Don, Sue and Niijii

"don, sue and niijii" copyright don wright 2012

praying for all in the path of Sandy

"praying for all in the path of Sandy" copyright don wright 2012

I am looking out at my river and it is peaceful calm..not a ripple. I watched CNN and weather network as our brothers and sisters to the east got pounded. What could one do except pray and seek safety. Now in the aftermath they must survey the damage....such great loss...for what its worth, this doodle was my prayer. Obviously Sandy paid no attention to our prayers.......a friend was quick to comment "It worked in NYC - thankfully no deaths here. But so tragic for others."

grandfather rock - lake obabika

the rock. the place of equilibrium. the center point or point of context.

Grandfathers, ancestors, generations

calm and peaceful

sandy october 29 2012

I reversed the swirl on my prayer doodle in order to negate the energy.
I see a face in this picture on the right of the swirl tail. 
I replaced this face with the face of grandfather rock, 
exchanging one face for another.

This is not a voodoo doodle!
I am merely praying with my pen.
The images dont have to be perfect
They just have to be honest.
When I am willing to allow the creator to create in me,
much greater things are created than these

Wipe Your Tears

Tbone - Wipe Your Tears

life of a cat

exhibit A - life of a cat

There are not very many things that stress out my cats. Geddy gets quite concerned on behalf of Nin Minigos, when the food dish is near empty. He seeks me out, meows that particular meow, and walks expectantly to his food dish. I take the food bag down and Nin Minigos comes running when he hears that sound. He barges in and saddles up to the food dish, while Geddy steps back and watches. Geddy will give up his last morsal of food for Nin Minigos. If Nin Minigos is out side and wanting in, Geddy will seek us out and bring us to the door for Nin Minigos' triumphant return. Geddy is graceful and gracious, while Nin Minigos is clumbsy and self indulgent. Geddy feels that we should be up at a reasonable hour in the morning and if we are not, he will come and tap us with his paw. Nin Minigos is oblivious to all of this and chooses to concentrate on eating, sleeping, crapping, playing and collecting admiration from his many fans.

Provisions - Doodle Praying

"provisions" don wright 2012

Provisions - Spirit provides

Fruits of labor - Spirit rewards

Walking by faith - Spirit journey

Abundant blessings - Life in Spirit

Dear God. As I survey your magnificent provisions for us I am grateful. As I consider the rewards for my labors I am thankful. As I walk in faith, I am reminded of your presence and your power. I thank you for Your abundant blessings on me and for the realization that through You and in You I have abundant life. Help me to share this through my hands, my feet and my very being.amen

Reach

"reach" copyright don wright 2012

Guitar Chicken

"Guitar Chicken" Copyright don wright 2012

I was thinking about guitars and guitar playing and how in many ways it has remained elusive. Sure I receive compliments and that feels good, but the reality is I am not really that good, compared to so many I have met. You know the type..naturally gifted and able to see the instrument as a whole and feel it. They can dance all over the melody, around and around and not give it a second thought...so natural.

I picked up a guitar when I was 16 years old. I am now 51. That means I have been playing for 35 years! Wow. What a companion! The guitar has been such a friend and it would be hard to imagine my life without it. I still try to play every day....and I dont get any better...haha

I envisioned a shamanistic image involving my guitar morphing into a thunderbird and all I ended up with was this guitar chicken...hahaha. It makes me happy though. I get to chuckle at this foolishness, this monument to my relationship with my guitar.

I Am Going To Live Forever

"A Friend of Temagami" copyright don wright 2012

October 26, 2012 at 5pm on the dot, I put the top down on my convertable, and headed north to Temagami. My mission was to pick up my pal Alex at Obabika landing and to be there before dark. I turned the stereo up full blast, just to the point of distortion, and listened to my favourite energy tracks. Sailing down the road the thought dawned on me........I am going to live forever!

I made it to the landing at dusk. We loaded up, and with the top still down, we re-enacted my journey in. The night air was mild and the moon was large and so was the rock I hit. Alex and I looked at each other with concern. As it turns out, I punctured my oil pan, and there is a puddle of oil on my driveway......doh. Any way, where was I...Oh yes, I am going to live forever.

