elemental stones

No one says it's easy. Beautiful, yes. But no, life is not easy. We all have something to reckon with at different points in our life. Someone I adore... one of the most important women in my life, is there right now. At that one step in front of the other place in life. Flowers, long phone calls... they help, but I wanted something for her to hold onto. My navigation stone has been by my side for days. It's traveled from pocket to pocket and quietly reminds me to keep my wings flapping and let's me know when to catch the current and glide. I decided to make a stone for her. Hers has the words HOPE printed above my crow stamp. This word is especially significant to her right now, and Emily Dickinson's classic poem seems just right to include with it. As she reads here regularly... this post will reach her a couple of days before the stone does... an instant gift, followed by the more tangible one in her mail box.

As I was in this contemplative mood, I began thinking of several more folks I love that might benefit from a navigation stone. These were collected on the shore of our Cayuga Lake. They are of the earth, yet have been smoothed by centuries of water. Giving them wings added another of the four elements to these stones: air. All that was missing was fire. I made these last night and wondered how to incorporate flames or heat without appearing too cliched and obvious. I was still wondering when the geese called to me this morning... I kid you not. I know you think I'm turning into a crazy goose lady, but in all seriousness, the geese have returned to the field across the road... by the dozens! Their raucous cries would have drawn anyone outside to check out the commotion. They swooped down in noisy skeins to join their friends, and I watched mesmerized. Dark storm clouds hovered all around them like a billowing down blanket, but the flaming autumn foliage still lit the sky. Bing! There was my inspiration. I gathered leaves from the Sugar Maples, Sumac, and of course, the Burning Bush. I'll press these and include them in several love packages. Earth. Water. Air. Fire.
:

 I am not the only one to find strength, inspiration, and beauty in stones...

• Geninne has been busy delicately painting more for a shop update... today maybe.
• Nicole (Garden Mama) has started an artful stone swap.
• Margie's blog (Resurrection Fern) is filled with endless covered stone inspiration. In her shop you'll find gorgeous prints of many of them, with this being my favorite.

********************************************

 Details on stamping stones: I used Versa Craft Stamping ink for these. I had originally used Color Box (my paper stamping ink), but had forgotten it's not permanent. A little Modge Podge can seal it, but I like the simplicity and matte look of just ink on stone. Even with a smooth stone, the surface can have little uneven spots. I filled in any bits that didn't get ink with a black Fineliner from Faber Castell.
~ If you have any other stone thoughts and/ or links, you know I always love hearing from you.