath or 5:5 drops to 60mls in a massage blend. As stated before blend Melissa with a carrior oil such as almond or grapeseed oil before applying to a bath.

Cautions

*Never use essential oils undiluted on the skin.

*Some oils should be avoided during pregnancy, or if your have a medical condition such as asthma, epilepsy, or high/blood pressure.

*Do not overuse essential oils less is more.

*Not all essential oils are suitable for use in aromatherapy

*Never let children use essential oils -unless supervised.

* Essential oils should not be taken internally, (although this is practised with therapeutic-grade oils by some aromatherapists).

*Essential oils are flammable

* True essential oils should have latin names stated, otherwise you are using a cosmetic grade oil with no properties.

All citrus oils are *Photosensiters so exposure to sunlight should be limited for 24 hours where it has been applied to the skin.

If your condition is severe consult an aromatherapist for a details consultation and treatment.

Marilyn in my holistic practitioner role.

On Surrender

2008-07-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

by Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)

written some time last week ....

My cousin's house caught fire two days ago ... before that we were talking about life change etc...
My cousin had just qualified as a counselor (personal centered model with a dash of existentialism) and it was a new beginning and everything was in order...... then the fire started.

As a conscious student of life and metaphysics I realized that fire is cleansing and also burns away the old. Fire is the element for creativity and energy in the Tarot (wands) and according to Denise Linn's book 'Signposts' fire is seen by the the alchemists as an 'agent of transmutation' and as a 'symbolic purification'.

This post is not really about fire however its about surrender, hence the prayer...
When I surrender to the universe all things happen perfectly for me ....
When I try to control my life... it doesn't really turn out how i wish ..thus my relationships have not been very productive at times as this the area I like to control and hold onto.

Surrender is a courageous act and as we try to believe that our constant input and focus will change the course of our lives. However the food to feed our dreams hopes and desires really need the icing which is the last part and that is surrender.

So what are the tools for surrender that we need to keep going

We need to be kind to ourselves first and foremost and have self trust
We need to be able to be clear about want we want for example; is this really in line with my life
values
Realize that the event/experience etc has happened I cannot change this however, what am I in control of now? (the now is a very self reflective tool) and what I need right now to support myself .

Then we need to be able to turn the above over to the Creator/Goddess/Allah/Buddha/Spirit/Universe....what ever you believe in I don't just mean a religion I mean FAITH in something. That's why the 12 step pro grammes are so successful because the members turn the problem over to a higher power ... even if the serenity prayer does have a religious history.

The Divine could mean any representation that you connect with. I am not here to discuss religious belief systems I am here to look at the connection with realizing that somethings are out of our hands and through surrender and faith we can overcome as the song says...

I like the goddess pack because my favourite card is Yemeja and that is the surrender card.

recommended reading or tools....

goddess oracle, or re-read the above prayer.

A week and a day later.....

I had an incident happen to me that scared the 'hell of my existence', this shook my equilibrium. I was really put to the test, and reading this post it is somewhat calming. As I jerk and move to every little sound in my house I decided to check Denise Linn's Book again, well the metaphysical reasoning was about losing energy ... and the practical side is that I had to safe guard my premises lol.

The whole test has been tough and one has to accept that things happen in life, and I realise how quick we can lose focus with shock et al so now I am actively working on embodying and re-reading the above prayer. In all of this chaos I do have the tools to support myself and in turn I am supported. Its a reaffirmation and a reflection of my worth and self, and I wish for more courage to change to things that I can and support myself in the process.

It's about trust and faith ....

And so it is.........

So recommended potions in time of stress
Bach Rescue Remedy - I administered to my cousin after the fire
and to myself after the break in.
Aconite administered by my Homeopath Friend
Reiki self healing administered by myself to rebalanced my aura

a work in progress...

The Metaphysics of Madness

2008-07-12T14:05:00.000-07:00

Just a link on a Cup of Madness or two..

"The March Hare will be much the most interesting, and perhaps as this is May it won't be raving mad -- at least not so mad as it was in March."
Lewis Carroll. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland .

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,838944,00.html

Mad or indifferent.? Mad, Bad or Dangerous ?.in our current world who are we to judge what is.

a word from my beloved..

"its is more comfortable to be insane and know it than to be sane and have your doubts"- Lucid Wolf

I wonder what the Shamans would think ....about this ? any thoughts?

Guardian Publish-'Teen killings: the list of victims'.

2008-07-12T01:35:00.000-07:00

AS PEOPLE QUEUE TO BUY THE LATEST GADGET, THE GUARDIAN PUBLISH -THE LIST OF TEEN VICTIMS.

My thoughts go out to their families .

Creativity Watch and Synchronistic events....

2008-07-11T11:41:00.000-07:00

Synchronicity is the experience of two or more events which occur in a meaningful manner, but which are causally un-related. In order to be 'synchronistic', the events must be related to one another temporally, and the chance that they would occur together by random chance must be very small.

Yesterday I posted information about vandalism within the story about graffiti and vandalism....... Today I go to meet a friend for a tea or two and come across the original art work

View from the car.....

Not only have I constantly driven past this Graffiti aptly called 'Vandalism is Art' but the supporting wall used to be my cousin's shop!!!......

Now it gets better as I park my car to meet my friend I come across another piece of Graffiti and again I have passed this street on a dozen occasions and I have never seen this piece of work....

I don't know who this artist is but his work is really nice.......

This piece of work is in Union Walk Bethnal Green....

Creativity Watch ...is Vandalism a Crime??? or our last freedom of expression?

2008-07-10T06:36:00.000-07:00

I do think that some graffiti is just a 'plain mess' however with the decline in creativity and lack of funding for youth arts projects, graffiti may become the 'reluctant hero' of self expression from young people. I do feel that some 'tags' can make trains look rather grim..and depressing but the nostalgic in me thinks that without some kind of rebellion and anarchy from the young makes for a drab capital. After all who are we gonna complain about, remember we use to complain about the vandalism not the latest victim of knife crime. When there were more tag wars there were less knife killings, although this statement doesn't discount some fatalities due to gangs tagging over an existing signature. However the weapon of choice has now become a knife not a spray can. And now we have marketed our vandalism with exhibitions and books even 'Banksy' appears not to like the media limelight and good for him too.
Will our 'Olympic' and soon to be
an esthetically pleasing capital be surrounded by ghost of creativity past forgot and will this have an effect on the already increasing knife victims that are on the increase in this Capital....

