Changing Crow & Co.

Joan & Bob

2011-08-27T10:15:00.001-07:00

*SWOON*

My Albums by Nisa West

2010-11-11T11:18:00.000-08:00

Piecing together images behind plastic sleeves. Some are torn, and dated with squares of spelling mistakes. Looking back at me it’s me. I’ve come a long way in time-remembering my upbringing in shadow and light. Black and white. Color. Another book filled, captured still in a place. I know how to look. And so, I’ll be thumbing through the reminders when the last shots are taken. -Nisa West

I know of an artist out there creating in the world. She's been doing so for a long time now. I once knew her, but we've lost touch. I wish her all the best in Love and Light. Her name is Somer Harrold and here is some of her work: Targetgirls.

late fall is looking good odd molly

2010-11-04T12:34:00.000-07:00

How pretty, perfect is this? I love rock n' roll with my feminine, frilly, lace and stuff side. I'm showing off some more from Odd Molly now that I'm one of many fanatics out there in the world. Enjoy the lace and leather magic of it all this fall 2010

#467 belle-etoile hand bag

Lookin' and feelin' good in my boots, this bag, a persuasive top and cuteness.

"Such were Elizabeth Elliot's sentiments and sensations; such the cares to alloy, the agitations to vary, the sameness and the elegance, the prosperity and the nothingness of her scene of life. . ."

#548 persuasion top almost black

I love this billowing blouse in silk and lace! I'm saving up my prettiest pennies for it. You should too. It comes in two other delicious colors: cabaret and vintage powder.

Photos of Denise by Malin Lovqvist-Doyle

letting my heart do the thinking...

2010-09-25T11:05:00.000-07:00

When reading your reactions
when flying the mindlab
when atop my own impressionwhen letting my heart do the thinking.

SWEET, SWEET DAISY.

i'm lovin' odd molly today,
the mollies have my new favorite designs.
i'm joining the live-a-lot foundation for real,

snappin' out of the loop.

the great find out, search about.

Odd Molly teamed up with Helena Christensen again for the fall / winter 2010 campaign, this time with Helena as the photographer. The shoot took place at the Chelsea Hotel in New York mid January.

OM model, Daisy Lowe, has landed 23 major campaigns and is considered one of the most influential people in British fashion. At just 20 years old, she is labelled "the new style icon of her generation: beautiful, sexy, and one of those girls who doesn't have to try and be anything except herself".

time is the healer.

Enjoy the show ladies and gents.

Thank Sean Lennon and Charlotte for the music!

Here are my OM picks for Fall for you all:

#261 Remix in Vintage Powder

I wear it most oftenly well while speaking heart.

The #435 Silk Art Tunic in Velvet

This is silk people. This I cherish once and for all and forever.

Royal me.

OMG OM!

#469 Long Lovely Knit in Dark Grey

Wishing on a rose...

#485 Slender Leather Glove in Almost Black

These are driving me crazy!

#255 Suiteheart Minidress in Cabaret

Every flaw an opportunity. Even now as I wear this with dark denim mini skirt. Oh la la la!

The summer has past, and I'm still in love with the bazaar...
#286 Bazaar Bag in Dark Blue
Too bad, so sad- it's sold out now.

"Sing, siren, for thyself, and I will dote..."
It's mine I got it!

I shop for Odd Molly at my favorite local Scandinavian Boutique- deepFLING

The Voices of Women in a Hidden World

2010-04-04T09:39:00.000-07:00

THE KITCHEN SISTERS are launching a new NPR multimedia series exploring the hidden world of girls. Stories of coming of age, rituals and rites of passage, secet identities—of women who crossed a line, blazed a trail, changed the tide.

Call the NPR Message Line – 202-408-9576. Tell your stories and ideas. Share your photos, audio, video at NPR.org. The Hidden World of Girls series began on March 22nd.

The stories of girls and women are stories to be heard.

Have a listen.

