"Autumn Leaves"   a Mandala done in Polymer Clay

12" by 12"

Take what you like and leave the rest

It's 3:00 in the morning.   All the other humans in the neighborhood have long gone to bed and I am sitting in my living room at the desk, doing artwork with polymer clay.  I am taking advantage of the private time. 

I feel good about myself.

I love working with clay.   It feeds my spirit as nothing else can.  It is so tactile, so immediate.  Funny, sometimes working with clay, feeling it getting warmer, watching it take shape, is exciting.   I can't get enough of it.

Other times, like now, it calms me down, makes me feel as if I am getting in touch with a part of myself that is primal, hidden, secret, wonderful. 

It's very quiet.

Suddenly, something calls my attention. I raise my head and look around.

What was it?

Over on the couch, a big black dog is sleeping where she shouldn't be, legs twitching in pursuit of a dream rabbit, no doubt. The large orange cat is curled up gracefully on the footstool.  I think I hear him snoring softly. The small black cat in my lap stretches and gives a burst of purr before she falls completely back to sleep. 

The room is bathed in a golden light. The bookshelves are filled with mostly old friends, although there are some new friends on a shelf that are waiting to be discovered.  Outside, a very sleepy bird is complaining, probably about a street light in it's face. The cat is still snoring.

What is it that called to me?  Oh, yes. Now I recognize it. 

It is called PEACE.