In One Dream and Out the Other mixed media on canvas, 24" x 30"
private collection, Wayne, New Jersey
A lot has happened in the past year:
- I levitated about three feet in the air, circling the perimeter of a room in William Hurt's house.
- I met up in the Yucatan countryside with the Oscar Meyer bologna boy (from those 80s commercials). He and I walked a while. We came upon Marlo Thomas and her sister. Then things got really interesting...
- Hillary Clinton purchased a small artwork from my gallery, in honor of her birthday--she told me she wanted a special little treat.
- Unexpected guests showed up at my house. I was chagrined when one of my eyebrows fell off.
- James Spader did an extended and earnest sales presentation to me on paintings by African artists he represented.
- I was at a family gathering. George W. Bush was present. I held a baby in my knee. Bush looked at the baby. "Looks like me," he said. HORRORS. When will I waken from this nightmare?
The dream group is an ongoing adventure. A quiet adventure. An adventure of the best kind. It was founded by Laura Lefelar-Barch, a therapist in New Jersey. She has a Master's in divinity from Duke. She has an Educational Specialist degree from Seton Hall. And she is working on her PhD in clinical psychology. Laura has many balls in the air and she keeps them up, beautifully. She's married and the mother of four young children, including twins. She has a busy private practice and an even busier dream life! Recently she appeared on MTV's "True Life Monday" in an episode with real footage from one of her remarkable therapy sessions. (In case you could use a little help getting through the holidays without your inner self getting trampled in a Black Friday stampede, I believe Laura does distance therapy with Skype.)
I'm paying tribute to Laura today, because I want to thank her publicly for the energy and focus she has given to our dream collective. Laura is stepping down from our group--the thrust of her work is now less dream-centered--and encouraging us to forge ahead on our own. We've decided to do just that, thanks to Laura's empowering insights.
And it is my sublime pleasure to know that my painting "In One Dream and Out the Other" now resides with Laura and her husband Michael, who saw fit to acquire it as an anniversary gift to one another. That's what I call a dream come true.
104 comments:
I love the painting and the words made me smile! I love my dreams as they give me a whole, vibrant other life that I couldn't live without.
I know just what you mean, Andrea. I need that dream life.
So glad you love the painting!
Beautiful painting. It makes me happy. "In One Dream Out the Other" The title puts a smile on my face.
The dream group you belong to fascinates me. That is so amazing!
Its the itty bitty things that count the most. Thanks for the reminder and the subtle nudge. :)
Bruno, you have a very nice smile.
Thank you.
And Bruno, when I responded to your comment, I'd missed your "itty bitty things" reference. Always glad to provide the little nudge...
I guess all you can say to that one then is 'sweet dreams' Congratulations on both the stunning piece and its sale... an admirer...
Ange, thank you. "Sweet dreams" is most appropriate here.
Goodness what a surprise to see you on my blog!
I do return to yours!
I sincerely enjoy your art (my own art is a bit lower down on my blog - my last few posts have been of a less arty nature so to speak).
I catch up with you every time you put up a new post, I just haven't left comments before because I couldn't think of anything appropriate to say.
So I'll be back to visit - certainly for real, and maybe in a dream??? ;-)
Ange, I had no idea you were a regular visitor. Thanks for letting me know!
San: This painting is awesome! One of my favorite times of the day is when the moon is still clearly visible yet the sun is soft and the blue is gentle.
Oh and he's a clock for an ear and it's striking 3. it's like the windows are peaks into a magical land, and the wall has been patched but still somehow the magic gets found.
I'm not one to pay very good attention to my dreams...but, lately they've been so vivid, but the moment I open my eyes all memory is gone, just a vague feeling of loss, like I should've stayed there longer.
And your painting is so inviting, it's a novel, a dare to follow.
This is a wonderful piece of art. What would we do with out our dreams? For they are who we are and I believe who we are afraid to be. I always enjoy your art and your words.
Katelen
George HW Bush hit a hole in one. Bill Clinton made a visit, and I was flying, very careful of the power lines just the other night. A white house was filled with wise crones teaching the younger women. I love dream work, and nothing better than to do it in a small group. But never has an eyebrow fallen off!
I really like the richness of this painting San. I can get right in and walk around in it.
San, I love the surreal dream-like feeling and warmth in this painting and Laura sounds like an amazing person to know! Dreams are so mysterious and mind-boggling, especially the ones that seem so intense that you remember them for years to come and wonder what the meaning of them were.
I used to fear my dreams, but now I see them as another point of view that tells a very interesting story. You know, this painting makes me wish for some pumpkin pie! Truly, lol, it's the same deep rich blending of ingredients that I see in my pies! Far more interesting than pie though. One Dream out the Other ~ that's how I dream!! How nice that you sold this painting. Must be difficult sometimes to sell your art. I would like to see what you have created for yourself, I wonder what that special work of art might look like.
