what really matters

I painted this mandala in 2001, not long after Sept. 11.

Beginning at the top, and going clockwise, it includes:

leaves growing from the warm glow of the sun, symbolizing nature,

and the nurturing of my son:

then a full moon, depicting the eternal heavens.

The sprout and the feather growing out of the boundaries of the circle

represent my own personal growth, as a person and as an artist.

The next spaces represent friends, family, and relationships.

And then the yin/yang symbol has something to do with my marriage, and

the intertwinededness (is that a word?) of our twosomeness.

The red firey turbulence represents the danger and tragedy

that still exists in our world.

Followed by a beautiful open space, full of peace and quiet and possibility.

The entire mandala is wrapped with words describing all of this, and yet there is

still a scary jagged edge on everything.

This is "what really matters."

I painted this after our national tragedy in September of 2001.

I share it with you now, after a personal tragedy experienced by dear friends

who lost their home - and all that "home" means - to a devastating fire just five days ago.

Today was the first day I saw what was left of the inside of the house, and the few belongings

that they are trying to salvage.  The entire house is a loss, but they are so grateful that

no one was hurt.  And that "home is wherever you are with your family."

I am saddened by their loss, and so proud of their resilience.

I believe that my friends truly understand "what really matters."

Love.