Most of the Christmas decorations are put away and last year is over. Our home became quite the salon last month. We are abundant with friends and our walls have been bursting with creativity and lovely gatherings of eminent folks. I have been blessed in the friend department. Though, I am still cleaning out the residue of unwelcome energy that lived in my studio a year ago. Clearing the space with sage and incense, laughter and good vibrations has been an on going task. Schlepping furniture and organizing art supplies, cleaning with natural concoctions of lavender and vinegar have made it possible to restore order and reclaim my sacred space so the creative inspiration is able to flow with ease. Everything is illuminated and even though I have only managed to complete half of the cleaning process I can already feel my world coming together again and I am reaping the benefits of letting go of the old and embracing what lies ahead, as well as being in the moment ~ one moment at a time.

Everything has an ending so beautiful new beginnings can occur. I have completed most of my commissioned paintings and am ready to ship them this week. I am now looking forward to the next project. My creative cup is full and overflowing. The amount of inspiration that my friends have brought to me is too big to capture in a single drawing or painting. I am so grateful to be on this journey, full of love and light.

Between creative projects and socializing I have been baking breads and cooking up a storm. We have shared the most magnificent meals with some of the most magnificent people who are dear to our hearts. I couldn’t ask for more at this point. While the bread doughs are rising, it gives time to paint and play.

In a world full of challenges and difficulties it is possible to gain and maintain balance through finding the extraordinary within the ordinary. Moving within each moment mindfully, gently and slowly has great rewards. Whether singing my heart songs with my art or cleaning, cooking, or kneading bread dough, every movement taken is enough reason to celebrate.

Ah…. LIFE….. with it’s ups and downs and all around.

Still I rise

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don’t you take it awful hard
‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I’ve got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

~Maya Angelou

~WELCOME 2011~

The newest coloring book is now available! Psychedelic Coloring Book For Flower Children of All Ages is sure to guarantee hours and daze of hippie, trippy coloring fun. I hope that you enjoy this latest coloring book as much as I enjoyed creating it. Like all of the coloring books, they are $12 each ($2 s&h) and wholesale prices are available with a minimum order. email me for more information.

~ Peace, Love, Dove ~

Every now and then I need to get out of my space and out of my own way and head for higher ground. Whether it be someplace far or near. This week I retreated to a friend’s home in Cave Creek, Az. All stress melted away and inspiration and creativity filled my being.It is truly astounding what a difference a day or two (and a night) can do! From the moment I entered this magical fairy land I was overcome with complete blissfulness. Pure euphoria. This environment allowed my to ignite the creative fire within and send me into a gentle dream state. Peaceful flute music played and seemed to harmonize with the desert birds, who were singing their various calls. The weather was perfect and clouds began to roll in overnight. I cannot wait to return, re entry into the big, metropolitan, Phoenix area was a little difficult. However, now that my cup was emptied, there is plenty of room for a refill. This magical desert home is located at the foothills of Black Mountain, so there are a lot of desert critters who hang around. I only saw a rabbit, a crow, hawks, quail, a blue jay, woodpeckers and a few other small birds. Fortunately, I didn’t have to scare off any javelina or coyotes. I heard that the wild pigs are out in full force this season, but just not for me this time!

~ Let heaven and nature sing ~

This is what Christmas baking is looking like in my house this year. Snowflakes, flowers, peace signs, stars and pot leafs. They are all pot free, of course, but thought that it was an appropriate baked delight in light of the passing of proposition 203 this year. A sort of celebration that some Arizona patients will be able to benefit from this sensible medical option without the fear of imprisonment or arrest. I am so proud of our state for doing the right thing in this case. ~ “A society will be judged on the basis of how it treats its weakest members and among the most vulnerable are surely the unborn and the dying,”
~Pope John Paul II

Everyday has been a celebration of holiday cheer. I am enjoying this season so very much, even if the weather isn’t very winter like. I have decked the halls, trimmed the tree, kept the candles lit, played music and baked until the wee hours of the morning. It is magical and beautiful around here. The best part of the holidaze for me has been connecting with friends, old and new. I have a renewed spirit of just being plain happy to be alive. ~ Sending out peace and love to all of the world and beyond ~