Love that painting! Everything from the colours to the actual content and possible meanings.
My real dreams are always in vivid colour and some of them are very mundane and some are significant with the meaning clear.
Nuts in May
I rarely remember my dreams but the colours and textures of your paintings are quite unforgettable.
Thank you! And they are always welcome!
you know san, you are SUCH an unusual person i actually believed all those first lines in this post.
why couldn't all that happen? you live in santa fe right?
well i'm a little relieved to hear its dream stuff, your dreams are to be envied for their realism and how they weave into your actual life.
cool about the dream group, now i know what you've been doing!
great to hear from you here and on my comments :)
What a fab painting San - I love it!
If ever I can remember my dreams, which isn't very often, I can't make head nor tail of them! :(
I always have very vivid dreams. Sometimes I remember them, sometimes not. Usually I remember them til I start thinking of something else and then, poof, they are gone. Like last night, I feel it rumbling around in my sub-conscious but can't quit pull it up.
wonderful painting, great title, and an appropriate home. Congrats.
Wow, I thought I had odd dreams which made me odd; I guess not. :o)
Thanks for sharing!
Jo
I just KNOW I left a comment here earlier,,,wonder where it went?
With my dreams, I suppose, as I'm not aware of many. I know,,,,boring.
Anyway, I wanted to say that I love the warmth of the painting, and the portraits included.Lots of energy that makes me want to know the back story of those folks.
I don't remember my dreams very often - but my house guest recites his nearly every morning over coffee. It's very interesting and we have many discussions about them.
I'm sorry - but I laughed when your eyebrow fell off!
San, you seem to find the most interesting groups to join. This dream thing sounds very helpful. I'd gladly join such a group except that it would be wasted on me since I so rarely remember my dreams. I think I can remember a total of 3 or 4 in all my life. They do stay with me however. :-)
I'm delighted that your painting has found a good home. Hope the holidays are less dead for the gallery than they usually are and that you have all that lovely time with family that I know you are anticipating.
In the meantime, I'm happy working on the Census once again.
Hugs,
Lee
What a wonderful project, San. And how clever you are to hook us with those bullet! Funny. Thank you for your comment at Oasis blog. We both are mending our negligent blogger ways. See I'm here visiting you now! I wonder if your dream energy will zap into mine?
what a wonderful story and group to be in. I love your dreams. Some very funny. Thanks for the link and hurrah for the painting sale!! It is lovely.
Another fabulous painting. I paused for a few minutes...dreaming up stories. (smile)
I don't recall any dreams for the past few weeks... but the other night I slept over a friend's house and had several during the night. Perhaps being away from home took me farther away from my stress and relaxed/opened my mind.
San this is so cool. You know I like my dreams, its like living another life. I am vivid dreamer and sometimes I wake up so charge up. The funny thing happened was that I had one blogger friend of mine dreaming about me, now it feels like we need to meet one day, lol. And boy that damn math course I am trying to pass - have you ever had those continuous dreams that never end or come back again and again. San thanks again for nice dream post. Anna :)
A dream like painting and words-- and sounds like a wonderful supportive online group.
JS, your vision of my painting is awesome--thank you for your careful looking!
I believe you'd remember more of those vivid dreams if you had the time to write them down. Being in a dream group has encouraged me to do that, and yes, I remember at least one dream almost every night--sometimes more.
Ah, Katelen, I completely agree with you: "Our dreams are who we are...and who we are afraid to be."
Very well put.
Leslie, your dreams are rich indeed. I envy your dream experience of the wise crones teaching the younger women in a white house. Oh, were that to occur in waking life! One of these days...
Lynnie, I would bet you have had some intense, deeply meaningful dreams. Yes, those that we remember for years--they are gifts. As I get older, I have new interpretations for past dreams, just like I see old movies in a new light.
Kim, believe it or not, when I posted this painting image to the blog, I had the same thought: that looks kind of Thanksgivingish. :) Now I know why. It's the color of pumpkin pie!
I do intend to post about the painting I reserved for myself this year. That was one of my goals for 2009--to paint something for ME.
Maggie, I have the same experience with dreams--some vivid, some vaguely remembered, some fraught with meaning, others a little dicey. :)
Thank you for your kind words about my painting. I'm glad you see the layers of suggested meaning.
Hilary, you are too kind. BUT I'm surprised you're not remembering dreams--you have such an eye for photography in waking life. Maybe that's where your visual energy is going--seeing those "smitten images."
Bruno, Nudges R Us. :D
Paula, truth be told, I'm a little relieved knowing they're "just" dreams too. It's so good to see you here! And I'm really glad that life is treating you so well these days. Your dreams are coming true.
Akelamalu, thank you!
I'll bet your dreams are highly creative. That kind is always hard to make heads or tails of.
