Creative Failure

My new found desire to cook has lead to a painful creative failure. You see, I'd rather not try a new recipe with anyone other than my family, but a good friend was over for dinner and I thought I'd try one anyhow. I believed she would not humiliate me should it be a disaster.

"Panini with Brie Cheese, Basil and Chocolate." Yes, you read that line correctly. A recipe that got a ton of rave reviews... a chocolate and cheese grilled sandwich (panini) that included basil. Interesting, you agree? I asked my friend if she was up to the challenge of trying something so odd and she didn't shy away from the opportunity (probably because she knows Roma's Pizza is walking distance from my kitchen.)

As I assembled the panini I kept thinking to myself, "this is so weird!" I bet my friend was thinking the same thing, but she kept a bright and happy smile on her face so that her real thoughts would not show through. I placed the sandwiches on the grill and waited for them to become all toasty brown and melty. Finally, the anticipated moment arrived - we sat down to try this confusing combination.

"Okay, here we go. Are you ready?" I bravely asked, holding the hot sandwich to my mouth.

"As ready as I'll ever be." My friend replied.

CRUNCH-ooooze... Chocolaty ~ cheesy ~ basily. A few wordless moments passed between my friend and me, as we attempted to assess the myriad of flavors and decide whether or not we liked it.

The verdict was in. The jury has concluded: That is one STRANGE sandwich. It wasn't horrible. But it wasn't good, either. However, we finished them. Would I make that sandwich again? Not so sure. The saving grace was a big of Frito's corn chips. We peeled open the gooey panini and heavily layered the salty Frito's between the cheesy bread slices. That made it slightly tastier.

Shockingly, we didn't call Roma's Pizza that night.

That night, in the moment when the brie, basil and chocolate danced across my taste buds, a thought passed through my mind, "You can not cook, woman! What are you thinking?"

It's easy to have our creativity squashed like a bug (bad visual after eating that panini.) I felt like I failed. Part of me wanted to give up on cooking and go back to my non-cooking life - a life where creative failure never happened, at least, not in the kitchen. Then I made myself realize that I didn't fail. The recipe failed me. It just wasn't a combination I liked.

Every creative effort does not end in brilliant success. We put so much weight on the the final product and when it doesn't meet our expectations, we claim failure and too often, we quit. However, the important part of a creative endeavor is the journey to the final product. God teaches us so much on that journey, if we listen. And He even reveals things to us that are simple and beautiful. While building the strangest sandwich that's ever crossed my lips, my friend and I experienced real community as we chatted about God's movement in our lives, laughed at one another and tried something new (a panini we'll probably never again eat.) Now, that is creative success.




What we deem as creative failure is based, often, on the end result. Can you consider that the real growth happens when we seek and find God's hand as we travel the creative journey with Him, no matter the end result. Maybe God just desires us to show up and...try.



Grace & peace ~ deAnn

If you think I'm joking about that recipe, click here and try it for yourself. Maybe you'll fall in love. Let me know what you think!

First Friday Lancaster, 5/1/09

Well, spring has sprung and there is no better time to check out Lancaster's First Friday. The downtown art galleries and shops stay open until 9pm, often there is live music on the streets, and creative energy is tangible. People of all ages come out and enjoy the festivities and welcoming atmosphere saturated by the arts, which begins around 5pm.

If you aren't familiar with downtown Lancaster, fear not. It's super easy to get to. Take Rt 30 East and get off on the Harrisburg Pike (towards F & M College). Turn right onto Prince Street, travel down a few blocks, you'll see the action, and park along the street or in the parking lots and garages along the way. Here is a link to the downtown area map. It's simple, even for this "city challenged" driver.

Maybe we'll run into each other this Friday!

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

Tapestry Weaving Class

Beginning Tapestry Weaving class at YorkArts on Tuesdays, May 5-June2, from 7:00-9:30pm. The cost is $100.

Learn how to weave a basic sampler using the basic techniques of tapestry then weave a design of your own. Tuition fee includes a beginning loom and yarn for the first project.

Please contact Mindy Lombardo of YorkArts (848-3200) by May 3 if you’re interested in taking this class.