~Tra la la la la la la la la~

There is a lot to be said for depriving yourself of celebrating Christmas, like we sort of did, last year. I realized what I loved about this season. this year I am taking full advantage of everyday of the Christmas season. The tree went up as soon as Thanksgiving was a memory ~ and the best Thanksgiving we have ever had, I have to add~ except for the absence of our daughter, who is in New York. I had become so weary of commercial Christmas stress that last year we just simply escaped to Arcosanti and opted out of participating. Although, we had a fabulous time without  the traditional gift giving, etc. It seemed a little too bland and that something wonderful really was missing. The great thing is that it brought on a hunger for all the glitz and yuletide. I have decided to make the most of every moment of this year’s Christmas season and am filling the days with decorating, crafting, baking, music, gift giving, and all that I can fit in. I have been painting some special, custom paintings, as well as painting more art for the Sisters of the Moon exhibit that is currently up at Green (2240 n. Scottsdale rd. #8 ~ Tempe, Az). The artist that I have been working with, Tere Bingham, has just opened up another level of creativity for me. She is just FABULOUS in every way. I am so grateful for our connection.

So, deck the halls and pull out those Christmas sweaters and CELEBRATE, LIVE, LAUGH and LOVE!!! Tis the season, my friends!

” Mother Earth Goddess” ~ 18″x24″ ~ $200

“Throw Your Love Into The Universe…It Will Return” ~ 9″x!2″ ~ $85

“Goddess of Gentle Moon Glow and Falling Stars” ~ 16″x20″ ~ $150

“Flower Goddess” ~ 16″x 20″ ~ $150

“Heart Seeds” (Spread Seeds of Love and Joy) ~ 11″x14″ ~ $100

“Peace In Nature” ~ 8″x10″ ~ $75

“Remain Present” ~ 8″x10″ ~ $75

“Moon Ceremony” (In ceremony we gather around the moon when he is whole and full in the night sky, staring him directly in his face, hoping he will share his ancient secrets) 11″x16″ ~ $125

“Flower Power” ~ 8″x10″ ~ $75

“The Moon The Woman and the Tide” ~ 14″x11″ ~ $100

“Laughing Buddha” ~ 12″x 16″ ~ $125

“Star Goddess” ~ 8″x10″ ~ $75

“Moon Goddess” ~ 8″x10″ ~ $75

“Peace Within” ~ 5″x7″ $40

“Soothes the Savage Beast” ~ 5″x7″ ~ $40   (Soothes the Savage Beast, painted on two sides of the gallery wrap canvas)

“Eternal Life” ~ 5″x7″ ~ $40

“Harmony” ~ 5″x7″ ~ $40 (Harmony stamped onto all four of the gallery wrapped sides)

SISTERS OF THE MOON art show is hanging at Green. All paintings can be viewed and purchased at Green 2240 n. Scottsdale rd. #8, Tempe, Az. ~ and all paintings can be purchased through this website. Contact me at tracy@tracydove.com if you are interested in purchasing any of these. This is a collaboration of the mixed media, sculpted art by Tere Bingham and painted and embellished by me. They are selling fast, so act quickly!

The magical creatures in the above four photos can be found at ArtbyLoni.com She makes some very WONDERFUL things that you will want to see and own!

Saturday was the most magical day from sunrise to sunset and beyond. It began with a “sunbow” in the sky. The sun shone through a patch of mackerel sky and cast a rainbow in the clouds. It was all beautiful unicorns, butterflies and faeries from that point on. The Phoenix Faerie Festival was in full force by the time we arrived. We were greeted by faeries of every kind, all of them wonderful and kind. Vendors offered their wares of handmade masks, soaps, ceramics, jewelry, incense, dolls, trinkets, faerie fashions and, of course, faeries in various mediums. No faerie gathering would be complete without a Goblin Market, run by Master Castor, where only barter of trinkets are accepted as tender. Face painting, magical music, storytellers, and unicorn rides were also taking place throughout the fair. Arts and crafts were also available free for the makings. An enchanted parade began at the Goblin Market and ended at the Wingspan Stage. We walked under mesquite trees at the foothills of Estrella Mountain Park, stopped to talk to an owl played amongst giant mushrooms. And then it happened….. the full moon rose high in the sky and the bad faeries came out. Queen Mabb’s Bad Faerie Ball is ” A soiree for Goblins, Trolls and Ogres where all manner of things that twindle and beckon with mischievous glee, come out to go bump in the night, dance and play, swirl and sway under the timeless moon and stars.” The fire and glow show appeared in the goblin field after dark, unfortunately we left a little before that happened. There was so much to take in that I have found myself stuck in that magical realm for most of the following day. I cannot wait until next year, as it continues to grow more each year. This was the 4th annual festival. So get yourselves out to the Phoenix Faerie Festival when it comes back around next year! You will be glad that you did. This is excellent for all ages. The little ones were so adorable and there was so much for them to do. Perfect for little faeries and old ogres, as well.

