Stephanie's Studio

un·ex·pect·ed ˌənəkˈspektəd/ adjective not expected or regarded as likely to happen. "his death was totally unexpected" synonyms: unforeseen ,  unanticipated ,  unpredicted ,  unlooked-for ,  sudden ,  abrupt , surprising ,  unannounced "an unexpected change in plans" There is a way we view our world. We know the players, the backdrop, the goings-on. But sometimes something so unexpected happens that it shakes up that orderly arrangement. This rearrangement, brought on by unexpected news makes you question all of the aforementioned parts of your seemingly orderly life. Acrylic on Canvas, c. 2015 Stephanie Rose Bird I received some unexpected news yesterday. A friend of the family has been suffering with breast cancer, quite quietly, I might add. I had no idea, which also causes a variety of responses ranging from guilt to shame, and then inevitably the question rises, What to do? The friend of the family has jus...

Sound is playing an important role in my writing, as my new YA novel centers around sirens and the blues. It occurred to me in thinking about this week's Natural Healing Corner , while working on my manuscript, that sound can not only be a powerful creative inspiration but also an incredible soul healer. Think about the lullaby sung to soothe an upset baby or how humming makes your work time just zip by. Birds singing outside your home can made your hear soar. As I have mentioned previously, I have restarted my Restorative Yoga practice. Our teacher is a Reiki Master and Certified Aromatherapist. At the Friday class I go to, she uses both scent and sound to create a magickal healing experience through yoga practice. When she places the bowl on me and hits it, especially if it is placed on my back body, near my root chakra, I get a tremendous feeling of centering. I feel firm in myself and rooted in the earth. When placed on my chest, on or near the heart chakra, a warm feeli...