The Spectacular Yard Dogs Road Show

2010-03-05T12:03:00.000-08:00

I remember my Portland days living on "The Farm" along with twelve other creative, talented human beings and give or take 14 canines. The Yard Dogs Road Show was passin' through town and I got to experience some of their splendor from the comforts of my own home. They brought the entire entourage to The Farm and stayed for a spell. They performed a couple shows in Portland, Oregon and then hit the road again. I didn't see them again until the Oregon Country Fair.

"Born from the saloon vaudeville that toured the Wild West in the late 1800's and slammed into the underworld of modern American road culture. The Yard Dogs create a timeless space for the union of ancient theatrical alchemy and modern pop culture."

Until a few weeks ago, it had been seven plus years since I'd seen them perform. I needed a wild Americana fix in a major way, so I decided to drive on down to The Casbah in San Diego to watch The Yard Dogs entertain a captivated audience (their first San Diego show ever). Their music, dance and amazing feats will rock you out and leave you spellbound. If you ever have the chance to see these guys and lovely ladies perform you are in for a treat! Enjoy the show. And watch out for Lily Rose Love, she steals it every time. XO

The Mellifluous Voice of Gillian Welch

2010-02-06T14:04:00.000-08:00

I saw Gillian and Dave play the other night at the Belly Up in Solana Beach, CA. What a show! The crowd was great and the Dylan covers were a nice surprise. I am a big fan of Gillian, and she mentioned a new album. Finally! Here's a song that is sure to be on it:

What Binds Us

2010-01-22T12:42:00.000-08:00

"... I stare at twists of ancient links,
And gaze to chains of double helix.
In-between cracks of stone,
I’m lulled away to find filaments anew
or something in the dust bowl of my skull
Searching the imagination for subtle clues.
Encoded upon the spider’s silver armor,
Intricate memories are woven,
And the slow itch builds.
The metallic flow rushing to the surface,

So slowly at first that it is mistaken for a breeze-
a needed fix.
Waiting in the wings for something to flutter by..."

"... The longing marrow slowly tearing,
At what was trapped within bright creation.
Under my skin I feel,
Where coursing warm waters are
Moving along by burning determination.

Heart rate quickening- yearning,
To see your toothy smile.
So what binds us you and I? ..."

From What Binds Us by Nisa West

Rae Indigo and Her Words

2010-01-16T13:22:00.000-08:00

Rae is a talented young writer now emerging on the scene. She has a great style that reminds me of some of the late greats. She is one to watch, listen to and read:
... He had found his talent, one hot summer’s night, when he had spent his last toonie on a pint of cheap beer, and had to borrow another one to catch the bus home. This was his gift, and it dawned on him on the long ride home. In the space in between, while he was looking for a way to hold his body so that the jarring of the bus, shock-less and old, wouldn’t shake his scar the wrong way. The ease with which he had been handed that coin, a shared handshake between two brothers helping each other get through one more week in this hard-knock life. What camaraderie, what mirth, what secretive joy had taken seed in his heart. Oh! The ease!! He was reborn that night, with the quiet enthusiasm that a child gets when they peek at their Christmas presents weeks before the unwrapping. His scar gifted him all the tools he had ever needed.

From The Toonie by Rae Indigo

Some Interesting Poets Found Here

2009-12-29T09:09:00.000-08:00

Our Lady of Guadalupe Today

2009-12-12T14:28:00.000-08:00

On this day in 1531 the Virgin de Guadalupe was sighted by a humble man named Juan Diego at a place called Teypeyacac, in what is present day Mexico City. She asked Juan Diego to go to the Bishop and petition him to build a temple for her at the foot of Tepeyacac. The Bisoip was suspicious of Juan Diego and called for proof. The Virgin told Juan Diego to climb to the top of Tepeyacac, where he found flowers growing completely out of season. He wrapped the flowers in his cape and brought them back down the hill to the Bishop, The Image of the Virgin appeared on the cape. The Bishop was humbled and set out straight away to build the Temple.