Anyway thats my argument and in the spirit of MA AT here is an article on Vandalism and graffiti

Graffiti - When Art Becomes a Crime

By: Patrick Omari

As the train pulls into London Victoria train station and commuters arrive for another day's work in the city, those that look out of the window will notice an abundance of 'tags' that adorn the carriages and walls. There will be many reactions to these pieces of art ranging from appreciation of the skill involved to disgust at the lack of respect for private property. Whether you love or hate graffiti and the various forms of graffiti art, the main issue that critics raise is that it is illegal and the artist is therefore a criminal.

The most famous of all graffiti artists is the notoriously elusive Banksy. His pieces are generally satirical statements and his targets have ranged from Disney to the Mona Lisa. The so-called 'guerilla art' that Banksy is responsible for has become hugely popular with the general public as well as with art-buying celebrities including Angelina Jolie and Christina Aguilera. At Sotheby's in 2007, three of his works fetched a combined total of 170,400 pounds with one piece alone selling for over 100,000. Banksy reacted to this growing popularity by adding the following comment to his own website 'I Can't Believe You Morons Actually Buy This S***.' Enough said.

As the most high-profile graffiti artist in the UK today, Banksy's work encourages many copycats and aspiring contemporaries. However, for every Banksy there will be so many more graffiti artists that lack the creativity, wit and skill to produce 'art' and so their stylings will be regarded solely as a nuisance. Can we really set one rule for Banksy and another for a young kid spraying his name on the side of someone's house? Critics will point to the fact that graffiti is criminal damage and its artistic merits are irrelevant to the argument.

The law surrounding graffiti is far more black-and-white than people's reactions to it. Banksy's murals spark debate wherever they appear and moreso due to the high value that the pieces now achieve at auction. In a London street, council workers recently whitewashed a Banksy original after some residents complained. One council spokesman commented that 'it's graffiti and we treat it that way' proving that if residents complain then the 'art' will be removed.

The law denotes that graffiti is criminal damage and the maximum sentence if convicted is 10 years imprisonment. The severity of this sentence indicates how seriously the government considers graffiti to be, and the impact it will have on the wider community. Residential areas with excessive levels of graffiti will often be associated with neglect and poverty. However inaccurate or accurate this assumption may be, it is believed that when graffiti has been removed quickly then it is less likely to reappear. People take pride in where they live and should not have to suffer for someone else's art.

It is hard to associate Banksy with the graffiti artists that spray poorly designed and conceived logos on bus shelters and shop windows across the country. But we must compare them as they adopt the principles that constitute the fundamental qualities of graffiti. However much we appreciate the intelligence behind the design and the skill in its execution, graffiti is in its very nature a criminal act and little more.

Article Directory: http://www.articlerich.com

Cans Festival - pixinc

2008-07-09T16:18:00.001-07:00

Here is the featured Graffiti artist Cartrain along side Banksey, at the Cans Festival.

This site has a great write up on the exhibition in South London.

http://pinewooddesign.co.uk/2008/05/04/the-cans-festival-banksy-street-exhibition/

Check out the offical websites here...

http://www.thecansfestival.com/stencils/index.html

Things I see - around me -- Authenticity Watch*

2008-07-07T15:18:00.000-07:00

A duck, mickey mouse? you decide..

Cartrain - guerilla Artist this piece I found by chance outside a venue that I was teaching.

my new book - 9 Steps to Creative Healing

2008-06-30T11:08:00.000-07:00

Les Chaussons Rouges

2008-05-04T14:53:00.000-07:00

A story-

The Red Shoes. Once there was a poor little girl, named Karen, was adopted by a rich old lady after her mother's death. She grows up vain. Then, she buys a pair of red shoes and repeatedly wears them to church, without paying attention to the service. Her adoptive mother becomes ill, but Karen deserts her, preferring to attend a party in her red shoes. Once she begins dancing, she can't stop. The shoes take over. She cannot control them and they are stuck to her feet. And the shoes continue to dance, through fields and meadows, rain or shine, night and day. She can't even attend her adoptive mother's funeral. An angel appears to her, condemning her to dance even as she grows cold and pale, as a warning to vain children everywhere.

Karen then asks the executioner to chop off her feet. He does so and gives her a pair of wooden feet and crutches. Thinking that she has suffered enough for the red shoes Karen decides to go to church in order for the people to see her, but the chopped-off feet with the red shoes dance before her, barring the way. The following Sunday she tries again, thinking of herself at least as good as the others in church, but again the dancing red shoes bar the way. Karen then goes to do service in the parsonage, but when Sunday comes she dares not go to church. Instead she sits alone at home and prays to God to help her. Then, it is as though the church comes home to her and her heart becomes so filled with sunshine, peace, and joy that it bursts. Her soul flies on sunshine to heaven, and no one there asks her about the red shoes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

The_Red_Shoes -My Obsession /Creativity

The red shoe also made an appearence in the Wizard of Oz, thus relating to the Feminine Creative power . Creative power -feminie creative power. The Red shoes denotes the price women had to pay for this creativity - *death*, but good old Dorothy overcame this with help from a little man, an airballoon and Toto.

If you look at Colour therapy, Red is for grounding, power etc and Yellow is the colour of personal power , and self esteem (just realised this). When a women wears read shoes they are seen as dangerous :0 , erotic or a women with a past (snigger)!!!.

Maybe us women have an unconscious knowing about the symbology of the Red shoe. Us women dedicate alot of our time talking about shoes but we need to remember the true symbolic meaning of this glorious shoe and how we maintain our creative natures.

Shoes

Her soul flies on sunshine to heaven, and no one there asks her about the red shoes!!

Wild women and other animals.

2008-05-04T14:52:00.001-07:00

Wild women and other animals.

MAYBE SOME WOMEN AREN'T MEANT TO BE TAMED.
MAYBE THEY'RE SUPPOSED
TO RUN WILD UNTIL
THEY FIND SOMEONE,JUST AS WILD,
TO RUN WILD WITH.

Sex and the City

thanks Freelance Leo for this.......this scene so mirrored my life as the wild women was 'too much' for some people........ I am greatful for being too much .............

Liberation.
Freedom .
Coming home to myself

Coming Home to the Divine Spirit of the feminine

2008-05-04T14:47:00.000-07:00

Coming Home to the Divine Spirit of the feminine
A Collage of words, thoughts and experiences

Spirit never lies when it speaks to you ....

tHiS holiday week
I was in the wilderness at a
Goddess Workshop......
I witnessed the true natural cycle of death and rebirth over and over again.....I also witnessed the journey of others' lives and experiences. I was able to let go of my own ’creature’ comforts and I was able to live simply and understand how we have so many comfortable ’props’ that stop us really feeling this blessed earth.

When I came back to the city after four days in the bush ...I received a message that a student had died.... Life /Death rebirth cycle continued .... Spring brings the ending of things.....

