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Feline Fancies by Laurel

It’s been quite the adventure as I participated in this season’s art show circuit.   I’ve met wonderful people at each event – the artisans and the people passing through.  Now it’s time to rest, play and create until the Fall comes around.   My work will continue to evolve, as I do … I am grateful for this time in my life.   Here are some photos from Sunfest 2012, West Palm Beach.

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Laurel D. Rund    April 21^st, 2012

The Storm - The Dove - Renewal

The Dove’s Nest

A week or two ago, a beautiful dove built a nest in a palm tree next to my house.   It was nestled in a space where a palm frond had been, and there she sat on two white eggs.   None of the activity of the house scared her away – lawn mowing, power washing the house, the pool generator.  That mother dove centered herself on her nest in a tranquil and protective state as she waited for her eggs to hatch.  She brought peace and optimism with her.

My significant other –my love partner – and I would go outside and quietly observe this beautiful and peaceful scene several times a day.  It had special significance to us because it symbolized hope and new beginnings.   He took wonderful pictures of “our” dove in her nest and I published them on Facebook with a note about the meaning that a dove brings to life.   Those pictures touched the hearts of many, including my granddaughters who thought they were “awesome.”

The Storm

Last night there was a much needed and welcomed rainstorm here in Florida.  This morning, with coffee in hand, I went outside to visit the dove to see how she did after the rain.  My heart was jolted when I saw that the storm had torn away the nest from the tree and the dove was nowhere to be seen. There on the ground were the remnants of the mama bird’s nest and the two white eggs, one of which was broken. I wept in sorrow and in loss.

Before I went out this morning to visit the dove’s nest, I signed onto my computer to visit a site called “Open to Hope” to see if a piece I sent them as a contributing author was published (it came out today, April 21).  The piece, a poem, was written in 2009 two months after my husband Marty passed away.  It is titled “The Storm” and the words continue to have meaning to me.  The storm swept away the life I had for 42 years, and I was left with no choice but to slowly rebuild a new one.   Just as the dove will no doubt find another tree to build a nest in and patiently wait for her eggs to hatch, the loss of this nest will not stop her from “going on”.   I’m not sure what to make of this moment ~ maybe to remember that storms occur in every living creature’s life – and that survival and rebuilding one’s proverbial nest (life) is the key.

The Renewal

My journey since my husband’s death and that devastating “storm” has taken me on a winding road of countless steps.   After a summer rainstorm, what very often follows is the sweet smell of renewal in the air.  The tears I shed during my times of grief stirred something different and promising within me, but to love again seemed unfathomable.   In the past three years I have experienced a newfound sense of purpose through writing and artwork; an awareness of my own spirituality; and a sweet and gentle love for a man who has swept into my heart in the most unexpected way.

When an annual flowering plant ceases to blossom and withers away, leaving an empty space in its place, in time something magical occurs.  After a period of nurturing and regrowth in the earth, the plant slowly resurfaces and reaches to the heavens in full bloom and renewal.  A quote by Walter Anderson that sits on my computer desktop reminded me today  “I am responsible.  Although I may not be able to prevent the worst from happening, I am responsible for my attitude toward the inevitable misfortunes that darken life. Bad things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and the quality of my life. I can choose to sit in perpetual sadness, immobilized by the gravity of my loss, or I can choose to rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have – life itself.”  Walter Anderson

The Storm – The Poem 

written by Laurel D. Rund on 4.12.09

As the thunder rolled and signaled danger,

we kept fighting our way through

the confusing maze of gathered facts,

disappointments, setbacks, and fear.

As you disappeared inch by inch, pound by pound,

I averted my eyes to avoid what I was seeing.

And closed my ears to what I was hearing.

Your lovely smile was fading and

your magnificent presence was disappearing

in the midst of our denial.

Then, lightning struck!

It was sharp and jagged and

it crackled and tormented our very beings!

We ran for cover, seeking protection from

the onslaught to come.

But,  there was nowhere left to hide.

The zig-zag of harsh light

made us open our eyes, our souls,

to the understanding that we had finally run out of time.

Frightened, yet quietly relieved, we surrendered to the inevitable.

After the storm, your spirit was gently released,

and for you my darling,

the rainbow beckoned and a new passage began.

Our journey together came to an end.

As “We” ceased to be an “Us,”

I was left waiting for the clouds to retreat

and for a sliver of hope to emerge.

For now, there is a deafening silence.

Dedicated to my husband Martin Rund 

who passed away on February 11^th, 2009

Life's Possibilities - Renewal

Buddha's Garden

“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy: They are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”

Marcel Proust

Today I am grateful for the journey I am on.   It has taken me to unexpected places and, at the art shows,  I have experienced  exquisite moments with individuals who visit the Essence of Laurel booth.      These extraordinary times fill me with gratitude because the people I have met are the charming gardeners who make my soul continue to blossom.   Namaste,  Laurel

My next art show will be

34th Annual Siesta Fiesta (Sarasota, FL)

April 14th & 15th, 2012

Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Ocean Boulevard in Siesta Key Village.  Stroll along the beach as you take in art from 250 of the nation’s most talented artists & crafters showcasing life-size sculptures, spectacular paintings, one-of-a-kind jewels, photography, ceramics and much, much more. There will also be a green market selling live orchids, body products, and tasty dips

“There is an unseen life that dreams us. It knows our true direction and destiny. We can trust ourselves more than we realize and we need have no fear of change.” ~John O’Donohue

Hope to see you at the 11th Annual Downtown Venice Art Classic this weekend!  Here’s a new piece I’ve been working on….Laurel

What is my kismet, my fate, my destiny?

Wow, dreams do come true!

Essence

18th Annual Siesta Key Arts Fair on February 4th and 5th, 2012. 

Location: Ocean Boulevard and Beach Road, Siesta Key Village

Hours: 10:00 – 5:00 pm.   A full spectrum of quality craft mediums will be on display and for sale. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Siesta Key Association.

Admission is free and open to the public.     Looking forward to the weekend, I am the Essence of Laurel!

Story Art Cards