The Oonahnahmae Pro-ject

AQ Behind the Scenes - Lord of the County Photo Shoot

2012-01-25T10:35:00.030-07:00

Thanks goes out to our Dad (Chris Christenson) for modeling in our latest photo shoot!

When asked if Dad would don Jen's period suit for stills capture,

Dad responded, "Sure, I can be Lord of the County."

And thus, a character was embodied...

On his first international trip (to Cuba), Dad was given the nick name "Gandalf" by the locals. We agree, there is definitely a wizard persona in him. There also appears to be a Mark Darcy, ship's captain, and more!

What the Cubans didn't know, is Jen modeled The Holly King's features after Dad (oil on canvas/2007).

What we didn't know, was that Dad would do some of his own performance work.

Chris Christenson with "The Oonahnahmae Universe" book

Our purpose for this shoot, was to capture quality images of Jen's work. This costume was designed and constructed for Jen's post-grad diploma studies, at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The materials used in the construction of this suit are: linen, silk, and wool.

And after we captured the formalities, it was time to capture the laughs...

Chris Christenson (Model) Jennifer Christenson (Costume Design & Construction)

Chris Christenson (Model) with Rebecca Chrisenson (Photographer)

Great work Dad, you're a natural!

A Love-ly Day! - Natasha and Neil

2011-11-16T10:39:00.000-07:00

I want to thank Natasha Christenson, my cousin and dear friend, as well as her partner Neil...for bringing romantic work into my life recently.

Natasha and Neil - October 2011

Some of you may recognize her from previous AQ shoots, as the character Ae-Shatan --- a blue-haired tree goddess, who was also featured in our Crossing Over shoot.

Natasha is celebrating finding her life-path partner, and invited me to shoot their engagement photos.

It was an amazing full-fall-foliage morning, visited by those most clarvoiyant of animals...horses!

And as we warmed up, playfulness took hold...

Natasha and Neil added their own sass to the shoot!

Love and Light and...

Much Happiness and Sass to you on your journey together!!!

Dear Mother Nature - Honouring Grandma...

2011-11-13T13:22:00.004-07:00

It never crossed my mind, that the blog theme lately, of elders leaving the planet, would include an entry dedicated to my Grandmother. Her vitality was leaving her many years now, so hers is a fitting conclusion to this exploration.

Mother Nature

Forest Waterfall - Jennifer Christenson 2003

(Oil on Canvas 36 by 24")

I was lucky to have had my very own Mother Nature. My Grandma. She was everything I ever wanted a Grandma to be (whether she knew or would ever accept this fact -- she'd probably say I was "fussing").

She was instrumental in my personal, intellectual and spiritual growth.

Grandma could be likened to a Scandinavian Brighid. When at her best, she was stoic, giving, welcoming and constant. I would go to her house to recharge, relax and review life.

This is a copy of the memorial I wrote for her tribute ceremony, which I'm posting for my family, especially my sister Amy, who was in Nepal when Grandma crossed over.

Grandma’s Memorial

(Written by Rebecca Christenson, Presented October 29, 2011)

Grandma meant a great deal to us. We, the 17 Grandchildren and 3 Great-Grandchildren have our own moments to appreciate. Our anecdotes are endless.

My sister, Jen, and I were recently discussing her two lives; the farmer’s wife and the independent woman. I was fortunate to have known both.

Since it is so close to Halloween, I’m going to quote Glinda, the good witch. I think Grandma would have really liked the musical Wicked.

“I’ve heard it said, that people come into our lives for a reason,

Bringing something we must learn.

And we are lead to those, who help us most to grow,

If we let them, and we help them in return...”

Grandma shaped our lives in many ways, we’d like to share a few:

Speak your mind

Grandma had opinions, formed by the paradigms of another era. Sometimes, we’d agree to disagree.

- Her idea of a good relationship skill was ironing.

She’d ask me, “Isn’t it enough for you Becky, to watch your man in a nicely pressed shirt, out in public?”

I said, “Sure, if he did the ironing.”

To which she responded “But! You young people...”

- She also wanted to cut all long hair.

Listen

Grandma might have had many opinions, but she was also good at sitting back and listening to conversations (while puttering in the kitchen during large gatherings).

Give

She showed she cared most, with the investment of time. She seemed to take pleasure in getting to know each one of us.

Many times when I was feeling alone in the world, I’d pick up the mail (usually full of bills) and see her handwriting on an envelope. She was a great pen pal.

Keep your door open

She always had a cup of coffee and baking at the ready -- for the life-worn visitor. Her home was, for years, a haven and landing pad for all of us.

Be Adventurous

If something strikes your fancy – do it. Don’t wait for anything. Not for people, weather, or loads of money. Go. Do. Be.

If you want to fly to Yellowknife midwinter...she said, ”Why not?”

Be a Humanitarian

Grandma used to deliver meals on wheels. It was interesting to see younger people in need, get food delivered by a little old lady.

Create

Grandma was an artist. Whether she was renovating home or cabin, breaking trail with a mower, cooking masterpieces from fridge contents or – doing pottery...Grandma was always making something.

When she got tired or wanted a new perspective, she enlisted the grandkids to; mow cabin trails, paint flowerpots and her out-house.

Support the Arts and Artists

When not creating, she was enjoying; music, films, theatre and the food of other artisans. She was upset when people didn’t develop a talent.

Love the Children

Grandma definitely had a soft spot in her heart for children. I think they were her gateway to innocence.

She could get silly with us. One time, when Jen and I had a sleepover, she took our hair elastics (without us knowing) and put tiny ponytails all over her head. We weren’t sure what to think.

She would invite us by age groupings, to sleepovers. Grandma pancakes and floats were on the menu.

Often, she’d discuss injustices affecting little people, the world over, not understanding how anyone could hurt children.

Then, I would see this stoic woman, cry.

Clean

When things get you down, work it out by working. Don’t sit and wallow too long. And open the windows! Fresh air makes everything a little bit better.

Freedom!

Nothing said freedom like a thermos of coffee, sandwiches and a full tank of gas. Even in our very last conversation, the topic of driving resurfaced. She was always baffled when people didn’t want their driver’s license.

She was also known to tell her granddaughters:

“Husbands dying before Wives, is nature’s way of giving women time alone.”

Receiving

One of the saddest lessons I’ve learned, was how to receive. Grandma wasn’t the best at accepting help. The kind she’d always given others; housekeeping and cooking.

Grandma treated her kids differently than us Grandkids. It was not easy. We thank our Parents, Aunts and Uncles for giving her aid, to the best of their abilities. Grandma has sometimes been a challenging teacher.

A New Era...

Grandma beliefs were private, but if she’s defying gravity somewhere today...I hope she accepts that, none of us have become pilots...(yet!)

We are, however, the next generation of teachers, international travelers, train engineers, government workers, insurance agents, university advisors and students, professional drivers, artists, cooks, lawyers, marketing associates, parents, writers, school children and toddlers....

...Quite a legacy left by one small woman, in one small city.

We love you Grandma, wish you peace and say thank you for:

- - Helping our parents raise us.

- - Safe places to fall.

- - Showing us work ethic.

- - Inspiring creativity and independence.

And as we acclimate to this transition, processing grief and healing, I hear you say...,“This too shall pass.”

Grandma with five of her six children.

The Hearth

Mothers, Grandmothers, Aunts, Neices, Daughters (and women in general), tend to provide a place for people to gather, the Hearth

Grandma's, was a life well-lived. We raise our glasses to your life and for giving us life, saying...

SKOAL!!

MerMaid LemonAid - The Tao of Dreaming...realistically.

2011-09-04T09:08:00.017-06:00

Realistic Dreamers:

Perhaps it's oxy-moronic to consider myself thus, but Jen and my parents broke the family DNA chain. Prior to our generation, there are many dreamers afraid of education and conversely, the educated skeptics who daren't dream...Good ole' polarity thinking...why one or the other?

Both/and makes more sense (to me).

Jen and I mix dreaming with education -- unending ideas with loads of research. We are artists who appreciate science. Scientists who appreciate art. Merging mindsets. Expansive, reductionist, spiritual creators.

We are our product:

Rather than selling someone else's dream, or focussing on money -- we invest in our minds, bodies and souls -- to be the best people we can be.

Wealth comes through service to others and the self. Also important to note: What we do, we do for the experience of it. "Learn to do by doing" (the 4H motto). "Do or do not, there is no try." (Yoda)

I ask: What is the fullest realization of my potential? What is the message only I can deliver? I am not out to save the world (there is nothing wrong with it -- it simply is -- what it is)...I am here to experience living. Although, for the record, a jump in conciousness couldn't hurt.

In true non-capitalist style -- I sleep when tired, I eat rather than skipping meals, I am not a slave to the clock and my bottom line is...a balanced life. I aim to meet inner and outer needs. Some days doing better in one area, than the other.

I invest in my children, friends and family -- doing my best not to have expectations on the rate of return.

I practice acceptance. Practice is the key word. Easier said than done. I am getting better with practice.

I study when I want to learn. I study all-ways; internet, books, shamans, spirit guides, totem animals, mentorships and "recognized" institutions.

I buy when I have a need. I don't when needs are met.

I give stuff away and give back as much as I can -- when appropriate.

I try new things when I want to. Or when opportunities present -- even if I didn't think I'd ever try said opportunity. I try to never say never...for obvious reasons.

I do my best to leave fear out of decision making.

I revisit old situations on occasion, to gauge personal evolution.

My interests shift.

I listen more than I talk. I work to hear with my higher-heart.

A self-taught, good student.

