Abracadabra Tarot: "THE OPENING OF EYES" & Me Talk Pretty One Day*

I've got news for you

I've got news for you too

"There isn't enough of anything
as long as we live. But at intervals
a sweetness appears and given a chance
prevails." - Raymond Carver, Ultramarine: Poems

Rape Fields on the way back from Brossac

Three weeks ago I was offered a position as Director of Art Gallery at Chateau Sainte-Catherine near Marthon - with an April 19th already advertised Opening, no artists, no hanging system, floor unfinished, no heating system or lights.

New born lamb - Doumerac

"And what did you want? To call myself beloved, to feel myself beloved on the earth."
- Raymond Carver

Near Marthon

I took a long bike ride in the forest; heard my first Spring Cuckoo & pedaled to Marthon past the jaunty, rust-colored slugs enjoying their mid-day salad & some staggering tulip displays.

Tulips - Marthon

Past more rape fields

I used to think it was mustard

Villebois-Lavalette

An accusatory sheep

Marthon

And finally a Viper!

Viper - Charras

"CHANGE," he hissed, as he slithered away. I took le poste, l'emploi, le boulot, le job.

Cherub - Chateau Sainte-Catherine

Today we hung the show

Painting - Susan Lishman

Susan Lishman


Ken Oliver - Mixed Media

Ken Oliver & Sue Frankland

Ken Oliver - Mixed media (layered tapestry) Gloria Swanson, Cannes

The Opening of Eyes

That day I saw beneath dark clouds
the passing light over the water
and I heard the voice of the world speak out,
I knew then, as I had before
life is no passing memory of what has been
nor the remaining pages in a great book
waiting to be read.

It is the opening of eyes long closed.
It is the vision of far off things
seen for the silence they hold.
It is the heart after years
of secret conversing
speaking out loud in the clear air.

It is Moses in the desert
fallen to his knees before the lit bush.
It is the man throwing away his shoes
as if to enter heaven
and finding himself astonished,
opened at last,
fallen in love with solid ground.

   --David Whyte
      from "Songs for Coming Home"
      1984 Many Rivers Press

I signed on two extraordinary artists: Ken Oliver and Susan Lishman, whom along with my friend & resident artist, Jodie Tucker, and the tireless (and I mean sleep deprived!) efforts of Gabrielle & Bill from the Chateau, made it happen. Thanks to Kevin, who designed the invite. But first and foremost, un Grand Merci to Jean-françois & Dominique Bassard, the owners of Chateau Sainte-Catherine, for sharing their gorgeous Chateau, creating this opportunity, without which none of this would have happened.

Please join us at the Gallery/Atelier for a Vernissage, April 19th 2 - 5 www.chateausaintecatherine.com, Route de Marthon, 16220 Montbron.

I'm very tired now and must catch some zzzzzzzzz's

Colt - Chateau Sainte-Catherine

Note: I'm not abandoning Tarot! If you look closely at the first gallery hanging photo you will see a Tower in the background in desperate need of repair. Someday it may be a "Tarot Tower," & I will do readings there - one can (and should) always dream. After all, it was La Tour at Chateau de Charras which brought us to the region of the Charente (the Secret Garden) in the first place. Kismet/Fate, a guiding hand, the Higher Self, and THE FOOL...how else can you explain it?!

The Brossac Marche Zen in March was a huge success. I was busy all day with approximately half french and half international querents. I used both the Lenormand deck and the Thoth deck in equal measure. But I realized I must work harder on my French language skills in order to capture the nuances of the cards.

Next Tarot Event - April 27th, 10-5, Le Marquisat, Les Gardes de Pontoroux