“It is good to have an end to journey towards; But it is the journey that matters, in the end.”
LeGuin
On this day, May 20, 1961 my parents, John V. Marchell and Connie A. Mitchell were married. It was a bittersweet wedding for my mom’s father, G. Clifford Mitchell, had passed from a heart attack less than a month prior to their wedding date. Their love for me is crystal clear as I was the honeymoon baby. Dad would often say to me that I was a ‘much loved child.’
I do believe that Grandpa Cliff’s Spirit has been with me always, as he was a graphic artist who, at an early age, was asked to work for Walt Disney. He declined the offer and went into business for himself with many of his creative works promoting IBM in their beginning stages with their first place of operation located in Endicott, New York.
So on this day, I honor my parents unconditional love and everlasting guidance still evident miraculously in my life as love transcends our human understanding. It is through building a firm foundation by focusing on the gift of union which makes the relationship stronger and resilient to withstand any storm. With the extraordinary gift of a once in a lifetime love, one hundred percent belief, trust and faith in one another with open heart awareness; together the two open their arms wide to embrace the unknown.
As their hearts joined together pictured in the glowing setting sunset clouds, I know that their gift of new beginnings is approaching for me as their message permeates my soul.
“It’s time to unite your hearts, for together your energies combined are magnetic, magical and infinite in their abilities to manifest miracles.”
Mom and Dad
“One does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore.”
“One does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore.”
Andre Gide
Today is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad as the Psalms express throughout their various expressions of keeping Joy in our lives. While living in Long Beach, California several years ago, my mother, Connie had her birthday on April 14th which was Good Friday that year and passed from an aortic complication to her heart on April 16, Easter Sunday. She had just turned 54. Our bond transcends limitations as it is heart – based, yet her physical presence and counsel, laughter and wisdom are sorely missed in my life. Mom was my cheerleader, encouraging me on my artistic path. When my car accident occurred, it was truly a miracle that I survived, let alone still had the use of my arms, legs and hands as well as mental, physical and spiritual healing. A great part of me died when she passed. Yet, through these experiences I have still focused my creativity in an attempt to rekindle the broken, scattered pieces of my life.
Following are some art pieces I have created throughout my life, some donated, some given as gifts, some available for sale, and happily accepting commissioned artwork from photography utilizing various requested mediums with various works included in this posting. Feel free to contact me if interested at: lorid.loriginals@yahoo. com, via the message on the website or look at my profile for more details.
“For Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen.” Hebrews 11:1
The main posting photograph is an Altar Cloth with applique, sewing and beadwork, with sequin and ribbon created for St. Vincent de Paul Church in Vestal, NY which was our home place of worship. The altar and tabernacle cloth below are displayed for First Holy Communion every year, and ironically left out for Mother’s Day the following Sunday in my mom’s memory. Hundreds of hours were put into the tapestries, a true labor of love.
My Godfather, Frank Hranek, or known as “Kristnetata” in Slovak, passed from leukemia. I created an oil painting of Cayuga Sunrise Memories with his classic Chris Craft mahogany boat . The painting was donated to Lourdes End of Life Hospice in his memory. Another labor of love toward a man who continually gave from his heart.
A year prior to my Mom passing, I painted an acrylic of my parents, but a spiritual interpretation of their heavenly essence on the other side of the veil and gave it to them. I think between the painting and Chert Dog, Dad gradually adjusted to his devastating grief as my Mom was truly an earth angel! I still hear about her great assistance in encouraging and praying with others and her random acts of kindness from people I have never met before. Mom often wore flowers in her hair and radiated pure joy!