Support the arts in York and feed your creative hunger, all at the same time!

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

Sabbath

No post today - enjoy the Sabbath rest.

grace & peace,

deAnn

Seeing Through The Lens

Skip over to the Photography blog to read, "Textures of Retreat."

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

Silence

I spent two days on a silent retreat - alone - and it was the most beautiful time I've had in years. The photo above is water coloring in the evening light.

In one of the many books on one of the many shelves at the retreat cottage, I read this quote by John of the Cross, "Silence is God's first language." We think we need to talk to God all the time, when often, He simply asks us to show up, be silent, and listen.

I took away several spiritual nuggets from my silent retreat. One is the recognition that I need to do this more often - to carve out intentional time to just show up and be with God. I've concluded that every other month, I will retreat. I will, as Jesus did, "go to the other side of the lake" where it's quiet and be with Him.

As I continue to reflect on all that transpired in my heart over last two days, I will share them here. Looking back now, I see a common tread woven through my time; the quotes I read, book excerpts I took in, the paintings I created, and what I heard deep inside. Common treads are not accidental. Paying attention is essential to the spiritual journey. Awareness in silence. It was beautiful.

I hope you soon retreat and allow yourself to be in God's presence with intention.

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

Malcolm's Words

"Everything happening, great and small, is a parable whereby God speaks to us, and the art of life is to get the message." --Malcolm Muggeridge

So much of life is about "doing" and we, unaware, pass right by the parables God lovingly provides for us. Stories that are to speak into the hidden chambers of our heart, transforming our lives from the inside out. But we miss them, we miss the message, we miss so much of what God has to say to us.

I believe there are many, like myself, who long to slow their cluttered lives down to a manageable speed and with a healthy balance between the necessary "doing" and the live-giving "being." How often do we allow ourselves to sit at the feet of Jesus just because we long to be near Him. What would that even look like to you?

I leave today for a silent retreat at a beautiful little cottage in the middle of nowhere. I go seeking solitude. I go seeking silence. I go seeking Jesus. I go with the burning desire to meet with God and to use my artistic creativity as a way to express the depths of my heart and relationship with Him. I've packed my watercolors, brushes, paper and my sketchbook, pencils, and camera. Also my journal, Bible, and two books on beauty and divine inspiration & creativity. I can not wait to head east.

May you bless yourself with time to sit at the feet of Jesus, to "be" instead of "do," and to create beauty as you seek Him in intimate ways.

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

Surrendered Creativity

I think about creativity a lot. Why did God make us creative beings? Besides the fact that we are created in His image and, well, He is the Master Creator of every living and non-living thing on earth and beyond.

Maybe we are meant to relate to God through creativity. Think about it, the Bible, it's chock full of poetry, songs, and stories. It's not charts, graphs and other linear forms of communication. God chose to communicate Truth to us through this artistic book that's been around for over 2000 years. He knows stories and poetry provoke deep emotion and speaks to the human heart. Art is powerful that way.

I don't think we fully tap into our complete creative potential. Sure, we can creatively navigate around backed up traffic on our way to work. And we problem solve - remember the old TV show, "MacGyver"? He could turn a bicycle frame into a blowtorch or disarm a bomb with a hockey ticket. Now, that is some creative problem solving. But I'm talking about something much deeper and more mysterious.

I'm talking about the creativity that comes with slowing down and being present in the moment. Maybe taking a walk around a lake and admiring God's artistic handiwork in the blooming trees with buds as green as a kiwi's interior. Being aware of the sound of a squawking hawk floating on the wind above your head. We connect to God through interacting with His creation. We also interact with God through our creativity.

Last year, I felt compelled to paint an image of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. I've never painted before, so of course I pushed the nudge off to the back burner. However, the longing grew stronger and one day I could fight it no more. Very anxious, I sat on the floor of my bedroom with a rainbow of acyclic paints and various brushes sprawled out in front of me. And of course, that screaming white canvas. "Where do I even begin? Jesus, help me paint this image of You. Please, guide my hand, choose the colors. This is for You." And there I sat, praying...then, I slowly felt drawn to a few colors so I squirted a little out on the palate. I chose a brush, dipped it into water and dabbed the end into the paint. "Jesus, guide my hand, guide my color." With a deep breath, I lifted my hand, then my brush gently met the canvas and that is where it all began.