The rebirth started with My Sisters birthday celebration and I saw four generations all getting down together... I felt blessed even though the tribe gets to much sometimes it was really nice to see the young guys dancing together keeping the family strong....Good bless my Paternal grandmother and my mother who passed family values to her seven children. So her six boys and one daughter made many children (mostly girls = my generation) these values was instilled in us who passed this onto the next generation (mostly boys funny ) now the ’manz dem’ (their words not mine) keep it together and love their family get togethers.

what a blessing...thank you creator for enabling my grandmothers wish to be constant in our blood...such is the power of the matriarch the blood of the family.

and so it is....

My Etsy Store - US clients

2008-04-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

Review of the Goddess Workshop January 2008

2008-04-01T15:32:00.000-07:00

Please note: I do not take pictures during the workshop as this is to maintain confidentiality and is not very good spiritual practice for me.
I didn't realize that my workshop was structured like the layout in the Tarot until I wrote this.....

..

The beginning......
Invocations ....and guidance
(blank)*

Ancestors

Honouring and Giving thanks....

Intention

For the highest good of all concerned.......
Truth and Balance.......
For change..............

The Four Directions

"Earth my body, water my blood, Air my breath and Fire My Spirit"

The Goddess

for support and to look at ......

..The Issue

and the crossing what prevents me from getting what I want

. The Message .....
Guidance from )0(

The Clearing

What I need to do to clear the issue

Divine Inspiration & Creativity......
A Visual representation of a new choice............

The Prayer and Celebration

For Gratitude......

..The next Chapter of Life + Workshop

Rewarding and celebrating ourselves -Winter Solstace

2007-12-19T05:23:00.000-08:00

Rewarding and celebrating ourselves -Winter Solstace

The winter solstace - The Winter Solstice, also known as Midwinter, occurs around December 21 or 22 each year in the Northern hemisphere, and June 20 or 21 in the Southern Hemisphere. It occurs on the shortest day or longest night of the year sometimes said to astronomically mark the beginning or middle of a hemisphere's winter. The word solstice derives from Latin, Winter Solstice meaning Sun set still in winter. Worldwide, interpretation of the event varies from culture to culture, but most hold a recognition of rebirth, involving festivals, gatherings, rituals or other celebrations. Many cultures celebrate or celebrated a holiday near the winter solstice; examples of these include Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Years, Pongal, Yalda and many other festivals of light.^[1]

Symbolic

Often since the event is observed as the reversal of the Sun's ebbing presence in the sky, concepts of the birth or rebirth of sun gods have been common and, in cultures using winter solstitially based cyclic calendars, the year as reborn has been celebrated with regards to life-death-rebirth deities or new beginnings such as Hogmanay's redding, a New Years cleaning tradition. Also reversal is another usual theme as in Saturnalia's slave and master reversals.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_solstice
Looking at information regarding the Solstace I came across a site that had detailed information on this and meditation .

http://www.mwtshekemet.org/order_Imakhu_lectures.html

This Queen spoke about the work we need to do during this time, which I was already putting into practice, (ahh! the akashic records).

Anyway......

This is the time for us to reflect inwards by looking back through the ups and downs of the past year

During this time we see television programmes that reflect on the highlights of the year. We need to watch our own best of 2007 so that we can integrate and assimilate our experiences to move forward.

Moi
I will be reflecting on my year and the great journey I had to yet again undertake.

Still I rise......

Client Testimonials

2007-12-07T04:30:00.000-08:00

http://mjfontaineconsultancy.blogspot.com/

Healing Family Patterns/Relationships

2007-11-27T10:29:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I was a guest at the EnSOUL HEALth revolution Show. www.myspace.com/enSOULHEALth , and during the interview we started to discuss family relationships. Now I have had challenges in the past with my family and my mother so I was able to talk about my journey, especially as I am the youngest member of my family . The challenges came more prevalent when I decided to 'know thyself' and such was our 'separation anxiety' that the relationship started to deteriorate and become volatile.

During my search I started a Celestine Prophecy study group where began learning about energy exchange and families. Through this work I was able to change our dynamic and HEAL our relationship without even speaking and talking to my mother about this. The only statement I made was to tell her this is who I was calmly without conviction. Wow! Now our relationship is blessed and we have a mutual understanding, although not without its own challenges from time to time but now I have a very sweet, caring and knowledgeable mother, and a friend yes my mother is a woman born ahead of her time. I thank the Creator for the restoration of our relationship.

Now lets look at the healing available for those that need to overcome a difficult relationship. As 'the universe is mind' the change must start with yourself, as you are the one who desires change and a more effective way of relating. In Nero Linguistic Programming there are several techniques we use to bring about profound changes. I also give advice to my clients on meditation and art work so that they can change these very volatile and painful family dynamics that are generations old using a safe and comfortable medium. (we do not want anymore pain).

So lets look at the therapies that we can use to heal this;

Neuro linguistic Programming
Family Constellation
Body Alignment Therapy
Counselling

NLP techniques
There are several techniques I use to bring about change, the client does not have to revist 'painful' events using timeline technique, or the Logical levels which is soo powerful this changed a relationship dynamic instantly. Below is a very dynamic exercise called Gentling which will change intergenerational dynamics.

"Gentling" as a Path to Personal Growth
The following process was developed by Robert Dilts in 1991 as a means to apply the process of "gentling" to facilitate personal growth. The process is designed to promote a positive "grandmother" or "grandparent" effect by using Time Lines and different Perceptual Positions.
One key issue to be dealt with in attempting to adapt the gentling process to humans is, "What has the same relationship to humans that humans have to other species?" There is obviously no real analogy in terms of an actual creature or being. Besides something like the Earth itself, this relationship would be represented by something like a "guardian angel" or some type of spiritual being. The basic steps of the process involve setting up overlapping time lines representing the lifetimes of yourself, a parent and a grandparent. (It is not necessary that the parent and grandparent be actual individuals that you have known and interacted with in your life. They may be imaginary or archetype figures.) Once the time lines are established, the exercise involves going back in your imagination to the birth of your grandparent, as if you were a guardian angel or spiritual guide, and offering some type of gift to that person in the form of a blessing, a metaphor or vision. The offering of the gift is accompanied by gentle touching (in imagination).
http://www.nlpu.com/archive.htm

After offering the gift you collect and give objective insights from grandparent to parent, from parent to you, (or caregiver). I cannot stress the positive effects of NLP in working through family isssues.