Grandma Marge and Grandpa Eddie Stolarcyk had a home in Port Charolette, Florida with the canal behind them, the harbor beyond them and fruit and flowering trees everywhere! When we would visit, we were delegated to pick, pack and transport grapefruit when there were not shipping constraints. These amazingly grapefruits were disfigured on the outside but surprisingly pink, sweet and extremely juicy on the inside – as Grandma would say, Nector from the Gods! When Grandma had to move to assisted living, I painted an acrylic of her home on Bangsburg Drive as it followed her around the entire nursing facility from room to room as she began to transition. It is donated to the nursing home for their assistance in making the last few years of her life as precious as possible. We were blessed with Jose, an employee who became Grandma Marge’s “boyfriend” and who would learn to say to her every day, “Ya ti muc, muc, muc lubiem!” which means in Slovak “I love you very, very, very much!” It is her faith which has instilled in me overcoming all obstacles in the pursuit of my dreams and allowed for “My Father’s Greatest Gift: Life Lessons from a Black English Labrador Retriever.” She was my first editor and known to all as “the word lady” as well as Mrs. Hallmark, who remembered every anniversary, birthday and holiday. She was Perfection Personified in a Pure, Loving and PINK Way!
Grandma Marge was quite a party lady in the day, and I found golden bead trimmed party dress of hers and decided to paint a hummingbird with acrylic on a piece of of the dress material and used the beadwork to frame the quilted piece. This one is for sale. You may contact me at: lorid.loriginals@yahoo. com, via the message on the website or look at my profile for more details. (Commissioned work available upon request).
I enjoy incorporating my painting on material and quilting it into wall hangings. I’ve done it for years. Following are a few more examples of my craft. The Taughannock Waterfall well as the 1957 Pink Packard Pet are for sale. You may contact at: lorid.loriginals@yahoo. com, via the message on the website or look at my profile for more details. (Commissioned work available upon request).
The further examples of my artwork and quilting and not available for sale.
Additional samples from pastel, oil, crayon and pencil to painting a nativity scene follow.
As some of you may know, I also give private piano and art lessons and have also done painting parties. Usually, my piano students also take art lessons! A few photos below. Feel free tocontact me for more information at lorid.loriginals@yahoo.com, my website or see my profile for more information.
And of course, the children just adore Jaco Kitty! What a “ham!”
Living By Faith
“We do not lose heart, because our inner being is renewed each day even though our body is being destroyed at the same time. The present burden of our trial is light enough, and earns for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. We do not fix our gaze on what is seen but on what is unseen. What is seen is transitory; what is unseen last forever.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
“You are a child of the Universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.”
Max Ehrmann
OK, so the joke about this cover photograph has to do with the beginning of sharing the original manuscript with friends and family, with the first draft completed September 2010. My good friend, Debbie Standard, arrived at Arrowhead Parable Christian Center with her first copy of the story in manuscript format and traded it in for the published book! You gotta love it!
My cousin, Michelle Michalek, arrived early for her copy of Chert’s story. The book signing had a tremendous outpouring of my extended family which warmed my heart and soul! So very thankful for their encouragement and support in this labor of love!
So here is the real “synchronicity” about the dress I am wearing. The top beaded neckline of the dress that I made is taken from a party dress of my Grandmother Marge’s. She was my first editor of the manuscript. As a word lady and Scrabble, Upwords and Crossword Wiz, she also had the married name from her first husband of Margaret Mitchell, the author at the time of “Gone With The Wind.” Her use of words has been a strong influence in the building of becoming an author in my life. Thank you, Grandma! Ya Ti Muc Muc Muc Lubiem!!!
As Aunt Kathy Stolarcyk walked in and saw me, she smiled ear to ear and asked me if that was Grandma Marge’s dress, as I told her it was the collar from her dress. The beaded dress is what Grandma Marge wore to Aunt Kathy and Uncle Mike’s wedding! I could feel wedding energy in the dress, and now know where exactly she had worn it!
Quilted Painting of Hummingbird with beadwork
As some of you have seen from a previous posting, I painted a hummingbird on the yellow dress of my Grandmother Marge’s and utilized all the beadwork from the hemline of that dress to frame the picture. Interestingly enough, my hummingbirds have been coming back around to the feeder this week and I am reminded of my beloved Grandmother Marge whose first anniversary is on the Blessed Mother’s Assumption. Ironically, my Grandmother Susie Marchell also passed on that sacred day as well, with Mom’s anniversary being Easter Sunday, so I have been very blessed with such spiritually strong, powerful and loving women figures in my life!
“The color PINK represents caring, compassion, unconditional love and understanding.”
