Shadowdancer 

39 creative works found

• A Walk in the Clouds
  by ShadowDancer

  a glide / through iridescent softness / cruising through delicate cirrus clouds

• ShadowDancer's Childhood Dreams Series
  by ShadowDancer

  Photo 1-the golden field where childhood runs away with the sun...

  Photo 1-the golden field where childhood runs away with the sun / Photo 2-a pocket full of honeysuckle silk Those of you that are familiar with me know that I’m a first and foremost a writer, but I do like to dabble in photography. The last few weeks I’ve been working on a series of photos of my children, learning the ropes of Photoshop. I’ve been keeping them to myself but my husband has encouraged me to post them up for others to see. Childhood is such a precious time – so many beautiful moments, and yet it goes by ever so quickly. We’re then left with fragments of memories…. textures, colors, flavors, emotions… This is the overall idea I want to convey with these photos: the innocence, dreaminess, and fleeting aspects of childhood. So over the next week(s) you’ll see some of the photos from the series. I made a lot – trying to take advantage of my millions of family photos. I’ll be posting my favorites and would love your feedback – critique and advice is welcome! Love and peace, / Pj

• 

  the golden field where childhood runs away with the sun
  by ShadowDancer

  “Childhood Dreams” Series “There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again.” / Elizabeth Lawrence

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  a pocket full of honeysuckle silk
  by ShadowDancer

  “Childhood Dreams” Series There is a part of childhood that becomes stamped in your soul and you will always carry with you.

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  she paints the world pastels, the color of her dreams
  by ShadowDancer

  “Childhood Dreams” Series A child’s gift is that they are not limited by logic and rules; this why their dreams are painted hues of rainbows and their world smells of cotton candy. They can break barriers and enter a realm of dreams and visions that adults long for.

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  she sees flowers on the moon and can smell the stars
  by ShadowDancer

  “Childhood Dreams” Series Today I was thinking about a child’s imagination. Some people say that children are happier because they have less responsibilities, no bills, no dreaded job to go to, no relationship worries… But perhaps they are happy because their imagination allows them to be more free.. it tosses aside worries (yes, they have them) and opens their eyes to the world. Not only does imagination take them to other worlds created by magic in their hungry minds, but it opens them up to see the things that have become invisible to adult eyes. So perhaps, just perhaps, if adults recapture the imagination they accidentally left behind, they too can see orchids on the moon and smell the lilac-covered luminaries.

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  Graffiti of the heart
  by ShadowDancer

  Today my son Brayden rushed around on his way to school. We have been out of town, staying up late, being off schedule… the perfect ingredients for a cranky 10 year old. In his rush his attitude was a bit rough, complaining and being his cranky self. In all honesty that kind of attitude makes me want to ‘knock’ the attitude out of him. I heard him walk to the front door, turn the knob, but the door didn’t open. Instead I heard sneakers running up the stairs to my bedroom. “Mom, I’m sorry I was cranky and rude to you.” Blink. “Well, thank you for acknowledging that Brayden. Have a great day at school and I love you.” “I love you too. And I know being tired isn’t a good excuse for being mean to you.” A silent smile went from my face to his, and the quick footsteps went tapping down the stairs. I had already been looking at this photo when this happened. In fact, I was looking at this boy looking all ‘gangsta’ in his pose, wondering what kind of reflection I could share about it. Thoughts of a boys way of expression and attitude just weren’t making sense. But as my growing-up-too-fast boy walked out of the house on his way to school, I looked at this picture in a different way. I had photoshopped this picture with the intentions of matching his ‘cool’ stance. But what I see now is a photo of my boy, on the verge of his journey towards becoming a man. I see the graffiti stamped all over as symbols of the messages we stamp on our children each day. You see, Brayden is too much like me, really. He has big everything, big feelings, big ideas, big dreams. When he feels something, he never feels it just a little, everything is a volcano. When he experiences something, it soaks into the core of his little self and becomes absorbed into who he is. His father, who I have been divorced from for many years, became a drug addict in the last few years. He lost his best friend last year, his cousin Hillarie. He lost his second mom, his grammy, also. His heart has been filled with alot of disappointments in life the last few years. He deals with a mixed family; a father from another country and 2 baby siblings quickly added to the mix. He also suffers from ADHD. He wears these life stresses on his back. They rear their ugly head when he has had a bad day or lack of sleep. He never complains about them. They are his silent stalkers. Knowing what he has been through, and being the mom I am, I have worked so hard to replace each disappointed with double amounts of love, support, and trust. I know I can’t remove the bad things, but I also know I get to leave impressions too. Graffiti of the heart. This is why I look at my little man with such pride. This morning wasn’t an exception. I’m told often what a special boy he is. He has a deeper understanding of life than his peers. He is the kind of boy that just has that spark in his eye, a sign of wisdom beyond age. Everyone that meets him is affected by him, not in a ‘he is cute’ way, but in a profound way. He is a straight A student, in two gifted programs, helps me with charities, is the best big brother to the babies, and shows affection without being embaressed in front of his friends. When I look at this man in the making, still a boy but wise, my doubts of being a good mom subside. I know I am not the only one that contributes to who Brayden is, but he knows I am his rock. I will always be there for him, loving him, and it helps him face those stalkers he carries on his back. When he succeeds, or plain acts wonderful like his apology and acknolwedgement this morning, he is showing the positive messages that I and others stamped on his sweet soul. It has been my greatest life lesson, and the biggest piece of graffiti on my own heart.