I don't believe in hierarchy for the sake of it. Or seniority lists as being the be-all, while respecting those who share their experience. I love to study pyramid technology, but am wary of pyramidal organizations. I question the (need for -- or to be -- an) Alpha leader.

Sometimes, all self-guidance considered, I lose sight of my purpose. To Be. It is then, I am most thankful for Lao Tzu and other great teachers. Grounding in wisdom works for me. No need to reinvent the wheel...teachers offer us a faster track.

Being a student involves humility.

The more you know, the more you know --- you don't know.

Ya know?

"...Imagine all the people, sharing all the world..."

- John Lennon

"Here's to the crazy ones,

the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers,

the round pegs in the square holes...

the ones who see things differently --

they're not fond of rules...

You can quote them,

disagree with them, glorify or vilify them,

but the only thing you can't do is ignore them

because they change things...

They push the human race forward,

and while some may see them as the crazy ones,

we see genius,

because the ones who are crazy enough

to think that they can change the world,

are the ones who do."

-- Steve Jobs

A Legend of the Fall - Gordon Tootoosis

2011-07-12T11:38:00.006-06:00

This week brings another shift with the elders. Canadian legend, Gordon Tootoosis has passed on...His body of work is varied and inspiring. He was one of my favorites.

As I discussed in a previous entry, Elder storytelling is something I love. Gordon had the Grandfather energy, like my own late Papa, who passed in 1991. They have this way of making the listener "lean in", otherwise you'll miss the point and the punch line. The Art of Subtlety is difficult to master.

Gordon Tootoosis' presence on the planet and in the arts community, will endure. Exuding charisma onscreen, and setting an example off, Mr. Tootoosis is a tough act to follow.

This recent article highlights some of his highlights:

http://www.vancouversun.com/Tootoosis+remembered+arts+spirituality+public+service/5065050/story.html

I had hoped to work with him someday, remembering how Legends of the Fall got me to film school --- and North of 60 reruns (at lunch) kept me going (through film school).

I sent prayers to this Canadian legend and know his spirit soars.

Death, in my opinion, is a transition and not "the end".

We have lift-off! First AQ book goes live...

2011-07-07T20:04:00.008-06:00

This is a quick note to celebrate with our online community.

After three and a half years of gestation, our first book project is complete. It is a work of Heart which poses the question, "How do you feed the stars?"

Incidentally, NASA scheduled its final shuttle launch this week. Interesting...

The Oonahnahmae Universe book really began to take shape spring of 2010, when Jen decided to paint as much a possible, in between day-job shifts. We discussed my ideas in the poem and how it related to the world of the Aquarians.

Jen pulled together her thumbnails, talked to me about imagery, incorporated our storylines and characters from The Aquarians and kept on painting, and painting, and painting -- detail after minute detail...for over a year!

Once interior pages were complete, we collaborated on cover design and book dedication. After which, Jen passed all paintings to me, and I began a steep learning curve. Publishing is not in my realm of experience.

I worked through equipment and design challenges. Made more interesting by having a US based publisher --- Most of all, my children kept cheering me on.

Jen and I were never sure of how (or when) our work would culminate in a finished project.

Baby steps. Keep going. Problem Solve.

I am happy to announce The Oonahnahmae Universe went live today and is available through:

http://www.trafford.com/Bookstore/BookstoreHome.aspx

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/rebecca-christenson

Thanks for sharing this step as we work to become the best visual storytellers we can be.

The Oonahnahmae Universe project has begun its public life -- in the same way a baby is presented for the first time. It's a joyful process, but you are almost too tired to know that the delivery occurred.

Here's to everyone discovering their Bowl of Light! Go ahead and dump your pesky pebbles out...

O Ca-nah-nah -- and DaVinci's Codes...

2011-07-01T15:44:00.080-06:00

O Cannanah....Our home and Natra Nah...True patrah lahhh....Is how my little brother used to sing the first line of O Canada, as a toddler. It is a good example of how...even when little, you can sing the sounds, but not know the meaning.

Was the song of a child any less powerful? I think not. Just at a different level of awareness. I have a different awareness for the line "true patriot love". I wonder if patriotism is necessary in the same way it was? If our borders dissolve, do we lose all we are? Or do we become more than we ever were? There are always two sides. Love/Fear?

I sang the toddler version of O Ca-nah-nah to my kids the other day. They looked at me like I was an alien...save that discussion for another entry. I told them Uncle's catch phrase used to be, "Oochie Daydee!" (Oopsie Daisie). It resurrected into our family slang.

Today I flipped the calendar to reveal July and the following quote:

"When you put your hand in a flowing stream,

you touch the last of what has gone before,

and the first of what is yet to come."
- Leonardo DaVinci-

"Trickle Creek" - Banff National Park, AB- R Christenson (2003)

This sums it up. Endings are beginnings. We are what has gone before and is to come... Did DaVinci ever think about how his work would send out ripples into eternity? I wonder what he'd think about being depicted as the "fair(y) god father" in one of my favorite movies, "Ever After".

In history, he is depicted as a renaissance man, inventor and scholar...artist, sculptor, painter, and so on...

From the web...not sure who to credit.

Enter Dan Brown and his "Da Vinci Code" many years after "Ever After" --- Dan got me thinking... In a way none had prior. I saw through nagging flaws I felt in religiosity.

Through Da Vinci's painting of The Last Supper -- Brown argues a case for the love between Mary Magdalene and Jesus. Hearing Ian McKellan's storytelling, combined with Audrey TouTou and Tom Hank's Dialogue...I gained new perspective. What would true love, partnership and acceptance really look like? Feel like? Be like?

Peace within, ripples out into peace in the home. One person, one couple, one pair of siblings and one family at a time. We are turning the tide...I am reminded of a quote by Doreen Virtue:

"If it's going to be, it's up to me."

Waves of change alter our DNA, communities, provinces, countries and continents. Invisible borders disappear through global communications. Loved ones live and travel abroad. My sister texted me in an instant, from Doha (Qatar), the other day and...Just like that, "the middle east" has a connection to my heart.

Portion of painting "The Story of Vaehema" by Jennifer Christenson (11 by 14 - acrylic on canvas)

As I contemplate invisible separations and connections...It is Canada Day. I grew up here. I am here. I live here. But the bigger picture is so much bigger.

Earth is my "Home and Native Land..." Global partnerships are formed daily.

It's a small world after all...

A Healing Earth - Jennifer Christenson 24 by 36" (oil on canvas)

"People become really quite remarkable

when they start thinking that they can do things.

When they believe in themselves

they have the first secret of success."

-Norman Vincent Peale-

Some interesting research sites are:

http://www.heartmath.org/free-services/tools-for-well-being/shift-and-shine-age-3-to-6.html, http://thewatchers.adorraeli.com/category/earth-changes/, http://www.wunderground.com/, http://nhb-arcims.si.edu/ThisDynamicPlanet/index.html

Back to Basics - The UN Charter and Mind Freedom

2011-06-28T10:22:00.007-06:00

We all deserve the basics of life.

Freedom to live, love and laugh.

The UN Charter of Rights and Freedoms has been a powerful tool for change, in my life. It helped me break out of many mind prisons. When I see or hear good info, I pass it along.

The Mind Prisons to which I refer, are those tricky, invisible, barred cells --- where I flounder, lose hope and feel locked into lifestyle choices that no longer fit me.

It is a truly icky martyr-place I've heard described as where "you made your bed, and must lay in it." Stuck. Immobilized. Lacking perspective. Paralyzed with fear of the unknown.

As Jen paints -- she constantly steps back to take in the big picture. As I write a scene -- I continue to think of it in context of the full length screenplay.

Our lives are the same.

Choice to choice, we can loose sight of the overall character arc, we thought we want to take. Stepping back helps to see where we've gone off course.

The UN Charter brought me to a zero point. Big Picture -- For Humans. For Me. I was relieved to find I, as a human being, deserved the basics in my personal life.

I was also surprised to discover the United Nations saw fit to commit the list of rights and freedoms to print. It serves as a reminder. We are clearly not there yet as a planet, but the rights and freedoms have been committed to writing.

I can do my best to maintain my personal charter and show others they can do the same.

Go through it if you feel "off". You may be surprised by how literal the points are.

How many of these rights and freedoms have you activated in your own life?

No matter what previous choices have been, we can change our minds -- and change them again. We are never done evolving...as a person, or a species...

Take Everything with a Grain of (Sea)salt.

Most of us know what it's like to be played, at one point in our personal lives. That manager, coworker, boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife -- who is lying to you...yet let's you think your doubts are "All in Your Head..."

Global situations feel like that to me right now. Can't put my finger on it, but something is really "off".

What If --- we are playing ourselves most of all?

Miracles come through Unity

Corruption may be rampant -- and many are too compromised to know which end is up...Your fight is not with "them". Still your inner core. Be love. Create. Make the world you want to live in. I am.

I continue to appreciate the principles outlined in the UN Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

I consider them a universal guidepost.

(Following text from: http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/index.shtml)

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

PREAMBLE

Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,

Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,

Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,

Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,

Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,

Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms,

Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,

Now, Therefore THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY proclaims THIS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.

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Article 1.

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

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Article 2.

Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.

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Article 3.

Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

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Article 4.

No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.

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Article 5.

No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

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Article 6.

Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.

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Article 7.

All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.

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Article 8.

Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.

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Article 9.

No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.

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Article 10.

Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.

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Article 11.

(1) Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defence.
(2) No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the penal offence was committed.

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Article 12.

No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.

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Article 13.

(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state.
(2) Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.

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Article 14.