“The color YELLOW symbolizes friendliness, warmth and honesty; displaying light, hope and encouragement.”
My cousin Michelle Stolarcyk arrived as we shared our stories about Grandpa Stolarcyk and his crazy wild pants that he would wear as well as Chert’s love of Battaglini Bread from my Uncle Joe and Aunt Carol’s bakery, where no dogs are allowed!
Now here is another “synchronicity” story about Becky Tinker, a previous co-worker with my Mom who happened to move across the street from me a few years ago! We have great fun together and always feel my Mom’ Joyous Spirit hovering around us when we go for our walks around the neighborhood! I offered Becky the manuscript, but she wanted to book instead!
Thank you to Craig Hall at Arrowhead Parable Christian Store, to all the people who came to visit and hear about Chert’s story and purchase a book for themselves or family and friends! I hope that Chert’s story warms their hearts and gives them some insight into the short and purposeful lives of angels in furry clothing!
“My Father’s Greatest Gift: Life Lessons from a Black English Labrador Retriever” is available online through Barnes and Noble, Amazon, etc., as well as my website:
“Delicately we breathe in the crisp air and splendid colors washing over our souls in magical bliss.”
L.D. Marchell
“Oh to be as content as a cat; Meditative purring and soothing at that!”
L.D. Marchell
“The conscious pause, observing. The ripples flow in soft rhythms. Alignment.”
Lisa Ann Carucci Lash
“Stabbing, swirling, rapidly rushing; Carrying us ever swiftly to a new dimension. One must be open to allowing the seasons of life.”
L.D. Marchell
“When the Holy Spirit lays something in your heart, move without hesitation. You have no idea who may be depending on your immediate obedience.”
The Word For The Day
“So ever softly whispers ring; Across the timelines loved ones sing. Showering blessings bountiful store; Imagining these precious ones; Is what conscious awareness is for.”
“We know that God is everywhere; but certainly we feel His presence most when His works are on the grandest scale spread before us; and it is in the unclouded night-sky, where His worlds wheel their silent course, that we read clearest His infinitude, His omnipotence, His omnipresence.”
Charlotte Bronte
“I avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward.”
Charlotte Bronte
“You know full well as I do the value of sisters’ affections: There is nothing like it in the world.”
Charlotte Bronte
“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.”
Charlotte Bronte
“Life is so constructed that an event does not, cannot, will not, match the expectation.”
Charlotte Bronte
“I believe in some blending of hope and sunshine sweetening the worst lots. I believe that this life is not all; neither the beginning nor the end. I believe while I tremble; I trust while I weep.”
Charlotte Bronte
“Better to be without logic than without feeling.”
Charlotte Bronte
“Cheerfulness, it would appear, is a matter which depends fully as much on the state of things within, as on the state of things without and around us.”
Charlotte Bronte
“Men judge us by the success of our efforts. God looks at the efforts themselves.”
Charlotte Bronte
“If you are cast in a different mold to the majority, it is no merit of yours; nature did it.”
“Novelists should never allow themselves to weary of the study of real life.”
Charlotte Bronte
“I would always rather be happy than dignified.”
Charlotte Bronte
“Crying does not indicate that you are weak. Since birth, it has always been a sign that you are alive!”
Charlotte Bronte
“I would always rather be happy than dignified.”
Charlotte Bronte
“Enjoy the blessings Heaven bestows, Assist his friends, forgive his foes; Trust God, and keep his statutes still, Upright and firm, through good and ill; Thankful for all that God has given, Fixing his firmest hopes on heaven; Knowing that earthly joys decay, But hoping through the darkest day.”
Ah, Doghead here. Hope you enjoyed hearing about what
my mission was while I was here. Just thought I’d like to point
out the synchronicity of all of the events that led to bringing that
much needed peace and serenity to John’s tormented soul. His wife,
Connie, had told him that if she were ever to leave the earth plane,
she would come back as his dog because he gave so much love and
attention to all of the animals in his life. All I can tell you on that
note is that since Love is all there is and we are all One in the Spirit,
it is quite possible that her love channeled through me to mend his
broken heart and bring life more abundantly into his life. So my
mission was accomplished and I want to thank you for giving me the
opportunity to share my experience of the unlimited powers of love
with you. Doghead out.
