For the Love of Bali!

 by Sheryll Bourdain

What is not to love about Ubud, Bali! The people, the scenery, the food, the traditions, the festivals, the sacred daily handmade offerings, and mostly, the love is woven into the fabric of everything they do. 

I had the amazing opportunity to visit the town of Ubud, which is on the Island of Bali, Indonesia. Ubud is a lush, tropical mountain town, tucked away for the lucky ones to experience. Exotic flowers and fragrant smells at every turn, streams, waterfalls, rice patties and temples everywhere. There are under 8,000 people that live there. Most are natives but many are expatriates from all over the world, especially Australia. There are yoga studios everywhere, incredible restaurants including a plethora of vegan selections and a huge, open-air market that sells anything and everything. Oh, do not forget about all the breath taking, traditional live, Legong of Mahabharata, Fire dances, and the enchanting Balinese Gamelan music. Wow, it is just spectacular! 

 

 

The culture is sacred and beautiful on so many levels. Not only do the locals bless everything they sell, but they have a belief that they were put on this island to show the visitors how to love, as was told by many of the indigenous people there.

 

 

This idea is prevalent in the face of this old woman in my photo, that came to me with an open heart, bearing fruit, literally bearing fruit. The natives are taught, that the reason so many people come to visit their special island, is because the Gods want them to teach them love.  

  

 

 

 

 

There is a festival they have annually called, Nyepi. They create several, twenty to thirty foot, incredibly ornate and intricate paper mache and light weight, wood figures to parade down the streets. Some of them are carried by thirty some people. They are spectacles, as you can see in the photos I have provided here. The intent for this festival is to make very scary figures that will scare the evil spirits off the Island. Once the festival is over there is an entire day of complete silence so that the spirits, if any left after the ceremony, will leave, thinking no one is left on the island. During this time of silence, fasting and meditation, no one is allowed to speak or go outside, including the tourists. It is an especially important and sacred tradition that I had the privilege to attend.

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I will never forget the time I spent in this beautiful and magical place. The love that comes out of that country will fill my heart forever, and that, for me, is the essence of life.

 

 

 

 

Painting Rocks Rocks!

 by Dawn Harper 

I started painting rocks as a fun activity to do with my kids. I found out that I was pretty good at painting. I have never been good at art before. I cannot draw. Even my handwriting is messy, so I was surprised to see how easy painting was for me. I am not saying that I am an accomplished artist, but I am pretty proud of my painted rocks. I have no formal training. This was started on a whim and my kids really enjoy the activity. We love finding painted treasures and hiding new one. My kids usually give me requested items to paint like cartoon characters or mythical creatures, but I like the dark and unusual myself.

I also love classic rock. I grew up listening to the Rolling Stones, Ozzy Osborne, Kiss, and Queen. When I listen to music it is always classic rock and roll. So I thought it would be funny to make my own “Rock Band.” Meaning, painted rocks of rock bands. Get it? I started painting some of my favorite bands and I have slowly expanded my collection. I also collect dark and morbid curios. I love skulls and all things gothic and unusual. So, I decided to paint some popular characters as voodoo dolls. I hope you enjoy my collection.

I painted my favorite bands that I am slowly adding to. But, I also paint skulls, dragons, dinosaurs, and horror related themed items. I usually have a ton of rocks for Halloween. I turned some of my favorite movie characters into voodoo dolls which I find humorous. This collection is mine. They are my favorites, and I don’t want to hide them. However, I do re-paint these characters from time to time to share. So, if you are out and about and you see a spooky rock painting, I hope you think of me and smile.