An Artist's Mission of Love

“As an artist you need inspiration. I draw all of my work from the inspiration that I receive. Where does the inspiration come from? It can come from a relationship where you loved someone, or it can come from someone who's passed away, it can come from a traumatic experience one had in life, or just the actual beauty of life.”
~Liam Herbert, Sculptor

Sedona, Arizona Sculptor Liam Herbert's slender, angular wood carvings and limited edition bronze sculptures flow with inspiration, diversity, and beautiful expressions of love. His art explores the human conditions, such as fear, anger, grief, hope, faith, and love. Liam's hands are led by his heart and soul, and he believes his mission as an artist is to share the insight and inspiration he receives, so others may grasp a greater meaning to their own purpose in life.

Liam has been sculpting for fifty years and his art includes bronze, wood, and mixed media sculptures, and his latest, a jewelry collection. He has put together a series of twenty short videos of his sculpting processes.

In 1995 we commissioned Liam to do an angel for our yard. Here are photos of “Soaring Angel.”

Here are his short videos. There are three you may want to watch, one on Inspiration, one on Wood Sculpture Process, and one on Sculpting With Clay, but you may love to watch all of them. I enjoyed them all.



View his gallery of sculptures.

~Linda

Fear and Courage and Love

Photograph by Eric Stephens

This book was suggested to me by my psychologist in understanding my own courage. When faced with a serious medical situation, I had fear, fear of the unknown, but somehow I quickly moved beyond those fears. I was optimistic...and I was continually hearing from nearly everyone around me how courageous I was. I didn’t know how else to do it. It seemed natural to acknowledge fear and let it go, but I was told not everyone reacts to a life changing event and challenges in the way I did. I do see that now.

This might not have been a book I would have picked up on my own, but I am finding it rather interesting. One of my late friends admired this man’s work and while living in Sedona I knew a couple of others who had studied his spiritual philosophy. The book is “Courage, The Joy of Living Dangerously,” by Osho, an Indian mystic and spiritual teacher, also known as Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh during the 1970s and 1980s, He had taught Philosophy at a University for a number of years at one time. He took the name of Osho in 1989. I do recall when he was deported from his place in Oregon and sent back to India in about 1987, and there was a lot of rumor and controversy about his “group.” He died in 1990. There is an Osho Foundation in Sedona, Arizona.

This is an excerpt from the opening chapter, What is Courage?:

“Courage means going into the unknown in spite of all the fears. Courage does not mean fearlessness. Fearlessness happens if you go on being courageous and more courageous. That is the ultimate experience of courage—fearlessness. That is the fragrance when the courage has become absolute. But in the beginning there is not much difference between the coward and the courageous person. The only difference is that the coward listens to his fears and follows them, and the courageous person puts them aside and goes ahead. The courageous person goes into the unknown in spite of all the fears. He knows the fears, the fears are there.

“When you go into the uncharted sea, like Columbus did, there is fear, immense fear, because one never knows what is going to happen. You are leaving the shore of safety. You were perfectly okay, in a way; only one thing is missing—adventure. Going into the unknown gives you a thrill. The heart starts pulsating again; again you are alive, fully alive. Every fiber of your being is alive because you have accepted the challenge of the unknown.

“To accept the challenge of the unknown, in spite of all fears, is courage. The fears are there, but if you go on accepting the challenge again and again, slowly, slowly those fears disappear. The experience of the joy that the unknown brings, the great ecstasy that starts happening with the unknown, makes you strong enough, gives you a certain integrity, makes your intelligence sharp. For the first time you start feeling that life is not just a boredom but an adventure. Then slowly, slowly fears disappear; then you are always seeking and searching for some adventure.

“But basically courage is risking the known for the unknown, the familiar for the unfamiliar, the comfortable for the uncomfortable, arduous pilgrimage to some unknown destination. One never knows whether one will be able to make it or not. It is gambling, but only the gamblers know what life is.” ~Osho

It takes a lot of energy to be caught up in fear, in negativity, in a depressed state. I am always reminded of the words of the late Psychiatrist, Author and Radio and Television personality, David Viscott, M.D., "If we each used our feelings as a guide to reach the path for becoming our highest selves, we would at least be on the way to finding fulfillment in our own life, and the greater world would begin to make sense." That is from Viscott's excellent book, The Language of Feelings. He also wrote:

"The light you are seeking is inside. The light is life, is love, is you. Find it, nurture it, share it. To seek it is to take part in the infinite." ~David Viscott, M.D.