Family Constellation

Family Constellations is a highly effective way of healing on a deeply felt energetic level, with long-term and often life changing results.In working with several thousand family systems, renowned German psychotherapist, philosopher and author Bert Hellinger discovered age-old, hidden "Orders of Love" that operate in the depths of family organisms. Violation and disrespect of these natural laws due to tragic circumstances and unconscious behavior in the generations that came before affect the lives of later members of the family. Workshop participants are frequently amazed and deeply touched when the hidden love connections and entanglements within their systems are revealed. For instance, could we ever imagine that unhappiness or health problems could be connected to a stillborn child of our grandmother? Or that difficulties with a current partner could be related to an abortion 15 years ago, or even to the former partner of one's mother? That the severe illness of a child might be caused by an adoption?
Hidden entanglements of this kind are found behind most personal and even professional issues. Restoring balance and harmony to the family system is equally important for addressing physical illness - from lower back pain to cancer - as it is for emotional and mental suffering.
The family constellation is the main technique for revealing the hidden dynamics in a family so they can be worked with and healed. Release begins with the participant stating his/her issue or problem and some factual information about his/her family (i.e. sudden or early deaths, severe illness, miscarriage, divorce, etc.). Then she/he chooses from the other workshop participants a representative for certain family members- alive or dead - and places them in relationship to each other according to his/her inner picture of the system. This creates an energy field in which all involved participants begin to receive information (physical sensations, emotions, thoughts, etc.), related to the family member whom they are representing. Every change in position within the constellation affects the information received. As a result, previously sub-conscious, often tragic family ties are made perceptible and the dynamic that caused the participant's issue can be discovered.

With the information provided by the representatives, and using steps such as appreciation or detachment rituals, the constellation can now be restructured according to the "Orders of Love" into a balanced family system where love, flowing consciously and unimpeded, heals, and guilt, once acknowledged, can turn into energy.
For more in-depth information please read what Bert Hellinger himself has to say about his work in this interview by Chilean Umberto del Pozo.

http://www.familyconstellations-usa.com/hellinger.htm

Body Alignment

Body Alignment and Vortex Alignment are systems designed to heal and align our physical and subtle bodies. Vortex Alignment is also used to protect us from electromagnetic, geopathic as well as microwave radiation and has many more exciting applications.
Working through vibrational energy points associated with the organs, glands and systems of our physical as well as subtle anatomy, the source of imbalance is identified and released. This system identifies the energy pathway and the story behind the imbalance.
Body Alignment and Vortex Alignment help you to reconnect with your essence, and assist you to rediscover who you really are and to unblock your true potential.
This process restores the free flow of energy, leaving you feeling empowered and whole.
Body Alignment Technique has been known to:
BALANCE: the physical structure, organs, glands, body systems, meridians and chakras
RELEASE: suppresses emotions, toxicity and stress
INCREASE: vitality, self confidence and self empowerment
IMPROVE: digestion, assimilation and immune response
RELIEVE: pain and fatigue rapidly and effectively
ALIGN: the physical mental emotional and spiritual bodies.
Who is behind it? etc,etc

http://www.bodyalignment.org/

You can also use talking therapies such as Counselling, Psychotherapy, etc

For more information please contact me for a free 15min consultation regarding healing family patterns if you are interested in any of the above therapies and I will refer you onto the practitioner.mailto:practitioner.info@mjfontaine.com

Caroline Myss Lecture Why People Don't Heal Excerpt

2007-10-07T05:54:00.001-07:00

Working through Fear

2007-10-07T05:51:00.001-07:00

Working through Fear

2007-10-07T05:48:00.000-07:00

False Evidence Appearing Real What is needed to break through this...

Create -Abundance with Healing for Harmony essences

2007-08-23T13:21:00.000-07:00

To support your abundance journey I am offering abundance spray from Healing for Harmony ltd. These beautiful essences work on the vibration level bringing abundance and prosperity this is excellent to use with any EFT work or Coaching to bring about maximum benefits. The cost of the spray is £8.00 for 30mls and £4.50 for the 10ml essence bottle plus postage. After taking these essences my abundance has increased tenfold. For more information regarding these essences please contact me on: order@mjfontaine.com or info@mjfontaine.com.

Now Enjoy the videos

EFT Emotional Freedom Technique Addressing Money Issues Demo

2007-08-19T16:41:00.001-07:00

Law of Attraction EFT Create Abundance www.myGenie.tv

2007-08-19T16:40:00.001-07:00

My Dominica Visit 2006 Carib (Kalinago) Territory

2007-05-03T14:47:00.000-07:00

My Dominica Pictures.

L'Escalier Tete Chien
L'Escalier Tête Chien is a stairway-like lava outcrop which represents a snake.

This is a sacred place for Carib indians , when one walks close to the edge of this the alantic ocean becomes more 'angry'(as one resident told me) and very active. This is an important location for Kalinago Indians with thier legend stating that the Master Snake came out of the ocean onto land.
The legend also says that 'when Caribs disappear, the Master Snake has vowed to return to the underbelly of ocean. And the world will end'*.

*http://www.swulinski.com/travels/CaribTerritory.html

Kalinago Barana Aute - Kalinago village.

Carib Village Hall (Covered in Vetivert leaves ) Properties of Vetivert oil in Aromatherapy(Grounding -protection-Spiritual awakening). This is where meetings and festivals take place with the village Chief.

---------------------

A giant Cassava (farin) bowl .

A view from Kalinago Village overlooking to the Alantic ocean. (not bad for a throw away camera)

'At Home' - My morning view before yoga. (this was taken with my phone camera)

more pictures coming soon-
-------------------

For more information on the Carib Indians, you can visit :-
http://www.lennoxhonychurch.com/article.cfm?id=389

Dominica

2007-04-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

~On Dominica~ (please ignore the part of Christopher Colombus rediscovered )

About Dominica
A Country Like No Other in the World!

by: Thomson Fontaine

Dominica has been described as one of the most beautiful countries in the world. For the distracted observer, this impression is immediately confirmed from the first citing of the Island. Nestled between the French Islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe, this “Nature Isle ” is steeped in unparalleled natural beauty, a rich Creole culture, and the friendliest people in the World.

Rediscovered(?)* on November 3, 1493 by Christopher Columbus, Dominica was the last of the Caribbean countries to be colonized due in large part to the resistance of the Carib (Kalinago) Indians. Today, Dominica is the only country where the Caribs remain, and they continue to contribute significantly to Dominica’s rich cultural heritage.

France and England fought constantly over Dominica, with the Island changing hands several times during the entire second half of the eighteenth century, leading the Caribs to call the island “Waitukubuli” “land of many battles”.

Because of its mountainous terrain, Dominica remained in the hands of the Caribs longer than any of the other Leeward and Windward islands; although Britain and France had agreed to this arrangement in 1748, France broke the treaty and claimed Dominica.

In 1763 Britain won Dominica, but the French recaptured it in 1778 and again by the British in 1783. Finally, in 1805 France sold Dominica to England for 12,000 British pounds and handed it over after first burning down the capital Roseau.

