What shall I say for 2021 other than generalizing... Hopefully my positive spirit prevails as I continue here and connect with moments to share.
The Mission certainly strongly held its own, doing what it does best, offering a constant comfort in the chaos of the world, not to mention unsettled feelings even in our little community of Pelee.
I had brought 2020's word, CALM into 2021 not ever thinking I would still be needing to heavily focus on the same for 2022. But let's add CLARITY to this new year! It has an up-lifting pro-active feel to it doesn't it?
During 2021 the Island managed to welcome fresh energy and show its spirit as usual. Also new business ventures, new land and home or cottage owners brought feelings of excitement. American friends and neighbors were finally able to return to their very much missed places.
Pelee Artworks thrived even though season opening happened much later than normal. We were so happy to finally share fine art prints of Lisa Rollo Kipp's 'Light Within' painting. Seven found homes to settle in! Katherine Roth's ethereal encaustic paintings on Mission Hall salvage once again spoke to many as well. It's delightful and an honor sharing creativity with such intentional artists.
Restrictions kept social gatherings at a minimal but you can never hold back nature's embrace.
We planted, nurtured and watched Sunflowers thrive, each in our own thoughts of souls journeyed on.
The Island's magic dominated. Time and time again we are reminded by offerings and love notes left in The Sanctuary.
Space is held and brings peace to heavy hearts. Light shines through rustic openings restoring energy.
As I reflect, I am reminded that one of the main principals The Mission was re-created on is the significance of being still and connecting with our core, our internal knowing, the place where we find clarity. The place where our fears are broken down and transformed, where we can leave our egos behind and feel glimpses of hope and healing and understanding, then inevitably joy. Sitting in places like The Sanctuary where ones experience can be magnified are simply a perk to making the effort to be conscious to our knowing.
As we settle in for 2022, preparing for finding the way through our world of much needed repair, what I pray for is that we all find the courage and wisdom that is inside of us. That we awaken from our slumber of unknowingness, helplessness and misplaced emotions. Let's choose to reconnect with our innate and our power. The world is not black and white. If it were not for the grey would we evolve? The path of least resistance surely can lead to fading of our colors.
I thought this to be quite beautiful, a simple request to live with your heart wide open...
"When you've lost your way Colors start to fade Take a look within Find your offering Hold it to the sun Let your spirit run Remember Remember find your center My love it's just a reminder Find your center My love it's just a reminder My love it's just a reminder Find your center" @trevorhallmusic
I am so looking forward to the CLARITY and colors of love this year can bring!
So how was 2022...
Well, crazy enough, it is now MAY 2023 and somehow just getting to journaling reflections on the past year. I could say I'm behind because getting Soulful Salvage pieces ready for this season was occupying my time but that has only been a Spring thing really. Honestly I've only wrote a few bits here and there over the Winter. Poor focus for sure, but mostly I'm happy to say, we've been busy working on finally completing last steps of our little island get-a-way. Yippee! Someday maybe I'll share some on the connection between our little slice of paradise and The Mission Hall Project. But for now, when I think back to this time last year, it seems so long ago...
It was an interesting year to say the least! Kind of thinking any CLARITY received did not come easily. I thought maybe time would slow after everyone experienced a slower lifestyle forced by Covid restrictions. But no, the energy was high. A combination of desperation to feel alive, an avoidance of reality and not knowing which way to turn amongst all the rubble and debris floating around an unsettled world.
Thank goodness for nature's softening of the rough edges, her ability to calm and offer focus if we allow. Thank goodness for Divine places...
We are so very thankful for the dependable caretaking of The Sanctuary grounds by The Winery. It was a great season. The rustic wide open beauty of the surroundings provided a place one could count on for grounding and quiet time. A reminder of the magic that is our island.
Another of our mascots, the Heron or as some call him, 'The Guardian,' found his landing spot in our little pond. He reminds us to be aware in our stillness, in order to catch the teachings that show up for us...
THE MISSION held Ceremony...
We welcomed Spring with a long awaited concert by Nadine DeLeury. Her Celo performance evoked the possibility of oneself returning to peace. We were thrilled with her appreciation of the acoustics inside The Mission. All the soulful salvaged wood met Nadine's fingertips with open arms creating a lovely auditory embrace. Birdsong and trees whispered vocals in the wind. We were so pleased with the success of it all and seeing content smiles on bright faces!
Lovers finally joined in marriage after years waiting to fulfill dreams of sharing their wedding vows with family and friends at The Mission. Each gathering unique in its own special way but the atmosphere equally magical and joyful. The island bestowed a blessing on each happy couple.
* An intended anniversary with re-affirmation of wedding vows became instead a bittersweet celebration of life. A solemn yet blatant example of unfair, unnecessary cruelties of Covid. We are honored that memories and energies of such a life giving beautiful soul were shared and left in this magical comforting space. The tremendous love for you could be felt...
I feel tickled pink gratitude for the unsung contributors who in their own quiet way give to The Mission Hall Project. Kindness is no small thing...
We had a good year at 'Artworks' and the Island's new 'One of a Kind' gallery at West Dock. Love knowing folks went home with their own 'piece of it'. Collaborating with Artists and Creators is always fun! We made a wonderful new connection with Laura of 'Twisted to Life'. Her copper with healing crystal trees were a hit. All our pieces carry the energy of our project intentions.
The success of these intentions is hinted at, confirmed in wee notes tucked inside The Mission's thought box for safe keeping, left behind by visitors. Humbling to the core to be a part of this giving gig.
Summer went by so very quickly, then Fall reminded us of the beauty in letting things go, making room for new joys and adventures. Winter came and once more the grounds went dormant but only to hold and protect while we venture deep inside waiting for a new fresh beginning. That which we find ourselves awakening to in this new Spring light!