Meditation Rock

Initially when I began painting rocks, I wanted to have people use them as meditation objects or something that they could focus on that would bring them a little serenity.Occasionally I will find a mandala or special design that enhances the rock enough to accomplish this end. Because I like bright colors, it is customary for me to inquire what a person's favorite color is, and to have each person use the rock as a sacred object.

Not all the rocks that I paint are like that, however. Many of my designs are simply favorite images that people enjoy such as dragonflies, butterflies, sports logos and the like.It is my hope that you will have these rocks for many years, and that you will pass them on to others when it is time to part with them.Below is an example of one of the meditation rocks that I recently painted.

Creative Visualization

Shakti Gawain has been a big influence in my life. Her book, "Creative Visualization" and "Living in the Light" are two books that taught the importance of following and trusting our intuition.If you have been a person who has had trouble finding guidance and direction in your life, her books and tapes will help you drop into a state of mind where anything is possible and welcomed. Here is an interview that took place not long ago, celebrating the 20th Anniversary of her first book.Click on the link above her picture to listen to the interview.She is quite candid about the development of her gift.

http://youtu.be/oZYnK7ZB-kg

Fun-filled Fourth !

It's already Tuesday, and this past weekend was jam packed with people, activity and rock sales.My sister Tara came in from Portland for the week, and my friends Bill and Veda helped me out at the Calistoga Fair on Friday before the fireworks that evening.

I was glad to see many friends and loyal customers as the came by to say hello at the Fairgrounds (and even offer us snacks from the cooking demos)which were happening in the same pavilion as the Your Spirit Rocks!™ display.It was blistering hot outside which is why I was very grateful to have a spot in the somewhat cooler Napa Building.

The next day was the Farmer's Market which was pretty hot as well. My sister sold charm bracelets that she had made and again, we had many people come by to see what was new on the display table.It was hard work setting up and breaking down both days, but it got done. As enjoyable as it was, I am glad that this opportunity presents itself only once a year.

A glow in the dark painting which I treasured, was sold for a hundred dollars. It was hard to let it go, but now I am challenged to make another one.The rock below is a shot of my yellow spinner in a semi-glow state.

Apologies

I want to sincerely apologize to anyone who has been trying to reach me on my land line.This number is the one I have listed on my business cards, forms, etc. and when you call this line it has usually taken your message and ended with the a recorded message that offers an uplifting,"Your Spirit Rocks!"a shout-out which is sorta cute, except when you were expecting to talk to a REAL PERSON!

This whole issue of messaging has become an activity of breathless tagging which covers a real longing for connection that is in danger of never being met. I am speaking for myself, but strongly suspect others who are falling into the camp of shallowness and disillusionment because they just are not getting through (both figuratively an literally).The quest for brevity and convenience are important issues when people make a call or text a message,but the expense of these supposedly technological amenities are costing many their own Peace of Mind.It can, and will rob us if we are not paying attention. When was the last time you allowed a conversation to evolve without composing and expressing your next thought. Is it really possible to suspend judgement in order to really hear what is being communicated?

There is a lot of blocking going on here.

My own selfish remarks have pushed some,if not many people away,rather than bringing them closer to me.It then perfectly fitting that my landline go dead and remain uncommunicative. Why call when no one picks up? The answer is obvious when I am the one not really making myself available.Long story short.It is time to lose this phone and meet people face to face without this superficiality and false sense of time urgency.I can now be reached on my IPhone exclusively until further notice.

The Rock of the Week

This week's rock is one that I call

"The Spinner". It is like a top when you turn it over and give it a whirl on it's bobble end. When spinning upright, you notice a swirling "Hypno" effect as the rock rotates around and around like a top. The look is especially mesmerizing in the dark under a black light of course.You see only the bobble in this image.See the video below for a preview of what this dandy little rock can do!

Rock for this week

Hello everyone, I painted this rock awhile ago, but I like the background ( a piece of burgundy silk ) that was scanned into my computer. The rock is one I call my "Faberge" rock, because it reminds me of the criss-cross patterns you might find on a fancy egg designed by Faberge. Come visit my space at the Calistoga Farmer's Market and at the Art show coming this Fourth at the Fairgrounds. Your Spirit Rocks !

It's Saturday again !

Welcome to the Summer season at the Farmer's Market ! Today is the last day in May and many people are coming to the Valley this weekend for the BottleRock concert. Oh how I like hearing the word "Rock" in any activity around here. My hope is that these music fans will also find their way to the north end of the Napa Valley to visit the cozy little Farmer's Market.It's a must see!

Below is a candid picture of Mother Tabitha who provides good vibes and blessings to everyone who comes to visit. The sisters from her convent make wonderful baked goods that come fresh from the oven.She is a Russian Orthodox nun from a convent which is within walking distance to the Market. This picture was taken at the end of last week's market after she had gathered some beautiful flowers for the church.She then beckoned me over to her booth where she generously let me taste a delicious "Mud Pie Cookie" that had chocolate,walnuts,coconut and other wonderful ingredients.

Goodies like these are just a sample of what you'll find along with fresh fruit,flowers,Crepes and a host of other yummy stuff.Come on down and taste some of the best features offered here on a Saturday morning in Calistoga!

Backgrounds for Your Spirit Rocks!

Lately I've been working with florescent colors that look fabulous under a black light. It can be tricky placing colors that will recede next to colors that come forward. Orange is the strongest color in my palette.Under the black light, orange really pops out.Having a dark florescent blue next to the orange is a good strategy for creating a 3D effect, because the orange will almost "hover" above the surface when viewing the image with special 3D glasses from above. Digital photography does not present these colors properly,but at least you can see the general idea that I am currently developing for Your Spirit Rocks!™ I hope to have these backgrounds for sale sometime in the future.

Happy Mother's Day!

My mom has been on the "other side" for many years, but I still think of her often.She was the best mom anyone could have wished for growing up.I always felt that she had my best interest at heart.Even when she would admonish me with"Chris, you have such great potential!" I knew she meant well.She was always there encouraging me to do my best, always.When I was an unruly teenager and lying to her face, she never attempted to bail me out of the trouble I got myself into;and for that I am truly grateful.

We make our own beds,and we sleep in them.

Thanks,Mom. I love you more than words could ever express.