Alive copyright POD

Obabika Really Rocks and Tumbles!

Obabika Rocks on the Beach

Obabika First Tumble

Obabika Second Tumble

My new friend Daniel sent me the pics for round two of the Obabika Rock Tumble. I thought I might post them so you could see the difference after another two weeks. I had written a little post, http://keepupwithdon.blogspot.ca/2012/10/obabika-rocks.html a couple of weeks ago, so this is part deux.

Rocks are beautiful! This one is really cool. It looks like a tree in the rock.

Each one is amazing in its own way!

And so it is with creation.

"A Friend of Temagami" copyright don wright 2012

Symbolic Representations - Blessed Assurance

My wifes aunt Charlotte passed away after a courageous battle with Cancer. During her battle, we prayed for her and her family. As the time drew near, I shared these drawings on facebook, and when Charlotte passed away, I knew I had to send the drawings. I asked Sue to have them couriered the following day. Intuitively, Sue sent them express. These drawings arrived at their door step the very next day, just as the family was leaving to go to Charlottes home on Mayne island, BC. 

I received a very warm and emotional call from my cousin. She said "How did you know I wanted to ask you for these?" She was blown away by this and I guess I was too. I didnt know, I just followed the still small voice.

I have come to learn to listen to that small voice. Its the same voice that helped me to draw these in the first place. It is the same small voice that has spoken to me since I came to know Jesus. I call that small voice Spirit. I believe it is the Holy Spirit and I believe it is of God. 

I believe that Charlotte was able to touch the Son

and the Son shone on her.

Her spirit was lifted and joined as One

to the great breath of life

Peace be with you Charlotte

now and forevermore

http://keepupwithdon.blogspot.ca/2012/03/thunderbird-changes-into-spirit.html

http://keepupwithdon.blogspot.ca/2012/02/alive.html

Extreme Days

Self Portrait

"self portrait" copyright don wright 2012

How do you see yourself?

What would you draw?

Glorious Day

"Glorious Day" Copyright don wright

It is a glorious day! As I survey the days events with my wife, I realize that today, it doesnt matter what we do. Yes, there is a list on the fridge. Yes there are chores to be done before snow falls. With rain on the forcast, perhaps we move the sunshine to our living room...in front of the fire place. Perhaps we curl up and snuggle and read. My wife just read my mind. She said...you could make a fire today. I will go and chop us a bit of wood....great minds think alike!,,,see you in front of the dancing flames. It is a glorious day!

The Creative Power of Women

"The Creative Power of Women" copyright don wright 2012

I drew this with one line as I was considering how much I love women. I have noticed a number of great painters, paint erotic art. I decided that I would try my hand at it. I realize it looks rather innocent. It is meant to be. I did not want to objectify, or be graphic, rather, I wanted to celebrate with lines on paper.

I completely understand why mother earth is a mother. The female gender of our species has so much creative power. She has the power to create life. She has the power to nurture. She has great power to love unconditionally. Not only does she seed this world and care for her creation, but she also provides unselfishly for the needs of her man. Undying and self giving in love, blending both form and function, tempered with love and grace, women are divine.

Naturally, I see women through my own adoring rose colored glasses. I have met many who say they are the spawn of satan! I have seen many women who create, but then destroy. I will let others draw those pictures. I will draw from what I know and from what I adore.

Friendship

"Friendship" copyright don wright 2012

I value friendship and I often consider what that means to me.

If you were asked to draw a drawing or paint a painting depicting "Friendship", what would you do? How would you portray that feeling, that virtue, that...thing?

Friendship is fueled by two or more willing souls and powered by spirit. Where there is friendship, there is love. I choose to think of friendship as a joyous thing. Granted, I have friends who dont share my vision of friendship, and while my love inside for them remains, I still refuse to call them mere acquaintances. So then, is it possible for friendship to be one sided?hhhhmmm that seams silly, yet darn it, I believe once a friend always a friend.

