Friday, March 20, 2009

Theme 11: Flicker of Imagination

How you choose to interpret the theme is completely up to you. It simply needs to be tasteful – no pornography or messages of hate here. When you sit down to create, you cannot think about how people will or will not receive your work. You are required to simply enjoy the act of creating. Please see the bottom of this post for how to submit a response.





Fireflies

The eyes are where the journey first begins,
But like frost on windows, vision is clouded.
With one unwavering promise, clearance is given;
This historical ride lurches forward without you.

A child in the middle searches, aches for love,
And longs for a hand that will cradle the heart.
But pain enters; a new tenant hell bent on living.
Staring down the barrel of a gun, love misfires.

A quiet room becomes an invitation to battle.
Soon rage explodes on the face of playgrounds.
Control fights to blossom through unyielding ice.
Love builds a house; surrounds itself with a moat.

Grace exists in a timeless, grand being, yet
Fear ignites the desire to run, so love is lost.
Life is pondered on a mountaintop; below,
Roads look like scattered puzzle pieces.

Awakening, breath floods a living corpse.
Inner electricity draws admiration of fireflies.
Shaking, humble hands assemble a bridge.
Your soul pirouettes in the ballet titled, Life.

Knocking around the barren cavern too long;
Only wishing to touch the tips of endless sky,
And the very bottom of the terrifying ocean,
Trust finally appears and constructs a boat.

The path is calling, listening, waiting.
Open the heart; time has now kissed it.
That one missing piece is before you,
It has forever existed within - Home.

Natasha Reilly
Copyright 2007.



This week, I was not looking to throw the spotlight on me by sharing this poem. I simply wanted to share it with you to see what beauty it might inspire you to create. I truly hope it inspires you.



Important Guidelines


The work submitted must be something you have created and/or worked on between the time the theme was revealed and the Thursday unveiling. Please submit your response to Natasha@creativenachos.com no later than end of day Wednesday, March 25th if you would like it to be posted on Thursday, March 26th. OR send me a link to your response to include in the comments section of the post.

With your response please include:


1. Your name - either first name, shop name or both.

2. The name of your piece (if you choose to give it one)

3. Something you'd like to share (process of creation, idea behind piece) if you'd like to share anything

4. Two photos of your piece or of each of the pieces (3x5 or 4x6 and 72dpi or a max of 96dpi - if you need any help with that please don't worry I'd be happy to help!)

Most importantly, let your imagination light the way! Have fun!!!

34 comments:

SalvagedExpression said...

The ideas are whirling through my head and I don't know which one will land! Beautiful theme!

Natasha said...

Salvaged - thank you so much...I struggled with putting up the poem..I didn't want to seem like a showoff...I'm really fascinated with the question of which is more powerful when we create - words or images? I hope many play because it will be interesting to see...so excited to see what you create!!

Felicia Kramer said...

Natasha - showoff?? Why not?? You deserve the spotlight for a beautiful poem! Aren't we ALL showing off here every week thanks to you? Be proud - you deserve it.
P.S. I'm sending you a private email.

SalvagedExpression said...

I would count the poem as a definate good idea!
You have a great talent and I think your words will help lead some people to a new creative place.

giraffelabel said...

natasha, i agree with felicia. isn't this a place where we can all "show off" what we create? you have made it so safe for all of us to come here, and you should feel the same way! i can't wait to get working. i have no idea what will come, but i am excited.

btw, i heard some of your interview last night on blockhead radio! (the kids were actually asleep early, so i could "tune in"!) it was great to put a voice to your words. sometimes, when you read someones words, you are left trying to figure out if they really meant what they said. you are so geniune! you speak the same words that you write(does that make sense?), and your heart seems to always be in it! thanks so much for that! i feel so lucky that i have been able to join in all of this!!

Phoenyx Ravenswing said...

Greetings!

Hmmm... gotta think on this one. :-)

But isn't that the point? :-D

Kyool poem - thank'ee's for sharing. Very much a poem about the Journey of creation, whether of an artwork, or of a life. :-)

Bright Blessings & Good Fortune! :-)
-Bird

PS - And referencing a topic from yesterday - if you're spammy, I'm totally w/the crowd that says "Spam Away!" I remember your posts now from b/f I even knew about this place, and I was thinking what a beautiful ray of supportive sunshine you were amidst the negativity & fear. You and a few others... there needs to be more of you, not fewer, imo. :-) BB& GF! -B! :bird

Natasha said...

Felicia Kramer - thank you...I'm actually quite shy when sharing so thanks...each time I do it's a step...it's so great to be able to share here ..you all make this place warm and safe to spread my wings! Thank you from my heart and soul for your email...