From its towering 5000 feet peaks to its gushing waterfalls, hundreds of flowing rivers, azure waters of the sea, and black and white sandy beaches, Dominica offers a unique and diverse experience to all who visits its shores.

The 790 km2 Island boasts a population of 71, 000 people, stable government, and an extremely low crime rate. It is also home to the oldest living person in the World, and the most centurinarians per thousand of the population.

With a life expectancy of 82 years for females and 78 for males, and ranked by the United Nations as one of the top 35 countries in the world in terms of quality of health care, the country stands as a veritable monument of calm and tranquility.

Wednesday, January 29, 2003
World's Oldest Person Turns 128
by Thomson Fontaine

Dominicans yesterday celebrated the birthday of the World’s oldest living person Elizabeth (Ma Pampo) Israel who turned 128 even as government vowed to increase pressure on Guinness World record officials to officially confer the title on the Dominican.

Unfortunately, the Guinness World record has not officially recognized Ma Pampo since they are still in the process of verifying the claim. A Baptismal certificate has been issued by the Roman Catholic Church with her birth date stated as January 27, 1875, but since it is not an official record, it cannot be used to authenticate the claim.

The claim was further thrown into doubt when it was learned that at some point in her life she was called Minetta George. Guinness officials have said that it is important to clarify these various issues before the title can be conferred. Given the state of record keeping during that time in Dominica, it may be difficult to collect collaborative evidence to substantiate the claim.

At the age of 128, Elizabeth (Ma Pampo) Israel is considered the World’s oldest living person. Born in Portsmouth, Dominica, and the daughter of a slave, she started working on a plantation at the age of 25 and retired 79 years later. Ma Pampoo ascribes her longevity to her diet--including lots of dumplings and bush tea. She has survived her husband and two children.

There are at least seventeen centenarians in Dominica (with four residing in close proximity to Ma Pampo), from a population of 70,000 making it the country with the highest concentration of centenarians per 1000 of the population.

Dominica’s pristine, largely untouched and unspoilt environment, which lies largely unpolluted, has been cited as the main reason for longevity on the Island.

www. Dominica.net

*mj's thoughts

WHAT DOES CREATIVITY MEAN TO YOU?

2007-03-17T05:14:00.001-07:00

I was thinking about this when I came across a sister's blog (great minds think alike artist4eva). So many people try to define an artist, creativity, art forms etc, by placing rules and assumptions about the artist/artform/medium/project/ideas. etc
Is this societys way of keep us boxed in the land of category and rules according to their values?
I hate the word 'should' (unless youre taking about a nice pair of shoes, chocolate and food).
I also feel uncomfortable with specific individuals and organizations that dismiss creative work if it doesn't fit into the; Hoxton, Greenwich, Edgy, Urban, Eclectic and Cutting Edge style categories. Don't get me wrong I love new interesting concepts, and ideas, but I feel that too much emphasis on the defining creativity keeps many more potential 'creatives' away from practising any art form, or taking their natural talents further, very sad.
Many moons ago when I was studying Art and Design, my ageing balding tutor (who was also an ageing balding frustrated fine artist) absolutely tore us to pieces during critics (maybe we were that bad). Anyway Baldy had peeps running for the hills never to be seen again, due to the barrage of abuse he gave us at the end of each lesson, disguised at Constructive Criticism.
The hill runners may never have been great artists, but they could have used their creativity in some other way to manage the stressed/out tired/ bored/ Reality Overdose existence we call life.
mj
ps. I found this from talentdevelopment.com via Oprah.com and I think this is quite interesting. Please let me know what you think. ..
Rant over now where is that chocolate..........
http://talentdevelop.com/selftest.html
Creativity questionnaire
Creativity isn't reserved for artists and inventors -- it's a capacity we all share.
For some, it's a desire for self-expression; for others, a drive to explore possibilities.
Genius isn't essential, just curiosity and an open mind. The fruit of creativity is
self-discovery. Find a quiet spot and consider these questions:
1 There are many kinds of artists. Are you an artist of life -- an inspired cook,
a master of diplomacy, a stylish dresser? Write down all the ways you bring beauty,harmony, or flair to your surroundings.
2 What art form would you try if you didn't care about results or your performance?
Think back to childhood: Did you enjoy ballet class or banging on a drum?
How could you reconnect with that sense of fun?
3 Creative people are problem solvers. If you could clear up any issue in the world --
or your world -- what would it be? What would be your first step?
4 Is your talent appreciating the creative efforts of others? What do you most enjoy
looking at or listening to? Would you enjoy it even more if you tried to experience
the artistic process firsthand?
5 Envy is a message from your creative core. Whose talent would you like to have?
How could you develop your own ability in that area?
<< from O, The Oprah Magazine, November, 2001

Alters

2007-03-17T05:13:00.001-07:00

I never travel anywhere without bringing my mobile alter.
My travel alter consists of a medal from Lourdes my mother gave me , my crystals ; Rose Quartz crystal, Black Tourmaline, Turquoise and whatever I pick up on the way out . I also have a small medicine bag full of special objects.
I always have to bring Nag Champa, my friends and family have became devotees of this sexy incense, and now ask if I am bringing this. Alters always sets the scene in any cold hotel room, I even prefer to unpack my objects rather than my clothes. I also bring a journal or a small note book, when I feel the need to vent my spleen or write deep and meaningful insights. I also seem to have an epiphany when I am away, which is quickly lost during a hard nights raving.
Anyway smug unspiritual /ironic friend asks me tartly 'it is a bit much to carry all this stuff with you all the time, what if you lose all that stuff? Well... my answer is that Alters are a representation of the creator, the universe and my dame fine self LOL. (This was lost on her even the last bit!).
As long as I have access to objects which represent either the elements such as a stone, shell, feather water element etc (the list is endless) or objects which I just like to look at,... I am able to create an alter...and feel at home from my own home...
In the past I have recommended that clients create alters which represent them, rather than how the alter should look like; for example my friend has small objects by the kitchen sink, this is an alter representing her fun /inner child side and the only time she has to come to this place, and feel good during the washing up (unfortunately) but this times till makes her feel very calm being amongst her small objects.
I suppose my love of alters date back to Madame Pompidou (Ma) she always had an alter of saints within the home, (funny not one of them resembled us). Anyway Ma still kneels down to pray to these saints on her alter, at the beginning and the end of the day, Heaven help us if we disturbed her during her prayer time! (talk about good boundaries and fear).
My mother is not alone though ,After reading the book Beautiful Necessity the art and meaning of women's alters - by Kay Turner I saw so many versions of my mothers alter from South American to Senegal. So I suppose I am carrying on my with my mothers tradition.
The only difference is that my alter has images s of people that look like and represent me *smiles*