Friendship is like music. It is like a ray of hope and sunshine. Friendship can be felt deep inside, and can become undying and unconditional. What would you do for a friend? I rekon thats where the rubber hits the road. That is where you define what friendship means to you.

Jesus said that there is no greater love than one giving ones life for a friend. So is it the love or the friendship? Or is it that love is manifested through friendship. Interesting. If I have no or little capacity to love,  then I wonder how successful I would be with friendship. What if I didnt love myself? Could I love someone else? Of course, I am assuming that without love, there can be no friendship. Perhaps one needs to define friendship.

I have 182 friends on facebook. One of my friends has over 1000! Wait, I'll check. Oh look at that. I have been unfriended! So there you have it.

Wanna know what friendship means to you? Think about it and maybe draw a drawing or paint a painting, or write a song, or be there when they are down.

Creation Dream - Bruce Cockburn

"Creation Dream" Copyright Bruce Cockburn

Bumble Bee - Face Your Fears

"Bumble Bee" copyright don wright 2012

As my daughter was looking through my doodle book, she stopped and laughed. Awwwwww, look at the cute little bumble bee. We laughed together. Mission accomplished. My silly little doodle had the power to cause joy....and reflection. I saw her reach out to touch the bumble bee and hesitate.

Bumble bees always scared the shit out of me. I can remember so many bumble bee stories. They were mean and viscous. They had the power to inflict both fear and pain. I have run from many bumble bees. The truth is, you cant out run a bee! I ran so hard and so fast that I fell and skinned my face. I had scabs for weeks as a souvenir of my fear.

I watched a gardening show. The gardener said....now dont do this at home folks....She reached down and stroked the hair on the back of a feeding bumble bee. That bee felt no threat. That bee continued to feed in the flower, while she fondled and spoke to this little insect with so much love and power. I decided then and there, that I would not fear the bee. I will love the bee and be grateful for its existence.

I can almost touch the Son

"I can almost touch the Son" copyright don wright 2012

I can almost touch the Son.

On soaring wings,

I can feel the warmth on my face.

The energy is divine,

and I can feel it charge my entire being.

When I close my eyes,

I can feel the presence.

Be it of my mind,

Be it of my heart,

it matters not.

That powerful presence,

that lifts my soul,

and fills my breath

with life.

Abundant life.

I can almost touch the Son.

moses and the burning bush

"moses and the burning bush" copyright don wright 2012

Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb,the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight and see why the bush does not burn up.” When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”

pray

"pray" don wright 2012

I am praying for a few people and a few things. That is to say, there are a few people and a few things on my heart and on my mind. As I consider them, I share them and I present them to a higher power. I do this for a few reasons. I guess the first reason is Jesus told me to, but in a deeper sense, I do this because I believe it to be real. I also believe that some how, there is great power in prayer. I do this because I believe there is more to this existence than the physical realm. I believe there is also a spiritual realm, and together they form life. If you say that prayer is useless and is never answered, I would continue to pray because prayer is communication with Abba. Prayer helps keep my spirit attached. I do not view God or Spirit as a cosmic candy machine. Rather, my prayers are merely my spirit reaching out to be connected. I pray because thats how the great engineer designed it. A friend told me I was a powerful healer. All I did was stand beside him in his time of need and I prayed for him. I carried that petition in my heart, sharing it with Abba. What else could I do? What else did I need to do?

"The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

my wife and I

"my wife and I" copyright don wright 2012

I love my wife beyond measure. We are perfect for each other. I day dream about her. I fantasize about her. I am constantly reminded of her in my thoughts. Even after 28 years, I feel like a young teenager in love. I try to impress her. I try to win her love, over and over again, even though she already loves me with all her heart.

My wife was recommended to read a book by a peer, but kept procrastinating. I offered to read the book to her and she accepted. I cant believe how relaxed and how close I feel to her. When we read, she cuddles in my arms. We sip tea or wine. She hangs on my every word. I notice her watching my lips as I read. I could see past the book at her staring at my face with a warm loving smile. It made me feel adored. I felt so powerful, and in love. Sometimes we cuddle in front of the fireplace, and sometimes in our bed. When we are finished this book, I will offer to read her another. This peaceful time we have together is precious and I cherish it. I never want it to go away.

how do I?

