Monday, October 15, 2012

Journey of Sisterhood


I've had some struggles in my life lately.  
Big life changes.  The end of a marriage kind of changes.
It has been gut wrenching, heart aching, painfully awful.  
I know I'm not the only one who has survived this type of pain.
I see it every day, in little ways and in big ways in the eyes of people I meet.


  

Some days are so dark, I wonder if the sun will ever come out in my life again.
And then I'm surprised when it does.  
It breaks through the clouds and sends down glowing streaks of light, 
making brilliant halos around surprising moments.

 "Notice this" whispers the light.




Those glowing moments usually involve other women.  
Sisters who have walked through dark forests of their own.  
I'm always surprised when, even in the dark, they can find my hand.
And they take that moment to reach out and grasp it, warm and firm.
  
A solid hold.  "I've got you."




Together we walk the path.  
Our raucous laughter swallowing the dark. 
Creating lives of worth and beauty. 

"Notice this" whispers the light.



Thank you to all my sisters of the heart who've been so valiantly holding my hand.
You are my shining lights.  The brilliance of your generous spirit lights my path.

Much love,
Shelly


Journey of Sisterhood - Acrylic on Canvas - © Shelly Penko 2012





42 comments:

  1. Shelley I have not gone through what you have so I cannot say that I understand. But I do know that your art work is beautiful, and full of light. The first image I see a hand reaching upwards in hope. The second image a beautiful heart filled with light on her back, reflecting the love that is inside of her still. And the last image all pulled together, holding hands walking together... beautiful. Not to mention you don't just paint beautifully but your words are incredibly beautiful and an expression of what's in your heart and soul. Congratulations. xo

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    1. I could not have said it better myself! Beautifully expressed Suzanne - and so true! I have not met you Shelly, but know you are a strong woman witn an inner light burning so bright, you will get through this and be all right. xo

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  2. Ommigosh...I love this post <3 And the painting is fabulous with it. We are not alone, we have people who love us waiting to step in and guide us through the pain and into the light.

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  3. Hey Shelley, love your post and your artwork. Very touching, I can feel your soul through both. I am here to offer you a bright hope today. I went through your situation, and did not think I could physically or mentally survive it. But I did. And I am so much more of a whole fulfilled person that I ever was before. I live an incredible adventurous life, that I would never have experienced before. I'm not saying times are not hard or gut wrenching, or scary, but hang in there! The best is really yet to come!

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  4. Beautiful post, Shelley. Your beautiful work is a reflection of you. Thank you for sharing, for opening your heart in this way.

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  5. Your post is as beautiful as your paintings and as you, have a beautiful day/night :)

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  6. Your art is beautiful! Your magnificent spirit will get you through this. (((Hugs)))

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  7. Shelley...Bavo! This is an outstanding post and the artwork compliments it SO well. I smiled as I read this and I have to tell you I thought, "Look at her emerging on the the other side of pain like a shining star...you go girl." You do us all proud with this post, I hope all the fliers take the time to view it.

    There are reasons we go where we go and I am pretty certain the path you are on is full of promise. "Notice this" :) June Maddox

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  8. The heart on her back popped right out to me... a beautiful post... truthful and pure.

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  9. Wow. Thank you so much, each of you! This was kind of a scary post to write, but now I'm so glad I did. Your love and kindness is all that much sweeter because I know it's in response to my deepest heart that I too often keep hidden. Sending love and hugs to all of you.

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  10. Beautiful Shelly, thanks for sharing this with us all <3

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  11. Shelly, you wrote this beautiful post with your heart, don't let your head tell you that you shouldn't have <3

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  12. Shelly, you know already how much I love this painting! And now this morning, I read these beautiful words from your beautiful heart. Thank you for sharing your heartfelt feelings with all of us (your sisters) as we all continue our journeys together...some of us miles apart, and yet still together. I love you!

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  13. beautiful post Shelly, thanks for being brave and sharing it xo Janine

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  14. Beyond the most beautiful post!! Not only is the art full of light and hope and beauty- but the words have touched my heart. HuGGs!

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  15. A wonderful strong and hopeful post Shelly- you should be proud.

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  16. Great post Shelly, I love both the sentiments you express and the color in you artwork...bravo!!

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  17. At the risk of sounding dramatic, I just wanted to let you know how grateful I am for this post. (Actually sitting here wiping streaming tears that just won't quit.)

    In many different ways, I relate to the hurt, the dark, then seeing blazing glimpses of hope and light. It can feel so unknown, so scary. Everything gets redefined. (Have had a divorce. Remarried. Got separated. Pulled it together, but...)

    Keep holding that light. Those who love you, understand you, see you for all of your beautiful self will remind you of your beauty and strength during those vulnerable/fragile moments.

    Cling to your art. Cling to your family and friends. There you will find unknown strength.

    Many hugs to you.

