My April Beaded Journal Page is complete. It is entitled “Home is where my Heart Grows”, representing the move to my new home at the end of April. As I have unpacked and settled in to my new home, my heart grows in layers of joy and love and experiences. My heart is sprouting some roots and from those roots, my garden is starting to bloom. The sun and moon watch over all, marking the passage of my journey.
There are some who move often and are able to do so with ease. I am not one of those people. After moving 8 times (5 states) as a child and teenager, loss became a part of my life as I connected and let go many times. So, there are issues there. As an adult, I did settle down and live 18 years in one house where I had my family and raised my kids. A divorce 4 years ago brought about a period of traumatic changes and another move for me and a lot of those issues returned. So, as I beaded this page, I concentrated on all the wonderful things I was gaining and welcoming into my life with this new move – living with someone I love, creating space for a garden and studio, bringing more creativity and color into my life, a space to welcome family and friends for tea and conversation. I read somewhere that the challenging times and losses in your life carve out crevices in your heart that leave plenty of room to be filled with love and positive joyful things. I had contemplated on whether I wanted to fill in the space in the middle of the heart in my piece. I decided to leave it open to symbolize my own crevice that is now welcoming and filling up with all of the joyful moments of my life.
Art and Tea 
Karen.. I’m proud to be the first one to comment on how proud I am of you and what you’ve become in all your years of experiences… good and bad. They make us who we are. No regrets. Your April page is my favorite so far, just beautiful. You can almost see and feel your happiness projected in your final work. Ok, was that too corny? I mean it.
No, not corny at all, Judy. It brought tears to my eyes because it was so heartfelt. Thank you, my dear friend.
A beautiful piece with an even more beautiful story….if these pieces ever end up in an exhibit, all the stories that go with them MUST BE part of it, don’t you think?
Oh Karen! Even before reading about this one, I felt it’s compelling and positive vibes. Right out loud, as my eyes are racing around the house taking in the sunshine, stars, moon, color and flowers, I’m exclaiming “Oh, oh, oooooh!” It gives me a powerful and instant “feel good!”
Then reading about it… more “Ohs and Ah-has!” Yes, I can relate from personal experiences to moving like that as a child and youngster. I never really put it in the same perspective as you, but now that you mention it, a lot of my reluctance to move is explained. Thank you for that!
I trust your move this time will be the last for a long while and will be as positive as you’ve portrayed in your April BJP!
Thanks Bobbi! Yes, I absolutely agree. The stories are as compelling and heartwarming as the pieces themselves. Together they make a whole.
Thanks Robin for all of your kind words and feedback about my piece. I have always viewed moving from the point of view of the losses involved. Loss of place, loss of friends, loss of community, loss of school. But now I am trying to look at it from the perspective of all there is to gain with the moving experience. My beadwork really helped me to see it in another way, a much more positive way.
Karen, the energy and positive feelings emanating from this journal page are amazing. I love how you showed growth and yet left open spaces for your open heart. Sounds like your journey has been a wee wicked yet looking at this page all I can see is happiness, growth and strong roots. Mazel Tov
Karen this piece just radiates fresh life and healing. Every time I see one of your pages I think it’s my favorite one. This time is no different.
Thanks Kathi! I’m so glad to hear that what I was feeling when I beaded this page has manifested in the piece. It feels good to share this.
Thanks Acey for your very kind words!
There is nothing I can add to all the preceeding comments except I feel from your colors a great measure of happiness creeping into your life. Thanks for sharing your lovely beading and story . . .
Kathy V in NM
You’re welcome, Kathy, and thanks for sharing your feeling about my happiness!
both the piece and the story behind it are beautiful and moving. It is an honor to share the stories of so many people through this project. Hugs, Susan
I lovew this. It looks very hopeful to me. I see a lot of joy and goodness. Julie Cook
This is so sweet, it makes me think of cakes and candies – a real happyhappyjoyjoy page.
Thanks so much, Susan. I agree – this project has given us the most wonderful opportunity to share our stories, our thoughts, our feelings. I feel all of us adding positive energy to the world.
Thanks Julie, I wanted to convey my openness to the growing joy and I hold so much hope in that. I’m so glad to hear you felt that, too.
Thanks Morwyn for your kind comments!
Oh, wow, what a fabulous page ! And the story that goes with is so beautiful. Very moving. Thank you !
And thank you Helene for your very kind words!