We Know…
There are
some
things
~
we
are
born
knowing;
~
We
know
~
we can
touch
the
sky
with
our
heart;
~
We
know
~
the
sea
will keep
our
secrets
safe;
~
We
know
~
treasures
always
hide
in
places
unexpected;
~
We
know
~
we
are
worthy;
~
We
know
~
we
are
grace;
~
We
know
~
we
are
love;
~
And
~
when we
grow
up
~
all
we
truly
need
~
to
know
…
is:
REMEMBER
___
©Robyn Lee
Design Me
Design
me
Define
me
~
Discover
where
I’m
bold;
~
Create
me
Elate
me
~
Infuse
me
with
your
soul;
~
Feel
me
Reveal
me
~
Portray
me
as
you
know;
~
For
there
is
~
Truth
in
Love
~
And
~
Love
in
Truth;
~
Your
heart
~
has
shown
~
me
so.
~
©Robyn Lee
©Resa McConaghy, Costume Designer/Artist Extraordinaire
~
Warm thanks to the very lovely and talented Resa McConaghy, of Queen’s end | Life at Queen’s end, King, Queensway and Roncesvalles who unbeknownst to me at the time, sketched the above caricature portrait to include in her recent post In Amore Veritas. After it was complete, Resa sent the sketch to me for approval, and I was fascinated to experience her artistic vision, especially considering we have never met, and have developed our special friendship solely through our blog comments. I believe she captured a very distinct facet of my inner- energy in her playful and delightful rendition. Needless to say, I am both tickled and honored.
I must also add that I’m doubly flattered, since this is the second time I have served as “Muse” for Resa, an accomplished film costume designer in Canada who has outfitted some of the world’s top starlets. If you have not yet seen my post Blue Venus, be sure to check out the stunningly exotic art-gown Resa designed and created for me, featured in her wonderful collection Art Gowns” for Charity.
Resa thank you again for shining your light so brightly here. Clearly, it is you who inspire and heal us with your creative loving heart.
This animation is a treasured gift, and with it, I just may be inclined to start my own– “Robyn Lee: The Super Heroine” series 🙂 !
In Amore Veritas!
❤
~
So Much Love to All,
Robyn
Pain Shadow (on exhibit)
~
On the deserted beach
I walk with a pain shadow.
Hip searing with each step
I move forward slowly.
My joint tears away.
A sharp arrow pierces through me.
I stop to find stillness yet the
pain shadow follows.
Gazing into the ocean,
I inhale deeply
then exhale with force
trying to release the pain.
But it won’t let go.
I must abandon this pain shadow.
This constant companion.
This unwelcome thing.
That has attached itself to me.
19 years of unrelenting pain.
Countless attempts to escape
to normal days, when the beach
meant walks and waves; picnics and laughter.
I climb the wooden stairs to look down
on the wide expanse of shoreline.
In pain I stand tall above the sprawling
desolate beach that goes on forever.
I envision myself burying the pain shadow
beneath the sandy surface,
deep in a restrictive dark hole
where it can no longer define my world.
And in that moment I am free.
~
©Robyn Lee: March 2012
recently selected for exhibit in the gallery Escape From Pain – PainExhibit.org
I am honored to announce that the above artistic photograph and accompanying prose poem has been selected for gallery inclusion at PainExhibit.org | A California Non-Profit Art Exhibit. PainExhibit.org is an educational, visual arts exhibit by artists with chronic pain . The global not-for- profit organization is dedicated to creating awareness amongst healthcare providers and the public about chronic pain through art, and to give voice to the many who suffer in silence. I learned about this organization after reading an article in the NY Times featuring the organization and its mission. Here is a link to the article Pain as an Art Form – NYTimes.com. Immediately I felt aligned with the goals and intention of this organization, and was moved by the works shared at the exhibit.
My Pain Shadow (above) was an early post that I published about a year ago. It was the 2nd piece in my blog’s Pain Shadow Series, and the first poetic/prose piece I wrote that reflected my innermost feelings about living the past 19+ years with severe chronic pain and health challenge. As someone who has always done her best to bring as little attention as possible to her dilemma, I confess, this was a difficult piece to share publicly. At the same time, I now realize it was also a transformational experience for me; By creating art, and opening my heart to others about this isolating and life-altering plight , I quickly learned how beauty and art can be born of pain…how this art can inspire compassion, and can heal both artist and viewer.