• 

  the other me
  by ShadowDancer

  i don’t always have long curly black hair… sometimes a girl just has to change it up.

• 

  reflections....
  by ShadowDancer

  you are a mirror, in a way, reflecting back to me my very soul; but it is not the soul of yesterday that cried bloody tears and fended off the images with fingers numbed from cold, it is my soul as it could be, a fledgling gathering for flight / crying out with fierce hungers and wings that tremble for the wind to come and lift me skyward to the purity of freedom…. self-portrait

• "Boiling Point" featured in "Freedom in Words" - Thanks so much!
  by ShadowDancer

  Thank you to the hosts of Freedom in Words EAWilliams, linaji, and RobertMatthe…

  Thank you to the hosts of Freedom in Words EAWilliams, linaji, and RobertMatthews. I greatly appreciate that you valued my poem Boiling Point enough to add it to your featured section. Much love, / Patty Jo

• A Months Worth of Thanks
  by ShadowDancer

  As of late my participation on the bubble has been rare as I got caught back up in the responsibilities of the real world. While my life …

  As of late my participation on the bubble has been rare as I got caught back up in the responsibilities of the real world. While my life changes have been positive for my family, there is an empty little spot on my soul that is thirsting for that little red dot. The few times that I’ve hid in a quiet corner to churn out a group of words that had been sitting on my tongue for far too long, I was reminded of the radiance within myself that writing and being a member of redubble brings. I miss each and every one of my friends on here that I have made, and I get so insanely panicked when I think about all the gloriously inspirational art that I must be missing on a daily basis. Thank you as always for the support. I hope you all know how much healing that has been given to my soul since I’ve been a part of this community. For those of you that might want to see (and for my journaling purposes) here are my features from my scant postings this last month: paramnesia was featured in Freedom In Words and ART dandelions dance within her curls was featured in THE SISTERHOOD Tear It Out – #3 was featured in Core [C.O.R.E] Buried was featured in Up & Coming Writers plowing was featured in THE SISTERHOOD Art of Flesh was featured in The Passion of Couples *you are my beacon at dusk, when the worlds colors change was featured in Freedom In Words Much Love, / PJ

• Merci Beaucoup, Many Thanks - 3 more features
  by ShadowDancer

  It’s been such a busy week on the bubble. I’ve enjoyed so many things and plan on posting another journal discussing the things on here t…

  It’s been such a busy week on the bubble. I’ve enjoyed so many things and plan on posting another journal discussing the things on here that have moved and inspired me. That said, I want to give much thanks for the features I’ve received the last few days. My poem Of Men Behind Me was featured in both The Beauty of Poetry Group and Lifeline. Thanks so much to these groups that give so much exposure to writers. My photo “The Turquoise Door” was featured in Vibration in Art & Verse – Vavoom. This group is hosted by one of the best group of writers/artists on the bubble, Lina, Lisa, Shoaib and Cassidy.

