I need a creative ritual. That’s what I’ve been thinking lately, as I get closer and closer to end of my journey. (By the way, I passed my first test!) As much as I need to focus now, I also need to be grounded by a small creative practice. I’ve had to relegate a lot … Continue reading
be like jazz::improvise Although I no longer read the newspaper each day, I do luxuriate in the Sunday San Francisco Chronicle. Especially the “pink” section, the ubiquitous weekly insert that covers arts and entertainment. I can’t even remember a time when there wasn’t a pink section; for all I know it’s been around since I … Continue reading
It seems I’m far beyond the age for playing with dolls. And yet, during the past year or so, I’ve made two dolls, both times in the company of other women. Let me tell you, sitting together in a circle and creating these small dolls has been a treasure, both the process and the outcome. … Continue reading
Look Deep Love Deep Work Deep Play Deep * * * * * Comments are closed since I’m madly studying for exams (although blogging continues). I’m on at least a two month social media hiatus too but love hearing from you by email: pattybechtold (at) gmail (dot) com. You can also sign up for my … Continue reading
A warm night. The kitchen window wide open. I’m unloading the dishwasher, second nature. Feet moving along the well-worn path between cupboard and drawer. Hands depositing glasses, forks, bowls in their waiting places. Suddenly, I hear something that stops me in my tracks: the unmistakable sounds of a small group of people gathering. Laughter. Lilting … Continue reading
What if all the advice out there about needing a clear vision and destination for your life is misguided at best and harmful at worst? I sincerely believe that the people giving this advice are well-intentioned. Still, I cringe a little every time I see a variation of it (and there’s a lot of it out … Continue reading
This is a story about worry. And it just happens to feature two amazing women, Angeles Arrien and Gabrielle Roth. Here’s how it goes: several years ago I was reading a book and came across an interview with Angeles Arrien where she talked about the four healing salves: singing, dancing, storytelling and silence. Her words … Continue reading
One night, in the circle of women, I told the story of my grandmother’s hands. The hands that chopped and seasoned and scrubbed and laundered: working hands. The hands that cradled and caressed and stroked and wiped tears away: loving hands. The hands that knit and sewed and crocheted and cross stitched: creative hands. The … Continue reading
Today, in the space of a few hours, I saw a lot of people looking down. The mother walking in my neighborhood with her very young daughter. The driver in the car next to me, waiting for the light to change. The friends grabbing a quick lunch in the restaurant. The father leaving the zoo … Continue reading
Maybe I have a love-hate relationship with callings. I mean, they’re so wonderfully confusing aren’t they? The tug. The deep yearning. The promise. The daunting truth that sometimes it feels like you’re tracking a wily stranger who’s an expert at disappearing around every corner. Some people, I’ve noticed, receive very clear callings and are propelled … Continue reading
living deep studio 