After some encouragement by a dear friend, I submitted my work last winter to PainExhibit.org. I’d nearly forgotten about the submission, when several months later, I was notified that my entry was indeed accepted, and would be included in the collection of art displayed at the gallery entitled: Escape From Pain. Please visit PainExhibit.org to learn more about this unique exhibit, and explore a variety of amazing works in the various galleries housed there. I am extremely proud and honored to be a part of this collection, and the organization’s important mission.
Pain, especially when chronic, is a very difficult subject to understand and embrace. Often pain cannot be seen, and it is nearly impossible to articulate. Quite frankly, it is an isolating and frightening place to be. Art, whether it be through written word, painting, sculpture, photography, music or other, offers a powerful vehicle for universal expression and transformation. Pain channeled through the creative process allows both the artist and the observer a meaningful and deep connection, one that speaks directly to the heart of the human experience.
With my whole heart, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who follow and support me, and my blog work. Over the last year, this sacred space has become such an important part of my life, and of my healing path. Always know how much your friendship, love and support of my artistic endeavors means to me. Each of you have touched me, and enriched my world through your presence and appreciation, and for this I am so grateful.
Much Love ~
Robyn Lee
Blue Venus II
Waves
of
inspiration
flow
from
hearts
that
love
~
On Monday I received an email from my dear friend, Monica,
a very special lady I first crossed paths with in the fall of 2010.
Facing similar challenges, Monica and I found the gift of friendship
after meeting on an internet medical support forum. Since that time,
we have become sisters of the soul… And, for this, I’m so grateful.
After admiring Resa’s spectacular masterpiece art-gown Blue Venus this weekend,
Monica sent me a wonderful poem she composed, explaining
that she was inspired by the stunning gown, combined with
the spirit she envisioned I would wear it.
I am deeply touched by her graceful heart, and
wanted to share her poetic healing words with each of you today.
Paired with a shadow self-portrait, please enjoy this 3rd level
of artistic inspiration born of Resa’s Blue Venus;
Truly captivating verse, crafted by a very
talented poetess, and
beautiful friend.
Thank you
Monica!
With so much Love
~
Robyn Lee
~
Wrapped in clouds and sky
her footfall gentle on the sand
eyes shining with bravery
trailing tranquility in her wake.
~
Garbed in shimmering blue
Grecian goddess dancing
with iridescent fish from the sea
to the melody of hope and love.
~
Floating in sapphire silk,
singing to the ocean and stars
the wind answers back
as she walks like the night, in beauty.
~
©Monica
Blue Venus
Please
take
my
hand
~
It’s
time
to
go,
~
Inside
the
sea
~
of
passion’s
flow;
~
To
dance
on
waves
~
and
~
taste
the
tide,
~
Invade
the
space
~
where
love
collides;
~
Submerged
beneath
the
~
clouds
and
moon,
~
Where
water
sings
~
a
sultry
tune;
~
At
last
I’ll
kiss
~
the
heart
of
you,
~
and
fall
into
~
my
deepest
Blue.
~
©Robyn Lee
To offer creative inspiration to a fellow-artist
seems, to me, one of the richest gifts
we might ever give, or receive.
This gorgeous “art gown” entitled, Blue Venus was designed and created by the very talented and brilliant Resa McConaghy of Queen’s end.
Resa is a professional costume designer, and this is her 4th in an exciting series of “art gowns” featured on her blog.
She explained that she was inspired to design this one for me, after enjoying many of my writings and photos here, featuring sea, sky and love. I could not be more touched and honored, and thus wanted to share this magnificent gown, fit for a goddess, with all of you today. My poem, above, flowed from my pen and heart, almost instantly, after seeing Blue Venus for the first time. Clearly Resa must have intuitive powers, only having asked me about my favorite colors – and creating this fantasy gown that I truly adore.