(1) Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.
(2) This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely arising from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

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Article 15.

(1) Everyone has the right to a nationality.
(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.

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Article 16.

(1) Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution.
(2) Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses.
(3) The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.

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Article 17.

(1) Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.
(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.

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Article 18.

Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

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Article 19.

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

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Article 20.

(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
(2) No one may be compelled to belong to an association.

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Article 21.

(1) Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.
(2) Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country.
(3) The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.

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Article 22.

Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.

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Article 23.

(1) Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.
(2) Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.
(3) Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection.
(4) Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.

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Article 24.

Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.

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Article 25.

(1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.
(2) Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.

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Article 26.

(1) Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
(2) Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.
(3) Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.

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Article 27.

(1) Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.
(2) Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.

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Article 28.

Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.

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Article 29.

(1) Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible.
(2) In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.
(3) These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

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Article 30.

Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein

Health Intelligence is Skin Deep...

2011-06-22T09:43:00.019-06:00

So,

I learned something today, that I knew was true. Immediately. Intrinsically.

Sunscreen is not good for us. Sunscreen is a biotoxin. It is a phenol, which has been shown to disrupt placental development. It has estrogens, which are not helpful to us.

Studies have proven sunscreen kills coral in 96 hours. Tourists with ethical intentions of celebrating a reef, are inadvertently killing it -- myself included. Gulp. When you know better. Do better. This is only one reason reefs are at risk, but is an area where individual choice can make a difference.

As a parent, I have used sunscreen on my kids and self on occasion. If I remembered or was going to be in the sun for a long time.

I knew it didn't work for me. Any time I put it on, I'd burn worse. I also hated the way it felt on me. Sticky. Metallic. Tasted terrible. Burned eyes terribly.

Melanoma and fear mongering are at an all time high. If we were really protected by products on the market, why would this be the case. It stands to reason that something is amiss. Why is our society not connecting dots? Many are making connections, investigating and bringing their research to the public.

They are also not the popular voice. Billions are invested in the sunscreen, skin care and prevention of cancer industries.

Care for yourself. Take care of your skin - it is the largest organ - and permeable -- things that may be flushed out through your internal system -- may be absorbed quicker through the skin -- and into different parts of your physiology.

I heard a really great philosophy recently, to illustrate what I'm writing about:

"If you wouldn't eat it, don't put it on your skin."

http://bodyecology.com/

Natural coconut is a great way to moisturize and protect your skin in the sun. Build up natural melanin (tan) slowly and don't over do anything. All things in moderation. Hats, clothing, avoiding exposure certain times of day -- will help all of us enjoy sun in a healthy way.

Olive oil on the skin, can repair any sun damage to DNA after being outside. Keep in mind, wonderful things come with natural sun exposure.

Anti-oxident foods and nutrition is the most proactive choice people can make for self-care. Also, maintain a healthy body PH (not acidic).

It would be great to get our society out of "magic pill" mentality -- and back into the community of great meals, shared with friends and family...cooking with kids...explaining why foods are important...and nurturing healthy relationships with the world around us.

Interesting Trivia:

Olive oil with iodine, was used by the US navy in the south pacific, to treat sunburn. Do your research. And check out other people's. Cross reference. Be informed. Connect your own dots.

Nature worked for a long time...the answer is common sense.

Enjoy the long days, summer heat, and be smart about it.

For more information:

http://www.sunscreensbiohazard.com/about.html

Also see Donna Gates' information from her Body Ecology site regarding sunscreen:

http://bodyecology.com/articles/shocking-sunscreen-facts

Happy Solstice!

Sacred Sight - Home is where you hang your Hammock

2011-04-27T12:27:00.021-06:00

Considering events on earth, our collective home is changing.

As we see people the world over without homes (due to poverty or dictatorships), or losing homes (to earth changes and/or economics)...the idea of home is being brought to its most fundamental level:

Home IS the heart.

Having researched countless ways to live and love, I respond to ancient Hawaiian concepts. Not modernized Huna, but the ancient ways...

I have only been to Hawaii once, but immediately felt at home. The water enveloped me. Something grounded me. I loved it. I want to live there someday. Until then, it is part of my heart.

Of all places I've visited in the world (which hasn't been that many in truth) -- Hawaii resonated in a way I'd never felt before or since. Timeless. Ancient connection. Something...beyond...

I took brief notes from last night's broadcast on Coast to Coast AM. Some ideas were review, others new, and I added books to add to my required reading list. Summary as follows:

"There are 3 Sacred Directives: Called Kapu,

1. Love all you see with humility. - As you pass through life, encountering people, events and places -- come from the place of Aloha.

2. Live all you feel with reverence. - "Follow your bliss." - Joseph Campbell

3. Know all that you possess with discipline (And that which possesses you). Living, loving, knowing...

(From: Interview with Hank Wesselman, speaking of his relationship with Elder Makua, shared in the book "The Bowl of Light". This is an interview worth listening to, when you have quiet time...(Coast to Coast AM with George Noory - April 26th broadcast).)

I share this experience because it highlights my creative journey. Most of the time -- it takes years of living for purpose to come into focus for me. The convergence point.

Hawaii has been on my radar since listening to Elvis' Aloha in Hawaii album as a small child...

I also: -- Learned Hula at age 8 from my Nanny Winnie --- Went on a trip to Hawaii in 1998 -- worked with Ho'oponopono methods of forgiveness a few years ago and lately have shaman research interests...

Jen recently painted the back cover for our new book -- a star lady, with a bowl of light...connecting the Oonahnahmae -- a story all about inner light --- to a bowl of light.

Neither Jen, nor I, knew the Hawaiian legend of being born with a bowl of light. As you go through life doing unethical things, pebbles get put in the bowl, causing it to dim. In order to get your inner light back in the bowl, you dump your pebbles out. Simple, but not easy.

I have been researching in an attempt to find out what "Oonahnahmae" might mean in an indigenous toungue. It seems my focus was too small...I was paying attention to the word. Now I see the entire story is the meaning. People are their expression of inner light. Home is the heart. One in the same.

Hank Wesselman explains everything much better than I could begin to here. His connection with the indigenous cultures, anthropological scholarship and experienced teaching, engage the seeker within. We are: Unity. Inclusivity. Borderless. Connected.

P.S. - As I posted this entry, the quote on the side of our blog was:

"Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you

where there were only walls."

--- Joseph Campbell ---

If inclined, healing energies are needed around the world...we're all on it together.

As Hale Makua says in the video below:

"Only free people can come together...

The key to sovereignty is sharing...

Everyone in time, will become a healer...

The question always comes up; who are you?
When you discover who you are,

the process begins..."

I always love the way Elders deliver information...so calm, yet slightly mischievous...

Wisdom Keepers have dealt with life angst, and offer compassion to all still working it through. We are lucky to live in the era of video as many Elders have left the planet. BUT none of us is ever really gone...

Aloha!

Prints and Posters and Art Cards -- Oh My!

2011-04-09T17:01:00.004-06:00

Check out our new Fine Art America Profile:

We have Giclee, Stretched Canvas, Prints and Art Cards for sale (pieces fully customizable).

B.T.S. - Fine Art America Set Up...

2011-04-08T14:38:00.018-06:00

So, I'm involved in an e-spiral connecting all our sites and such...

This is quick update on AQ and the Behind the Scenes of Paper...Super exciting, but a necessary process.

Actually, I should clarify, there has been very little paper involved.

This is a good thing, as I love trees!

I use the easiest programs I can find, to do the most work on our behalf. I look at technology as a tool to communicate...so I was happy to find Fine Art America...whew!

Print requests went unfilled as we tried to find a printer. We went through trial and error samples, but the price was too high or work to isolated (in Camrose).

It left me thinking, "surely I'm not the only one who wants to upload images to sell?"

On that note:

I wish to share our new Fine Art America Profile with you. Prints and art cards are available through online orders. I uploaded our "First Lady" - Ae-Shatan. Check her out, along with Jennifer Christenson's other paintings!

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/awakening-the-chakra-tree-jennifer-christenson.html?newartwork=true

These are interesting times and we are an evolving species. Jen's work speaks to that. Re-imagined humans, remembered archetypes and bright canvases to activate the senses!

"Awakening the Chakra Tree" - Jennifer Christenson (2007)

Oil on Canvas - 4' by 6'

The additional bonus of printing is -- paintings that are too large for home display, or are not for sale, can now, be enjoyed by many.

The Year of the Dreamer - 2011

2011-01-07T12:47:00.003-07:00

I am clearly not a blog, for blogging's sake, blogger....most of my writing energy goes toward screenplays and such.

I do however, appreciate sharing ideas and projects with you.

Coming to bookstores near you in early 2011, Aquarian Creations is releasing our first illustrated collaboration...

"The Oo*nah*nah*mae Universe" is our homage to dreaming...the way we used to as a children. Pure, free, magical things of beauty!!!

Dreams are where evolution occurs.

Dreams are the stillpoint of creation.

Dreams are where we generate courage.

Dreams are where we inspire ourselves to keep going.

Dreams are where we live in our hearts.

Einstein said, "Imagination is more important than knowledge."

Not because knowledge is not important, but rather...

Without inspired thought,

what application need be made of facts?

We become what we dream...

What are your dreams? Give them your attention. Think of who you thought you would be when you grew up, then take baby steps if you are off course.

How do you "feed the stars"?

Dreams differ from fantasy.

Dreams can be acheived through dedication, humility and diligence. No one knows how something could be done, until it is...

"Others" may deem your dream as impractical, improbable or worse...to which you may respond: "Why do you care?".