SalvagedExpression - thank you, thank you, thank you...as long as it inspires...I'm a happy woman

giraffelabel - it's 10am and already you have turned on my water works...thank you for feeling safe to share...I feel it too...I get a little nervous when am vulnerable and yet there is freedom in that feeling! I can't wait to see what you create...AND thank you for tuning in last night...I was nervous but when I talk about all of this...it's my passion and my heart so yes I know what you mean about that I write and say...this means the world to me and I want the world to know! Thank you for inspiring me and supporting me...thank you to all of you...I feel so lucky

Phoenyx Ravenswing - WOW...I don't know what I did to be lucky enough to meet all of you but ...wow I thank my lucky stars!! I can't wait to see what amazing and touching creation you bring to life...and just so you know the world needs more people like you as well...

the world needs all of you...so glad you shine SUCH a bright light

Amanda Fall - Sprout editor said...

Natasha! What a treat to log on and find...well, YOU! Thank you so much for being brave enough to share your beautiful poem with us, even when you weren't quite comfortable doing so. You never know who your words might touch.

I can't wait to see what unfolds from this one... I don't have any ideas yet, but I know they'll pour in!

I'm SO upset that I completely forgot to tune in last night to the radio show... and I don't think they archive. :( I hope it went well. *hugs*

Pepper said...

Wow, Natasha! What a great poem! There's so much great imagery in there. I feel like I need to do a painting, and I haven't painted in so long!

I'm going to leave this rolling around in my subconscious for a few days before I get started. I can't wait to see how it turns out!

Thanks for a great first challenge!

~ Pepper (aka PizazzEtc)

Natasha said...

Amanda (Blake) Fall - hey there..thank you and I can't wait to see what takes shape for you..the show did go well, it was fun but no worries on missing it..thanks for the hugs :)


Pepper- welome...and I'm SOOO excited for your first challenge!! If you feel it must be a painting go for it....this is a safe place to let your hair down, spread your wings and play...do what feels right but just make sure you have fun doing it!!!

Marja/Glass Elements said...

Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking a chance and sharing yourself here. Your poem is nspiring and creates personal images for the reader. I love it! Now to channel...

Unknown said...

I only had to read the title and the ideas started coming! Now, after reading it all - I am going to have a harder time figuring out which one I am actually going to do...

Thanks for the inspiration, and your poem was just wonderful! I am so glad that you shared that!

Sherry said...

I think this poem is the best one so far....Natasha, you continue to amaze me!! And I'm excited about the new theme.I'll be out of town
but I want to try anyway.
Thanks for all you do and have done for all of us! Shine On!
www.TheSilverLakeStudio.com

Lifer said...

Hello Natasha! (i am Natasha too, but in the blogosphere i prefer to be called Dusik)

hello

I stumbled upon your blog browsing blogspots. i wonder if you would like to post my illustration with the fireflies. it was created for a lifejournal community, but i would totally like to share it with more people. here it is: http://s55.radikal.ru/i148/0903/90/c83d84468e73.jpg

Natasha said...

Marja - YAY!! Thank you, Marja. Now I can't wait to see what all the words and images are channeled into for you...this is so exciting.

MooreMagnets - welcome!! I'm SO glad you are here...thank you and I cannot wait to see what you choose to create or see the many thing you choose to create...

Sherry - you will surely be missed!! I hope you have fun when yoou are traveling - any place good?? I hope you can participate but if not check in on Thursday and come play again soon...thank you for all your kind words....you amaze ME...hugs

Dusik - welcome! Thanks for visiting...so glad you shared. Your work is wonderful. Unfortunately I cannot include it in the Thursday Sweet Treat which will be revealed on Thursday, March 26th as this guidelines for the project state that you need to create something new between the time the theme was posted - today - and Wednesday when it's submitted...however if you create something new between now and then, email it to me and I'd be happy to include it! Thanks again for sharing :)

aquamaureen said...

Hello to all my TST family--I left South Dakota to visit my sister in Mississippi . . and now my brother and his wife have just arrived a couple hours ago--much lovely and loving family dynamics . . . and yet I snuck away for just enough time to see this week's prompt and read everybody's comments so far . . I am intrigued by the prompt phrase, touched by the picture, but BOWLED OVER by your poem, Natasha. I had multiple pings and pongs of responses to your heartfelt words--and deeply grateful you overcame your reluctance to "go public" with more of your writing. We could likely use one line per week as our prompt for the next many months!! Many lines illustrated themselves in my mind as soon as I read them. Ah, if this qualifies as being "spammy," bring it on, girl!!!!!!///No clue what I might produce this week, between the family visit and my appearing in my sister's 2nd grade classroom next Wed as a "visiting artist/writer"!!!!! I will do my best to have something. In the meantime, heartthanks to ALL of you for your generous, inclusive, expressive selves.

meherio68 said...

I love fireflies... I'll tell you more next week...
Signed: the Mysterious ShowOff Avenger
:-)

twinkle teaches said...