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    1. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment, Becky. It helps so much, especially when posting something so personal, to know others out there understand and relate. Hugs right back to you! ♥

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  18. Your paintings have so much goodness and light. That is who you are. You reflect this.
    This painting "Journey of Sisterhood" has an incredible message. It contains part of the path to enlightenment. Check this meditation called the: Lam Rim
    You have left the dark forest and you have encountered your teacher... that is what I see in your painting. You are not alone, you have the sisterhood... we will help you heal. Many Hugs

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    1. I love this so much, Lisa. Every single word. Thank you. ♥

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  19. It is a beautiful post that is so heartfelt and filled with hope. Thank you so much for putting it out there for us. It makes your art even more beautiful because it shows us the heart behind the art. Beautiful.
    Debbie

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  20. so so beautiful... you, your words, your work. i adore your paintings! i hope you find more light than darkness with each and every new day ...

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  21. Shelly, your post is amazing! I love your art with your words. I can really "feel" your expressions. Thank you so much for sharing! There are so many wonderful women to help carry us when we need it the most and I believe you sharing this will help carry someone else as well! Blessings to you on your journey- holding your hand.
    Debbie

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  22. Good Morning Shelly,
    This is just so lovely and true! Thank God for our sisters in our journey!!! Thank you for posting this just as it is!! I love it and it brings the already lovely artwork to (more!) life!
    Blessings,
    Karrlin

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  23. Shelly, know you are a shining light in my world, especially the creative aspects. I love seeing your growth as an artist both in your work and your courage. My hand is there for you to hold on to even if it is only in a 'virtual' way.
    Love,
    Peg

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  24. beautiful post and beautiful artwork. thank you so much for sharing. xoxo, juliette

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  25. I only wish that when I went through a similar
    time in my life that I would have expressed the
    pain and fears through my art like you have!
    I was too fearful. I continued to remain a shadow
    artist. Now I can look back and have gratitude
    for the gift, the partner who showed me what I
    really did not want in a marriage. Now I live a
    different and joyful life .
    When I saw your paintings, my first thoughts were
    how great they would be in a book, and in greeting
    cards that would offer comfort for those in need.
    Perhaps this is your purpose. Continue to use
    your talents. And yes, you will get there. This
    blog is going to help with that journey. Congrats!

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    1. Kandy, thank you so much. You know, I don't think you were too fearful. We are where we are. I hope you will share your work when you get ready. You are the only one who can do the art you do. It's a special gift to the world. It gives me peace to know you are living a different and joyful life now. Thank you. (((♥)))

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  26. Shelly,
    I love your post and the paintings are beautiful!

    Chandra

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  27. I want to reply to each and every one of you who took the time to comment, but I also want to paint today, so I'm going to try to express my gratitude in one post. Please know that each of you has touched me so deeply. I know it's a hassle to type in the captcha code every time you want to leave a comment. It takes effort and I so appreciate you going to the trouble just to let me know I'm not alone and that you're here! I spent a couple days just being in awe of all the wonderful comments, feeling supported and feeling loved. How awesome! What a gift! Thank you, sisters. You know that little cartoon that's captioned "I love my computer because all my friends live there."? That's how I feel. :D Some of you have shared dark times you've been through. While I don't wish dark times on my friends at all, your sharing of them makes me feel hopeful. I see your light and know that the darkness will pass for me too. Thank you so much. ♥

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  28. Dearest Shelly. Thank you for sharing your paintings and your pain. You know your paintings touch me at a soul level and the beauty of your spirit does the same. I'm so sorry you are experiencing this pain in your life, Shelly. It seems to be part of 'earth school' doesn't it. Once we have experienced the darkness we are blessed with the knowledge and wisdom of the dark path and are able to 'find each other in the dark' to support, love and cherish until you are once again into the light. The gift of this pain has been your paintings. So many of us relate and can't help but be changed by your art and expression of soul. Take gentle care of yourself. Sending much love and a tender hug, Donna

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    1. Thank you so much, Donna! Your love and hugs are received with much appreciation. You've been in my prayers too, dear one. Please keep me informed about your eye. I've been lighting a candle daily for you and another friend.

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  29. shelly, my heart aches as I read your post. But yes the light comes!

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    1. Thank you, Lucy, for taking the time to stop by. Yes, the light comes! A little more each day. ♥

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  30. You express a universal truth so well in both words and images.
    So beautiful!

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    1. What a beautiful compliment. Thank you, Gail. ♥

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  31. Shelly, having been thru two divorces I know only too well the feelings and experiences that you have been having. Unlike me, you are doing it with dignity and grace and spreading your love and creativity far and wide.

    Kudos to you, sweetheart! Your work is brilliant!!!

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    1. Deborah, it's so good to know someone who's come out the other side. You have plenty of grace, Sister! It gives me hope. Thank you so much for your encouragement. ♥

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  32. Wow...very powerful and moving. Deeply felt...sister to sister!

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Hello, Beautiful. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!