Ashe
p.s Some alter sites...

http://www.sacredshrineofmwtast.org/Nehes_creating_sacred_altar.html
http://healing.about.com/od/crystaltherapy/a/crystalaltar.htm
http://www.souledout.org/secretcreation/altars/altarreality.html

~MY MUST HAVE WEBSITES~

2007-03-17T05:10:00.001-07:00

Category: Web, HTML, Tech
Listed below are my must have favourite websites to support my lifestyle and values.
~ List your own to share the love~
http://www.ancestralhealing.com/html/info.htm I am still reading through this one.
http://www.sobonfu.com/ One of my rites of passage mentors.
http://www.thedominican.net/ National online newspaper my mother country.
http://www.arisingpeaceofart.blinks.net/index.html
http://www.spiritinart.com/index1.htm an Art magazine to help clear and activate the Sacral and Throat chakra.
http://www.creativity-portal.com/howto/a/altered.books/board.book.html -my alter book hobbie - (watch this space).
http://www.style-icon.co.uk/ - My niece's personal shopping service.
http://groups.msn.com/HOLISTICLOCING/welcome.msnw - The all important and comprehensive holistic loc resource village.
http://www.herbsistah.com/11301.html Good info on fibroid care.

WHO ARE YOU?

2007-03-17T05:08:00.000-07:00

I AM
LAUGTHER
I BE
PAIN, MOVEMENT, SPIRIT ,
A MOON
A VESSEL OF ETERNAL WATER
SUN RISING
BRIGHT STAR
DARK NIGHT
DAUGHTER OF
OSHUN/YEMAYA/OBATALA
ANCESTRAL SPIRIT
LOVE
I AM
CREATION
LIFE
DEATH
REBIRTH
A REFLECTION OF THE UNIVERSE
I AM

Therapy Spotlight -Indian Head Massage

2006-10-28T14:12:00.000-07:00

Indian Head Massage has been practised in India for a over four thousand years.

Part of the Ayurvedic treatment system, Indian Head Massage was used to promote health when used in conjunction with herbs, spices and aromatic oils.

Indian head massage was believed to not only ‘strengthen the muscles and firm the skin' but stimulate the body’s natural healing ability.

In India children receive massages daily from birth to keep them in good health. From the ages of three to six years old they are massage once or twice a week. After that age they are taught to share massages with family members on a regular basis.

Although originally developed by women as part of their grooming routine to encourage and improve the condition of the hair. Indian head massage, was used by barbers who practised many of the same grooming skills.
However the treatments performed by barbers were more invigorating, to stimulate the scalp and invigorate the client rather than improve the hair.

As barbers travelled to clients houses they offered (champi), head massage s part of the hair cutting service. In time, this became a custom; everyone, including royalty would receive regular head massage from their own barber.

Indian Head Massage only become popular in the western world after a physiotherapy student *Mr Narenda Mehta# decided to develop and combine both the skills of relaxing head massage used by the women in India for and the more invigorating massage used by barbers. In 1981 Mr Mehta introduced Indian Head Massage in Olympia at an Holistic Health exhibition which was a huge success.

From this growing interest in Indian head massage this has now became on of the fastest growing complimentary therapies.

In addition to the treatment oils can be used if required, such as Coconut, Sesame, and Mustard oil to add sheen and lustre to the hair improve dryness, and prevent hair loss.

The treatment last for about half an hour with the client remaining fully dressed, sitting relaxed on an upright chair, making Indian Head Massage an excellent mobile treatment which can be done anywhere.

In addition the therapist can also use incense, candles, and relaxing music to enhance the therapeutic atmosphere

Indian head massage power of touch-Mr N Mehta 1999.

****Benefits of Indian of Head Massage******

Indian Head massage:

Stimulates circulation, and increases the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the tissue.

Relieves and relaxes muscular tension, headaches, and soothes the nervous system.

Relieves eyestrain, mental, and emotional tension

Stimulates lymphatic drainage helping to remove toxins and boost the immune system.

Improves circulation restores joint mobility, and stretches mobilises the muscles of the neck and shoulders.

Stimulates and improves circulation to the scalp promoting hair growth, and improves the strength of the hair.

Alleviates stress and revitalises the body.

Clears congestion from the head and aids concentration.

Re-balances the energy flow (chakras) to the body

Loosening of the scalp

Improves sleep and insomnia

Contra-indication which prevent or restrict
Indian Head Massage

Conditions which prevent treatment

Indian head massage should be avoided if the clients any of the following:

Head, Neck or Back Injury
Heart Condition
Recent Operations
Skin scalp Infection
Skin Disorder ie severe Psoriasis
Severe bruising /cuts and abrasions
Recent Haemorrhage
Under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Has a high temperature/fever
Is undergoing medical treatment has cancer
Severe high or low blood pressure
Is suffering form aneurosa- (dilation of the blood vessels)

Conditions which restrict treatment

Allergies Check for sensitivity to oils
Arthritis Check mobility
Blood Pressure Check with GP
Cancer Check with GP
Diabetes Check condition is stable
Epilepsy Check with GP
Pregnancy Avoid in first 12 weeks
Phlebitis Check with GP
Painful cysts
Psoriasis
Chronic fatigue
Osteoporosis
Spondylitis

Effects of Indian Head Massage

Tiredness and Muscular Aches

This is due to the release of toxins into the system and the reaction of healing energies that require the body to rest in order to assist with the healing process.

Emotional State

A heightened emotional state may be expired due to the cleansing effect of the healing energies.
Clients may feel tearful, sensitive, or light-headed, rest and water is sufficient.

copyright: mjfontaine

Therapy Spotlight - NLP

2006-10-28T12:36:00.000-07:00

Neuro Linguistic Programme(NLP)
Neuro linguistic programming (NLP) is the study and application of thinking, language and behaviour.
NLP studies techniques of how people learn, think and how to perform things with excellence. By studying excellence we can code this behaviour and then teach it to others to produce positive change .
Therefore an NLP practitioner will be able to help you:
Build and improve your personal relationshipsIncrease your self esteemChange negative experiencesIncrease your confidenceAchieve goals and excel in businessIncrease your communication skillsChange unwanted habits/phobiasIncrease your performance at work and find focus in your life
NLP is effective for making changes in :-
Career, Health , Relationships, Family issues , Smoking and Phobias.
Practitioner’s consultancy This service covers coaching, refresher courses, and one to one training for massage/beauty therapists entering and re-entering the industry, marketing. Business, and funding advice for therapist are available. We also have qualified independent business advisors to provide business plans, and start up information.
For more information visit; http://www.mjfontaine.com/