Then... gently encourage them to remember their inner child, and find their own dreams again...or better yet, Be the Change. Show, don't tell.

It takes courage to reach for the stars.

Celebrate your own courage.

Here's to 2011 -- The AQ Year of Dreamer!!!

"1000 Dreams" - Introducing BlueTube Channel!

2010-11-03T10:34:00.012-06:00

I'm writing this on November 1st, known to some as All Saint's day, to others, Celtic New Year.

In honour of beginnings, we are launching our YouTube Channel! It was a bit neglected since its inception, but with increasing content, my usual statement is "Why not?"

With broadcasting completely mainstream, there are no "tubes" in sight. Wierd. I mean the cathode ray tube of course. A clunker I for one, am happy to release....

The Reworking of the "Crossing Over" photo shoot.

Perhaps "tube" in the future will infer prana??? In our case it certainly does. Blue is for communication...

And so, in gratitude for the latest tech advances, we invite you to...

BlueTube

http://www.youtube.com/user/rjtenson?feature=mhum

I like to start any new cycle doing something I love.

I love working with performance and visual artists! I also had a musical track looping in my mind, as we planned this shoot.

Despite setting the stage, Jen and I really didn't know what was captured, until much later. These things tend to take on a life of their own, dependent on collaborative energies.

I am always impressed with subtleties offered in eyeline, nuance, facial expression and action!! (See Corey's hand below - warming Natasha's toes...) Didn't see that touch of kindness, until cropping the shot.

"Three in the Tree" - Photo: Rebecca Christenson

Models (Lto R): Amy Christenson, Natasha Christenson, Corey Makaloski

Body Art: Jennifer Christenson

"1000 Dreams" Evolution
When we shed our masks, what happens? It can be a period of increased vulnerability.

As Jen says: "Trudge, trudge, trudge..."

The "Crossing Over" day seemed to hold a melancholy air.

The new BlueTube montage reflects the art of "doing the work". I was not certain this shoot translated our vision that day. I was not certain the song fit anymore. I was not certain...

But we kept creating...and I kept re-ordering the sequence.

I am reminded of Disney's "Gargoyles (2nd season)" when they speak of Avalon. It won't send you where you "want" to be, but rather where you "need" to be.

I finally saw "1000 Dreams" I could still believe --- after incorporating the model's 1000 watt smiles. Now, assembly completed, I can't speak for the others, but I learned a great deal from this windy grove.

--- Go ahead ---
--- Go out on that limb ---

Your life is the expression of you!

The Forest through the Trees...

2010-10-12T11:35:00.005-06:00

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams,

live the life you've imagined,

and you'll meet with a success unexpected in common hours."

- Henry David Thoreau

The Painting Spa...

Model: Corey Makaloski - Body & Costume Artist: Jennifer Christenson

"The Forest through the Trees..."

Photos: Rebecca Christenson

To be continued...

Sacred Sight - A Midsummer Daydream...

2010-06-21T22:35:00.004-06:00

I had the opportunity to attend a celebration of Aboriginal dance and visual storytelling today.

When I arrived at the Aboriginal Day presentation, I was captivated by these dancer's physical commentary on the environment.

Harmony comes through humility.
"Be like water..." it says in the Tao te Ching.

Today is Midsummer

The end of the pendulum swinging toward light (for this year).

It feels like more than a seasonal turning point...the flooding in southern Alberta, oil gushing into the the Gulf of Mexico, the European economy on the rocks...

...Who knows what is going to happen...therefore I return focus on what I can do, right here, right now. Take pictures.

As I watched the women's shawl dance, i was struck by the similarity of the ribbons to hanging feathers...to Isis with her sheltering wings.

I have wanted to take photos of dancers in regalia for a long time, so this was exciting for me. I'd have changed the backgrounds to something more natural and regal...but that's where photoshop comes in.

People in the community joined the dancers in sign language, clapping, dancing and song (about SpongeBob...).

Are there wings sheltering us?

The feather and/or eagle motif are presented in so many reverent cultural activities. Have birds achieved harmony in this world?

In the world and yet above it?

How do we live in harmony?? For real --- Between; men and women, adults and children, human beings and nature? AND individually; between our physical, emotional and spiritual bodies???

How will it all come together?

It starts with each of us achieving equilibrium within...which, from what I have experienced, will take a lifetime to work out.

But as all the parts of me come together; woman, mother, artist, student, teacher --- A ripple effect continues to infinity...We never really know who -- or how -- we affect change, but somewhere, sometimes along the journey...

We reach out and...

...Someone else reaches back.

The light lingers now

It is post thunderstorm, dark clouds circle my place, but above there is a break in the darkening sky...I'm glad the rains cooled the air.

I am also thankful for heat and the sun, photography, bright dancers, drum beats, spray parks, ice cream, and now...bed.

Happy Solstice!

All Dancers are with the group "Red Thunder - The Next Generation" and are members of the Crowchild family (siblings and cousins).

Sacred Sight - The Tao of Giggling...

2010-06-13T21:33:00.006-06:00

Verse 65 in the Tao Te Ching talks about living simple-hearted.

Yesterday I had a great afternoon, chatting with my Mom. We talked about many things. Both of my Grandmothers are transitioning out of lives that could be over in a heart-beat.

Any of ours could be. Life is such a strange and beautiful journey and sometimes more beautiful in death...

I think that is why I'm fascinated by this gnarly tree in Hawaii...The photo was taken a long time ago. I was a different woman and she, who snapped the picture, is dead. Naivete is gone, but the child within flourishes.

I still love this crazy photo and the antics involved. It was taken before I knew much about "serious" photography, with a crappy little camera...which I dunked in the seven sacred pools a few hours later, after slipping on a rock.

Would have been more funny if it didn't hurt so much, pride mostly.

This shot wasn't on the roll of film that went for a dip...

The thing about experience and education, is that you eventually learn "why" things are good. Exposure, framing, color temperature, lines..

I love the universality of this windswept tree, weathered to a point of organic purity.

Simple-Hearted

I can also see what is good about life, having lived for a while. I know why life is good.

I also continue to consider, IF I died in this moment -- What would I be most grateful for? It sounds cliche, definitely family, friends and me.

Now I'm going "back to the very beginning, a very good place to start" -- so I can know it for the first time.

Then, in the now.

"I love to laugh. Ha ha ha ha...Loud and long and clear....I love to laugh...Ha ha ha ha...it's getting worse every year."

Is it possible that Julie Andrews really has solved this anti-gravity issue way back??? But we were to serious about taking ourselves seriously?

I love to giggle (see below). It's my first night in St Thomas, I was giddy and sis was fatigued. My adrenals really came through for me...my toes were energized by sand and surf!

So...laughing with self...I took a picture of our polarities...Tee hee...She was so NOT humouring me...as in the case below.

The HaHa Treatment:

Humour is the new-old approach I will take with writing, creation and well, anything.

There are so many ways to be inspired or burn off steam; food, exercise, sex, travel...all good -- but there is something about a sustained belly laugh...

Universal archetype stories, even the most serious ones, can eventually elicit a few giggles. Sometimes, however inappropriate, even more so.

Here are some of my life favorites!

Life is an opportunity to Laugh:)!

Sacred Sight - "Get Busy Living"

2010-05-31T14:55:00.005-06:00

Where am I? Who am I?

As a visual artist and screenwriter, I struggled with the point of my skills...I wondered if it was valuable? Did I have anything to say? Does it matter?

Matter -- a fascinating concept....

For a long time I was passionate about camera equipment, then the identity/notoriety of being "in film" and finally, leaving a legacy.

One day however, I realized that whether or not I "made it" felt empty. As far as film is concerned, I've made no-thing. I was somewhat paralyzed by wanting my opus. Too much time was spent thinking of what others thought of me...not what I thought of me.

I use my skills every day, but never how I'd expected.

Life, on purpose...

I think the best summation regarding purpose I've heard, comes from a Wayne Dyer interview, on some of the best advice he's received;

"Don't die with your music inside of you."

Aquarian Starstone Chart - Rebecca Christenson - 2005

(Created as a storytelling tool after researching leylines)

What uplifts me? What music do I actually make? So far it's pretty pictures and random graphic design, laced with the odd poem and reams of data downloads. As time progresses, I am able to see patterns and make sense of my journey. I think?

Mind-prisons are interesting and necessary, until they aren't...

This leads me to contemplate the character Red (played by Morgan Freeman), in The Shawshank Redemption. The monologue from Red's third parole hearing is a great screen moment...

Now that my cage doors are opened and I have freedom, what do I do? What about world peace? What about walking in the sunshine and diving in the tropics?

Do I go forward, or freak out and do something that will send me right back into personal lock-down?

Me in Trunk Bay - One of the biggest surprises of my life - 2006

Red walked in an uncertain daze for awhile. He was unable take a leak without his Manager's permission. Programming takes time to undo...

Who are "They"?

What fills my time now "they" are gone? There is no one telling me who I am, what I should like, how to be, who to love, determining my personal value? Transitions are not easy. At times I look around at a world I don't feel part of, and know what it requires to rejoin...but stop myself.

I don't want that world. I wait in the space in between for some indication of life-path...and assemble random creations, all part of a bigger picture.

"First Telling" Sample Book Cover - Aquarian Creations 2008

Artwork by Jennifer Christenson - Layout Rebecca Christenson)

"Get busy living"

Red began to follow a treasure hunt set up by a friend who loved him...

I'm doing that as well. Personally, there are vast treasures awaiting discovery within.