On this day millions of pilgrims come from all over the world to Mexico City to visit the Virgin de Guadalupe. Skeptics are quick to point out the unlikely coincidence of the Virgin's appearance on Tepeyac, the very site of an Aztec temple dedicated to Tonatzin (earth goddess, mother of the gods and protector of humanity) which had been devastated by order of Bishop Zumarraga.

When she touches you, she begins to purify everything in your life. You fully become your chipahualiztli, the radiant innocence of your True Being. You lose your perceived need to use power to get what you want. Struggle ends. With her, you go through a true re-birth. The essence of her is so vast, yet she's the core of our being. She's inside, outside and all around us! She is the Great Mother, Earth Mother, Divine Mother, Goddess!

On this special day, all of Mexico, and all Mexican sons and daughters on the other side gather for the celebration of the Virgin. An endless parade of pilgrims from the country’s four points appear at her Basilica with their flowers, songs, chants and prayers. They stream in processions led by indigenous dancers, to every church named for her. Wreaths of flowers adorn the signs of streets, neighborhoods, and towns bearing her name. Religious orders, churches and the millions of men, women, boys and girls named for her are especially joyous, as they share her special day.

The nation releases an immense sign of tenderness and experiences a profound expression of Mexican roots and essence and love for Our Lady, Virgen Maria de Guadalupe.

By the early hours of the morning of December 12th, in every niche and cranny Mexico, the burst of fire crackers is heard and their brilliant lights crown this great fiesta dedicated to the Mother of all Mexicans... Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Please read these books for some interesting insight into her world: The Aztec Virgin by John Mini and Goddess of the Americas by Ana Castillo.

Celebrating Death and Rebirth

2009-11-01T14:00:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year. The time when everything slows down and people begin to go inward. As I gear up for my hibernation season, my creative side is begging me to spend more time alone. It is time for me to experience another Death cycle, and so today I celebrate my loved ones who have passed, moved on to other dimensions, etc... by embracing Death. I found an artist that has shown me my Muse in a painting. This is the painting I will look at this fall. Whenever I feel scared about dying, I will look to her.

She reminds me that in order to go through a transformation into Rebirth, one must first go through the transformation into Death. I am looking forward to the experience. I'll let you know how it goes. It will include a Stone Lodge at the end of the month that I'm preparing for already. In the meantime, here she is, in all her glory:

Painting by Julie Zarate

Online Writing Groups

2009-10-17T15:40:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for some constructive feedback on your writing I recommend Writer's Cafe. It is an online community for writers that works the same way as say, a writing group meeting at a cafe. If you want to publish online, enter contests, join writing groups, and meet other writers- most who give useful feedback, then this is your place. It is also possible to advertise your work for a fee. Let me know what you think of this new online writing community. And for those of you who are really serious about getting feedback from other writers, check out Scribophile. On there you will see a lot of works in progress such as chapter books and collections. Happy Writing!

Marina Petro and her Beauty

2009-10-08T18:08:00.000-07:00

I feel inspired to paint! Marina Petro has an eye that inspires. I have enjoyed looking at her work and I hope all of you do too. Enjoy the Beauty...

Marina works primarily with oil on canvas. Her “Zone Series” paintings are rendered with mixed media on canvas. Paintings range from visionary and cosmic landscapes to realistic landscapes, still life, and abstract works.

She has created an exclusive line of greeting cards and fine art prints of her original artwork. Visit her blog for more.

Russ Tomlin- Friend of the Crows

2009-09-19T11:12:00.000-07:00

Russ Tomlin captures crows in a unique way. The images he creates with his camera make me think the crows are willing and happy to pose for him. They seem aware of his presence, his love of their beauty and of Nature. I'm convinced he is a dear friend to a circle of crows living along the Oregon coast. Russ Tomlin also has an eye for the beauty found in flowers, stones, shells and the sea. Have a look at his work on Flickr. Enjoy the soaring, loving, bowing, friendly crows that are so much a part of his artistic world...