"how do I" copyright don wright 2012

A number of moons ago, my painting mentor suggested I creatively doodle and draw. The idea was to pour out ideas on paper and begin to refine and develop. Through this process, I have just been exploring ideas and themes. I have been trying to develop my own style, something that makes me unique. I am pleased and amused with line art drawing, but my mind has been thinking about color.

I have never had any practical training on painting. I have never even watched a painter paint. (other than that happy guy on Youtube) I jumped right in and began painting, and, making mistakes. Many mistakes I recognized and tried to correct, while others, I only see now. It was fun and necessary for me to jump right in, but when my mentor suggested I play with doodles for a while, I knew he was right.

I began my art journey November of 2009. That is almost 3 years! The critical side of me laughs. 3 years and you are only this far? One would have thought that within 3 years I would be off and running as a painter. I look at what Jimi Oskineegish and Randy Thomas had done in 3 years. I would have thought that within 3 years my art would have been much more mature. I still feel in my head that I dont have a clue on how to actually, methodically paint a painting.........and I laugh. Suddenly, I find joy in this.

I have been learning about time and how to measure it. For this reason, I tell that little critical voice in my head to shut up. Things unfold as they should. I grow as I grow and I learn as I learn, There is a beautiful cobblestone pathway that leads to the future. I get to travel that road and I get to experience things on my journey. I can see some of the future, but another part of me wants to bask in the present. I want to walk my journey...not run.

I am confused about monetary value. I guess I am privileged not to have to rely on my art as income. I get to do art for the sake of doing art. Its such a trip! It begins with a vague idea or a dream, and I watch with glee as it unfolds and develops by my hand. Sometime I wonder if it is my hand. Nonetheless, I get to play God on my paper. I get to feel how it feels to create. Our God is a creative God and sometimes I think His creation was for His own good pleasure. So it is when we create. There is a dream in the mind and it unfolds visually and then, when the creator is satisfied......it is done. That is one of the things that distinguishes art. The creator knows when it is finished and complete. At that moment, I sit back and bask in the glory of my creation......and then I do it again. These images sit around my place until suddenly they have another purpose.....They find their rightful owners. At that point, the creator gets to share his accomplishment with someone else. The person receiving the art feels very special, as each art piece speaks to them in some way. There is a great feeling to have something created for you that visualizes your experience or inner joy....tells a certain story. That art becomes medicine. Every time you look at that art, it reminds you, and builds you up. It adds beauty to your environment and creates a link with your memories.

My mentor has invited me to stay with him for a couple of days and paint. I will see first hand how a master paints. I know he will blush when reading this, but truly he is a master painter and expert guide. We will paint together. He will help me to understand how to turn these line art images into colorful paintings. Perhaps we can paint a couple paintings together. In this journey of a thousand steps, I feel like I have rounded a corner and there it is..........a thousand more steps. I smile. Its a beautiful day.

"smile its a beautiful day" don wright 2012

me and my guitar

When I sing praise music, I feel like I am one with God. When I sing in the forest, I feel like I am one with creation. When my music skips across the water, or out into the night air, it returns on angel wings, and I am blessed two fold. When I hear the drum beat, I hear my heart beat. I hear my heart beat in rhythmic motion and in unison, with a million other heartbeats from time immemorial; all rising to the heavens as sweet fragrance to the One. Each vibration, resonating with the next and giving form to spirit and from spirit creating existence, that sings out in joy and thanksgiving and love.

cool

"transformation" copyright don wright 2012

42400 visitors! I noticed from my stats that I have very few subscribers or followers and most of my numbers come from google searches on various topics that I talk about. Regardless of all this, its in me to write. In this way, this blog is selfish...its all about me. Yet, there are other reasons I write. These reasons ebb and flow with time and circumstance. My blog has brought me through and to magnificent places and events. My blog has touched and I hope inspired some and I am sure its pissed off others. I am so grateful for the cyber friendships that this blog has afforded me. My blog has helped me to morph and grow and to share with others.

word

"word" copyright don wright 2012

peace, joy, oneness, forgiveness, blessings, love, kindness, tranquility, patience, beauty, goodness, light, contentment, spirit, unity, thanksgiving, gratefulness, understanding, knowledge, passion, glory, paradise, heavenly, earth, water and even fire. 

