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Sunday, September 11, 2011

Psalm 23 - a psalm of David

Today is September 11, 2011.

I believe most everyone in the world knows what significance this date holds, especially to America. Thinking of that day and where I was, what I was doing and figuring out how to maintain some form of composure still hits me pretty hard on an emotional level. I am sure many of us share that feeling.

I was in Atlanta, GA, had just arrived to work at my new job as Assistant Director of Plymouth Harbor. PH is truly a wonderful adult day program that is run by Central Congregational Church of Christ on Clairmont Road. When the planes hit the World Trade Center, I was preparing to get in the van to go out and pick up some of our participants. I was so scared, so alone and wondered how I could manage to do what I needed to do there. Do I run home instead of working? Harry was working in Alpharetta and I could not reach him except to leave a phone message saying " I love you". So many thoughts in an instant about my family and loved ones - is everyone ok?

Somehow, I found composure standing in that church parking lot. It was a beautiful blue sky morning and all was quite. I looked up to the sky as I approached the van and I wondered if any more planes and lives would be destroyed. I said a prayer all along my trip of collecting the precious cargo of old people and tried keep a calm voice as we discussed the confusing news that several just did not grasp. I was glad to get back to the church and start the day (like any other day). There was Mary's birthday and all the other activities to think about and make preparations, talking to the director and staff about a worship service for the afternoon. We'll we did it and I did it too. We managed and got through the day, even signing happy birthday to a very special lady!

We have moved forward as a nation and a people since that terrible series of events, but our hearts still hurt and We Will Never Forget. Ten years has given us time to be reminded of the grace of God, to find resolution and lately to find something called justice.

My recollections of that day have led me to share my latest art work with you. My work, The Art of KAPOW's latest finished piece is titled, "Psalm 23, a psalm of David. I worked quickly on this one and was guided by the fabric (it talks to me and helps guide me to see what it could become) to create what you see now. The bird is the symbol of God's love, the multi hued brown background fabric was the piece that spoke to me to use the scripture. When I examined the complex design in this remnant, I kept thinking of the words, "though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil". The rest of the work just flowed from there.

Above - the fabric that took me to the scripture and my persona conveying the message.

Below - the finished piece.


Love to you all - designing and living life!
Kathy

Saturday, September 10, 2011

If not Now, then When?

The title of my blog today is a great statement by Mary Engelbreit.

 I always smile when I see her so colorful, catchy and thought provoking messages. Each one makes me pause and consider where I am in my life.

If Not NOW, Then WHEN? is a great example for me today because of my recent birthday. Nothing like getting another year older to quickly take stock of your life and wonder where in the world did the time go. 

ME's words automatically make me pull focus and reconsider my priorities, my plans, my life's wishes and dreams. I am usually satisfied with how things have gone so far, but also realize all the other ideas sitting on the back burner of life and the goals that I would like to at least attempt if not successfully achieve.

So, this is my first blog and the encouragement to blog (and share myself with you) has come from my friend, Tara Dillard. You'll find Tara on my blog list along with others who are adding to my inspiration to do this thing. 

I hope that you will enjoy the messages that I give voice to on art, design, travel, musings on life and the experiences that we all can relate to one way or another.

In celebration of life and to those who are important to my life here are some photos of a little getaway a few weeks ago with hubby to Asheville, NC. The North Carolina mountains really wakes up my inner child and reminds me to Do It Now! How about you?.


Above: Beaver Lake with mid morning clouds
Below: The dam with it's own little eco-system going on


Below: This is a beautiful area of Asheville! We always stop by to see how the lake has changed and to find respite with a walk around the lake. Beaver Lake is a sweet residential area that makes me feel so at home! I wish I lived here!

Love & Live Your Life! - Kat

Kathy Powell
Creator of the Art of KAPOW