Fresh ink.

As the end of my master's program looms, I am planning on some fresh ink. I have decided on this unlikely image:

carved in Firm Kut, the larger is 1.5", the smaller 1"
I carved the first, then decided I wanted it smaller.

The dragon is a highly nuanced symbol as it combines the serpent and the bird, which in isolation each carry their own symbolism. Together, the dragon is a powerful, mythical creature dating back to antiquity. 

Although the dragons of the East and the West have quite similar physical characteristics, their symbolic representations are drastically different and, in a way, indicate the cultural differences between these civilizations. The most notable difference between the Asian and European dragons is that while the European folklore has portrayed the dragons as evil, fearsome and malevolent creatures, the Asian cultures regard them as benevolent beings. (https://www.ancient-symbols.com/dragon-symbolism.html)

I have always been fascinated with dragons, and love the portrayals of dragons in films like Shrek and How to Train Your Dragon, and even those dragon-like creatures in Avatar. Come to find out (from a friend who is a Reiki master and knows about such things), my Chinese zodiac is a dragon. And, even more interesting was, while playing in the Wizarding World, I discovered my patronus is (would be?) a dragon. If you are unfamiliar, (which I suppose most are not), a patronus is a type of 'anti-dementor' guardian. Dementors are symbolic of soul-sucking depression, and frankly, who isn't tormented by soul-sucking depression now and then, especially these days. All that to say - dragons keep showing up in my life.

Back when I finished my mindfulness studies program at the start of the pandemic, graduation festivities were summarily cancelled. So, I marked the accomplishment with a mindfulness symbol tattoo.

As everything started locking-down, I quickly determined that I could make the best of it by taking another master's program. It sure has kept me occupied, without a doubt. But, my graduation for this degree will again come and go without fanfare. I have chosen the dragon to represent this challenging psych program, but also as a way to acknowledge these past years of (political, societal, and climate) chaos. Just like the semi-colon on my wrist, a dragon symbolizes resilience through difficult circumstances. I am still here and moving forward. 

the Breathe symbol,
carved in Firm Kut, .5" x 1.5"

Another symbol I really resonate with is the 'breathe' symbol, which incorporates the 'om,' described as the universal vibration. It seems, to me anyway, that human spirituality and science are merging - but in reality, they have always been intertwined. This symbol embodies both the scientific and spiritual concept that all things, including human breath, have a unique vibration, and they come together to create the sound 'om.' The inventor and scientist Nikola Tesla once said "If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration." 

I haven't added the Breathe symbol in permanent ink ... yet. So many of us have tattoos - have you carved yours? Seems like they might make pretty good sig-stamps :)

Stained Glass Tree

I wish I knew how many hours I put into this carve! It's nice to have it completed, and now all there is to do is color it...

"The trees are whispering to me, reminding me of my roots, and my reach... shhhhhh... can you hear them? Selflessly sharing their subtle song."

~Jeb Dickerson

For the Sake of Carving

stamp size 1.75" across

In preparation for our upcoming road trip, I have cleared my plate so to speak. I have fulfilled all commitments, swaps and carving requests. What a nice, but strange, feeling! I can't remember a time, since I started postals way back, when I haven't been working on at least a handful of projects (usually more!).

So, that leaves me with no projects to work on, design or create. What?? I get to carve whatever I like? Really?

I rather like this design... :-)

Both Sides!

You may remember me posting my side of this fanciful bucket previously, but I thought it would be fun to put both sides together. The other side was carved by my boxin' bud and best friend, Padawan. Yep, she's a famous letterboxer, too!

Some Awesome Patches

Just wanted to share our incredible, awesome, beautifully done Pacific Northwest patches! Design and creation credit goes to both our own Mystic Dreamer and Camp Fire Lady - aren't these patches great?

Would it be arrogant to say that we have the BEST letterboxing patches in the country?

Naaaah...


For more interesting patch information, check out some historical information at the We Live & Breathe Letterboxing website.

Need a little love this morning...

