Smudge Revisited

I post often about Smudge and the little book
that I created to honour her life and legacy.
It came to me in unexpected ways
and I am more than a little grateful for
this journey with Smudge that
added a richness to my world
I could not have expected.

Holding Smudge in My Hands

Each time I pick up Smudge: Personally Speaking, I’m in awe of what I’m holding. It really feels like I had nothing to do with it. Ridiculous, I know—but after her passing, I was so out of it that I honestly don’t know where it came from.

The Wonder of Life

There’s so much more to this reality than we realise, and I’m constantly amazed by the way life unfolds: creation, trust, kindness, grace, and above all, gratitude for the small things. These are the things that carry us into experiences we could never have forced or planned.

For me, Smudge and this book were exactly that. They grew out of listening, of feeling into her world—or perhaps seeing her world through my own awareness.

Flowing with the Process

The paintings came together with a kind of ease that’s unusual for me. I’ve had to learn to get out of my own way—often after a metaphorical nudge, or two.

Looking back, I was raw with grief after Smudge passed. Drawing and writing weren’t conscious acts—they were energy moving through me, a contagious pull I couldn’t resist. Smudge, my art, and this process often feel like my reason for living. I was completely absorbed.

There was no plan. It simply unfolded, step by step. Before long, it was done—a work pulled from deep sadness into life. A way to honour our time together, and to shine a light on other beautiful, wild, endangered cats.

A Shared Human Experience

This experience, the mixture of grief, love, and creation, is something we all share in some way. The book continues my own journey toward awareness, a way of releasing grief, sharing my story, and embracing a world that is, still, endlessly full of possibility.

Publishing it was its own challenge. But the greatest joy is seeing Smudge now sitting with others who take the time to slowly immerse themselves in the energy of her pages—just as she healed me.

The Interwoven Threads

All things are connected—artworks, words, stories. They touch us in different ways, in ways we don’t always expect. And for me, that is the wonder of it all.

If  ‘Smudge- personally speaking’ tweaks your interest check her out and the beautiful prints of all the paintings in the book -here on my website –  blazewarrender.com   – the book and prints for you to browse are in ‘SHOP’ – https://blazewarrender.com/product/smudge/

A Life Lesson from Smudge

What this project taught me is the beauty of mutual dependency. Smudge relied on me, just as I relied on her—to expand my awareness, to notice more deeply, to grow.

This work touched me with inspiration and planted a seed. It caught my attention in exactly the way something needs to, for growth to happen within us. That’s how real change, real opening, begins.

Always thank you so much for reading my musings.Wishing you all things creative in your life……blaze

SEED PRAYER – chalk and pencil on kraft paper

 

SEED PRAYER – pencil and chalk on kraft paper – print available

The Seed Prayer is a simple yet powerful tool that came to me during my studies in Transpersonal Art Therapy. In moments of stillness, when my mind is quiet, this prayer naturally brings me into deep listening—especially when my ego takes over or I feel blocked creatively. It’s a gentle reminder to stop, ground, and release, guiding me back to my authentic self.

This prayer isn’t just for me; it’s for anyone, anytime. Whether you’re facing a challenge, feeling overwhelmed, or simply needing a moment of peace, the Seed Prayer can help you reconnect to your true self.

Try speaking these words quietly and notice how your energy shifts, bringing a sense of calm and presence into your day.
Have you tried it? Would love to hear your comments . Email me.

Thank you for visiting. Keep creative in your world….blaze

In Paradise Now – Moonbear


IN PARADISE NOW -Moonbear-    oil & mixed mediums on Belgian linen
SOLD

This beautiful moonbear is a detail from a larger painting inspired by images of Franzi, one of the first rescue bears at that Animals Asia Centre in China. Her eyes turned out to be so engaging I surprised myself. There was no resource material for this purely a  profound experience of connection with the rescued bears.

Even though I did not  know Franzi nor try to paint her portrait, rather found her story touched my heart to see that such suffering could become such peace love.
Yet she has resilience beyond what we know. When we look into her eyes, she rescues us. Surely that is our responsibility, to allow her rest and peace. Connecting with a Bear opens our hearts. The light in their eyes reflects ours. Thru their eyes we recognize life as one and the same – every life has a right to be lived according to the laws of nature. This truth might rescue humanity.

THE COMMUNICATION I HAD WITH THE PAINTING
We are of one source. What you do to me, you do to each other. Once as you looked into my eyes you knew that I was a symptom of man’s inhumanity.
Today look into my eyes and see a part of yourself reflected there. See there a reflection of your human compassion. When you stop long enough to look deep into my eyes you will find nourishment. The loving connection between one species and another. Each lifetime can be heaven on earth for all beings.
Don’t stand by and watch suffering that you can help end.
Your actions matter.

Thank you for visiting. Keep creative – blaze