Crows and Dragonflies

2009-09-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

Griselda has created an alchemy of passion with the dance between her crows and dragonflies. "Dragonfly Medicine is pure alchemy that connects us with the power of color and the ability to tap into our creative spirit to achieve anything we want to experience in life", explains Griselda Tello, "Crows have been regarded as wonderful totem animals, the keepers of Sacred Law and protector of the ancient records. Crow Medicine is honoring the self, stand in your truth and out of denial...always honoring the present and look at the past with gratitude and forgiveness."

California painter Griselda Tello is internationally renowned, her work represents over 40 years of painting and teaching experience. She is a self representing, full time professional artist. She was born in Tulancingo Hidalgo, a town near Mexico City where she began her formal training as a landscape painter under the guidance of her artist mother Kasandra Martell.

To view more of her work and to purchase her exquisite art visit Griselda's Etsy gallery.

Ingrid and Her Crows

2009-09-10T13:29:00.000-07:00

I have recently come across a talented artist that I felt like sharing with all of you. Her name is Ingrid Blixt and she likes Crows... She is from Romania and brings with her work the life experience of a different cultural environment, which offers a distinctive characteristic to her art work.

"...the human dimension defines my interest and represents the main inspiration source. My travels around the country and also visiting back with my home country offers me a great source of inspiration, as well as my everyday experiences and interactions with people."

Although drawing is her primary medium, the variety of techniques and materials she uses in her work meet on interesting prepared surfaces, exploring the great resources of mixed media. She is also a talented photographer. I hope you enjoy her work. Let me know what you think. And visit Ingrid's Etsy site to have a closer look at more of her art.

New September Exhibit

2009-08-17T19:29:00.000-07:00

Jane Wertz will be showing some new photos this September at the Pannikin 510 N. Hwy 10 in Leucadia, CA 92024. See you there!

Oh and I found a great, recent article from the New York Times. It's all about Leucadia and the Pannikin!

Amazing Young Artist

2009-08-14T13:04:00.000-07:00

I have recently stumbled upon a brilliant young artist by the name of Chris Noriega a.k.a. Izon. He is a sixteen year old creating beautiful art in the world during 4th period. Check him out on deviant...

Kelly Vivanco in San Diego

2009-07-31T13:51:00.001-07:00

"Under the Cover of Darkness" New Works by Kelly Vivanco & Jason Limon at Subtext July 31st - August 28th with an opening reception on Friday, July 31st, 6-10PM
LOCATION : 2479 KETTNER BLVD. SAN DIEGO, CA 92101 : 619 546 8800

Check out her newest work: www.kellyvivanco.com

The Art of Kristiana

2009-07-31T13:26:00.000-07:00

Here is a wonderful artist my two year old nephew and I enjoy together. Oh the stories they tell...

Kristiana, what do you love most about creating your work?

I really enjoy working with colors. I feel like my artwork often speaks through hues. For example: combination of earthy light blue and dusty yellow creates a feeling of safety and love; once the blue becomes more green or turquoise, though, the peacefulness changes into restlessness and feeling of wanting to understand. I could go on...

Enjoy! www.kristianaparn.com

Linked In

2009-07-17T16:42:00.000-07:00

Linked In is a new poem posted on Wordpress by Nisa West. She wrote this one this morning after Practice.

The Table Series by Jane

2009-07-12T20:17:00.001-07:00

Check out the new photographs by Jane Wertz entitled The Table Series.

Nisa's Poetry on AuthSpot

2009-06-23T17:22:00.000-07:00

Please visit AuthSpot to review and rate Nisa's poetry. All responses are greatly appreciated. She welcomes critique with open arms! XO

Jane Wertz- A Captivating Photographer

2009-06-20T20:48:00.000-07:00

Jane Wertz has just returned from Mexico with some beautiful new photographs. Visit her gallery and see what she has captured.

New Poetry on Word Press

2009-06-20T16:26:00.000-07:00

Nisa West has just published some new poems on Word Press.

A New Book of Poetry

2009-05-14T19:32:00.001-07:00

At last the book went through the press and is NOW available on AMAZON! Please check out 14 Poems- A Collection by Nisa West on amazon.com and let me know what you think once you've read it. Thanks for your support!