~Linda

Is It Meant to Be? Intuition vs. Will

“Intuition will tell the thinking mind where to look next.” ~Jonas Salk (1914-1995)

Is it meant to be? Is it not meant to be? Is the time right? Is it destiny?

Disappointments are part of life. What are the emotional lessons, and how can we transcend negativity, and transform emotionally negative emotions into something better? How can we use our innate intuition to guide us on our path?

Psychiatrist and Intuitive Judith Orloff, M.D. gives an interesting prospective into empowering ourselves.

~Linda

Never Too Late for Education, 92 Year-old Graduate

“The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds, unlike our bodies,
can continue growing as long as we live.”
Mortimer Adler , American Philosopher, Educator (1902-2001)

This past week I heard about a 92-year-old woman who received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from California State University at Sacramento. According to school officials she may be the oldest graduate in the school’s history.

Weekly, for the last two years, Estelle Rees Arroyo would drive the 120 mile round trip from her home in Grass Valley to a Sacramento motel where she would stay will attending classes.

When asked why she had decided to attend college Estelle said, “I was watching too much TV. I decided if I kept it up my mind was going to go to mush.”

Her age often served as an advantage, according to Estelle, and earned her politeness from other students who thought she was an instructor, but she suspects her professors weren’t always thrilled to have her in their class. She said, “I think I spoke up too much in class because the teacher would get on something I had lived through.”

As Estelle reminds us, “It is never too late.”

She’s delightful. See a video interview of her here.

~Linda

Expanded Spiritual Awareness

Walt Whitman, among the greatest poets of our times, obviously was highly sensitive to inspiration from the spiritual realm. His epic work, Leaves of Grass, serves as the title piece of an extraordinary collection of his inspired works which emerge, finally as a self-portrait of the poet and his universal images of reality. The work presents numerous references to the immortality of the soul and, in particular, to reincarnationist thought.

In Song of Myself, written in 1855, Whitman begins the opening verse with this striking understanding:

"I celebrate myself, and sing myself,
And what I assume you shall assume,
For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you."

* * * * *

Below is an Excerpt from my book, Whispers From the Soul: The Divine Dance of Consciousness by Don and Linda Pendleton.


ENGINES OF AWARENESS

Until modern science captured the human imagination on this planet, the engine of understanding was fueled by poets and philosophers, musicians and magicians, and other forces which unbridled human creativity. From the earliest recorded histories of mankind, the finer essences of human growth have been set free by the common assumption that our world is the abode of powerful spiritual forces with which we become intimate and join with them in the divine dance.

However, since every force within the natural world also seems bent into a common need for survival, the greatest fear of all is that death lurks behind every bush, and pain behind every joy. Since also it seems that the instinctive drive for procreation places us in an ever widening pool of activities which relate us all to one another inseparably, the common dilemma for every form of animate life is that every contact with every other life is undertaken at great risk. If love is woven into the very fabric of human consciousness, then the entire life experience continually intermingles us all into common bonds of joy and peril. It is that dance which has created and sustains the human experience on Planet Earth. Perhaps this is why there is no joy without some sorrow, no exaltation without some frustration, no growth without some pain.

It is clearly remarkable, then, that the human family has made such incredible strides forward instead of being engulfed by fears and competitions. If it is true that this universe was created some twenty billion years ago, as recognized by earth time, then the human presence on Planet Earth has been brief, indeed, and our species mere babes of the universe. The wonder is not, as some have said, that we have not blown our planet asunder by now but that we have developed the ability to do so and the wisdom, so far, not to. Obviously something more important than mere survival and more enthralling than mere power is moving the creative imaginations of humanity. Could it be true, then, that love is the magical ingredient? If not for love, then why do we put up with any of it and continue to believe that something more important than our own selfish needs and desires is at the root of this constant striving?

For all of us it seems that the need to understand and the willingness to seek our own destinies are the most powerful and moving forces behind existence itself. That drive did not begin in this century or any other but is that which drives the universe and empowers all sentient life. There were shamans and priests long before scientists, seers and soothsayers eons before physicians, oracles before preachers. All of the ancients spoke of a knowledge and wisdom beyond time and gifts beyond anything a materialistic awareness may envisage.

Our Twentieth Century equivalent of an expanded awareness will be found among the psychics, healers, mediums, astrologers, psychometrics and various others who tap into the spiritual dimensions of consciousness. But these special gifts of spiritual awareness need not be theirs alone. It may be possible for each of us, in our own way, to benefit from and enjoy the divine threads of the spiritual connection that links us all, through this dimension or another. Perhaps we need only to reach for and accept what has been ours from the beginning.

