right to the edge

Straight up; one after the other,
after the other,
after the other:
Steps seemingly unending and unsecured as my muscles begin to complain and my mind begins to taunt me-daring me to just quit.
A white-knuckling, adrenaline flying, muscle-shaking shimmy over the top rung onto the precariously perched platform puts me at a place I've never been before.
Do not look back. Do not even peek.
Straight forward.
Resolute vision.
Focus.
Purposeful, single minded, determined focus.

Breathe.




















For just a moment.
Breathe.
Feel stillness
peace
resolution
that comes at this point in the climb.

See that 'something' that's been
playing
teasing
taunting
at each step.
The something of
utter, undeniable fear skittering and skiping back and forth from mind, to gut; from heart to head.














Now to something bigger,
stronger,
more trustworthy
humming.
with just enough volume to dispel the skittering, noisome nuisance.
Gentle
peaceful
and solid.
Faithful,
trustworthy
and honest.
It has power-which brings me from prostrate on the platform to up on my knees; hope which prompts me to pull my feet up under these bowed knees
and slowly,
assuredly,
stand.
Trustworthiness to ever so cautiously,
yet with great anticipation,
step forward.
And forward again.
And once more again.
Confidence rising.
Excitement increasing.
Faith cementing.











Future unfolding.
I dive.
in love. trish.

EncaustiCamp 2011

'Sixty four percent of Americans want to make more things themselves. There's a huge opportunity in providing the tools and materials to do just that.'
This quote, serendipitously clipped and tacked to the board above my desk several months ago, speaks to all that I believe, and have believed, for myself for as long as I can remember: To create what I 'want' myself.
My first big sewing project was my eighth grade dance dress. In high school a friend and I saw a great twig reindeer at a craft show and went home to make several ourselves. In college, needing Christmas gifts but having no means to buy things for my family, I collected pine cones from the local park, glued them to a cardboard frame, sprayed them with glitter and offered up holiday wreathes.
As a new mom I saw some adorable kids clothing, way out of my price range, as I began my journey as a stay-at-home mom so many years ago, and found my way around recreating a version of my own. Even as money became less of an obstacle, I made the boys' teachers holiday gifts of polymer ornaments and shrink plastic icicles (sigh).
So it comes as no surprise to find myself not only wanting that same ability to befall everyone else, but to come boldly forward in my course through creativity to offer up an avenue for them to find just that! First through EncaustiKits,
the line of inclusive craft kits bringing all things encaustic and mixed media to the craft world and now through Encausticamp-the place to come for immersion in all things encaustic! This retreat opportunity, being offered to experienced as well as novice encaustic aficionados, is being held July 13-17, 2011 on the outskirts of Salem, Oregon on a serene boarding school campus.
Just one hour from the Oregon coast, and the same distance to Portland, EncaustiCamp will run from Wednesday evening with check-in and an all-group demonstration and welcome gathering, through three days of workshops and three more evenings of encaustic indulgence with a vending night full of encaustic supplies, a break out pajama-talk in which instructors will open up about their encaustic art experiences and welcome questions and answers, and a final show and tell all-camp closing party.
Mixed media and experimentation have always been my passion and bringing this together with encaustic is a 'dream I didn't fully realize I had' come true :)
This post makes official the launch of the site and opening of registration to all~come take a peek; email questions, call with comments, but above all, jump in with both feet, come boldly to your own creativity and indulge in this opportunity to embrace creating all that makes your heart sing, yourself. It's that good :)
in love. trish