Love in Light,
Changing Crow

Nisa's Blog

2009-05-06T17:27:00.000-07:00

Nisa West has a new blog! Please visit it by clicking the link below and feel free to make long drawn out comments. It's always nice to hear what you have to say. Nisa's Blog

14 Poems- a Collection

2009-02-27T08:56:00.001-08:00

Changing Crow Books is publishing a collection of poems by Nisa West. Nisa West est son nom du plume.

Please send me your information if you'd like to be on the Changing Crow & Co. mailing list. That way, you will know when all of Nisa West's books are released and available. She is currently working on a collection of short stories.

One does not become enlightened
by imagining figures of light,
but by making the darkness conscious.
- Carl Jung

Technique

2009-01-18T13:51:00.001-08:00

An amateur waits for me each morning telling me, over and over, "You are a writer, so start behaving as one." I look to the amateur and respond, "Is that your professional opinion?"

As of late, I'm working on Technique so that I will have all my tools sharpened when inspiration comes. So when the Muse graces me with her Beauty I will be prepared.

A Poem From the Past

2008-12-01T12:06:00.000-08:00

WHAT BINDS US

I cannot find you back in time,
From those days I slept away,
A flickering life that was tinkering
On the brink of being born.

There are only ruins now-
once temples, below a pyramid,
Our bodies buried.
Most likely your design.

Ages pass by,
Yet you are still hidden outside,
The gates of Oblivion,
Climbing the night to see if you can
find the one you thought was real.

In one dimension there is darkness,
Where submerging lilies take their start
in the blood pond beneath my heart,
I stare at twists of ancient links,
And gaze to chains of double helix.

In between cracks of stone,
I'm lulled away to find filaments anew
or something in the dust bowl of my skull.
Searching the imagination for subtle clues.

Encoded upon the spider's silver armor,
Intricate memories are woven,
And the slow itch builds.
The metallic flow rushing to the surface,

So slowly at first that it is mistaken
for a breeze- a needed fix.
Waiting in the wings for something
to flutter by.

Yet nothing has changed,
The ghost's ideals remain,
The patterns are all the same.

It's true I walked directly towards you,
That was part of the dream,
But you didn't see me turn
and fade back across the tracks.

The part where I dug the earth,
For something in bones to trace
the moment in solidity.
I found this female skeleton,
And she became my heir:

The breath that sparked,
The pulse with the heart,
The heart with the light,
The light with the body.
Beseeching the sky
to obtain redemption,

While the fiery flesh kept the illusion,
As to where the smoke signals snake through
Old spaces between connective tissue.
The longing marrow slowly tearing,
At what was trapped with bright creation.

Under my skin I feel,
Where coursing warm waters are,
Moving along faster by burning determination.
Heart rate quickening- yearning,
To see your toothy smile.

So what binds us you and I?
Beyond the freeing of static energy,
To the discovery of what is Truth,
Something beyond the thinking mind,
As it is meant to be from God,
In one's own right at birth.

And I wonder where you are taking me,
Now that I am alive.

-Nisa

What I Write with Others

2008-10-21T08:15:00.000-07:00

When the dust settles over the clock- it looks different, as if Time has changed course and I've made my way back into my alternate reality. This is challenging, yet doable and getting easier with Practice.

Linear time keeps me in my mind. A mind with a thousand voices that are not mine. It sounds as if they are arguing in there, not agreeing on a damn thing.

Hell is a place of punishment, a place of fear, pain and suffering, a place where fire burns you. Human beings are already in hell. This is living in hell. We are living in hell: The fear, pressure, the stigma of memory, the heat in the body, the noise in the head, the sting in the solar plexus, the melting heart. I don't mind hell, my mind doesn't mind it at all. My thinking mind thrives here. The devil made me do it.

Thank God Spirit knows heaven. I'm there right now, in the present.

When the dust settles on the lens- I see clearly, isn't that image in the mirror you looking back at me?