AND, in a tradional-epic sense, the global grid of sacred sites awaits reactivation... When we re-member how...They'll lay dorment, as long as it takes. Much like Red's out-of-place obsidian, beneath a conspicuous oak tree.

Am I courageous enough to want my version of Zihuatenajo? It is "not too much to ask".

"3 Friends on the way to Molokini" - Rebecca Christenson - 1998

"I hope I can make it across the border.

I hope to see my friend and shake his hand.

I hope the pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams.

(beat)

I hope."

Screenplay by Frank Darabont
(based on the Steven King Novella -
Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption)

Hope implies a better future...

I know it isn't very Zen or Now-ish, but I am an eternal optimist. I accept and love what is, while making daily improvements to my world.

Time is an illusion unto itself, besides hope springs eternal!

Sacred Sight - Feelings on "The Shift"

2010-04-14T11:36:00.465-06:00

"Freedom means you are unobstructed in living your life as you choose. Anything less is a form of slavery."

Wayne Dyer

I want to thank all of life's teachers throughout time -- those who left behind work for us to study. We are re-membering who we are.

Our access to information is unlike anything in recent millennia, including the ability to travel and study ancient architecture and technology.

"Stonehenge in Spring" - Jennifer Christenson - Oil on Canvas - 2008

(www.aquarian-creations.ca/Sirens_swords_gallery/#gallery)

One of first concepts taught in communications/marketing was that of propaganda. Manipulation is easy when people are broke and stupid.

Furthermore, If you exploit said depletion, many products can be marketed to fill the void. The science of lack is a conscious effort, but lead to great things.

A by-product of industrial capitalism is increasing equality. Oops? Nah, divine perfection. So...what are Have-More's doing with freedom and time?

Waking up...

As we step back from crazy-making cycles, the bigger picture shows itself. Chasing tail is recognized. It includes; vexing over consumer debt, insatiable greed, fear, controlling behaviours...blah, blah...

Distraction occurs at the microcosmic level of the family, right on up...It is likely most of us have experienced both sides of these agreements - Oppressor and Oppressed. Both have a dramatic payoff and yet, both leave us wanting...

I have awakened...NOW what?

Be joyful and bring joy to the world! Your way, without imposing on other folk's journeys.

But how? When we stop out doing each other with the next big, shiny toy...it all seems as silly as the Easter Bunny (see previous blog entry).

Especially when we have work to do.

Third Eye Mandala - Jennifer Christenson - Acrylic on Canvas - 2007

Silly is as silly does...

It is healthy to have a humble chuckle over previous caught-up-ness and to honour teachers who helped with a break-through.

Teachers can be a bit like a totem I don't want (ie. moths - also a previous blog entry). I learn from difficult ones, almost more than those easy to love...time included.

"The Eyes of Time" - Rebecca Christenson - 2007 - Big Ben, London

Life as we knew it is over.
The signs are everywhere and they are beautiful!

Crop Circle, Stettler, AB - Rebecca Christenson - 2009

Namaste

Mermaid LemonAid - Outing the Easter Bunny

2010-04-11T18:31:00.014-06:00

"And you can break yourself free from your hereditary patterns, cultural codes, social beliefs; and prove once and for all that the power within you is greater than the power that's in the world."

Michael Beckwith

Last night I had to face my part in the "great cover up". I can no longer lie to my children about various magical (fake) creatures, for the purposes of...what is the purpose again???

As bedtime approached last Saturday, my youngest worked herself into a terror about a giant rabbit in our house. It didn't matter that it came bearing sweet treats...or that it might be tiny...or cute...

I tried to settle the kids numerous times. Every time I shifted weight (while sitting on the floor between beds), they gripped my hands "Don't Leave!"

Hmmm...how could I calm them? I tried various reassurances, even saying I would not let the critter in, instead it could leave things outside the door...then I'd hide the eggs for him... Then realized -- this is stupid!

Why should I make it okay that a "something" was allowed into our home, to bring them treats???

Soooo -- I outed the bunny -- My oldest was very mad at me for lying (rightly so). The younger was relieved I would have treats ready in the morning.

Then I was asked "Why did you lie?" "Why to parents lie?"

Why indeed? I don't want to condition kids not to trust themselves. I don't want to condition them to be manipulated by their parents. Hmmm...

Good questions -- hard questions to answer in an age appropriate way...I kept talking until they stopped probing.

I continued to wonder (after they were sleeping...). Is it because of the hierarchical structure and higher ups lying to us? Is it because parents need to play make-believe and can't get there on their own accord?

"When you know better, you do better..."(I heard that on Oprah - not sure who to credit).

Ending a lie is easy, but you need courage to face angry fallout (by those lied to). I took the anger. It was deserved and soon we were giggling. I got the new title "Easter Mommy" and was asked to hop out of the room.

I obliged.

I spoke to my girls about miracles (their life for starters...), which make a rabbit doling out junkfood seem --- well --- silly. It's still fun to make treasure hunts for kids, so why not just do that openly?

New life and rebirth celebrations are relevant and important, but one look around these days and it's apparent when and how people take it too far. No matter -- it's the pendulum. Our family will find its midpoint one day at a time.

Wishing you a Bright and Joyous Spring in Your Steps!

Year of the Mer-Tigress...

2010-04-07T14:55:00.014-06:00

This is an old post, but I like the photos and where my questions have led me in my storytelling. Consider it a behind the scenes of script writing...

February 14th 2010

"Sun of life and breath divine, wake -- and show me you are thine."
- Rebecca Christenson, Feb 2010

"Tiger symbolism and reverence dates back to ancient times.

Tigers are respected the world over.

Tigers represent; Passion, Power, Devotion and Sensuality.

Tigers are also great mothers and swimmers (unlike other cats)."

- Paraphrased from Animal Speak by Ted Andrews.

While the concept of zoos are uncomfortable, I am grateful for their amazing vantage points.

I framed shots - separated by steel and security glass -- while the occasional shiver ran up and down my spine.

Perhaps, in a different world, tigers are bipedal and virtually vegetarian?

They could watch me pace in front of them (in a cage) for a few moments, under a stormy sky.

It is interesting to prowl a moment in their paws...

I also contemplated the work of Dr. Bruce Lipton and the story "The Secret of Nymh"...

If creations are greatly influenced by their environment... and humans become wild when isolated (Lord of the Flies)...do tigers gain (or lose) intelligence via proximity?

Are they letting us study them? Why is the habitat so small? Do the animals care? Where are they from? Are they as Canadian as I? Are they cleaning and clearing some energy karma they've collected?

Or...are animals patiently in the now, part of our ecosystem, with an invested interest in human evolution, with no control of the outcome?

Seeing the way zoos are improving and how endangered "The Wild" can be with poachers, is this system a camoflaged version of the legendary ark? Are we preserving DNA until the earth people's stablize?

We'll see...When I ask these questions, all I create are more!

Sacred Sight - Half-Way to Morning...

2010-02-26T01:11:00.012-07:00

This week there has been a deep chill in the morning air. Although it creates beautiful frost, heavy fog and moisture...sink into my marrow.

This week, I also began waking an hour earlier -- to make time for yoga. In theory I told myself I'd stretch at night. In theory I'd put the kids to bed, set out my mat and limber up. I have a sedantary job and my neck and back doth protest... Yoga works out the kinks -- from a position with more than just ergonomic challenges.

I remembered Faith Hill tell Oprah about her schedule years ago. She said she woke at 5am to workout. I thought she was crazy. Now I don't. There comes a time when you know yourself well and accept your limits. There is a time when self-care becomes priority. My body likes to sleep by 10.

Ironically, this entry is being made very late (or should I say early). What can I say? Strong coffee and Olympic highlights.

No one is more shocked than I! I would rather get up in the morning, than stay awake at night? One of my kids is an early riser as well. I love the ability to wake with a smile...

"Hello Day!" was how my almost-brother-in-law told me he greets the dawn.

February and March however, challenge morning joy. By now, I feel internal groans. My joints creak. The soft white blanket of December's twinkling flakes, have crusted into banks of snow mould.

My feelings clarify emotional improvement is required. This business of is-ness can vex and liberate. I have to make a daily commitment to choose the latter -- which is "Sacred Sight".

This is the time of year when Canadians meet Canadians in tropical zones. So much for learning about a new culture!

This winter I work on trying not to seek tropical "escapism" and be --- well, cold. Or problem solve and create appropriate barriers against that which I can not change (and could hurt me).

This winter I work through some Canadian axioms -- temperature must contrast and life is boring without seasons. I don't know if it is boring to see green all of the time, I haven't tried that yet.

I do know that I am in a potentially harmful environment and certain things are required to survive -- wool, down, touques, mitts...

Is potential frostbite better than potential malaria? Do snowdrifts differ from sand dunes? Am I built for this climate? Some blubber and burnable skin indicates yes --

BUT would I have blubber if I swam in the ocean each morning? Do I collect it on my body only to stave off cold I was not born for?

Accept and Reflect

This is the first winter I accept where I live. This is the first winter I unabashedly use my coats of varying thickness. I maintain a constant core temperature during the thermometer's inevitable mercurial dance.

This is the first winter I do not complain about what needs to be done -- to offset cyclical actualities of the earth axis issue. I do not to take tipping away from the sun personally. It is not about me. It just is. It's the same every year.

The voice of an angel:

This heavy-misted morn, as I relaxed into child's pose, my daughter tiptoed behind. Settling onto our cold (leather) sofa, she grabbed a too-thin throw and struggled to cover herself. The heat was turned up, but something in the air...