• ShadowDancers Journey on the Bubble - Journal 1
  by ShadowDancer

  The journey that I have taken on the bubble has been one of illumination, inspiration, and empowerment. I have traveled inside the minds …

  The journey that I have taken on the bubble has been one of illumination, inspiration, and empowerment. I have traveled inside the minds of others, zoomed in on otherwise unnoticeable things in ways that make them spectacular, seen places in this world I have never been to, and even trekked to other galaxies. Every time I visit I am taken to other-worlds that wrap themselves around my heart. Since I am in a nostalgic mood, I thought I would begin this walk down the rainbow-hued paths of the Bubble by remembering some of the first art and artists that I came across. You may have seen some or all of them yourself, but they are all magnificent works in their own right, and deserve to be revisited from time to time. So please, relax, and put on your best walking shoes. The very first piece of work I ever marked as a favorite is by a wonderfully talented artist Al Neaimi . His whole portfolio blew my mind; it is full of complex designs, patterns, and textures, coupled with a depth of understanding on humanity. The first piece that I favorited is still my favorite of his works. The piece, along with his writing about the image, stirred so many emotions inside of me – this is my favorite part of his message: “Throughout your WONDERFUL Journey of ENLIGHTENMENT remember to pause and refresh, and look around: you will be Splendidly impressed with what you see.” . Another one of my first favorite images quickly led to one of my favorite painters. Her work is so lifelike I keep waiting to see their breath. Many of you may recognize her by her signature butterflies she beautifully implants on each picture. Alice McMahon White and this is the image I was enamored with. This painting portrays Marilyn in such a beautiful way, she looks so woman and raw, like we are seeing her as she wakes up from a wonderful dream rather than the pinup version she pretended to be. “Land of the Elves” is a fitting title for a look into a world frosted over with perfect white-blue snow straight from heaven. / MarianaEwa took the photograph many wait a lifetime to take. . “Amongst the Fog” is an image that reminded me of the beauty in imperfection. It is a stunning photograph of some lone red flowers, somewhat imperfect, yet beautiful in their own right. The artist, Julie Thomas, has a great portfolio. . F. Magdalene Austin is another magnificent painter on the Bubble. My favorite work of hers, and let me say it is SO hard to narrow it down, is called “Eyes Like a River”. This image of a woman’s tears speaks volumes to my soul. It made me feel like she was crying for all of sisterhood. While she is soaking in sadness, I somehow feel uplifted when I see her face. . Another instant favorite for me was by digital artist Dylan Murphy. His specialty is self-portraits and each piece is evocative and thought-provoking. I could stare at each one for silent eternities. The first one I came across, however, is “Let it Out”. Funny how we tend to come across things as we need them. When I found this piece it was at a time when I had been suppressing and bottling up a lifetime of emotions – it was the perfect antidote for me. In fact, I never told Dylan, but it inspired one of the first poems I had written in years, called Fear of Expression. ntherapy took me to a place of nostalgia and dreams with “my mothers house”. This is a perfect example of how a photograph of something so normal, so simple, can bring a rush of feeling from the tips of our toes, up our spinal cord, and into our minds where it will reside for an eternity. Just one glance at this photo and I feel a light Ozark breeze and smell my mothers homemade pecan pie, coffee brewing, and hear the songs she used to sing when I was a child – the same ones she sings to my own children now. . Paris is a city after many artists heart. I have been lucky enough to see this magnificent city, but no stay is ever long enough. Leia managed to conjure up some magical orange pixie dust and transform the usual Eiffel Tower photo into something from another planet. This is my all-time favorite photo of this awe-inspiring landmark. Susan Duffey has a wonderful bubble page full of paintings of trees and flowers and nature. I really love her work. One of my favorite pieces of hers is from a series on trees of the seasons. “Winter Trees” is both icey and inviting at the same time. The hues of blue that she used, the shapes of the trees, and the ‘ice’ affects she used are superb. It makes me reach for a cup of hot cocoa every time. Here is the very first piece of writing that I put on my favorites list. It’s by a beautifully talented writer Rebekah Anderson and it’s called I Breathe. Again, so appropriate for the kind of message that I needed to hear at the time I read it. It’s a beautiful reminder to appreciate life – every breath we take is significant. Please click the link and read this profound piece of work. You’ll be glad you did, as was I. The other piece of writing I wish to share is from the most talented and RedBubble staple PJ Ryan. It’s called Spider Legs and so captivated me I read it over and over again. Here is a tidbit: You have crawled inside of me at night through the doorway of dreams and you hang around for longer than you know you should and we kiss and talk and roll around in yesterdays and tomorrows. Hint – you’ll wish for a toothpick afterwards. That’s it for now fellow dreamers. I’d love to hear your feedback on whether you think this bit was worth the read. Please be patient with me as I get through some of the older works before I start sharing new material and new artists. I really want to give credit to those that have affected me through this voyage my soul has taken. Much thanks and love, / Patty Jo