Ellen, I've had that same experience. I remember a dream, then switch my train of thought, and, oops, there went the dream. Sometimes, however, during the day, something that happens will bring the dream back, and that is such a cool feeling.
Yes, this particular painting is truly residing in the proper home. Thank you for acknowledging that.
Jo, I believe I take the cake when it comes to oddness of dreams. But that cake is pretty sweet anyway.
I have heard some of your own odd dreams, and I LOVE THEM! You are an original soul, Jo, and I'm honored to be your friend.
Babs, "boring" is about the last word I'd ever apply to you. Puleeze.
I've been having some trouble of late with comments disappearing too. What's up with this? It is SO frustrating!
Aims, I'll admit--since that dream occurred a few months ago, I can laugh at it too. We never figured that one out. Any ideas???
Lee, have you ever tried keeping a notebook beside your bed to write down any dream fragments your remember? If you remind yourself to remember your dreams before you fall asleep, and you do this regularly, you'll probably begin to recall some bits and pieces of dreams. And I believe it's a worthwhile practice.
Thank you for all of your well-wishing for this season. Back at ya, milady!
HUGS.
Cynthia, whatever the reason, I'm glad that we're experiencing a mutual mending of the blogging ways.
To sweet dreams that touch!
Suki, many thanks. Your warm support is always welcome. I'm glad that things are going well for you too--those homebuying possibilities sound so lovely.
Chewy, I find the same thing happens with me. When I'm relaxed, I remember more dreams.
As to the dreaming up stories to go with paintings--you are a pro!
Anna, you are so right! The dreaming life IS another life. This math test you're trying to pass--is it a dream? If so, any answer should be right. :D
Layers, I love your visits. Online support is one of the best things that's happened to us in recent history.
San,
As always, San, I admire your gracious words and appreciate your generous spirit. You have blessed me and our fellow dreamers with your dreams and insights this past year. I wish productive and inspiring dreams for you in the years to come! I hope our paths cross one day so that we can visit face-to-face. Meanwhile, I will visit you here on your blog.
Your friend and fellow dream-lover,
Laura
I love the painting and the title. Although dreamlike, it is very real. Life's like that sometimes. :)
It's good to see you again and to hear some of your 'goings on'.
I agree with Bruno - it's the itty bitty things. Look after the small things and the big things take care of themselves...
What a perfect title for this fabulous art-work, I love it! Your friend sounds a remarkable lady, and yes, how wonderful to know she has the aforementioned hanging on a wall in her house. By an odd coincidence, I am presently working on a story involving dreams, which has focused me to recall some of my own vivid ones. Isn't it remarkable how sharply we can remember every nuance and detail from certain dreams, even decades down the line?
I like everything you paint...
dreams are a strange way our brains talk to us aren't they.
San this is truly a beautiful work and Laura and her husband are very lucky, indeed to own a San work!
I love this idea of the dream group. They are powerful tools for us to use when we make that choice. I think some of your dreams are truly amazing...so writing them down like this might just turn into another project all together! Wow!
Thanks for sharing here and thanks for the heads up about Amazing Laura and her work!
Love the title and the colors magnificent!
A dream group must have been a wild ride...always available with the homework completed!
Happy Thanksgiving!
A delicious painting ... and I am in love with your dreams .. they make me want to write more about them ... but I think I will stick to having my own and wondering what the heck they mean
Your painting seems like a perfect fit for someone who would create a dream group. Like a dream, it has much more depth and complexity than what initially meets the eye.
I got a little jealous while reading this post. I used to be a member of a dream group. It had its time in my life and I have moved on to other things, but I have great memories of the insights that were uncovered in that group.
(You have some fascinating dreams, San. You could write the screenplay for a great movie!)
San, I do so enjoy your posts. The painting is terrific and so happy to hear it is with your dream guide. So tired I am almost dreaming, and when I started reading your post I thought I was. Great work, glad I past by your way.
Laura, I'm sure we will meet face-to-face one of these days, either in waking life or dreaming life.
:)
Thumbelina, that's a wise observation. Life can be very dreamlike but real. :0
Shrinky, I look forward to reading your stories, to holding the book in my hands, turning the pages, and disappearing into your words.
Rubye Jean, yes, dreams are a strange way our brains talk to us. Sometimes VERY strange.
Kim, you sound like you've experienced dreams as powerful tools. I would love for you to share more on your blog...
Wild ride is a great phrase here, Mary Ann. You sound like one who knows!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and Pablo.
Daryl, if your dreams are half as lively as your wonderful photographs, they are vivid and rich.
Carol, I can really see you in a dream group, uncovering insight after insight.
A screenplay, huh? :D
Maggie, I'm glad you passed by as you were entering the dreaming state. Perfect timing!