She spoke barely above a whisper as I shifted into seated meditation -- (eyes closed):

"Mom..."
(I open an eye) "Hmm...?"
"In these times, half-way to morning -- I want to crawl into your bed, with more the more big blankets."

I agree, but for the first time in my life, I don't quit yoga to get comforted and cuddly -- I am not finished grounding.

Half-way to morning is a great metaphor. We are half-way to many symbolic awakenings -- the earth into spring, humanity into innate kindness, the solar system into it's 13,000 golden-age cycle, etc.

I even thought about the word mourning too and wondered how that fit in. Sometimes I feel half-way finished mourning who I thought I was -- Night Owl included!

I am all-ways awestruck by children's phrasing. Half-way is a nice place to be...a journey is still implied, potential is ever-present, yet one can also breathe a sigh of relief.

Half-way is half complete. There is a sense of accomplishment in doing. You may be on the top of a hill, in a moment of stillness, enjoying a view.

These mornings are mystical. Fog haloes the street lights....Branching trees, thick with white, strain to reach into our window for some thawing of their own...

Did we make this cold world tangible through collective agreement?

As I accept this landscape, will I be free live in others? ~~Hawaii or any comprable tropical locale???~~ (Oops -- not part of the acceptance speech)

Is-ness action

I finished the meditation, chilled from lack of movement. Then I went down the hall, took the duvet off my bed and tucked my morning friend into a cozy bundle. I snuggled up beside and we chatted about dreams.

I am spiritual, not religious. People adopt and discard dogmas as per their journey. I love inspirational quotes however, regardless of attached theology. I am thankful to live in an era where I am free to learn from all belief systems.

I don't know where christian identity ends and reiki begins, yoga enlightens or buddism creates flexibility. I have dear friends around the world, worshipping at will, a myriad of deities...I honour the unique journey to one-ness, each of us is on.

At this point I feel like the result of divine curiosity --- and found the inner divine through seeking the world. Initially, I was a frustrated belief gypsy.

One modality or set of teachings only worked for a time, then I was compelled to switch to deepen my practice, again, and again -- until...

I conclude: I am that I am -- the unending practice. This is expansion -- there is no end. My comfort is now the...undefined.

The quote below -- was found in Elizabeth Gilbert's book, "Eat, Love, Pray..." These words are an astute description of The Aquarians' journey.

"Our whole business therefore in this life,

is to restore to health the eye of the heart whereby God
(or All-That-Is *)
may be seen."

- St. Augustine.

If the above quote is too churchy for some..."Hello Day!" works. Every day. Across the board.

(* my insert for non-denomonational clarity)

The Oonahnahmae Universe - Happy Heart Day 2010

2010-02-16T21:33:00.007-07:00

On Heartsongs...

As I make this entry to accompany the website updates, I think of the movie "Happy Feet". I got the movie for Valentine's Day this year, from my kids, who love the dancing penguins.

The story for those who don't know it, involves Mambo -- a fuzzy penguin, who can't attract the mate of his dreams, because he can not sing. According to his fellow Emporer penguins, Mambo is an outcast, freak and will never fit in.

Mambo has another way of expression -- he DANCES. His ability to create rhythm (tap dancing) expresses his heartsong -- his way...providing the ideal accompaniment for his lady-love.

We all have our own way(s) to express our Heartsong(s)...One of mine was in a poem written two years ago for my children -- which subsequently came to represent all children -- and further to that: The Child Within Everyone.

"The Oonahnahmae Universe" (aforementioned poem) has already been discussed in this blog -- check back to one of the first entries.

Jen is currently creating an illustrated version of the poem, which is also our way of beginning to storyboard. These images are a sampling of how Jen creates visual metaphors for each line...Enjoy!

Stylized panel sketches for blocking...

Details of one panel (or facing pages)

to include storytelling detail...

Underpainting of Panel #2...

(with some finishing started)

Panel #1 completed and ready to print.

I wish you a love-filled weekend...and that each day, you do something to make your heart sing!

Passing the Torch...

2010-01-15T15:23:00.053-07:00

Olympia's Flame:

Today I went to the local Olympic torch lighting. Passing the torch, in my mind, is the art of transition. Transitions done well go unnoticed, like good editing.

I live in a town known for its retirement community. It has been seen as an inevitable last stop -- before kicking the bucket. The movie "Bucket List" incidentally, was not far off

As I contemplate passing the torch -- In life and death -- I consider my Grandmothers. The closer they get, the more there seems to be a struggle with the unknown. Hmmm...what a catalyst and opportunity to reflect --- Mortality.

I wonder...Are people unable to accept death, only when they have not lived? Anyhoo (my Gma's segue technique)...today was about:

A Celebration of Life!

The slogan for Canada's 2010 showcase is "Paint the Town Red" and they did. Flags were waving, cheeks were painted with the good ole' Maple and a great entertainment line-up kept our toes tapping!

The energy in the air was palpable, at moments I was overcome -- and I'm not really one for patriotism -- preferring a more global approach -- The Us v. Them thing is juvenile -- especially unattractive in light of the Haitian needs right now. There is no "them". We are all life...

There was no denying that there was a certain -- energy in the air. The energy of potential, of possibility. A bit of something bigger is good for small communities, where there is "Big Fish - Small Pond-ness."

Anyhoo, As Olympia's flame makes it's way to Vancouver, I started thinking of how many once-in-a-lifetime experiences we have?

Every moment is.

In that moment, with the crowd, I appreciated fellowship for something positive, transcendent really. There is power in shared joy. The announcer spoke on making a better Canada and a better world...and asked if we were ready for joy?

I am. Despite the simplicity and seemingly obvious answer -- joy takes some doing. It is a choice. As is peace. The some doing comes from the effort to reprogram.

Lightworker Archetypes:

The Aquarian torch bearers are The Holly King and The Oak Queen.

Celtic history would have it be two Kings, but we preferred the (I believe it is Russian) male/female hand-off. The Male balances the time of the moon until winter solstice. The Female energy nutures the light of the newborn sun.

I have been thinking of the lovely Lady of Oak this entire week. Frankly, I miss her. I miss all of the paintings that hung in our gallery. They were illuminated and illuminating. It will be so nice when we set up a new gallery and healing centre...

2010 is off to a blazing start...

We've had two busy weeks so far, this is literally the first chance I've had to blog in days! Last night my daughter said, "Mom you work too hard, you should rest."

I thanked her for the concern and explained that I am lucky to work on what I love (in the evenings). I also said, I'm spent, which is different than tired...I need fueling up or rest, because I'm in my productive time of life.

If she is noticing my fatigue, then perhaps I need to evaluate. This is a good opportunity to assess balance. Like yoga, meditation and other disciplines (cooking healthfully), it does take practice.

I use the crock pot a lot...and I've de-cluttered...It's time to focus -- I choose my life, but what life is that? My divine purpose calls -- I choose to answer now...

Healing Art:

Jen's booking into March/April for commissions. Her healing art -- portrait commissions (Pets, Babies, favorite Athletes) are steadily increasing.

We are full of excitement for what this year has in store.

One milestone was already reached in the first week of 2010. The website is paying for itself (and not via Mom and Dad buying the art)!

Thanks to everyone around the world who pops in for a peak, makes inquiries and purchases.

Namaste

The Aquarians - The Naeyad/Lucina

2009-12-04T20:34:00.036-07:00

"The Light Bringer"

Jennifer Christenson 2007

Oil on Canvas - 4' by 7'

This lovely lady made her debut at Sirens & Swords first exhibition, two years ago tonight. This image represents the maiden aspect of the triple goddess archetype.

She is but one version of a life-force we collectively refer to as The Naeyad. She celebrates the beautiful wildness in humanity (while it remains a teaching tool on the planet). She is mother to all, protectress of children (and the child within).

The Naeyad takes many forms throughout our story. She is everything and nothing, love and light, darkness and shadow, mountain peak and sea-floor chasm, sun and moon, summer rain and winter frost.

An Audio and Pallette Reference:

I'm listening to "A Song for a Winter's Night" as I write -- (Sarah McLaughlin's version - written by Gordon Lightfoot)...

Sarah's vocals invite me on a haunting journey...

"The fire is dying,

The lamp is growing dim,

The shades of night are lifting...

The morning light steals across my window pane,

where webs of snow are drifting"

"The Lane Less Travelled" - Rebecca Christenson 2007

The Beauty of All-One-Ness:

It is a blizzard outside and, although I have a preference for tropical climes, I love the solitude of a storm...Wind blows, drifts build and I reflect. Whether the water around me is frozen or drifting on the tide...I am immersed.

Sarah's lilting lyrics comment on being lonely, but I haven't felt that in a long time. I remember being such, but don't feel it...I don't emote.

There is a vast difference between alone and lonely.

Although it is a romantic gesture to miss someone on winter's night, it implies one is not whole without another. External yearning ends, when answers are found within.

The Naeyad waits for this foundation of peace to be realized by all.

On Fractal Light:

I love the panes of glass Jen painted in this background. The details are lost in translation via the blog. If you have the opportunity to see her at an exhibition, you may be transported for a time, into one prismic pane.

If you have ever traced the frosted corners of a window, you know crystallization can be captivating! Tracing frosty filaments is common in these parts.

Facets eventually combine or disappear as temperatures rise. Which is a nice metaphor for human development. The warmer we are to each other, the less separation occurs in the corners of society.

The Naeyad knows the necessity of contrast:

Lies increase the value accorded truth.

Certain mortality adds sweetness to life.

The bitter-sweet... star-crossed lovers...things that almost were, or never meant to be are at home in the company of this lady. She exists in the spaces between, where our eyes can not fix.