You are beautiful.

Do you have any AngelBrainChildren from Heaven I should know about? I'd love to hear how you spend your time...

Write On,
Nisi

Writing with Others

2008-10-04T14:56:00.000-07:00

As of late, I have been writing with others. Usually I write alone, so this experience is all brand new. Please join in on the bizarre behaviour by attending Writer's Group- Tuesday 6PM and Thursday 6:30 PM at the beautiful Encinitas Library. Share the creativity you possess!

Some clichés to avoid in creative writing- in case you were wondering, according to The Writer:

Any sweet little boy or innocent old lady who uses foul language, any bright, spunky heroine who is frustrated by sexist clods and prevails... until, one day, she has to be rescued by her father, brother, boyfriend, husband, ex-husband, grandfather, or witty gay friend... who's still a bit of a jerk but who is basically a good guy and probably ought to be given another chance anyhow, because, as we all know, there just aren't that many great guys out there in the first place,any iconoclastic, vulnerable, lonely and damaged postmodern hero or heroine who's searching for someone or something, or please God, just anything to believe in but can't surrender his or her hard-earned skepicism because he or she has got just too darned much intellectual integrity, and finally, the A-1, worst, most pathetic creative writing cliché ever: Personification! of any breeze, storm, body of water, cloud, fog, building, mountain, mist, swamp, tree, flower, flock, fish, portrait, planet, star, body part, farm animal, city, time of day, room, weapon, item of clothing, food, forest animal or Grecian urn. Such as: The despairing clouds wept tears that splattered my soul with despair.

Invisible Children

2008-09-14T15:11:00.000-07:00

Heartbreaking, yet inspiring... The young people who founded this organization Invisible Children, have made a huge impact through storytelling and filmmaking. Any aspiring filmmakers out there that have ideas for CAWW?

After sitting with my intention for a while, I feel as if my personal art is a good way for me to move into the community I'd like to work for/with. I decided to start locally, and so I'm writing a play for children, to be acted, designed and played by children at a local school or El Centro Cultural in Balboa Park. I will talk to Viviann- the artistic director at El Centro and see if she has any openings for me to get in there and work with the children. I've worked with her in the past as an assistant while she directed a children's play. She is a great playwright and director. I'm glad to know her.

If you know of any other theaters or schools that may be interested in a children's production that teaches the history of chocolate, please let me know. I think theatre is a great avenue for kids to explore their creativity. I've also recently come into contact with a youth arts organization called ARTS, their mission is to: Transform Kids' Lives Through Free Arts Programs- they are located in downtown San Diego. It would be fun to use this play as an opportunity to workshop with them as well.

Your continued feedback and ideas are greatly appreciated. Thank you! - Nisi

Aid to Artisans

2008-09-09T12:25:00.000-07:00

I found a few organizations that are doing what I'd like to accomplish- along with other things, but this is a good resource. Please check them out: aidtoartisans.org, acholibeads.com and buildanest.org.

I've just begun my research, so if anyone knows what it entails to start a non-profit please let me know. It takes about two years to establish non-profit status, so I imagine there is quite a bit to it. I'd like to go the route of the corportaion. I've written grants for non-profit organizations in the past, so I know how they work once up and running. I just need some kick start thoughts. Please let me know if you have any.

Thanks,
Nisi

Creative Children and Women Worldwide

2008-09-06T11:50:00.000-07:00

I've decided to start a non-profit organization that supports children and women in communities throughout the world. I have yet to come up with a final mission statement, but I've come to realize that it is time for me to start directly working for the greater good of humanity. The organization will most likely be called Creative Children and Women Worldwide.

One mission of CCAWW is to assist artisans and young artisans so that they may continue to develop their creativity. I think micro loans and workshops will be in order, as well finding retail businesses that will help sell what they create and share their stories with the world. CCAWW will serve as a cataylist to help artisans gain economic stability.

I'm currently searching for a Board of Directors. Any ideas? Please let me know.

Wish me Luck!