Mom loved to model, and this photo was taken of her preparing to go out on the stage at a local fashion show just 1 month prior to her death. It is symbolic in that she is dressed in a wedding styled dress, where in some cultures, it was considered that a woman would be buried in her bridal dress to be going home to be with her groom (Jesus). She also is pictured at the bottom of the staircase, as if it rises to heaven.
In memory of Connie A. Mitchell Marchell and all mothers including the entire animal kingdom, we have our lives to be thankful for their tenderness in carrying us within their womb and raising us in their lives. Mom used to say that children were a gift loaned to us from heaven!
The Rose
She’s as beautiful as a delicate Peace Rose.
Her smile as radiant as the shining sun.
Her eyes sparkle as the evening stars.
Her words are always encouraging.
Her outlook is always positive.
Her heart is full of love.
As the fragrance of a rose grows more and more rich as it lives;
so does my mother’s warmth, faith and tender understanding
envelope all those who surround her.
But most of all, my mother has shown me the meaning of God in my life;
for her strength, courage and devout dedication to those she cares about
“You can develop good judgement as you do the muscles of your body – by judicious, daily exercise.”
Grenvile Kleiser
My favorite reference book is Roget’s Thesaurus for the various meanings behind the proper usage of words. Under the word judgement are five separate meanings!
Intellect
Discrimination
Decision
Condemnation
Sentence
Through our lives lessons we learn to access intellectually the power of sound judgement in arriving to conclusions in decision-making in our lives.
The use of discernment in terms of discriminating what serves the highest and best for all concerned is utilizing another aspect of sound judgement in our lives. This can also be used towards spiritual discernment.
Our freedom and power of choice comes into play when we are calling upon utilizing out tool set in making decisions based on judgement.
Criticizing and lower vibrational fear based thinking is involved in condemning others acts, beliefs and behaviors without compassion when judgement is used in this context.
And then there is the legal system associated with controlling and manipulating others in sentencing them due to the judgement ascertained upon their actions.
“I love when things are transparent, free and clear of all inhibition and judgement.”
Pharrell Williams
It became apparent to me this morning that the summons I recently received to serve on jury duty placed me in an awkward state of mind. Who am I to pass judgement on someone else? Have I lived their life, was I raised in their environment, have I experienced the social, moral, mental, spiritual and emotional influences that they have had and walked a mile in their shoes? And even then, who am I to judge? The log in my eye requires much more attention than the speck in my brother or sister’s eye.
“Let the refining and improving of your own life keep you so busy that you have little time to criticize others.”
H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
It also became apparent to me when someone commented on something inadvertently directed towards me, it made me dig deeper in questioning myself to find the meaning to the feelings which were conjured up within me.
We all know that we are not to take things personally, yet there was a hidden message in what was said that made me “chew” on the concepts as I kept asking for a deeper understanding as to be clear about the message this messenger brought to me.
“Judge not lest you be judged. For with the judgement you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?”
Matthew 7:1-3
Worthiness and self-love are core issues of the heart which are oftentimes disregarded in our early growth and learning process which eventually catches up to us.
“What is not fully exposed earlier in life is revealed and made up for in development.”
Author Unknown
So the truth of the emotionally charged comment revealed an insightful level of understanding for me that was two-fold. First and foremost, when someone is unfairly judged, they unconsciously direct that towards others. Secondly, by it “affecting” me, it shows that I still have more inner self-healing to work on in that area of my life. It’s always about the refining and improving of yourself on this personal path of enlightenment, as all messages are a present to open and reveal the gift of inner growth.
So I am forever grateful for this message, for it has revealed a much deeper appreciation of conscious awareness towards others as well as teaching me what is most important in taking care of myself. It all comes down to compassion, unconditional love and forgiveness.
“Circumstances and situations do color life but you have been given the mind to choose what the color shall be.”
John Homer Miller
The conclusion to my summons? It is clear that I will most probably not be selected for jury duty as it is not for me to judge – it is, however, essential to be compassionate towards all as our life is a journey of the heart.
