Oh, How the Feathers Flew!
April 28, 2017
A Jay ventured into an area with some peacocks during molting season. There were lots of feathers on the ground, but the feathers started to fly after the precocious jay tried to re-purpose some of the discarded plumage by tying them to his tail and head. He thought himself quite a sight and strutted towards the peacocks with great swagger.
Disheartened, the Jay was compelled to return to his own kin-birds. Design by Meredith Eliassen, 2017.
As he approached the group, the peacocks quickly recognized the cheat and plucked his borrowed plumes. Disheartened and naked (they removed some of his feathers as well), the Jay was compelled to return to his kin-birds. However, as the other Jays observed his behavior from a distance, they were equally annoyed.
Turning their backs to the Jay, the understanding among all the birds was clear: it is not only fine feathers that make fine birds.
Aesop’s Great and Little Fishes
April 27, 2017
It’s never wise to compare yourself to others.
Fish design by Meredith Eliassen, 2017.
Earlier in the day, a fisherman was drawing up a net from the sea that was full of all sorts of fish. While the big fish were all caught and hauled into the ship, a little fish escaped through the net mesh and swam back into the deep. As he crossed paths with more big fish, the little fish was grateful that his seeming insignificance was actually his safety net.
Ribet, ribet… It’s Earth Day!
April 22, 2017
Inspired by Zuni carving, this design is by Meredith Eliassen, 2017.
Frog sings the songs that summon the rains to our earth and cleanse and purify the soul as well as replenish harmony.
Frog Replenish Harmony Notecard
Introducing the hummingbird warrior
April 21, 2017
Inspired by a Native American kachina doll motif, this design of a hummingbird warrior is by Meredith Eliassen, 2017.
The hummingbird warrior resides with each of us – the courage to fly in any direction: forwards, backwards, up and down, even as we appear motionless. Darting here, there, and everywhere this warrior embodies paradox that surfaces joy and love.
For Ian.
Don’t Rush Flowertime…
April 20, 2017
Inspired by a Native American bear carving, this design is by Meredith Eliassen, 2017.
Bear has the ability to hibernate, the capacity to quiet the mind to digest life experiences. The power of introspection throughout winter seeking the sweetness of truth bears fruitage throughout flowertime.
Aesop’s The Tortoise and the Hare
April 12, 2017
Aesop’s fable of the Tortoise and the Hare designed by Meredith Eliassen, 2017.
The Hare boasted of his speed within a congregation of animals: “I’ve never been beaten when I run at my full speed.” Then he put forth a challenge to all of his animal friends: “Does anybody care to race me today?”
The tortoise quietly stepped forward: “I accept your challenge.”
The Hare hopped up with delight: “That’s a joke? I could dance around you the whole way and still beat you!”
The Tortoise modestly responded: “Keep your boasting until you finish the race.” She glanced at the other critters with a curious grin: “You’re on.”
Soon a course was fixed and a start was made. The Hare darted forth at once and disappeared around a bend. Then paused to wait for the others to arrive… showing his contempt for the Tortoise and lay down to take a nap.
The Tortoise plodded on and on, patiently, carefully. The Hare awoke to see her just at the finish line and could not run fast enough to save the race.
All of the animals observed that plodding wins the race.
Aesop’s Tortoise and the Hare postcard
Unity Birds for Survivors’ Hub Series
April 11, 2017
Sometimes life brings challenges that require us to go out into the world to seek help… in doing that we pass sign posts of our lives and meet people on a shared path that nobody expected to take… on that path much good can be found if one looks upwards and beyond the immediate situation. The “Survivors’ Hub” series came out of my need to do art… the designs are simple, and the textures are meditations. As I shared them with folks on my path, they understood…
Surviving requires unity of thought, purpose, and action despite adversity. The three birds in flight symbolize spiritual unity that brings healing individually and collectively. Design by Meredith Eliassen, 2017.
Survivors’ Hub Unity Birds Postcard
“Survivor. I stumbled, fell, I cried, why, Abba! You lifted me, showed me who I was meant… to be… one step at a time.”
Nursery Rhyme
April 6, 2017
“One, two, three, four, five. I caught a fish alive. Why did you let it go? It bit my finger so.” Design by Meredith Eliassen, 2017.
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