Love the painting, shades of Magritte and drenched in my favorite color. (Not one I would ever wear, but certainly the one I dream in.) You think your Bush dream was a nightmare, when I first read it, I thought you had written "George W. Bush was the present." Happy Thanksgiving, cuz!
Just like you, Paschal, to pick up on the Magritte reference. You must have been wearing your pumpkin-colored dreamware. I know you wouldn't wear that in waking life. In that realm a vintage aqua "leisure suit" is more to your liking, no?
Sorry. Couldn't resist.
Happy Thanksgiving to you, and Tina and Walden. The 'kids' arrive tomorrow and I have most of the day with them.
I so like your dreams, though that last one gave me a chill. But then, I have a fever and am having a Code Orange kind of day.
You're great.
The painting is beautiful. Wow, you have had quite a year!
Hello San,
You truly have experienced some amazing things this year! Your art is wonderful and i love that your life is full to overflowing with things you enjoy!
Intriguing post. The painting is the jewel in the crown, I think. The title is suggestive and actually adds to the enjoyment and understanding, I think.
Sandy, I'm sorry you have a fever. I hope you feel better by Thanksgiving. Fever or no, though that last dream is a nightmare.
The Things We Carried, thank you for pausing from your hectic days to stop by here. I appreciate it!
Tammie, thank you. Yes, I have a lot to be thankful for this year. You know all about abundance.
Dave, thank you. I love that "jewel in the crown" phrase. So British. And flattering.
Dreams show us the poem of our lives. We should pay more attention to them, collectively. Probably the worst enemy of my dreams is my radio alarm clock, which distracts me from the message by waking me up with idle chatter and pop tunes. However, I can't stand the buzzer so there I am.
"Dreams show us the poem of our lives." Spark, that is wise and rather poetic.
We have a clock radio that does the same thing, but what else can we do?
Oh San! This group sounds dreamy!
Love the painting.
Sounds like a wonderful group and process. Dreams are so fascinating. I don't always remember mine and have a tendency to forget to write them down. When I DO hold on to them, they are always great fodder for therapy. And they're just so darned interesting. Hope you have a Glorious Thanksgiving.
Just realized I'm logged in as Aunt Kathie - Raven's alternate identity. Happy Thanksgiving.
Stunning painting and the title heightened its symbolic quality. Dreams and their link to our hidden selves is so fascinating. I love how you related your experience,and I was so fascinated with this kind of therapy that I am going to check it out as soon as I can.
Paula, "dreamy"'s the word.
:D
"Aunt Kathie," please accept my retroactive Thanksgiving wishes. Mine was in fact glorious as you'd wished for me. Thank you for that and for your always thoughtful comments.
Raven, I didn't know you have multiple identities and I've been most happy to make the acquaintance of "Aunt Kathie."
Lunardancer, thank you for visiting!
A dream group is a great experience. I wouldn't call it therapy per se, but sharing dreams and exploring their myriad meanings can be healing.
San that math course and test is a dream, but for some reason I can never finish it, I get interrupted by some activity in the dream or I just wake up. I will inform you when I get my 'dream math' course completed one day, lol. That was nice post again San, Anna :)
Anna, that's a fascinating recurring dream. I definitely want to know when you get that math problem solved!
Glad to see your posting again. Love the painting.
Glad to see you here again, Elizabeth. Thanks.
what amusing dreams. i so rarely recall mine but when i do they are so vivid and bizarre. i'm so glad this dream group has been such a delight for you and that your lovely work is evoking and celebrating a few more dreams even as it made one come true for you.
Very nice San. And yes, you had a lot of nice things happen to you this year. What blessings. Thank you for sharing!
I'm in love with that painting, San!
I have never had a Bush in one of my dreams. No, that's not accurate: I once dreamed that I stood by Moses before the burning bush.
I'm trying to figure out how I missed this. I know I missed it because I'd certainly remember your left eyebrow falling off at the sight of unexpected company...the painting is wonderful...the words are disturbingly comic...you're a stand-up comedienne looking for a stage!
hugs
Sandi
Michele, why am I not surprised that your dreams, when you remember them, are "vivid and bizarre"?
Somehow that fits. :)
Just Be Real, thank you for visiting, and for being real.
Thanks Nick!
As to you dream, that's what we'd call "a better bush."
Sandi, it was actually my right eyebrow, but I was looking in a mirror when the mishap occurred.
San. I want to dedicate a couple of blog posts to you and your art. Do you have a site where you have your work displayed?
Email me. OK?
Mom, I'm so happy you've found this dream blog to be a part of. And I love the way you articulate your dreams.
Guess you didn't read the 3 part blog series here I did on dreams? I've been practicing psychology in the therapy room since 1990, and love to interpret dreams.
You're a very good writer, San!
I hope all is well! You are missed!
You can't go wrong when you reference Magritte.
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