Hope you enjoyed, and be sure to visit Resa at her Blog, Blue Venus « Queen’s end to see more photos of this stunning gown, and to learn additional details about the birth of her masterpiece. Thank you beautiful Resa ~ I will forever cherish this most incredible gift of your art.
Much Love Always
~
Robyn Lee
Mirror Mirror
Depth of Reflection
Shimmering: Goddess and Ghost
Green Eyes See Past Glass
Click here to read my brief ~ Healing Journey ~ update
Cast Ashore
where
debris
drifts ashore
~
forming
edges
and lines;
~
where
memories
tumble
~
and
hope
is
defined;
~
where
lovers
have
lingered
~
and
faith
has been
born;
~
where
sun’s
tender kiss
~
precedes
hurricane’s
scorn;
~
where
wind
swirls
its
promise;
~
embodied
deep in the
grain,
~
sculptures
of
life
grow
~
amidst
shadows
of
pain.
~
©Robyn Lee
I want to let everyone know that I will be leaving town this weekend for an undefined period of time. I will be flying to another state to consult with a medical professional in order to determine whether I might benefit from working with him privately on a very specific functional training program he developed, in efforts to help stabilize my joints, and better hold them in their sockets.
It is past the 2 year mark now, since my bilateral hip surgeries ( arthroscopic repair of labrum tears and bone impingement). I have done all humanly possible to recover from this surgery , and regain some degree of normal function, but my situation continues to worsen, and the pain remains unrelenting.
As an update to My Story which I wrote about a year ago… it was recently determined that I have congenitally shallow anterior hip sockets (hip dysplasia) in addition to very loose ligaments (body-wide). Thus this last surgery in which my bone was carved, and joint capsule violated in order to do the repairs mentioned, did not serve me, and has seemingly rendered my joints more unstable.
I hope that I will be a candidate for this specialized training program with a functional movement expert I have sought out personally, and have great faith in. Through dedication and hard work, I’m hoping to develop even greater body awareness, and gain enhanced neuromuscular control of my ball/socket joints, increasing stability and reducing pain. As you might imagine, I am trying desperately to avoid further surgeries, which the experts warn, offer “no guarantees”.
Although I may be away for several weeks now, I hope to have internet, and my wireless devices handy, and will keep a good eye on everyone here ~ reading posts as much as possible, and hopefully posting some too.
Sending much Love and Light to all of you,
who have been, and continue to be
such an incredible source of strength
and inspiration in my life.
~
Robyn Lee
Españoles Luna
This night
she
slept
upon
a
dream
~
painted
circles
round
her
head;
~
She
floated
through
blue
emerald
skies
~
glowing
tones
of
gold
and
red;
~
And
from
the
depths
of
her
elusive
dream,
she
heard
a
luminous
tune;
~
As
the
stars
performed
an
aria
~
called,
~
Waiting
on
a
Spanish
Moon.
~
©Robyn Lee
This post was inspired by my dear blog friend, and very gifted artist, Benjamin Prewitt.
After admiring several of Benjamin’s gallery paintings at Gallery | Expressions of my life – An evolution of art for some time, I spoke to him about possibly acquiring one to own. Benjamin graciously offered to paint something unique, especially with me in mind, and queried me only about what color palate I might enjoy. I gave him full creative license after that. The above masterpiece is now complete, and on its way to my home where I will treasure it always.
I can only express my utmost appreciation for all the heart and soul that Benjamin put into this magnificent work of art, and am thrilled to share it with everyone here. He named the piece, “Waiting On A Spanish Moon” ~ and began the project the day my daughter left for Spain.
I encourage everyone to visit Benjamin’s blog, Expressions of my life – An evolution of art. | My journey through life as an artist, father, and person with young onset Parkinsons and read his artist’s statement at: Artists Statement-Evolution
He is a wonderful brave person, facing his own recent, and intense health challenge…
a lovely soul, and a “fellow warrior of light.”
So Much Love
to All ~
Robyn Lee
Dear Robyn …
Dear Robyn,
Today is your birthday,
and the eve
of a new year.