The collective energy of The Naeyad is ever present and as elusive as the most distant star, hanging on the fabric of the cosmos.

The Greatest Gift:

The Naeyad's cryo-genic suspension ends, as we all learn to;

- love unconditionally

- give thanks for all that is

and

- enjoy living in a state of peace

Mer-made Lemon-Aid - On Motherhood...Wing-Mom's...Dreams...

2009-11-23T11:18:00.132-07:00

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 I was married, and IF my partner was a partner."  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 recieve 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 life partner and daily dolphin swims.

Dream Big and Often!

The Tide That Turned - First Youtube Video Montage!

2009-11-22T15:34:00.005-07:00

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!

The Aquarian, Baiados - Unity: A Waking Dream

2009-11-11T23:11:00.006-07:00

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?

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

2009-11-06T21:04:00.004-07:00

"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...

http://www.aquarian-creations.ca/sirens_swords_gallery/#gallery

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

2009-11-06T19:48:00.004-07:00

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!

Halloween 2009 - We are Aqua!

2009-11-01T01:23:00.009-06:00

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!!!

Sacred Sight -- A Canuck Gives Thanks

2009-10-11T12:11:00.364-06:00

The driving force behind the work at "AQ" is the freedom to be.

Lady Louise 1111 - Aug 03/2009

Every single life form, from the smallest nano-something to infinity has the right to life -- no matter the strangeness. For example; I had an encounter this morning with a tiny "scor-der" or "spid-ian"(?). The minute bug, was on the far wall in my shower.

I was washing my hair and saw a speck on the wall rotate -- hmmm... wierd. I leaned in for a closer look. It was turning counter clockwise, stopped when I got closer and just hung out. No big deal. It was almost too small to see, but had long front arms with pinchers on the end...

Scorpions are rare in our neck of the prairies...some poisonous creatures live in the southern grasslands and coulees, like the rattlesnake or black widow. Did this little thing hitch a ride back from Writing on Stone a few weeks ago? I kept my distance in case.

"Shower Scor-Dian?" - Oct 11/2009

I left it alone to scrub up. As I contemplated the creature, life felt very random. Scorpions are a sign of solitude and protection. I do like to my alone-time to recharge and I was thinking of more protective service I can do...

What IS my purpose?

David Wilcock offers a product to help people ascertain this very thing. His site is a goldmine for seekers. Check it out here:

http://divinecosmos.com/index.php/online-store/what-is-my-purpose

As my purpose clarifies, I reassess regularly. I find ways to incorporate love and beauty with a call to action. Do I have courage and energy for all that needs to be done? Are the ideas aligned with the necessary skills? Which is the hill I'm going to live on?

Is this how Barack Obama feels? I wonder how he's doing? His recent Nobel nod was an interesting move. In my opinion, changes we all hope for must be acted on individually. Obama represents change, but can not be expected to do the work on his own. I hope he doesn't feel alone.

Obama's humble Nobel response was succinct and real -- children are grounding and help us maintain perspective:

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1009/28132.html

Is it possible to define a defining moment in the now? Is this how William Wilberforce felt? His work with slave abolitionists, was one of the first grassroots human rights movements. Did he know he would change the worldview? I believe so.

Did he really have a theme song? One of my favorite get -off-the-couch-and-do-something movies is "Amazing Grace"...it is also the tune I use to sing the Oonahnahmae Uni-Verse poem. You can read our poem here:

http://www.aquarian-creations.ca/gratitude_inspiration/

What happens when a purpose fills you, guides you to unlikely places and there is no How-To handbook? Maria sang it best..."I have Confidence in Confidence alone..."

Sometimes, when I wish I'd created a more status quo life, I sing "How do you solve a problem like Rebecca?" I laugh my way out of thinking I'm a martyr...uncover more bad "habits" I can shed, then clear the way to "Climb Every Mountain"!

Attitude of Gratitude:

Today is the mother of all Grat days (in Canada). I am thank-full, for everything..."Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens..."

Fall Foliage - Oct 2008

I have a great family, a cozy home, 5 minute commute, equipment to build my craft... and high-speed access to the world-wide-web...Good ole' WWW -- what would life be like without it? It informs and entertains, educates and enlightens.

Death of a Species?:

Somewhere between Sound of Music showtunes and rinsing hair, my shower visitor fell off the wall and drowned in a drop of water.

"Every scor-der dies, not every scor-der truly lives..." Did that critter live to its fullest? It impacted me. I don't know what else it did...Perhaps the first in a species? Did it manage to reproduce...? Who knows?

On Righting Humanity:

Like the premise in Braveheart, I am most grateful for Freedom. Freedom of mind, body and spirit. It is what I live for -- and then to use what I am to pay it forward...

"Barbie Cone" - Charlottetown, P.E.I. - July 2009

There are many ways we can become fully awake and aware in this life. One of the fundamental tools I used in the early stages of leaving "The Program" (to free myself), was the UN Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

If we don't acheive these rights and freedoms in our lives and homes, is it any wonder society has work to do? With so many spouses/parents controlling each other and/or their children, is it any wonder we stagnate as a populace?

The Oonahnahmae Pro-Ject:

Further to the UN Human Rights mentioned above, Aquarian Creations supports those of children as well (due to some specific needs). Adults can choose their lives, despite poor decision making. Children can not.

Any use of other life forms to gain power, indicates primitive society (to me). Any "Developed" nations who bargain shop here, while children work in factories (rather than in school), have inner work to do.

And we all know factories are only the beginning of our response-ability to children...

While concern for others is noble, it becomes a cover-up. A way to keep our selves busy. We must clean up personal viewpoints, our family activities, community belief systems...go up and out from there. Like they say...point one finger out, three are back at you.

Economics are a challenge. An empowering place to begin, is by considering whether or not your current employment is value-adding work?

If it isn't, how do you change your job to make it so? Leaving a company or town isn't the answer. We can stop passing the buck as of now. Current positions can be changed via intent, immediately.

What would the world be like:

If one generation was able to grow up nurtured and nourished, educated and free-thinking?

If one generation was able to walk upon an illuminated path, with only their shadow selves to balance...?

Beautiful!

"A Light Unto my Path" - Johnston Canyon Trail, Banff Ntnl. Pk, AB - Summer 2003

November 20th is National Child Day in Canada.

Are you doing all you can in your community to increase the standard of living for your children. It takes a village...

"Be the change you wish to see in the world" - Gandhi

For more information:

Canada's November 20th - National Child Day.

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ncd-jne/index-eng.php

Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children

http://rightsofchildren.ca/news

Sacred Sights: "It is Pictured..."(Writing on Stone Hoodoos - Alberta)

2009-10-05T14:00:00.019-06:00

Writing about the pictures and hoodoos at Writing on Stone, is in a word, ironic. I have been trained to show, not tell. We decided to visit Southern Alberta late last week. It was still hot outside (45 degrees Celcius in the coulees) and a blizzard could arrive any time.

I was amazed by the immediate sense of serenity as we walked the ridge to the visitor centre. Writing on Stone is one of numerous Alberta sacred sites. Many nations have converged for centuries, on the banks of the gently winding Milk River.

Limestone rocks provide shelter. The river feeds a valley oasis and provides alternative transportation. Portions of the area were also used as burial grounds. One of the most intriguing practices, to me and Jen, was that burial rights included placing the dead in high ledges amongst the cliffs, or in the tops of trees.

While Writing on Stone facilitated life and death transitions, it also became an ancient library of said rights and passages (including vision quests). It was humbling to see images older than accepted history, still telling tales. I wondered a few times, if my work would last 100 years with current data storage issues...never mind up to 100 centuries!

In a few skillful strokes, ancient peoples communicated clear lifestyle information we can study to present day. The Petroglyph (below), was located much higher on the cliff face, than other scenes. Thus indicating higher water levels (at one time) and erosion in the Milk River valley...or the use of a rope and harness to repel down the cliff to create.

As we toured the ancient petroglyph sites, our guide made great arguments for the import of visual communication. She discussed defacement of the stone art. "Modern" etching is considered grafitti, rather than a contribution to human history, because it is pointless to future study. Or is it? We don't know what future scholars (if there are any) will value.

She did however highlight inefficiencies of initial carving, where many lines are required to scribble "So-and-So wuz here, 1974". Aside from being a crude attempt at immortality...if English is a living language in five to ten thousand years (doubtful), our guide stated, initials tell us nothing about S0-and-So.

We'll never know what his/her shelter, food, tools, transportation, dress or behaviour was like. But, I ask, could this be the point? So-and-So may have had nothing good to say about a possible uprooted and disenchanting life. Or he/she may have been uneducated as to the value of ancient communication or very academic, with the thought rock art was passe.

Michelangelo (and many others) would disagree. We will never know actual motivation behind people's actions, many times they don't even know. To an artist, initial could amount to the equivalent of carved baby-talk, but charming as a ditty from a lover on a moonlit solstice evening... Merit is determined by cultural/personal values at any given time.

I admit a preference for stylized prairie scenes, to messy chicken scratch. Foresight, which would have helped preserve some of the stone work, is something elders pass on. Pioneer generations did not have access to such wisdom. Their elders remained in Europe. Settlers relocated based on false advertising and youthful zest, without the means to return home or birth control.

Sacred sites and liminal zones, provide rich opportunities for increased understanding. I saw a symbolic culture clash, recorded in timeless media. One side not being respected, the other not respecting themselves...How can you give something, you don't have?

As people go within to work and reflect, healing of great magnitude is occuring. None are to blame for ignorance and all have a divine light within. When you know better, do better.

