by Lisa Shea -

Native American Baskets


Photo by Lisa Shea

I took this photo of Native American baskets at the Native American museum in New Hampshire. It is always so inspiring when I go to these museums. We currently live in a world where we buy plastic items and toss them in the trash if they get scratched. We pollute our world.

These baskets take us back to a time where people cared about each item they owned. The items were made by hand to be both beautiful and functional. When the items were done with their life of use, they simply disintegrated back into the soil to nourish it.

by Lisa Shea -

March Irish Marriage Proverb

The luck of the Irish is definitely strong in March! This is the month with St. Patrick’s Day in it!

What do the Irish say about getting married in March?

If you wed when March winds blow,
joy and sorrow both you’ll know.

That is the way of our world. We all face ups and downs. That’s why the wedding vows traditionally say “for better or for worse” – and it’s those downs which make us really appreciate the ups. You know you have a true partner in life when they stick with you even during the rough spots.

So treasure your March wedding and know it’s the way the Irish meant for it to be!

by Lisa Shea -

February Irish Traditional Saying

You might think of February as frosty and snowy, but in Ireland this is a delightful time of year. It’s when all the creatures start thinking spring thoughts – including the birds!

The Irish saying for getting married in February is:

When February birds do mate,
you may wed, nor dread your fate.

No need to dread – February is a wonderful time of year for a wedding! And if you live somewhere snowy, it’s even better, because you have a beautiful sparkling landscape around you to work with. Your love will keep you warm!

by Lisa Shea -

Native American Dolls


Photo by Lisa Shea

Nearly every culture has dolls and figurines as part of its tradition. These types of items serve many purposes. They help the adults teach history and culture to the younger members. Younger members can role-play with the items to make sense of how they might act in the world. Sometimes they are decorative, to add beauty to a home.

These Native American dolls were seen at the Native American museum in New Hampshire. I love the detailing on them.

by Lisa Shea -

Native American Beaded Baskets


Photo taken by Lisa Shea

These beautiful beaded baskets showcase how Native American art was often both beautiful and practical. Someone spent a great deal of time creating these baskets to hold designs and color. The baskets could be enjoyed visually and also did a good job holding items.

Baskets were seen at the Native American museum in New Hampshire.

by Lisa Shea -

Happy Autumn Equinox

Autumn is a season for counting our blessings. For realizing just how much we have in life where so many others are without. It can often be easy to take things for granted. Things which millions of people desperately dream of having. By pausing for a moment, and looking around with mindfulness, we can find a new center. Begin with fresh energy.

Artwork takes us on this journey of appreciating the beauty in every day. The shimmering violet of a flower’s petal. The rich glow of autumn foliage. The masterpiece of a luminous sunset.

Poetry shimmers with vision. The delicate parasol of Queen Anne’s lace. The coy flirtations of a luminous moon. The charcoal tears of raindrops in dust.

Fiction draws us in to worlds which could easily be our own. A grandmother whose memories gambol and fade. A woman who relives the fears of a long-distant past. A young man who treasures every day he has left to him.

Non-Fiction invites us into a fellow traveler’s world. A woman meets her adopted daughter for the first time. A brother comes to terms with the untimely passing of a beloved sister. A woman’s life takes a detour which strengthens her courage. A young girl survives a tragic accident and realizes she’s lucky to be alive.

We are all on this big blue marble for the fleetest of moments. A few whirls around a star and our journey is complete. There is so much to treasure in every day. There are so many fellow humans we can gently touch and lift up. If only with a smile – if only with a kind word.

Namaste.

Enjoy our latest issue of our Mused Literary Review –

http://www.bellaonline.com/review/

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