Love the fireflies poem. :)
So ready for summer...
tina :)

Natasha said...

aquamaureen - AHHHHHH!! I LOVE that you snuck away to see what the theme was..I could hug you!! Thank you for ALL of your fabulous words...your kindness always warms me!! TST family wishes you wonderful time with your brother and his wife...have fun and we will SOOO look forward to seeing you here again...hugs

meherio68 - I love them too AND I love this comment - what fun you made me laiigh out loud...I'll be on the lookout for you, Mysterious ShowOff Avenger!

twinklescrapbooks - welcome!!! So nice to have you here!! I'm ready for summer too and thank you for your kind words on the poem..will you b playing and creatng this week? Either way I'm thrilled to meet you

KaTie said...

I just finished my first 'flicker of imagination' creation. 8-D (giant smile!!) And it was imagined through a flicker of imagination for sure... probably while I was dreaming of being somewhere over all those rainbows I was viewing earlier! ;)
I've been working on it for several hours to tweak to my heart's desire and I can't wait to share!

I love the safe haven of TST... whether you're a famous renowned artist or someone who dreams at the craft table in the spare bedroom (that's me) your creations are safe and treasured here.
It's a rare find. :)

Unknown said...

Oh My Natasha - That is one awesome poem - and you so deserve to "show off" - with all the wonderful work you put into this to show off all of us!
You deserve a great big spotlight all of your own!

This is somewhat serendipitous - out buying supplies today - and I just had to have the little firefly beads!!!!!!!!!!! My hands were toooooo full for my bank balance - put some things back, but refused to put back the fireflies!
We shall see what comes!
Have a wonderous one!

LiPeony said...

wonderful picture and poem... I feel both pictures and words can move us equally but different. I also got ideas in my head =D

LadyK said...

Your poem is excellent and very deep. :) I was here earlier today, but wanted to come back before I head off to bed and read it one more time. Now I can sleep on it and let my subconscious be my guide. ;)
Have a great weekend!

BrigaBauble said...

Awesome theme! Now I just need to be struck with inspiration so I can participate for the first time...

Natasha said...

j.US.t chatter - I have to tell you not only am I SO excited to see your creation, I'm excited that you are here sharing your craft, your heart, your thoughts. I'm so honored to have a place where you can safely share your amazing creations...you are a special part of this crew and I'm so very happy you are here :)

lisianblue - thank you so very much! AND you have NO idea how badly I want to see those firefly beads...are you kidding me?? That's awesome...what fun..happy creating :)

Meekiyu - thank you! Does this mean you will be creating a treat this week?? Ooooo I can't wait till Thursday

LadyK - thank you so much...I hope your dreams were filled with tons of insioration after reading the poem...eagerly awaiting your creation

BrigaBauble - how AMAZING would it be to see you participate this week?? Very!! I'm sending every inspirational thought I have your way

ClayItAgain / 12MidnightOils said...

Natasha-
You have just been awarded the Sisterhood Award! To see it go here
http://clayitagain.blogspot.com/
XOXOXOX
Cindi
clayitagain/12MidnightOils
Thank you for inspiring so many each week. I hope to be able to participate soon.

lilacwoman said...

Thank you Natasha for posting your poem and sharing your beautiful heart.

MyThreeSuns said...

My sister is one of your "talented artists", I love the blog and the themes and may be inspired to try myself. We'll see... :)

Natasha said...

ClayItAgain / 12MidnightOils - what an honor! Thank you so much for this award...that is the sweetest thing. Thank YOU for your kindness...I love your name...brilliant and hope you will definitely play soon!!!

lilacwoman - I miss you and will be responding to your email today...thank YOU for being an endless source of inspiration beautiful friend

Natasha said...

MyThreeSuns - welcome!! Who is your sister?? How excting!!!! I'd love to know more about you - do you have a site or shop? What type of work do you do? Oh what fun...I can't wait to learn more!! So glad you have come along...whether you cheer or join in it's so very nice to have you here

giraffelabel said...

MyThreeSuns is my sister! she has been following the blog - through me - and when i told her this weeks theme, she was instantly inspired! the next day i received a picture message from her with what she had made! she makes jewelry and all types of paper products (cards, invitations, party favors). i am trying to get her to open an etsy shop, but for now, she has just been creating things and giving them as gifts, for family, etc. hopefully she will be up and running soon! i am so glad she is here!

Natasha said...

giraffelabel - that's AWESOME! I love that she has been following through you AND that she made a piece!!! I'd dying to see it...will she submit it?? Any artist is free to submit to the Thursday Sweet Treat - you do not need a shop or anything so please tell her to submit! I know I'm not the only one who would love to see her work ...I love the way you support one another...now that's truly inspiring to me!!!! YAY!!

Unknown said...

hehehehe - I had my "flies" mixed up! They aren't firefly beads, they are dragonfly beads!
Wishful thinking I guess!

Natasha said...

lisianblue - dragonflies, fireflies...it's all flies right? And I have no doubt that it will be AMAZING!