there was a time after our son’s death in 1999 when I thought I might never make anything again…
all my life I have enjoyed doing things with my hands inspired by creative and busy parents…
several years after Alex’ death I took a class on embossing on velvet with rubber stamps (with thanks to everyone at ARTFULLY SCRIBED in Herndon Virginia… wish they were still in business)…
creating a few accordion books with embossed velvet covers after that class brought me back from the brink and had me headed toward the mixed media life I now enjoy so much…
this time of year with the anniversaries of loved one’s passings and birthdays that they aren’t here to celebrate I have to work extra hard to try and keep my balance and not sink or fade away…
I am so very grateful for the community of creative souls that I get to connect with here and thank each of you for being a part of my healing journey…
(9 x 12″ on watercolor paper)
I am joining Art Journal Journey’s February challenge “If Music Be the Food of Love“ along with Paint Party Friday where I am still a newbie and so happy to feel inspired to play more with paint…
“I see my path, but I don’t know where it leads. Not knowing where I am going is what inspires me to travel it.”
― Rosalía de Castro
(I just noticed this is blogpost #2000 since I started blogging in 2007)
Magpie's Nest ~*~ Patty Szymkowicz 
Perfect song Patty. I’m sad for you and your loss. I’m sure one never gets over the loss of a child. It’s good that you have your many creative pursuits to give you some solace, and satisfaction.
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Dear Patty
You can tell he is always in your heart and soul. The above painting is a beautiful tribute.
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What beautiful art of hope and love. I’m sorry for your loss and I’m glad you’re creating again.
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As so always happens when I read your blog and see your beautiful art, my heart is touched deeply. I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t even begin to imagine the pain and desolation. Today would have been my mother’s 87th birthday; she died when she was only 58. Thank you for sharing your heart through your art and providing the link to a very timely song.
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You are doing such a wonderful job of moving forward, Patty. Phoenix rising. I am a firm believer that Art Heals. It helps in so many ways to bring us back to some balance, albeit a teeter totter. The piece you have created here is very beautiful. The symbolism of the barbed wire together with the music, speak volumes. May The Force be with you, Patty … you have obviously chosen the right path for you. big hugs, Donna
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What a beautiful tribute to your son and yourself. The have made the journey through the unimaginable and still find a way to express and heal your wounded soul . A journey no person should ever have to make but traveled by many . Your art is so touching and powerful. Bless you as you walk your path ♥
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Sending love and hugs to you, dear Patty. A beautiful tribute to those you have loved who are no longer with you. I am so glad you found it possible to create art again. I have been thinking of your sweet Alex of late. xoxo
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I too had a time in life when creativity departed. Truly thought I would never paint again. It was a few years before the heart opened and let some sunshine back in. That was decades ago, but the healing process never ends. We just have to learn to open the door and let that creativity back in. xoxo
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such a touching post and tribute to Alex. It is so difficult to imagine the heartache and loss of especially a child of your own. And yet when you have support and love coming from friends , family, and even strangers one can continue to live-with hope and cherished memories. XO
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I think it’s wonderful when people speak of their deceased loved ones on their blogs! It seems to honour and keep their spirit alive! So sorry for your loss but glad you are finding some solace in the creative community! Beautiful tribute…. love the art and music!
Hugs Giggles
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Your beautiful art is a wonderful way of remembering and healing. This piece is very beautiful, It is so full of love. Thanks for linking to Art Journal Journey, have a good day. Alles Liebe, Valerie
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Art and music – both is a healer for sure! An amazing piece of Mixed Media – absolutely gorgeous and the most wonderful tribute a loving mother can give to her son who is in her heart forever ! The idea that as long as we think of our beloved ones they are alive – always comforts my soul. I am in love with the background you made and with this special blue and with the heart and the symbols you added! Gorgous post and art dear Patty!
I am happy that there are like minded people all over the world and that the modern communication allows to find each other!
Thanks a lot for being with us at Art Journal Journey and ♥♥♥thank you very much for this wonderful piece of art linked to the February collection!
