The end of the year is near. We can all feel it with the holiday hustle and bustle and the shorter
days. It is dark so early now. It makes one wonder, “are there any missing pieces that I need to
put together? Do I have a hurt that I must soothe? Is there a loss still to grieve? Can I finish
something that I have already started before the new year begins?” There may be but then it is time that may get in the way. Is there time?
My friend Anne and I decided that this past week there was time to give a little love to a mosaic
that we completed a couple of years ago. We knew it needed a little something and should not
wait. It is a mosaic shrine to endings and beginnings. The end of the year while the next lay within our reach was the perfect time to meet and do a few repairs.
The mosaic is An Altar For Altered Lives. It is a symbol of hope for the survivors of the Butte
Fire of 2015 in Calaveras County. We used broken elements from some of the over 500 burned
out homes to create a place of beauty. It is a wall that still stands showing the chaos and
destruction of fire. But now time has gone by. Because some of the elements are particularly
delicate and sensitive time has eroded it a bit. Anne and I picked up the pieces and gave the
structure a kiss. We cleaned it and repaired it. It did not take much but we restored its amazing
dignity. As we finished, the cloudy sky opened to some sun. The dichoic glass shimmered and looked like jewels.
We added a few new elements to represent new life, new growth, new homes for those who lost theirs. Nothing stays the same. Even us. Even the terrible.
Where is the old that needs your attention? Where are the pieces that need to be made into the
art of your life? Where are the projects that need a little love where it would take just a little time
to give a hug, or a change of view? It felt so good to touch this altar we created knowing there
has been growth and healing in the community. We are sure the wounds of that horrible fire may
still haunt some but here, in our art, we can create a prayer for the wounds and hope for the new.
Art Heals.
“If your heart is broken make art with the pieces.” Shane Koyczan
I have finished accepting all of the proofreads for the book! The manuscript has been sent back
to my managing editor. It will be a few weeks until I see the next stage. They are working on the
layout and design. I can not wait to see what it will look like. It has been such an intense year of writing Love, Courage, and Miracles.