That painting was completed a few months later, and it's not all that bad, if you ask me. My first painting, as scary as it was, became a place where my creative spirit mingled with the Holy Spirit and together - we created a work of art. It was truly a sacred experience. A form of worship for the One who created me - to create that painted image of Jesus. I connected with God intimately through the act of surrendered creativity.

When we slow down our lives in order to prayerfully create, He can speak to us in a very unique and powerful way. He created us so that we can meet Him through His creation and through our creativity. That is very cool.

So, how is God calling you to surrender your creativity?

Enjoy the journey...

grace & peace ~ deAnn

Click here to see my painting, "Garden Prayer." It's not technically correct, I'm sure an art professor would say, but it's what developed when prayer and surrendered creativity intersected.

The Art of Giving

HOPE International is a great local organization that ministers to the poor in over a dozen countries. Their mission is to help alleviate physical and spiritual poverty through microenterprise development.

I'm begun a wonderful relationship with HOPE and will partner with them in creating a Sacred Space in their office building, based on poverty and the hope that microloans bring to those in poverty. That project will be completed by fall, we're hoping (no pun intended).

HOPE International is seeking artists to participate in a benefit art auction that will raise money to provide microloans for hardworking entrepreneurs around the world who have been trapped in poverty. They are calling it, The Art of Giving. You can read more about it below, which I pulled from their website. I've talked with Kevin, the Director of Marketing, and they will accept art donated that doesn't exactly connect with the theme. So if you are a potter, for instance, please donate a piece of your work for the art auction, even though it may not tightly fit the theme. The are in need of quality art, they need you.

Call for Artists
Artwork needed for The Art of Giving benefit art auction, June 5th

Calling all artists! HOPE International is in need of your paintings and other 2D or 3D media representing the theme “Finding Dignity and Beauty in the Midst of Poverty.”

HOPE invites amateur and professional artists alike to donate their high-quality, original art pieces for a benefit art auction that will raise money to provide microloans for hardworking entrepreneurs around the world who have been trapped in poverty. Subject matter must be in accordance with the principles and mission of HOPE International. We hope to see internationally-themed pieces that reflect the spirit of those with whom we work or the places they reside. HOPE can share images from its extensive image library with artists seeking inspiration.

To allow HOPE to secure appropriate gallery space, interested artists should send a completed Artist Participation Form (.doc) - Artist Participation Form (.pdf) - to HOPE International by the first of May. All original artwork should be prepared for presentation and sale . HOPE apologizes that we are unable to incur the costs of returning unsold artwork.

Any unsold pieces can be picked up at HOPE's office or returned at the artists' expense. Artists will receive exposure on HOPE’s website and in promotional materials for The Art of Giving. Works will be auctioned online and at a one-day art exhibition to be held June 5 in Lancaster, PA. Submissions will be accepted through May 15. Participation forms and artwork can be submitted to HOPE International, 227 Granite Run Drive, Suite 250, Lancaster, PA 17601.
For more information, please email Lauren at lfischer@hopeinternational.org.or call 717.464.3220 x140.



Grace & peace ~ deAnn

Trying Too Hard

Straining to hear,
she turns off the music.
Still, unable to hear,
she closes the window
to block out the sounds of life below.

Concentrating so hard,
she longs to hear His voice.
But, instead a 1000 other voices interrupt.
Agendas, to do lists, and should have done lists.
She intentionally tries to ignore them.

Feeling defeated and disappointed,
she determines He's not speaking.
So, she gives up the fight,
relaxes her tired ears...and suddenly...
she hears.

Poem by deAnn Roe of Vertical Creativity. September 2007 (c)

Brennan's Words

Send in the artists, mystics, and clowns. Their fertile imagination pours the new wine of the gospel into fresh wineskins (Luke 5:38). With fresh language, poetic vision, and striking symbols, they express God’s inexpressible Word in artistic forms that are charged with the power of God, engaging our minds and stirring our hearts as they flair and flame.