• Call out - Why Join the EMI Group
  by ShadowDancer

  Hi everyone, this is a plug to promote the group that I am now co-hosting called EMI – The Group...

  Hi everyone, this is a plug to promote the group that I am now co-hosting called EMI – The Group. EMI is an e-zine for the arts. It was featured in one of the recent RedBubble community news announcements. Here is the Earthmonster E-zine link. Have a look! EMI features the top photography, graphic design, writing, and fine arts in their monthly EMI e-zine, and their new daily blog INK. I’d love to see you guys join and start contributing, and possibly even get featured. Hope to see you there!! Pj

• ShadowDancers RedBubble Journey - October 30, 2009
  by ShadowDancer

  “To a true artist only that face is beautiful which, quite apart from its exterior, shines with the truth within the soul.” ~Gandhi On…

  “To a true artist only that face is beautiful which, quite apart from its exterior, shines with the truth within the soul.” ~Gandhi One of the things that struck a chord with me from the beginning were the beautiful variations of art depicting the human face. It takes amazing talent to be able to give a soul to a painting/photo. Here are a few that I favorited in my beginning time on the bubble. David Vanderpool created this marvelous pencil drawing of a man in a turban. You can see in this piece of art that this man has lived a hundred lives in one, and I enjoy so much the smile on his face. / fursid tells a compelling story simply with a close-up of an old mans face. This is truly one of the most amazing photographs I have seen of a person. Each time I look at him I feel like I can swim in the vast experiences he has lived through. / Sue Nueckel blew me away with her delicately beautiful photo of a woman with such intense eyes they could stop the tides from the moon. It’s such a spectacularly feminine photo, I was very touched and could stare it at for hours. Her whole portfolio is incredible – check it out. / Lorenzo Castello translated a hijabi woman onto canvas with a mix of oil and magic. I loved that I could see the texture from his paint strokes. Fatima’s eyes are brilliantly bright. I felt as if we were having a secret conversation when I saw this piece. Beautiful work. / Cinquain has to be one of my top charcoal artists. The depth of soul and realistic aspects of each piece blows me away. This is the first image that I came across from this artist. I swear I can feel the breeze that is blowing her hair, and see the light that she is bleeding up into. / April Cowan is another amazing charcoal artist. One look at her portfolio and you’ll be caught up in the magic of her art. This piece has such realism it’s unbelievable that it isn’t a photograph. Her usage of shadows and light really brings her subjects to life. April tops it off with a wonderful quote from ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. / Another person on here that blows me away with the intricacies and passion of faces is Aleci. His portfolio is filled to the brim with amazing pieces of emotions. I always feel as if he has a magic camera and captures a real piece of his subjects soul when he snaps the shutter. He specializes in self-portraits that hypnotize with each emotion he is emitting. / I hope you enjoy these pieces as much as I have. Please take a moment to check out the artists; they all make a huge contribution to RedBubble with their fantastic and diverse talents. Thank you so much for reading my post, and I look forward to continuing this journey together. ShadowDancer You can also visit my blog at touched by fire

