January 11

First, I share a little humor from 2011, when JOY and NOEL had something else to say above my sister-in-law’s hearth.

To dip below the surface of what we know and immerse ourselves in the unknowable, to be lifted beyond the good-night moon and surrender ourselves to the realm of dreams, to be pierced by the infinite beauty of a blade of grass in a blanket of snow… all ways part the path home.

I’m chuckling now because as I typed the word “grass” above, my fingers went on autopilot and spelled “grace.” Yes, that’s grace.

2011

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

“Do I dare dream of a decolonial politics that allows us to confront these troubling ties we have with the supposed Others? One that frames engagement not merely in terms of reconciliation or equality among races—since equal opportunity within a structure reinforces the structure—but in terms of seeking out crossroads, and pouring libations in the places our bodies intersect with the many others that are already and already yet to be part of us? Do I dare confront the present, and explore its depths for the many within?” —Bayo Akomolafe, *These Wilds Beyond Our Fences*, p. 186

“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.