~
Take pause,
reflect, and be
grateful for
all the gifts of this
year past:
All
the
growth;
the
wisdom;
and
the Love.
~
Despite
your merciless
shadow
of pain;
the saddest
news headlines;
and
the most
turbulent storms;
You found
ways
to
inhale
the pure
scent of sea
and
feel the
warm touch
of
sunshine
on your cheek;
~
You sought
comfort
in the
glow
of
moonlight,
and
joy
in
bare feet
walking
over silky
sands;
~
You shared
intimate moments
with
butterflies,
and
gazed
soulfully into
the eyes of
deer.
~
This year you
were
blessed
with
inspiration
and
faith
in
love
and
friendship;
A boundless kind
of friendship… that
defies limits
of
time and space.
~
You learned
To trust your heart
and
share your words,
and your
vision;
To open your eyes
wider than they’ve ever
dared open
before;
To look confidently
through your
healing lens
and
know
that nobody
defines the sight
you behold…
except you.
~
And the gifts you have
received this year
are far richer for
having known
and welcomed
so many wonderful
kindred spirits
into your world.
~
Connecting
with
friends
of the soul
through this
magical
medium-of-technology
which somehow,
dissolves barriers
that,
too often,
divide;
~
You have witnessed
how it fosters
oneness
and
honesty;
~
artistic expression
and
passion;
~
healing
and
peace.
~
And just think,
How fortunate
are you?
To share
your own:
beach-walks
and
sunsets;
~
fantasies
and
sorrows;
~
hopes
and
fears.
~
How wondrous
to be
able
to support
and encourage
others,
and
to be
supported,
and
encouraged;
~
To
create,
and
to be
part
of another’s
creating.
~
So today give reverence and thanks
for all these wonderful
birthday gifts, and celebrate.
Smile from the deepest place in your heart;
Look forward to a hopeful new year…
and tell all of the world
how much
You
Love
~
Robyn Lee
~
Today I celebrate not only my birthday, and the beginning of a new year,
but also the milestone of nearly twelve months since joining this
remarkable blogging community… and soul family.
I feel so very grateful, and blessed to know all of you.
May this coming year bring peace, love, health
and abundant joy to
each of you.
Thank you for enriching my life.
Happy 2013!
WITH SO MUCH LOVE
~
Robyn
Storm Surge
Tide Surge Raising Fear
Penetrating Eye Of Storm
Hurricane, Have Heart
~
The above self-portrait was shot at
9 o’clock pm Monday night.
This was high-tide for our area, and the
the height of intensity for Hurricane Sandy.
As many of you know, following mandatory evacuation,
I fled with my puppy to a hotel location on Sunday, and
took shelter there with many other evacuees where we lost
power, heat and hot water.
Both humans and pets shared a common bond,
in the midst of the pending natural disaster.
Together at our “safe haven” hotel, people quickly
became caring friends. There were 11-year old twin girls entertaining
Rumi for me, as people offered to share flashlight batteries, and
whatever food they brought along.
Sadly, many lost their homes, and there were
numerous heartbreaking stories of
personal struggle and devastation.
What was obvious and uplifting though,
was the instant shared camaraderie and faith among
these strangers, in the face of fear.
I am very thankful that my
home has remained mostly
in tact, less some property damage,
I will finally be returning tomorrow,
as we just received word that our power,
heat and hot water have
been restored as of this evening.
I offer continued prayers for all of those who
have suffered loss and struggle in
the wake of this powerful storm,
and want to express my most heartfelt thanks to all
of my wonderful friends here, who have kept us in
thought and prayer for safety.
Much Love,
Robyn Lee
Beyond
Take me beyond
these rocky
shores
~
Beyond
twilight
skies
~
Through
celestial
doors;
~~~
Show me your
deepest
fiery
place
~
Where we
dance to
Love’s
song
~
In
our
sacred
embrace;
~~~
Take me beyond
the raw
edge of
day
~
Past the
fields
of
forever
~
Where moon
shadows
dare
play.