Happy Saturday to you and Mr.Magpie!
oxo
Susi
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A very fitting tribute to Alex, who I know is always in your heart, but even more so and in your head this time of year. Out of the pain has come a fantastic artist who inspires so many of us every day. I know you feel your art community helps you, but you have NO idea how many of us you help, inspire, and make better artists as a result of your mere presence in the art community. Thank you for being you, and rising above the pain..
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This is beautiful Patty. I love all the subtle details and those gorgeous wings. The song is a perfect accompaniment to this piece-Eddie Vedder and Neil Young are both great musicians. Thanks for sharing that, and enjoy the start (and end) of your weekend.
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I have always believed that Art has the power to heal heal the aching heart, that in creating a piece of work we are also creating a part of ourselves that we “give” to the world, to the people in this world and to those who have moved onto another. I love this piece and I’m so very grateful you were able to return to art and share the love that I know fills your heart.
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My dear Patty, my heart aches for you, reading, seeing and listening to this post. The most unbearable sorrow of loosing a child, one have lived many years with, is the worst thing to ever happen for us. I feel you are so strong telling about your sorrow and grief here, and to give it wings to fly, in your art. Of course there have been years ,with not wishing for anything else, than Alex being with you, one way, or the other, and at the same time having to care for your family, filled with sorrow ,too. It takes strength and
love, to go on living ,when such a -“not possible”- thing happens to us, and I know you was -and are loved by the rest of your family.
I`m happy I also had the chance, to know of you, and love you, and your art
,–for me to be here reading , watching and listening to your inner feelings
and for me to hug you from afar.
Loving thoughts from Dorthe
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Most charming mixed-media work that impresses love and peaceful mood.
Wishing you a happy weekend, dear Patty ♥
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God bless you Patty – and your family. I’m so sorry you have had to go through such a horrible thing.
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Such beautiful pages. Art is so very therapeutic. Creating is such a gift. You are so often in my thoughts and prayers this time of year especially.
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A lovely and beautiful tribute to your son Patty. So glad you (and the rest of us) have art to help us move through life.
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I truly love your work this week. So soft and heartfelt. I did not read your post–I have had so much loss recently that I do not want to stir anything up. That being said I am sending hugs and warm thoughts to you. It is so hard to move on. Love. xo
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Sending love to you, dear Patty.
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It is so clear that this is made with love tinged with heart ache and I cannot imagine how a loss like this feels! The music, your words and your beautiful art provide true inspiration! Hugs, Chrisx
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Hi Patty, your pages created from love are so beautiful It’s wonderful that you have art to help keep your balance and your love of life even with the pain of such a great loss. As you know I could say so much more but will just send big hugs for now. Shirleyxxxx
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Oh Patty, I am so glad you discovered how healing art can be. I am still amazed by how my emotions get translated onto the canvas or paper, and how seeing what I created in tough times keeps giving me comfort. I hope all the beautiful things you are creating will keep giving you comfort in these days of heartache. Wishing you lots of strength xxx hugs from Denise
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This is such a beautiful piece of art Patty – it’s so full of love and I’m so sorry for your loss, I can only imagine what you went through.
xxx Hazel.
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Dear Patty, your art and loving spirit brings happiness to many of us.
Best wishes and hope all is well.
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I am so incredibly moved my this post, Patty. Words cannot express…… Thank you for opening your heart to us.
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Ma chère Patty, quel courage, le scrap est vraiment une thérapie, je m’en étais rendu compte depuis longtemps, je suis heureuse qu’il vous ait aidé et l’amitié entre scrappeuse n’est pas un mythe.
Je pense à vous et à Alex.
MAPY
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Dear Patty,
I listened to the song as I read the post and it is perfect. I don’t even imagine to know how you feel,but do know, that I love,admire and respect you dear friend,please,don’t sink or fade away.Lean on us,your friends and art community as well as your loved ones.
You are a beautiful woman and mother and your artwork is the most loveliest tribute for your beloved son,who shall forever be in your heart.
Thank you so very much for sharing such a personal time with us-
much love,Jackie
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Dear Patty, I can’t even imagine your loss! Your artwork is beautiful and I am glad you have your creativity to help you through the tough times. Thinking of you! xoxo Silke
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A wonderful and moving tribute to Alex dear Patty! xxx
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Your post touched my heart, the words, the music and the quote. Art does heal.
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