“You carry Mother Earth within you. She is not outside of you. Mother Earth is not just your environment. In that insight of inter-being, it is possible to have real communication with the Earth, which is the highest form of prayer.”
Thich Nhat Hanh
On my morning hike the stellar sky and enlivening day brought about a feeling of oneness with Mother Earth around me. As I walked the local school track in meditation, I overheard a coach motivating the students he was training. The message he shared in encouraging, emphatic words: “You’re going to make mistakes on the field, that’s ok. Learn to fix them and move on.” Was he just coaching the athletes he was working with? As that message rang true to the very core of my being, I came upon the realization that was exactly how I have been approaching life. In the optimistic way he presented his message to those he was coaching, it brought about a yearning from those he was instructing to strive for improvement. The delivery of the message in a positive context planted the seed of working towards perfection within these adolescent youngsters.
“Creativity is so delicate a flower that praise tends to make it bloom, while discouragement often nips it in the bud.”
Author unknown
As I left the track to venture up the back hill, I stopped as I came upon a congregation of immature eagles gathered alongside the ground as well as flying in the area! Thankfully I had my cell phone to photograph them, even though they are not professional looking nor close up shots. But the message was a very profound one for me in my journey of the heart. Symbolic as well, for the coach from the track training session had been instructing adolescent children on the importance of perseverance towards their goals, dreams and desires.
“Being myself includes taking risks with myself, taking risks on new behavior, trying new ways of ‘being myself’, so that I can see who it is I want to be.”
Hugh Prather
As I stood there observing the eagles, they began to gather in a convocation as if to communicate with one another on their next soaring expedition, deciding on where the thermals and winds would allow for them to glide effortlessly to a new destination. I remember thinking how lucky they were to have each other to assist in their learning and growing stages of development, and how important that support system is within our own lives as well. When they began to unite as a circle of life joining their energies, I stood there with my arms reaching upwards towards their wings as they rose above me, their feathers just within reach of my outstretched arms. As they soared higher, I was able to count twelve of these youngsters who had graced me with their ‘anything is possible’ outlook on life. Their powerful, pure energy filled my soul with grandeur as a monumental experience for me in my personal life’s journey.
“Jesus said: With God, All things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26
“Care no more for the opinion of others, for those voices; do the hardest thing for you. Act for yourself and face your truth.”
Katherine Mansfield
From this profoundly enlightening experience, I slowly began the walk up the trail. As I looked to the right where some of the eagles had been grounded, I found a secondary eagle feather symbolically left for me from one of the messengers who flew into my life that morning. The eagle has been an animal totem for me my entire life and I have been attuned to their energy for some time. It has been a blessed experience for me to witness such a marvelous moment and to be able to share it with others as a way of showing that there is much around us to assist in our journey, we just need to be still, open and aware in trusting that still, small voice within, honoring Mother Earth and striving for the highest and best in all areas of our lives, knowing that mistakes are a part of our learning curve, in order for us to super duper quantumly soar!
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that don’t work.”
“When sparkles dance upon the water, our souls twinkle like stars in the evening sky.”
L.D. Marchell
“Nature’s infinite palette splashes vibrancy upon the autumn day.”
L.D. Marchell
“We are drawn back to Mother Gaia, connected with her compassion and ever-constant love for all; in our returning back, we become one united with her; calling us to love her as she has unconditionally given infinitely and ceaselessly to us.”
L.D. Marchell
The breath of life, passionate, rapturous, invigorating, revitalizing; Let us welcome God’s love with open arms.”
L.D. Marchell
“All roads lead home to where the heart is.”
L.D. Marchell
“Friendship is two spirits allowing each other to soar and fly.”
L.D. Marchell
“Take time to travel apart for the answers you seek are within.”
L.D. Marchell
“Faith is believing in things not yet seen but felt with the heart.”
Hebrews 11:1
“Walk ever softly, tenderly taking in the wonderment of the present.”
L.D. Marchell
“Wherever your heart is, there also is your home.”
“The water’s edge mirrors to us the glory of God’s creation.”
L.D. Marchell
“The reflections of our inner self become evident upon the waters’ welcoming our heart home.”