© Copyright 2003, 2009 by Linda Pendleton. All Rights Reserved.

* * * * *

~Linda

Soul Lessons

"The whole of life, from the moment you are born
to the moment you die, is a process of learning."
–Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895–1986)

As we age, most of us can look back at our lives and recall the emotional reaction we may have had to an event and now realize that our reaction may seem to have been inappropriate. Was it inappropriate, or, for instance, were we then looking at our world through the eyes of a young child? Why would we expect the reaction of a child to have been any different than it was? We cannot now judge the reaction of that child we once were with our adult eyes. But how often do we do that to ourselves? Isn’t more logical to believe that in the past we were doing the best we could under the given circumstances, even with our immaturity, lack of world experience, irrational thinking, or even as the victim of abuse, real or imagined? The important thing to understand is that the past cannot be changed and when we hold onto it, it pulls us down and does not allow us the freedom to move forward with joy and passion.

Have we come into life to experience certain lessons and to grow from these? Are some of these lessons predestined, chosen by ourselves at some soul-level, to be experienced in this lifetime? Are these lessons part of our soul-growth?

~Linda

Life Lessons

“Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself
and now that everything in life has a purpose.”
~Elisabeth Kübler-Ross (1926–2004)

Have you ever wondered if life here on earth is an opportunity for lessons to be learned? In other words, is earth simply a school for learning? Are we here to have many, many experiences that allow us new spiritual understandings as we journey through life?

Surely, there is no denying that life gives us many challenges, many surprises, and lots of opportunity to learn from our misconceptions, our mistakes, or from our emotional reactions to events. It seems that spiritual and mental growth is the main objective of life. Of course, we may not always accept an experience or event as necessary to our growth. But the result, most often, is that we do learn more about ourselves after such life experiences.

We also learn from others as we observe how they move through events in their lives. Even with the most traumatic of occurrences, some are able to move quickly through the trauma and go on.
How do people achieve that? I believe it comes from an inner-strength that we all have. Often we are not aware that we do possess that kind of strength within us and we may not even discover it until we are put to the challenge of having to deal with some kind of devastating event. It is at those times that we must believe in ourselves and trust that we can indeed do what we need to do.

“Sit in reverie and watch the changing colors of the waves
that break upon the idle seashore of the mind.”
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882)

~Linda

Power of Communication and Sharing

"If something comes to life in others because of you,
then you have made an approach to immortality."
~Norman Cousins (1912-1990)

We never know when something you say to another may be life changing words or may give a person a new perspective, even after 50 years. And when that happens, it makes the heart feel warm and joyous.

I know.

~Linda

Resistance Creates Stress

"Change is not stressful. Resistance to change creates stress." ~Gary Zukav, Author

My granddaughter working out when she was young. 

Friday morning I was at my physical therapy gym for my normal workout. I try to go three times a week for at least an hour or two. My more than fourteen months of three-hour sessions twice a week of physical therapy and gait training ended in February, and now I am on my own with an overview from my excellent therapist, John.

One of the other physical therapist was instructing her female patient of thirty years of age or less. I believe the woman was there for a shoulder problem from what I could tell. I could also tell from the energy this patient was putting out that she was not a very enthusiastic patient, nor a woman with a very optimistic view of life. In fact, I was on the mat table, and I was not too pleased when she sat down not far from my legs as I could feel her negativity. I have to laugh at that comment “my legs” as I am a below the knee amputee of my left leg, and wear a prosthetic, the reason for fourteen months of great physical therapy.

Anyway, the physical therapist was trying to cheer her patient by telling her about The Secret and the Law of Attraction. She told her it is not good to use the word can’t, or other negative terms of defeat. She told her it’s like driving down the street thinking every signal light will be red, and sure enough the universe hears that, and you will be stopping at all the lights along the way. She also told her if you decide your husband will be laid off from his job without any factual knowledge that it might occur, that again sets up a negative thought sent out to the universe.

I’m not sure the therapist’s message sunk in with this patient, but the therapist said to me, “Isn’t that right, Linda.” I said “Yes, it sure is. You have to be optimistic.” The woman looked over her shoulder at me, and I just smiled. She was still frowning.

Some get it, some don’t. 



