"The Initiation/ Fire Dancer"
In June of l999, I journeyed to Havasupai Native American Reservation. As a result of this amazing four day hike, I produced three new paintings and started to paint Fire Dancer. I completed most of this painting and came to a abrupt halt. As I painted the double waterfall, I thought of placing two lovers each at the base of their own waterfall. This represented two individuals, each in their own power, dancing together, yet apart. This theme didn’t materialize…..I needed to work on my own issues and become more complete before I could dance freely in a relationship.

Six months later, I traveled to the Kopha Mountains, a remote wilderness area. Alone, I started to climb a rugged trail to the top of Palm Canyon. The trail became more difficult to follow. Large rock boulders barricaded my path. I felt frightened and insignificant as I looked up at the tall cliffs above me. What if I fell or a big mountain lion threatened! My fears mounted but the mystery and intrigue kept me moving. I reached an impasse…..a huge boulder blocked my path. The trail was just becoming too difficult and scary. Just as I wanted to turn back, a small opening under the rock became visible to me. An inner voice told me to keep going…..don’t turn back. Like a snake, I slithered on my stomach to the other side. The faint trail continued on with more ease, as if a grace period, until I came to another rock obstruction. As an obstacle appeared I felt like turning back. Each time I was about to flee, an opening appeared. I heard the still inner voice say that this experience paralleled my life. If I am patient and watch for the doorways, I will continue to progress on my journey. With this incite, I kept moving and reached the top of the canyon for a breathtaking sunset panoramic view. This was a reminder for me to view the bigger picture in life rather than dwell on the obstacles. This journey was assisting me to have an overview of my life…..to understand that My Soul came into this life seeking wholeness through a series of challenges and that each seemingly difficult obstacle is a opportunity for growth and healing to become complete…..the best person I can be. The return trip down the canyon was effortless.

That night I kept feeding the campfire to avoid feeling the fear of the dark and the unseen mysteries of the powerful surroundings. This fire represented an “initiation” for me. As I released my anxieties and narrow vision of my life into the flames, I watched them rise and dissipate into the vast night sky. This ceremony was assisting me to move forward and begin to view the whole picture of my life…..not to get stuck in the painful grooves.

The reptiles in this painting represent the grist and challenges that we come into this life with. The woman has butterfly wings as she transforms her life’s lessons into the wholeness of her complete self. Note the subtle stepping stones between the waterfalls, indicating a climb to the portal, a place where messages come through from the other side. The angels represent the messengers showing the way to life’s panoramic view. There are many hidden nature spirits engraved in the landscape. As each of us takes responsibility to transform our life’s lessons, we take on a leadership role, as represented by the mountain lion.