Daily Sketching and Story Telling is My Magic

One day not too long ago I decided I really wanted to invite narrative and story into my art; something I had not been able to do since I was very young when my goal was to be the youngest published author/illustrator ever. Once I decided this I sat down to write something and an entire sci-fi story just poured out. Since then I've been painting one illustration a day to try and flesh out the characters and to see where they take me. I started out painting children, but then realized that I rarely ever paint children! I also wanted this story to be for adults and children so was happy to switch over to painting adults, or maybe they're teens?

As I write the headline for this article I realize that I haven't yet analyzed why adding story to my life is helpful. Well, for one it's therapeutic to paint daily and to make those paintings part of a narrative and then to tie that narrative into my own life. It helps me deal with difficult emotions and it gives me subject matter which adds meaning and depth to the piece. I hope that all of that makes it interesting and entertaining not only for me, but for you as well.

I also found it interesting that when I mentioned my storytelling to my buddy in New Brunswick, he suggested I also try seeing if I could turn my life into a story because it was fun.  I like that idea and am trying it out. What about you? Do you see your own life as a story?

A Few Developmental Sketches from my Brand New Sci-Fi Story

Lost by Kathy Crabbe. Gouache on paper, 2016.

My Star (Space Twins) by Kathy Crabbe. Gouache on paper, 2016.

About Kathy Crabbe

Kathy is an artist, writer and soul reader. She has kept a diary and a dream journal since she was a very young girl. At age 8 her goal was to be the youngest published author/illustrator ever. Kathy graduated with a degree in Art History from Queen's University in Kingston, Canada and a diploma in Graphic Design & Illustration in 1992. After graduation she moved to Southern California where she became a full time artist and soul reader. Her work has appeared in We’Moon Datebook, Sage Woman Magazine, Art for the Soul and San Diego Women’s History Museum. She has taught and mentored at Wise Woman University, Mt. San Jacinto College and HGTV along with starting a writer’s group and artist’s circle in Temecula, California. 

How to Make Your Spring Altar Come Alive

My Spring altar with a pic of my shamanic mentor Francesca De Grandis

If you're looking for inspiration to decorate your spring or fall altar then look no further! Each month at the New and Full Moon I post suggestions for your altar to go along with the zodiac sign of the Moon such as: gemstones, goddesses, foods, herbs, tarot cards, colors, affirmations and creative prompts.

Feel free to take my material and use it to dress up your altar so that your Moon Meditation is an especially blessed event. I hope that the wildflowers below, picked from the sunny Southern California hillside behind my home inspire you as much as they do me! Blessed Be.

At each New and Full Moon I also include a Lefty card from my Lefty Oracle Deck. The Deck is divided into the elements of nature: earth/air/fire/water and of course Spirit. I channel a short, inspirational message specifically for that moon and include a Lefty Affirmation. I encourage you to try out non-dominant hand drawing to stimulate your brain and help you focus and center. Here's what an art therapist has to say about drawing with both hands ie. bi-lateral hand drawing:

“In the case of bilateral drawing, there is an assumption that because both hands are engaged that both hemispheres of the brain are stimulated…I believe bilateral drawing, guided by a helping professional, is helpful simply as a method of self-regulation...Making marks or gestures on paper with both hands simultaneously also creates an attention shift away from the distressing sensations in the body to a different, action-oriented and self-empowered focus. It capitalizes on embodied, self-soothing experiences ...and takes advantage of the power of “drawing on both sides” to alter one’s own internal rhythms for self-regulation and well-being.” ~ Cathy Malchiodi, PhD, Art Therapist

Lefty Oracle Deck by Kathy Crabbe

Lefty Oracle Card Spread for a Soul Reading by Kathy Crabbe 2

Lefty Oracle Card Spread for a Soul Reading by Kathy Crabbe

To dither or not to dither, that is the question (from the Lefty Oracle Deck) by Kathy Crabbe

Miss Talitha spider-sister (Lefty Oracle Deck) by Kathy Crabbe

I call wrinkles 'god-points' and so far I'm winning (Lefty Oracle Card) by Kathy Crabbe

My desk

Kathy Crabbe Creative Soul Guide in Temecula Wine Country, California

About Kathy

Kathy Crabbe has been an artist forever and a soul reader since awakening her intuitive gifts at age forty.

Kathy lives in sunny Southern California with her architect husband and pet muses, Abby the shaggy black dog and Djinn Djinn, the small scruffy one in an adobe home they built themselves.

To order a Soul Reading please click here.

Perfection Is ...

As I was snacking on some olives, camembert, blueberries and Belgian ale last night before the eclipse and Full Moon occurred in the wee hours of the morning, my husband I reflected upon what an odd day it had been; we had caught glimpse into people's souls that were previously hidden, as colleagues and even strangers told us the most revealing things about themselves! What a day, so I was reeeaaaalllly looking forward to the upcoming lunar revelations which would be happening while I slept @ 4:30 am pdt.

So, to prepare for the occasion I brushed myself with Oil of Azeztulite under the light of the full moon and blessed my stones in preparation for dreamwork. I chose Azeztulite, a white pearl, and a Lithium Quartz double terminated Crystal (from Kacha Stones) to meditate and dream with by placing them under my pillow.

Azeztulite brought me joy.

Lithium Quartz brought courage.

Pearl brought nurturing.

My hand painted oracle cards also called to me so I pulled a card from my Lefty Oracle deck and sat quietly with it for awhile, not actually looking at the card, but instead holding my hand over it's surface to sense the energy as I asked the universe: "May I open to the mysteries of my soul and accept myself with all my faults and limitations."

Happiness Is...knowing that perfection is RIGHT NOW.