Therapy Spotlight - Breathwork

2006-10-28T12:30:00.000-07:00

WHAT IS BREATHWORK?
Breathwork is an opportunity to make the journey to your Inner Self with more self-awareness.
Inhale deeply immediately followed by the exhale. On the exhale relax. This is Conscious Connected Breathing, you have a choice as to how you are breathing so you will not be hyperventilating, you are in control. Breath has energy (also known as prana or chi) which is released at the cellular level in the body. The buildup of this energy allows the cells to release memories of issues, events etc which are stored there. Just as toxic waste is released on each exhale from the body. On release of a memory, one views it as though they are watching a film.. You are in an altered state of consciousness, thereby, you are able to know that you are in the present and the past events which you are seeing are not happening in the now. One is, therefore, able to integrate and release from your system what does not support you today.
Healing is allowed to take place in a gentle supportive space. One is able to affirm life enchancing choices, experience extraordinary peace and a feeling of being centred. Healing on all levels are inspired; physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.
Every person's Breath session will be different. You have a whole life of experiences which are all your own. How or what your body chooses to work with will be unique to you, so every Breathe you have can be different from any previous ones.
If you would like more information please contact Marleen gemgoddess01@hotmail.com
***********************************************************************

Messages in Water

2006-10-23T14:46:00.000-07:00

This is must for vibrational medicine junkies...

http://www.life-enthusiast.com/twilight/research_emoto.htm

Taster Talks

2006-09-15T11:32:00.000-07:00

I am available for Taster Talks on Complementary Therapies, Goal setting, and rites of passages.

Contact info@mjfontaine.com to discuss a package for your organisation or visit http://www.mjfontaine.com/work.html for more information on full cost workshops.

~Walking the Path of the Pioneer~

2006-07-14T09:25:00.000-07:00

As I said before - It ain't easy being a Queen.........

I have been inspired to write this because of an email I received from a friend...

One of those emails life is short ..Etc..Etc....
We read the information and send to five friends the close the email and switch off (literally).

Some of us sit down and meditate on the next step, some of us go home to cook and get back into the daily grind of the tick tock generation, What happened to thelife is short philosophy we adopted two hours ago? The email dissolves into the past as soon as we enter Primark to buy those shoes, or the latest electrical gadget, as we comfort ourselves with 'life is short'.

My life is a mass of chaotic spirituality mixed with wisdom, tears, grace and creativity. There are times when I feel overwhelmed by sadness, joy and love, sometimes I wish I would be able to be satisfied with a 'normal' lifestyle and job (ignorance is bliss). So I strive to honor my self in some way by living creatively.

I have on numerous occasions walked away from situations in my life that was not working for me - and as the scales require balance I have also stayed too long in many situations that did not meet my heart and soul needs.

As I close said 'email' my conclusion of the positive emails are this - words of comfort during challenging times. Because lt is hard walking the path of the pioneer, and many people do not want to be in that place of aloneness and constant challenge. It is definitely the place of the blue pill vs the red pill once you take either pill you are at that place of no return .

ashe

Thoughts on Sista Hood

2006-07-07T11:55:00.000-07:00

I posted this as a response one of myspace friends an amazing woman Tajmonigrip.

Sista hood is essential - I am so up for womb man hood and sharing, and celebrating our Goddess energy. The influences of the media and the education and social structures that are in place sometimes add fuel our insecurities, and wounds.

To be the best or the prettiest guarantee a higher place on the food chain. In turn we become more competitive, distrustful and scorn towards each other. As sista circles lose out to plasma televisions and pirate DVD'S etc we are becoming a more disenfranchised race. The Matriarch the powerhouse of the family has been relegated to the position of just looking good with no sense of self and rightful position in this society.

We have to own our greatness; we have to go through a personal revolution and evolution before we have our own solution, which cannot be found outside of ourselves. This is why I posted the blog who is the Goddess because we so need to know ourselves.

Keep up the good work Sisters, I see the beauty in you only because I recognize the beauty in myself. Ashe

How to: How to make an Ankh

2006-06-09T02:14:00.000-07:00

CHAKRA ANKH 101

This is a just a fun project I wanted to make an Ankh for my alter so I completed this very quickly. I did not take too much time fixing and making this perfect because I just wanted to make this experience fun. Enjoy!!!

Equipment :
Newspaper
Cutting Board
A Craft knife
Acrylic Paints or Craft Paints
Air Dried Clay
Precious Stones - beads etc

Step One: design your Ankh on plain or graph paper. ( you can obtain a template from the internet or from a good craft book).

Step Two: Knead the Air Dried clay and roll out on a board then cut your ankh over the newspaper. Note my clay has thumb marks but I smoothed these out after.

Step Three: This is the part where you can add more clay , I found that my Ankh was too thin so I added a bit more clay .

Step Four: I wanted to change the top part so I also added more clay around this area.

Step Five: Paint your Ankh (you do not have to use the Chakra colours you can use any colours that you wish). Remember you can add precious stones etc.

Step Six: Finished Painting and now you can add varnish to give that glossy look!!

Step Seven: All I need is to add the other bits soon . Since I have completed this project I have been informed that you can use molds for Air Dried clay. However I found the organic process of making this by hand fantastic. But I will try another project from a mould.

Copyright © mjfontaine

WHO IS THE GODDESS

2006-05-26T13:49:00.000-07:00

Who is the Goddess?

SHE IS LOVE
SHE IS PASSION,
SHE IS LUST,
SHE IS ROMANCE,
SHE IS NUTURING, CARING AND PROTECTIVE
SHE IS HATE,
SHE IS SCORN,
SHE IS ENVY
SHE IS REVENGE
SHE IS THE MOTHER,
SHE IS THE DAUGHTER,
SHE IS THE SISTER,
SHE IS THE LOVER,
SHE IS CONSERVATIVE,
SHE IS FUNKY,
SHE IS QUIRKY,
SHE IS SOPHISTICATED.
THE GODDESS IS EVEYTHING YET SHE IS UNDEFINABLE....
THE GODDESS IS A MULTI DIMENSIONAL,
UNPREDICTABLE , CONTRADICTION IN MOTION.
BUT HEY
IS MOTHER EARTH EVER PREDICTABLE !!DAMN.... IT AIN'T EASY BEING A QUEEN...

MJ2006.

Art within sacred play and goal setting.