~~~
©Robyn Lee
Pier Anticipation
will
wait
for you
On
the
wooden
planked
pier
honest
and
free
the sea,
you and
me.
arrive
before
for
two;
can
bring the
chilled
wine
time.
watch
day
turn to
skies
glow
salt
air
our
eyes:
In awe, and so very touched ~ Penny has created a post (featuring her phenomenal illustration) , and a challenge inspired by a simple comment I made on one of her wonderful blog posts ~ ‘A Pigment-of-My-Imagination’. Penny you rock! Thank you dear friend … Enjoy – and Lots of love to all! ~Robyn Lee
This one’s for you, Robyn!
In September I posted A Pigment of My Imagination . At the end of the post was a graphic (the one above). I asked viewers to tell me what it might be a picture of. One of my favorite people (who inspires with every photograph she takes and every word she writes) answered:
Robyn Lee “Ok – in the picture, I see a mystical but loving sea creature emerging from the depths of an enchanted lake — after sunset… doing his magic for the good of all of mankind.”
Since then I had been thinking about what a “loving” sea creature would look like, I thought of Robyn’s personality, one that embodies “loving” to me. Yesterday I saw a photo of a bronze rendering of a dragon and I knew I’d found her. Last night I drew this dragon on my notepad. A beautiful (I hope) female sea creature emerging!
View original post 133 more words
Ever notice that sometimes friends show up at just the right moment…
offering encouragement and inspiration,
not by doing anything specific,
but rather, by simply
being present?Last Thursday while I was venturing out to run an errand, following a rather difficult and isolating week,
my cell- phone rang and it was Meryl… a dear long-time friend who resides in my community.
Meryl also happens to be a member of our cherished blogsphere.
We have been friends here since my mid 20s, sharing in so many important
transitional periods of each other’s lives.We decided to meet, and hang out for a bit on a comfy bench facing our favorite Lily Pond.
It was such a delight to relish in some old-fashioned “girl-power” that day–a few giggles and tears,
reflections and hugs…And as we gazed at the emerging Lilies, I shot this photo of our adjoined shadows.Later that evening, Meryl composed a heartwarming poem and created a
special post honoring our bond of friendship. I am so thrilled to share
this with each of you today.Much Love~
Robyn Lee
we worship
the water
the sun
life on
earth
two
wombs
four girls
olive eyes
bronze skin
bouncing curls
transplanted
from the east
newcomers
friendship
re-birth
power
There’s nothing like bonding with
a girlfriend. Here’s me and Robyn Lee
hanging out on a bench with some lily pads.
Yep, we go way back… when our girls were
romping (sometimes butt naked ) on the beach.
We met at a day care center… new moms and
newcomers in this breathtaking yet lonely
place…both looking for a friend.
Then life and illness got in the way.
We had rarely spoken or seen one another
for years and years until Robyn came over for tea to
celebrate my birthday this past March. That day she shared
how she had discovered photography via her new blog—
Through The Healing Lens—how it was helping her
reconnect with the world after being isolated due
to her medical challenges and chronic pain.
Ironic, since I’m a photographer yet it…
View original post 70 more words
Uplifted ~ A Dedication
~~
Uplift me
Today
Beside you
I’ll stay
~~
Loving strength
You extend
Broken pieces
We’ll mend
~~
Despite dares
That we face
Conjoined faith
We embrace
~~
Roots of passion
Persist
Amongst perilous
Twists;
~~
So
Together
We
Soar
~~
Bound as
One
Evermore.
~
©Robyn Lee
To all of my wonderful blog friends,
I dedicate this post to all of you who have been my ‘uplifters’ over these past several months. I have been deeply moved by your collective love and support with regard to both, my ongoing medical challenges, and my creative journey through blogging. The friends I’ve made here are some of the kindest and most generous and genuine people I’ve known. You have all touched my soul, and taught me so much.
Currently, I am facing more difficult times physically, and will need to reduce my blogging schedule temporarily. I want to let everyone know that I will be reading and posting whenever I can, and also want to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all of you angels who have uplifted me in more ways than I can describe!
You are truly a phenomenal group, and I’m blessed to know each and every one of you.
Much Love, Gratitude and Wellness Always~
Robyn Lee
THROUGH THE HEALING LENS 