Friday, October 15, 2010

elemental stones

hope stone
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.
navigation stones
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.
elemental stone:
wild geese poem
 I am not the only one to find strength, inspiration, and beauty in stones...
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 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. Pin It

20 comments:

  1. thank you for this wondeful messages!
    in my last blog entry also a stone is figured (and some months ago i made something inspired by this beautiful poem of emily dickinson ...)

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  2. Lovely post. Emily Dickinson's poem says it all.

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  3. Anyone that would receive such a stone from you would feel especially loved. :) Love this post a lot. ~ Conny

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  4. One of my favorite poems, what's not to love about Mary Oliver and your stones and wild geese are lovely, looking like wings. xox Corrine

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  5. I've been following your blog for a couple of months and I simply love it. I won't say much because I think there are no words enough. You really touched my heart today! And many other hearts too, I'm sure.
    Love from Portugal.

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  6. what a lovely idea...i have never heard of navigation stones but i absolutely love the idea...and think i shall hunt for some smooth stones to give to those who need them. your friend is very lucky to have such a friend!

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  7. Hope is the thing with feathers is probably my favorite poem of all time. My daughter memorized it last year for school and I just loved hearing her recite it. Lovely stones.

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  8. Maya, these stones are great and the story behind it is so sewwt and loving! Have a lovely weekend!

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  9. I love the way you feel the life. You and your blog ispires me. Thank you Mayaluna. In my last post there is a link to your blog. I hope you like the result of your lovely work.

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  10. such a special post ..your stamps are lovely and the way you weave a story is a true art unto itself!!

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  11. rocks, birds, poetry, love, hope and navigation...
    maya, you've really woven some magic here.

    thank you.

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  12. These have been some of the most tender and treasured comments ever. Thank you for your words, thoughts and just getting it! I feel very blessed to have such amazing friends (readers).

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  13. beautiful post. your friend is lucky to have you.

    i've been inspired by rocks lately as well. it's interesting, i have seen them in person and on the blogs more ever since. or maybe, it's just that my eyes have been more open to them. anyway... lovely rocks.

    ana

    p.s. the link if you're curious. i hope you don't mind. i just wanted to share the inspiration.

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  14. Dear Maya,
    This post brought tears to my eyes, it is simply stunning both photos paired with words and most of all your sentiments. I love that you are calling these elemental stones. What you shared about your friend as well as this specific poem is very, very meaningful to me. I dedicated my stone swap to my friend Kelly who passed away (there is a long story behind the stones that are written on with positive words between her and I) I wrote my post over and over again and in the end just added Kelly's name at the end because it was all to much for me to put into words... you my friend have written this post so perfectly beautiful, I thank you personally from my heart I feel like the universe shared this through you just for me xo
    Geninne's stones are incredible eek! I have never seen them!

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  15. How strange - just a few days ago I put a bird on a river rock. I found one of those transfer things and decided to try it on rock. Not so durable as yours...

    I do like the idea of a navigation rock. I do hope that your friend gets what she is hoping for

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  16. Such a beautiful gift for a good friend.

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  17. Your stones are beautiful: they hold much grace and meaning, and they make such an original, sentimental present. They match beautifully with poems too! :)

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  18. A Goose totem reflects a very strong belief in lessons learned from childhood stories and legends. The goose is also a very effective communicator. No wonder these wonderful birds have been speaking to you.

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  19. Thank you very much you for your great ideas!!!
    Le
    www.diy-idea.blogspot.com

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  20. love your stamped stones; you asked for other stone thoughts/links ... my latest blog post (which I forgot to give a title before hitting send), has something different to share with you

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