Monday, November 23, 2009

Mermaid Lemon-Aid - On Motherhood...Wing-Mom's...Dreams...

Mama - Maintenance:

I have been a Mom for 8 years now...

It is the most difficult work I've ever done and simultaneously, the most rewarding.  Positive feedback is ongoing.  I try to do my best in each developmental phase.  I plan age-appropriate and challenging activities...within reason.  I'm not a martyr. 

I'm a human being.  If there is something I'm not enjoying, I stop.  I'm not much of a joiner for the sake of it.  I say "no" when I want to, with increasing awareness for my limits.  "No" is a positive expression and dear friend of sanity.  Good intentions and being spread thin, don't support my family fulfillment, film career (or afternoon napping when needed).

That said, there are many things I can not say no to, regarding children.  Acquisition of food, clothing and shelter are a full-time pursuit.  Kids demand your time and attention despite day job, business or flu related fatigue.  You can drag your butt around adults, but kids rarely let you get away with it. 

Enter the Wing-Mom or should I say Winged?  (meaning Angel):

My younger sister, Amy, recently came up from Calgary to help on a birthday party weekend.  We tag teamed prep and both had fatigue related illness interject  -- When I was laying down she was up and vice versa.  The party was something my daughter looked forward to for weeks, planned and arranged...I was not able to say even a tiny "NO".

At one point Amy stated, "So this is what parenting's like..."  I said, "Not really...not for me anyway."  I continued with "This is what it would be like IF there were two parents working together."  Amy's been a great partner through the years with the kids...and during business events. 

The hostess with the mostess!

Having a Wing-Mom was such a gift.  We pushed through pain together, pulled off the party, crawled home, put the girls to bed and laughed over a glass of wine and jell-o mould antics.

Children Taking Flight:

As my daughters grow, hands-on requirements lessen, but mental challenges keep me on my toes.  Why does this person do that?  Why is the world like this?  Why? Why? Why?  I keep it honest.  If someone is unkind, it's usually because it has helped them get along in the world -- it's not right, but it just is...it would help them to change, if they see a new way of being.  Show, don't tell.

I teach the girls about energy exchange and even "grown-ups" may try to take energy....and the best response to hurt is to heal, anger is love, etc.  Be the change you wish to see...which becomes easier as they have opportunity to practice...

Nurturing the Dreams of Children:

We share our dreams and they see me pursuing mine.   I want them to.  I want them to do what resonates with them, to make the world a better place and see the work required to bring dreams to life.  They see my process...the mess of cables, the cluttered desk, the felt markers, drawings and photos strewn about.

I also got to see this in my youth.  Mom and Dad pursued their careers in tandem, surrounding us with their dreams...inviting us to their worlds...Dad was on various construction sites and the farm.  Mom took us to school to work on bulletin boards, watch science experiment trials and lesson planning.

We were always welcome in their working environs.

I continue to watch them discover who they are in retirement.  Self-discovery is a never ending road.  I hope my girls feel comfortable in and out of post-secondary education throughout their lives.
 
Children's dreams for us:

After considering all the opportunities I want for children, it surprises me when they want opportunities for me...

Last night I had prepared a sample family video DVD.  The girls love watching themselves as babies and in general.  This is the unparallelled education of parenting...kids teach us as much or more, than we teach them.

My daughter said, "Mom, you make really good movies!".  She looked at me wide-eyed --- an earnestness came over her..."really good...Papa should make you a building in a big city, so you can work."  Then she looked around the room...

(Side note: my digital equipment had taken over the living room and covered the coffee table.  Cables ran from a camera on the tripod, to the a/v inputs on the TV.  A huge collage of film concepts for act 1, 2, and 3 has taken over my longest bedroom wall - floor to ceiling!  In general -- when the kids go to their Dad's, our two bedroom apartment transforms into a working production studio). 

Then she looked at me shyly and continued, "then maybe people could come, see them and maybe want to buy them?"  I choked up.  She quickly said, "Only if you want to!"  I said she was right, that is the direction I'm going with my work.   I told her she discovered the truth of every dreamer.  To work at what you love AND receive income... 

I explained we won't be selling family movies...but someday there will be films I want to share with the world. 

I was so grateful for her pure statement of appreciation.  This is the first time she's seen really seen what Mommy can do.  Most of the time they see Aunty painting or other Aunty's travelling post-cards...but I'm cooking, cleaning, doing dishes and laundry.  But now, they are older and in school, giving me more time to work on my business. 

Kids like to see their parents thrive!

I have been working for me a long time now.  I love putting images to music...collaborating with others to make beautiful work...and had just decided to "go for it" the past weekend, with a wee camera and consumer level software...

