September 29

In seven years of frequently using the arc shape in my journaling, I’ve never really thought about why I do that. The photo from 2014 of me at the window of Luz Divina Lutheran Church in Márquez, Perú, is telling. I see it now.

A similar gift comes with the 2016 photo, in which Grunewald Guild Founder Liz Caemmerer and I are about to pass one another on the labyrinth journey. How grateful I remain for having lived in that posture for 4 1/2 years with Liz.

If the images are not full size, I do hope you’ll head over to the blog by clicking on the “September 29” above. When the images pair powerfully, I like to put them side by side.

And one more thing I can’t resist saying as I wrap up reflecting on this day’s gifts: Crayon, Pray on!

2014

2015

A friend recently shared a blog whose title tickled my funny bone. It read, “For the love of God, grab a crayon.”

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

“Many of us—most of us, I hope—can mend our trauma and create more room in our nervous systems. Over time, and with practice, all of this will enable us to better regulate our responses to discomfort and challenge when it comes to white-body supremacy and racialization.” —Resmaa Menakem, *My Grandmother’s Hands,* p. 248

“Seven Years of Wonder” is a daily look back at my creative journaling posts since 2014. I began this journey on Feb. 11, 2021, and hope to continue through Feb. 10, 2022. What am I learning about my art and faith journey thus far? What has remained constant? Where have I been changed? How is this impacting present and future art-making?

A deep bow of gratitude to you for keeping me company on this journey.