This morning, as I add this heart mandala to the blog, I am heavy-hearted. Not only am I a little behind in posting duties this week, but my Padawan and I will be taking a dear friend in for chemotherapy today. Not that there is any great hope in eradicating the insidious cancer that racks her body, but only to try to arrest it's growth. It makes me so sad, and is coloring everything as gray as our overcast skies.

Please, if you think of it today, pray for sweet Rose. She is scared, as we all are as we face our mortality.

The Sea Maid

(stamp size 3.5" x 2.5")

One of my most recent carves, carved for an event far from here. I found this great poem that seemed to fit, from Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream:

To where I watch on the yellow sands,
and they pluck sweet music with sea-cold hands.

They bring me coral and amber clear.
But when the stars in heaven appear,

their music ceases, they glide away.
They swim for their grottos across the bay.

Then listen only to my shrill tune,
the surfy tide, and the wondering moon.

A Bit About Mandalas

(actual size 2.75" across)

I usually don't carve for a swap without doing a bit of research about the subject matter at hand. For the Mandala swaps (I'm in both Blank & White as well as Colored), I wanted to know the roots of mandalas. Here is what I found:

• Mandala (Sanskrit maṇḍala "essence" + "having" or "containing", also translates as "circle-circumference" or "completion", both derived from the Tibetan term dkyil khor) is a concentric diagram having spiritual and ritual significance in both Buddhism and Hinduism.

• In various spiritual traditions, mandalas may be employed for focusing attention of aspirants and adepts; as a spiritual teaching tool; for establishing a sacred space; and as an aid to meditation and trance induction.

• In common use, mandala has become a generic term for any plan, chart or geometric pattern that represents the cosmos metaphysically or symbolically, a microcosm of the Universe from the human perspective.

• In the Zohar (Kabalah) it is written, “There exists no circle in the world which is not made from within a single point which is located in the center…and this point, which is located in the center, receives all the light, illuminates the body, and all is enlightened.” The Star of David symbol is a common motif found in mandalas.

• Mandala-esque forms are prevalent throughout Christianity: celtic cross; rosary; halo; aureole; oculi; Crown of Thorns; rose windows; Rosy Cross (although most of these were not actual christian "artifacts", they were only implemented after the dark ages of Constantine); dromenon on the floor of Chartres Cathedral. The dromenon represents a journey from the outer world to the inner sacred centre where the Divine is found.

What is it about mandalas that are so attractive and interesting? To be honest, I don't find any spiritual edification looking at a mandala, or find that it aids in meditation in any way. I simply like the design of them. And there are so many! Whatever your bent, you can certainly find a mandala that is to your taste.

a mandala in my garden

The carved mandala above is a little unorthodox, in my view. It was designed by an artist that goes by the moniker 'Sue Doodles'. I really liked the airy and carefree feel of the lines. Besides, it was fun to carve. *smile*

For the colored swap, I'm going to tackle the Jedi Council Floor...I'm really looking forward to that. Now, just to find the time...

Care for more Celtic?

(actual size 1.25" across)

Can you really ever have too much celtic? I enjoy the challenge of carving these woven designs. For a recent LTC project, I decided to carve three stamps to grace the front on my Y Knot 3 LTCs.

(actual size 2.25" across)

Notice that they are not only different designs, but different carving 'techniques', so to speak. The top is just the straight carve of the weave, the second is hollowed out and the third is carved in negative. Too much fun, to be sure!

(actual size 1.25" square)

Y Knot 3 LTC

Feeling Rather Celtic

(stamp size 2.5" square)

Everyone loves the challenge of carving celtic designs. These two I carved for a postal ring; the top one was my contribution to ring and the bottom one was my sig stamp for stamping into the plbs that came my way - how fun!

(stamp size 1.75" across)

Fantas-eye

(stamp size 2.25" x 3.25")

A carve I did a bit ago for a single LTC project, long since retired now. On the LTC, I colored the accent color with pencil and then added prisma glitter to the iris of the eye. Unfortunately, the scan just doesn't look the same as it does in person. And, as with many of my LTCs, I got bored with doing just one color for all of them, so I did some green, some blue, some red, some orange...you get the idea. So much for having a restless soul, eh?

Fantas-Eye LTC