“If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought.” ~Mildred Lisette Norman, The Peace Pilgrim, Peace Activist, 1892-1971






~Linda

Gardens of Love

"Enflower the pathway of humanity with the beautiful in life;

plant gardens of love in unhappy bosoms."~Dr. James Martin Peebles, 1869

~Linda

My First Blog Award

I received my first Blog award: One Lovely Blog Award. It was presented to me by California Girl at Woman of a Certain Age Blog. A Blog I very much enjoy and I’m sure you will, too. She received her award from Listen To Auntie.

I will be passing the award on to a few Blogs from my Favorite List. So please give them a visit and I’m sure you will enjoy their Blogs, also.

A Tidings of Magpies

One Soul’s Journey

Psychic Connections

Robert Frost’s Banjo

Adventures in Nature

There are no rules with acceptance of this award, expect to share with others.

Thanks, California Girl....

~Linda

"Different Drummers For Different Folks."

“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” ~Confucius (c.551-479 B.C.)

I read some comments today about the use of the phrase “It is what it is.” Not all commenting saw the meaning of the phrase in a positive light. Some referred to it as being lazy, or depressing, and I suppose some took it to mean surrendering and giving up.

I don’t see it like that. When I use it, I’m using it as a positive statement. But then again, I often see everything in a positive and optimistic way. I really don’t know how to do it much differently. It’s the way I am. As I have read Adam Lambert of American Idol fame, say, "I am who I am." I like that. It’s nice Adam has figured that out at such a young age. I believe I spent a number of years of my life being more of who others thought I should be. And I refuse to do that anymore. Not everyone in my life may like it. But I do, and that is where it counts.

“You cannot please everybody, but to those souls who cross your path, give kindness and love.” ~Paramahansa Yogananda (1893-1952)

I have used the phrase “It is what it is,” of late, but in my use I am acknowledging and understanding that some things we cannot change, but we can only change our perception and reaction. And also some things just don’t matter and are not worth wasting energy on, worry, anxiety. And that can be a challenge. So for me personally, there is nothing at all negatively intended by using that phrase, It is what it is. I can’t help but think of the Serenity Prayer:

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
~Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)

“Change your thoughts and you change your world.” ~Norman Vincent Peale (1898-1993)

I’m also reminded of the phrase, “rollin’ with the flow.” Not the flow of a follower of public opinion or whatever, but the follower of the flow of life, moving forward and not stuck, and doing it in a special and unique way.

“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.” ~Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

I know I’ve often heard a different drum beat. What about you?

Charlie Rich singing Rollin’ With the Flow

~Linda

Tinker Bell, the Flying Dog and Lorrie, the Pet Psychic

Photo of Tinker Bell by Mark Hicks, Detriot News

Tinker Bell, a six pound Chihuahua, came up missing from a Waterford Township, Michigan Flea Market and it wasn’t the fleas who took Tinker Bell away, but a 70 mile an hour wind picked her up.

Her owners, 72 year old Lavern and Dorothy Utley were devastated after the dog’s disappearance on Saturday and the search by volunteers combing the area were unable to find her.

But a third generation psychic/medium came to the rescue with the help of a Michigan radio station. On Monday, Detroit-area radio station WKQI (95.5-FM) became involved in the search and contacted pet psychic Lorrie, who had helped the station in the past. Lorrie was sure Tinker Bell was alive and well and wandering on higher ground in the woods. She told the Utleys to return to a wooded area nearly a mile away from the flea market and "look up."

Lavern said volunteers had previously searched a low-lying swamp at that location, but not the wooded hilly area behind it. As he was climbing those hills calling his dog, Tinker Bell came running.

"She went nuts trying to jump into my arms," Lavern said. "She was all muddy and dirty. She was worn out but she wasn't hurt."

Flint Journal newspaper article, Tuesday April 28, 2009 by Jill Blondin, and posted on Lorrie’s website:

Lorrie, a third-generation psychic who says she can communicate with animals and makes her living as a pet psychic, said it's hard to explain how she does her job. "Every case is different," she said. "I can hear, see, taste or feel things ... however the reading is going to come through. This one was visual. I hesitated to say this, because I didn't know what it meant. But I told them to keep looking up."

Lavern said they tried to give Lorrie a reward, but she asked that it be donated instead to an animal shelter. Lorrie said she has pets and understands they are members of the family.

Lorrie said she also has an ability to communicate with animals that have died. "I contact deceased animals to give people closure," she said. "Pets greet us when it's our turn. They're up there waiting."

Oprah caught wind of the “flying dog” and did an interview on her show this week. In that interview Lorrie admitted she does people, too.







~Linda