Obabika Rocks!

Obabika Rocks - First Tumble - Daniel Johnson 2012

My wife is a rock hound. We collect rocks everywhere we go. One day we were walking the beach at Ranger Point and my wife collected these rocks. They sat in the back of our truck for a few weeks.

I met a man who was an avid outdoors-man,  photographer and rock tumbler. He said " I must collect some rocks from Obabika for my tumbler. A light bulb went off in my head, and I walked over to my truck, retrieved the rocks, and handed them over. I said " Each one hand picked with love and a keen eye for beauty...perfect for the tumbler!" Daniel accepted the rocks and Voila......first tumble.

I dont know a whole lot about the tumbling process, other than when complete, the rocks are a beautiful polished color and shape. I know it takes a long time too, and there are several "tumbles". This is a picture of tumble one.

I cant help but get caught up in the beauty of each of these stones. They are like jewels. Each one is a gift, from earth and time. Try to imagine the journey these rocks have taken...where they came from, and how they ended up hand selected for the tumbler.

Obabika Rocks!

Happy Birthday 2 Me

"reaching for the butterfly" copyright don wright 2012

Its my birthday. I am 51 years old. I feel like I am 21 except for all the aches and pains. I am trying to grow old with grace and I am trying to stay young at heart. I am trying to accept the things I can not change and make a difference in places where I can.

If I was to die today, I would consider myself happy and blessed. I have no regrets for the past and I boldly look forward to the future. In many ways I feel like I am walking the path that was laid out before me. I dont consider this mundain, rather I find this magnificently fascinating and rewarding. To live life to its fullest, giving thanks and being grateful at all times is the recipe I try to follow.

I am not ashamed to know Jesus. The day I met Jesus, was the day I began to live. You and I may have different ideas about who Jesus is, and thats OK. We can still love each other unconditionally and stand together until the end. We can still treat each other with love, kindness and respect.

I love myself.

I am great. 

I am the center of my universe.

When I walk, the land comes to me.

I was made in the image of God.

Spirit resides in me.

I am so powerful, 

I can give it all away.

I surrender it all to the source from which it came,

that I might simply be.

Such bold talk 

for a humble man.

but

It is what it is

and

I am

who

I am.

because of I AM

"birch bark blessings" copyright don wright 2012

Spirit Rock Journey 2012

Spirit Rock Journey 2012

This is Spirit Rock, in the heart of a very small stand of Old Growth Red and White Pine. Currently, the land is divided into leases which are purchased by lumber companies. The parcel of land around 500m from here has been approved for clear cutting. Many people are very concerned. While this small pocket is protected, the desire of everyone who has been there, is that the buffer or boundary be extended. This is a magical place and is of extreme importance to those who have used it over the last several thousand years.

Temagami Red Pine

"Temagami Red Pine" copyright don wright 2012

http://www.savewolflake.org/

We call on you to help end the mining interests threatening Wolf Lake in Temagami and assist us in our work to preserve Temagami as a natural and pristine wonder for generations to come.  

Sign the petition found in this link: 

http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/Save_Temagami_1/?cvHLrdb

Thanksgiving and Victory

"Victory" copyright don wright 2012

I wanted to post a doodle for Thanksgiving and this doodle reminded me of Thanksgiving. The doodle is actually titled "Victory", yet it feels like thanksgiving. I got to thinking that it is easy for the Victor to have thanks but what about those who dont experience victory? Strangely, I have found that when I am down in the dumps, a little thanksgiving lifts my spirit. Some people find it hard to have gratitude. My heart breaks for them. Thanksgiving brings joy. If we have grateful hearts, we can experience the joy, even in the face of adversity. So I give thanks today, even with my rose colored glasses. I give thanks for the many daily victories and for how I am loved by the creator and adored by creation. I am charged with the knowledge of love and gratitude and my cup is over flowing. I give thanks to the One who has all knowledge and power and I pray that you too may experience daily victories that lead you to thanksgiving.