• ShadowDancers Favorite Things..... (winter theme)
  by ShadowDancer

  So, it’s nearly winter here in Missouri… we had our first snow a few days ago. Just a dusting but it was like a little love note that a…

  So, it’s nearly winter here in Missouri… we had our first snow a few days ago. Just a dusting but it was like a little love note that autumn is gone. During this time of year I often get nostalgic for things that bring me comfort during the cold few months of winter. Here is a list of things I love about winter: Lit fireplaces / sweaters / hand-made scarves / layering / hot tea / cinnamon / snowboots / snow angels / family / cuddling I’d love for you to add to the list! Please tell me what your favorite things are about winter. :) xxx / Snuggly hugs, / Pj

• ShadowDancers Journey - RedBubble Homepage Gallery
  by ShadowDancer

  The homepage of RedBubble is a daily conversation topic around its community. I just posted a new blog about the homepage, including an…

  The homepage of RedBubble is a daily conversation topic around its community. I just posted a new blog about the homepage, including an interview with Sanne Thijs, the creator of the RedBubble Homepage blog. Please check it out! Pj

• Lightbulb Homepage - courtesy of ShadowDancer
  by ShadowDancer

  ::::giggles with joy:::::: Red chose one of my layouts today for the homepage… awesome awesome artists! !http://images-0.redbu…

  ::::giggles with joy:::::: Red chose one of my layouts today for the homepage… awesome awesome artists!

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  my fragile flowered heart +by shadowdancer and Isa. collaboration+
  by Isa Rodriguez

  the story goes.. that friendships develop over the the simple things. as I was loading this flower that I worked on. it is from my jasmine tree. I was struggling with the words to say… and decide not to publicize it… ♥.. the next minute i go to visit .. patty jo . also known as shadowdancer ..and I read these words that you see here…. i was hooked into the moment of being connected with her poem and with her whom I am getting to know through these magical moments in the red bubble.. here is her poem called My Fragile Flowered Heart thankyou Patty Jo, for letting me place this poem so beautiful here. Like the angel-white petals / of a Jasmine turn towards / the scent of the golden rays / of her sun, I turn to you. / See how her virgin foliage / twists and turns its body / from the cold-hearted shadows / to face anything resembling / the heated fury of her life giver. / I too, feel the pull and stretch / of my existence teetering on / a breaking point. / If you do not quickly cover my / mouth with yours / and allow my green heart / to bask in your glow, your heat, / and bring energy to my anther, / I fear my delicate petals shall / blacken and be blown away / into a nothingness where / memories only once existed. / They shall return to the dry earth / where my flowers were once birthed / in fairy tale dreams, / like a myth that never was / and never should have been.

• the funk is gone and features are awesome
  by ShadowDancer

  thanks to all of you who lent their support and positive encouragement during the funk i had last week. ah well, it was a much needed rep…

  thanks to all of you who lent their support and positive encouragement during the funk i had last week. ah well, it was a much needed reprise apparently, because i feel like i’ve came back at full force. here are some awesome features i am very thankful for these days: my latest poem that i just uploaded yesterday actually found itself on the main redbubble writing page.. never thought that would happen again. my knight, my sculptor, my slayer, a little bit sizzly.. honored to be on that page. wish i knew how writing got there. a continuation from my first poem surrender surrender part 2 shows the same view from the other perspective… it was featured in Immortal Love (btw, i totally dig this group, they have awesome art and fabulous hosts) sometimes i wish i didn’t feel so much was featured in Feminine Intent (another totally fab group here on the bubble focusing on the power of the woman) / and last but not least, my new selective coloring baby today i shall be radiant was featured in rural around the global, a really great group with beautiful rural features… must check it out if you like nature. /

• If you are awesome....
  by Matthew Dawkins

  You will check out this new blog that I will be writing for on occasion. ShadowDancer...

