Showing posts with label mary jane dodd. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mary jane dodd. Show all posts

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Peace Begins From Within

*I'm sorry for the delay in posting but I've been having major issues with Firefox crashing.*

I'd like to thank Mary Jane Dodd for continuing to promote peace through her Flags For Peace Project (part of the International Day of Peace).  I participated last year and I was thrilled to be a part of it this year, too.  Maire's determined, quiet, personal path toward both inner and world peace should serve as a beacon to us all.

World peace is such a large concept that seems so hugely impossible that many people are daunted by where and how to start and often end up paralyzed by the enormity of it.  If I dwelled on the particulars too much, I would probably be one of those people so, I choose to start small and work from within.  I try to do things that are fair, kind, environmentally friendly, but basically small.  Those things are what I am capable of doing on a daily basis but I'm convinced that they make a difference.

Peace Leaf Pendant by Cicada Silver
Peace Leaf Pendant

I made a piece of jewelry again this year as a simple, personal reminder for the wearer.  The leaf and peace tag are made from PMC3 while the peace symbol was forged from sterling silver wire.  I wanted to include a reminder to care for nature and a more literal peace symbol so that the message is both understated but still obvious.

Sterling Silver Peace Symbol by Cicada Silver
Sterling Silver Peace Symbol

Behind the leaf hangs a tag stamped with the word "peace" which was created by stamping the PMC3 clay with the etched brass stamp that I created when making last year's pendant.

handmade etched brass stamp
Etched Brass Stamp

My necklace isn't finished because my silver clam shell bead tips didn't arrive in time to finish the knotted bead portion.  My clasp and the chain portion will be attached when the tips arrive.  I'll post an updated photo, too.
 
Unfinished Necklace by Cicada Silver
 Unfinished Peace Leaf Necklace

UPDATE:

Finished Necklace by Cicada Silver
 Chain is Attached

Back View of Completed Necklace

Saturday, September 21, 2013

a ripple in new jersey

woven peace flags with brass chimes - mjd 2013

the international day of peace has arrived. 


woven peace flags with brass chimes - mjd 2013

woven flags represent
connection to all
fragile strength
and the importance of remaining open. 

woven peace flags with brass chimes - mjd 2013

gently ringing chimes bring us back to the moment. 

woven peace flags with brass chimes - mjd 2013

and thich nhat hanh reminds us:

'the miracle is not to walk on water. the miracle is to walk on the green earth in the present moment, to appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now.'

peace is a choice,
live it.



Metal flags shine for peace

It has been a pretty busy day in our household in terms of making a few small contributions towards peace or at least the consciousness of peace on this auspicious day - International Day of Peace. The Peace Flags were installed last night; and photographed early this morning. We added in a peace tree for children activity in the local library; and managed to complete the Peace Tree at the entrance to our block.

I just wanted to share a few photos of the metal peace flags in the soft light of this morning.

©2013 Fiona Dempster - Peace Dove in soft morning light
©2013 Barry Smith - Peace dove and metal flags in early morning light
©2013 Barry Smith - Peace dove and metal flags in early morning light
©2013 Barry Smith - Imagine Peace flag
And our friend Ken M was doing his bit for Flags for Peace and the Peace Tree by visiting the UN in NYC (photos courtesy of Ken)



Thanks Mary Jane for encouraging us yet again this year to add our voice to peace. Wishing all peace today and always.