The Spirit of Mae Mae

"Mae Mae" Copyright don wright 2012

Mae Mae

(Piliated Woodpecker)

As a young lad, I spent many hours sneaking through the bush so that I could take a picture of Mae Mae. I saw one by the trout stream and vowed to capture that beauty on film. I was never to see Mae Mae again, until I moved north. Mae Mae is the most majestic of woodpeckers. You can hear the thunderous sound of them chipping wood. Mae Mae made such a large hole in the tree, that the wood ducks began to use it as their nest. Mae Mae landed in my tree and greeted me. He stayed for while and flew off, leaving me with this memory.

Amik

"Amik" Copyright don wright 2012

Amik is Beaver.

Amik is busy right now

collecting for the winter

the bigger the pile

the longer the winter

its all hands on deck

even youngsters from the spring pitch it

to build that pile

nice fresh sprigs of poplar, alder, and birch

Amik shapes our land

creates ponds and swamps which attract wildlife.

It is said that Amik returned to Chernobyl

and the nuclear wasteland is returning to life

First Amik, then the rest.

Amik

a way of life

Obabika-Mitzvah

My god son expressed an interest in canoeing and he loves the outdoors. His mom was quite interested in seeing what was left of the Old Growth Forest. We decided to plan a trip. I call it the Obabika-Mitzvah. He is 13 years old and he portaged that canoe all the way to CheeSkon. Here is a picture in front of Spirit Rock. This was a thrilling moment.

We stopped in to visit the sisters and basked in their glory.

My godson got to play chief, while our host got to be a teenager again.

I know that this experience will be etched on his mind. As he grows up, he will understand first hand, the beauty and importance of our Old Growth Forests and I hope he can articulate his experience with his friends. Alex takes great pride and pleasure in giving kids something to remember. As I walked by Alex's cabin I could see the two of them sitting at the picnic table, engaged in conversation. Alex has a way with kids. He makes them talk and relate and fills them with self confidence and wonderment.

I Saw a Bear

"Mukwa" copywright don wright 2012

I saw a bear

It saw me

I saw him run

He saw me run

run run

we both run

why are we running

have we not faced our fears

perhaps we are both wise

for we know what each other is capable of

to pause for a moment

and to let down our guard

might be the wisest dumbest thing we could do

yet I know and feel in my heart

it would result in a renewed friendship

and we could share the land

living as one

one heart beat

one love

and we weep

A friend of Temagami came up to me and asked " Do you mind if i asked you a personal question?

Do the sisters make you cry?"

I answered yes they do....every time. 

He said "oh good....me too. I was beginning to think I was strange or something. 

I dont know what it is but they make me cry"

....So there you have it..... 

Two grown men humbled by some trees

........and you?

I made these line art drawings on birch bark and left them with gifts that people had collected from the forest floor or personal belongings. These are humble tributes in honor of the spirit of the old growth forest. 

I make an annual pilgrimage to this place, as do many people. We sit and bask in the glory of these trees and we bring our prayers, and offer them to the creator. We feel the presence of the spirit and we weep.

Measuring Time

Lake Obabika Loons and Gulls

Lake Obabika is a magnificent lake, full of life and life cycles. The water is crystal clear and cold. There is a healthy population of Lake Herring, which serve as food for the Trout, the Loons and the Gulls. The Lake Trout drive the Herrings upward as they feast on the school. The Loons are able to dive down and feed on the Herrings, while the Gulls circle around and play clean up. It is a spectacular site to see. At Lake Obabika, you can see the life cycles in motion.

This land has had an effect on me. I am beginning to measure time, not based on the minute hand of a watch or squares on a calendar, but based on the seasons and natures events. My life is becoming more and more governed by these changing seasons and these incredible cycles of life. Each season brings with it new blessings and new challenges. As we embrace this, we begin to see the provisions made for us and also begin to understand the importance of allowing it to govern our own patterns of life.

"Thunderbird Takes Flight" copyright don wright 2012