Brennan Manning, “Ruthless Trust” – page 74

A great book...

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

Hearts & Minds

Hearts and Minds is a fabulous little, but jam packed, bookstore in Dallastown, Pennsylvania. The owner Bryon Borger and his wife, Beth, are wonderful friends and provide lots of encouragement to me and the ministry of Vertical Creativity. I'm lucky, because I live within walking distance of their store. The staff is very knowledgeable and accommodating and the environment is much like a home library, warm and inviting. Bryon is on top of the late breaking news in the world of books ~ no matter what you are looking for, he can find it for you and probably give you a complete book review. Speaking of book reviews - check out their site and sign up for the weekly "Booknotes" email. Great in depth reviews, insights and comparisons.

For you art minded readers of VC, check out Byron's blog about selling books at the IAM Conference. He shares personal experiences of meeting significant people while there and covers a great deal of fabulous books on the subject that's near and dear to my heart - arts, creativity, and spirituality. I believe I have every book he has listed which is why it's somewhat dangerous living so close to Hearts and Minds. I was just there on Friday, in fact, and picked up a few more books (of course). The interesting part was I went in spefically to pick up a special order that had arrived, the icon by Russian iconographer, Andrew Rublev, "the Holy Trinity." Hearts and Minds is the greatest little bookstore, ever. Thanks Bryon and Beth for your dedicated ministry of providing a variety of awesome books plus so much more. As Bryon would say, it's important to keep "Reading for the Kingdom." I agree.

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

Magnificent

I'm a little late in the game, which is totally unlike me. Usually, I'm on top of this...usually I have the latest U2 album the day its released. Not so with this past one, however. I'm not sure why, maybe God new when the timing would be right for me. When the soil of my heart was ready for such goodness. And He said, "today."

Now I have, "No Line on the Horizon." And, in usual fashion, I have downloaded it to my iPod, printed out the digital booklet and intently listened to each song as I read every carefully placed word that poured from Bono's heart. I've been hijacked by the Spirit. All because this passionate and dedicated group of talented musicians said YES to God. They are using their gifts to bring beauty to our broken world, little shreds of hope to grasp with our weary hands.

Art has amazing power. It can help us see what we can not see with our eyes. It helps us feel what we want to ignore. It helps us express what we alone can not express. It puts "skin" on our soul. This redeeming art has great power...power to help us journey this side of eternity, with all its bumps and bruises, and even the moments that cut us deeper than we knew possible.

My friend and pastor, John (PJ for short), used to say often in life we want to "spray perfume on the poopoo" in order to move past painful situations quickly. Basically, cover the stink and it will magically disappear. But God does not call us to bipass pain. Instead, to recognize it, feel it, and in it, allow His love and grace to permeate our being. It's then that deep healing and redemption occur. Music and art helps helps me with this.

Below are the lyrics for U2's song, Magnificent. It reminds me of God's love for me. He created me. I have gifts that will bring Him glory and He longs for me to develop them fully and use them through worship. I hope Bono and Edge's words speak to you as they have spoken to me. And if you haven't yet purchased this album, listen for the nudge from God when it comes. It's well worth the $9.99 you'll pay on iTunes.

Magnificent ~ No Line on the Horizon, U2

Magnificent / Magnificent / I was born / I was born to be with you / In this space and time / After that and ever after I haven’t had a clue / Only to break rhyme / This foolishness can leave a heart black and blue / Only love, only love can leave such a mark / But only love, only love can heal such a scar / I was born / I was born to sing for you / I didn’t have a choice but to lift you up / And sing whatever song you wanted me to / I give you back my voice / From the womb my first cry, it was a joyful noise… / Only love, only love can leave such a mark / But only love, only love can heal such a scar / Justified till we die, you and I will magnify / The Magnificent / Magnificent / Only love, only love can leave such a mark / But only love, only love unites our hearts / Justified till we die, you and I will magnify / The Magnificent / Magnificent / Magnificent

Today is Easter Sunday - JESUS IS RISEN! Pain is only on this side of eternity because of the empty tomb. God is Magnificent and worthy of our praise!

