A Full Moon

I found this beautiful picture on Pinterest.

I was sitting on my couch yesterday evening and suddenly took a pause when I noticed the moon rising into the tops  of the trees. So white with this flare of light glowing around it.

I've always pulled strength from the sun. Especially in the winter months. I find the sunniest spot in my house, site cross-legged on the floor and soak in the golden warmth. But this winter solstice I did a releasing ceremony with the awesome guidance of Pixie Campbell. And for the first time, I think in my life, I've followed the moon through this cycle with awareness...watching its enchantment changed each night. And this evening as I sit on the couch I find myself soaking in the sparkling ivory warmth from this full moon. It's like its light is shining directly into my window and landing on my soul. Stirring my creative spirit and coating me in protection. I find myself gaining strength now from the moon. 

"Don't be afraid to move forward with your passions, dive in, actively participate in your life!" -That's what I imagine its saying to me tonight :)

Another year... older!

Wow, I can not believe my last post was before the holidays. How the days fly by. Such a reminder to stop and savor.

Today as we move into the 3rd day of 2012 I am celebrating another year of this life. A simple but amazing thing happened to me this morning. Some back story... during my releasing ceremony for winter solstice, one of the things I let go of was worry about what others think of me. My aunt gave me a gift card for Christmas and I found this fabulous outfit that was fun and bright and different from what I feel I "have" to wear to my boring corporate job. It was these great mustard yellow cords and funky chevron sweater. I decided it would be a great birthday outfit and fun for first day back to work since the holiday time off. I got dressed, put on a new necklace I just made this weekend (pics to come!) it went perfect with the pants. I felt good and then... I stood in front of the mirror and the doubt started to sink in. The pants are too bright, I know people are going to say things. Any other day this would have turned into a 20 minute ordeal of me trying to find another outfit, more fitting for work, another boring black shirt with plain old pants. And then! I remembered that I had let go of that worry and you know what, it allowed me to just smile and enjoy my outfit. I still got the comments and looks at work but I let it roll off. My birthday wish... that I can continue this courage throughout 2012!

Peace & Whimsy,

Joanna 

Winter Solstice

A couple of months ago I set up my Etsy shop. I set aside a lot of fear I had in putting my art out there for all to see. And in doing so the universe brought me to connect with so many blogs with so many sweet souls that have touched me in ways they may never know. One of these blogs is Pixie Campbell's. I started to read her postings just as she was mentioning the upcoming winter solstice and her intentions for a releasing ceremony. This ritual release is in her words "a way to "bind the medicine" of moving beyond the past, the pain, the obstacles, the resistance, the old traps, the excuses."

This is something I've never celebrated. Normally winter is a tough time for me, long days, cold nights, craving the warm sun on my face. I felt moved reading Pixie's words, so I sat down and wrote the things that tug my heart down and hold me back.

I don't have a fireplace or fire pit so I created my bundle and burned it in an old coffee cup.

What an amazing feeling to literally throw those things you no longer need into the fire and watch them crumble away! Once the fire burned out I put the ashes in my compost, perhaps those negatives can become a new life in my garden in the spring.

I sat for a while and watched the sun set thinking of what great things can now fill my heart in 2012. What intentions I will set. I invite you to join in, what will you release and let go?

A Girl Can Dream

Wow, I can't believe it's only a few days before Christmas! Where did the time go. I was down with the flu for a couple of weeks and now that I've resurfaced the holidays have arrived! 

With the New Year right around the corner I'm feeling the bug to reorganize and redecorate with some inspiring colors and designs! 


I'm in love with Anthropologie, so many colors, textures and patterns!

 

Fin Rocker & Wildfield Bedding  

A Real Hoot Canister & Hoot, Hoot Switchplate



There's never a lack of inspiration from Apartment Therapy!
I love this wall quote from a Vintage-Inspired DIY Modern Apartment

Free Shipping Day! Dec. 16th

So Christmas is just around the corner, can you believe it! There is a site that has collected thousands of merchants who will offer free shipping on December 16th and still guarantee delivery by Christmas Eve! How great is that! And Twisted Whimsy is part of that group.



When you get to check out in my Etsy store be sure to enter the coupon code "Dec16"

Peace & Whimsy,
Joanna

Furry Friends

A best friend doesn't always have to be a person. Crosby has slept with me on the couch all this week while I've been fighting the flu.

Enjoying the View from the Couch

Day 6 of December Views: My Tree

Last night within an hour I got hit with a sore throat and a fever so today my view was pretty much from the couch looking at my Christmas tree. I love the lights, they make me smile. I think I might find a way to leave a strand or two up year-round, some place in the house.

Hoping to feel better tomorrow. I've got some ideas for new jewelry pieces for the Etsy shop but seem to have lost some motivation and steam. I've done a lot this year to get my shop up and moving and I need to remind myself of that. I read somewhere the other day that creative blocks are for a purpose. Perhaps a moment for our soul to pause and take a breath, recharge and remember the good that is already in front of us.


Peace and whimsy for tonight :)