I'd like to upload a a higher-res version of "The Tide is Turning", when I upgrade from consumer software.  Right now compression and frame-rates are a challenge.  the red-one, a mac desktop (with two monitors) and final cut pro are coming at some point.  Maybe I should go visit Santa too??

New tech-toys aside, I was e-chatting with a friend from SAIT last night.  The digital age and going tapeless has helped multi-media creators.  What took me 8 hours with my consumer gear yesterday, would have taken days (and $$$$) in film school; shooting, developing, printing and digitizing film... that's not including audio capture on Nagra reels...huge hard drives for effects rendering...and lest we forget the beast (the Steinbeck)!

Mer-Maid Lemon-Aid for Mom's and Martyrs:

I keep on keepin' on.  I work hard on my connection to source...as hard as I do making lunches, supporting dictee (french spelling tests), incorporating family events and fresh-baked muffins for breakfast...I love both of these worlds equally.  I do have it all.

Life is work, our joy comes in finding work that fills us up, rather than depleting.  I will have a building someday to work in...With an ocean view, fun collaborators and dolphin swimming. 

Dream Big and Often!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

The Tide That Turned - First Youtube Video Montage!

Sirens & Swords Gallery - December 7, 2007

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HU0-Oet1GG8

Thanks again to Dale Letcher for permission to use the song "She".  The Dale Letcher Band "Big Fish" was one of Jen's favorites during art school (in Halifax).  Their collaborative spirit is appreciated as we present our first Mini-Movie...

Enjoy!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

The Aquarian, Baiados - Unity: A Waking Dream

Baiados
(we pronounce his name buy-a-dose)


"Unity"

Oil on Canvas-  3' by 5' - Jennifer Christenson (2009)

This character has many inspirations and 14 years of history with us...not to mention the ancient archetypes he was built upon.  He is a majestic life-form and radiant being.  He is all that we are becoming.

Baiados travels the earth grid along ley-lines, dragon paths, etc.  He is concerned with the many dimensions of energy flow, not just those familiar to the 3D world.  He knows of that which humans have only begun to understand...Baiados is a formidable man, patient teacher and servant leader.

As he travels, Baiados monitors vortex energy levels (on earth nodes and sacred intersections).  I think of Baiados as an earth accupuncturist.  If there is a build up, he helps release electrical and/or telluric pressure.

"The Storm Eater"

Oil on Canvas - 4' by 4' - Jennifer Christenson (2007)


Baiados has been working to maintain earth equilibrium since before time. 

Earth's temperature fluctuations are more pronounced, its population at an all-time high and global transition is underway.

All cycles come to an end.  Endings are beginnings.  Baiados has begun to shift to the next level of his awakening as well.  Before he can leave his position entirely, he must find a replacement...but who?

Friday, November 6, 2009

Aquarian Creations Inc. - "The Tide is Turning" (Sirens & Swords - Yuletide 2007)


"The Tide is Turning..."
Featuring the Paintings of Jennifer Christenson

Jennifer Christenson and
 "The Lady of Light"
(Oil on Canvas - 4' by 6')


Photography and Promotions: Rebecca Christenson (Below)
with
"The Oak Queen"



"The Holly King"


"The Dragon Queen" and "The Mighty One"


"When Fire Dreams..."

Original has been sold.


Festivities!

Jen and Dad chat about the Gallery and work...


 While the Reiki fountain attracts others...


Girls from the Government...Thanks for Trekking to Rural AB Ladies!


Girls from the University, Pop in for a peek!



Mom and Jen - A time out together

"Fans Feathers and Flames"

Original has been sold.


The Public Storytelling Begins...AQ Unveiling!


Chakra Mandala Series

Root, Sacral, Solar Plexus, Heart, Throat, Third Eye, Crown
(Acrylic on Canvas Board - 11 by 14)



Jen and Jean...


Jen and Ames serve the cider and guard the lefse...share the lefse!

"Light Dawns on a Floating World"

And Take-Aways...to brighten someone's day!


"The Raindancer" and "Red Lilies" and "Fireweed Bouquet"

Top Paintings are Oil on Canvas - Raindancer is Artist's private collection - Florals have been sold.
Framed canvas print samples below oils.
Westminster Abbey original was a gift.

And now we celebrate...
Here's To: Many more long days and nights of prep to come!

"Dream Big and Often..."

A Parting Shot: "Gleeful Guinevere!"


The Tide Turned...Stay Tuned for more "Adventures in Exhibiting"
& stop by Sirens Online for more details...