  You will check out this new blog that I will be writing for on occasion. ShadowDancer is the owner, and operator of said blog. Be sure to check out her work and writing. She has asked me to write on occasion to feature some artists and give out some tips, tricks, and advice. I’m greatly honored and humbled that anyone would think of me for that. Hopefully soon you will see my name popping up there. Stay tuned.

• the group all the cool kids are joining
  by ShadowDancer

  Ok you fantastic artists... there is a new group out there that I’m excited to bring to your attention. My baby and creation, along wit…

  Ok you fantastic artists... there is a new group out there that I’m excited to bring to your attention. My baby and creation, along with Matthew Dawkins, the group is called touched by fire. We want you as a member – please join! About This Group touched by fire is inspired by the blog of the same name. This group is open to all genres with a focus on art that very distinctly touches peoples soul and shows a creative and unique voice that inspires and urges us to look at our world in new and exciting ways. The group itself does not have a specific topic, other than the plan to be very selective with its features. We are definitely aiming to pull in higher quality art. (i.e. no casual family photos, silly pet pictures, etc…) We will of course be holding contests which will be theme related. The group is open to all formats of art, including but not limited to writing, photography, graphic design, drawing, painting, and photo manipulation. We will definitely feature our members on our blog frequently. The blog is twittered and getting linked up around the art community – so it’s a great opportunity to get your stuff seen. Another goal of the group will be to bring artistic tips, hints, how-to’s, and help on how to market and sell your art. If you are ready for your art to be seen, and acknowledged, and on the way to being purchased – we hope our group will benefit you. Hope you join and help make this a totally rockin group that benefits its members in a positive, uplifting way!

• pieces of me left like honey
  by ShadowDancer

  This week I had a creative spark that allowed me to leave pieces of me all over the place… and it felt so sweet and harmonious, like fr…

  This week I had a creative spark that allowed me to leave pieces of me all over the place… and it felt so sweet and harmonious, like fresh ambered honey on the tip of the tongue. I had some pieces with great responses, and I cannot express how full of gratitude my heart is for all the wonderful thoughts all of you have left on my pages. The low point was my children losing their great grandmother, a beautiful woman that withheld a strong wonderful family. I wrote a tribute to her here, the light of our grandmother. May her memory always remain alive. My little blog is purring along. Traffic has been increasing, it’s been retweeted and subscribed to and commented on. I’ve immensely enjoyed having the freedom to put my thoughts somewhere and to share with everyone things that truly touch me. I’m very excited that I have a contributing blogger, Mr. Matthew Dawkins. He’s already started blogging away. We both posted several blogs in the last week so if you haven’t lately, please check it out – touched by fire. I also started a new group this week on the bubble that I co-host with Matthew – please check it out here it’s a companion group for the touched by fire blog. EMI, Earthmonster, and INK are also still humming away at featuring great artists. The December edition will be out any minute now. I’ll update you when it’s out. thank you so much to all of you. my features are below. my knight, my sculptor, my slayer was featured in CORE and Immortal Love surrender was featured in The Sensual Word today i shall be radiant featured in – / Feminine Intent / CORE / Imagewriting / Falling Leaves So thank you to each of these groups – Core, Feminine Intent, Imagewriting, Falling Leaves, The Sensual Word, and Immortal Love. It takes a lot of time to keep groups going and healthy, and I appreciate so much the hard work these hosts put into making the bubble a happy healthy place for all. Love, Pj

• 

  Writing to Reach You
  by tkrosevear

  The staff of EMI has been tirelessly working to bring you the best of 2009, in art, writing and clothing… / If you haven’t seen the Ezine , we sure hope you’ll at least peek – maybe even join EMI-the group or MIA ! / Whether it is “Behind the Scenes”, Artist of the Year, 12 lights of Christmas, Naughtie or Nice Newbies, Heartsmart Feasting, Sorce of Light, TK’s Journey and/or 2009’s Writing Wizardry – all these articles are inspired by the beauty, love and sharing of this amazing community, which I’m personally very proud to be a part in. / / Self-portrait edited in photoshop7 ;) PS: I will try my best to catch up now – lol ;)