The Phoenix Faerie Festival, is a celebration of the folklore and fantasy of the enchanted realms of Faerie right here in beautiful Arizona. Where all are invited to step merrily into the faerie ring and discover a magical place where legendary creatures of myth and magic become flesh and imagination takes flight.

The Phoenix Faerie Festival, is a celebration of the folklore and fantasy of the enchanted realms of Faerie right here in beautiful Arizona. Where all are invited to step merrily into the faerie ring and discover a magical place where legendary creatures of myth and magic become flesh and imagination takes flight.

Last Saturday Phoenix held their annual parade of the arts (P.A.P.A.) in the downtown arts district. There was dancing in the streets, a huge drum circle, floats made out of anything and everything, fire dancers, hula hoopers, roller skaters, faeries, art cars, costumed  beauties and freaks, in general. All the freaky people definitely make the beauty of the world (thank you, Michael Franti, for pointing that out). It was night full of wonder, beauty and delirious fun. Anyone and everyone can participate in this event, which was held from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. It is closely related to a “baby” Burning Man. We saw the most amazing fire dancing, which is always a highlight for me. I can watch dancers spin and blow fire for hours upon hours. The largest VW bus was also on display which looked like a combination of a fire truck, double decker bus and a VW bus. Music, lights, laughter and dancing filled every corner and in between. Chalk is always available for creating masterpieces in the streets and on the sidewalks. Old and young alike participate and attend. It was just a beautiful scene all together. I suspect that some of the faeries will be at The Phoenix Faerie Festival this coming weekend with their giant mushrooms and faerie attire. That is another event that I am looking forward to attending and will definitely be posting about that after the event. There are so many fun and interesting events in Phoenix and the surrounding areas happening on almost every calendar day. Get out and be a part of it all! There are no limits to what fun you can have in your own backyard.

Even the “angel orbs” came to hang out, you can see them in many of the photos above. I think that is what magic looks like.

~ Peace, Love, Dove ~

Today is the last day of the state fair. We didn’t attend this year, but I passed by it on the way to First Fridays. Although on the last day of the fair admission is free. The admission to First Fridays is always free and always full of exciting, new things. Art, music and laughter fill the air. The free hugs are plentiful because I always see so many friends there. Which is well worth the price of admission!

Our dear friends, Josh and Miray, also known as Duo Vibrato, dressed down and played for change and even though they had to compete with quite a few other bands and musicians there, they were WONDERFUL, as always! A diverse array of music and sounds filled every street.

Another local artist, Jason Alan Davis, had a wild display of large paper dolls with a dream scene he created. The story was absolutely hilarious and fascinating. He offered a paper doll to me if I came by at the end of the night, which I would have LOVED to have and hang in my studio, but I never made it back. They all had a hot date with a paper shredder late that evening. I snoozed and lost. Thank goodness he allowed me to take photos.

The fox girl was amazing. Her fox mask mouth moved as she talked and she looked freakishly real. Unfortunately, I didn’t catch her name behind her foxiness.

Conspire always has vivid, funky visual things going on. Everything is painted….the building, the stage, the old bus and they acquired the ticket booths from a nearby gallery that closed down. I was glad to see that because I was wondering where they went and often thought about having them outside of my studio (just a thought!). My new favorite gallery opened up next door to Conspire, on 5th street, called Galleria De Los Muertos.

I purchased a beautiful Giclee print from an artist by the name of Kyna Tek. I am in LOVE with my new art and I was so happy to see some new phenomenal artists in the heart of my city. I’m still kicking myself over forgetting to get the name and information about a FABULOUS artist that was there, set up outside of the gallery. I will be making some calls on Tuesday ( most places are closed on Mondays in Phoenix…. go figure!).

Of course, the PETA people were there with their shocking displays and information regarding animal cruelty. This time there were people dressed like bloody meat laying in a meat tray, sealed with plastic.

I don’t think anyone is okay with animal cruelty, but the PETA campaigns definitely get their message out. Unfortunately, it is not the way I would like to see it. I think it could be more effective if they would walk around with live animals or set up a petting zoo type of thing. I know that is not the way it is done…. I’m just sayin’!

Thank you to all of the artists, artisans, musicians and all participants of Downtown Phoenix’s First Fridays. It is always such a great time. Next month I hope to get down to the Grand Avenue scene and experience that area. First Fridays expands over a wide area of Phoenix. Another cool part of the art scene is First Friday on Seventh Avenue . I have attended the drum circle there and it was wonderfully high energy. There are just so many artsy, cool places to explore in Phoenix. It makes my heart happy to see what our arts scene has evolved into over the many years that I have lived here.