L.D. Marchell
“Timelessness is the hush of heaven.”
L.D. Marchell
“In flight we travel as our awakening state becomes one.”
L.D. Marchell
“As autumn is upon us, new life is at its door. Rejoice in its glorious finale, unencumbered now to soar.”
L.D. Marchell
“Golden yellows and brilliant burgundy accents upon us now; as only the Master Artist could envision somehow.”
L.D. Marchell
“Only God can make a tree.”
Grandma Marge Stolarcyk
“Our adventure to awakening’s pathway is the journey to the heart.”
L.D. Marchell
“Being open to all of our heightened senses, living presently in the moment, relishing the gift of life.”
L.D. Marchell
“Let there be a world to see, let it be of inspiration. Let there be a world to see, let it be of God’s creation.”
John V. Marchell
“In quietness and calmness we release and welcome all that is our connection to Mother Gaia.”
L.D. Marchell
“Through all of life’s twists and turns, it is the colorful, blissful treasured moments that ignite passion of the soul.”
L.D. Marchell
“Now abideth these three things: Faith, Hope and Love. And the greatest of these is Love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13
“Memories of childhood laughter echo as the water softly lapping into shore, recalling summer fun and hearts overflowing joy.”
L.D. Marchell
“To the revitalizing waters we are drawn, as if it holds for us all the answers we seek; Tranquility is its messenger as it renews our mind, body and soul.”
“Once I used to think that shadows were to hide; But now I am very clear that that is where faith, hope and love abide.”
L.D. Marchell
“It is family which has no boundaries in unconditional love, surpassed by blood lines, defined by the attunement of the heart, we seldom glimpse the vast array of soul family members until we become awake within the consciousness of the heart which speaks truth in all its purity. Therefore, become aware of your soul family as they are calling you home.”
Connie Andrea Marchell
“The conscious pause of the moment; The silent pause of the mind. The alignment of connection; Of the soul to the Divine.”
Lisa Ann Carucci Lash
“Mindfulness = apparent by the breath of life, the peacefulness of nature, the energy from Gaia, the embodiment of the greatest gift of all – life to share, give, receive, embrace – memories of a lifetime.”
L.D. Marchell
“The hawk’s confirming wings,
In circles up above,
Fly closer to us in,
A message of pure love.”
Lisa Ann Carucci Lash
“Those that mind don’t matter; And those that matter don’t mind.”
Dr. Seuss (Ted Geisel)
“It has become apparent to me that the more I learn about others, the better I feel about myself; It is by selfless love that we die to self where then Christ can shine brightly through our lives. Crucifixion of the heart, then, is where the Sacred Heart of Jesus Shines.”
Connie Andrea Marchell
Look Up!
“Gold and White; Rays of sun; Infinite Love.”
Lisa Ann Carucci Lash
“Tire swings; Peaceful things. Nature brings; All of me.”
“Sing of deep blue skies; Of traveling mystical clouds arise.”
L.D. Marchell
“The buds push forth the Autumn leaves; In preparation for the upcoming Spring.”
L.D. Marchell
“Be it the child who teaches the parent, or the parent that instructs the child; Great Wisdom is gleaned from the mouths of babes, it seems.”
Connie Andrea Marchell
Park On Sunday
Crisp of air,
Swift of foot,
Skating, futbol, play.
Love and laughter,
Geese and friends,
Autumn, Park on Sunday.
Lisa Ann Carucci Lash
“Joyously we skate and sing; Ever mindful of the simple things.”
Connie Andrea Marchell
“Oh the happiness that springs; From just the simple, humble things!”
L.D. Marchell
“Doghead is pretty easy to learn; You just have to speak from the heart.”
“My Father’s Greatest Gift: Life Lessons from a Black English Labrador Retriever.”
L.D. Marchell
“In the fresh air and sunshine bright; I find true meaning within my life. Through the twists and turns that weave our path; the meaning becomes much clearer when you look back!”
L.D. Marchell
“Ever joyously we sway and swing; Upon nature’s beauty of everything!”
“Fresh air, exercise, friendship and encouragement