The beautiful petroglyphs we saw depicted; fighting or birthing techniques, clothing changes, representations of historical boundary loss (between Alberta and Montana) and the clear value of horses in this valley.

Writing on Stone is an english name, and perhaps clumsy translation, taken from the aboriginal Aisinai'pi, meaning "It is Pictured/Written". You can get more information at - http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/1935/ as well as many sites through your friendly search engines.

Without further ado (er' scribbles of my own):

Sweetgrass Hills as seen from Alberta - 9/26/2009

Bunny in the Rocks - 9/26/2009

Table Rock - 9/26/2009

Square Shoulder Man - 9/26/2009

Deer at play - 9/26/2009

One of the Rock Spirits - 9/26/2009

Organic dark-chocolate cookie nibble - 9/26/2009

Hoodoos and Sweetgrass Hills - 9/26/2009

Framing with an organic Tripod - 9/26/2009

Reframing... - 9/26/2009

The bolt on my tripod sheered off a few weeks ago...in true spirit of the valley, nature provided for all of our needs!

Website Shot - 9/26/2009

Meditation Time - 9/26/2009

Milk River S-Curve - 9/26/2009

And the Antelope Play... - 9/26/2009

I see a half moon a risin' - 9/26/2009

If you have the opportunity, this site is worth the visit. I'd like a camp-out under the stars next time. It's said to be a lovely observatory!

Full Circle - The Stettler Crop Formation

2009-09-14T13:13:00.152-06:00

8 years ago (9/11) I was pregnant and just finished film school...I watched the twin-towers collapse via live news coverage. At first I thought it was a hoax...I wondered if I would ever see my family grow up and have a career...

In the world and my personal life, illusive veils lifted.

Red Deer Formation - September 18, 2001:

Seven days after the 2001 mayhem in the U.S., a hexagram crop formation appeared in a field outside of Red Deer, Alberta. I didn't know that until years later...a link to that image is included below.

The hexagram was an instrumental storytelling tool for me in 2005/06. I used it to create a web of interconnecting character arcs...long story...

"The Aquarians - Starstone Chart" (Winter 2005)
Starstone concept and graphics - Rebecca Christenson
"AQ" Logo - Jennifer Christenson (Autumn 2003)

Shortly after creating "my" Starstone chart, I found the Red Deer formation while surfing the web.

Healing Hotspot:

Many authors aid my transformation from outer to inner being. Eckhart Tolle writes at length about "The Power of Now". A recent Now moment, was my first visit to a crop formation.

My Mom and I ventured to the small Alberta town, Stettler. It is quiet and agri-based. Along with neighbouring towns Red Deer, Lacombe and Ponoka, Stettler has an undercurrent of energy workers; amidst oil, gas and farming industries.

A New Swirled Order?

The above title is the name of a documentary available on the web.

Smallest circle - part of the Stettler formation - 9/11/9

During the long weekend in September, I returned my focus to Agri-Art. I began cross referencing notes, books, web information and publications...My thoughts were all over the place!

Ie: the Diatonic scale v. diatoms...electromagnetic propulsion theory...organic machinery...the Cathie grid and particular attention was paid to the formation catalogue set up by Colin Andrews...

I wondered how many people would need to focus on this art before we see a Julia set in Alberta fields? AND when will we receive or decipher a Rosetta Stone for all the imagery? What questions aren't we asking?

Mom at the SW edge of formation - Lens flare for Dramatic Flair - 9/11/2009

Source Speculation:

The fear-based bunch cling to the "pranksters-in-the-field-with-a-rope-and-board..." rationale.

When we delve into science...Facts begin to surface: underground aquifers are speculated to be a requirement for attraction. Soul (excuse the typo) A-hem...SOIL samples have included uncommon or unlikely compounds from the formations.

Plant studies have shown stalks that are clearly bent, rather than broken, during the creation process. Nodes also increase in size and appear to have been manipulated by microwave type radiation. The plants also continue to grow after the fact.

I looked at the Stettler plants closely, they appeared to have been gently arranged. One thing I noted, was the grain appeared to be raked, with swirling striations from the centre point to the outer edge. I have a theory as to how that could happen, but will do more research on that...

I have no prior experience to base my findings on. I am not an agrologist, nor a geologist, nor will I be testing the soil. I am a bigger picture girl, interested primarily in the photography, geography and geometry...Others will study what interests them most.

As you can see in the photos below, the circle "force" seems to have laid a swath of grain down. Even in the rings, grain was striated in small ridges twirling to the outer edge.

Smooth track of ring circling Southern-most circle - 9/11/9

The photo below is a human track for access to the top ring. People stepped gingerly about, but the track is crude in comparison. The plants lining it, are crushed in every direction and affected by intrusion.

Products and Lore:

Going back in recorded history, there was the inception of the mowing devil as a creator of these formations. The only devil I acknowledge is a dust devil...which is incidentally, one old farmer's belief as to the source of this formation.

Me in the centre circle checking stalks and feeling things out - 9/11/2009

Activity and acceptance surrounds this topic in the UK. Some collect grain from formations to make a Crop Circle Ale. Tourist gimmick or healing nectar? Grain harvested from formations are proven to have larger heads, increased proteins and such.

Don't take my word for it, it's all on Google...

Building a Benchmark:

I have always loved blueprints, construction and building projects. My Dad is a builder -- a Jack of All Trades, Master of One. Dad imparted his knowledge with patience and empowered us to create the world we want to live in.

Creating a blueprint is tons of work in and of itself (without AutoCAD and Illustrator). Building a structure in the middle of nowhere from said plans...even more of a challenge.

I have laid out shapes on soil...circles in fact...for grain bin storage systems and concrete pads...We worked off a blueprint for days...laid in rebar grids on completely flat clay...marking sites with paint and stakes...In addition to help using electronic sight and leveling tools...

It seems unlikely this was plotted and woven in swirls, as it was laid down in wheat, by local yocals...from one yocal to another!

I don't have rights to an aerial photo, but you can see it (and the Red Deer formation from 2001) on:

http://www.earthfiles.com/news.php?ID=1617&category=Environment

The Medium is the Message?

Formation imagery speaks to many. For some it's spiritual, others feel they are looking at music, others believe it's a sign "we are not alone", some use them as meditative tools.

In keeping with the idea of Agri-Art...Crop circles evoke emotion, inspire and stimulate. Visuals bypass limitations of language and can be "felt" by all visitors, inclusively.

Visitors at the Stettler formation - 9/11/2009

There is no denying crop formations. Something makes them. People walk to and through them. They are increasingly complex with each growing season.

Mom on the far South Eastern edge of the formation - 9/11/2009

This is a simple formation compared to those logged in the UK and still many symbols are involved.

I was struck by the size. Aerials remain best for an overall sense of shape and geometry. If this was a hoax, it's no less impressive. It is only 100 yards off a major highway. No one saw anything and there was a working rig nearby.

Is it possible the earth was saying, please stop drilling!?! Did the circle coincide with the arrival of the rig to stop it, OR do Roughnecks moonlight in sacred geometric science expression?

Rig behind Mom at South Eastern Circle - 9/11/2009

Expansion Philosophy:

One school of thought is that formations are another way the universe is becoming aware of itself. This visit served to raise more questions, which I believe is the point. Expansion theories propose there are no absolutes, no "answers", no "the end" with a tidy set of rolling credits.

Life is what it is -- in each moment -- what it means to you is...what it means to you.

Each visitor to the site was interested in sharing views of what could have made the formations. I chose not to identify with or offer an opinion...I don't know, until I know -- for me. It's a bit like arguing whose God is more real. Real in what sense? Define real...and so on.

Harvesting Memories:

September is beautiful ~~hear~~, here (in Alberta).

Coyotes yipped in the southern treeline as I measured the formation. 3 Canadian geese honked as they followed a migratory route (aligned with formation orientation - a possible connection?). The din of combines was steady and distant, while stubble crunched underfoot.

Scents of autumn hung in the air; grain dust, stale leaves, drying grasses, cooling atmosphere and retreating tree life. You wouldn't think plants approaching dormancy have a smell, but they do.

I worked for two hours in front of a hazy horizon...yet no time seemed to pass.

I remembered; eating supper in the field with Dad and my late Papa, a storyteller of old. You had to lean in, be patient and wait for the punchline...and his rumbling chuckle.

I honour; deeply wrinkled faces, weathered skin, giant hands, enlarged knuckles, scarred fingers, crinkled crows feet and farmers' tans...of BOTH men and women who brought me to these lands.

Layers of Awareness:

Awakenings happen in unlikely ways.

I had a preconception about visiting a crop circle, much like the one I formed before seeing Stonehenge.

I forgot about the multi-sensory aspects of experience. My sister and I marveled on sheep bleeting behind us, and the smell of canola, as we walked on Salisbury Plains.

At both Stonehenge and Stettler, I was awestruck by unreal creation, partnered by immediacy to nature.

Ongoing Attraction:

I am grateful this formation was close enough to visit immediately. I am glad people are interested and unafraid; from all backgrounds and walks of life.

People gathered in a steady stream. My parents returned the following weekend and a man, directly from church, brought his daughter and dowsing rods. The rods spun wildly, whilst visitors on site took turns. Forces of magnetism were at play.

Formations are beautiful, intriguing and humbling.

I reflected on another cycle of activity and prepare for winter's quiet. Illuminated by a waning sun and moon...I was a lady in a wheat field at dusk; with some papers, a tape measure, my Mom and mosquitoes.

"Centering"

Then we went for a teen burger. When in Alberta...