BTS - Sirens & Swords Opening...Adventures in Exhibiting


The plan is to demystify Art and Artists...no hoity toity's...just good fun, food and festivities.  Or the three F's to Mer-Made Lemon-Aid.  If you didn't make it to the "real" Sirens & Swords Gallery, here are some of the highlights people never saw...until now!



First things First - A Pub needs a Sign! - Jennifer Christenson
(Multi-Media - Wood, Balsa, Chains, Shells, Acrylic and Metallic Paint)


It's been 2 years since we had the first Aquarian exhibit in Siren's & Swords Gallery.


In Sirens & Swords Studio - Becca's Bluetooth AQ HQ (headquarters)



We intended Sirens in Camrose as a showcase, a place to practice hosting, work out kinks with our style...and do it in relative anonymity and familiar surroundings.



Hours of Operations - I just like the way this shot turned out!


This location didn't work out, but we can work in any location.  As we attract future Gallery spaces and plan exhibitions, you're invited to the first Behind the Scenes featurette of our...

"Gal-on-the-Go..."

Amy Christenson - Framing the Chakra's - in Jacko Style

Jen and I tend to go for it...sometimes with more heart than time.  My motto is "Dream Big and Often", this was no exception.  Thanks to Amy for the helping hand!


Jen Christenson - Diving to save a Crystal Ball - which is good practice for slippers!



My Appendage - With Jolly Holly in the B/G - Fa La La!

Awakening Thistle Hair the X-mas...


well, you know...
Bear or should I say BARE?

Ae-Shatan's First Public Appearance

The Now Famous (In Camrose) - "Awakening the Chakra Tree" - Jennifer Christenson
(4' by 6' - Oil on Canvas)


Anyone know a great place to house a few lovely ladies?!


Jen and her Self-Portrait/Lucina/The Naeyad


Blog guests can scooch onto Part Deux...
"The Tide is Turning!" -
Winter Solstice Celebration 2007


Producing is all about maintaining Morale!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Halloween 2009 - We are Aqua!

Je t'aime l'Halloween!


As I write this at the kitchen table I am illuminated by a gorgeous (and temperate) All Hallows, gibbous moon.  There are many things I love about my home, but the early rising moonlight is appropos tonight.


Halloween is a marker in my life...sparkles and blue eye shadow the capstone.  


Since the early '80's, I have been sharing wearable glitter with friends.  The first pot was gooey, but worth eyelid stickiness.  I glitzed for skating parties, school dances and never missed October 31st.


Personal paradigm shifts tend to occur for me this time of year as well.


This year, was no exception.  I prepped for my kids' school party in source-heiress attire.  Between us, the bathroom was a-glitter by 8 am Friday!  I choked back a few tears, not wanting to draw attention, as my daughter bedazzled herself -- in her way.  


She did not want my help, although I'd have loved to jump in.  I enjoyed watching her implement the expressive tools of costume and make up.  I watched as she chose ocean blue (aqua), creating the vision she held of herself.




She loves long black hair and has been talking about having it for years.  The passion was so strong last night (or she was so over-tired), she didn't want to take her wig off to go to bed.  I told her she could sleep in it, but it'd be scratchy and messy for trick or treating...


Huge tears streamed down her cheeks, smudging a face-paint butterfly (from the family party we'd been to).  


We sat on the floor, I gave a hug and discussed the great thing about trying on different looks, lives and personalities...It is a tool for aligning with our inner selves.  I suggested rather than cry, she could tweak her look for a few years, to practice what fits best.  


Tonight as we went trick or treating, a friend of mine supported her, saying she knew how it felt and dyed her own light hair, very dark in junior high.  I said I also wanted to ditch blond for a variety of reasons, at different times in life.  We talked about why people make drastic changes to the outer body.  


Halloween is a liberation for those who are courageous enough to express through costume. It is an opportunity to look back (mullets or 70's platforms), look forward (space travelers and aliens) or look into other worlds (characters from fiction or fantasy).


The title of this entry is a nod to fellow free-spirit MIKA, who inspires The Aquarians core  collaborators.  "We are Golden", echoes my thoughts on this eve...of the girl I was...dancing to the plethora of pop from the 80's (70's, 60's, 50's)...in a bright purple and black uni-tard,  with a lightning bolt down the side (wish I were joking)... perfecting moves I choreographed for air band competitions, with my 5 year-old brother on air-guitar ('er ping pong paddle -- early AQ art department)...


Thanks to MIKA for recent EPK's and Vlogs...I was home early tonight, as the kids are recovering from a type of flu.  It was nice to have sparkly singles and BTS (behind the scenes) to check out...and to see how other sibs co-create!


Thanks to ALL friends and family who've joined in twinkly fun these many years.  Hope your night is Spooktacular...


BOO!!!