2006-05-25T06:04:00.001-07:00

Saturday, December 10, 2005
In the past I when I have run my women’s workshops, I have used a combination of tools involving ritual, discussion, dance and meditation.
I have also attended so many workshops which have had a profound effect on my journey using all the above tools.
However I found the most enjoyable tool used in workshop is the use of Art (my favorite form of expression), for example creating a specific piece of artwork to represent a journey, or goal.
Tools
An effective tool to plan/heal/ set a goal or intentions is to make a Collage. Collage bypasses the subconscious mind without the added pressure of wanting to create a masterpiece. We all have our own inner artiste, but painting or drawing may not be the correct medium for us to exercise our creativity.
Even though Creativity and life or the same we all have a place under this catergory, that’s why we have Griots or Cantadora's (keeper of stories), dancers, nurturers etc . Also collage produces the fun factor cutting out magazines, one becomes like a child again, which is also a sacred place.
With Collage we can select images that whisper to our soul and use them to help us through issues; we can then heal and plan the next stage if we trust the workings of the Creator.
One way to successfully work with issues is designing a soul collage card;
Soul Collage & Spirituality: 9 Steps to Your First Soul Collage™ Card Fall in Love with You with Soul Collage by Anne Marie Bennett try http://www.creativity-portal.com
This is very a very good way of working with collage, and working with any issues or blocks. (Believe me it works!).
Collage can be used to make a treasure map of goals - 'Creative Visualisation' by Shakti Gawain details this process.
I have attained my goals through this process, even if I forgot about a collage/goal when I went back to it found months or years later that 90f my goals have been materialised.
In the Summer I will run another workshops, and I will introduce the Soul Collage card into the space, so if your in England and you wanna access your inner artiste watch this space.

A journey through the body - (Sacred Dance).

2006-05-25T06:04:00.000-07:00

Belly dancing

This is a powerful creative way to get back into the body and exercise. There are symbols used within the dance such as the 'Figure of Eight' which represent infinity and the connection to the Divine. Other movements are used to clear and open up the Sacrel and Solar Plexus chakras. There are also the Egyptian arm movement called the 'Open Heart' which helps with opening the heart and inproves confidence.
Belly dancing is also helpful for strengthing the internal muscles, and posture. This form of exercise is fun and works the physical, emotional and spiritual centres of the body. This is also good releasing any blocked energy within the body. Apparently good during pregnancy as it exercises the pelvis -
( I suggest that earth mothers check with their midwives/doulas before undertaking any exercises).

Body adornment -

To adorn is to honour During sacred ceremonies the body was adorned.
Piercings, tattoos, dyeing of the hair etc is nothing new !

* I had a discussion with a group of Somalian women who told me secrets of how they groom and honour their bodies, I blushed - (there was no talk of female circumcision although this is a very serious subject).

Every culture or group is different regarding body adornment. I enjoyed the collection of waist beads I recieved from a friend via Sierra Leonne.

I learned to use Henna to adorn my body via the ladies from Lahore, and Sri Lanka, and Headwrapping techniques from a Yoruba initiate from west london. My piercings! via a Tattoo shop in East London LOL.

For me body adornment is an ancient art, but there is a thin line between tasteful and tasteless - concious body art yes.

The sad part is that the same indigenous customs and practises termed 'primitive' and 'savage' have now been reintroduced into society with the spiritual aspects taken out very interesting!
For the countless women who lose their power of authenticity and cast away their dreams to live a life of another's, religion, family, institution, role. - live your life, adorn yourself for you begin it now!!!!

chapter from my fourthcoming book

Through the Looking Glass -mjfontaine-

Moving Home! Bye Bye Blogger

Healing, Love and Fun Music Fridays ~Podcast on Cycles~

Healing Fun and Love music Friday's

WeeK One

Healing, Fun and Love Music Fridays -The Next Chapter -The Joy Diet

Healing, Fun and Love Music Fridays

My Fabulous Summer

Healing, Fun and Love Music Fridays -Full Moon Dreamers

The Creative Healing Life Coaching Course

Healing, Fun and Love music Fridays -Esperanza Spalding at the White House honoring Stevie Wonder.

New Moon Circle.

Healing, Fun and Love Music Fridays.

Wishcasting Wednesday with Osho..

Healing, Fun, and Love Music Fridays

The Creative Healing Playshops

New Moon Dreamboard ~letting go Full Moon..

Wrecking (not) my Journal

Rest In Peace *The King* 1958 -2009

Dreamboard- Full Buck Moon

A Supernova has joined the heavens. RIP Micheal Jackson.

The Next Chapter ~Wreck This Journal~Week One and Two

Full Moon/Rose Moon Dreamboard

A book * A Wishing wall* And Wishcasting Wednesday

Write Up for Elemental Cards

May Dreamboard

My New Baby !!!!

Full Pink Moon Dreamboard

Jade Egg Goddess....

MARCH DREAM BOARD

Happy International Women's Day/Month

On my Creative Guides

Blog Festival-Ea Getting to the HeART of It

Snow Moon Dream Board

Englands So Called Snow Day Standstill

Eclipse

Wordless Wednesday

"An aromatic Tardis you can leave your troubles behind you and venture into a fragrant world"

January Wolf Moon Dreamboard~Clarity~

1st day of Book Blogging Group

Wordless Wednesday 3 day Detox

URSULA RUCKER - L.O.V.E. (Ma'at Mama/Ft. Vickie Miles)

Young Girls Workshop December 2008

My new years meme 2009

Wordless Wednesday *Happy New Year *

Creativity Watch and Syncronistic events part II

Craft Fair in London and Multitasking.

DECEMBER DREAMBORD

**Give Away **Creative Comfort Ritual Consultation.

Workshop

End of Soul Coaching and New Journey

Aum Meditation

Luscious bath products

November Dream Board

Soul Coaching and other things...

Soul Coaching- Another Journey

Bartering A new Way of Being

Plug Plug and the Full Libra Moon

Its a full moon today so all things feminine I shall be doing a ritual for new balanced things to come into my life being as the full moon is in Libra...... In the meantime here is a plug of my workshop that I will be running in October in London....

Return of the Divine Queen Workshop for women.

Jaqueline's Allotment

Memes

Oils for sufferers of Seasonal Affective Disorder

On Surrender

The Serenity Prayer

by Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)

The Metaphysics of Madness

Guardian Publish-'Teen killings: the list of victims'.

Creativity Watch and Synchronistic events....

Creativity Watch ...is Vandalism a Crime??? or our last freedom of expression?

Graffiti - When Art Becomes a Crime

Cans Festival - pixinc

Things I see - around me -- Authenticity Watch*

my new book - 9 Steps to Creative Healing

Les Chaussons Rouges

Wild women and other animals.

Coming Home to the Divine Spirit of the feminine

My Etsy Store - US clients

Review of the Goddess Workshop January 2008

Rewarding and celebrating ourselves -Winter Solstace

Rest In Peace The King 1958 -2009

Wordless Wednesday Happy New Year

Give Away Creative Comfort Ritual Consultation.

Thoughts on Sista Hood