This long awaited next installment starts with a truly beautiful kindred spirit from California with a name as lovely as her art, Elke Glenndenning. She and I "met" when I received a very thoughtful email from her inquiring about a crochet covered stone that reminded her of the sand dollars she and her pa would collect by the ocean. Last year Elke's life was completely immersed in one of the most beautiful expressions of love for a father or parent I have ever seen. She created an art journal and also a surface shrine to guide her through her father's illness and then ultimately his death. The "sand dollar stone" became part of this. It would be difficult for you to read this and then not spend hours and hours reading Elke's blog or viewing her fantastic flickr stream but I can tell you now it would be worth it.
A coincidence that this beautiful small box arrived while I was in the midst of dealing with my mom's last miles of her marathon run, I think not.
Did you notice something in the little box nest??
Thank you so very much Elke for being so kind, thoughtful and so freely expressing in your art and life what so many of us have great difficulty with. As I am writing this and reflecting on your art I realized I had my own surface shrine set up on the porch in December. It is melting and the ache within my heart is lessening.
Parts XV, XVI, XVII and XVIII to follow.
This is such a lovely post. It brought tears to my eyes, those last words 'the ache in my heart is lessening'. I'm enjoying your posts every day and you are bringing me inspiration. I have recently been thinking how I can be more positive and take time time to reflect on the small things in life, thanks to you. x
Posted by: Jill Wignall | January 27, 2010 at 07:55 AM
This touches my heart. Elke's journey is so universal. When my dad was dying of lung cancer, I kept a journal. I am very glad that I have it to look back on because it is rich in detail about him and my reflections. I also think I was able to work out a lot of my feelings as I went along, which helps with coping and grief.
Posted by: Lovely World | January 27, 2010 at 09:16 AM
Thank you for sharing Elke's story.
Posted by: maryellen | January 27, 2010 at 09:43 AM
margie, my heart just caught in my throat...i think i have been away too long. i am going back to read now...
xxx
Posted by: cathygaubert | January 27, 2010 at 11:31 AM
Elke's treasures are beautiful. I like how each parcel is a little piece of the life of the thoughtful sender. I guess each opening is a surprise and a wonderment !
Posted by: Nanou | January 28, 2010 at 01:26 AM
What a wonderful exchange of inspiration. I will look forward to learning more about Elke and her story too.
Posted by: joanie | January 29, 2010 at 07:55 AM
Hello
This is a nice post..You have arranged so well those things in that little box.Its also good to know about Elke's story..Thank you.
Posted by: cheap r4 dsi | January 30, 2010 at 02:49 AM
oh margie........
thank you for this. such beautiful words. you are a treasure.
i'm so glad to see the little sand dollar made it in one piece!!
hugs to you.
elke
Posted by: elke | February 06, 2010 at 03:06 AM