May you and I always magnify The Magnificent ~ deAnn

The Spark

I love looking through my husbands woodworking magazines, even the how-to books. There is one in our living room now called "Complete Trim" and it has instructions on trimming out typical things such as a door or window, but it also has very creative ideas too. For instance, making a fake beam ceiling or a tray ceiling using triming materials. I was fascinated! Even though working with wood is not a strong creative path for me, the creative person in me was quite inspired.

Nonetheless, inspiration comes from all kinds of unexpected places. Now I'm inspired to get my silver wire and gemstones out and build a new piece of jewelry. Or maybe watercolor.

Don't underestimate your creative self - once you feel that spark - run with it and see where it takes you... God loves to surprise us.

grace & peace on the journey ~ deAnn

Garden Prayer

Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane.

This image is from the 2008 Sacred Space at Living Word Community Church.

Today, may you reflect on the everlasting, never changing love Jesus has for you.

grace & peace ~ deAnn

Weapons of Mass Distraction

I'm a sucker for HGTV or the Food Network or NBC news or... Often I wish we had no TV in our house. But even if we didn't have one, other time stealing distractions would find their way into my spiritual and creative life. Oh, need I mention this little flat technical device that rests so nicely on my lap - connecting me to the entire world with one easy click...yes, even my computer and Internet become a distraction. Sadly, I could be like Chuck Noland, stranded on a deserted island with no people, blackberry, errands, work, traffic, Facebook updates, and I'd STILL be distracted. Most distractions, however, are not external...but are internal.

We will never be 100% free from distractions this side of eternity. But they sure can rob us from the things that are most important. On Tuesday, I was having lunch with a close friend and she shared how distractions annoy her terribly. I could relate. She said that when she's inspired creatively - that is when the distractions hit the hardest. "Oh, an idea for a writing project! But, I need to reply to that email first. It will only take a second." Right. Only a second. An hour later and the inspiration as passed. No engaging creativity that day. Same story the next day and the next.

I believe there is something uniquely special about engaging in creative endeavors, and in those endeavors we encounter God in intimate ways. So of course, distractions will creep in and keep us from doing such things. BUT, distractions are not the only things that rob us of time with God...slothfulness is a biggie too. More on that in another post.

How do you keep distractions from distracting you from your creative endeavors and quiet times with God? First is awareness. Knowing that it's happening - when you are pulled away and excuses are made - is half the battle. If you are like my friend and like me, the feeling of sorrow then follows, "why do I let it happen!?" Paul illustrates this beautifully in the seventh chapter of Romans - verse 15, "I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate." Second is intentionality. Because I know I'm prone to distractions, I seek God's grace and ask for His help to avoid things that distract me. I want to be intentional with meeting with Him through my creativity. He wants that too. So, asking for His help is never bad! But I must put forth effort as well.

Creativity is placed in us by God. His desire is that we explore this gift as an offering to Him - to create beauty and express what He's put on our hearts. It's a high form of worship.

May you be free from annoying distractions that steal you way from the lap of God - and may you create freely in His presence as you experience a oneness with your Lord.

Grace & peace on the creative journey ~ deAnn

(c) 2009 deAnn Roe. Image is from Flickr.com

Sacred Space

This is the last week of the Seasons ~ Sacred Space at Living Word Community Church. We are always sad to see this beautiful space come down after Easter. If you've not had a chance to experience the Sacred Space, I hope God gives you time in your schedule this week to meet with Him there.

Come, rest. Be still, and listen. He is longing to spend time with you. This week, the Holy Week, may you long to spend time with Him.

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

April INKLINGS

Finally, I figured out how to convert Inklings in to a .pdf and now you can read this quarterly publication online! Click here to read the April-June edition.

Soon, I'll have past editions available to read online as well. Stay tuned and check in with the Living Word Arts Community blogs:

• The Arts at Living Word
• Pages ~ Where Writers' Gather
• Reflective Souls ~ Writing for Women

Grace & peace ~ deAnn